December 2013 and welcome 2014 for The Ion Age!

Not all but most of what we have created since September 2013!

Its time for a round up of the month on this blog and this time its a round up of the year too!  Hard to believe that we have only been in gaming existence since the end of August this year but its true.  So in two parts here is what we did in December and then a wee peek at the entire year.  I can say that although I have been in the middle of and the driving force behind The Ion Age I was still surprised at just how much we have done in a quarter of a year.  Read on!

So picking up where I left off in November 2013 we announced a new free miniature and then went on to make the following releases:

IMP04 Santa Desteria.  The monthly free miniature in all orders.  Ho, Ho, Ho!
PIA02 Matter Gateway Nox.  Our second art print in A3.
IAFL03 Retained Pistoleers.  A limited edition code.
IAF017 Ellen and Ripley.  Two character miniatures.
IAF022 Muster 1st Patrol.  10 Muster Infantry.

This was a quieter month that previous (though November and October was manic!) and we through we kept to the weekly releases we also made a festive offer which you can read about HERE.  The reception to the second poster print was rather nice and we have another one coming up soon.  There was also a storm in a tea cup over the 'pomp' of The Ion Age releasing limited 15mm codes but I enjoyed this as it backed up what I had said in the summer on my personal blog HERE.  Sam Croes outdid himself with the IAF017 pack with Commander Ellen being one of the finest 15mm female miniatures ever in my opinion.  Lastly we made an initial release which will feature heavily in 2014 and that is IAF022 Muster 1st Patrol.  Feedback from IonFan's indicated that the most desired expansion of the Muster was a dedicated scout force to face the Shia Khan Empire.  So 'Patrol' it was.  We will have more packs next year which will see command and also vehicles for the Patrol.  That was it for December and I will be sad to see Santa Desteria go; it makes me giggle every time I see it!

So what has The Ion Age done since its launch this summer?  I don't want to list everything here but I do want to provide links to the other monthly round up's so you can see the detail and I want to prove that what I said on launch day HERE has come true.

November 2013 Round Up
October 2013 Round Up
September 2013 Round Up

Including those codes transferred from Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk we now have the following on our website....

15mm Ion Age
92 Unique 15mm Human Miniatures (Retained and Muster). 
1 Unique 15mm Human Battlesuit Kit (The Havelock)
6 Unique 15mm Human Resin Items (Hab Dome, Fallen Battlesuit, Fabricator Spire etc)
42 Unique 15mm Shia Khan Miniatures (Legion, Pioneers, Nox, Maligs)
1 Unique 15mm Khanate Vehicle (Canthus Monocycle Set)
(we began with just over 30 miniatures and no resin or vehicles at all!)

28mm Ion Age
128 Unique 28mm Human Miniatures (Retained, Muster, Nobles, PM and Desteria)
71 Unique 28mm Khanate Miniatures (Legion, Nox, Maligs, Betrayers, Warlords)
(all transferred from Alternative Armies)

Ion Age Paint Rack
63 Studio Acrylic Paint Colours
12 Inks and Mediums Acrylic
4 Paint Brushes for Miniatures
(Used to paint all of our miniatures on the blog and website)

Ion Age Art

Two High Quality A3 Poster Prints

That was 2013 folks and well 2014 is going to be a blast and I want to thank you all for your support, your custom and your words of praise and encouragement to myself and Sam Croes and the rest of the team.  It means a lot to us and we are carrying on in style with a post upon the morrow, New Years Day, about IMP05 Winter Musterman...the January free miniature.

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS
May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS

Ion Age Miniature of the Year for GBS

The Master Sculpt and the Blue Test Casting

I wanted to share with you all The Ion Age miniature / model of 2013 that most sticks in my mind.  While there have been many releases (just check back through the blog to see the fifty plus new miniatures since late August) there is one that means more to me than any other.  IAF015 Hab Dome.

The image above shows the original sculpt of the Hab Dome held in the hands of Sam Croes its designer along with a light blue test casting (which is now one of the painted ones in some of our pictures).  This was our first resin release, our first resin building.  A lot of firsts and that is why it stays with me.  I am so proud of this building.  Its unlike anything else out there on the market and its the core piece of an expanding line of parts such as the IAF015 Top Mounts.  It was evident that many hundreds of wargamers agreed with me and we are now into the third generation of molds for it.

Notice the new piece to be released in 2014?

The Hab Dome is my model of the year as it illustrates just what can be done with some effort and a new brand of unique science fiction wargaming in a medium that Alternative Armies had not worked with before.  Roll on 2014!

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS
May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS

Arachne of Clyde IV - Artwork by Sam Croes

Lady Arachne of Clyde IV

The Four Day Xmas Event is now over and I extend my thanks to all of you who placed an order during the festive season fun with us.  All of these orders will be sent out once work resumes in early January 2014. The year is almost at an end and to end it I thought I would take advantage of this post to bring you a brand new piece of pencil art by Sam Croes.

Above you can see Lady Arachne of Clyde IV.  She is a pencil drawing done during the festivities of Christmas by the talented Mr Croes.  What of her story, of her legacy?  I do not know.  She is very much a product of our work here at The Ion Age this year on female Retained Knights and the release of IAF017 this week.

IAF017

We have more female miniatures waiting for release but before you ask...Lady Arachne is not among them she is currently just the fevered dream of our designer.  Much like, soon, this year that saw our launch upon the wargaming world will be for us all.

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS
May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS

Christmas Offers 24th to 27th December 2013

Merry Christmas everyone! We have a special four day offer running from 24th to 27th December 2013. Two new releases IAF017 and IAF022 at 10% off (or 20% if you take three packs) and six of our most popular codes also at 10% off (or 20% if you take three packs). All of the offer products are on our Early Supporter Page.

Click on the products you like the look of and remember you will get Reward Points on all purchases AND automatically you will get IMP04 Santa Desteria (worth 2.00GBP) in your package. Get into The Ion Age this festive season!

Here are the two new releases out today at 10% (and 20% off three packs) off list price for the four days of the event!

IAF017 Ellen and Ripley

Two unique character miniatures to lead your Retained Knights. Female personalities for your IAF016 Retained Post Delta perhaps? Perfect for battling aliens! 

IAF022 Muster 1^st Patrol

Ten different poses of miniatures in light armour and scout helmets. Our first expansion to the Muster ranks of the 15mm Ion Age since our launch with IAF003. 

Here is a list of the other codes which are at 10% (and 20% off for three packs) off list price for the four days of the event. You can see all these just now during the offer period on the Early Supporter Page.

IAF003 Muster 1^st Squad (10 Infantry)

IAF008 Retained Post Charlie (10 Retained Knights)

IAF013 Murdo and Galaine (2 Desteria Knight characters)

IAF018 Legion 3^rd Tesseran (8 Khanate Legionaries)

IAF007 Canthus Monocycle Set (3 Khanate Miniatures)

IAF023 Fallen Havelock Battlesuit (1 Resin Terrain piece)

Information Burst!

Its Christmas Time there's no need to be afraid (well unless you are caught up in the ongoing Prydian Civil War or the fight against the Khanate) and we have two new releases for you. In response to wargamers requests after IAF016 Retained Post Delta was released Sam Croes has made two female personalities and mighty fine thy are too. Suitable as characters or simply commanders for normal Retained posts or lances. We have now also kicked off the start of our Muster expansion with the first pack of Patrol poses. There is a lot in store for the Patrol in 2014 as they feature heavily in the Patrol Angis rules system. So, once you have munched and otherwise done all the festive things take some time to yourself and visit us. You will get Reward Points on all purchases (and those already with points can redeem them during this offer too) and with a week left to get IMP04 Santa Desteria free automatically in your package now is the time.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS

May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS

IAF022 Muster 1st Patrol Released!

“You want to get into the Patrol lad?  Well its not for everyone but lets see how you measure up eh.  Ok.  First off where you from and how long you been in?”

The gnarled Sarj looked the young Muster trooper up and down.  He noted the slight fade on the cloth of the trooper's uniform and the dents on the Aketon ribs  that protected  his torso from ballistic and blade based attacks.  The Sarj had been measuring troopers in all their dimensions for more than two decades and he was proud of his skill in picking those right for duties in the Patrol.

“Rikergast sir.  Two years sir.”

That got the Sarj's attention.  Not only that the trooper easily had the one year service in Muster ranks needed for application but that he was from the now destroyed moon of Rikergast.

“You got the time trooper.  Shame about your home though.  I been to R'gast back in 19' nice place.  So seen any active?”

The trooper's gaze hardened at this.  Not many had been to his home.  An out of the way place known for ore mining.  Or at least it had been until the League of Yordan had cratered the domes and vacced the whole place.

“I was on Hakke and I did a tour with the 903rd taking down the droid works at Farnborough VII.  So yeah, I seen some action.”

Nearly there though the Sarj.  The trooper had the time in service needed and he had seen a tour with combat.  That was two of the three requirements and now for the third and most over overlooked by those wishing to enter patrol service.

“You got the scars trooper.  How you feel about about leaving your friends in the ranks and going where it's sharpest?”

The trooper had been expecting this question.  If you joined the Patrol it was not only a way to leave all you ever knew as the Patrol were like the Retained and were sent any and everywhere but also a quick way to get dead.  The death rate in this arm of the Muster was higher than any other.  But there was no finer place for adventure, for potential rewards and also for advancement.  More than anything the trooper wanted to join the Retained as a Varlet and being in the Patrol was the best way to do it for him.

“Sharper the better Sarj.  Any time, any how, any where.  Sign me up.”

The Sarj gave a wide grin and lifted the data pad hooked to his belt.

“Put your mark here lad and its done.  You just did the best thinking of your days.”

Sarj Layatt Jones.  Central Command New Glastonbury.  4326IC

IAF022 Muster 1st Patrol

IAF022 rear view

IAF022 Muster 1st Patrol

This week sees the first of many planned releases into the most glamorous and dangerous arm of the Muster; The Patrol.  The Patrol is a vast number of regiments of troopers who all have time served combat experience and act as a front time aid to Retained Knights and also in their own right.  This squad of ten brand new white metal 15mm poses is composed of a low ranking officer with Moth Pistol, several poses of trooper with Moth Rifle, with Tumbler SMG and a couple of with heavier weapons the Anvil 888 and Charlatan 22mm Launcher.  Wearing Aketon armour and Patrol helmets this is a central squad for a patrol platoon.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% option on the page.   Price 5.00GBP per pack.

This is our first Muster new release and its the first of several that will feature in the first quarter of 2014.  We plan on expanding the Muster Patrol with a command pack and other packs allowing an entire platoon's worth of miniatures all in unique poses.  If you have suggestions such as female Muster Patrol then drop us a line we would love to hear from you.

Information Burst!

This pack will be released on December 24th 2013 as part of our Xmas Releases and Special Offers set across four days (24th to 27th) at a 10% or 20% saving but unlike the special offers this pack will continue to be around forever after the event ends.  IMP04 Santa Desteria is around until 1st January 2014 before being retired and you get it free with any and all orders.  Remember when you place an order with us you will be prompted to join the loyalty scheme which will earn you Reward Points on all purchases which can, once accumulated, be redeemed for discounts and special miniatures.  This loyalty scheme is well worth joining and so far we have hundreds of customers and more than a hundred thousand points that have been redeemed.

Thanks for your Time.

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS

May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS

IMP03 Knight of the Dead as Baron Samedi

I got an email from Chad Thorson this morning with a link to his blog.  As an IonFan he got a casting of the free IMP03 Knight of the Dead during November 2013 in his order and he has gotten around to painting, picturing and writing about it online.   Here is an extract from his posting to go with the above image.

Baron Samedi Marcher Baron of Muspelheim IV, leads the Black Watch Knights against the rule of Prydia.   

Rumor has it that his flagship Surtur space fold system failed and ended up bouncing ship and crew through a hellish gateway.  Forever altering Samedi's body giving him the grim glowing green skull face, striking terror in his enemies.  It's also known that the Black Watch Knights that accompanied the Baron on the Surtur were forever sealed inside of their armor.  Nobody knows how they eat or live but some supernatural force has given them powers unknown to humans.

Good work Chad!

If you have pictures or fiction about Ion Age products then drop me a line I would love to see what you have been up to and I know others would too.

GBS

IAF017 Ellen and Ripley Released!

I have served my lady for near a decade and we have honoured the Code Gallant in battle a hundred times or more.  Ask me of these deeds and I shall tell you.  I shall sing songs of the Gurtan Activation and the Spectre Raising of Talla II, of Bosworth and a dozen other worlds too.  Even those most recent against the Khanate foe here on Camarthen Prime and my Pardoner's part in securing my lady's diligence in clearing hab domes and other structures of Maligs.  These deeds have brought honour to Prydia and to the Princess too.  It is my lady's ambition to do such deeds here against the Legions that the Princess will call her unto the ranks of the Starvaulters themselves for the greatest of quests.  I shall accompany her if it is her desire.

Those rumours of Knight Commander Ellen and the Reords of New Glastonbury are without foundation.  Ask me not of those.  I shall say nothing more than the guidance of a Reord is an honour to receive and not to be taken lightly and that to be spoken to by six of them is near legendary.  My lady is chosen and her armour marks her as such.  No quest was given to my lady to be undertaken here in search of an artefact.  I shall speak no more upon it.

Squire Grace Ripley.  Camarthen Prime.  4331IC

IAF017 Front  View

IAF017 Rear View

IAF017 Poses for Single Purchase

IAF017 Ellen and Ripley

Knight Commander Dana Ellen and Squire Grace Ripley are combat veterans and often find themselves facing vicious aliens such as the Shia Khan Empire or worse.  Two excellent personality miniatures for your Retained Knights of the Prydian Army or any Marcher Baron force in 15mm scale white metal.  Commander Ellen is dressed in elaborate and specialised Alwite powered armour and carries an Octa powered sword while Squire Ripley sports Alwite armour and a Pardoner Flame Projector. As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% option on the page. Price 1.20GBP per pack.

IAF016 Retained Post Delta

Combine these miniatures with all other Prydian Army codes such as IAF016 Female Retained Post Delta for an all female force in play.  As you might have guessed from the name of this pack both myself and Sam Croes are big fans of the brilliant actress Sigorney Weaver who has made many movies awesome in the sci-fi genre and named these miniatures after some of her characters...see if you can work out which ones.  Also I have to add that Knight Commander Ellen is one of the finest miniatures I have seen in recent years in 15mm scale, highly detailed, unique and rather attractive as a little metal lady too.

Information Burst!

This pack will be released on December 24th 2013 as part of our Xmas Releases and Special Offers set across four days (24th to 27th) at a 10% or 20% saving but unlike the special offers this pack will continue to be around forever after the event ends.  IMP04 Santa Desteria is around until 1st January 2014 before being retired and you get it free with any and all orders.  Remember when you place an order with us you will be prompted to join the loyalty scheme which will earn you Reward Points on all purchases which can, once accumulated, be redeemed for discounts and special miniatures.  This loyalty scheme is well worth joining and so far we have hundreds of customers and more than a hundred thousand points that have been redeemed.

Thanks for your Time.

GBS

PLEASE READ THIS
May 2019 and The Ion Age has been taken back into Alternative Armies.  It continues with new releases into the future!  Go to Alternative Armies for Ion Age pages of the 15mm Range the 15mm Terrain Range the 28mm Range the Publications range and the Free Downloads collection too for the latest.  All links to the ion age site are now defunct sorry!  If you wish to see something or ask a question email me on sales@alternative-armies.com.  GBS