Mortis ex Machina the Metaborg Proauctor by Aris Kolehmainen

From the era of the Ban of Prejudice and before that the long vanished Resource Wars it is my delight to present a historical document for use with Patrol Angis.  A Khanate terror machine used in ancient times which has appeared once more in the Second Khanate War in 4330 IC.  Written by Aris Kolehmainen this article gives introduction and rules for the Metaborg which you can get HERE on the website and stands 60mm tall (HOF16 and HOF17).  Pictured with the 15mm scale Psycoborg to the left and a Warlord to the right and in front 15mm scale Legionary and Pioneer (16mm tall) from the author's own Medusa Legion.  Enjoy!  GBS

Mortis ex Machina

the Metaborg Proauctor

With the honor and glory of the spearhead of the invasion having been granted to the Styx Legion, other legions were charged with establishing a forward base in the ruins of Camarthen IV. It would be the Medusa Legion that first discovered the long hibernating Metaborg Proauctors, having been charged to seek out any resources that might still be useful to the Shia Khan. Pertinax crews got to work, quickly waking the ancient AIs form their millennial slumber to reestablish themselves to their role as lords of death and terror on the battlefield. While many of these AI had become corrupted or had simply ceased to function, many were able to be awoken and distributed among the Legions by the time of the Prydian counter attack. 

The Proauctors proved to be more fragile than their current counterparts, however, they made up for that fragility with long forgotten experimental technology known as “Drivers”. Drivers are, at their most base level, AI enhancers. They allow the Metaborg to make tactical decisions much faster and more efficiently than even the current Metaborg variants, however, these come with frustrating drawbacks. On the battlefield, Perfects often complain that the Proactors will move out of position or overload their weapons when they are not instructed to do so, sometimes resulting in the loss of battlefield assets. Off the field, many whisper about what the enhancements to the AI might have done, especially over such a long period of time. 

Rumors have begun amongst the Maligs, that some of their ilk have gone missing when hanging around the repair cradles of the Proauctors. Though laughed at by Legionnaires and Pioneers as the deranged thoughts of weaker minds, they were also apt to notice that the Beotan make a warding gesture in the presence of a Proauctor, and that Pertinax crews never seem to work on one in groups less than three. They, themselves, often find they are walking a little quicker around a resting Proauctor, and the feeling of being watched by its gigantic, eyeless visage isn’t spoken of, but felt by all…

Metaborg Proauctor - Dysforia Variant

Weapons:  Triple Jupiter Plasma 46mm Mount (U), Banshee 120Kw Atomic Destabiliser (U)

Movement Rate:  22cm

Armour Type (Rating): Ganus Segmentum Plating (4)

Properties: No Crew Robot, Walker, Chameleon circuit, Ablative Shell, Humascare, Krakos Mk.I

DMR: 10

Points:  923

Metaborg Proauctor - Nekros Variant

Weapons:   Hydra 14mw Laser Swarm Cannon (U), Metaborg Impact Gauntlet

Movement Rate: 22cm

Armour Type (Rating): Ganus Segmentum Plating (4)

Properties: No Crew Robot, Walker, Chameleon circuit, Ablative Shell, Humascare, Telos Mk.I (a)

DMR: 10

Points: 764

Special Rules:

Krakos Mk.I Energy Overkill Driver

The weapons of the Proauctor Dysforia are enhanced by a complex and once experimental power boosting system. When the Dysforia AI finds it appropriate, it can over charge its energy weapons, enabling it to utilize a much more powerful attack. However, these systems were not designed to handle such raw power, and the weapons must spend time in a period of “cool down” to prevent the weapon itself from melting.

When you attack, any roll of 8 grants that hit +4 strength. However, this forces the system to go into “cool down” mode at the end of combat. One activation must be spent to bring the weapon back online before it can fire again.

Note: If both of the weapons are in cool down mode, you need to use one activation for EACH weapon to use it again. You CAN choose to only reactivate one weapon and leave the other shut down if you wish, but you MUST spend an activation to bring it back online.

Telos Mk.I (a) Reaper Collateral Driver

The Proauctor Nekros are enhanced with a special AI driver that reviews target data from three independent drivers before cycling though to the decision cortex of the Nekros AI. The result of this is that the Nekros tends to spread it’s damage much more efficiently, at the cost of sometimes moving itself out of position to ensure the kill.

The Telos Mk.I (a) adds +1 to the Nekros AOE and Impact Gauntlet hits, however sometimes the driver compels the Metaborg out of position to attain a better shot, or to move into close combat. After you declare your intent to fire a weapon, roll a D8. On an 8, the Nekros moves 11cm in a direct line towards the closest enemy unit, (taking into account difficult and impassible terrain as if it had made a regular movement action). If this brings it into base contact with that unit, it is considered to have changed and may initiate close combat as per normal.

Relic of the Past

Metaborg Proauctors are ancient in the extreme, and while expressly deadly, are also prone to failure due to their age and rushed repair.  If a Proauctor takes 6 damage or more in a single round of combat (ranged or close combat), roll a D8. On an 8, there is a critical system failure and the Metaborg goes completely offline. Treat this unit as destroyed. 

Incoming 15mm Cold Climes Planetary Militia this September

“Faercyle II is nowhere. I mean it. I had to look it up. Right out there on the edge of the known Precinct in the least wanted star system of the Camarthen cluster. The Faercyle system ain't like Camarthen itself or the beautiful Myrdan and Ambrosia systems with their beaches and lush farmlands. No, that planet is a near permanent frozen rock just inside the habitable zone of its little sun. Nothing there, nothing living. But one thing we want. Lots of titanium. A damn lot and easy to mine as well through the ice just got to scrape it off. Height of summer you can walk about with just protective clothing, spring and autumn heated Aketon armour is fine but the winter, your choice is indoor or icicle. The heated town and farmlands of Ismere are nice most of the time due to the under soil pipes. Anyway I was put out there back in '21 when the first ore converters were set up. To train a Planetary Militia you know. Not a big contingent but enough for the expected half million population. Took us a year and I was glad to the leave. Cold Climes ain't no fun for a trooper. I took the shuttle to orbit and never looked back. Still can't put ice in my drinks.

So three weeks ago I get a vid call from regional command telling me and the other instructors that we are shipping out along with elements of the 202nd and the 608th ,both good regiments, for Faercyle II. To back up the 'PM' against a new foe. I asked was it the Cannies or the Yordists or some grasping rim baron trying to muscle in on the mining. No answers though. Not until the 'Kildare' jumped in system and I saw we had three other warships with us as well as regimental transports. A big task force with a lot of space borne fire power. Made me sweat. Swapping shots on the ground fine but not up there. Nothing though next to what we were told was actually going on. First contact, real aliens. I had heard of the xeno digs on Camarthen Prime but there was nothing there; only dust. This was different. Seemed that Faercyle had been raided from space. People carried off, buildings destroyed, refined titanium stolen. Alien raiders had attacked the planet.

I swore I would never come back here. But all it took was five years and an alien presence and it was back to the frozen funfair. Two days ago the Kildare spotted incoming ships. Several of them. Smaller than our crates but coming in a a sustained three standard gravities. Like needles straight at the planet. Wanting another shot at the ore or perhaps more. Command has named them 'Prang', no idea why. No idea what they look like and the locals ain't saying much. I am back with the Planetary Militia in my cold climes gear. In Ismere the only star port on this rock, dug in deep. We are ready this time. We will let them land and then see what happens. See what these Prang, these Raiders are all about. If nothing else it will keep the chill off. Man I hate the cold.”

Sergeant William Harris, 202nd Muster Regiment, Ismere Starport, Faercyle II. 4326IC Militias.

This month The Ion Age will release a whole new sub-force into the 15mm ranges.  Cold Climes Planetary Militia the defence forces who gear up for the working in the frozen and in the mountains as well as anywhere else in the Prydian Precinct where snow and ice prevail.  Worlds like Faercycle II and Bargle III which are valuable and have breathable atmospheres but are too cold for normal habitation have these troops present to fend off raiders, condots and invasions by Humans and aliens alike.  We will be releasing twenty six new 15mm scale poses sculpted by Sam Croes in the form of two ten figure squads and a five figure command team as well as all of these in a platoon with an extra free special miniature..the female sniper you can see here.  Yum!

We will be releasing all the codes later this month in one lot along with some great images of them. Above is a typical trooper in cold climes gear without his helmet and carrying the standard load out of a Moth Type 6 Rifle.  You can find the full story of the Planetary Militia in IAB03 The Khanate Return and if you want to get some free content there is the playtest Planetary Militia in Patrol Angis which is hosted on our website.  

If you are reading this after September 2017 you can find all of the Planetary Militia troops on the website HERE and their vehicles HERE.

We will be further expanding the Planetary Militia in October before phase two continues with more alien releases.  I hope you enjoyed this little first look at the Incoming for this month and above is the Planetary Militia Platoon in standard uniform (IAFP07).

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Six Different 15mm Khanate Weapon Platforms, Gun Crew and Anti-Gravity lifter released!

The Ion Age makes all of its releases for the month of March today with a lot of new 15mm Shia Khan Empire codes all focused around portable weapon systems.  Check out the Shia Khan Empire on our website HERE or read on for more information about these new codes.  All of these releases and next months too are working towards the release of the next Patrol Angis book which is scheduled for April 2017.  Giving you a full infantry force for the client races of the alien Khanate.

There is a lot to show you and these releases add portable weapon platforms of two types and six variants as well as legionary gunners and an anti-gravity motive unit for use with the platforms.  Now you have firepower to take on the Espaten Portable Weapon Platforms and the Havelocks of the Muster and Retained.  Here are the details of each new pack:

The first encounters with infantry support grade weapon platforms came with the initial break out from the Belkus Depression by those Shia Khan forces which had followed the digging machines.  Though a watch was kept on the edges of the crater, which has once been the famed passages of the labyrinth, by planetary defence platoons they were rapidly overwhelmed by the aliens which poured out into the sunlight.  The digging machines had no more than cleared their drive sections of the soft dirt and Legionaries as well as accursed Maligs followed them.  Being some distance off due to the background radiation left over by the detonation of the fusion core the defence troopers had time to made transmissions back to Pelacan city to inform and then call for reinforcements.  What was not expected from vids and audio from the gateway chamber was the immediate reach the enemy had.  It was the first encounter with code name Selene and code name Hypnus portable weapon platforms.

Floating forwards at a steady pace with two alien operators running alongside each of them the Selene platforms opened fire first upon elements of the 3rd Pelacan Regiment at a range beyond their ability to strike back.  A barrage of 20mm cannon shells and laser beams were followed by the shrieking rage of 12.7mm rounds by the thousand and it killed many of the troopers who were unable to find thick enough cover.  It was however once the aliens drew closer and the troopers loosed off anvil rounds and bursts of grenades from their Moth type 12's that the other Khanate platforms entered the fray.  The Hypnus have a single operator who seems to be bonded to the weapon platform by a chair behind a thick gun shield.  The weapons carried by the Hypnus are dangerous in their own right giving off in many cases a degree of radiation or gene potential damage.  Atomic Destabilisers and Triple Plasma mounts tore through Aketon armour and the hulls of a half dozen Steornede Battlesuits at close range with ease.  This led to the loss of the craters edge and marked the start of the remorseless advance of the aliens.  Portable weapon platforms have proven tough to deal with without armoured support and the Khanate makes great use of them especially in urban areas to hold taken junctions and structures.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 66, New Glastonbury, 4337 IC

IAF131 Selene Portable Weapon Platform – Three Variants

The Selene is a portable weapon platform which acts as support for Khanate infantry. The pieces are the four legged stand and a chosen top mounted weapon. These parts make one complete platform. The options for the Selene are the Mars 20mm Chain Cannon (A), Maia 12.7mm Scatter Cannon (B) and the Juno 18kw Laser Cannon (C). These go with IAF133 Legion Gun Platform Crew.  You can get an idea of the size of the finished portable weapon by noting that each of them is standing on a 30mm round base (their basing size for Patrol Angis) and again they are labelled with the letter corresponding to their variant weapon. Each pack contains ONE kit. You have the option of purchasing a pack or three packs with a saving.   Price 2.00GBP per pack.  Go HERE.

Kalidaral reclined in the last chair in which he would ever sit.  When first he had lowered himself into the chair it had been comfortable; its padding molding itself to his contours.  Later it had become uncomfortable and then painful to him and then even the pain had dimmed away to nothing.  Now he felt nothing from his body and time was hard to grasp for him too.  Had it been hours? Days?  Weeks or perhaps months since he had been given the honour of the Hypnus acclamation and been fitted with the collar and the circlet.  Since then he had been carried upon the honoured set and fitted to a frame carrying the mighty atomic destabiliser cannon.  Then taken through the sparkling curtain of the gateway and brought to this strange new world. Now his vision was of red and of death; his nerve impulses not his own any more.  Aliens came within his view and thoughtless he would bring death to them with a blast of screaming energy.  So it had been, so it would be evermore.  So far from Jalania and her loving embrace....

IAF132 Hypnus  Portable Weapon Platform – Three Variants

The Hypnus is a slaved portable weapon platform which acts as support for Khanate infantry. The pieces are the four legged stand, legionary crew piece, gun shield and a chosen top mounted weapon. These parts make one complete platform. The options for the Hypnus are the Hydra 14Mw Laser Swarm Cannon (A), Helios 80kw Atomic Destabliser (B) and the Triple Jupiter Plasma 46mm Mount (C). You can get an idea of the size of the finished portable weapon by noting that each of them is standing on a 30mm round base (their basing size for Patrol Angis) and again they are labelled with the letter corresponding to their variant weapon. Each pack contains ONE kit. You have the option of purchasing a pack or three packs with a saving.   Price 2.00GBP per pack.  Go HERE.

IAF130 Khanate Anti-Gravity Propulsion Unit 

While it is perfectly fitting to have your Selene or Hypnos Portable Weapons static on the battlefield giving fire support or acting in a defensive and dug in formation you might want some pace to them and a way to get them around during the heat of battle. To that end we have a motive system suitable for them. For use by the Legionaries of the Khanate. This pack contains four identical 15mm scale white metal miniatures.  These fit with the IAF131 Selene and IAF132 Hypnus platforms.  Price 4.00GBP per pack.  Go HERE.

IAF133 Legion Gun Platform Crew

This pack contains two 15mm scale white metal miniatures in different poses. Two Legionaries in glimmer suits with the first holding the remote control interface for a portable weapon and the second with interface range finder. Combine these portable weapon crew miniatures with  IAF131 Selene Portable Weapon Platforms or use them for other purposes in your forces. Choose from a pack, three packs with saving or single poses. Price 1.00GBP per pack.  Go HERE.

Information Burst

With all of our releases made for the month of March 2017 we want to remind you that you get IMP43 Female Muster Banner Bearer who fits right in with your Muster or Patrol or even Planetary Militia platoons in play free in every order.  Until the end of February she is included at one per order (you can order more of her this month by going to the Year Collection page) and you get your Reward Points on your account too.  

We have two more things to show you later this month.  An example page from the coming Khanate Return book the third in the Patrol Angis series and an article about an Afara Strider in the service of the League of Canlaster taken from our own gaming collection.  The Afara is generic enough for many settings and it is designed for tabletop gaming being easy to assemble from few parts and durable to use in play too.  I am also told it can be easily converted and altered with parts from our other codes such as IAF065 Vehicle Conversion Kit.  Lastly we have a new month long special offer...it is a bloody good one....25% off all three variants of the IAF128 Afara Strider our resin light mecha which is 55mm tall.  Click on the links.

Thanks for Reading

GBS

IMP40 Rudolph the Reindeerbot free for all December 2016!

“Welcome to festive time!  The last month of the year and as we go towards Christmas and the only time we take a full week off it gives me awesome wargame pleasure to present the next festive themed monthly free miniature.  Santa Desteria and his sweet friend Missiletoe Claus along with the Chrimbot are now joined by Rudolph the Reindeerbot!  Those who have been IonFans since we began have been asking increasingly what the theme months will bring and I don't like to spoil surprises so in adding to the 15mm oddness we have our fortieth month and forth Xmas mini and it is a robot red nose which will fit in well with your other Christmas miniatures and in any more mad scenarios you wish to run.  Merry Christmas everyone from here in Scotland!”

Each December we release a fun festive miniature (January sees deep cold theme) so welcome to the 40th month and our new 15mm robot.  It is free in every order every time all month before being retired. This miniature is automatically put into every order at the rate of one per order regardless of order value. It can also be bought in any amount on the monthly IMP page of the website for this month only too before being withdrawn on the first of next month. We are into Year Four now and if you missed it you can see the Year Three Collection on the website. 

This month's miniature is a superb character robot by Sam Croes.  Standing 16mm to the eye line it is a titanium skeleton with sharp antlers and a ruby nose. There is a growing page on the Ion Age website where the current and all former IMP series free miniatures are shown so that you can see what came before. Enjoy looking at what came before. 

Above you can see the now online IMPS03 Chrimbo Set which has all four Christmas themed miniatures in one code.

We ask you to sign up for a website account with us on your first order. Why? For one reason only. Not to send you emails (we never will. If you want our emails sign up for our Mailchimp list on the right top of the blog home page) or to pester you; but only to keep track of the Reward Points that all orders with us earn. Reward Points through our online partner Sloyalty which can be used once accumulated to get discounts or free stuff at any point in the future. Learn more about this HERE. Every order earns Reward Points! Yes free extra value. Part of our promise to keep the fun in wargaming. 

Information Burst! 

December is our quiet month of the year and we do not have any releases beyond what you see in this article this month.  I want to thank everyone who took us up on the Four Day Awesome Offer end of last month we now have to actually replace the molds for the IAF30 Duxis Battlesuits which was something you really all enjoyed with last month's special offer (we have a new one see below). Work is continuing between myself and Sam Croes upon the third book in the Patrol Angis series and the miniatures too for the whole Shia Khan Army building upon what we already have.  More on this in the new year; it is going to be ruddy epic!

Lastly we have a new month long special offer...this time to get your infantry some sweet portable back up in the field.  All the six variants of the IAF046 Espaten Portable Weapon Platforms are 25% off list price.  Remember you can also get Repulsar and Tracked propulsion units for your Espaten too.  We have a Retained Knight and a Muster crew packs for them as well.  Click on the links to learn more. 

As always if you are reading this bulletin later in the month or further into the future please do have a look at our blog and use it as a time machine to read all the excellent content that is there going right back to our start. Try August 2015 for instance when the SuperBlue came forth! 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age...let it snow, let it snow....

GBS

IMP39 Grim Reaperbot free for all November 2016!

Welcome to the spooky month at The Ion Age and this is also the month of...shudder...scream...Black Friday Weekend...so it is an epic month to get with us in 15mm space opera wargaming.  November is here and that means a new free monthly special miniature.  Ladies and Ghouls I present to you the Grim Reaperbot!

“Happy Burger does not often put a foot wrong when it comes to marketing their food.  Well, there was that incident with the rocket powered skates on the drive through dinastations but that was a...fairly...isolated incident.  However they did put both feet and indeed their legs in the wrong place with the Grim Reaperbot campaign.  It was a nice idea.  I mean who does not love having a custom bot cut the top from a promotional Happy Burger meat tube held by the customer with the chance to win a prize in the process.  Sadly the titanium scythes the Reaperbots were fitted with were a bit long for the job and often they overshot the tube held up by the customer.  More than fifty thousand dead in one morning across the Precinct.  So many lawsuits and then quickly hiding the bots. After the Gurtan Activation the bots were taken out of mothball and scrapped but some were never put in storage and had simply wandered off into the cities.  Shame...it was a real tasty meat tube that year.”

Each November we release a spooky themed monthly miniature and now the thirty ninth month sees IMP39 Grim Reaperbot come to the series.  It is our forth November monthly and is a 15mm white metal miniature which is free in every order every time all month before being retired. This miniature is automatically put into every order at the rate of one per order regardless of order value. It can also be bought in any amount on the monthly IMP page of the website for this month only too before being withdrawn on the first of next month. We are into Year Four now and if you missed it you can see the Year Three Collection on the website. 

This month's miniature is a superb character robot by Sam Croes.  Standing 16mm to the eye line it is a titanium skeleton with cloak and scythe. There is a growing page on the Ion Age website where the current and all former IMP series free miniatures are shown so that you can see what came before. Enjoy looking at what came before. Above you can see the now online IMPS02 Spooky Set which has all four Halloween themed miniatures in one code.

We ask you to sign up for a website account with us on your first order. Why? For one reason only. Not to send you emails (we never will. If you want our emails sign up for our Mailchimp list on the right top of the blog home page) or to pester you; but only to keep track of the Reward Points that all orders with us earn. Reward Points through our online partner Sloyalty which can be used once accumulated to get discounts or free stuff at any point in the future. Learn more about this HERE. Every order earns Reward Points! Yes free extra value. Part of our promise to keep the fun in wargaming. 

Information Burst! 

This is our first burst for the month and here are the facts to joy you up!  November 2016 will see a great new release with the final code from the Patrol Angis army lists the Retained Grav Bike pack! We will also have a brand new artwork poster which gives you the 'Robo Cola' campaign from Happy Burger!  We will also have an article with a fright theme about a Prydian Precinct faction plus the last Friday of November will see us join up with Alternative Armies and 15mm.co.uk to make our four day Black Friday offer.  This is a super offer and we will tell all one week before it goes live.   Lastly we have a new monthly special...this time on our great Duxis Battlesuit favoured by Retained Knights.  25% off all variants of this modular battlesuit including five different ranged weapons and three melee versions.  The offer is now live and you can read more about the Duxis on our blog HERE. 

As always if you are reading this bulletin later in the month or further into the future please do have a look at our blog and use it as a time machine to read all the excellent content that is there going right back to our start. Try way back  in November 2013 for instance! 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age! 

GBS

Mech Head Studio video review of Jade Ape Battlesuit and more!

Mech Head Studio's have put up a short video review of some of last month's new releases at The Ion Age.  The fellow that runs the studio is a great fan of 15mm science fiction wargaming called Jason Arana Sr from the United States of America.  It is a great look at the Xin.  Their Battlesuit along with some of the Sanbao Trade Fleet soldiers and the Xin Monkey Bot which was the free monthly miniature for February 2016.  Jason puts himself due about his camera quality but it is very hard to take images and video of unpainted white metal and I think he did a grand job!  Enjoy.

If you are interested the the 15mm miniatures of the Xin Hegemony you can find them on our website HERE.  Below are some images from our own site featuring the codes looked at by Mech Head Studio.

The Xin Precinct is made up of the eight central star systems along with a number of smaller outposts all contained with a constricted pocket of stellar space that has only now become accessible once more after a thousand years of isolation caused by the detonation of the Aldan Crucible during the first Khanate War.  Contained by Dolorous Clouds that resulted from the detonation which also decimated the Prydian Precinct there is now a slim open passage for navigation by Ancep Drive.  Our knowledge of the Xin comes from archives that are from ancient times and also a more recent  partially successful expedition mounted in 4303IC by the Starvaulters and of course from the Great Trade Fleet dispatched to Prydia in 4327IC.  Commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin the hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet have visited a third of the systems in the Precinct thus far. Trading in exotic goods, rarities as well as information and technology they have made allies and some enemies.

While the hegemony maintains its own imperial army and fleet officially under the command of Princess Xin Meiying the grand admiral has his own military that is embarked upon his starships.  Collectively known as the 'Sanbao' the gifts or protectors we refer to them as Trade Fleet Soldiers for the most part.  Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for the Sanbao in detail.  These troops are very effective and have aided our regiments in actions against the Khanate Empire.  The Xin hegemony is centred on the three core planets in the central Xin Precinct system of Jinhong.  From the lotus throne on the planet of Wei the princess rules in troubled seclusion while the planets of Zhao and Yan are in an uneasy alliance.  We know of the rebel Prince Tang and his efforts to marry the princess though these actions seem to be taking place in the holdings of all three planets of the Jinhong system outside of the core system.  All three core planets have the other systems in the Xin Precinct split between them.  Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for details.

The Council of Addans has deemed the Xin Trade Fleet has a nominal ally though it is up to each Knight General and Marcher Baron to establish their own relations with the vast fleet as it passes through.  As yet Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin has not responded to the ongoing campaign in the Carmarthen cluster.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

15mm Ion Age Universe Characters range expands with Starport Staff pack!

“Allow me to create a society around the Prydian Precinct.  One that exists with the threat of the Prydian Civil War within and the Shia Khan Empire without.  The people, the law, the machines and the creatures that populate the planets, the star ports, outposts and even the seedy bars where Retained Knights would fear to tread.”

This month we add another brand new pack to the growing range on The Ion Age sculpted by Dave Foley called the 15mm Ion Age Universe Characters.  We will be adding a new pack just about every month and it is my own and Mr Foley's intention to create a 15mm scale figure range that will allow you to get the 'people' of your wargaming on your table regardless of your setting.  Previously we have Precinct Adventurers, Precinct Police, Precinct Dignitaries, Precinct Far Traders and now we present five more original miniatures: IAF108 Precinct Starport Staff!  Go HERE or read on.

IAF108 Precinct Starport Staff

The fifth pack of 15mm characters in the Ion Age Universe range.  While the mighty vessels of the Prydian Army and the Marcher Barons sail the inky blackness they do have to dock somewhere as do far traders and civilians too.  There are many starports in the Precinct from the gigantic New Glastonbury Tor to the multitude of smaller and tiny ports scattered across the inhabited systems. These ports all require staff and some are better than others but all exist to serve the migrant populations that pass through their airlocks.   Sculpted by Dave Foley this pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures in the following poses.  Male worker hands clasped with comms gear, Male worker speaking with hands clasped behind his back and comms gear, Young Female worker gesturing with comms gear, luggage Droid on gliding feet carrying bags and lastly Male worker looking while holding box wearing comms gear. Objects are for you to decide!  These miniatures are great for any science fiction or suitable genre of wargaming in 15mm scale when you want something other than warfare or soldiers on your table.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% options  from the drop down menu on the page.  Go HERE.  Price 2.50GBP per pack.

There are the details of the previous packs:

IAF107 Precinct Far Traders

The fourth pack of 15mm characters in the Ion Age Universe range.  Far Traders operate within the outer parts of the Prydian Precinct but also beyond it interacting with Marcher Barons, rebels and even aliens all in the name of trade and profit.  Skilled and well armed they can be scouts, or carriers of passengers and deal in rare minerals or information.  These Far Traders are excellent civilians and rogues for your collection. Sculpted by Dave Foley this pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures in the following poses.  Sitting bearded male with raised finger trading goods, standing male with top knot showing off goods, young female with shouldered goods, female trader offering boxed item and lastly bearded male trader offering bottled goods. Objects are for you to decide!  These miniatures are great for any science fiction or suitable genre of wargaming in 15mm scale when you want something other than warfare or soldiers on your table.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% options  from the drop down menu on the page.  Go HERE.  Price 2.50GBP per pack.

IAF106 Precinct Dignitaries

The third pack of 15mm characters in the Ion Age Universe range.  Moving around the worlds of the Prydian Precinct are those who wish to conduct government work, to support those who need their views represented and to meet with each other to discuss high matters.  These Dignitaries are excellent civilian important persons for your collection. Sculpted by Dave Foley this pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures in the following poses.  Female in robes carrying object, Female in robes gesturing, Man in tunic with staff and orb, Female in robes hands clasped and finally Male in tunic holding object.  Objects are for you to decide!  These miniatures are great for any science fiction or suitable genre of wargaming in 15mm scale when you want something other than warfare or soldiers on your table.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% options  from the drop down menu on the page. Go HERE.  Price 2.50GBP per pack. 

IAF105 Precinct Police

The second pack of 15mm characters in the Ion Age Universe range.  Precinct Police are the local law enforcement on the worlds and colonies of the civilised Prydian Precinct who try to maintain order without the use of deadly force if possible.  A first line of law and order.  Sculpted by Dave Foley this pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures in the following poses.  All are wearing light armour plates, a helmet and a wet weather cape.  Male officer holding a control box for directing city services or droids, carrying portable signs and signal equipment, male officer with public address horn, officer with stun baton raised to strike and lastly running with stun baton. These miniatures are great for any science fiction or suitable genre of wargaming in 15mm scale when you want something other than warfare or soldiers on your table.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% options  from the drop down menu on the page.  Go HERE.  Price 2.50GBP per pack.

IAF104 Precinct Adventurers

The first pack of 15mm characters in the Ion Age Universe range at The Ion Age.  Precinct Adventurers are the kind of fellows you need in a scrap or to carry out some dangerous work in a place where the law is a little loose.  Sculpted by Dave Foley this pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures in the following poses.  Male adventurer kneeling with a data slab and connected viewer, a hansom male adventurer advancing aiming a Minstrel Taser pistol, male adventurer in long coat signalling a halt holding a Tumbler SMG, male adventurer  wearing parts of Aketon armour and at guard pose with a Moth Rifle.  Lastly a male adventurer in out moded Alwite armour bandaged head and Minstrel Taser.  These miniatures are great for any science fiction or suitable genre of wargaming in 15mm scale when you want something other than warfare or soldiers on your table.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% options  from the drop down menu on the page. Go HERE.  Price 2.50GBP per pack.

Information Burst!

There are releases over two weeks this month and this is the first of these releases and aren’t these human's just great for any 15mm sci-fi setting?  Next week we will be releasing eight new variants of the mighty super heavy Taranis tank, two on each hull type, a large laser turret and a missile support multi-launcher turret.  More on those next week including pictures of course.  We have had to replace the original production molds for the Xin Trade Fleet since they have worn out!  You can see the Xin HERE and we want to thank you for your support with these far future Chinese and proving we were right in this new direction.  

This month our free miniature is IMP31 Padraig O'Malig. For the whole of March 2016 this 15mm scale Space Goblin is automatically put into every order at the rate of one per order regardless of order value.  It can also be bought in any amount on the monthly IMP page of the website for this month only too before being withdrawn on the first of next month.  Dressed in mock Irish garb and clutching a pistol and a pint of stout he is great fun and a good character for your army. The miniature is one piece in white metal and stands approx 14mm tall.  We also have a special offer which is only seen on our emails.  You earn reward points on all orders too through your account (we NEVER send any email or such to your account its sole function is to keep your Reward Points, sign up to our email list if you want our newsletters).  We realise that some of you may wish to purchase the currently free miniature to get multiples of it without placing a lot of orders so you can do just that.  Visit HERE on the website for the miniature at a fair price for a special miniature.  Read the full monthly free article for March 2016 on our blog HERE.

Thanks for Reading.

GBS

First Look at the 15mm Xin Trade Fleet coming releases!

The Xin Precinct is made up of the eight central star systems along with a number of smaller outposts all contained with a constricted pocket of stellar space that has only now become accessible once more after a thousand years of isolation caused by the detonation of the Aldan Crucible during the first Khanate War.  Contained by Dolorous Clouds that resulted from the detonation which also decimated the Prydian Precinct there is now a slim open passage for navigation by Ancep Drive.  Our knowledge of the Xin comes from archives that are from ancient times and also a more recent  partially successful expedition mounted in 4303IC by the Starvaulters and of course from the Great Trade Fleet dispatched to Prydia in 4327IC.  Commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin the hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet have visited a third of the systems in the Precinct thus far. Trading in exotic goods, rarities as well as information and technology they have made allies and some enemies.

While the hegemony maintains its own imperial army and fleet officially under the command of Princess Xin Meiying the grand admiral has his own military that is embarked upon his starships.  Collectively known as the 'Sanbao' the gifts or protectors we refer to them as Trade Fleet Soldiers for the most part.  Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for the Sanbao in detail.  These troops are very effective and have aided our regiments in actions against the Khanate Empire.  The Xin hegemony is centred on the three core planets in the central Xin Precinct system of Jinhong.  From the lotus throne on the planet of Wei the princess rules in troubled seclusion while the planets of Zhao and Yan are in an uneasy alliance.  We know of the rebel Prince Tang and his efforts to marry the princess though these actions seem to be taking place in the holdings of all three planets of the Jinhong system outside of the core system.  All three core planets have the other systems in the Xin Precinct split between them.  Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for details.

The Council of Addans has deemed the Xin Trade Fleet has a nominal ally though it is up to each Knight General and Marcher Baron to establish their own relations with the vast fleet as it passes through.  As yet Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin has not responded to the ongoing campaign in the Carmarthen cluster.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

On the 11th of February 2016 the Ion Age will be releasing an entire new space opera Chinese themed force into the 15mm range.  This article gives you the first look at all the new miniatures along with a list of the coming codes and some fiction too.  These miniatures are all sculpted by our lead designer Sam Croes and are white metal typically in one piece.   Here is the list of coming codes with the number of contents.  Visit the Xin page HERE.

IMP30 Xin MonkeyBot (Free in Every February Order)

IAFP06 Xin Trade Fleet Platoon (20) 

(IAF113-IAF116 + Unique Free Officer)

IAF113 Xin Trade Fleet Rifles (5)

IAF114 Xin Trade Fleet Support (5)

IAF115 Xin Trade Fleet Assault (5)

IAF116 Xin Trade Fleet Command (5)

IAF117 Xin Warrior Monks (3)

IAF118 Jade Ape Battlesuit (1)

IAF119 Xin Youxia (3)

Exciting!  Here are pictures of these codes for you to look at each with its code and title and a short fiction extract placing it in The Ion Age.  Click on the images to enlarge them.

The Xin Trade Fleet has a military arm under the direct command of Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin.  They are called the Sanbao or 'protectors'.  These troops commonly called 'Xin Trade Fleet Troops' are a separate entity to the hegemony army in their own Precinct and their primary role is the defence of the vessels that make up the fleet.  Second to this role is the protection of the merchants and their stores in any locations where they choose to trade.  They have the additional task of armed action against threats which the Grand Admiral deems worthy of destruction.  An example of this would be the encounter with the Shia Khan in the Neraga System in 4332IC.  Typically deployed at the five member fire-team, platoon or company level alongside the merchants the Sanbao make use of Kuijia MkIII powered armour which is roughly comparable to older Alwite in protection but with less bulk and features a compact and variable jump jet system.  They are highly mobile troops and a primarily energised plasma weapon system is used by them.  The Gonglu Blast Rifle alongside an SMG version which is often wrist mounted to leave the hands free and a heavier support version make up the bulk of Sanbao weapons.  Xin troops favour powered blades of many kinds and often prefer close range combat situations.  They make use of robotic auxiliaries brought across from cargo loading and management duties for battlefield use such as the Onyx Monkey and Onyx Serpents.  The use of dual purpose support continues with the Jade Ape battlesuit which is an effective war machine and cargo loader both.  Highly motivated they are a match for any Muster regiment and have proven capable of defeating the Retained Knights of the rebel Baron Everest in 4328IC. While Sanbao are the mainstay of the Xin military in the Prydian Precinct they have with them other warriors including heavily armoured Monks and far ranging Youxia.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

Battlesuits are a common sight on the battlefields of the Prydian Precinct and indeed since the resumption of the war against the Shia Khan Empire the number and types of battlesuit have increased greatly.  The largest size of powered armour which is worn rather than being piloted the battlesuit gives mobility and great strength to a soldier.  The grand trade fleet of Hong Tu Quin has its own battlesuits in the ranks of the Sanbao the most common of which is the Guaiwu II or 'Jade Ape'.  Larger than a Duxis Battlesuit but with near as much mobility and faster than a Havelock with less fire power the Jade Ape it is a suit with two purposes.  It is primarily a manual work suit for moving and stacking cargo as well as assembling encampments with its secondary role being in combat.  Fitted with a three barrelled heavy Gonglu support blaster on a tracking mount it can deal with enemies at distance.  However the Jade Ape comes into its own in a close combat situation where it would give good trial to a Duxis bladesman variant.  Its upper body is very powerful and its large fists can smash or grip with huge force.  It is deployed in ones or threes alongside Sanbao platoons.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

The Warrior Monks of the Xin Precinct are common in the forces of the Trade Fleet or the 'Sanbao' often being deployed to toughen up a hard combat situation or to show some muscle in trade negotiations.  To enter the ranks of the Warrior Monks a soldier must first pass a test given by an experienced monk which is both physical and mental then take an oath of loyalty.  Passing these gives entry into training which prepares the new monk for wearing the super heavy Kuijia MkIII powered armour which is roughly comparable to the Noblesse worn by Desteria Knights.  Weapon training to handle the Chan Quing or 'Double Ended Monk Spade' which combines a powered blade at one end and a Gonglu heavy blaster rifle at its other end.  Lastly training to move quickly in the armour.  Once fully trained the Warrior Monk is part of a brotherhood that sits apart aboard the vessels of the fleet.  They are often deployed in small fire teams.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

The Youxia are men and women who have devoted themselves to a search for adventure through continual wandering. They have a superficial resemblance to our own Knight Errants though only superficially.  There is no quest or baronial loyalty for a Youxia and no requirement to aid a fellow Knight in peril.  These highly trained and equipped Xin warriors serve no specific master but follow their own code centred around the idea of righting wrongs where ever they may be found.  Travelling with the Grand Trade Fleet has given Youxia access to the stellar systems of the Prydian Precinct.  In return for the transit they do offer their services to Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin when he asks for them.  They wear personalised Kuijia MkIII powered armour and carry Gonglu Blasters and other weapons favouring exotic energy blades such as twin hook swords.  Skilled warriors to be treated with respect when encountered.

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

The arrival of the Xin Trade Fleet commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin in a star system often brings great excitement to the peoples who live on the planets there.  The hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet will divide up and visit every world with smaller shuttles and landers descending to the ground before laying out their goods to entice and to trade. While the troops of the fleet the 'Sanbao' are only used when a threat is encountered there are other more discrete means of self defence.  Foremost among these are the Onyx robots such as the Onyx Monkey.  Programmed and built to move around cargo, to retrieve orders and to climb into places Humans would have a problem reaching there are hundreds of non-sentient bots aboard every Xin vessel.  When trouble is encountered a robot such as the Onyx Monkey can be switched to a different mode and controlled by Xin merchants, officials or commanders to fight an enemy.  The monkey bot has a long tail it uses for carrying but it can act as a whip as well.  A hidden but valuable asset when the time comes.  

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC 

Missed the announcement on IMP30 Xin Monkey Bot?  See it HERE.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS