Shangpin vehicles released for the Xin!

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 

A major release into the 15mm scale Ion Age range with codes for the Xin Trade Fleet.  Designed by Michal Janecek the fine fellow who created the mighty Tohlic Armoured Crawler comes the Shangpin a multiple use vehicle in three types with two different modes of propulsion.  See the Xin part of the range HERE for all the troops and specialist infantry plus the Jade Ape Battlesuit. The Shangpin operates as a cargo carrier as well as an armoured personnel carrier and an armoured fighting vehicle too.  It is a medium vehicle comparable to the Prydian Mullo AFV and the Pugnus and Manus wheeled vehicles of the Shia Khan.

IAF173 Shangpin APC

The Shangpin armoured personnel carrier transports ten Sanbao mercantile troopers of the Xin and is armed with a turreted main gun.  This code comes in two different variants these being either one tracked or one wheeled.  Make your choice and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen.  A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey tone resin with a total of five pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections) including a choice of two different weapons.  Once assembled it is 80mm long, 50mm wide and 25mm tall. 

IAF174 Shangpin AFV

The Shangpin armoured fighting vehicle is used for fire support and has a missile pod armament. This code comes in two different variants these being either one tracked or one wheeled.  Make your choice and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen.  A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey tone resin with a total of three pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections).  Once assembled it is 80mm long, 50mm wide and 25mm tall. 

IAF175 Shangpin Cargo Carrier

This type of Shangpin moves goods and other materials which the Xin have sold in their business deals. This code comes in two different variants these being either one tracked or one wheeled.  Make your choice and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen.  A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey tone resin with a total of three pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections) including a cargo pod which may be attached or left loose.  With this code you may also select to purchase the cargo pod on its own as well. Once assembled the vehicle is 80mm long, 50mm wide and 25mm tall. 

Each of these codes has many images on its page of the website which you can scroll through and enlarge.  The lettering and colours of the Shangpins are very much in keeping with the Xin and their ways. In addition for those seeking a larger force there are a couple of extra options with savings for these vehicles on the website.  You can get one of each type of Shangpin wheeled (three kits) with a 15% saving and the same for tracked variants.  Go HERE. Excellent!

But what of the Xin themselves?

The Xin in Patrol Angis

We have an updated version of the free download article for making use of the Xin Trade Fleet in your games of Patrol Angis.  Seven pages long and fits right into the main game book and Callsign Taranis as well. Get it from our online storage by CLICKING HERE.

Here are some scale shots for you of the Shangpin next to other Xin codes as well as the Khanate main personnel carrier and a tracked Mullo medium vehicle.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

Playing Xin in Patrol Angis a new free booklet

The Xin updated free booklet for using in Patrol Angis is here!  The Prang have had their new releases and updated free booklet but now it is the turn for the Trade Fleet of the Xin Hegemony to get their update.  These fantastic 15mm scale space opera Chinese inspired soldiers are well liked by 15mm sci-fi players the globe over.  We now present the updated free six page booklet for using the Sanbao in your games of Patrol Angis.  Get it on the website from our dropbox HERE or read on and download it in this article.

The updated Xin booklet contains fiction, background and more as well as statistic tables for infantry, infantry sized vehicles and larger vehicles too.  It is an evolving play testing document and introduces vehicles which we will create in the future for this force in the game.  You will need a copy of Patrol Angis to make use of this free booklet and for the larger vehicles we recommend the expansion Callisign Taranis.  Download the Xin in Patrol Angis free PDF from our dropbox by clicking HERE. Thanks and enjoy!

If you like the idea of a trading space fleet which does ply the stars buying and selling and fighting then perhaps the Xin are for you.  See their page on our website HERE.

During July we have an offer on the core pack of Xin Rifle Infantry too.

Have you tried Patrol Angis?  The Ion Age's 15mm scale skirmish system.  There are three books in the series so far and they can be had in print or as digital downloads as well as value bundles and a game pack too.  All HERE.  For skirmish you need only the Patrol Angis book, to add larger vehicles and more then get the expansion Callsign Taranis and to fight the alien Shia Khan Empire you need the first army book called The Khanate Return.

Patrol Angis

15mm Scale Skirmish Wargaming

Wargame rules for use with 15mm miniatures and models. An enjoyable playing experience in a space opera setting unlike any other. Tactically challenging but not complex, these rules reward players for their playing and not by the use of endless charts, tables and over powered characters. Once familiar with the game rules, in a single hour you can play a full game with another person or several or on your own in solo play. The rules will not take long to learn and are suitable for wargamers of all ages from novice to veteran. They are fun and can be expanded into other titles in the series.  Patrol Angis is a skirmish level of wargame which means it typically has between a dozen and about forty 15mm scale miniatures a side in play during a game. It works well with more but those amounts are ideal. Most games have one Platoon sized force per player and have one or two or maybe even three players. A Platoon or Lance which contains typically twenty two (22) miniatures. In Patrol Angis you play either as the Prydian Army in its quest to reclaim worlds lost to the Marcher Barons during the Civil War or you can play in the employ of Canlaster or Yordist or any of the other dozen smaller array of Marcher Barons. This includes playing as a “Conda”' or paid professional mercenary for any side.

This is low intensity warfare title where troops mainly on foot, root each other out over small objectives. It’s not massive, not often glamorous, but it’s pure adventure, it’s the stuff of heroes and it’s skirmishing at its best! Easy to get into and to build upon. It’s the starting point for your wargaming in The Ion Age!

A4 Book, 64 Pages.  All the mechanics you need to play plus more is in the book.  Here is a short list of the contents of the book and if you can look at example pages.  All pages are packed with content.

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

IMP47 Bin Bot free for all July 2017 and Happy Burger Bot pack

On more Worlds than the Arks ever saw! Its so good you will wear out your jaw! 

Its the taste that gives you the finest feeling! 

Stop on by for a Smile and some good taste meal eating! 

We love to fill you up so...look no further than Happy Burger! 

In the Prydian Precinct there are guilds which span whole worlds and while most of these are governmental and financial as well as military there are others which are devoted to a purely commercial end. As the Ancep Drive began to spread the news of the Code Gallant and the glue that would bind the worlds of the precinct to New Glastonbury and the Tor another idea travelled with these pioneers. From New Glastonbury a cook and former soldier Jedard Eackson took his idea of a take away eating house that would cater to those on a modest income who wanted taste more than the nutrition of a basic diet. Happy Burger was birthed on this notion and on every world, colony, settlement, asteroid any and all meat and other protein based animals of any kind allowable were turned into patties and then blasted with super strong spices. This gave a universal taste. A Happy Burger meal is the same everywhere. By the time of his death Eackson at the ripe old age of one hundred and sixty had introduced robotic staff into his eating houses mainly due to the high turnover of Human staff whose noses could only take so much. Happy Burger Bots are pre-programmed to be cooks, waiters and more. As the Prydian Civil War has spread many outlets of Happy Burger have been abandoned but their bot staff continue with their tasks attempting to serve empty meal boxes to passing League and Prydian Army soldiers. 

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 61, New Glastonbury, 4337IC 

Welcome to June 2017 and to The Ion Age as the journey continues. This month we have a forth bot to add to the awesome Happy Burger franchise as our free monthly miniature! We have updated the Happy Burger figure pack to add in this new bot. We have some alien releases this month which will make fans of Eli Arndt's work very happy indeed. This month our special offer is 25% off the central rifle pack of Xin Trade Fleet soldiers and we will have updated free booklets for the Prang and for the Xin. So releases and new resources and beginning with a trash can with a difference.

IMP47 Happy Burger Bin Bot

Free in every order every time all month. 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. You can see the Year Three Collection on the website. The Year Four Collection will be released in August and will mark the end of the monthly free programme at that time; there will be no more monthly miniatures after August 2017. Standing 10mm tall the Bin Bot is a functional robot created for collecting waste from the food stations of Happy Burger. It joins the waiter, vending and entertainment bots. There is a near complete 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. This miniature is worth 0.60GBP. 

This month we have 25% off the great pack IAF113 Xin Trade Fleet Rifles. This offer ends on 1st August. Just add to cart and it is the pack plus single poses from it to which the discount has been applied. Check out all of the Xin Trade Fleet on their page HERE. 

IMPS01 Happy Burger Bots 

Featuring in the fiction of The Ion Age and in the IMP monthly series of miniatures we have now expanded to include all four different bots in this special pack. Get the Happy Burger Bot, the Vending Bot, the Entertainer (creepy...) Bot and the Bin Bot all in one pack. You can purchase the pack or singles from it on the drop down menu of options. Good for any 15mm near future, post apoc or space opera setting. Go HERE. 

Remember we also have poster prints and among them is the lovely promotional A3 poster for the Happy Burger Chain of the far future.  HERE.

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. Reward Points will remain once the monthly free IMP miniature sequence ends with IMP48 in August. 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age! 

GBS

IMP42 Commander Gongji of the Xin Hegemony free for all February 2017

Hello Ionfans!  Before we begin the shortest month of the year I want to relate some news from our much bigger sister Alternative Armies. There is a new Alternative Armies Facebook group for tabletop gamers who among other things play Patrol Angis or just like us at The Ion Age click HERE to join up and I will welcome you as I run it.  Plus Alternative Armies has a new look and more news to come.  Now...onto our news!  Welcome to February and the Chinese year of the Rooster.  This month we have a new Xin personality for you free in every order.

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 

The Xin have their month on our calendar and so we welcome the 42nd free monthly 15mm miniature and month of our little space opera setting.  Commander Gongji 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. 

IMP42 with Xin Trooper and Jade Ape Battlesuit

This month's miniature is a superb character by Sam Croes.  Standing 17mm to the eye line it is a heroic officer for your Xin forces at the platoon or squad level.  Armed with a powered sword.  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.  This miniature is worth 0.50GBP.

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. 

Lastly we have a new month long special offer...this time it is on the exotic warriors of the Hegemony namely IAF119 Xin Youxia.  A pack of three miniatures at 50% off list price allowing you to get some really special sculpts by Sam Croes.   If you like the Xin and wish to get a full force in 15mm scale then we recommend IAFP06 Xin Trade Fleet Platoon which gives you twenty infantry plus an extra miniature only found in that pack for free.  Oh and check out the metal monster that is IAF118 Jade Ape a battlesuit which is among the most popular of our codes.  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 February 2016 for instance where you can find a free PDF for using the Xin in Patrol Angis to download. 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age!

GBS

Year Three Collection Released!

Year Three Begins!  Now that our third year of The Ion Age is at a close its time to release the twelve monthly free miniatures as set which can be bought as a set or as singles.  From September 2015 to August 2016 each of the IMF 15mm scale code monthly free were given away with all orders month by month. So if you missed any or want more just check out the Year Three Collection now.  Its been added to a new page that also has the Year One Collection, the Year Two Collection and others things upon it as well as the current month's free miniature keeping the 'years collections' all in one place.  Go HERE or read on.

It has been a fun and challenging year for the tiny team that brings you The Ion Age (almost everything you see is myself and the awesome Sam Croes along with input from a few other designers such as Bob Naismith).  I am always grinning when working on this universe and the emails and comments of wargamers keep on telling me that we are doing the right things.   A small team here in Scotland that works hard following its own path for a massive vision of a far future space opera setting.  All of the money you spend with us creates honestly priced new miniatures from a team that loves wargaming.  That now said the 15mm range has over three hundred different sculpts spread across Retained, Desteria, Muster and Planetary Militia along with Shia Khan Legion, Nox, Pioneers, Maligs and Nox and more including the Prang and Ion Age civilians too.  We have about forty different vehicles and a range of buildings with two dozen different pieces.  We have Patrol Angis and Callsign Taranis too as our books.  We will keep on getting better!

So what is the Year Three Collection?  You can see it HERE. Here is a list of the miniatures by month in this collection:

IMP25 Muster "Cutter" Trooper (September 2015)

IMP26 Female Nox Trooper (October 2015)

IMP27 Florian Pumpkin Spore (November 2015)

IMP28 Missiletoe Claus (December 2015)

IMP29 Cold Climes PM Sergeant (January 2016)

IMP30 Xin Monkey Bot (February 2016)

IMP31 Padraig O'Malig (March 2016)

IMP32 Hand of the Duxis (Female Tech) (April 2016)

IMP33 Planetary Militia Female Officer (May 2016)

IMP34 Happy Burger Clownbot (June 2016)

IMP35 Cybernetic Retained Knight (July 2016)

IMP36 Prefecta Aimar of the Styx Legion (August 2016)

Each miniature is 0.60GBP or the whole set for 7.00GBP or you can purchase three sets and save 10% by selecting that option on the drop down product menu.  That is a very diverse collection of characters and fun 15mm miniatures.  Year Four will be full of promise and fun and the first miniatures which will become IMP37 to IMP40 are already designed...you will love them!

As it is our birthday month we have a great offer for you until month's end. The IAF028 Khamel Tracked Bike set is 25% off the pack of three miniatures (Bike with Rider, Bike alone and Rider on foot) and there is 25% off the Bike with Rider on its own for those wanting to build a big force!  As well as this we have recently committed to new molds for this code and when we did we added in a third weapon mount option!  Every bike supplied now comes with one of the following: A Moth Type 12, a Ron 32mm and now a Minstrel Taser too!  You can read the original release article on the blog HERE.  You need do nothing but add to your cart the special prices and new weapon is already there.

Thanks for Reading.

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

Xin Trade Fleet in Patrol Angis free PDF download

A free expansion by PDF for Patrol Angis and today is the day. The Ion Age is happy to present the Sanbao or Trade Fleet Troops of the Xin Hegemony in Patrol Angis as a five page PDF which contains fiction, statistics, tables, rank structure and optional test rules along with some photos using the miniatures. You will need the Patrol Angis book but aside from that all you need is in the PDF. 

You can download the free PDF from our Dropbox account by clicking on this link HERE. Enjoy! 

We have been amazed by the kind words and the joy that greeted the arrival of the first Human new faction expansion to the 15mm range at The Ion Age.  While the Xin will continue to expand we have a lot to offer you including a full force to use in our own or any other wargame system suitable for this scale and genre.  Choose from Sanbao rifles, support, assault and command along with Warrior Monks and Youxia wandering knights and the awesome Jade Ape Battlesuit too.  Plus this month the free monthly miniature in all orders is the Onyx Monkey Bot one of our most popular thus far.  You can also get a platoon pack with an extra free unique officer in it.  Go HERE.

I hope you enjoy this PDF and if you have questions or feedback please do make contact with us. 

Thanks for Reading. 

GBS

Xin Trade Fleet Troops, Warrior Monks, Youxia, Battlesuit and Platoon released!

The Xin Trade Fleet codes are all now released!  These are all of our releases at The Ion Age for February 2016.  Get your orders in now.

We introduced the Xin Hegemony and its Grand Trade Fleet earlier this month in two articles.  The first concerned the current free monthly miniature in all orders IMP30 Xin Monkey Bot go HERE to read that and the second was a first look article with photographs and fiction for the Xin which you can read and see HERE.

You can visit the page for the Xin on our website HERE or read on for full details of all the codes now released:

IAFP06 Xin Trade Fleet Platoon

This platoon pack contains 21 white metal 15mm scale miniatures an entire Sanbao or Trade Fleet soldiers of the Xin great fleet.  Twenty different infantry poses including five command and specialist, five assault troopers, five support troopers and five rifle troopers.  All are wearing Kuijia powered armour and armed with Gonglu Blaster Rifles, Gonglu wrist mounted SMG's, Gonglu Heavy Blasters and powered swords.  These miniatures are from pack codes IAF113,IAF114,IAF115 and IAF116 see these for additional details.  This platoon also includes one additional free miniature which is unique to this code and that is a Sanbao Senior Officer bare headed with energy sword and flowing cloak worth 0.60GBP.  This platoon can be purchased as one or using the drop down menu select three packs and save 10%. Sanbao are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 10.00GBP.  Go HERE.

IAF113 Xin Trade Fleet Rifles

This pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures.  Your core infantry for the Sanbao or Trade Fleet soldiers armed with Gonglu Blaster Rifles and wearing Kuijia powered armour.  Bare headed low rank officer or sergeant with raised fist, trooper pointing the advance, trooper holding rifle, trooper advancing with rifle and trooper firing rifle.  This pack fits in exactly with IAF114,IAF115,IAF116 and is part of IAFP06.  This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Sanbao are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers. Price 2.50GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF114 Xin Trade Fleet Support

This pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures.  Your support infantry for the Sanbao or Trade Fleet soldiers armed with Gonglu Heavy Blasters and wearing Kuijia powered armour.  Bare headed low rank officer or sergeant, trooper holding heavy blaster, trooper aiming and firing, trooper kneeling and trooper advancing. This pack fits in exactly with IAF113,IAF115,IAF116 and is part of IAFP06.  This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Sanbao are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 2.50GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF115 Xin Trade Fleet Assault

This pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures.  Your close attack or assault infantry for the Sanbao or Trade Fleet soldiers armed with wrist mounted Gonglu SMG's and energised Swords and wearing Kuijia powered armour.  Trooper standing with Sword raised, trooper arm raised and sword raised, low rank officer or sergeant aiming wrist mounted SGM, trooper sword raised and trooper advancing. This pack fits in exactly with IAF113,IAF114,IAF116 and is part of IAFP06.  This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Sanbao are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 2.50GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF116 Xin Trade Fleet Command

This pack contains five different 15mm scale white metal miniatures.  Your command and specialist infantry for the Sanbao or Trade Fleet soldiers  wearing Kuijia powered armour.  Junior officer with powered polearm and wrist mounted Gonglu SMG, banner bearer with banner and blaster rifle, more senior officer bare headed with powered sword, comms specialist with comms suite and medic with bioscanner, eye piece and medical gear. This pack fits in exactly with IAF113,IAF114,IAF115 and is part of IAFP06.  This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Sanbao are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 2.50GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF117 Xin Warrior Monks

This pack contains three different larger white metal 15mm scale miniatures.  The Xin Warrior Monks are specially trained and vowed Sanbao soldiers who wear the super heavy Kuijia MkIII powered armour and wield the Chan Quing or 'Double Ended Monk Spade' which combines a powered blade at one end and a Gonglu heavy blaster rifle.  These are the back up for your Trade Fleet Soldiers.  Each miniature is approx 21mm tall. This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Warrior Monks are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 3.00GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF118 Jade Ape Battlesuit

This pack contains one multiple part 15mm white metal battlesuit miniature. The Guaiwu II or 'Jade Ape' has twin duties of battle and cargo handling with massive upper body strength.  It has a shoulder mounted three barrelled heavy Gonglu support blaster.  A big brother for your Sanbao trade fleet soldiers.  The miniature is supplied in four pieces and is easy to assemble.  The arms may be mounted in varied poses, low, medium or high.  Assembled the miniature is 35mm tall to top of body.  This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack. Excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera.  Price 5.00GBP per pack. Go HERE.

IAF119 Xin Youxia

This pack contains three different white metal 15mm scale miniatures.  A class apart from normal soldiers the Youxia wander their own path putting wrongs right.  They wear customised Kuijia powered armour.  Each is a character. A bare headed Youxia pointing powered sword and holding a pistol grip Gonglu SMG Blaster.  A Youxia with his lower face covered and energy sword above his head and wrist mounted Gonglu SMG Blaster.  A helmeted Youxia wielding twin hook sword energy blades. These are heroes for your Trade Fleet Soldiers. This pack can be purchased or using the drop down product menu select three packs save 10% or single poses from the pack.  Youxia are excellent for use in The Ion Age or any other science fiction setting using future Chinese space opera soldiers.  Price 3.00GBP per pack. Go 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