The Red Dragon Company by Mark Burgess

It is my great fortune to be able to share with you the 'Red Dragons' collection and force for use in Patrol Angis which belongs to long term IonFan Mr Mark Burgess.  A mercenary formation of infantry, heavy infantry, bikes, battlesuits and vehicles of some four Lances (or platoons).  Here follows a short account of the Red Dragons as well as a link to download their pre-filled rosters for use in the game and also some really nice images of the collection too.  Enjoy and thank you Mark! GBS

The origins of the Red Dragon Company goes back to the war against Baron Reff

When Baron Bradshaw Reff rebelled against King Cyon III and the Council of Addans in 4302 IC, Baron Culhwch of Caledfwlch answered the call to arms from the King.  Personally leading the bulk of his army, comprising of both Retained and Muster, he left his home world in the care of his brother Bedwyr.

Culhwch and Bedwyr had never been close. While Culhwch was a natural leader Bedwyr was selfish and cruel; this often caused tension and fighting between them as they grew up. When their father died he granted them joint rule over Caledfwlch in an attempt to bring them together. This however ultimately had the opposite effect. Resentment had been gnawing at Bedwyr's heart he thought himself the only rightful ruler of Caledfwlch and no longer would he share with his brother.

When Baron Culhwch returned home after the death of the King he found much had changed in the years he had been away.  Bedwyr had raised his own army and bolstered the fortifications around the planet. As his fleet approached Caledfwlch, without warning, the orbital defences opened fire. Unprepared his fleet lost three frigates before they could raise their own defences with many other ships in his fleet badly damaged as well.  After the initial shock of the assault abated, Culhwch, normally a quiet and reserved leader flew into a wild rage. He vowed to crush his brother and all who served him, for this betrayal. Once awoken the fire-power of his remaining fleet made short work of the orbital defences. Then he unleashed all of his forces to the ground assault of the capitol. He was taking the battle straight to his brother.

The battle was short and bloody with campaign veterans against Bedwyr's untried Planetary Militia and Muster. Such was the rage of Culhwch and his forces that the Code Gallant was all but forgotten. A grievous crime indeed. Baron Culhwch who personally led a lance, breached Bedwyr's castle defences, cutting down retreating Muster on his rush to face his brother.  Bedwyr was found cowering in the reception hall his bodyguards having deserted him. Without a word or a warning the act was carried out. Culhwch strode up to him and cut his head from his body. He then looked around shocked at what he had done, his armour, once yellow, was now red with the blood of his kinsmen. Turning in silence he walked away.

Ashamed at the destruction that he and his brother had caused his homeworld Culhwch left the planet vowing never to step foot there again.  He took his forces to a small mining planetoid off Khartuum which his family had owned and settled there. Renaming his company The Red Dragons after the flying beasts on Khartuum and repainting their armour red as a reminder of the day they broke the Code Gallant, they now hire themselves out as a Condot.

If you would like to download the rosters for Patrol Angis for this Condot Company you can do so from our dropbox on this link HERE.

Here are pictures of the Red Dragons force in the elements it appears in the rosters.  Click on them to make the images larger.  I have added a comment to each photo.

The whole Red Dragons force!

Converted senior officers of the Red Dragons

Four Retained Knights from mixed IAF packs

A Noble leads Retained Knights from IAF codes.

A superb standard from IAF014 and officer from IAFL02

A melee focused demi with IAF057,63 and IAF002

IAF042 Mullo AFV medium vehicles

Mullo's with their infantry cargos

Desteria Demi!  IAF009 and IAF010

A Desteria Lance which you can get in IAFP03

Desteria Demi led by Murdo and Guliane!

IAF030 Duxis with Fretan Rail Gun

Fallen Duxis marker!

Duxis Battlesuit with Retained knight kneeling

Snipers from the YOC1  Year One Collection!

IAF081 Taranis Runner Drones

The lord of war.  Taranis Tracked Command Tank with its drones.  See IAF100.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed what was shared here.  You can see more of Mark's miniature adventurers on his BLOG.

GBS

Condot of the Red Hand Mercenaries by Christian Cuello

It is my pleasure to present an article set in The Ion Age by Christian Cuello all about his Red Hand Mercenaries that make use of the special Rewards Points reward Commander Murdo Taranis Tank (read about that HERE) or see our range of super heavy 15mm tanks HERE.  Enjoy the article and well done Christian!  GBS

Condot of the Red Hand Mercenaries

Villains. Pirates. Scum. Mercenaries - in every sense of the word. The worst of the opportunistic guns for hire of the Prydian precinct can be found in the ranks of the Red Hand, a mercenary condot under the leadership of the self-appointed Count Roderic of Ispalia XII, one moon of the many planetoids condemned to oblivion by the Civil War that continues to tear the galaxy apart. Now almost totally uninhabitable, the husk of this devastated home-world lives on only as a fragment occupied by the fortress city that provides safe haven for those escaping Prydian authority.

Simply put, the ranks of the Red Hand are filled by criminals, the appellation earned by their inconspicuous attire and reputation. And for this reason there is no shortage of opportunity for employment. A constant stream of envoys vies for the services that the Red Hand provides: perhaps an ambitious Baron seeing to expand their rule, or a usurper seeking to surreptitiously obtain a measure of power for themselves, or a merchant seeking protection while undertaking dubious transactions on the fringes of inhabited space. And yet, even the most powerful warlords of the galaxy may be surprised to find themselves looking down the barrel of a laser rifle held by a blood-red gauntlet, betrayed at the last moment by a mere matter of credits.

As long as there is conflict in the universe, there will be individuals like Count Roderic who seek to profit from the discord. And should peace be realised, it would be short-lived. For there is no shortage of antagonists - human or otherwise - in this theatre of war.

My forays into the world of the Ion Age is by way of my mercenary force, the Red Hand. It has been an enjoyable experience, and after a bit of muddling about in the early stages (as with any game) it was very easy to get into. Everything is just too good not to paint and play with! The rules lend themselves to creative and scenario driven force composition so I’ve literally picked out the figures that I just thought looked “coolest”. You may recall this post on the Ion Age BLOG a little while ago.

Keeping the paint scheme relatively simple I’ve been able to churn out something close to a mixed infantry and vehicle platoon in game terms. I will probably go into more detail about the platoon in another write-up but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to get stuck into the Taranis. The king of the battlefield in the Ion Age, I was fortunate enough to receive the special variant available through the reward scheme through the Ion Age store. I can tell you now it was surprisingly easy to work up the points!

The Commander Murdo special variant of the Taranis has two mighty hi-explosive Ron cannons, a rotary Moth 88, and a pintle-mounted machine gun. For the uninitiated: it’s a beast. 

I’d had the model for some time before working myself up to building and painting it, and I wish I’d had it done sooner. The tank comes in six pieces which may require a bit of tidying up. Fortunately the resin it is made from is high quality and is very responsive to cutting, shaving and sanding, so it shouldn’t be a problem for a slightly more than beginner level modeller. Here it is in pieces just after tidying up and before putting it together:

And here it is before a base coat. You’ll notice some space between the tracked sponson and hull. This was fixed with a very small amount of wood putty which sanded down and blends right in to the rest of the model. Here you can see it with a black undercoat:

And here are some progress shots:

At this point I’ve left the tank at a “showroom” condition paint job, but really do want to try my hand at some weathering. I’ve kept the paint scheme relatively simple but it really is a blank canvas for all sorts of camo, battle-damage, and squad markings.

This was a great kit to put together and I’m really looking forward to fielding this in our games.

As the harsh Sun beats down on the surface of Mars (or a planet very like it...since Mars is deep within the heart of the dreaded Imperial Commonweath), final diagnostics on the Taranis are carried out…

IMP46 Female Knight Errant free for all June 2017

"While part of the military ranks of the Prydian Army the honoured role of a Knight Errant is often aloof from the mainstay of its ranks.  There have been many text written on the reasons for taking up the sword and armour of the Knight Errant discussing why a man or a woman who has served many campaigns in the Retained feels the urge to leave their fellows and begin the Quest.  The quest is among the most daring exploit that a Knight can undertake an it takes many forms.  Reasons given are personal valour, personal loyalty, personal betrayal as well as love and adventure.  This can cause Regiments a staffing problem but it is generally looked upon favourably by commanders who will, once the quest is proven, aid the Knight in its starting stages of undertaking.  While many Knight Errants will leave the front lines and travel alone or in small groups some remain and continue to lead Lances and Banners in battle while the goal of their quest is in conjunction with the goal of the Regiment.  Knight Errants have typical combat gear and armour but often are more experienced in the arts of war and are certainly more driven by their desire to complete their quest.  It is not unknown for Knight Errants to be found on remote worlds and colonies aiding local Planetary Militia troops with their own conflicts while upon the quest.  A few Knight Errants of exceptional bravery and fame will be invited to join the ranks of the Starvaulters and to take part in their Great Quests.  The auto-trainer series has many thousands of recorded quests which the student can access upon request.”

Academy Auto-Trainer Series 05, New Glastonbury, 4322IC

The summer is here...well in Scotland the rain is now warm which is the same thing.  The Ion Age continues its journey this month with a superb female knight errant for free and also two fantastic releases later in the month which will bring the weight to your Khanate armoured platoons in Patrol Angis.  Working up to the Year Four Collection the tenth miniature of the year (ending in August 2017) IMP46 is one of the best looking female miniatures I personally have ever seen.  Our special offer for the month is 25% off the pack of Knight Errants of Prydia along with a new image of this much favoured pack.  The releases will be the Pugnus Light Tank and the Mannus APC which face off against Adders and Mullos in the ranks of the Prydian Army.  Both these alien vehicles are featured in IAB03 The Khanate Return and indeed if you are fortunate enough to own a copy of the book you will have already seen these weird Khanate wheeled vehicles in its pages.

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.  

Standing 17mm tall and bare headed with her long hair falling across her Alwite powered armour the knight errant is armed with a Valerin Laser Rifle and wears a cloak. She is great for a character or leader of a lance. The painted example is a character called Briona Sullivan of the Barony of Messena (see it as Number 19 on the Uniforms of Prydia poster) who has an interesting story which will become clear later in June. 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. This miniature is worth 1.00GBP.

This month we have 25% off the great pack IAF057 Knight Errants of Prydia.  This offer ends on 1st July.  Just add to cart and it is the pack plus single poses from it to which the discount has been applied.

IAF057 Knight Errants of Prydia 

Our first code of noble knights for commanding your forces!  While they are of Prydia with a different uniform they could be any of the numerous Marcher Barons too.  Code IAF057 contains three unique miniatures dressed in Alwite powered armour. The female Noblesse who is bare headed and armed with a Carnwennan Pistol (there are many hundreds of her already out in the word due to the IAF015 Hab Dome!) a noble Knight Errant with cowl and Octa powered sword and lastly a noble with twin Carnwennan Pistols.  These are 15mm scale versions of 28mm code IB32 Knight Errants which were requested right from the off for us.  As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% option on the page.  Go HERE.  Price 3.00GBP per pack.

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. 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age!

GBS

IAF134 Psycoborgs of the Shia Khan Empire released!

“The Shia Khan Empire is, despite its ancient age and mighty power, not a sophisticated enemy on most battlefields.  It is surmised that this and their apparent lack of interest in the value of life is down simply to having such endless resources at their disposal.  Able to throw the lives of their soldiers away without care they can just send more to the flesh grinder of war. So the presence of robots in the ranks of the Legions was a surprise to Prydian commanders.  A most unwelcome surprise as it became clear that the purpose of the robots was to inspire terror in and then exterminate Humans.  

Dubbed Psycoborgs due to their appearance, some two to three times the height of a Human and man-like in construction. Their heads being like a skull and one arm mounting a support grade weapon they also could quite literally inspire terror.  An unknown technology radiates from each robot and makes concentration and bravery exceptionally hard for regular troops and challenging even for Retained Knights. Psycoborgs operate either as single hunters in low intensity combat zones also aiding the conversion of Human Betrayers or as small groups typically of three robots within a platoon.  Betrayers never act alongside these robots and Maligs rarely to do so.  Legionaries and others seem unconcerned by their terror inspiring abilities.  They are incapable of command and are given their programme by their commander in the field.  These are the Psycoborg Robots and they are a fearsome foe!”

Taken from – IAB03 The Khanate Return Army Book

The Ion Age makes its last release for the month of May 2017 with the arrival of six variants of the long awaited robotic terror machine of the Shia Khan Empire; the Psycoborg!  You can go straight to the new pack HERE or read on for more information about these robots as well as how they fit into the new Khanate Army Book as well as some lovely pictures including a line of of all Khanate figure types and our monthly deal and free figure for May...all Khanate!

IAF134 Psycoborgs

This pack contains the parts to make up six variants of the terror robots in the service of the Shia Khan Empire the loathed Psycoborgs.  Each white metal kit is composed of a body, a head (which can be posed) plus a fist arm (which can be posed) and a gun arm (which can be posed).  Assembled the 15mm scale robot stands approx 30mm tall putting it into the same region as a Khanate Warlord.  As well as the pack option plus an option for three packs saving ten percent you can also choose to purchase a single random Psycoborg kit (contact us with your order number if you would like a specific weapon arm included).  Supplied unpainted and unassembled and without bases (shown on 30mm round bases as per Patrol Angis rules).  

For further reference refer to the image of all six variants labelled A to F each weapon is featured in IAB03 The Khanate Return as follows:  Juno 18kw Laser Cannon (A), Mars 20mm Chain Cannon (B), Hydra 14Mw Laser Swarm Cannon (C), Helios 80kw Atomic Destabliser (D), Triple Jupiter Plasma 46mm (E) and Maia 12.7mm Scatter Cannon (F).  Go HERE.  Pack Price 21.00GBP. 

Psycoborgs typically act alone or in threes in larger battles.  Behind the lines and in urban areas they stalk the darkness seeking out weakness.  Small strike teams are sent out to find and destroy the robots before they can do more damage.

We thought it would be nice to show you a scaling line up of all the 15mm troop types currently in the Khanate army.  From left to right they are:  Malig, Legionary, Pioneer, Nox, Warlord and Psycoborg.

We have a month long special offer...to go with your super heavy lads for the Shia Khan we have 25% off IAF039 Khanate Warlords both the pack and the single miniatures from it.  The discount is online and all you need do is add to cart, reward points are as normal and can be used on this offer too.  Offer ends 1st June.  

You can assemble a whole Legion's worth of infantry for the Shia Khan Empire using the 15mm range now from Legionaries to Pioneers as well as Nox and Maligs as well as portable weapons and Warlords; now Psycoborgs.  While almost all Legionaries have their helmets on there are both male and female aliens in the Legion so this month we give you a useful miniature to add to any Tesseran or Ordos.  IMP45 Female Khanate Legionary.   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. Standing 17mm to the eye line our female Legionary is tall like all elvish Legionaries.  Bare headed, helmet under her arm and sporting a Maia Mpi she is useful in any Khanate force. This miniature is worth 0.60GBP.

Thanks for Reading!

GBS

Khanate Return book and bundles released in print and as downloads!

"A matter gateway is active on Camarthen IV. Losses are mounting, send everything; everyone.  Send them now.  The Khanate have returned."

We are delighted to announce the general release of the third book in the Patrol Angis series.  In print and as a digital download IAB03 The Khanate Return adds the first army book and the first alien race to the Prydian Precinct.  For use with Patrol Angis and also Callsign Taranis.  To see all the books back in stock and the bundles with saving go HERE or read on for more information.  Get yours now!

As with all of our print books the digital download versions can be downloaded immediately upon purchase and are twenty percent less in price than the print book version.

IAB03 The Khanate Return

The third book in the Patrol Angis series is a new setting and forces title with statistics and rules for use with 15mm miniatures and models from theionage.com. This Army Book brings you to the Camarthen star system for a desperate campaign for possession of a planet upon which sits an alien Matter Gateway.  Now that it is switched on the gateway has brought a mythical enemy of Humanity back to reality from far across the galaxy; The Shia Khan Empire.  Making use of the Patrol Angis rule book for skirmishes and the Callsign Taranis expansion book for larger games you can now add the Khanate Empire and also Planetary Defence Forces to your games.  Read all about the tragic fate of Camarthen Prime and the start of the second Khanate War as a world burns.  You can then create and assemble your own Tesserans and Ordos (platoons) along with vehicles and more for the Khanate with armoury and army lists.  Then consult army lists for the Planetary Militias to do the same with Troop Types, Armour, Weapons and platoon composition guides.  There are also advanced rules for both new armies covering Nebula Charges, Humascare,and Robotic Infantry among other skills and equipment.  The book ends with three small scenarios of varying complexity for new and experienced players.  This Army Book joins up with other titles expanding the forces and the universe of The Ion Age.  Put forces from a half dozen miniatures to more than a hundred including vehicles into play.  Fight for victory on Camarthen Prime or take your fight elsewhere in the Prydian Precinct.  

YOU REQUIRE PATROL ANGIS AND CALLSIGN TARANIS TO MAKE USE OF THIS BOOK.  

Go HERE for print or for digital download through our website.

IBB03 Three Book Bundle – Patrol Angis, Callsign Taranis and The Khanate Return

Get Patrol Angis and its expansion Callsign Taranis as well as the new army book The Khanate Return together!  All the books in one bundle.  You save ten percent off the print book prices or get the trio bundle as digital downloads in one purchase with twenty percent off by going HERE.

We want you to try out the fast and lethal with lots of fun one hour play system that is Patrol Angis. From small skirmish to bigger battles in 15mm scale using your Ion Age miniatures and vehicles. There are free resources as well as reviews which you can download or have a look at.  The links for these are on the website HERE.  Enjoy!

There is a folder of free resources for Patrol Angis.  Download it!

The Xin Trade Fleet in Patrol Angis.  Get the free PDF.

The Prang Raiders in Patrol Angis.  A free PDF.

Reviews and AAR's of Patrol Angis.  A video play though of Patrol Angis by Dorkside Cookies. Visit 'Conflict Cornucopia' blog.  'Beightons Shipyard'. After Action Report (AAR) by Conflict Cornucopia blog.  Note these show the older cover of Patrol Angis but it is the same book. A Patrol Angis AAR by Rod Forehand on our blog.  An in depth review of Patrol Angis by Just Play February 2017.

You can assemble a whole Legion's worth of infantry for the Shia Khan Empire using the 15mm range now from Legionaries to Pioneers as well as Nox and Maligs.  While almost all Legionaries have their helmets on there are both male and female aliens in the Legion so this month we give you a useful miniature to add to any Tesseran or Ordos.  IMP45 Female Khanate Legionary.  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. Standing 17mm to the eye line our female Legionary is tall like all elvish Legionaries.  Bare headed, helmet under her arm and sporting a Maia Mpi she is useful in any Khanate force. This miniature is worth 0.60GBP.

Lastly we have a new month long special offer...to go with your super heavy lads for the Shia Khan we have 25% off IAF039 Khanate Warlords both the pack and the single miniatures from it.  The discount is online and all you need do is add to cart, reward points are as normal and can be used on this offer too.  Offer ends 1st June.  Click on the link to learn more. 

Thanks for Reading,

GBS

IMP45 Female Khanate Legionary free for all May 2017

“Humans your time is at an end.  Your planets, your cities, your homes and your children are now the dominion of the Shia Khan Empire.  Resist if you must, you may even slow us but you cannot ever prevail. We are eternal and we are always triumphant.  Our stars immeasurable, our victories countless and our will pure permanence.  There is and there always has been the Shia Khan.  You belong to us.  You are the slaves of the Great Khan."

The Belkus Proclamation. Translated from a continual loop being broadcast on all channels from the Belkus crater.  Fleet Command 4329 IC

It is now May!  What a month April was eh and it kind of continues in the first half of this new month.  We have the general release of IAB03 The Khanate Returns book as well as a three book Patrol Angis bundle in print plus the digital download versions of these books and bundles too.  On the release of the new book we will be dispatching worldwide all of the pre-orders and we will put the digital download version up on the website.  We have a new release this month and it is one long expected and hinted at earlier this year...15mm Psycoborgs!  We will have news and articles when these events happen but for now we want to show you the forty fifth monthly free miniature which is in every order placed this month.

You can assemble a whole Legion's worth of infantry for the Shia Khan Empire using the 15mm range now from Legionaries to Pioneers as well as Nox and Maligs.  While almost all Legionaries have their helmets on there are both male and female aliens in the Legion so this month we give you a useful miniature to add to any Tesseran or Ordos.  IMP45 Female Khanate Legionary.

IMP45 with a Psycoborg (and Warlord)..releasing May 2017!

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.  Standing 17mm to the eye line our female Legionary is tall like all elvish Legionaries.  Bare headed, helmet under her arm and sporting a Maia Mpi she is useful in any Khanate force. 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 0.60GBP.

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...to go with your super heavy lads for the Shia Khan we have 25% off IAF039 Khanate Warlords both the pack and the single miniatures from it.  The discount is online and all you need do is add to cart, reward points are as normal and can be used on this offer too.  Offer ends 1st June.  Click on the link to learn more. 

Thanks for your support and for enjoying The Ion Age!

GBS