Drums... Drums in the Deep...

Well, there's definitely some sort of noises going on around here lately and a few renovations too.

I've been playing around with the idea re-joining the blogoshpere for awhile. The "Der Feldmarschall" blog tried a comeback in 2021 that lasted five posts and spawned a Facebook page. The FB page did alright, but this blog was dead and its audience long gone. Very clear it needed a major effort and reboot to hope for some audience participation again.

No need to retell the tale how the Internet and hobby sites, forums, etc. have shifted throughout the years, but this is always where my "hobby" heart was. Able to share my photos, thoughts, and dreams to those that would listen. I know this blog is VERY outdated in 2025, but part of me would like to try again. We'll see...

THERE, the Blogosphere... Did I ever tell you about the time...

The blog has actually been renamed a few times the last couple of years as I tried to settle on a future hobby home and direction. A number of changes in life too, gaming and otherwise, both probably needing a new start and generate some new memories.

'Twas only a minor skirmish... is the new title and vibe I'd like to go for. I've always greatly admired Michael Awdry's 28mm Victorian Warfare blog and it has definitely influenced my new look and potential content focusing on smaller narrative games and adventures. (Along with Commander McBragg above of course. ;-) )

One final note as I've bored you long enough. The new blog header banner is a silly photo I took a few years ago in my old war room/library and turned it into a sketch. Just for fun. :-)

The future is still a bit uncertain, but hopefully I'll see you again soon.

Cheers,

Jason

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The Cynical Seven - Desperados Gang

"The liquor's all gone boys..."

Finished up my Desperados gang for Dead Man's Hand. Just a few pics to share as I didn't get too many to turn out that great. :-/ These guys took me awhile, but they were fun to paint. Hopefully just as fun to play.

 

Definitely my favorite set of minis from Great Escape Games. I love the great variety of the figs, each seems to have a story to tell. From the post Civil War veterans, the gunslinger, to the Mexican and Native American members. Still working on their individual names. :-)

They'll be hanging out south of the border for now. Hoping to get my first game in soon. I've got a few things I can borrow from my WW2 North Africa terrain, but should get some more done in the next few months. Working on some DMH tokens as well.

Cheers,

Jason

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Tacos, Rum, and Pirates!

"Abandon hope all ye who enter here..."

"Jacob you swab, urry up. It's late in the afternoon."

Jacob looked up the hill at his fellow cutthroat Gillman. "You always a' worrying Gilly. Oh, It's getting dark, you spilled salt, it don't look right." Jacob laughed as he moved a crate.

Gilly sneered back which abruptly stopped as he saw new sails past their ship on the horizon. "Whosis' that mate?..." Gilly pointed.

Jacob looked up and saw the triangle sails of a small vessel. Barbary pirates for sure. "Thistles and blood, Captain Payne is gonna need us back to arms" Jacob spat. "We need to leave".

Jacob then turned and looked past Gillman to see an open chest. "Gilly you crab, don't be opening the booty. We need to go."

Gillman looked back at the chest. Gold treasure sparkled in the late sun. He turned back to Jacob "I didn't open it ya swab, you forgot to shut it."

"No he didn't" came a crackly dry rasp.

Both Jacob and Gillman turn to look up the hill past the chest into the cemetery ruins. Sailors with dark clothes began to walk toward them. Jacob and Gillman pulled their swords but almost dropped them in horror as the approaching sailors came closer into view.

"Open the rest" the dry rasp came again from the dark sailor fanning his sword. Then, his tricorn hat turned up to reveal a skull for his head. His whole body was just a skeleton beneath his shambling pirate-ware.

The undead pirate tilted it's skull and pointed his sword, "And no, you two will not be leaving..."

 

 

Had a little get together a few Fridays ago for some pre 4th of July fun. Yummy tacos, a quick game of "Pirate Dice", some margaritas and rum, sweet tunes, and spent the evening in the Age of Pirates. 💀

 

The scenario was basic treasure grab with five chests spread across the island topped with an old abandoned (not really 👻) graveyard. Four contained items we could use, the fifth contained snakes! (YIKES) Whichever pirate crew possessed the most treasure at the end of ten turns won. :-)

 

As mentioned in the previous post, we used a home brew set of rules we call "Age of Pirates," and the same pirate crew set up. Fifteen total with a captain, quartermaster, three mates, and ten crew/cutthroats. Again, every captain had a special rule along with the quartermaster having a special item or rule as well.

 

Coming to shore in their ships (both equipped with working cannons) was the Barbary pirates lead by Captain Sayyida al-Hurra and Captain Robert Payne and Payne's Company. Guarding the island graveyard and the treasure was none other than Grim's Shadows lead by Captain Captain Grimaldus Shade. 💀

 

After a fun evening, and ten turns of pirate on pirate action... Grim's Shadows held three treasure chests while the other crews each held one. Both mortal Captains (Payne and Sayyida al-Hurra) feel to the blades of Captain Grim and his crew. 💀💀

 

It took a few years to get Grim's Shadows back into action again. Hopefully there will be more spooky adventure again soon. :-)

 

Enjoy all the pics!

 

Jason 💀

 

 

The cruel Barbary pirates come to shore.

"They say Captain Payne can't be killed..."

Blunderbuss!!

I spy more pirate action in the future! :-)

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