“The Patrol”

 

 

 

 Please enjoy this short story, I wrote it as a lead up to tomorrow's battle. I will be playing through a solo scenario and photographing the game. Afterwards I will be writing up the battle report and publishing it on the 4th of July. 

 

Thanks for following along! 

 

The night air was cool, and the moonlight glistened off the surface of the Silver River as we moved silently through the thick underbrush. My name is Sergeant Tomas Harrow, and tonight, my squad and I were far from the safety of our encampment in Cardinalia. Our mission was clear yet heavy with danger: to uncover the rumoured location of a Berylian cache of Lunarite, a substance that has altered the fate of both nations.

 

As the captain of a veteran patrol unit, I had been witness to several skirmishes along the volatile borders. Still, rumours of what Lunarite could do had added a sharp edge to our duties. The high command believed that obtaining more of this resource could be the key to overpowering Beryl's technologically advanced weaponry.

 

We approached silently, the only sound being an occasional night bird. My men were alert, their eyes darting over the shadowed terrain in search of any sign of the enemy. As we moved closer to the source, the soft murmur of voices shattered the night's quiet. With a silent hand gesture, I ordered my men to conceal themselves close to the ground.

 

I saw them through the bushes: a small contingent of Beryl troops, an officer with his men, guarding a nondescript wooden crate stamped with unfamiliar symbols—the Lunarite. They were well-armed. Their body language and the way they held their weapons spoke to them expecting trouble.

 

The direct engagement was too dangerous given our small numbers, but the Lunarite had to be recovered. I retrieved the map from its case and plotted our approach, using the terrain to our advantage. Our best bet was a swift, decisive strike catching the guards before they could react fully.

 

I turned to my men, whispering the plan as softly. "We strike hard and fast, secure the crate, and retreat before they can regroup. Remember, speed is our ally tonight."

 

There were nods of agreement at my words, and we prepared our weapons. Looking into the faces of my men, my resolve steeled: for Cardinalia; for our future, we could not afford to fail.

 

I uttered the signal; and, like shadows, we converged upon the target of our encounter: an encounter that would undoubtedly engulf us in the fires of battle.

The Riverclaw Brotherhood

 

  In the dense forests south of the Silver River, a group of rugged and skilled woodsmen have established a reputation as the most formidable mercenaries in the region. Known as the Riverclaw Brotherhood, they are renowned for their expertise in navigating treacherous terrain, their proficiency with both rifle and axe, and their unerring ability to track and hunt through the thickest of woods.

  The Riverclaw Brotherhood traces its origins back to a time of great turmoil when the forests were lawless and plagued by bandits. The founder, Aric "Ironwood" Thorne, a legendary woodsman with a fierce reputation, brought together a group of like-minded individuals to bring order to the chaos.

 

  As the Beryl Kingdom and Cardinalia vie for control over the precious minerals along the Silver River, both sides seek the services of the Riverclaw Brotherhood. The mineral-rich riverbanks promise immense wealth and power, making them a critical asset for both nations. The Brotherhood finds itself caught in the middle, their loyalty available to the highest bidder, yet bound by their own code of honor and survival.

 

  The Beryl Kingdom offers a generous sum and the promise of long-term alliances. Cardinalia, on the other hand, tempts the Brotherhood with immediate wealth and exclusive rights to the best hunting grounds, tugging at the mercenaries' deep connection to the land.

 

  As tensions rise, the Riverclaw Brotherhood must navigate not only the physical dangers of war but also the moral complexities of their choices. They walk a fine line between mercenary pragmatism and their own sense of justice, knowing that their actions will shape the future of the Silver River and the fate of those who depend on its bounty.

 

 

 

Restoration and rejuvination.

 Vintage toy soldiers are special to me. These tiny, time-worn warriors, made of lead or plastic, often tell our collective childhood story. I enjoy the restoration process; it always feels as if I am recapturing a bit of my youth each time.

 This process is not just a hobby; it's an art form that brings these miniature heroes back to life and preserves their nostalgic significance.

 The restoration process involves careful research and a keen eye for detail. I start by identifying the soldier's original colours, which can vary between manufacturers and time periods. With this information in hand, I either remove the old paint using non-abrasive methods (such as Biostrip) or do a repair job.

 

 Repair usually consists of painting over cracks with PVA or Mod Podge and once dry, colour matching to fit.  Repainting starts once stripped to their original state. A matte black or white surface primer is brushed on and then hobby acrylic or oil paints are used.

 

This Crescent Toy soldier has been touched up with AK 3^rd Gen Acrylic paint, but a glossy toy soldier would be given the treatment with our trusty tins of Humbrol. The right tools for the right job

 The joy of restoring vintage toy soldiers extends beyond the act of painting. It's a journey that bridges the past with the present, and it's deeply satisfying. I find immense pleasure in resurrecting these time-worn soldiers and seeing them return to their former glory. The meticulous process is a labour of love, a chance to breathe new life into artifacts that hold a piece of history.

 When the final brushstroke is completed, and the toy soldier stands proudly with its restored colours, it’s hard not to experience a profound sense of accomplishment.

  These tiny soldiers are often the forgotten heroes of our past, and by taking the time to restore and maintain them, it’s ensured that future generations can appreciate and learn from these miniature pieces of art. In a world that's constantly evolving and speeding up, it is very important to keep our hobby alive and bring in the next generation,

 In conclusion, the joy of restoring vintage toy soldiers lies not only in the act of bringing these artifacts back to life but also in the deeper connection to history and the preservation of our hobby. Collectors who invest time and effort in this delicate process find immense satisfaction in watching these miniature soldiers regain their original colours and purpose.

 
As they stand proudly on display, these tiny warriors remind us of a time when imagination and play were just as vivid as the hues that now adorn them.