Both battalions of the Italian 6th Regiment stand ready for battle, resplendent in their white coats with green facings and red cuff highlights. Whether marching in column or forming up for a desperate defense, they bring a distinct Napoleonic flair to the tabletop. From the Voltigeurs in bearskin colpacks to the wounded drummer keeping pace, each miniature captures the character of these French-allied soldiers.
Progress continues on my French Corp up next the Italian 6th Regiment, Somewhere in Spain...
Marshal Jean-de-Dieu Soult surveyed the battered remnants of his corps from the heights above Oporto, the morning mist still clinging to the Douro like a ghostly shroud. The retreat from Portugal had been an unrelenting test of endurance, a march through rain-soaked valleys and mountain passes where every step was dogged by relentless British pursuit and the merciless bite of starvation.
Sturmtrupp Falke was once the pride of the Fallschirmjäger, their name whispered with both awe and fear across the battlefields of Europe. Forged in the fires of Crete, where they earned their reputation as elite shock troops, they were the spearhead of the German airborne forces. But the victory on that sun-scorched island came at a steep cost. The toll of Crete is evident in their ranks—men who once moved with the precision of a well-oiled machine now bear the weight of their losses, both in comrades and in spirit.
"Somewhere in Spain, 1811—The rhythmic thunder of cannon fire echoes through the valley, sending plumes of smoke curling into the dry Iberian air. The Polish gunners, their czapkas adorned with the white eagle of their homeland, work with the precision of veteran soldiers. Exiled from their own country, they now fight for France—knowing that every shot fired against Wellington’s forces brings them one step closer to reclaiming Poland."
Somewhere in Spain, 1810…
The war in Spain was a brutal and grueling conflict for the cavalry of Napoleon’s Grande Armée. Unlike the sweeping charges of the open battlefields of Central Europe, the jagged sierras and winding roads of the Iberian Peninsula offered little room for grand maneuver. The Spanish and their British and Portuguese allies harassed French columns at every turn, and guerrillas made the countryside a graveyard for the unwary. Yet, in this chaos, the horsemen of Girard’s reinforced division—a fictitious but plausible formation in Marshal Soult’s 5th Corps—carved out a name for themselves with steel and fire.
When crafting Black Vasken, the Tattered Prince, I drew inspiration from
Gav Thorpe's "Better Than the Rest" hero creation article to deepen his
abilities and narrative. Thorpe’s approach to hero creation emphasizes
not only power and stats but also the integration of a character's
history, motivations, and evolving path to greatness. For Black Vasken,
this philosophy helped elevate his transformation from a mere statline
to a symbol of Khorne's bloody might, illustrating how a hero's trials
and growth shape their narrative within the Chaos pantheon.
The editorial entries by Jake Thornton in White Dwarf issues 196, 197, and 198 provide an interesting glimpse into the early stages of what would become Thorskinson's Island. These articles hint at the beginning of a larger campaign being planned at the White Dwarf studio, capturing a sense of excitement and creative energy within the Games Workshop team. The editorials reveal the internal discussions and challenges that come with designing a massive campaign—choices about which armies to field, how to structure the rules, and the inevitable distractions that arise in a busy studio environment.
Jonathan Green’s Dawn of the Restless Dead serves as a vibrant blend of storytelling and gaming inspiration for Warhammer Fantasy Battle (WFB) enthusiasts. It reflects Green's dual role as a storyteller and game designer, showcasing how narrative "colour text" enhances the gaming experience. Through his discussion of the creative process, character development, and scenario building, Green provides readers with an insightful guide for integrating compelling lore into tabletop gaming.
In wargaming, part of the joy of creating a narrative and immersive experience is the ability to shape your army’s leaders to reflect your own strategic preferences and creative vision. While special characters like Teclis, Nagash, or Archaon bring iconic flavor to battles, they may not always fit the vision players have for their army. Many players desire the option to create their own unique heroes, with subtle stat tweaks or minor abilities that suit their playstyle. This concept of character customization has been explored in a variety of articles, from Citadel Journal to White Dwarf, and has seen increasing popularity in modern wargaming circles. This article will explore how small, meaningful tweaks to a hero’s stat line can create a more personalized and dynamic gaming experience.
Epic Campaigns for Warhammer Fantasy Battle: Multi-Table Madness
What if your Warhammer Fantasy battles didn’t stop at the table’s edge? Imagine commanding armies that traverse sprawling battlefields, reinforce allies in desperate clashes, and skirmish across an entire kingdom. Multi-table campaigns offer players an opportunity to transcend traditional tabletop games, transforming isolated battles into a living, breathing war. Inspired by Jervis Johnson’s ideas for large-scale, multi-table campaigns, this format is a natural fit for Warhammer Fantasy Battle 4th Edition, bringing its epic scale and rich narrative to the forefront.
Creating an army in the world of tabletop wargaming is about more than just assembling models—it's about crafting a narrative, an identity, and a theme that resonates with the lore and aesthetics of the army. Combining Nigel Stillman’s philosophy with the distinctive character of a Chaos Army led by General Black Vasken and his mounted Chaos Dwarfs on tiny, barded ponies offers a unique opportunity to blend deep, lore-driven world-building with a touch of whimsy and creativity.
Leaders of Valor: The Brigade Commanders and Colonels of the Duchy of Warsaw in Spain
The
4th and 7th Regiments of the Duchy of Warsaw, famed for their
unwavering loyalty to Napoleon, owed much of their success in Spain to
the exemplary leadership of their brigade commanders and regimental
colonels. These men not only carried the weight of tactical decisions
but also inspired their troops with personal acts of courage and
resilience.
The 4th and 7th Regiments of the Duchy of Warsaw carried not just muskets into battle, but also the hopes of a nation striving for independence. Key to their success in the Peninsular War and on the Eastern Front were the officers, drummers, and standard bearers who forged order and unity amid chaos.
