Proxima Centauri - background

Recently I fell into a rabbit hole of 15mm adventure - starting with Burning Sands by Crom's Anvil.  I'll be covering that more when I've got some painted minis!

Anyway, while I was looking around getting all sorts of miniatures for that game I obviously came across inspiration for another project (isn't that always the way?) - there are a fair few really nice 15mm sci-fi ranges out there, and I decided I'd acquire stuff for a similar adventurous game as Burning Sands is providing me in a fantasy world.

So I'm working through prepping miniatures from Alternative Armies, Ral Partha Europe and CP Models but in the meantime I've thrashed out a bit of background for my universe.  I thought I'd share the first part of that today!

Continued and accelerating decline in Earth’s ability to sustain life during the 2020s due to climate change resulted in ever more extreme weather – causing drought, famine, flood and fire.  This, coupled with exponential population growth leading to increasing wars for the dwindling resources of the planet, caused some to seek a means of escape.

By 2030 the richest individuals of Earth had plotted to leave to head for the nearest star – Proxima Centauri.  Giant spaceships called Arks were constructed – the wealthy guaranteed their place, others only permitted because of what they could offer the rich; as much a resource as the hoarded food, fuel and technology.

At least a dozen of these Arks were built and launched – but over the many thousands of years that the journey took several were lost, presumed destroyed.  As time passed each Ark formed its own distinct culture, with each becoming known as a House – the descendants of the original individuals formed the Nobles of the House and held absolute power, with the descendants of the workers becoming known as Vassals.

Eventually, many millennia later, eight Arks arrived at the Proxima Centauri system to start a new life – but they quickly found they were not alone on the various planets there; sentient beings from a hundred different worlds could be found there… including humans.

Unlike the humans of the Houses, these humans had no real tie back to Earth – they had been here since the glory days of the Centauran Empire.  The Centaurans were great travellers, explorers and scientists and at times during their history had taken humans from Earth to study them – eventually the descendants of these humans became a part of Centauran society, albeit as third-class citizens.  As the Centauran Empire eventually declined the humans were given full rights and found their own way – they became known as Freedans.

The eight Houses that survived the trip to Proxima Centauri are:

AFA Union (Arnault-Ferrero-Albrecht) – whilst imperfect, the Union has an egalitarian attitude and makes allies easily with other species and even other Houses.

House Ambani – the Ambani have no specialism – but they are involved in absolutely everything, making them powerful players in the system.

House Bezos – even so many millennia after its founding the Vassals of House Bezos are treated close to slaves.

Zango Dangote – the Dangote maintained their many traditions and customs whilst embracing new technology during their journey to Proxima Centauri.

House Mordashov – certain of their destiny to rule the surviving humans, the Mordashov seek power in the system by any means necessary - they are masters of industrial espionage, cyberwarfare and propaganda.

House Mota-Velasco – masters of industry from mining to fabrication, Mota-Velasco is known for its hard working and hard playing people.

Clan Yanai – titans of design and commerce, even the Vassals of Clan Yanai are wealthy compared to their peers of other Houses.

Clan Zhong – as the Ark moved forwards, the culture of Clan Zhong returned to something resembling the Imperial Court of China. 

The lost Houses included Al Saud, Buffet and Windsor – the names of any others are lost to history.  Occasionally humans show up claiming to be from one of these lost Houses – they tend to be Freedans seeking some form of notoriety, but who knows if there are some survivors out there?

Following the vast influx of Earth humans from the Arks, and after a lengthy period of several centuries of conflict and assimilation, peace has mostly returned to the Proxima Centauri system - outright war has been avoided for the last 50 years.  Of course, skirmishes between species, Houses, corporations, organisations and more are still commonplace, particularly in border areas where tensions often spark over small matters.

Na Coiltte Dorcha - Ard-Bhanríon Cuileann

 

The Elves of Na Coiltte Dorcha are ruled by their High Queen (Ard-Bhanríon in the tongue of the Elves) called Cuileann.  She has ruled over her kind for as long as any Elf can remember, and many are the wars that she has fought against those who would threaten the Dark Woods - long slipped from the memories of most races are the names of those empires and civilisations she has laid low.

Cuileann will often take to the field of battle to lead her troops against the most dangerous of enemies.  She typically rides at the head of her personal honour guard, made up of her sisters and cousins.  These lethal warriors are skilled with both sword and bow and are mounted upon dark unicorns of ill temper.

First amongst the High Queen's kin is Seamair - who is given the unique honour of carrying the Queen's personal standard into battle.  This banner inspires courage in her people, and fear in her enemies - for it to be sighted is a sign of sure death to all who oppose the Elves of Na Coillte Dorcha.

The High Queen and her kin ride to battle!

(L-R - Seamair and Ard-Bhanríon Cuileann)

These complete the Na Coillte Dorcha project and provide a nice hard-hitting force of Elite Riders (with Mounted Missiles option).  They are from Ral Partha's Demonworld range - where they are called Wood Elf Female Unicorn Riders.  Rather helpfully they come 6 to a pack, which is perfect for Dragon Rampant!

Na Coillte Dorcha - Fuinseog, An Rí Síoraí

 

The surest sign of the intentions of the Elves of Na Coillte Dorcha was the awakening of the incredibly ancient and powerful being known as Fuinseog, An Rí Síoraí.  

When Fuinseog marches to war, the earth itself trembles as if in fear - for this is no mere tree-spirit or woodland faerie; it is the very primordial essence of the Dark Woods itself manifested into a towering tree-like form.  With powerful limbs it strikes at the enemies of Na Coillte Dorcha, sweeping aside lesser creatures Orcs and Goblins and tearing apart the larger Ogres and Trolls.

Revered by the Elves as some deity, Fuinseog channels the emotions of those who have woken it - their unending anger, rage and hatred all feeding it and guiding its actions.

The Union fears this creature like almost no other; it has trampled over scores of its soldiers - their very lifeblood an offering to this dread entity.

Fuinseog, An Rí Síoraí

This is a Tree Shepherd from Ral Partha's Demonworld range - I added some clump foliage to give it some extra volume and texture on top!

Na Coillte Dorcha - The Daoine Broic

Amongst the most warlike of the Elves of the Dark Woods are The Daoine Broic - who have taken as their totem the dire badger; a savage, territorial creature that calls Na Coillte Dorcha its home.

To join the Daoine Broic an elf must track and kill a dire badger - those that survive don the fur of their prey and in a secret ritual imbibe a mixture of badger blood and woodland herbs, becoming as ferocious as their totem.  Some believe they actually become one with the spirit of the animal they have sacrificed.

These elves lead the vanguard of the increasingly numerous attacks staged by the denizens of Na Coillte Dorcha against the Union; armed with claws of elven steel they tear through their foes, leaving only shredded flesh and torn armour in their wake.

The Daoine Broic

Like with the rest of the 15mm Dragon Rampant collection these are from Ral Partha Europe - they are Wood Elf Badger People.  I plan to use these as Bellicose Foot in Dragon Rampant.

Na Coillte Dorcha - The Ruathair

The Elves of Na Coillte Dorcha once kept to the confines of those dark woods - but no more.  Something has changed within this ancient race and they seem no longer content to merely protect their domain - they have begun to stage merciless raids against villages near to the woods.

Striking without warning, often at night, these raids are led by elven warriors carrying both bow and barbed spear - and they are experts with both.  These Elves are known as Ruathair amongst their kind and their cruelty is becoming infamous amongst the peoples of the Union.

Already the villages of Ubrin and Breshbu have been razed - with the inhabitants slaughtered to the last goblin.  The largest settlement to face the wrath of the Dark Woods so far was the Troll and Orc town called Bhuzga Ozdal - all that remains today of that once peaceful and prosperous market town is the charred ground and a small mountain of bones.

The Ruathair

These are from Ral Partha Europe's Demonworld range - they are called Wood Elf Hunters.  In Dragon Rampant these will be Light Foot with the Mixed Weapons upgrade.

Na Coillte Dorcha - The Leanaí Duille

The Elves of the Dark Woods do not claim that domain alone - entities older than even the ancient race of Elves call the Woods home.  Entities that share the hatred that the Elves have for the Orcs and Goblins.

Primordial spirits of nature itself - the very creators of Na Coillte Dorcha - rise to defend their sacred lands.  Having no real form of their own - they appear to mortal eyes as nothing more than small purple-tinged balls of light - these spirits inhabit shells made from the Woods themselves - bark, vine, branch and stone held together by the energy of the spirits.  When in this form they are known by the Elves as The Leanaí Duille - and it is in this form that they are most often found, assisting the Elves to protect Na Coillte Dorcha from harm.

The Leanaí Duille

These are from Ral Partha's Demonworld range - where they are called Shrublings.  They come 6 to a pack, so I bought two packs to use as a single unit in Dragon Rampant - I plan to use them as Heavy Infantry most likely.

Na Coillte Dorcha - Guardians of the Dark Woods

The Dark Woods has long been a place of both wonder and dread to the people of the Union.  Long ago the elves that call the Woods their home had been allies and mentors to the Orcs and Goblins teaching the younger races about the world - but that time is long past and not remembered by even the most scholarly Orc.

The Elves do not forget though...

Now, hundreds of years later, the Orcs and other members of the Union are not welcome in the Dark Woods.  Those who enter generally suffer one of two fates - the lucky walk for days until nearly delirious from thirst and hunger they arrive right where they entered the Woods.

The unlucky ones are met by a group of Elven Guardians and inevitably become food for the trees - a sacrifice to Na Coillte Dorcha.

These bands of Guardians are expert trackers - well-versed in woodcraft and virtually silent to the ears of most, they follow interlopers and engage in all manner of mental torture.  Once their prey's mind begins to break they strike with wickedly barbed javelins - most victims don't ever see the silver-haired Elves before they die.

Seicamar's Guardians 

Dair's Guardians

These are Wood Elf Skirmishers from Ral Partha Europe.  I picked up an extra single mini of the leader so I could run them as two units of Scouts in Dragon Rampant.

UNORP - Jughog-Mahk, Lord-Protector of the Union

Given the dire situation that the Army of Rolbu finds itself in, trapped between the hated human barbarians and the forces of the Dark Wood, it is perhaps unsurprising that Jughog-Mahk, Lord-Protector of the Union has arrived to personally lead the Army.

Jughog-Mahk has a military career spanning three decades, from his time in the light infantry through to him been given his generalship during the gruelling Six-Year War against the Dwarven Empire to today where he bears the title Lord-Protector of the Union.

A keen tactical mind honed in the finest Military Academy of Rolbu, paired with swordsmanship almost unequalled in the Union, have made Jughog-Mahk a living legend amongst the armies - and a name spoken only with hushed tones of fear and hate by the Union's enemies.

Jughog-Mahk fights with a pair of swords, each blessed by the clerics of all of the Gods of the peoples of the Union.  The Lord-Protector says this reminds him of his duty to defend the citizens from all the uncivilised and evil forces that would assail the Union.

This is from Ral Partha (of course!) - it's Orc Champion with Dual Swords.

UNORP - Scion of Kletnek

In the most perilous of times the Goblins bring their giant beetles, spiders and scorpions to battle - these ancient creatures are believed to be the offspring of Kletnek the World Bearer, a primordial beetle-God.

One of the largest of the Goblin's giant beetles is referred to reverently as the Scion of Kletnek.  This gigantic purple beetle is accompanied by a small group of Goblin priests who help direct him towards the enemy lines while shooting arrows charged with mystical energy

The Scion has recently joined with the Army of Rolbu, providing a massive boost to morale to the beleaguered force caught between two enemies.  With such a child of a god fighting alongside them, how can the proud Orcs, Goblins, Trolls and Ogres fail?

This is Monocoloid from Ral Partha's Classic Demonworld range.  It's a multipart kit, the trickiest bits were the legs!

UNORP - The War Council of Rolbu

The Commander of every army of the Union has an advisor drawn from the main Temples and Churches.  The largest armies have War Councils formed of senior clerics to provide the commanders with wisdom, tactical advice and to interpret any portents and omens that may be encountered.

The force recently dispatched from Rolbu is fighting on two fronts; first against the human barbarians and second against an alliance emerging from the Dark Woods.  It is no surprise that a full War Council accompanies the army to provide advice and assistance.

These War Councils are not mere advisors however, they are present on the battlefield channeling the powers of the Gods into magical spells of considerable power to smite the enemies of the Union and protect the peoples from harm.

The War Council of Rolbu is headed up by High-Priest Viguka of the Temple of Zunthor-Gul.  He is joined by Podagog the Unrelenting, a fierce representative of the Cult of Murz-Goldra.  Finally there is Ghamorz, Keeper of the Word - from a minor temple but a scholar of some renown amongst the clerics of the Union.

The War Council of Rolbu

These are from Ral Partha - their Orc Shamans three pack from Demonworld Classic.

UNORP - The Sapphire Brigade

While regiments of axebearers provide a stalwart defence, it is the regiments of swordbearers that the commanders of the Union use to strike the hammer-blow to the enemies of the peoples.

Wielding double-handed Ogre-crafted swords as tall as an Orc, the swordbearers are viewed as gallant warriors by the citizens (and as fancy-dans by their colleagues in the axebearer regiments...), with more songs and plays written about their exploits than probably any other single regiment-type in the armies of the Union.

One such regiment of swordbearers is the Sapphire Brigade.  Clad in blue robes, these dashing Orcs are amongst the finest warriors in the Union, wielding their blades with ease that belies their size and weight.  Led by the eccentric Zorfu of Ucroz, who maintains the fashion of the ancient Grorcs civilisation by wearing a helmet adorned with a Warg-hair crest, the Brigade has a fairly friendly rivalry with the Shield of Rolbu regiment of axebearers who they have fought alongside for years.

The Sapphire Brigade

Zorfu of Ucroz

These are from Ral Partha - where they are called Dwarf Eaters.

UNORP - Royal Engineers Guild (4th Ilgard Branch)

The Royal Engineers Guild represents Ogre-interests in the politics of the Union and, despite its name, encompasses all of Ogre-kind. Organised into local branches, the Guild carries out charitable works to improve the lot of the peoples; public works like improving roads, aquaducts and house-building campaigns ensure they are well-liked by the citizens of the Union.

Ilgard, as the largest city of the Union has nine Royal Engineers Guild branches each looking after a neighbourhood.  The professional rivalries between these branches lead them to seek to outdo each other in how well they maintain and improve their areas; while this means the citizens of Ilgard have the best roads and buildings they are always been extended, renovated or improved which sometimes causes its own problems!

The 4th Ilgard Branch has in its purview Little Goblinton and the Church of Kheertai the Great Mother - although not much for religion, the Ogres take pride in the care with which they renovate the church in particular for they know how beloved it is by the local Goblin population.

During times of war the local branches form into volunteer units - bringing the fearsome strength of the Ogres to bolster the armies of the Union.  At the moment a contingent from the 4th Ilgard Branch has travelled to join up with the main army - their costs were met by donations from the Goblin families in their neighbourhood.

Royal Engineers Guild (4th Ilgard Branch)

An individual Ogre, perhaps helping to protect a small hamlet

The minis are from Ral Partha, the 4th Ilgard Branch are their Armoured Ogres and the lone chap is one of their Ogres. They are all single-piece castings.

UNORP - The Furies, Paladins of Murz-Goldra

The patron of the mighty city of Roblu is Murz-Goldra, a powerful goddess of war and battle.  There are numerous warrior orders dedicated to her worship, honouring her through their pursuit of martial perfection.

The most famed is the all-female order called The Furies.  These Paladins of Murz-Goldra ride fearsome Wargs to battle, a sacred animal of their goddess.  The Furies see themselves as the righteous anger of Murz-Goldra made Orcflesh and train in the most aggressive fighting techniques - masters all of wielding two weapons from the back of their mounts.

Each young Orc that joins The Furies is bonded to a Warg pup - they raise and fight alongside their new companion from then on.  This bond seems almost magical to the commoners of the Union - tales are told of The Furies and their Wargs all across the lands.

Every victory The Furies deliver is offered up to Murz-Goldra - they are considered the epitome of the noble warrior and carry with them the honour of the Union.

The current High-Templar is Lagakh whose bond-Warg is a rare albino known as Hailstorm. 

The Furies, Paladins of Murz-Goldra

High-Paladin Lagakh and Hailstorm

These are Ral Partha Demonworld minis - Clanngett's Furies (I paid homage with their name but put my own spin on it for UNORP).  They are two-piece castings; warg and rider.

UNORP - The Pride of Rolbu

The great garrison-city of Rolbu contains many workshops creating all manner of tools of war - swords, axes, armour, bolt throwers and, mightiest of all, the fearsome catapults.  First invented by the Ogres, these war machines can be found installed in most major cities of the Union - in dire circumstances they are mounted on great wheeled carriages and taken to the battlefield; as the great tactician Yaizag IV said "you don't need to fear a siege if you stop them getting to your walls".

One such catapult currently deployed to join the armies of the Union is 'The Pride of Rolbu'.  Designed by the Ogre engineer Konog, who still accompanies it to battle, The Pride has taken part in many wars since it was built - the superstitious amongst the armies it has fought alongside swear it is blessed by Zunthor-Gul himself for the way it has smashed apart enemy formations!

The Pride of Rolbu

Crew of The Pride - note the Ogre Engineer Konog (second left) keeping an eye on his creation

This piece (as always for UNORP!) is from Ral Partha Europe - Varrig's Strong Arm Catapult is the name it goes by there.  The Catapult is multi-part (easy and simple though) and each crew member (or pair) is single-cast.  I also added a single Ogre from their range to fit with the UNORP setting.

UNORP - Farmers' Alliance Self-Protection Force (Jogran Village Chapter)

In the most dire of circumstances the Trollish peoples of the Union take to the battlefield.  Normally peaceful farmers and keepers of livestock, in war the towering Trolls take up axe, club and blade to protect their farms and produce.

Most Trolls are members of the Farmers' Alliance, which organises along Chapters covering the various towns, villages and surrounding areas.  During times of strife these Chapters mobilise the strongest and toughest they have into Self-Protection Forces.  When peace is found once more these Forces stand down and the Trolls return to their fields and cattle.

The village of Jogran is one such Trollish village (although it has plenty of Goblin families calling it home too).  The Self-Protection Force here is known for being tough, no-nonsense types with a famous warcry of 'Get off our land!'.

Farmers' Alliance Self-Protection Force (Jogran Village Chapter)

As with the rest of the UNORP army I have these are from Ral Partha - in this case they are their Armoured Trolls.

UNORP - The Shield of Rolbu

The more formidable of Orcish heavy infantry are the axebearers - armoured with the finest mail, carrying heavy shields and wielding the double-headed steel axes that they take their name from.  The axebearers often form the steel-clad heart at the core of most armies raised by the Union. The majority of these regiments are raised in Ilgard and Rolbu from the strongest and most steadfast Orcs that progress through the military academies in those great cities.

One such regiment is known as The Shield of Rolbu - led by Sir Argug the Red, a decorated hero of the Union.  This regiment of axebearers has beaten back scores of enemy armies and was particularly instrumental in the Battle of Three and a Half Armies and the Fifth Siege of Rolbu. 

The Shield of Rolbu

Sir Argug the Red

These are the Savage Stormtroopers from Ral Partha Europe.

UNORP - Otnalmi's Faithful

The Goblins of the Union, whilst many, are not great warriors.  When they do take to the battlefield it is most commonly as archers, providing missile support to their more warlike cousins, the Orcs.

Most such regiments of Goblin archers take names to honour on of their myriad deities, particularly Otnalmi the True.  One such regiment that is currently serving with distinction in campaigns against both the human barbarian threat and the dreadful horrors of the Dark Woods is known as Otnalmi's Faithful.

Otnalmi's Faithful

These are from Ral Partha's Demonworld line - specifically their Goblin Archers (unsurprisingly!)

UNORP - Borkul's Town Watch

Orc light infantry regiments are a frequent sight in armies and warbands in the service of the Union.  They are typically formed from young Orcs, within their first two or three years of coming of age, who are fulfilling what they call their Duty to the Union - they are usually placed as garrison troops, protecting towns across the nations.  The training and discipline they pick up in the regiments helps them understand their role in UNORP society when it comes time for them to return to their non-military lives or else to progress to another role in the Orcish armies.

These regiments are most commonly named after the village, town or fortress where they are stationed.  Borkul's Town Watch however is named after their leader, the experienced Borkul.  Borkul signed up to carry out his Duty to the Union 15 years ago with the Watch regiment of his hometown of Orzu - but when his Duty ended he didn't return to his family's pottery business, nor did he sign on with one of the more prestigious regiments within the armies of the Union; instead Borkul stayed with the Watch and was eventually asked to become the Sergeant leading the regiment.  He has since helped to instruct, mentor and lead scores of young Orcs, a fact that was recognised when the regiment was renamed after him.  His parents say the ceremony where the Mayor of Orzu made the announcement and awarded Borkul with a special amulet was the proudest of their lives.

Borkul's Town Watch

 Borkul himself

These are Ral Partha minis -  the Light Swordbearers from the Demonworld range of 15mm fantasy.

Na Coillte Dorcha - The Dark Woods Live!

I knew I wanted a mixed feel to Na Coillte Dorcha - whilst the majority would be Elves, it was important to include other denizens of the Dark Woods, so I trawled the Ral Partha Demonworld range again and found some suitable reinforcements!

First, I got two packs of Shrublings - making a full size unit of Foot for Dragon Rampant.  These woodland elementals can represent the Dark Woods themselves rising up to march to war!

I also picked up a Tree Shepherd - providing a nice centrepiece mini for Na Coillte Dorcha:

It's about 50mm tall - so it'll tower over the rest of the force!

Na Coillte Dorcha - The Dark Woods Rise!

While the armies of UNORP fight a constant battle against the human barbarians, it is not the only threat that assails the civilised peoples - from the Dark Woods a new threat rises...

Hitting up the Ral Partha Demonworld range once more I've started raising an army for my wife to command in battle against my Orcish force.

Of course, every army needs a leader - for Na Coillte Dorcha I've opted for a unit of Wood Elf Unicorn Riders to represent the Queen of the Dark Woods and her personal guard:

I also got a unit of Wood Elf Hunters - providing a mixed infantry/missile unit core to the army:

I also got a pack of Wood Elf Skirmishers - which breaks down nicely into a couple of units of Scouts for Dragon Rampant:

Finally for the Elven part of the force (for now!) I knew I wanted the Badger People! These claw-armed and fur-wearing savage warriors will be perfect as Bellicose Foot in Dragon Rampant:

The minis are, as always with Ral Partha, awesome!

There's more stirring in the Dark Woods though...