Horde of Buildings 15mm 'Human' Buildings

Another Christmas acquisition - the 15mm Horde of Buildings 'Human' building set.  Now, as longer-term readers of the blog will know, my United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples are not the typical greenskin - they are the ones living in houses, cottages, towns and cities rather than the ramshackle huts of crude forts that most settings lumber the poor Orcs and Goblins with.  So, whilst Alternative Armies markets them (quite sensibly) as Human Buildings, for me they are perfect for UNORP!

I was lucky enough to receive the full set of five buildings - which are available singly or as a pack with a saving attached.

So, before I run through the different buildings, my first impressions: very clean casts, lots of texture on the thatch, tiles, wood and stones and only very minor air holes that required filling (in fact only one of the buildings had these - and that was right at the ground level and easily filled).  The buildings all have a nice substantial feel to them too.  They all have lots of character and charm - these aren't cookie cutter straight line boxes.

So, first up the Small Hovel - a nice thatched timbered cottage:

And a matching Large Hovel - same kind of vibe, just longer sides!

Moving onto the brick buildings now - first the Small House:

Just look at that roof - the tiles, the characterful shape!

Next - the appropriately named Tall House:

You might be able to make out the small area of white at the bottom - that was where a small number of holes needed just a touch of filler (Vallejo Plastic Putty was my choice).

Finally, the Large House:

It's a little difficult to see, but this building isn't a rectangular shape, but rather a corner.  It's really different and is a substantial piece - providing a nice centrepiece style item to the 15mm scenery collection.

I'll quite possibly pick up another Hovel or two - and I'm thinking about a second Small House to turn into a pub (if I can source a suitably sized sign of some sort!).  That should populate a nice small town to provide an objective to defend  (or attack in the case of Na Coiltte Dorcha or those pesky human barbarian tribes!).

I am very impressed with the quality of all of the buildings and can strongly recommend them to anyone looking for some 15mm fantasy scenery (of course, they could also work for some historical settings depending on if you like a slight fantastical/whimsical feel).

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.

Kletnek shows its favour to UNORP

I wanted some centrepiece style options for my UNORP army and based on an idea I had for one of the deities of the Goblins (check out my lore post on UNORP religion) I knew a giant bug would fit in!

So, I picked up the Monocoloid from Ral Partha Europe and it turns out it's quite a hefty kit!

Just needs its base textured and then it is on to priming for this chunky lad!

UNORP Reinforcements from Roblu

Roblu is the most heavily fortified and defended city in UNORP - so it makes sense that it contributes some of the best units to the UNORP armies!  I recently picked up a couple of packs to represent this important place in the UNORP world.

I wanted to bolster the Orcish core of the army so picked up a pack of Dwarf Eaters from Ral Partha Europe - these compliment my other heavily armoured Orc unit quite nicely:

These will get bases textured and then join the priming queue!

I also bought Varrig's Strong Arm Catapult - perfect for seeing off those Barbarians!

I'm hoping to pick up an Ogre to add to the crew - in UNORP, he'd probably have built the war machine!

UNORP Lore: Religion

This article introduces some of the deities that the diverse people of UNORP worship.

Orcs

Zunthor-Gul is the chief god of the Orcs, and therefore of UNORP. He is a stern diety, but a just one; although those found lacking in his eyes are sure to face his great wrath. His statue at the main Temple in Ilgard is thought to be the biggest in the world. Zunthor-Gul has many titles and names including Highest King, The Great Green and Lord of Anything He Wants.

Murz-Goldra is Zunthor-Gul's consort and, some whisper, is actually more powerful than The Great Green. She is a goddess of war and is considered the special patron of Rolbu where her main temple can be found – although it resembles more of a fortress than a place of worship.

Duz-Glug is the name of the unfathomable god that calls the great lake of Ilgard its home. Fisherorcs and sailors will offer up prayers to Duz-Glug before setting sail – a common oblation is crab claws, said to be the god's favourite food.

Goblins

In Goblin lore Kheertai the Great Mother is the most respected advisor of Zunthor-Gul, her wisdom and compassion for the people acting as a counterbalance to the Orc god's stern ways. She is said to appear mostly as a kindly old female Goblin and those seeking her favour offer her sweets at small altars and shrines dotting the countryside.

The Goblins also greatly revere Kletnek the World Bearer – they believe that the entire world is carried on the back of Kletnek, the biggest beetle that exists. They consider all beetles, spiders, scorpions and insects to be Kletnek's offspring.

Those Goblins that serve in the armies of UNORP tend to worship Otnalmi the True. Otnalmi is the patron of hunters, and by extension archers. She is said to favour the colour blue, so many Goblin regiments will carry arrow fletched with blue feathers to honour their goddess.

Trolls

The Trolls have only one god they call their own, Puljati the Pure. Appearing as the most beautiful Troll-Maiden, flowers spring from Puljati's footsteps and the Trolls believe all that is good in the world comes from her. Many Goblins have also taken to worshipping the gentle and kind Puljati; some have come to believe she is Kheertai's daughter.

Ogres

Ogres are not known for being particularly religious, but do pay tribute to Olakurk Flamebringer. Thought to be the ascended soul of the first Ogre, Olakurk is a patron of all arts and sciences and Ogre inventors will often credit flashes of inspiration to him with a simple exclaimation of "Olakurk!".

UNORP Lore: Introduction to the People

From time to time I'll post articles of Lore for UNORP - the background for my 15mm Dragon Rampant army.


The United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples (UNORP) is an alliance of various races, but ever since its conception it has been led by the Orcs. This has suited the other races, who have enjoyed the peace offered by being part of UNORP and used it to focus on their own cultures within the Union.

Orcs

The Orcs are the leading group within UNORP and with good reason. They provide the bulk of the armies that protect the citizens and provide most of the ruling class across the realms that UNORP claims as its own. Orcish culture is the dominant force within the Union, with the Orcish Cult of Zunthor-Gul being the de facto official religion, although other gods are also acknowledged. Orcish art and literature forms the basis of UNORP culture, however all peoples are valued for what they bring to the Union.

The capital of the Orcs, and by extension the whole of UNORP, is Ilgard, on the shores of a large lake. It is the largest city most travellers ever encounter and is a centre of commerce and culture. The main Temple to Zunthor-Gul at the heart of the city is a site of pilgrimage for all the peoples of the Union.

Other notable Orcish settlements include the garrsion-city of Rolbu, heavily fortified and with the largest standing army in UNORP due to its vicinty to the lands of humans and the constant threat of attacks by the Barbarians that seek to bring down Orcish civilisation. Rolbu is also the home of the various Knightly Orders of Warg Riders; the most famous being The Furies, an all-female order of warriors famed for their heroic and fearless deeds in battle.

Goblins

The Goblins are a numerous race, but are not warlike or violent by nature. They are a gentle people, close to their many gods and to the world they inhabit. They live simply, happy to accept their place in UNORP society and to contribute to the greater good in whatever ways they can. With their close connection to nature the Goblins both revere and make use of the various giant insects and arachnids that inhabit the woods of their lands.

The chief Goblin god is Kheertai the Great Mother, a benevolent diety who the Goblins believe helps to protect the Union.

Goblins may not be warlike, but they understand the need to support the UNORP armies and they often provide units to bolster the Orcish ranks, most commonly archers. In the most dire of times they will bring their giant beetles, scopions and spiders to war, but they do not do this lightly.

Trolls

The giant Trolls are famed for their knowledge of farming; Trollish farms provide over 80% of the food needed by the people of UNORP. They are a simple folk; hospitable to strangers, mindful of tradition and always ready to help a traveller in need. The Trolls know that even they must sometimes take up arms to help protect their farmlands against the savage raiders from the North-East.

Ogres

The architects, scientists and artisans of UNORP, the Ogres can boast of providing some of the brightest minds in the Union. They designed the immense lake-docks of Ilgard and created the near-impenetrable defences at Rolbu. Ogre-crafted weapons are amongst the most prized in the Union and all the Knightly Orders use Ogre-made swords, axes and maces. Ogres can often be found serving in the UNORP military, between battles they direct the building of siege engines and fortifications, during battle they bring their famous strength to bear on the enemies of the Union.

UNORP Cavalry

From the moment I saw them in the Ral Partha online store I knew I wanted to get Clangett's Furies - I thought they'd be a perfect addition to the UNORP forces.  To my mind they are fulfilling the role of Knights in Orcish society.

Here they are ready for priming:

These are fun sculpts - the Orc riders are full of character; each one looks like she's ready to cut down some Barbarian rabble to protect the citizens of UNORP!

UNORP Reinforcements

A big part of the UNORP concept is the alliance of races - I've already posted my (current) Orcs and Goblins and here are representatives of a couple more races!

All minis are from Ral Partha's Demonworld line.

First up, the Trolls (Armoured Trolls as Ral Partha calls them):

I really like these sculpts, full of character!

I also picked up an Armoured Ogres pack to ensure that race is represented:

Again, the sculpts are chock full of character and look like they'll be great to paint!

The United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples

Trials... and I have been chatting about trying out some 15mm wargaming and we thought the flexibility of Dragon Rampant offered an easy way to give it a go!

I've decided upon a grand alliance of Orcs (and related peoples - think Goblins, Trolls, Ogres) that has come together to protect its culture and civilisation from those who would seek to overthrow their position in the world... I've called them UNORP - the United Nations of Orcs and Related Peoples.

Well I looked around and decided upon the Ral Partha Demonworld 15mm line as the source for my army. I focussed on the infantry element first to build a good core to the army.

Of course, I needed a leader and thankfully Ral Partha offer a good selection of individual miniatures - I decided on the 'Orc Champion with Dual Swords':

Given the army's concept as defenders of Orcish civilisation I wanted a heavily armoured core unit - I decided upon the Savage Stormtroopers pack (which, rather handily has 12 minis - perfect for Dragon Rampant):

I also picked up a pack of Light Swordbearers - given that I knew I wanted to include representatives of a few races I needed some cheaper Orcs to make sure they remained the majority of the army!

I couldn't skip on some Goblins however, so decided to add a pack of Goblin Archers:

I've already got my eye on some more packs to finish (well, you know what I mean) the UNORP army.