Orcs in the Webbe

Ragnarok arrived on my doorstep yesterday, thankfully it was not the final destiny of the gods according to Norse mythology but the new issue of SFSW's journal.

Firstly as an introduction for anyone who’s not familiar with it, Ragnarok is the journal for the Society of Fantasy and Science Fiction Wargamers (more commonly known as SFSFW). The SFSFW is an international body dedicated to promoting the fantasy and science fiction genre within wargaming and the hobby in general.

As normal in my magazine reviews I've covered all articles, even those not directly of use to blackpowder gamers, as we all play different genres and games.

Sub-loque by Edmund Proctor

An expansion for Ed's Shiploque rules, previously published in Ragnarok 54 and 55. Written especially for use with Flintloque it's an article directly for the blackpowder gamer. Not a Flintloque player ? No problem. The rules can easily be used without the background in any 18th or 19th century wargame. The article also lists a cornucopia of places to get maritime themed miniatures.

Fantasy Air Wargaming by Steve Blease

A nice little article with details of all the fantasy wargames that have featured fantastic flying machines along with a list of miniatures suppliers. Orcs' own Aeroloque (using Aeronef rules for dogfights in Valon) gets a mention too. The article finishes off with a competition too, one with a real prize and the possibility of being published !

If Rome Had Not Fallen by Geoff Fabron

A whopping twelve page article detailing an alternate history where Rome never fell. The 17th through 19th century entries are marvellous and contain many a great idea for blackpowder wargamers. Romans with flintlock weaponry trying to put down a rebellion organised by a chap called Napoleon anyone ?

Whilst not for blackpowder wargamers, Ed's written a good spring board article encouraging WH40k players to think outside the shrink wrapped frequently re-released box.

"Tighten the Line" by Doug from Dark Realm Miniatures

A little scenario featuring three objectives making both players think carefully about deployment and tactics. With some tweaking playable with any blackpowder ruleset.

Space Vixens from Mars Episode 25B 'Divine Wind' by Gary Mitchell

A wonderful scenario for Space Vixens from Mars pitting the Vixens against none other than Bill Shatner's Captain James T Kirk. Brilliant in it's own right and non sci fi gamers can easily adapt the scenario to any setting. Personally I can see it as a Tale of Albion with a group of rebellios Orcs trying to escape with a variety of plans taken from a government building. Or set it during Tony Harwood's Dwarven Saurkraut wars with one group of Dwarves taking pages from the apocryphal other-wordly Halbritters Armoury Grimoire to turn the tide in the war. Great fun.

Space Hrud by Steve Blease

One race which remains oddly absent from the WH40k universe is the Skaven. Everyone else made it through the eons in some form or another but not them. In this rules supplement for Space Hulk (1st, 2nd or 3rd) Steve addresses that oversight on GW's part with a interesting alternative to battling plain old genestealers. Not for the blackpowder gamer but great for all Space Hulk owners.

Ragnarok's Regular Columns

The Cauldron

In these days of Internet news with eGroups for everything becoming more popular every week I'm not sure the Cauldron in it's current format is needed anymore but it does serve as a refresher of some of the more interesting titbits.

The Rules of War: Space Hulk 3rd Edition Review by Steve Jones

A good look at what I agree to be a cracking re-release of a classic. I was lucky enough to get one and am still thrilled by it. Some things should be lavishly re-done, Space Hulk was one of them.

Melting Pot

Like "The Rules of War" column you can never have to many reviews, especially of miniatures. Highlights this issue for me were the sci fi scenery sets.

Society Pages

A cracking idea listing upcoming regional wargames shows. Sadly affected by the delay in publishing this issue but a great resource I hope Ragnarok continues to print.

A cracking issue with plenty of content for the blackpowder wargamer. If you haven't already you really should pick up a copy.

To join the SFSFW go to their website here and follow the instructions, and if you want (as with any link you find useful on Orcs) tell them I sent you ;-)

Craig Andrews
January 2010