"Flintloque: Outpost"

Notes From A 2005 Flintloque Campaign Outline by Craig Andrews, Luke Passingham and Jaffa Holland

Arwork from Seaside Snow Village by Jcinc1*

Flintloque: Outpost was a character and resource driven campaign framework set in the Frozen lands of Valon allowing players to thematically use whatever miniatures they had...

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A Note From The Author

Flintloque: Outpost was the second campaign framework I wrote for Flintloque⁽¹⁾, way back in 2005. I wanted something like an old school play-by-mail game that my Flintloque playing friends and I, who weren't getting as much table time as we used to, could play via email and fight the occasional linked battle when we did meet up. I found Chris Ferree’s excellent Ubonga Solo Campaign Rules online and set about retheming them. I wrote an introductory bit of fluff setting the scene in the strangely quiet borders of the Star Wraith's Witchlands. I then copied verbatim the excellent race/nation descriptions from Rank & Vyle, Wessex Games' company level black powder rulset set in Valon, and popped them onto a hastily find/replaced copy of Ubonga. I then ran it for a couple of months for my good friends Luke Passingham and Jaffa Holland, two folks who regular readers of Orcs in the Webbe will recognise as long term contributers to the site. As with many ideas and projects the downtime proved to be too time consuming and it sadly fell by the wayside. However whilst looking for articles for this years calendar I thought it would be a nice fit and something a little bit different. I've not included the sections from Rank & Vyle or the actual body of rules content from Ubonga (although links can be found at the bottom of the article). I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did whilst digitally dusting it off for publication as part of the 2022 Advent Calendar. And who knows, if it's popular I might even develop something on the back of it for Orcs in the Webbe's readers. Keep the Flag Flying!

Craig Andrews
December 2022

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Introduction

What with the recent strange movements of the Star Wraith’s troops seemingly withdrawing to the far North and the increasing interest in the borderlands by Valons other nations, it has been decided a military presence is required in the region. You have been appointed commander of a newly formed outpost well within the Witchlands borders nearby a colony which was established some years ago.

The colony contains about a dozen families. They were held in servitude, working the land for the Star Wraith, but now with his troops having withdrawn they operate the farms for themselves. Having been held in slavery for so long, the population of the colony would be of little use as enlisted troops, but could do good service as labourers if needed.

Aside from the local colony, your outpost has but one other building. A small abandoned house that belonged to a long forgotten missionary, subsequently used as a residence by the Vampyre captains of the Star Wraith’s forces. There is also small pier that juts out into the river, facilitating the loading and unloading of supplies.

Inhabiting the surrounding countryside are various villages and colonies of other Valonian nations. Out here in the wilderness the Mordredian Wars have barely touched these people, survival in the harsh weather is more important to them than lines on a map. Also, because of the constant threat of attack, many of the colonists are fearful and potentially hostile to any stranger that enters their territory, even ones flying their own nation’s colours.

It is rumoured that small groups of the Star Wraiths forces still inhabit the far recesses of the borderlands as well as the native Werewolves. Fearful of all outside contact, these creatures will use any means to protect their privacy.

Further complicating things in the region, the internal wars of the Nuttul tribes to the East and the War of Independence raging in Armorica to the West are pushing potentially hostile forces and civilians into the borderlands. Tensions are mounting as they try to gain control of as much land as possible.

Also, to the South East, the Othari of the Otharmann Empire are themselves are a threat. With their situation worsening in Aegypt they also may try to lay claim to this hostile land, who knows what they might do.

Of course it’s not only the people that can wreak havoc on the region, the land itself can be a menace. Severe cold, famine, and flood, along with wild animals and disease await you and your men.

And so begin your adventures in Flintloque: Outpost…

~

The Ferach Elves of Armorica under the command of Captain Maxime Roland Phillipe D’arcy (Luke Passingham)

Taken from the Journal of Maxime D’arcy

What a few days! It's been pretty much non stop here in the Capital. There’s been some kind of victory in Catalucia. Not quite sure where or who we defeated but John-Pascal ensures me it was tremendously important. What is has meant however is that everyone has been living it up, parties everywhere. One particular soiree even led to a pretty demned fine encounter with a young girl on the dockside, Lilian or Lay-lee or something.

I did hear a nasty rumour on the way back to the house this morning. It seems that Ma-ma’s friend Lionel has retired. What nonsense, I’m sure he would have told me if he had. And on top of that I’ve received some kind of summons to the office of that Ney chap.

Grand Marshal Ney’s Orders

“What with the recent movements of the Star Wraith’s troops withdrawing to the far North and the increasing interest in the borderlands by those damned Orcs, it has been decided a military presence is required in the region. You sir, have been appointed by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Mordred as commander of a new outpost of sorts, a few miles within Witchlands borders nearby the elf colony of Clochard Congelé.

The colony contains about a dozen families. They were held in servitude, working the land for the Star Wraith, fools didn’t fight back and he ruled the region with an iron fist. But now with his troops having fled to the north they operate the farms for themselves. What with having been held in slavery for so long, the population of the colony would be of little use as enlisted men, but could do good service as labourers if that’s the way you choose to run things.

We’ve had some men up there checking out the region and have found an ideal place for you next to the river. Already has a small building there, that’ll be your headquarters. They’ve constructed a small pier to enable easy landing and regular supply drops.

Your papers are on the desk outside. Don’t look so glum D’arcy, bit of snow never hurt an Elf, you’re a Capitaine in His Empirical Grand Armeé, about time you start acting like one. Report to Chef de Bataillon Aiglefins for some information on the region. He’ll also brief you about your men. Dismissed.”

Taken from the Journal of Maxime D’arcy

I must confess to being somewhat shocked at my reassignment from special attaché in the Capital to a Colony Commander in the frozen North, hopefully old Francois will have a bit more information for me, he may even know where Lionel has gone. He’ll be able to sort this out for me. Must be some kind of mistake…

A Chat with Francois Aiglefins

“Bon Jour Capitaine D’arcy. Borderland outpost eh. Unlucky. Bloody unlucky. But at least you’ve still got your job. They shipped old Lionel out to pasture, rumour is they’ve taken his pension and everything, I imagine that’s surprised your mother a little. Ney’s organising a big push into Al Garvey, got those damned Orcs on the retreat at last. If you need anything my boy let me know, be warned though with Lionel gone it’ll be pretty hard to sort things out as we have done before.

To business then. It is rumoured that small groups of the Star Wraiths forces still inhabit the far recesses of the borderlands as well as the native Loup-garou. We know very little about these chaps Maxime, but they are known to be fearful of all outside contact, from what we’ve heard these creatures will use any means to protect their privacy. Hopefully that scoundrel Star-Wraith hasn’t recruited them yet.

Further complicating things in the region, the internal wars of the Halfling Nuttul tribes to the East and the Orc’s War of Independence raging in Armorica to the West are pushing potentially hostile forces and civilians into the borderlands. Tensions are mounting as they try to gain control of as much land as possible.

Also, to the South East, the Othari of the Otharmann Empire are themselves are a threat. With their situation worsening in Aegypt they also may try to lay claim to this hostile land, who knows what they might do.

Of course, as I’m sure the good Grand Marshal told you, its not only the people that can wreak havoc on the region, the land itself can be a menace. Severe cold, famine, and flood, along with wild animals and disease await you and your men.

And one last thing, be warned that out there in the wilderness the Mordredian Wars have barely touched most of those you’ll come across, survival in the harsh weather is more important to them than lines on a map. What this means is that because of the constant threat of attack, many of the colonists are living in fear and should be treated as potentially hostile by any stranger that enters their territory, even ones flying their own nation’s colours and when they find out about the particular nature of your men they might not be too pleased.

You look confused lad…

Don’t tell me Ney didn’t mention it…

Sigh…You’re going to be running a penal work colony.

Good luck Maxime, I think you may need it. Dismissed.”

Taken from the Journal of Maxime Darcy

I swear there has been some mistake. Four days I’ve been on this demned boat. Four days away from Ma-ma and my lovely house. They’ve sent me away with a bunch of scum and villainy, some of them aren’t even Elves! My sergeants are a bit of a gruesome coupling too. It seems Leodegrance is some kind of criminal! On top of that he’s done nothing but disrespect me every day so far. I swear he’s worse than the bastards in the hold. Karel’s a bit of trouble too, killed an innocent Elf apparently, in cold blood ! They’re meant to keep people in line ! Hah, I’m going to get Quincy to keep an eye on them. Ah yes, Quincy, good stalwart man, John-Pascal claims he’s fresh out of the academy but he seems pretty clued up to me. This lad will go far I think. I’ve not heard of my other lieutenants and neither has John-Pascal. Lieutenant Lancelin is an odd one, keeps reading books. Strange books. Am thinking I might have a look at them one night, they look like the sort of thing a commander should have access to not some mere lieutenant. Sous-Lieutenant Cran is a quiet one too, but at least he keeps practicing. His ability with knives, hmm, quite a talented chap. Drago seems able but has got a bit of a problem with me being in command. John-Pascal think I should try and make friends with him but he’s a bit oafish for my tastes. I did however get the Doctor I requested, demned fine fellow, called Fitz, seems quite relaxed in his duties. I swear if it wasn’t for Lili and of course Julietta I think I would have gone mad. Julietta seems a bit off though perhaps its something to do with Lili being sick this morning…

~

The Orcs of Albion under the command of Captain Jack Red Eye (Jaffa Holland)

1st Briefing with General Moore

After returning from you thought had been a particularly successful campaign in Al-Garvey you have been summoned to Army HQ in Londinium. It seems General Moore would like a word, must be that promotion you deserve…

“What with the recent movements of the Star Wraith’s troops seemingly withdrawing to the far North and the increasing interest in the borderlands by them other chaps, it has been decided a military presence is required in the region. You sir, have been appointed by His Honourable Majesty King Jorge as commander of a new outpost a few miles within Witchlands borders nearby Jakston, an Orc colony established some years ago. Just after we beat those ‘Umans at Wheeling-turn.

The colony contains about a dozen families. They were held in servitude, working the land for the Star Wraith, nasty business. But now with his troops having scarpered to the North they operate the farms for themselves. What with having been held in slavery for so long, the population of the colony would be of little use as enlisted Orcs, but could do good service as labourers if needed.

Unfortunately, your outpost has only got the one building at the moment. It’s a small abandoned house which belonged to a missionary, nice chap, name escapes me now. We sent him in to remind the Orcs of Jakston of their faith in Sentinel, didn’t want them running off any joining any of those foreign cults like in Armorica. Nasty business. However, it has been subsequently used as a residence by the Vampyre captains of the Star Wraith’s forces and has fallen somewhat into disrepair. There is also small pier that juts out into the river, which luckily we can use for loading and unloading of supplies, this is where you are going to be dropped off.

Your papers are on the desk outside. Don’t look so glum Captain, bit of snow never hurt an Orc. Report to Wogan for a bit more recon on the region before you go. Dismissed.”

2nd Briefing with Wogan

Somewhat shocked that your reassignment to the frozen North, you head to Wogan’s office. As unofficial spymaster for Wheeling-turn his information could be invaluable…

“Afternoon Captain. Borderland outpost eh. Unlucky. To business then. We know that in the countryside around your outpost are various villages and colonies of the other central Valonian nations. However, be warned that out there in the wilderness the Mordredian Wars have barely touched ‘em, survival in the harsh weather is more important to them than lines on a map. What this means is that because of the constant threat of attack, many of the colonists are living in fear and should be treated as potentially hostile to any stranger that enters their territory, even ones flying their own nation’s colours.

It is rumoured that small groups of the Star Wraiths forces still inhabit the far recesses of the borderlands as well as the native Wolfmen. We know very little about these chaps Captin, but they are known to be fearful of all outside contact, these creatures will use any means to protect their privacy. Hopefully that scoundrel, The Star-Wraith hasn’t recruited them yet.

Further complicating things in the region, the internal wars of the Halfling Nuttul tribes to the East and the War of Independence raging in Armorica to the West are pushing potentially hostile forces and civilians into the borderlands. Tensions are mounting as they try to gain control of as much land as possible.

Also, to the South East, the Othari of the Otharmann Empire are themselves are a threat. With their situation worsening in Aegypt they also may try to lay claim to this hostile land, who knows what they might do.

Of course, as I’m sure the good General told you, its not only the people that can wreak havoc on the region, the land itself can be a menace. Severe cold, famine, and flood, along with wild animals and disease await you and your men.

Good luck Captain. Dismissed.”

Taken from the Journal of Jack Red Eye

The high command have seen fit two send my brother and myself to the frozen North. What type of promotion is that? Suicide is what I say. Well at least it will be quick I wonder what the four chosen Orcs that they are sending with me have done to be sent with me. Two are hard as nails and at least half mad. I love them already. The other two are wet behind the ears and will be dead as a good Elf in hours of us landing, but you never know. I have had to hit them a couple of times just so as they know whose running things.

I bloody hate boats yet I have been stuck on one with these lads for a day now. The boss bless him ‘as seen fit to send me as a scouting party to secure the dock and remind the small village that good old king Jorge loves them. Well I lead from the front each is given extra booze, I tell you bastard army says no booze I say extra if you are about to become Orc paste. Smokey is just itching to kill. He is like a dog unable to lick its bollocks. Each has his rifle loaded on the boat and as I bloody knew it, straight into the killing of Elves. A slice of heaven nothing better.

We spy five of the bastards, first cock up we walk steady like hoping that the sight of us will make them run. These are made of better stuff. I send the two wets against one half hidden behind a barrel. Good for them they blow its head off. Me and the rest of the lads go in for a group half hidden behind a couple of barrels. Three of us fire nothing has ever happened like this before all three including me miss. Blood turns cold out comes the swords and then time seems to stop and the ground turns red with elf blood. Three of us get shot including me. Two get away and one of the sneaky bastards tries to blow us all up.

Well the thick end of it is that we get one alive and two get away who knows where as this part of hell is cold enough to freeze the booze in your piss. First night we all take four hour watches. No fires outside but extra blankets. All the Elves were stripped weapons, food, medicines and clothes stored. Any letters on them I have read. The little gold given out to the Orcs. Keeps them happy. I must try and keep these lads. We had to bury the Elven bastards due to scavengers. I also checked the rest of the barrels.  I took the horse to the village and told them to report in the morning informed them that things were about to change for the better. Sent the boat back with one of the wets to call up the rest of the Orcs and send in the supplies.

I dream of a town called George Town with walls ten feet high and cannon enough to destroy all. I see shops and armours, whores and bars. I see wealth. I see a new Orc nation stronger than any before. I see blood and guts. I see myself as ruler of all, I see the Great King George coming from the South and seeing a land with no others apart from Orcs. A dream of war and women. I wake and know what must be done.

 ~

Footnotes

(1) My first Flintloque campaign framework being an underwater exploratory adventure called 'Infula Atlantis', the files for which were sadly lost a long long time ago. It had cat people.

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Webmaster's Notes

An Orcs in the Webbe Original. 'Outpost: An Introduction' was written way back in 2005 and was exclusively published on Orcs in the Webbe on the 10th December 2018 as the 6th part of its 2022 Advent Calendar.

Chris Ferree’s Ubonga Campaign Rules are still online here: http://eagle.orgfree.com/cdferree/ubonga/Ubonga.htm

Wessex Games' Rank n Vyle page has long since dissappeared but you can stil view it using the INternet Archive's Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20150328064201/http://www.blease.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/WG.rankeandvyle.html

* Note that the artwork has been used without permission and will be removed if requested by the copyright holder.