IT seems that in 2014 I am destined to commence most posts with an apology for my prolonged absence. In my defence I do find the summer to be the season in which I get the least done hobby-wise; largely due to the (occasionally) fine weather making other hobbies more desirable: in this instance fishing (beach casting) and running. And possibly ale appreciation. I can also produce another valid excuse and that is that - brace yourselves! - 'Cavern Crawl' is actually nearing completion. After a year of frustration resulting from unkept promises regarding artwork I finally bit the bullet and commissioned an unknown illustrator to complete the task. I intend to keep things under wraps until I am nearer publication, but suffice to say that at present the artwork is 90 per cent done and I am editing like a man possessed. Due to this game being released last year I have decided on a title change to avoid confusion and other problems. However, all will be revealed over the next couple of months, so stayed tuned readers!
Obviously with all this going on my painting has been sorely neglected. Regular Drummers will know that I have on occasion raved about Matakishi's 'Crom' rules, to which I were introduced by a good friend last year and that simultaneously placates my love of elegant, abstract rules and all things Conan. Since that time I've harboured a desire to play 'Crom' in 15mm using Copplestone Castings' excellent Barbarica range, so back in late May I put in a decent-sized order. What little painting I have done over the last month has been of these, which I display below. I have one more base of Pict infantry to paint, two bases of Pict archers and four bases of wolves. Mark has intimated that fantasy Romans (Aquilonians!), Pictish characters and Lovecraft-esque demons will be released at some point in the future. I have almost finished a hex-based campaign map for 'Crom' through which Conan and comrades move across encountering various enemies and will attempt to get that into presentable shape for interested parties. Until next time!
