The Free Coalition Townships And The New Fenland Republic

The Free Coalition Townships (FCT) is exactly as it sounds. It is a coalition of free villages and towns in what the New Fenland Republic considers rebel territory. The FCT is not recognised by any of the nine super states, well officially that is, but the FCT is close to becoming strong enough to form its own small state on the borders of the New Fenland Republic. The members of the FCT (villages and new townships) still primarily lookout for themselves and their own alone and independently of each other and the super states. However, the FCT came about initially as trade began to grow again between these tiny population centres, and as they grew they recognised the benefits of inter-trade agreements between each other and the growth and prosperity this would bring. Particularly, the agricultural wealth of these borderlands and its potential was and is immense as the soil here is largely unscathed and fertile with only gentle rolling slopes at worst making arable farming relatively easy and due to massive food shortages, massively profitable. As the trade grew and new rural population centres grew so did the trade between them and the treaty of Hertford Major cemented these relations into a permanent and substantial trade agreement which all villages and townships sent representatives to and agreed upon. This was a massive step forward for the FCT Trade & Commerce Council who became a permanent body based at Hertford Major. The FCT was now well on the evolutionary road to becoming a burgeoning united and independent state with a stable, good economy relative to the whole of the Dis-United Kingdom. This however, did not sit at all well with the New Fenland Republic, both the government and the general population were alarmed and jealous. The New Fenland Republic had also grown fat and rich on an arable/agricultural economy in a world of severe food shortages thanks to its relatively unscathed fertile soil. The NFR were threatened by this FCT upstart and knew that something had to be done as the NFR had designs on this border/rebel territory to further its power and coffers and needed to act before the FCT became a consolidated recognised and therefore powerful state which would severely curtail the NFR's ambitions. If they could secure the rebel lands known now as the FCT then the NFR would practically be the richest and therefore one of the most powerful superstates of the Dis-United Kingdom. Although still lacked the populations of other states due to its low population density as a primarily rural/agricultural economy.

The first tactic the New Fenland Republic tried was intended to bring the FCT to heal by sending a diplomatic mission to the FCT, its primary objective being to manipulate, coerce and push/invite the FCT to join the NFR as the FCT but recognising NFR's hegemony over the FCT. This was a ruse designed by the NFR to simply allow the NFR to 'swallow' up the FCT. However, after 3 weeks of talks and stalemates the NFR diplomats delivered a government approved ultimatum:

"...it is our intention that these rebel lands, harbouring terrorists and outlaws of the most despicable kind as well as heinous mutants, which have the self proclaiming title of the Free Coalition Townships shall and will recognise the laws and statutes of the honourable, just and liberated Republic of New Fenland. These (FCT) people call themselves free yet infringe constantly and without guilt upon the human rights of the good people of the New Fenland Republic through piracy, banditry and even paramilitary border activity committing atrocities without warning or remorse. They threaten and pillage our lands, our merchants and our people and yet expect no retaliation or consequences themselves or infringements upon their freedoms as so-called human beings. We are determined to bring these rogues and vagabonds, these animals and mutants to heel to protect our own people, our own borders and our own way of life. We are one and resided in this matter. As a result I have but one offer to present to you now after three weeks of attempting to make you (FCT) see reason and agree to entreat and conjoin with us, you have been nothing  but cold and obstinate towards our cordial invites. The one offer, therfore, is to agree to our terms or be forced by military means to conjoin with us. Our air fleets are ready, our marines are ready, our guns are ready!"

Shortly after this ultimatum was presented to the representatives of the FCT the NFR's diplomatic mission was expelled for Hertford Major. A message was sent to the NFR's government stating that all NFR "...peoples are not welcome in the lands of the FCT and should not seek shelter or succour within our borders, or they shall be arrested and tried as a spy..."

After this the NFR and FCT ceased all communications and their borders were shut to each other. There was a stalemate that now could only be broken by military action. Both sides mobilized and immediately set about strengthening their borders. A few border villages and small towns were immediately seized without a fight by NFR militia as their borders were strengthened in preparation for receiving attacks as well as launching offensives.

The FCT, whilst having a strong growing economy, lacked the funding in their coffers for any significant professional miltiary force. The FCT Defence Force (FCTDF) was a very small semi-professional military force that was more used to policing and escort duties for trade and commerce and had seen little or no real military action. The FCT realised very quickly that they were very vulnerable to the miltary might of the NFR, in particular the fast moving, well equipped and well trained Fenland Air Assault Regiment that was something of an elite in the Dis-United Kingdom, a rarity indeed! Therefore, a full assembly of the FCT Trade & Commerce Council was called at Hertford Major. The agenda being of how to handle offensive action against the FCT by the NFR and in particular the Fenland Air Assault Regiment.

After only two days of discussion and suggestions the FCT had decided upon its major strategies as a result of the urgency of the situation. The Emergency Military Treaty of Hertford Major was signed setting a precedent in the FCT for military conflict- one step closer to a complete union through miltary co-operation as well as trade.

The results were that the FCTDF was to become a permanent professional military force backed up by a policy of conscription. However, this would take time to have any effect and in the interim period several other measures would be taken. Firstly, volunteers throughout the FCT would be called for with the benefit of being granted a free plot of arable land after 10 years service in the FCTDF- not to be sneezed at! Then, each member population centre would be required to form its own militia defence force- and anyone between the ages of 16 to 40 regardless of sex would be required to attend 4 hours of training once a week, rifles, ammunition and equipment would be provided as and when it could be procured. These militias would be required to defend their place of resident when under direct attack but also provide assistance if military actuion ensues within a certain distance of their place of residence. In times of severe need they would also be required to go further afield and even help to conduct offensive operations.

Also the council approved moves to contact some of the other super staters in the Dis-United Kingdom to try and secure aid and assistance by offering to cause trouble to the NFR which would directly benefir the other ambitious states who had their own designs on the Dis-United Kingdom and feared the wealth and strength of the NFR. This could prove to provide urgently needed military hardware in particular as well as small arms and ammunition if a lengty conflict ensued.

The council then agreed to release funding to each of the major townships form central funds to pay for the fortification of the said major towns and wherever possible other strategically important areas. Strong defences in depth could be enough to stall any NFR major offensives.

It was also decided that the small FCTDF should immediately go on the offensive to try and secure resources and supplies that were being stockpiled just over the border by NFR forces in preparation for an offensive. This could offer up urgently needed arms and ammunition as well as other supplies such as medical immediately if successful and small, mobile forces should find it easy to conduct cross border raids which hopefully the NFR would not suspect.

The council was dismissed and the members dispersed to the populartion centres that they represented carrying the news of what had been decided and how best to implement it at the local level. Within a week militias had been formed and towns were q1uickly being fortified. War wasnt a question of if and when but how soon and how!

The scene was set, The NFR would either demonstrate their power once more and render yet another fledgling state extinct or face humiliation if the FCT were able to somehow prevent the NFR's ambitions from becoming a reality. If the FCT could stymie the NFR or even push their forces back and conduct offensive operations then the otyher vultures would start to circle the diminishing NFR and eventually move in to pick at the remains of a once powerful and proud nation.

So, second order sent to GZG for FCT forces. I would just like to say thankyou to Jon at Ground Zero Games who is absolutely brilliant- always helpful and willing to offer and advice and replies to emails at midnight and I have a query whilst working late. The products are fantastic backed up by a fantastic approach and work ethic that is rare these days. Although if i ever win the euromillions i am sure Jon would end up hating me ha ha!

Toodaloo for now- I'll let ya know when the order arrives! Im gonna get on with some more painting now.

Rhys

Judge For Yourself...

 This is a sort of stage by stage painting of the GZG NAC Anti-Armour Teams painted up as Anti-Armour teams of the 1st Sqdn Fenland Air Assault Regiment (FAAR). I think the pink works well but let me know what you guys think?

High altitude spy photo of FAAR Anti-Armour Team deployed on training mission in the wastes of the New Fenland Republic

The Future's Bright, The Future's Wine Stain

Well, I used x1 pack (8 figures) of Ground Zero Games NAC Command Comms figures to test out potential colour schemes for the 1st Sqdn. Fenland Air Assault Regiment. The results are as the pictures. However, my original thoughts on the colour scheme was for a sky blue and white overall scheme but this has now changed and changed dramatically. Seven of the eight figures were painted using slightly different techniques and colour schemes but with the sky blue colour scheme. However, the eighth figure was done in a completely different colour and I love it. So therefore this will now be the colour scheme for the 'Flying Frogs'! This is why I love 15mm Sci-Fi- its my story and its pink if i want it to be! Cos real men, afeared of nothing, can wear pink!

The wine stain camo on the kneeling figure in the background is the colour scheme for the 'Flying Frogs'.

The various sky blue squaddies surround the kneeling pink figure, ignoring the sneers, the pinky puts pay to a rebel camp by calling in UAV Gunships. The female figure (right, foreground) warms to the dashing young man and his peacock daring!

They assemble around him to view the new pattern camo!

Rear view of the various sky blue themed squaddies.

Rear view of pinky surrounded by the blues!

And there we have it, the new choice for the gentleman of war in the Dis-United Kingdom. The vehicles will also be similarly themed- awesome!

So what do people think? Is pink the new red or black? Let me know if you prefer one of the blues or the pinky?

Toodaloo for now

Rhys

Final Fenland ORBATS For 1st Squadron FAAR

Ok, so having last night, finalised the organisation for the 1st Sqdn. Fenland Air Assault Regiment I thought I would post it up here so that you have some idea of where this initial crazy idea is going. This blog also helps me to keep all my ideas for my home grown sci-fi world in one place so that I dont suffer a complete brain overload!

Organisation first, then discussion:

HQ

x1 Anti-Grav Command Vehicle

x1 Mobile Communication Centre/Post

x1 Logistics vehicle/Mobile Re-supply centre



HQ Fire Support

x2 Mobile Rocket Batteries


HQ AA Support

x2 SP AA Guns (Area Defence?)



1st Section

HQ

X1 Light Anti-Grav Command Vehicle

Section
X2 VTOL Troop Transports
x2 Infantry Squads

Infantry Squad
x1 NCO
x2 AV infantry w/small arms
x1 SAW
x2 Riflemen

2nd, 3rd and 4th Section as per 1st.

5th Section

Infantry Heavy Support Section
x2 VTOL Troop Transport (converted) (maybe 3?)
x2 Light Gun Sleds (x2 Infantry Crew per Gunsled) (maybe 3?)

Recon Section (Sqdn. HQ) (Comms Centre)
X3UAV VTOL Gunship

Close Support Section (Sqdn HQ)
X3 VTOL Gunships

So thats the finalised organisation for the first squadron of the Fenland Air Assault Regiment (FAAR) of the New Fenland Republic in the Dis-United Kingdom. The 1st Squadron bares the nickname the 'Flying Frogs' which is a long but hilarious story which we do not, sadly, have time for right now.

However we do have time for some general musings on backgrounds, potential scenarios, operations and events that may or may not take place in the Dis-United Kingdom. That is the wonderful thing about sci-fi, especially 15mm sci-fi- no one can tell you that you are wrong!!! Especially if its your own homegrown world/background/story/planet/space, whatever...

I just wrote a lovely long post and lost it all after this point- thanks very much BT you really are completely useless!!!

So lets try again. My sci-fi world is set 200 years in the future in a place called the Dis-United Kingdom. As a result of economic, social, political, population, and monarchical upheaval (perhaps brought about by the New World Order? Conspiracy theorists get your coat, you've pulled) the United Kingdom fianlly broke down into complete anarchy. Slowly 9 super states emerged 200 years on and each state now wants to consolidate its position in the uneasy peace and slowly lay plans to become the state that re-unites the Dis-United Kingdom. One of these states is the New Fenland Republic. The New Fenland Republic controls at the moment, most of what used to be East Anglia as well as parts of Essex and Kent.

As a result, the New Fenland Republic inherited many abandoned and disused airfields, which one by one were recommissioned and refitted. Slowly, as a result of this, the New Fenland Republic developed an impressive, professional and advanced air fleet from which the Fenland Air Assault Regiment was born. This new unit soon earned itself a mostly good reputation and is now somewhat of an elite in the world of the Dis-United Kingdom.

Due to limited resources, populations and poor global economies, the states of the Dis-United Kingdom are mid-tech sci-fi at best for the more professional, elite units. Most units verge on low to mid tech. I much prefer this sort of grubby, slow to recover struggling land of disparate states each vying for greater power and control at their neighbours expense. On top of this not all the lands fall under the control of one of the dominant states but, rather, are borderlands and rebel territories where miltias and pirates roam and chieftains and warlords (low tech) hunger for alliances and the destruction of their own rivals. Or may unite against a common threat such one of the super states on a land grab.

This, means, therefore, that there is much diversity in this low to mid-tech sci-fi world and offers many differing and interesting scenarios for which I already have some good ideas. However more on this in future posts.

Initially, I will concentrate on buying, building and painting the 1st Sqdn. Fenland Air Assault Regiment as well as blogging about developments about or in the world of the Dis-United Kingdom and hopefully build up the background, stories and scenarios for all to see and hopefully enjoy!? By the way, please please please leave a comment if you have enjoyed reading this but i dont think anyone has yet lol!

One of the main reasons for this blog is so that I can concentrate my thoughts and ideas about this, my first ever foray into 15mm sci-fi, and even if they arent used, it will help to prevent my brain from overloading!

I will initially concentrate on one states forces at a time and develop backgrounds to them as I go. So initially it will be the New Fenland Republic. Once I have forces for this states I will buy and paint some rebel forces for cross border missions and land grabs that affirm and demonstrate to the other states the New Fenland Republic's strength. Once I have sufficient rebel forces for small scenarios I will then build on another state and so on. I hope to have a story/background for each rebel force as well.

The New Fenland Republic can field 3 main forces and these are:

Fenland Air Assault Regiment (FAAR)
Fenland Marine Corps (FMC)
Fenland Defence Militia (FDM)

I will develop the background to each of these in the near future as well as buying and painting the minis. For the time being I will be using Ground Zero Games.

Well, toodaloo for now.

Next Blog:

More photos of painted minis, more background and general musings.

P.S If you have enjoyed reading this or have any thoughts or ideas then please, please, please leave a comment so that I know I'm not some lonely loony!?

Initiating Initial Photos Of My Initial Order

The NAC rifles pack A and NAC AT infantry readied for the undercoat. Quick description and review further down.

Anti-Gravity Command vehicle for the 1st squadron Fenland Air Assault Regiment (FAAR) nicknamed the 'Flying Frogs'! A hilarious story for another day! This is the bare bones HQ more vehicles and figures will be added to the HQ in a secondary order- lots of overtime pay this month! This model is also from Ground Zero Games. A lovely little command vehicle but did require more cleaning up than the other vehicles but only had one small air bubble. This is a five part kit and again was really easy to put together and after a bit of cleaning up this again has plenty of crisp detail and will look very good in FAAR sky blue and grey.

The Ground Zero Games VTOL troop transports. The primary frontline dropship for FAAR troopers. These are lovely models with alot of detail and only required minimal cleaning with no air bubbles or nothing. How very refreshing! Although its a sixteen part kit they are very simple to assemble with minimal model making skills required. So dont be put off, buy a squadron, I love these models and inspired me to go into this project in 15mm- originally it was going to be 6mm.

These are some of the NAC Command/Comms figures also from Ground Zero Games. Again, very very minimal cleanup required (bases only) clean crisp figures with alot of detail and a preference for Ipads. Very well proportioned, with meaningful and nicely animated realistic poses. The female figure definitely means business from the look on her face. These are initial test figures for possible paint schemes. I have almost decided upon this now with further testing and the final scheme is being tested at the mo. So FAAR so good ha ha! Oh come on!?

Up close shot of the bare metal NAC Command/Comms figs. The female officer is the one on the end carrying the helmet in one hand and assault rifle in the other. Definite attitude problem on her! I think she may be from Huntingdon!

Above we have an upclose shot of the bare metal NAC Command/Comms figures from Ground Zero Games. These are very nice figures, especially the female figure carrying helmet in one hand and assault rifle in the other. The poses are very nice too, animated but with an air of going about some serious business either standing up playing with Ipads or kneeling down playing with Ipads plugged into what I can only describe as a mini Genny for prolonged field use I'm guessing!? As well as the aforementioned female figure carrying helmet and assault rifle who has a sense of deadly purpose- almost like a pilot walking away from the wreckage of her downed VTOL in hostile territory with a Sean Bean look across her face as if to say "Someones really gonna regret that!"

A not so upclose shot of the NAC Command/Comms figures.

This is a shot of the NAC Rifles pack A from Ground Zero Games. Again, clean crisp and well proportioned 15mm figures with lots of detail. The poses again are animated but also realistic with the same deadly purpose as the female comms figure. Perhaps one of these men are her lover and about to go in on a search and rescue mission Bad Boys 2 stylie!? Hmmm, that gives me an idea...wousssa, wousssa. I ordered 3 packs of these with 1 pack of the command/comms figures. Each pack contains 8 figures.

A picture of the total sum of my order. x1 NAC comms/command pack, x3 NAC rifles pack A, x1 pack NAC AT infantry, x4 transport VTOLS, x2 VTOL gunships. This will make up a bare bones squadron for the Fenland Air Assault Regiment. Their nickname is the 'Flying Frogs'. A hilarious story for which there will be time later.

A closer shot of the order. NAC Rifles pack A from Ground Zero Games in the foreground- no not the cutting mat you numty!

Next Post: The Dis-United Kingdom background story- my own invention and everything, honest guv!

The First Post...

So, here we are, my first ever foray into 15mm Sci-Fi and aside from Games Workshop Warhammer 40k, my first ever foray into Sci-Fi really. The first big question is does the F in Sci-Fi need to be a capital F or can it be a small f? Does there need to be a hyphon between Sci and Fi even? All of these riveting questions and more will be answered in later posts. Something to look forward to then and worth subscribing for eh? Eh? Ok maybe not. But you might as well keep reading now you're here. Pretty please?

Anywho, enough of the inane begging and more of the Sci-Fi. I placed my first order with Ground Zero Games: http://shop.groundzerogames.net/index.php a couple of weeks ago and got my order through within two days which was all very impressive and I'm very happy with the quality of their products. I will get a better review done tomorrow as I have the day off and I have only just started this blog this evening as my other blog wasnt really meant to cater for Sci-Fi! Anywho thanks to GZG for a start. they are lovely people! (Oi, oi, GZG- discount please???)

I will also post a background to my own, home grown Sci-Fi world around which my Sci-Fi wargaming will concentrate and probably see me develop some home grown rules and scenarios accordingly which I also hope to eventually post here.

The first unit I am going to be painting and basing is a squadron of the Fenland Air Assault Regiment (FAAR) which is one of the specialist units in the Dis-United Kingdom. The order from GZG was for the bare bones squadron complete with VTOL Dropships hence the title of this blog.

Anywho, toodaloo for now, but stay tuned as the next update will be tomorrow afternoon/evening with any luck.

Rhys