Dave, Ian, and I decided to start a slow grow campaign. Ian, who has just started out, wants to get some games in but wants to keep the growth at a slow pace (understandably so considering the cost of our toys).
We’ve now been joined by Joe, which brings our merry little band to four. Joe will be collecting the French.
The campaign will begin at 500 points each, then progress to 1,000 and 1,500 points. They’ll be 3 games each at each points level, with each playing the other once and then a Triumph & Treachery game to round off that points level. I’m sure we won’t at all be keeping track who wins what at each level…..
You can check out our first posts below if you want to get caught up:
The first unit I’ve painted up are the Stoutcloaks.
To make them look the part, I’ve either used the cloak bodies from the Quarrellers set, or I’ve added a miners backpack to the two or three without cloaks. I’m hoping this will be enough to show them as elite Rangers.
For painting, I did try my hand at a little OSL, with a simple kit bash using one of the miners’ arms holding a lantern. I then worked the colour up from a light red to a whitish-yellow in very thin layers.
The dark reddish beards were achieved using some Khorne Red and Rhinox Hide at roughly 1:4 ratio.
The Stoutcloaks: Guardians of the Forgotten Paths
Unit Name: The Stoutcloaks
Location: Primarily operating in the deep forests and hidden mountain passes of the World’s Edge Mountains, often near the hold of Karak Hirn.
Motto: “Silent as Stone, Swift as the Mountain Winds.”
Background: The Stoutcloaks are an elite unit of Dwarven Rangers, renowned for their unparalleled skills in scouting, tracking, and guerrilla warfare. Unlike traditional Dwarf warriors who prefer direct confrontation and heavily fortified defences, the Stoutcloaks excel in the art of ambush, subterfuge, and hit-and-run tactics. Their name is derived from the sturdy, earth-toned cloaks they wear, which allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, be it dense forests, rocky mountain crags, or the shadowed ruins of ancient Dwarven roads.
Formation and History: The Stoutcloaks were formed during the Wars of the Vampire Counts, when the Dwarves found themselves in desperate need of scouts who could move quickly and quietly through enemy territory. While most Dwarves are known for their stoic and deliberate nature, the founders of the Stoutcloaks were a unique breed, combining the resilience of their kin with an uncharacteristic swiftness and cunning.
Originally composed of young, daring Dwarves from various holds, the Stoutcloaks quickly earned a reputation for their effectiveness in disrupting enemy supply lines, gathering critical intelligence, and launching devastating ambushes on enemy forces. Over time, the unit evolved into a permanent and highly respected part of Dwarven military strategy, particularly valued for their ability to operate independently and in the harshest of environments.
The Rangers of the Stoutcloaks: The Stoutcloaks are selected from the most skilled and resourceful members of Dwarven society. These Dwarves are expert woodsmen and mountaineers, as comfortable in the wilderness as they are in their ancestral halls. Their training is gruelling, focusing not only on combat skills but also on survival, stealth, and navigation. Each member of the Stoutcloaks is expected to be able to survive alone in the wild for extended periods, a necessity given the nature of their missions.
Appearance: The Stoutcloaks wear a mix of light armour and practical clothing designed for the rugged terrain they often operate in. Their signature cloaks are made from a special blend of wool and animal hides, treated to provide both warmth and camouflage. These cloaks are usually a mix of browns, greens, and grays, allowing the Rangers to blend into their surroundings. They carry a variety of weapons, including crossbows, hand weapons, and throwing axes, all of which are designed for quick, silent kills.
Tactics and Roles:
Scouting: The Stoutcloaks are often deployed ahead of the main Dwarven forces to scout out enemy positions, assess terrain, and identify potential threats. Their keen senses and knowledge of the land make them invaluable in providing early warning and strategic information.
Ambushes and Guerrilla Warfare: The Stoutcloaks excel at setting up ambushes and traps. They use the natural terrain to their advantage, often luring enemies into narrow passes or dense forests where their heavier armor and disciplined formations become liabilities.
Escort and Protection: While the Dwarven holds are typically secure, the roads and tunnels between them can be perilous. The Stoutcloaks are frequently tasked with escorting caravans, dignitaries, and travelers through these dangerous areas, ensuring their safe passage.
Notable Campaigns
The Skaven Purge of Karak Hirn: One of the Stoutcloaks’ most famous campaigns was during a large-scale Skaven invasion of the underground roads leading to Karak Hirn. The Stoutcloaks used their knowledge of the tunnels and hidden passages to launch a series of devastating ambushes, crippling the Skaven advance and giving the Dwarven defenders the time they needed to fortify their positions. The Skaven were eventually routed, thanks in large part to the Stoutcloaks’ efforts.
Shadow War in the Drakwald Forest: When Beastmen hordes began encroaching on Dwarven territories near the Drakwald Forest, the Stoutcloaks were dispatched to neutralize the threat. Over the course of several months, they waged a silent war against the Beastmen, using hit-and-run tactics to whittle down their numbers. By the end of the campaign, the Beastmen had been driven back, and the forest paths were once again safe for Dwarven travellers.
Leadership: The Stoutcloaks are currently led by Rurik Stonecloak, a grizzled veteran with a reputation for cunning and ruthlessness. Rurik earned his position through years of service, during which he proved himself time and again as both a brilliant tactician and a fearless warrior. His leadership style is one of quiet authority, and he commands the respect of his Rangers not through bluster or force, but through his deep understanding of the land and the enemies they face.
Rurik is known for his meticulous planning and his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, a crucial skill for the unpredictable nature of the Stoutcloaks’ missions. He is also fiercely protective of his Rangers, treating them more like family than subordinates, which has fostered a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie within the unit.
Unique Traits – Mastery of Terrain: The Stoutcloaks have an intimate knowledge of the World’s Edge Mountains and the surrounding forests, allowing them to move through these areas with unmatched speed and stealth. They are experts in using the terrain to their advantage, whether it’s navigating treacherous mountain paths or setting ambushes in dense woods.
Silent Killers: The Stoutcloaks are trained to strike quickly and silently, often eliminating their enemies before they even realise they are under attack. Their proficiency with crossbows and throwing axes makes them deadly at range, while their skill with short swords and daggers ensures they are equally dangerous up close.
Resourcefulness: Life as a Ranger requires the ability to adapt and make do with limited resources. The Stoutcloaks are masters of survival, able to forage for food, find shelter, and create traps and weapons from whatever materials are at hand. This resourcefulness extends to their combat tactics, where they often use unorthodox methods to gain the upper hand.
The Oath of the Stoutcloaks:
Every member of the Stoutcloaks takes an oath upon joining, vowing to protect the holds of their ancestors, defend the ancient roads, and honour the memory of those who walked them before. This oath binds them to their duty and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of their work, not just as warriors but as guardians of Dwarven heritage and tradition.
