At the Beam End of the Universe

 

 

 "It's alright for the primping egotists at the centre of the conflict.  They have the best and most up-to-date equipment - and weaponry.  But what about the PBI consigned to border worlds like this that nobody wants?

If we're lucky we get one visit a year from the supplies depot. They bring us the most antiquated gear that has been refused or discarded from everywhere else. The guards strut around with all their shiny guns like they are gods.  

We are the grunts who have fallen out of favour or been used as scapegoats for some cringing senior leader's mistakes.  Boots on ground is what we know about.  Those fancy boys wouldn't last a week.

This jungle world, called by the natives N'tarek, has little in the way of dangerous animals but still holds billions of enemies. Legions of microbes and fungi eat through modern plastics and metals in short order.  Crazily overpowered weapons soon become useless.   Ironically it is only the old supplies that survive on this world.

Our leader still manages to strike a handsome pose for the posters with his chainsaw and blaster.  Like this border war, it is a sham.  The saw is barely holding together and the gun fires only solid pellets. The rest of us have had to make do and mend with both weapons and armour.  A more rag-tag mob you couldn't find.

As for the opposition - such as it is - they are in the same boat.  No surprise then that we have an unofficial truce in place.  They are just as unwilling to lay down their lives as we are.  It's only when some smart Alec amongst the higher ups decides to try to improve his position that there are any real hostilities.

The natives pretty much keep to themselves but if you rile them up expect to see a mass of bladed weapons and shields while being showered by poisoned arrows.  Best to leave a hornet's nest be." 

- Trooper's Letter to his parents.

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Whilst searching for the Vargan fleet I came across a mess of 40k stuff - figures, equipment and vehicles.  Some of it had been painted up for my 'Beam End' project but most of it is half painted or completely ignored.  Much of it is of no interest to me whatsoever.  

In case you're wondering it was a job lot.  I paid £5 for a load of Citadel paints, fantasy and 40k figures.  Much of it has been sold or simply stored in the loft. I think I know someone who might provide a home for the bulk of the 40k stuff.

Now I'm looking to expand 'Beam End' beyond a mere whim into a proper wargame. The 'bucket of dice' approach of 40k itself does not seem appropriate.  To me their infantry are horrendously overpowered. This leaves me looking for more suitable rules.  Ho hum...more work!

Incidentally, there were a number of remotes that can be kit-bashed into a rival space fleet.  Now all I need to do is find those damn Vargans!