Convoy AAR

A Japanese exploration convoy was passing through some Martian escarpments soon after rescuing the Princess Imperial from the clutches of some, hereto unknown antagonists (on which there will be a report as soon as certain details can be corroborated).

Unfortunately for the Japanese, the escarpments happened to be inhabited...

The Sky Martians quickly got to the surface and started towards the column taking heavy fire as they approached.

The Japanese volleys seemed to have little effect and the when the Sky Martians made contact the fighting was fierce.

The Sky Martians seemed to be beaten off but they were not in full retreat and seemed to be waiting for something; even with the advance of the steam suit RV78 and the Princess Imperials personal guard.

Unfortunately, there were Sky Martian reinforcements waiting behind some mesa just waiting for the Japanese to be distracted enough...

The Japanese had to make a last stand and protect to the Princess Imperial to the last man.

The last shot is of the last Japanese commander on top of the steam walker Type 61 before he got over whelmed. We can only assume that the Princess Imperial was taken captive by the Sky Martians as no sign of her body was discovered by the relief force...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

This attack by the Sky Martians appears to have been more than just a simple assault on human forces. What schemes are they planning and just whom are they planning them with...

Game was played using a modified version of Muskets and Tomahawks with thanks to Happy Wanderer for the alterations.

Convoy - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 4th November 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton managed to witness the destruction of a Japanese exploration column and the capture of the Princess Imperial...

The dreaded Sky Martians are seemingly indiscriminate in their attacks on the eathers but to what end?

The Farm Rendezvous AAR

A regular supply run to a newly established camp 250 miles north of New Victoria seemed to be going according to schedule when forward observers of the column noticed a number of what looked to be Sky Martians in the distance.

The coolies carrying the supplies tried to quicken their pace to gain the safety of the farm building but the Sky Martians were too quite for them and they got caught in the open and were decimated.

The Sky Martians then preceded to charge the columns support artillery but were seen of with a furious fusillade of fire.

Captain Rodger Boyes of Her Majesties Impervious Suit Detachment charged forwards and saw off the Sky Martian attack only to see what appeared to be a Sky Martian skiff bearing down on the farm building.

The Sky Martians on board their skiff threw some rustic javelins and what appeared to be bolas onto the troops occupying the farm but were driven off in a hail of determined rifle fire.

With the Sky Martians in full retreat the only assumption that can be made is that they were trying to disrupt the supplies to the farm; an action which follows the Sky Martian behaviour to the forces of Her Majesty on Mars.

A last view of the Sky Martian leader was gained as they made their escape into a nearby canyon complex...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

So the Sky Martians are continuing their campaign of random attacks against the forces of her Majesty and the other powers on Mars. We can only assume that these attacks will continue but will they escalate?

Game was played using a modified version of Muskets and Tomahawks with thanks to Happy Wanderer for the alterations.

The Farm Rendezvous - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 31st October 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton reporting back on a chance encounter with the mysterious Sky Martians...

A supply run to a newly established British outpost in the deep desert many miles North of New Victoria encountered hostile action from what can only be assumed to be the local Sky Martians...

The Abandoned Supply Depot AAR

A small scouting force of Japanese had been dropped of by a passing Great Martian Railway express train in the hope of finding out the situation regarding the supply depot.

The Japanese advanced into the compound to assess the situation but to the surprise of the commander there was what appeared to be the Princess Imperial in amongst the City Martian animal pens.

It however turned out to be a trap as a mix of unruly looking individuals were seen moving through cover towards the compound.

The band of 'ruffians' started to approach the compound firing their weapons whilst the Japanese took cover behind the barricades. The Japanese commander, being mounted, manoeuvred his horse outside the protection of the compound in an attempt to out flank the attackers.

Unfortunately, a Sky Martian in the service of earth got into the compound and proved too mighty an opponent for the defenders allowing more of the, what can only be assumed, GMTC to approach the compound and press the attack.

With the Japanese commander down, the head ninja Igo Yugo missing, presumed dead and the compound breached it was time for the Japanese to withdraw with what survivors they could muster and attempt to return to New Victoria and report back.

 The below photograph is the last known image taken of Igo Yugo, his whereabouts are still unknown; along with the fate of the Princess Imperial...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

It would seem that this Great Martian Trading Company are going to great lengths to disrupt the status quo on Mars. What nefarious purposes do they have in mind and what will be the outcome of these seemingly random events.

Only  time will tell...

Game was played using Wiley Games Galactic Heroes and Tales of Horror rules with suitable VSF alterations by us. Available from HERE

The Abandoned Supply Depot - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 28th October 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton reporting on a surprising development along the New Victoria main branch line.

Unconfirmed reports of the lack of contact from one of the Japanese supply depots meant a small expedition was sent out to investigate; and either confirm or deny the rumours...

The Temple Raid Part Two AAR

With the Germans recently setting up camp near the temple the Independents start to explore the environs of the temple proper.

Whilst busy in their encampment the Germans failed to notice a small Japanese force approaching from the south.

The Japanese manage to ascend to the top of the temple but are met with heavy fire from the German walkers and machine guns.

The Japanese walker suffers a critical hit and the crew have to evacuate. Meanwhile, the remaining Japanese troops are whittled down and again they have to retreat.

Unbeknownst to the Germans, the Japanese attack was a diversion as another entrance to the temple was found a short distance away and a small group of Japanese elite troops has entered in a bid to find what's there before the enemy do...

Diary of Archibald Harris-Hampton...

My thoughts regarding the current situation on Mars are mixed. Love for ones homeland is paramount but I can see the Japanese struggling and it would seem they only want to do what's best for all the powers on Mars...

Game was played using the Rifles and Spears variant of M+T with suitable VSF alterations by us. Thanks to Happy Wanderer!

The Temple Raid Part Two - A Red Planet Adventure

North West Frontier, Mars, 9th October 1891. The Offices of the London Illustrated News Overseas Reporting Team.

Aether Correspondent, Archibald Harris-Hampton reporting again from Mars this time concerning the continued desecration of a local City Martian temple.

The last time we reported, a Japanese force attempted to stop a joint force of Germans and what we can now reveal as the mysterious forces that have been causing so much trouble recently; the Great Martian Trading Company, also known as the GMTC for short. Led by, we believe, Allan Farquarson that famed British ex-serviceman.

What he can be doing with the GMTC god alone knows but you can be sure we at the London Illustrated News will endeavour to find out.