Friday 20 August 2010

Achtung Minen


Land mines get their name from the placing of explosives in tunnels underneath enemy troops or instalations. Like so many things, they were invented by the Chinese - mines being used in 1277AD against a Mongol Army.

Modern land mines are typically small explosive charges concealed in the ground and triggered by the pressure of the weight of a human body. They function by blast, typically blowing off the foot of the unfortunate person triggering the device. The aim is to maim rather than kill as it ties up resources. The latest versions of this unpleasant device can be hidden above ground, directional, and triggered by a tripwire. A particularly unpleasant version is the bounding mine. A charge fires it up to chest hight before it explodes scattering shrapnel over a 200 metre radius.

In military use, mines are area denial weapons or battlefield weapons to channel attackers into killing zones or to slow down an enemy attack.


These are Games Workshop (not Forge World) resin models mounted on 30mm bases. They are best considered as a way of creating dangerous terrain so treat a three inch radius around a mine marker as dangerous terrain. Note that mines can immobilise vehicles, including skimmers, by damaging the tracks, smashing the anti-grav plates, clogging the air intakes etc. - so test for vehicles also.

If the minefield includes specialist anti-tank as well as antipersonal mines then dice for the vehicle as usual but if a 1 is rolled then roll again on the vehicle damage table. Modify the dice for open top vehicles as usual.

6 comments:

  1. These look good. Wish they hadn't sold out within a week of being available. I may have to gen up some for a try at it.

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  2. Dear Kevin
    They were nice and amazing value for money.
    John

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  3. I did see those a while ago, but I'm glad you've brought them to my attention again - this article has given me some ideas for my gaming table! (When I eventually get around to doing one...)

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  4. I'm lazy, I use those leg hubcap things from Sentinels for landmines instead. Smaller size makes them look more realistic.

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  5. Dear frag
    It's the getting around bit that is the problem, I find. :)
    J

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  6. Dear Nem
    But size matters, ask anyone.
    J

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