Crowned with the Crown of the King in Yellow

"Then while I stood, transfixed with rage and despair, seeing my crown, my empire, every hope and every ambition, my very life, lying prostrate there with the dead master, they came, seized me from behind, and bound me until my veins stood out like cords, and my voice failed with the paroxysms of my frenzied screams. But I still raged, bleeding and infuriated among them, and more than one policeman felt my sharp teeth. Then when I could no longer move they came nearer; I saw old Hawberk, and behind him my cousin Louis' ghastly face, and farther away, in the corner, a woman, Constance, weeping softly.

'Ah! I see it now!" I shrieked. "You have seized the throne and the empire. Woe! woe to you who are crowned with the crown of the King in Yellow!'

[EDITOR'S NOTE.—Mr. Castaigne died yesterday in the Asylum for Criminal Insane.]"

The Repairer of Reputations by Robert W. Chambers

Yochlol Handmaiden of Lolth

The Yochlol Handmaiden of Lolth is a creature found in Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons & Dragons: The Legend of Drizzt. This Board Game was first published in 2011. This hard plastic miniature stands approximately 30mm tall and is molded in grey.

Yochlols can be seen in one of the following forms: humanoid, spider, ooze, and gaseous. In their natural form they are six-foot-tall, and are an eight-tentacle blob of melted wax that emits a foul stench. Each of the four forms has its own forms of attack. All forms “Yochlol are chaotic evil creatures.”

Diverting of Beneficent Forces into Strange and Dangerous Channels

"I glanced around at the books upon my shelves. Often enough, following some outrage by the brilliant Chinese doctor whose genius was directed to the discovery of new and unique death agents, we had obtained a clue in those works of a scientific nature which bulk largely in the library of a medical man. There are creatures, there are drugs, which, ordinarily innocuous, may be so employed as to become inimical to human life; and in the distorting of nature, in the disturbing of balances and the diverting of beneficent forces into strange and dangerous channels, Dr. Fu-Manchu excelled. I had known him to enlarge, by artificial culture, a minute species of fungus so as to render it a powerful agent capable of attacking man; his knowledge of venomous insects has probably never been paralleled in the history of the world; whilst, in the sphere of pure toxicology, he had, and has, no rival; the Borgias were children by comparison. But, look where I would, think how I might, no adequate explanation of this latest outrage seemed possible along normal lines."

Chapter 14, The Return of Dr. Fj-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

Hoards O Bits Order #5

D&D Legend of Drizzt - Drow Duelist
D&D Wrath of Ashardalon - Orc Archer
Warhammer 40k, Chaos Daemons Plaguebearers of Nurgle - 7x Nurglings
Warhammer Skaven Plague Monks - 16x Rats and 4x Mini Monks
D&D Temple of Elemental Evil- Bugbear
Descent Journeys in The Dark Bits - Goblin Archer

The list represents a recent order from Hoards O Bits. I believe this is my fifth order. There are so many interesting miniatures here representing many board games.

More about individual miniatures will follow.

A Host of Characters-Dr. Fu-Manchu-Sacred Order of the White Peacock

"The place was utterly deserted again, and we two panting captives found ourselves alone with Dr. Fu-Manchu. The scene was unforgettable; that dimly lighted passage, its extremities masked in shadow, and the tall, yellow-robed figure of the Satanic Chinaman towering over us where we lay.

"You come at an opportune time, Mr. Commissioner Nayland Smith, and Dr. Petrie; at a time when the greatest man in China flatters me with a visit. In my absence from home, a tremendous honor has been conferred upon me, and, in the hour of this supreme honor, dishonor and calamity have befallen! For my services to China—the New China, the China of the future—I have been admitted by the Sublime Prince to the Sacred Order of the White Peacock."

Chapter 13, The Return of Dr. Fj-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

A Set of Four, Set Six

German Infantry
Source: Axis and Allies, 1942 Edition
Size: approximately 1/72

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Valkyie
Source: Age of Mythology, Norse
Size: 30mm

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Blight Force, Baron Gaston Tankken
Source: Rivet Wars
Size: 35mm

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03, Infantry, Black
Source: Risk, 2003 Edition
Size: approximate. 20mm

Vance gets an Assignment

"Get up, Vance," said Mr. Wilde in a gentle voice. Vance rose as if hypnotized. "He will do as we suggest now," observed Mr. Wilde, and opening the manuscript, he read the entire history of the Imperial Dynasty of America. Then in a kind and soothing murmur he ran over the important points with Vance, who stood like one stunned. His eyes were so blank and vacant that I imagined he had become half-witted, and remarked it to Mr. Wilde who replied that it was of no consequence anyway. Very patiently we pointed out to Vance what his share in the affair would be, and he seemed to understand after a while. Mr. Wilde explained the manuscript, using several volumes on Heraldry, to substantiate the result of his researches. He mentioned the establishment of the Dynasty in Carcosa, the lakes which connected Hastur, Aldebaran and the mystery of the Hyades. He spoke of Cassilda and Camilla, and sounded the cloudy depths of Demhe, and the Lake of Hali. "The scolloped tatters of the King in Yellow must hide Yhtill forever," he muttered, but I do not believe Vance heard him."

The Repairer of Reputations, Robert W. Chambers

The Sun Hung Low Above Staten Island

"The sun hung low above the Staten Island woods, and the bay was dyed with golden hues reflected from the sun-warmed sails of the shipping in the harbour.

Brigs, schooners, yachts, clumsy ferry-boats, their decks swarming with people, railroad transports carrying lines of brown, blue and white freight cars, stately sound steamers, déclassé tramp steamers, coasters, dredgers, scows, and everywhere pervading the entire bay impudent little tugs puffing and whistling officiously;—these were the craft which churned the sunlight waters as far as the eye could reach. In calm contrast to the hurry of sailing vessel and steamer a silent fleet of white warships lay motionless in midstream."

The Repairer of Reputations, Robert W. Chambers

Magnuson Models 1/87 1948 Ford Coupe Kit

Magnuson Models are manufactured by Wm. F. Walthers. These are polyester castings and come two per package. The package also contains a metal detail part, that is, two fenders, and four wheels per model. You can get an idea of the amount detail that is molded in place by viewing the photo. These models will take some careful painting to bring out the detail.

The Wrath of Ashardalon Grell

The Grell is made from a dense plastic and stands approximately 40mm tall. “Grell are usually found underground and are particularly dangerous and vicious.” Although by its looks alone the Grell would make most, except those with the stoutest hearts faint from fear the Grell has, what looks like a bird beak and adding to their horror, they move along by levitating.

Their olive-colored bodies which are about human size carry a set of tentacles with small spines that inject paralyzing venom into their victims. The Grell miniature is another creature from Wizards of the Coasts, Wrath of Ashardalon board game.

Other Resources

• Forgotten Realms Wiki
• Grell Properties and Attributes

Australian Death-adder

"Merciful God!" I groaned.

Although, in every other particular, it corresponded with that which I held—which I had taken from the dacoit—which he had come to substitute for the cane now lying upon the floor—in one dreadful particular it differed.

Up to the snake's head it was an accurate copy; but the head lived!

Either from pain, fear or starvation, the thing confined in the hollow tube of this awful duplicate was become torpid. Otherwise, no power on earth could have saved me from the fate of Abel Slattin; for the creature was an Australian death-adder."

Chapter 10, The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

The Crescent of the Moon Looked Down Upon Us

"Through a temporary rift in the veiling the crescent of the moon looked down upon us. It had a greenish tint, and it set me thinking of the filmed, green eyes of Fu-Manchu."

Chapter 6, The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

D & D Orc Archer

This Orc Archer from the Wizards of the Coast’s D&D Wrath of Ashardalon board game is detailed like the Orc Smasher and stands approximately 35mm. The archer has the following properties and attributes:

If the orc archer is adjacent to a Hero, he will attack the Hero with a punch.
If the orc archer is within 2 tiles of a Hero, he will attack the closest Hero with an arrow.
If the orc archer is more than 2 tiles away he is to move 1 tile toward the closest Hero.
	Attack	Damage
Punch	+6	1
Arrow	+6	2
	Miss	1

D & D Orc Smasher

The Orc Smasher is a large; it stands approximately 35mm tall, highly detailed dense plastic miniature that is accompanying the  Wizards of the Coast, Wrathof Ashardalon  D & D board game. The Orc Smasher has the following properties:

Movement:	1 space towards the nearest hero
Attack:	9
Damage:	1
Experience:	2

The King in Yellow

"It is time," he repeated. Then he took another ledger from the table and ran over the leaves rapidly. "We are now in communication with ten thousand men," he muttered. "We can count on one hundred thousand within the first twenty-eight hours, and in forty-eight hours the state will rise en masse. The country follows the state, and the portion that will not, I mean California and the Northwest, might better never have been inhabited. I shall not send them the Yellow Sign."

The blood rushed to my head, but I only answered, "A new broom sweeps clean."

"The ambition of Caesar and of Napoleon pales before that which could not rest until it had seized the minds of men and controlled even their unborn thoughts," said Mr. Wilde.

"You are speaking of the King in Yellow," I groaned, with a shudder.

"He is a king whom emperors have served."

"I am content to serve him," I replied."

The Repairer of Reputations by Robert W. Chambers

Mr. Wilde Reads his Ledger

"Mr. Wilde had climbed into his high chair, and, after studying my face, picked up a dog's-eared ledger and opened it.

"Henry B. Matthews," he read, "book-keeper with Whysot Whysot and Company, dealers in church ornaments. Called April 3rd. Reputation damaged on the race-track. Known as a welcher. Reputation to be repaired by August 1st. Retainer Five Dollars." He turned the page and ran his fingerless knuckles down the closely-written columns.

"P. Greene Dusenberry, Minister of the Gospel, Fairbeach, New Jersey. Reputation damaged in the Bowery. To be repaired as soon as possible. Retainer $100."

He coughed and added, "Called, April 6th."

"Then you are not in need of money, Mr. Wilde," I inquired.

"Listen," he coughed again.

"Mrs. C. Hamilton Chester, of Chester Park, New York City. Called April 7th. Reputation damaged at Dieppe, France. To be repaired by October 1st Retainer $500.

"Note.—C. Hamilton Chester, Captain U.S.S. 'Avalanche', ordered home from South Sea Squadron October 1st."

"Well," I said, "the profession of a Repairer of Reputations is lucrative."

The Repairer of Reputations, Robert W. Chambers

A Family Photo

You have seen these miniatures before here and here, but I thought I might bring them together for a family reunion. While they were milling around I got a picture of them together. These miniatures are from the Resident Evil, a board game, that features zombies. This is a game by Twilight Creations.

From left to Right: Martha, Uncle Silvester, and Rufus, the family dog.

Dusk Brings a Cloud of Apprehensions

"Dusk always brought with it a cloud of apprehensions, for darkness must ever be the ally of crime; and it was one night, long after the clocks had struck the mystic hour "when churchyards yawn," that the hand of Dr. Fu-Manchu again stretched out to grasp a victim."

Chapter 4, The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

The Yellow Peril-A Host of Characters

Once again Dr. Fu-Manchu, the 'Yellow Peril' is up to his diabolical ways. The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu is the second in the Sax Rohmer Dr. Fu-Manchu series. The series gives me fodder for my own pulp games and scenarios.

"Imagine a person tall, lean, and feline, high shouldered, with a brow like Shakespeare and a face like Satan, a close-shaven skull, and long magnetic eyes of the true cat green. Invest him with all the cruel cunning of an entire Eastern race accumulated in one giant intellect, with all the resources of science, past and present, and you have a mental picture of Dr. Fu-Manchu, the 'Yellow Peril' incarnate in one man."

"If that Satanic genius were not indeed destroyed, then the peace of the world, may be threatened anew at any moment!"

Chapter 1, The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer

Mantic Orc Ax Troop Sprue

The other part of my Mantic order was this Orc Axe Sprue. The four of the five orcs included on this sprue are full of detail. Extra parts on the polystyrene sprue will allow some variation during construction.

Parts included on the sprue include:

3 bodies (1 with 1 arm, and 1 with a head)
3 heads with helmets
6 arms (3 with axe and 2 with shields); 1arm ready to accept an included axe and or a shield
2 adolescent Orc’s (one a flat, that is it only has one side)

Risk Orc Infantrymen

You might remember seeing this 19mm black Orc infantrymen back in my first “Set of Four” post. This miniature comes from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Edition of Risk, which is now out of print.

The miniature was purchased from the Game Crafter, which, besides the Orc infantrymen in black, currently sells five other plastic miniatures from this board game.

The State of the Country

"Toward the end of the year 1920 the Government of the United States had practically completed the programme, adopted during the last months of President Winthrop's administration. The country was apparently tranquil. Everybody knows how the Tariff and Labour questions were settled. The war with Germany, incident on that country's seizure of the Samoan Islands, had left no visible scars upon the republic, and the temporary occupation of Norfolk by the invading army had been forgotten in the joy over repeated naval victories, and the subsequent ridiculous plight of General Von Gartenlaube's forces in the State of New Jersey. The Cuban and Hawaiian investments had paid one hundred per cent and the territory of Samoa was well worth its cost as a coaling station. The country was in a superb state of defence. Every coast city had been well supplied with land fortifications; the army under the parental eye of the General Staff, organized according to the Prussian system, had been increased to 300,000 men, with a territorial reserve of a million; and six magnificent squadrons of cruisers and battle-ships patrolled the six stations of the navigable seas, leaving a steam reserve amply fitted to control home waters."

The Repairer of Reputations by Robert W. Chambers

Do Not Mock the Insane

"Ne raillons pas les fous; leur folie dure plus longtemps que la nôtre... Voilà toute la differénce.

Do not mock the insane; their madness lasts longer than ours, that is the only difference."

The Repairer of Reputations by Robert W. Chambers

Prefix to The Repairer of Reputations

"Along the shore the cloud waves break,
The twin suns sink beneath the lake,
The shadows lengthen
In Carcosa.

Strange is the night where black stars rise,
And strange moons circle through the skies
But stranger still is
Lost Carcosa.

Songs that the Hyades shall sing,
Where flap the tatters of the King,
Must die unheard in
Dim Carcosa.

Song of my soul, my voice is dead;
Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed
Shall dry and die in
Lost Carcosa."

Cassilda's Song in "The King in Yellow," Act i, Scene 2.

The Repairer of Reputations by Robert W. Chambers

A Set of Four, Set #5

This is set number five of four random plastic game miniatures. These miniatures must be cast out of plastic, and must be from some game type of game. RPG's and boardgames have been my main source of miniatures for these posts.

Egyptian War Elephant
Source: Age of Mythology, Egyptian
Size: 30mm

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Hippokon
Source: Age of Mythology, Greek
Size: 30mm

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Game Piece, Green
Source: GearWorld
Size: approx.18mm

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War Elephant, Yellow
Source: Risk, GodStorm Edition
Size: approx. 25mm

Summer of 2016 Reading List

1. The Hand of Fu-Manchu, Sax Rohmer
2. The War Stories of Private Thomas Alkins, Thomas Alkins
3. The Book of Wonder, Lord Dunsany
4. A Dreamers Tales, Lord Dunsany
5. The Slayer of Souls, Robert William Chambers
6. The King in Yellow, Robert William Chambers
7. The Story of an Inexperienced Ghost, H. G. Wells
8. The Canterville Ghost, Oscar Wilde
9. Brood of the Witch Queen, Sax Rohmer