Terror of the Lichemaster: the Bogel Family

Terror of the Lichemaster, Part 6

The Lichemaster Heinrich Kemler has sent his undead servant Mikeal Jacsen to destroy the isolated farmstead of the Bogel family in order to prevent them from warning the village of Frugelhofen. Can any of the Bogels escape? Who will be left behind? This is the second battle in the Terror of the Lichemaster scenario pack. 

There's Hunk Bogel, his wife Lorabeth and their three children. Rounding out the family is the halfling stable-hand, Samgaff, and Fritzy the dog. Lightly armed civilians cornered in a lonely farmhouse by a mob of zombies - It's right out of Night of the Living Dead (or the Thriller video). 

The Bogel Family by Tony Ackland (1986)

There's also a dollop of The Waltons since the eldest son is named John-Boy. However, when the undead attack, we learn that the the family is not entirely like the Waltons. As the campaign book tells us...

... the Bogels some to the sudden realization of what is happening, and, in the true pioneering spirit, the women-folk begin to load crossbows for the stern-faced men. 

"Whatever happens," Hunk whispers to his eldest son, "save the last two bolts for Corabell and your mother." 

John-Boy nods and grimly replies, "I know you never liked them, Pa."

That's just the way things are when you are trapped in a little house on the prairie and Mikeal Jacsen is closing in. In any case, let me introduce you to the family.

First up is Hunk Bogel, the patriarch of the family. His miniature is originally one of the unnamed C46 Villagers and Townsfolk released in 1985 (and almost certainly sculpted by Trish Morrison). For a collector, he's a frustrating miniature. He's rare and he's an integral part of both the Lichemaster range and also the range for Bloodbath at Orc's Drift. As a result, he's much sought after when he hits eBay. And yet, he's actually quite an ugly sculpt -- his hunched posture makes it look like he's battling heartburn, not zombies. 

Hunk's wife, Lorabeth Bogel is another unnamed miniature from Citadel's C46 Villagers and Townsfolk (1985) sculpted by Trish Morrison. Like her husband, she's a "refugee from the west", which (I think) means that she came to the Frugelhorn Valley to escape the violence of the Empire. Bad choice, Lorabeth, because your children are about to be eaten by zombies.

John-Boy is the eldest Bogel child. He is the "Herdsman" from from Citadel's C46 Villagers and Townsfolk (1985). He's a common miniature, and will also be familiar to fans of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, where he features in Tony Ackland's illustration for the herdsman career.

Willy Bogel is the youngest child - another common miniature from Citadel's C46 Villagers and Townsfolk (1985). Doesn't it look like he'd have a delicious brain? Yeah, you better run, Willy.

Corabell Bogel is known for her "come-hither" looks. Any why not... her miniature is the "Libertine" from the C46 range of Villagers and Townsfolk (Trish Morrison, 1985). But I hope she knows how the sexually liberated usually fare when the zombies show up...

The Bogel's family dog is Fritzy, described in the campaign book as "aged and rather cranky" (Tell me about it, Fritzy.) Later, we're told that he is actually "completely insane" and is as likely to attack a Bogel as he is an invading zombie.

I've painted Fritzy to look like a Rottweiler, but in fact he's a Blink Dog. That is to say, his miniature originally comes from Citadel's range of licensed miniatures for Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (1985). This is a great range (check out Richard Scott's mind-boggling collection at The Stuff of Legends. Seriously, check it out. I'll wait.) Fritzy is one of the four Blink Dogs sculpted by Aly Morrison for ADD80.

And finally we have the loyal halfling retainer, Samgaff (whose name sounds suspiciously like Sam Gamgee or his father Hamfast "The Gaffer" Gamgee). Samgaff is one of the excellent miniatures carved by Michael and Alan Perry for Citadels's C11 Halflings Range. Originally, this miniature's name was Dery Podgebelly. He's a great sculpt: dramatic, finely detailed and nicely proportioned. But he inexplicably has a cowbell tied around his neck.

It is watchful Samgaff who first sees the zombies coming, and he tries to wake the Bogels with the help of his cowbell... 

If only the Bogels had more cowbell, they might have survived the zombie attack...

Join me next time when we'll meet the last bulwark against the Lichemaster, the heroes of Frugelhofen. Thanks for looking!