Native Bodstonians (Warriors)

The natives of Bodstonia are generally a peacefull race as can be seen on the accounts of Jocelyn de Bodley´s  discovery of Bodstonia, although warfare  not unknown to them.
As far as can be discovered, mainly through information supplied by Adahy, the "warfare" is on a small scale, short lived, intermitent, usually bloodless and generally  brought on by territorial disputes or the eagerness of younger members of a particular clan to "prove" themselves.
In the last few years this has become more of a "problem" as the population of Bodstonia grows and more land is required to accommodate thier needs.
One expansion meant that a woodland had to be cut down..a woodland that contained a grove which had important superstitious relevance to the local clan. This significance of the grove was unknown to the Bodstonians and they were suprised by the hostile reaction of the natives. Tempers rose on both sides and some bloodshed followed, the natives making of with several firearms*
Since this "incident"  more care is taken in the treatment of land, the task of communicting intentions and resolving any problems being given over to James Forrester.

Here we see a "warband" of natives with thier traditional warpaint. Some wear shirts and other items of clothing traded (or taken) with the Bodstonians. A "warband" is usually 15-20 strong, some clans who have close contact are known to band together and a "warbands" of nigh on 100 strong have been reported but never seen. As the exact number of tribes and therfore the native population as as yet unknown, it cannot be determined as to how many warriors the natives (if the joined together) could field but it is assumed to be  in the many hundreds.

Some natives work as guides and trakers for the bodstonians. Here we see one with an offcast jacket from Company A the Bodstonian Fusiliers
Several of the clans, particularily those who first made contact with the Bodstonians, lend thier warriors to the Bodston defence forces, thus creating a third, though not entirely realiable, force of militia.

A "death" warrior. Some native warriors paint thier faces as to resemble the appearance of a skull. According to Adahy, this signifies their preparedness to stand and fight in order to either obtain some status within the clan or die trying. If succesful in defeating an opponent they will take thier fallen foes heart in the belief it gives them a longer life.


* Before the discovery of the land of Bodstonia, the natives weapons were generally those that were used in the  pursuit of hunting, bows, spears, wooden axes and bone knives. Since Jocelyn de Bodley´s landing, they have aquired quite a reasonable amount of firearms. This has been through trade and some theft on the part of the natives. Another source (although this is not collaborated) is from Jack Dore and his Pirates. When they took the cutter Daniel´s Pride, they aquired a large number of weapons, more than thier number could possibly need. It is assumed they have either traded these with the natives or, given them to a nearby clan which now is in alliance with them.

The Pirates of Jack Dore

Avoided  and ignored since the foundation of Bodstonia, Eggism finally raised it´s ugly head in the spring of 1728. A small family feud had been brewing for nearly a year between the Dores and the De Witts. One evening it came to blows between the two factions after a night of drinking at the Bear inn.
The next day feelings were still running high and to lay the trouble to rest, Bartholomew Montesfort called a meeting of the council, to which the heads of the Dore and DeWitt families were summoned.
Both were sworn to keep the peace or face imprisonment to which both sides agreed and left.

Unfortunately that same evening there was further arguments which again escalated into a fight in which Jack Dore stabbed William DeWitt. The wound was later found to be not serious but at the time the DeWitts left for home, swearing to come back and exact vengeance.
The Dores and several of thier companions also left for thier homes to arm themselves.
The owner of the Bear inn called the watch who quickly formed a guard around and in front of the inn.  The Dore faction took little heed of this and advanced along the high street towards the far end of town, thier intention to march onto the DeWitts farm.
The Watch called out for them to halt and disperse but still they came on. Warning shots were fired, the Dores, thinking they were under attack, opened fire on the watchmen..one member of the which was slightly injured in the  left shoulder. At this point someone rang the Oak Bell and seeing that all was up, the Dores fled.

Within minutes of the Oak Bell being run, a large group of militia, "Purple Roses" and Bodstonian fusiliers had gathered. In the panik, the Dores and thier friends stole down to the dock and took the cutter,  Daniels Pride. This act of piracy was noticed at first light and even though pursuit was given, no trace of them was found.

"Capn" Jack Dore. The titel is self given. At the age of 38, he and his motely "crew" of 46 refugees have spent the last 3 years on the run. Exactly where they are camped, how they are  providing for themselves or if they are in contact with any natives is, as of yet,  unknown, even to Adahy
What is known is that they have taken  one supply ship headed for Bodstonia and at least one Zvezdonian frigate. Both ships and crews they abandoned after plundering thier holds.

The "Purple Roses" (2)

The "infantry" section of the "Purple Roses".
They act as the control role of the unit, the flag and drummer in a rallying and signalling role, the 3 sharpshooters defending Juliet Pride´s gun team, enabling them to concentrate on  operating  "Long Tom", and Rose Tremain, as the commander of the unit.
Thier uniqueness within the Bodstonian defence forces is reflected in the colour of the flag, red, meaning they are attached not only to the regular forces but are directly associated with Company A of the 1st Regiment of Foot, the Bodstonian Fusiliers.

Rose Tremain

The "Purple Roses" (1)

The women of Bodstonia are not only the keepers of hearth and home, but they also take part in the defence of those hearths and homes.

This role is carried out, as with the menfolk, in two forms.  Either they join the militia or become regulars, in a reserve role but still they wear a uniform.
Their unit is called the purple Roses for two reasons. The Unit is commanded by Rose Tremain, a self made woman who runs the dress making and tailors guild in Bodstonia.
Due to the capture of a Zvedonian trade ship in the second Federation war of 1700 - 1705, Rose came into possesion of a large supply of purple cotton. As purple was not fashionable at the time among the Bodstonians (it still isn´t) there was no  profit to be made so she had the cloth made into uniforms for her unit.
The Purple Rose´s number 10 in all and form a small reserve artillery unit, fielding one 6pdr, nicknamed "Long Tom". Why the gun is called Long Tom remains a closely guarded secret among the ladies.
They have competed in the yearly "shoot downs" winning the event twice.
Being obstensively an artillery unit they come under direct command of Bartholomew Motesfont

 The 4 women who are the main gunners. The other 6 take a support and protection role, relaying information to the gun team as to their possible targets. 

Mistress Gunner Juliet pride