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onlunarseas.bsky.social
onlunarseas
@onlunarseas.bsky.social
330 followers 82 following 790 posts
Developing Morningstar, a LEGO mecha & spaceship tabletop wargame. I also do other tabletop stuff and sometimes art.
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onlunarseas.bsky.social
Shields have gone from too strong to too weak and now back to too strong. And there are some unintuitive interactions with cover and sensor locks in general. I finally got into melee but it was underwhelming, and things were still too static. So there's work to be done, but I still had fun. (2/2)
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round three, a dark red mecha armed with an axe and shield advances, forcing a tan mecha to fall back. The other dark red mecha concentrate their fire on one tan mecha, wrecking it, and take only a few scattered damage in return. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round four, the axe-wielding dark red mecha charges one of the tan mecha and destroys it in melee combat. One remaining tan mecha tries to keep its distance from this threat, while the other cowers behind the wreck of another fallen comrade. Meanwhile, the other dark red mecha move up to press their advantage. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round five, the pair of tan mecha damage the axe-wielding dark red mecha, forcing it to drop its shield. But they are overrun by the advance of their foes—one takes heavy damage while the other flees the battle outright.
November 29, 2025 at 8:57 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
For this Morningstar: Close Combat playtest, I reverted shields to provide partial hard cover. That makes them stronger, but the bonus is lost with critical arm damage. I also replaced the melee-only loadout of one Kheshig with a shotgun and shield combo. (1/2) #LEGO #mecha #tabletop #wargaming
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. The mecha on one side are dark red, black, and bright light orange, while their opponents are tan and dark grey. Tokens and labels show bonuses and damage suffered by each, identified by callsigns. In round one, both sides push up in pairs and take cover behind trees or low walls. One mecha from each team takes multiple damage, while the rest are unscathed. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round two, a dark red mecha with a shield moves to protect its ally who was damaged last round. The others slightly adjust positions for better shots, yet remarkably each side inflicts only one damage.
November 29, 2025 at 8:57 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Well, that turned out pretty much perfectly. Tangy, tender, and just as I remember it from over a decade ago. Served with Brussels sprouts pan-fried in bacon fat (plus the bacon, obvs). I ate way too much, even by my usual Thanksgiving standards.
Photo of a plate of sauerbraten, potato dumplings, and Brussels sprouts and bacon. Photo of a large pot with sauerbraten cooking inside. Photo of the sauerbraten meat on a plate, having been taken out briefly to thicken the sauce, but also to appreciate how good it looks.
November 28, 2025 at 3:05 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
For dinner tomorrow we're having a big ol' bowl of carrots, onions, and vinegar. No wait, this is a marinade for sauerbraten (sour beef) with potato dumplings. Never made it before but we loved getting it at a restaurant ages ago; hopefully this recipe comes close to that.
Photo of a big glass bowl of carrots, onions, and vinegar, plus spices, on a countertop. Photo of two gallon-sized plastic bags. Inside each is the marinade and a large chunk of beef.
November 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
As much as I love having painted minis, I generally hate the process itself. Much more fun to just collect and build. But this might be the most fun I've ever had painting miniatures. Just a few steps left to finish these two squads of 15 mm Quar. #tabletop #wargaming #miniaturepainting
Photo of 15 mm scale Quar in two units of nine. On the left are Creevin leather jackets with white bedrolls on their backpacks; on the right, Easky in white and azure with brown backpacks. None are fully painted yet.
November 26, 2025 at 1:00 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
I also made shields less effective, which proved too drastic a change. The Khuraltans were gunned down quickly and never even got into melee. I need to consider my next steps here—do I make melee more generally viable, or trust that it'll shine better once there are objectives to fight over? (2/2)
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round three, concentrated fire brings down another shield-bearing dark red mecha, which falls just short of the line of tan mecha. The remaining dark red mecha pull back behind cover and do little damage in return. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round four, a third dark red mecha, already badly damaged, is wrecked and collapses behind heavy cover. The last member of the team prepares to flee, but suffers leg damage that will hamper its retreat. The tan mecha are battered, but all remain operational.
November 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
For this Morningstar: Close Combat playtest, I tried out 90° front arcs, which made model positioning much more important. I made melee combat more intuitive, and adjusted the terrain slightly to make it easier to vault over the low walls in the center. (1/2) #LEGO #mecha #tabletop #wargaming
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. The mecha on one side are tan and dark grey, while their opponents are dark red, black, and bright light orange. Tokens and labels show bonuses and damage suffered by each, identified by callsigns. In round one, both sides deploy and take cover, but one dark red mecha is already destroyed. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round two, the tan mecha maneuver for clear shots on a dark red mecha advancing just behind its shield-bearing ally. Return fire is more spread out across the tan mecha.
November 22, 2025 at 10:20 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
I painted up another 15 mm quar test model, this time a Creevin Trench Watch Rhyfler. Here he is facing over an invader from Easky. Now that I've got the process mostly worked out, I can start batch painting the rest of their squads, then finish up the bases. #tabletop #wargaming #miniaturepainting
Photo of two 15 mm scale Quar miniatures. Both are alien anteaters with WWI-esque military equipment. On the left is a Creevish Rhyfler in a brown leather jacket and tan shorts. On the right is an Easkovite Rhyfler (back view) in a short white coat with a blue helmet and boot toes. Photo of two 15 mm scale Quar miniatures. Both are alien anteaters with WWI-esque military equipment. On the left is an Easkovite Rhyfler in a short white coat with a blue helmet and boot toes. On the right is a Creevish Rhyfler (back view) in a brown leather jacket and tan shorts.
November 21, 2025 at 10:51 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
In Morningstar, attacks get a bonus when in the target's back arc. But with 180° arcs, that hasn't come up yet. So I might change the bases to have 90° front arcs instead, which would also help make overwatch and return fire more balanced. It might be tricky if not using these bases, though. #LEGO
Render of ten LEGO mecha in two rows. Those in the front row share a design with tan and dark grey armor, carrying carbines in varying poses. Those in the back row share a different design with dark red, black, and bright light orange armor. Three carry melee weapons and shields, while three carry rifles, all in varying poses.
November 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Despite having half as many guns, the Khuraltans focused down Sunset while Breacher and Orion drew fire. The EDSC was pushed back, and Hacksaw fell as the lines met. But melee played little role, and I'm not sure how I feel about the current shield rules. Still, good data—on to the next! (2/2)
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round three, the dark red mecha with shields continue their advance and are now in the open, while those with rifles hang back. The tan mecha remain in much the same place, but one is destroyed and collapses behind a low defensive wall. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round four, the dark red mecha with shields are nearly in melee range of their foes, but those with rifles continue to do all the damage. The tan mecha are now pushed up against the battlefield edge mounting a desperate defense. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round five, a second tan mecha has been wrecked, and the remaining two cower in a corner under heavy threat, though two of the dark red mecha are nearly destroyed themselves.
November 15, 2025 at 10:33 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Been months since my last playtest of Morningstar: Close Combat, my #LEGO #mecha skirmish game. This one sees the debut of the Khuraltan Alliance along with shields, melee weapons, and some revamped ranges. The EDSC suffered from bad rolls as Kheshigs advanced in pairs. (1/2) #tabletop #wargaming
Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. The mecha on one side are tan and dark grey, while their opponents are dark red, black, and bright light orange. Tokens and labels show bonuses and damage suffered by each, identified by callsigns. In round one, both sides deploy and take cover while trading fire. Render of a battlefield with eight LEGO mecha and several bits of terrain. In round two, the dark red mecha push forward, the lead two using huge shields to protect themselves and their allies. The tan mecha hold their positions, maneuvering only for better shots.
November 15, 2025 at 10:33 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Played my first solo game of This Quar's War, with rules modified to suit my current low model count. Creevin machine gun fire broke Easky's left flank first, then the center. A desperate Easkovite assault then bogged down. Great fun, can't wait to build up these armies more. #tabletop #wargaming
Photo of 15 mm Quar miniatures engaged in battle on cardboard terrain. Photo of 15 mm Quar miniatures engaged in battle on cardboard terrain. One side has lost a team of three, while both sides have lost a model from their center teams. Photo of 15 mm Quar miniatures engaged in battle on cardboard terrain. One side has lost another team of three, while the other side has lost just three quar in total. Photo of 15 mm Quar miniatures engaged in battle on cardboard terrain. Not much has happened since the last round, but it doesn't look good for the outnumbered side.
November 15, 2025 at 1:41 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Painted up my very first quar. This 15 mm Easky Rhyfler is a test model just to make sure I'm happy with the colors and base. I need to add some ground cover, and I might highlight the helmet a bit. But as it stands I'm thrilled with this little guy and can't wait to do more. #tabletop #wargaming
Photo of a 15 mm Quar miniature, an Easky Rhyfler, painted and on a muddy-looking base, next to a plastic tree. Photo of a 15 mm Quar miniature, an Easky Rhyfler, painted and on a muddy-looking base, next to a plastic tree. Photo of a 15 mm Quar miniature, an Easky Rhyfler, painted and on a muddy-looking base, next to a plastic tree.
November 13, 2025 at 4:52 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Been taking it easy, playing games & working on other hobbies. But I'm also planning out what's next for Morningstar playtests. Thinking of simplifying weapon ranges a bit to keep things more manageable. And might do single-post recaps to speed up the battle reports. Made a quick render, too. #LEGO
Render of four LEGO mecha moving in pairs on either side of a tall dark tan wall. The mecha on the left are dark red with bright light orange; the one in front has a black shield and a long club, while the one behind is aiming a rifle over its ally's shoulder. The mecha on the right are tan and dark grey, both armed with carbines. Both pairs look like they're about to peek around the end of the wall at the same time.
November 10, 2025 at 1:07 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Here's a wrap-up of my #LEGO builds for #Mechatober. I had to catch up, but I'm glad I participated. Even though I kept things relatively simple, I still pushed myself creatively. Thanks to @mechamaria64.bsky.social for the prompts, and to everyone who participated and inspired me. #Mechatober2025
Render of my LEGO builds for Mechatober 2025. Thirty-one days of mecha in a wide range of colors and styles, mostly small and simple but with a few more involved builds including some variants and scenes.
November 1, 2025 at 10:18 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Google Pixel... 7 Pro (I had to look that up, smart phones are not my forte). We don't see them often, but we've been taking more walks lately to see the salmon migration. Seeing one of these is a special treat.
October 31, 2025 at 11:29 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Nice! I've gotten to see a couple of great blue herons lately, but I've yet to see a cormorant. Love the wildlife around here.
Photo of a great blue heron standing in the middle of a creek, all hunched over and suspicious like.
October 31, 2025 at 9:48 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
31 Ancient. I wanted something special for this final prompt. I started this design in dark tan to show its age, then made a pristine version. Finally I put it on a base, posed it lying down, and built up a landscape around it. A very fun way to wrap things up. #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Render of a LEGO mecha in dark tan. It lies broken against a grassy hillside, its shattered shield lying beside it and its sword embedded in the ground just beyond its severed arm. Moss and flowers have begun to reclaim it as part of the landscape. Render of a LEGO mecha in dark tan. It lies broken against a grassy hillside, its shattered shield lying beside it and its sword embedded in the ground just beyond its severed arm. Moss and flowers have begun to reclaim it as part of the landscape. Render of a LEGO mecha in dark tan. It lies broken against a grassy hillside, its shattered shield lying beside it and its sword embedded in the ground just beyond its severed arm. Moss and flowers have begun to reclaim it as part of the landscape. Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in white and bright light orange. The same design as the wrecked build, but pristine. It has a knightly appearance, with a sword and shield at the ready and a red feather in its helmet.
October 31, 2025 at 7:51 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Someone on Mastodon said they look like they should be on a beach so I obliged.
Render of two crab-like coral-colored LEGO mecha on a round tan base next to a yellow umbrella, a dark blue bucket with a red handle, and the beginnings of a sandcastle.
October 31, 2025 at 1:02 AM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
30 Mass Produced. I thought about using olive green for Swarm yesterday, but quickly realized it'd be better suited to today's prompt. This is a take on the rather common walking tank idea. A simple design intended to be churned out and flood the battlefield. #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Render of a whole bunch of LEGO mecha in olive green, standing in neat rows. The mecha share a single design: bipedal with a torso shaped much like a tank turret, a short main gun on the front and a pilot or tank commander manning a machine gun above that. Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in olive green. It is bipedal and has a torso shaped much like a tank turret, with a short main gun on the front and a pilot or tank commander manning a machine gun above that.
October 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
29 Swarm. Hadn't used coral yet; it's a lovely color, though part availability is a bit limited. But I figured I'd keep this design small and simple, then make lots of variants. A very relaxing process, and an average cost of $1.35 per model makes a swarm feasible. #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Render of twelve LEGO mecha in coral, all sharing a squat, four-legged chassis but with different equipment. Front row: light walker, recon, troop carrier, battle tank, command. Middle row: artillery, rocket artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-aircraft missiles. Back row: engineering, recovery, heavy utility.
October 29, 2025 at 7:33 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
28 Crystal. Not much rationale behind this one, just wanted to use magenta and transparent dark pink. Maybe the crystals are an energy weapon? It's sort of a Tachikoma design—does the pilot sit up front, or are they a rock-based life form comfortably in the back? #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in magenta. It has six legs and two little grabby arms, with a low posture. Its back section is made of transparent dark pink slopes and a matching crystal, positioned sort of like the shell of a hermit crab.
October 28, 2025 at 7:28 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
27 Otherworldly. Started out trying to make stubby legs and a tall body, but wound up with the opposite. As is often the case, color also dictated the design; I wanted as much consistency as possible. It really came together when I found those roof corners. #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in medium lavender. It has long, multi-jointed legs, a rounded shell-like body, and large curved panels on either side of its torso giving it a somewhat floral or jellyfish appearance. Between the two panels are an odd assortment of what are presumably weapons.
October 27, 2025 at 10:42 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
Drove to Kirkland, listening to Slayer, for a Samhain bonfire at the PNW Witches' Market. Bought candles, a crocheted chanterelle, and a crescent moon-shaped opalite. Enjoyed the clouds over Seattle, the rain on Lake Washington, and a Yemeni coffee on the way home.
Photo of people at a bonfire in Kirkland by Lake Washington. Photo of dense rolling clouds over Lake Washington, Seattle visible in the distance. Photo of people standing around a roaring Samhain bonfire. Photo of a large tree at the edge of Lake Washington with ducks flying past on a cloudy, rainy day, just after sunset.
October 27, 2025 at 8:09 PM
onlunarseas.bsky.social
26 Race. I hadn't used lime green yet—had to remedy that. Originally I just planned on a Heavy Gear-style secondary movement system, but wound up making this a transformer instead! No parts to add or remove, just rotated into place. Could maybe be refined a bit yet. #LEGO #Mechatober2025 #Mechatober
Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in lime green with black elements. It has wheels on its wrists and ankles and is posed like it is roller skating. Front and back renders of a LEGO mecha in lime green with black elements. It has transformed into vehicle mode, with its torso folded up and all four limbs down so the wheels can make ground contact.
October 26, 2025 at 7:56 PM