General Atena Minervista

Last time we discussed the illustrious Las Minervas the famed women of La Tierra del Diablo who, though not numerous made a significant mark on the military history of Oronegro. Today we shall look at one of Minerva's most famed daughters, Atena Minervista, who although she came from obscure origins was to rise to the highest ranks of the Oronegrean military.

Atena was one of the few women to gain the rank of general within the Oronegrean military

Atena was born into a poor artisan family, who, unable to support her gave her over to the priestesses of the goddess Minerva. Under the tutelage of the priestesses Atena demonstrated a particular propensity for classical history and excelled in all her areas of study. Upon her coming of age she, as with all girls presented to the temple, was submitted with the choice on how she would dedicate herself to Minerva henceforth. Much to the horror of the priestesses, who had expected her to take up a clerical role, Atena instead chose to take up the spear and join Las Minervistas. Although at first Atena struggled with the rigours of martial discipline, it was not long before she would demonstrate her skill.

Sgt. Atena directs the Samurai as they prepare to leave his castle.

It was on a mission to Japan, to secure the safe passage to Oronegro of a disgraced Samurai and his family that her tactical genius became apparent. The family and their attendants, escorted by Las Minervas were making their way down to the coast when they were ambushed by assassins. Atena, at the time a sergeant, noticed one of the mules head between two rocky outcrops and with quick thinking directed the party into the path. The winding track took them down to the shore where the boats awaited them. With only the loss of a few guards they were able to make their getaway.

It was at this point that their translator Jorge Zanja y Corriente revealed that he was not in fact a humble staff officer but in truth the head of Oronegro's refugee underground lifeline programme. Impressed Sgt. Atena's efforts he swore he would secure her a commission upon their safe return. So it was that at the age of 20 Atena became the Lt. Col. of the 1st cohort of the 21st regiment of foot Los Lobos (the wolves). It was with this unit that she had her first experience of large scale warfare while they served as mercenaries in Europe. During a siege she noticed some bandits harassing a mother with her children. Despite orders to remain in position she and a couple picked men rushed to the aid of the family chasing the bandits away and getting them to safety inside the town itself despite of risk of being attacked by the defenders. The town would surrender shortly after, with Lt. Col. Atena and the 21st Los Lobos ensuring that there was no looking or damage of civilian property.

Lt. Col. Atena personally intervenes to save the family even in the midst of battle.

 After service in Europe she would return to Oronegro, now with the rank of Colonel. More important was her reputation, not only for her skill in command but also her personal bravery as well as the concern she showed not only to her own troops but all those she came across. 

It was at this time that one of the native tribes allied to Oronegro was threatened by a large war host who were encroaching on their territory from the North. Colonel Atena's 21st Los Lobos, along with the 28th grenadiers San Francisco, and the 8th Las Minervas were dispached to assist the tribe. During the march through the jungle the army was ambushed, which lead to Col. Atena and one cohort being separated from the rest of the army. Extremely vulnerable to attack and with night spreading through the valley Col. Atena, with only the moon shining through the canopy to guide her was able to lead her soldiers back to the camp. The next day the army was to withdrawal to safer territory ceding ground to the warhost while reinforcements were brought in from La Ley.

The night march of the lost 200, was one of the defining moments of her career.

During the months that followed a full legion, was amassed to return to fight the warhost. During this time the expeditions commander an elderly man named Fernando died dysentery. Due to unusual circumstances the chain of command was unclear so it was decided that the next commander would be decided by the vote of all 5,500 soldiers present. Much to the surprise the gentlemen officers and to the press Atena Minervista won that election by a significant margin. With her commission endorsed by the head secretary of the army, one Jorge Zanja y Corriente, General Atena Minervista became the second woman to achieve that rank in Oronegrean history.

Here concludes her story, her deeds and achievements after this time will no doubt be recorded elsewhere.

Alberto and Sophia Castillo

Alberto and Sophia are the last members of the Castillo family to have their biography written, They are the second youngest son and eldest daughter respectively.

Sophia was born in 1719. Her childhood was a happy one and she spent many days reading down by the steam next to the family home. As she got older Sophia took to riding great distances in the cool Oronegrean evenings. It was on one of those evenings that she chanced upon a beautiful blue pebble in a stream bed. Upon returning home she asked her parents to encase the pebble in a golden case too keep as an amulet. It was this amulet that she wore to a local ball as a necklace when she turned 16. It was said that the son of a local aristocrat was so entranced by the pebble and Sophia's beauty that he asked her to dance with him. This caused quite a stir as it was expected for him to dance with the young ladies in attendance rather than the daughter of a merchant. 

It was soon after this that Sophia, possibly encouraged by her mother, started trying to court the young gentlemen of Oronegro. Although it was more common in Oronegro for someone of lower class to marry one above them it was still news when it happened.

Sophia out riding her horse, She doesn't wear her amulet most days for fear of losing it. She firmly believes that it once belonged to a queen of the indigenous peoples who lost it long ago. A local legend does support this idea although most are sceptical of this.

Although she has yet to marry she has caught the eye of many fine gentleman. And her mother tries her best to make sure that the finest match is made. Many suspect Maria's motives are securing her family a position within Oronegro's ruling elite. Whether or not Sophia shares her mothers motives is unknown and many do not care.  Most are just happy to see a young lady making her way in the world.

Clearly this ride is a short one, perhaps it is the heat or maybe she has an appointment to keep.

If his sister wants to be the glamorous aristocratic lady Alberto Castillo is most certainly not gentlemanly.  Born in 1714 he had a good childhood playing with his older brothers outdoors often exploring the woods around the family's property. As he got older he didn't take up a position within the family's trading business instead he went out hunting and drinking with his friends. This inevitably caused problems with his mother who had ambitious plans for expanding the family business that most definitely included him. So it was that in 1722 he moved out of the family home into a small hut on the edge of the forest. Although he would often visit his family he enjoyed his time away.

Here Alberto can be seen hunting. He appearts to have caught an Oronegrean short eared red hare.

Fishing, Hunting and Drinking take up considerable parts of his new life but he is not a fool. Although the black sheep in his mothers eyes he is respected by his brothers and is fiercely loyal to his family. Although unmarried he is known to have had (and probably has) multiple female companions. Considered a bit of a rouge he is not averse to danger and is a crack shot. What will become of his lifestyle is unknown but he's happy as he is and it doesn't look like he'll make a change any time soon.

Alberto returning to the shade of his hut to get out of he hot sun. Heat stroke it a very real problem in Oronegro's hottest months.

This concludes our biography of the Castillo family. Please refer to our expanding selection of biographies and histories to learn more about the people and events that make up the land of Oronegro.

Well that's all for the Castillo family. From now on I won't include dates for my Biographies this will enable more flexibility with dates. And it also removes Oronegro somewhat from our world in time just as Oronegro is somewhat removed in space through the use of a portal. Again this is all about flexibility it allows Oronegro to be 18th century without having to conform to all the realities of that period. I may include some dates for other things such as technological developments or conflicts.

Fernando and Maria Castillo

Maria Castillo is wife of Jose Castillo and mother of their six children: Fernando, Rolando, Sophia, Alberto, Rosa and Giorgio.

Mother and eldest son together. Fernando seems to have found himself a nice mug of coffee.

 Maria Castillo's age is unknown, nobody dared to ask her for it. What we do know is that her no-nonsense attitude and stubbornness was legendary. And although she may have seemed harsh at times she always took the best care of her children.

Maria likes to wear simple garb as it is less likely to get ruined in the rural areas of Oronegro. Fine clothing doesn't last long there.

 Despite her stuborness she also had a keen sense for trade and it was as much her effort as José's that their trading enterprise got off the ground. And it was thanks to her teaching that her second born Rolando gained the insight into trade and was able to take the family business from the local to national scale. Of her social life and other exploits we know little. She was quite conservative in that regard and kept as much information as possible to herself. No rival would be able to find her weakness and none ever did.

Although it may not seem like it Maria and the Castillo family are very well off. José's successful trading business.

 With his golden blond hair Fernando takes after his father. Also like his father he participates in the family business captaining one of the family's river boats up and down the Oronegro river and its tributaries. Born on the 6th of February 1709 he would become quite famed for his numerous romantic exploits much to the annoyance of his mother who had hoped to arrange a good marriage with a family of Oronegro's established upper classes.

Fernando with his coffee. Coffee being one of the commodities the Castillo's trade regularly.

 Although his still with trade was competent he was soon overshadowed by his younger brother Rolando. Despite some fear that this could cause a rift between them, the result was actually a strengthening of the bonds between them. Fernando who was always following his heart rather than his head felt glad that the family business would transfer into his brothers capable hands rather than his own. Although recent rumours that his brother may split and establish his own trading company have unnerved Fernando.

Fernando may well take over the family business if Rolando does decide to set up his own.

 Fernando and Maria are quite different in their attitudes but both love their family and will strive to do what is best for it.

well that's it for these two for now. We'll be hearing of them again in the future but for now work is going on to complete Fernando's other siblings.

As always good day/night. :-)

Rolando and Giorgio

Rolando and Giorgio are some of Jose and Maria Castillo's children; both take after their mother and have dark hair, unlike Rosa, Sophia and Fernando who take after Jose and have light hair, Alberto has a dirty brown hair colour half way between his parents.

a small family gathering without the evil mother or the crazy siblings who are out and about.

Rolando is the second oldest son of Jose and Maria, he is an excellent business man who has taken the modest trading company of his father and turned it into a national organisation with a large annual profit. Although he is not yet in control is seems highly likely that he'll take control of the family business when his father resigns, though it is rumoured that he might even set up his own as he clearly has the potential. Born on the 28th of April 1711 he was different from other children in his youth, he showed a high intellect and a great mathematical ability but he was incredibly quiet and withdrawn. However at the age of 15 he started to show some vague social skills, much to the delight of his father who feared his son could never marry even if it was arranged. though Rolando has never had a relationship like those of his elder brother, but this is to his advantage as the calculating man, as he is known, knows the value of a high born wife. Something he may soon have if he can seduce of of the many pretty women of Oronegro. Though the question remains is his desire for marriage part of some equation that places a value or number on love or some true feeling in his heart?

Rolando on the right and Giorgio on the left

Giorgio on the other hand is a very happy child, he may live in the shadow of his sister but this is to his advantage as then he can avoid his mothers strict eyes. Rolando is her favourite son which may sound good for him but all that means he, like is father, does every thing he's told is easy to love. Giorgio is not like that, he doesn't matter to her because he was born after Rosa so can never compare. Most children would be permanently damaged by the lack of love, but when your mother it "el Burro" its different. Her nickname perhaps shows more about her character by the fact she's referred to as male rather than as a donkey. For this reason Giorgio is fortunate he can stay at his friends house without the threat of his mother breaking down the door and dragging him away for dinner. Giorgio was born on the 31st of August 1729 during what was a pretty average day which Maria saw a a disappointment but his farther was relieved that he didn't get rushed along by flood waters like the year before.

the family really should consider getting a better artist to do their paintings

all in all they both live very different lives and the wars of the 1730's and 1740's will be a large part of their lives.

Rosa and her father Jose Castillo

Rosa daughter of Jose and Maria Castillo was born on the 5th of October 1728. The day of her birth in El Pollo where she was born would become know as la Gargantua Del Rio, the throat of the river! For on that day the river surrounding the island part of El Pollo was so high that it almost completely swallowed up the settlement and her birth was to become a story of great renown!

"the cries of a new born child were heard over the roar of the waters and the screams of the drowning! 
All those forced onto the roof tops froze in that brief moment and as if hearing the anguish the river found mercy in its destructive heart and retreated back to its channel leaving behind those it had so cruelly taken.
The cries ended and slowly life returned and the priest could be heard muttering 'an angel, an angel!'"


Her father Jose was perhaps the most amazed by the event, kept away from his family by the raging currents he could not have swam to them from the town hall. yet just before he thought we would miss the birth of his fourth child the balcony upon which he stood collapsed, the cold water dragged him along but when all seemed lost a hand from nowhere grabbed him and pulled him from deaths grip, to the shock of all as well as himself he had made it to the family home and not more than half an hour later his daughter was born.

Jose goes to ask his daughter what the matter is, she has not come down for dinner and Maria is getting into one of her grumpy moods

Rosa shows her father the cupboard in which she is certain that mice are hiding.

Perhaps then it was surprising that although many people begged that the child's name be things such as Diosa (goddess), her mother, Maria is perhaps better known as burro (donkey) because of her stubbornness and as such her decision to call her daughter Rosa stuck. It was only when at the age of 4 when she stared to go out more into town with her older brothers that she started getting called Diosa, and although officially she was not called that by anyone, it appeared that there was some sort of identical twin running around with that name... at least that's what it seemed like when Maria went out with her daughter

father and daughter pose for a portrait

unfortunately the painter has to paint them from behind for some reason?

The Castillo family are quite well off, not only because Rosa received money and gifts from nearly everyone on the town as gratitude for her miracle! they are quite a large family also, Rosa has a younger brother Giorgio who is always seen in the Shadow of his sister.Fernando is the eldest child, his long blond beard and hair make his somewhat barbaric, he is however very protective of his little sisters. Rolando is the second oldest and most respectable so far as the aristocracy sees things, most likely to follow his father in looking after the families trade business he is also a visionary planner. Alberto is the second youngest son, he is totally unlike Rolando and spends his days hunting with his friends. Sophia is the eldest girl, she is unmarried and is known throughout the great farming plains and the El Pollo region as the fairest woman with an incredible intellect. they are a moderately wealthy family but the trade business has boomed and some of the family, like Sophia are looking to marry into the rich and powerful families in Oronegro.

Captain and commander Alfred Hale

this post and the figure/ character featured within it are dedicated to Alfred Hale the late husband of Anne O'Leary. I quote her in saying "my departed husband who was a sailor and a deep sea welder. He was killed while working on a rig in an explosion over 25 years ago. He was a good man and I miss him still." Anne when you told me this story I knew that I must name this figure after him as you asked me. I hope that it honors the memory of your departed husband and that perhaps he wherever he is now feels that this respects his memory.

Captain and commander Alfred Hale is a man to whom all others is the symbol of bravery and honour. In Battle on land and sea he wears plate armour that both makes him a target to his foes and a striking symbol of leadership to his comrades!
born on 27th of June 1705 to a middle class family from the beginning he showed himself to be greater than most of his classmates in school. Strong and brave he soon was selected by his peers for a leading role in his school. in April 1721 he was recruited into the military after a fight in one of San Fran's many bars. Yet although he had not been trained for very long he soon showed a great knowledge for military and naval matters. in the great pirate raid of 1725 he showed perhaps the greatest courage and discipline when the commander of the company was in was slain and all the NCO's refused to lead the unit. Alfred took control of the remnants of the force which now only numbered some 13 men. It was in that moment he first wore that iconic suit of plate steel, taking it from a mannequin in the great house where they were cornered. There in that place they fought for 3 hours cut off from help facing waves of foes who surly outnumbered them 20 to 1.
Help came in the form of some marines who came up from the river, their ship had been taken now and they sought refuge in the large house where Hale was fighting for his life his force now reduced to only 6 brave men. However as soon as the marines shot, bayoneted and slashed their way through the building Hale took command of them and lead them out of the building and charged them down the streets of La Ley's old district and with the retaking of marines ship his legend was made!

For him the rewards and honours came thick and fast He was promoted to the rank of commander which meant he could lead a half century of soldiers (50 men and 10 officers) and granted the honour of also being a naval captain which was un-heard of for a man from the army. Though perhaps he was not rewarded enough for his actions there was one thing that he was given that other men could only dream of: A purpose built boat, HMS Anne!
He wrote in 1728:
"To my loving wife to whom I owe a great deal

Do you remember my dear that day 3 years ago, it seems like an age now. However after that nasty incident I had recently it came back to the forefront of my mind. Remember the carpenters at the shipwright were shocked when I asked for our dear Anne. They thought I would ask for a large frigate or something, they do not understand that I am no simple leader, I do not like others to wait in a cabin or upon a hill watching the action from afar. I am a man of action, and my dear although you probably tire greatly when you hear me say it I must say once more, I always will be there in the thick of the fray where musket balls fly and bayonets flash and the smoke and the blood is mixed into one great cloud that covers the land hiding the horrendous sight of men killing men from any onlooker. Well my dear I shall gladly be back home soon, how's the maid I heard she was up to no good? 

to my dearest and most loving wife
Alfred"

The incident he refers to in his letter is none other that the Battle of  Petrablanca which took place on the 30th and 31st of March 1728. The Anne and the Gato were sailing down a small river near El Pollo when they came under fire from a battery on the bank! The Gato was sunk and Anne was damaged on her starboard side. Anne's gunners fought bravely but it was clear that they needed to take her out of range or out of sight of the guns and march over land to destroy it! The next morning Hale lead his 2 infantry men and some of his sailors along the road they met up with many scared villagers who spoke of a raiding bandit party that had come from the south. Hale brought many of the villagers and local farmers to a near by supply post where they came under attack. mounting the rood of the building the morning sun reflected of his steel helmet. Lord Alfonso Caballero wrote "the man was mad, mad I say for all the bullets I heard were surly aimed at him and yet he stood firm guiding the fire from the top of the building upon the enemies best shots." Alfred has hit several times that day but many shots did not penetrate his armour saving his life for sure. The battle was won when reservists marched up from El Pollo alerted to what was going on the previous days by the survivors from the sunk el Gato. The bandits fled rather than face the century coming up from the town. The bandits were well armed for a bunch of rouges and it was discovered by Alfred Hale himself that they were from south on La Fortuna in the remnants of what was once the nation of Oroblanco.

Alfred Hale on Anne's port side as she turned to fire on the battery.

the Anne sailing through fog

the defence of the supply house the next day

Without fear Hale mounted the top of the building to direct the fire of the infantry

Alfred Hale was in 1730 Granted a knighthood by the representative of the multiple monarchs of Oronegro, for his gallantry in battle and his help in restoring order to the nation of Oronegro. he currently resides in a respectable dwelling outside of San Fran where he is head of the police force. His boat the HMS Anne is usually in port at Rio Pescado north or San Fran. However as all in Oronegro begin to realise that our nation is once more about to go through a time of war the question arises "what role will Sir Alfred Hale play in the coming conflict?" perhaps we shall know soon enough for in this year 1735 after a break down with the respectable Lord McDonald of New Dunedin and his Allies in Nouveau Paris Oronegro is once more at war with her neighbours.

James.ep3 the lone warrior revealed

well this will be a story made up on the spot...

meet James.ep3 hero of the land of Oronegero

James.ep3 is a member of an international group the ep3's what it stands for nobody knows!
(my mate came up with it... he was making his rune scape account years ago and saw the star wars monopoly in my room where the computer was and tuned C3PO into ep3, the name stuck and now we both use it... Kane.ep3 and James.ep3... James is my middle name of coarse)
In Oronegro James.ep3 earned a reputation for being brave in battle, intelligent, the lone warrior and above all a terrible team member... he nearly always communicated in a way that was either commanding or not empathetic (too autobiographical) But despite this draw back he stayed on until the end of that war aiding the national forces when it seemed morally right. However during the great fight for the old district he aided local rebels in the street fighting, it became apparent that the national commander was a man who felt no shame in damaging those rustic and beautiful streets. This action did attract criticism however later when the same commander ordered artillery to shell the gallery of fine art and Oronegrean literature James.ep3's actions were justified.... the gallery was not shelled in the end as the commander of artillery did not open fire instead he called the headquarters for the area and told them about the situation.

a gas mask was worn all the time, it saved his life many times

James.ep3 was mostly seen in La Ley where the fighting was the most suitable for a lone man on a mission to fight without needing a team to back him up and warn him of enemy maneuvers. James.ep3 fought outside La Ley on a few occasions, notably for the fight for San Antonio in the great farming plains! though he lived through that war he went missing after the fighting ended, some say he left Oronegro and joined the other ep3's preparing for other conflicts where a Hero would be needed and a nation saving from itself!


below is a small pic of James.ep3 from the game Red Crucible 2 from which this figure/ character is based

as you can see I did try my best when it came to sculpting the figure by hand... stated in a post about the figure on my model blog... I hope to create numerous adventures in Oronegro for this character and perhaps soon my friend Kane can have his own little version, he too is on the online game...

have a nice night/day

Karri .C. Tuf the real story

have you seen this woman(?) if so do not go near her again

perhaps the most dangerous woman (?) that the world will ever see this large, and loud woman is the leader of an important and dangerous black market arms trade. She is known to all by the English name of Karri .C. Tuf but her real name and birth place is unknown!

there is wide speculation that she is in fact underweight and wears a complex bomb belt

so what is know is speculation... she was born during 1981 in Europe. She first registered as Karri .C. Tuf when in 2010 she was picked up in a small boat around the UK, the coast guard was suspicious of her, as she did not appear to come from around the area she was seen. She then lived east of London causing chaos and getting involved with criminal gangs. then she disappeared, it later occurred that she had, while working at the docks seen a ship that was unusually well protected by a ring of guards. Then ship "El Chico" was from Oronegro and carrying a dangerous cargo of weapons and explosive pens (Mi5). Though it would seem obvious, Karri got on the ship and sailed for her new life in La Ley! she almost straight away was building up a gang and by 2015 Los Diablos were the most notorious group in the land. during the war in Oronegro between 2023-2033 she backed the Rebels, and although they were defeated in La Ley where she lived during the clear out mission of 2025-6 she was not caught. what happened to her from then on in unknown. Some have even claimed that she never existed and was perhaps just an imagined character used by Los Diablos and later the rebels to fool the government! but there is evidence enough to show she existed even if a body or living person is not available for proof!

oh and followers!
Paul paulsbods
Davidmarshal at1/72.
Ion archdukepiccolo this is bold because of latin wars project he does and its links to oronegro 
Christopher commissarmoody
and Austin B   from ?
there you go and welcome guys!