Speaking directly to Geek Native on the floor of the UK Games Expo, newly minted publisher Untamed Sword has revealed plans that will thrill long-time fans of the classic dark fantasy skirmish game, Chronopia. The company, which recently took over the license from the German publisher Uhrwerk Verlag, confirmed that legacy models from previous editions of the game will be released as STLs for home 3D printing.
This move, previously hinted to Kickstarter backers under the mysterious moniker “Operation Mirror of the Past,” allows veterans of the 1990s Target Games competitor to recreate the tabletop battles of yesteryear. In addition to the STL releases, Untamed Sword is showcasing the 3rd Edition of Chronopia at the convention, highlighting a brand-new solo mode which we’re told plays a bit like a tabletop version of the popular video game Diablo.
The presence of Untamed Sword at UKGE marks a significant step forward for the troubled Kickstarter project. Approximately two months ago, Uhrwerk Verlag, a company traditionally focused on roleplaying games, stepped away from the miniature wargame. They transferred the license to Untamed Sword UK LTD to manage fulfilment, logistics, and future development. This transition was intended to allow Uhrwerk to refocus on RPGs while giving Chronopia the dedicated leadership it needed to finally reach players’ tables.
Chronopia 3rd Edition is built around a truly scalable experience, allowing players to start with intimate hero skirmishes of just four to five models and expand up to massive army battles of over 100 figures per side. At its core, the game uses an intuitive D20 system where rolling low is the goal – a roll of 1 is a perfect success, while a 20 is a failure.
Combat avoids the traditional, static “I go, you go” turn structure. Instead, Chronopia utilises an alternative activation system, prompting players to activate units one by one. This real-time tactical flow prioritises smart positioning and reactions over broad, army-wide movements. With randomised main missions, secret objectives, and variable deployments, the system boasts 426 possible gameplay variations, ensuring no two battles feel the same.
The grimdark narrative of Chronopia focuses on a realm standing on the brink of annihilation by a malevolent force known as the Dark One. Factions include the ancient Firstborn, the steadfast Dwarven Clans in their mountain Ringholds, and the enigmatic Elven Houses.
Notably, the game features the brutal Blackblood Empire, a faction with deep real-world aesthetic influences. Early design choices from previous decades might be viewed as questionable by today’s standards, such as the heavy visual coding of the Blackbloods, but within the game’s canon, they are considered one of the “less evil” groups standing against the truly fanatical Devout, who act as harbingers of demonic forces. The game also boasts unique monster designs, including the fearsome four-handed trolls.
For those eager to dive into the reforged world of Chronopia or explore the legacy STL files, you can find more information directly from the publisher.
