by Askari Miniatures
Madagascar Campaign Story
This project brings the 1895 French Expedition in Madagascar to the tabletop with a new range of historically accurate 28mm metal miniatures. These figures represent French colonial troops, Tirailleurs, and–for the first time ever in miniatures–Hova warriors — sculpted specifically for this campaign and cast in high‑quality white metal.
The Madagascar Expedition of 1895 is one of the most fascinating and underrepresented colonial campaigns in tabletop gaming. Dense jungles, fortified villages, long marches, and a mix of French regulars, colonial troops, and Hova fighters create a visually rich and tactically varied setting. This range is designed to capture that unique flavor and bring it to life on your gaming table.
Historical Context
The Madagascar Expedition of 1895 was France’s first major campaign since the Franco‑Prussian War of 1870. National pride was very much at stake: France had spent 25 years rebuilding its army, its confidence, and its international standing. The expedition was intended to be decisive — but the outcome was never certain.
The Hova state was not a minor opponent. It was a centralized kingdom with a long military tradition, fortified positions, disciplined troops, and a deep understanding of the terrain. The campaign was not simply Europeans walking over indigenous forces — it was a difficult, costly struggle against a capable and determined adversary.
Disease, climate, logistics, and Hova resistance combined to make the French advance far more challenging than Paris expected. Although the French ultimately prevailed, the cost was high and the fighting was intense. This combination of strategic uncertainty, harsh conditions, and two well‑defined opposing forces makes Madagascar one of the most compelling and underrepresented colonial campaigns in miniature gaming.
What you’re getting
Campaign Book
At the core of this project is a historical campaign book for the 1895 French Expedition in Madagascar. It includes linked scenarios, background, orders of battle, terrain guidance, and notes on both French and Hova forces. The book is designed to be rules‑neutral, so you can use your preferred colonial or historical ruleset while still benefiting from a structured, historically grounded campaign. This campaign book isn’t meant to replace your preferred ruleset, but to enhance your games with weather, terrain, morale, and local flavor drawn from the historical record.
PRINT EDITION AVAILABLE All backers receive the Campaign Book in PDF format as part of their pledge tier. If you prefer a physical copy at the gaming table, you can add the Campaign Book — Physical Softcover Add-On to your pledge. This is a physical‑only upgrade; the PDF is already included in your tier. The softcover print edition contains the same content as the PDF and ships with your rewards.
Miniatures of the Madagascar Campaign
All figures in this campaign are metal, cast with integral bases, and sculpted to match the historical uniforms, equipment, and troop types documented for the 1895 French expedition to Madagascar. Packs are organized for ease of painting and gameplay, and each set reflects the forces represented in the Campaign Book scenarios.
Scale & Compatibility: Figures are 28mm, compatible with Askari’s existing ranges and sculpted for historical accuracy.
Malagasy Forces
Regular Army / Levy Troops — 12 figures
Ten musket‑armed troops in straw hats, one officer, and one bugler.
These represent the core Hova levy forces encountered throughout the campaign.
Hova Guard / Uniformed Troops — 12 figures
Ten uniformed troops, one officer, and one bugler.
Suitable for palace guards, elite formations, and better‑equipped Hova units.
French Forces
French Infantry— 12 figures
A pack representing the major French troop types deployed in Madagascar, sculpted so they can be painted as any of the following units:
- Foreign Legion
- Marine Infantry
- 200e de Ligne
- 22e Chasseurs a Pied
Algerian Tirailleurs (Tirailleurs Algerien) — 12 figures
A full pack of Tirailleurs, essential for colonial operations and featured prominently in the campaign.
Malagasy Infantry — 12 figures
Twelve figures representing Malagasy native troops serving under French command.
The above packs give you everything you need to get started with the skirmish‑level scenarios in the Campaign Book.
