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Miniatures Adventure => Medieval Adventures => Topic started by: Remington on 15 January 2011, 10:32:10 AM
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After a gruesome attack on my finger of my painting hand by a coconut milk can (a picture is somewhere on this forum! :D ), the fragile digit is slowly on the mend and although it is still giving me some stability problems, I managed to finish my first miniature. Inspired by Lt. Hazels Britons and destined to face them in the near future (hence the similar base colours), the first Saxon has jumped of his ship ready to fight... bare handed for the time being. :)
Because I will be flying back to Germany in about a month, I decided to not include any spears yet, in my paranoid fear that they might be classed as dangerous objects and thrown in the bin. So, late February I will make another picture of this chap and the ones to follow when they will be all ready for battle!
Excuse the slight poorer photographic display... I only have one lamp in England. I am also struggling a bit with my colour choice, as I have most of my paints in Germany, but I guess I get to mix more now and that's also quite a lot of fun. :)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/1stSaxon.jpg)
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Wow. That´s a stunning piece. The red is fantastic and the damaged shield is cool too. Hope your finger will get better as soon as possibel mate! Can´t wait to see more of your hairy saxons!
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Lovely! Very intense colours :)
Look forward to seeing more.
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Thank you, Lt! For all the inspirational work! :) I am just humbly following in your footsteps, mate! :) And thanks for the finger wishes.
CB, I am glad you like the colours... I hope I still got to give these fellas a bit of earthy, menacing "darkness"-ish or thereabouts. That was the plan anyway but somehow I am not sure how to achieve it.
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I hope I still got to give these fellas a bit of earthy, menacing "darkness"-ish or thereabouts. That was the plan anyway but somehow I am not sure how to achieve it.
You achieved it already with this one. Try brownish colours, military greens, ochres, off-whites and reddish browns like VMC Cavalry Brown. Personally I try to avoid strong blues or purple, because I think they were not easy to dye, but I migth be wrong. On the other hand, some bright colours like the yellow you used on the shirt in small amounts will make the figure stand out.
I´ve got the feeling you´ll make it right Dimitri!
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Beautiful.
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Very nice, you have the colour tones just right.
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The damaged shields are brilliant and the subdued clothing is superb. Well played Sir.
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Thanks, guys. Glad I am not completely off the mark. The plan is to use many earthy colours, as you said, Jan. I will also try to avoid vibrant colours like blue. I thought I might use them for leaders but I reckon I'll go for patterns instead to set them off the rest of the troops.
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Oh my that's nice. Perfect colors, brilliant painting, more please.
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Super looking figure. Can't wait to see more!
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:o :o Blimey!!! That's a cracking bit of painting!! When you and Lt hazel get your models onto the table, it'll all look really rather splendid..Keep 'em coming!!!
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Thanks guys and also, thank you Andy for all the inspiration on your blog. Lt. Hazel told me about the rules you are writing and that sounds very interesting. Are they play-test ready yet?
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Real life got in the way of rule-writing over the past few weeks. I need to write up at least one play-test scenario (I don't like the idea of pitched battles for no reason in this period...) and I need to put in a set of order cards and a warband template (about 3 hours work in total) but as soon as that is done, we'll have enough to try out.
Truth to tell, I'm at the point now where I'm a bit nervous that they might be totally rubbish... Still, I would value your opinion, good or band once they are done.
In terms of rules, may I recommend that you consider the purchase of 'Pig Wars' if you don't already own it? It's a skirmish level game. You need 20 man units, 1 unit per player (although you can play with more once you know what you are doing). I haven't played it yet, although I hope to have a bash in the next couple of weeks with a like-minded chap at my wargames club.
If you are interested, I'll give you the details. It comes as PDF files emailed to you direct from the author and costs $10. If you then join the Pig Warriors Yahoo group, you get access to some supporting materials in the files section. I really like the look of it - simple, fun... what more could you ask for...? I'll try to post a battle report at some point, although it may be a while...
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I've heard of Pig Wars... on your blog. :) And yes, I am interested, so I will see to it that I purchase it at some point and I would also be interested in a report... whenever real life allows you to do that. :)
Another obvious solution is Brytenwalda... I like the look of it so far and Lt. Hazel was the one to suggest it... so I guess we will give it a try at least once! :)
As for your ruleset... Take your time and don't knock it yet... :) I am sure we'll be happy to have a go at them when you and we are done and I am certain that they will be worth it. Real life is what's more important... no way around it. So don't let us or anyone stress you, but always keep in mind that your blog is very inspirational! :)
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I have Brytenwalda as well! It looks fun...I think I was one of several who recommended it to Lt Hazel (although he'd probably found it long before).
Thank you for your comments about the blog. I hope to have a new 'Derfel' figure to post on there before too long...(flesh tones and armour already done...tunic and trousers next...hopefully this week.)
And I have a fabulous new camera to experiment with for the photos too!!!!! 8)
As for stress, actually, it's 'real life' (or, parts of it anyway) that give me the stress - the wargaming is one of my 'escapes'!! But that's one of the perils of working in British education...it eats time like you wouldn't believe.
Anyway, if you want the direct email link to purchase Pig Wars let me know and I'll PM it across to you...
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My girlfriend's sister and partner are both teachers. I feel for you, Andy!
Well, a direct email address wouldn't hurt. Sure... PM away. :) As for Derfel, I am very much looking forward to him.
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This is my second completed Saxon while a few more are getting near completion. This for me represents Hrothgar, Ælle's son from the books of Cornwell. His posture could be leisurely awaiting a foe with the conviction of a young strong fighter... or perhaps, deed done, he is having a breather scanning the battlefield for the next enemy after wiping his sword clean on his last victim's clothes. Although capable in battle, his shield still carries a protective shield knot. Shield was again hand-painted and I really enjoyed painting him. Miniature is by GB this time and I love the helm, even if the details are a bit muddy.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/Hrothgar.jpg)
Last week I also visited Northstar and bought some beavers... One of them just came up to me and complained about the absence of a river to build a dam on. I think we will have to rectify this injustice on our table. Lt. Hazel will have to disagree at his own peril!
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/Beaver.jpg)
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Aw yeah! Those were the days when beavers had only hunters to fear, and not government agencies on their flappy tails because they (the beavers) were not introduced by government decree! lol
Wonderful work on the shield, too - colourful, yet realistically matte.
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Great figure. Really lovely paintjob. And - I've wanted to say this for ages - nice beaver! ;)
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lol I knew someone wouldn't be able to resist that!
Thanks fellas!
Just in case anyone thinks of buying the beavers... They are lovely if perhaps a bit on the small side... but only marginally I guess. Here is a size comparison
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/SaxonBeaver.jpg)
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Love it! :-*
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So cool. Both. Can´t wait to see more!
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And - I've wanted to say this for ages - nice beaver! ;)
"Thank you! I just had it stuffed." lol
The couple shot is great. I thought the Pykpyk messenger squirrels were adorable, but that beaver is... damn, can't think of a pun with either beaver, eager, or castor fiber.
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lol lol Dam them beavers!!
I really like the couple shot as well. That union guy from a gangster film look on the beaver's face next to the massive Saxon...
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lol lol Dam them beavers!!
I really like the couple shot as well. That union guy from a gangster film look on the beaver's face next to the massive Saxon...
"Wotcha, that's a nice wooden hillfort you 'ave there, matey. Would be a terrible shame if something were to 'appen to it, innit?"
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lol I reckon Luigi the Dam won't like this one bit. "He's a friend of mine"...
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The saxon is really good - really like the shield. :-*
A small beaver.... has it been trimmed?
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Brilliant!!! That same model leads the Frankish allied unit that occasionally joins my Romano-Brits for WAB...yours is much better painted though... :)
PS: The Saxon obviously...not the beaver lol lol
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Thanks fellas! :)
Here are another two characters for our Skirmish. These are probably more Thegns, both wearing versions of the Sutton Hoo helmet. The left one is from the command pack by GB while the right is from the Saxon-Frank command pack by Wargames Foundry. This time I've used LBM transfers for the shields, which reduced the painting time considerably.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/2newSaxons.jpg)
Although the Foundry figures are smaller, I think the can mingle quite comfortably with the GB and Musketeer miniatures. I've just had to raise the Foundry figure slightly to make the size difference less obvious. Here's a group shot.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/Groupshot.jpg)
Finally, more beavers to use with your puns! :) I've finally painted all eight supplied by Northstar. They are quite small but very grumpy. These Saxons probably messed with their dam.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/Beavers.jpg)
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Bit too eager to show your beaver if you ask me :)
The saxons are absolutely awesome :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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I have been looking for beaver miniatures for ages! Thanks for posting these. A long time ago, some friends and I made a short film about a killer beaver. I've been looking for something to make him with since I got back into miniatures.
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:o :o :o Dude!!! Those Saxons are unbelievably good. I am actually almost lost for words... Stunning!!!!
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Finally, more beavers to use with your puns! :) I've finally painted all eight supplied by Northstar. They are quite small but very grumpy. These Saxons probably messed with their dam.
"Oi! We would 'ave 'ad a neat big lake in the Thames valley if it weren't for those dam' meddlin' Saxons, guv!"
;)
Hell and damnation, those are nice. Wonderful work on the yellows.
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That warparty is pretty well kited out, almost feel sorry for any Britons they happen to catch.
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Glad I could help with the beavers... Besides, Svennn, beavers should fill you with pride and you should expose the whenever you can! :) they really are cute miniatures. I would have like some realistic beavers as well though. These are obviously slightly anthropomorphic.
Thank you for your kind words, guys. I really appreciate them.
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Great paint job on those saxons!
The beavers are cool!
I guess they deserved a diorama of some sort.
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Finally, I finished two more Saxons. The guy in the blue... dress... has been painted 3 times to the varnishing stage (The first time was around February time) and something always went wrong. Now, I am finally done with him. Although he was a pain in the backside, I really liked painting this miniature (well, both of them really) especially because of his face.
The banner will be not my main one. Ælle has a bull's skull as his banner in the Cornwell books, but I absolutely love these Freebooter Miniatures skulls, so I had to use one. Now, I am hoping that the Gripping Beast bull's skull will look as nice as this one.
EDIT: By the way... These guys are still missing their tufts... Would you suggest green or brown ones?
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/2newsaxons-1.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/CursedSaxon.jpg)
EDIT: One more view of the banner where the thick white-ish ribbon looks less weird.
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/Banner2.jpg)
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Fabulous. Really lovely painting.
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i'm always amazed by your shields.... that's a top quality job! i really love them!
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Nice beaver..........
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Brillaint painting on these figures. They really capture the feel of the era, and put my megre efforts to shame!
btw - the tunic/"dress" type garment the figures are wearing is called a kyrtle
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I'm reading Vinland Saga Chapter 75 right now.... totally in theme ;)
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Beautiful work :-* :-*
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Everything you put your hand to looks amazing, mate. This is no exception. Well done!
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Really gorgeous painting, lovely tones. Top work.
:-*
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Thank you, guys! :) You are too kind!
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Add me to the list of admirers
Superb
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How did I miss this? Nice too see some more Saxons from you. They are superb.
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Just getting myself lured into the Dark Age by looking at too many nice minis and battle scenes (while reading Cornwell at the same time), and having downloaded Brytenwalda and Age of Blood....
This doesn't help, you know...? lol
Hmm.... Beaver Wars... does Wood Elves' love for wildlife extend to beavers...?
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Sure, wood elves do love the beaver...
I am thinking of a name change... Dr. Beaver? ::)
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At the beginning of this month I was visiting the old Blighty at the same time the Derby World Wargames was held at Derby University. There I picked up - amongst other things - one of the Dark Age buildings produced by Gripping Beast. When I first saw them on their website I was fascinated by the price and I wanted to give them a go, so I ordered one ahead. I must say that this was a great buy and I will be getting more of these. The model was well cast in a sturdy resin with nice crisp details. Unfortunately the roof is not removable, but I can live with that for the wonderful price of 8 pounds! So with these building you have great quality for a lovely price. What more can you ask for?
I was meaning to show you pictures of the unpainted model, but my eagerness to paint it caught up with my laziness to take a photo. The same laziness should be blamed for the crap photos I am posting today, but I wanted to show Lieutenant Hazel that I am still working on stuff for a Dark Age table. :) Next up are three more of my Saxons... Till then, let me know what you think of this little hut... in the prairie?
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/House1.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/House2.jpg)
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa49/Histamenos/House4.jpg)
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Boy, sure missed this thread.
Well better late than never.
Lovely, lovely figures. :-*
Makes me want to get out my Arthurians and battle.
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Have also missed this thread - impressive work throughout.
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Nice, especially the red on the curtain is soooo great!!! We really have to meet for a Dark Age weekend with Antipater! 8 Pounds is very cheap for a hut like that, when I´m thinking bout the time it costs to scratchbuild one...