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Miniatures Adventure => Age of Myths, Gods and Empires => Topic started by: Elbows on July 26, 2013, 12:34:15 PM

Title: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on July 26, 2013, 12:34:15 PM: UPDATE: I re-arranged my photobucket account this evening, so I decided to re-post all of the images here in one post. These are a mix of Wargames Foundy and Brigade Games miniatures - some with plastic scutum from Warlord Games Romans. Currently using these fellas to play-test Blood on the Sands by the venerable Mr. Furt.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0141_zps8170c06c.jpg)
The project started off with a small pack of Gladiators my buddy had given me as a birthday gift some while ago...they had sat neglected for some time.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0143_zps2fceea1d.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0142_zps518bb03a.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Lacquerius. Not my favorite model, spear is from a Mantic Games Skeleton regiment.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0145_zps3886b280.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0144_zps50831231.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Retiarius. Trident a mix of various bits.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0147_zpsce9feae3.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0146_zpsb66ce3e0.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Myrmillo. (Note: Wargames Foundry are bit on/off with various details - this miniature is missing a few bits of kit for his class...)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0148_zps1c92b69f.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Provocator. This model has a small chest piece of bronze made from a random bit of plastic. He may have been a different class to start with.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0152_zpsa6ce4055.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0151_zps4ce24d46.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Thraex. This miniature features a head swap from another model in the blister I had.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0157_zpsd5fa9701.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0155_zpsc41c594b.jpg)
Brigade Games Hoplomachus. This miniature has a spear from Mantic Games, and has a short sword/dagger added to his shield hand.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0160_zpseeddff16.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0159_zps1c277c3c.jpg)
Brigade Games Thraex. This model needs some touching up, the anti-shine really greyed up the paint job.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0162_zps5fe31f1c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0161_zps1e1664f4.jpg)
Brigade Games Myrmillo. This model had some casting issues, but generally came out okay. Not my favorite pose.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0164_zpsb55e9d61.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0163_zpscf6798f2.jpg)
Brigade Games Secutor. Lovely model. It's a rather dynamic pose...maybe leaning a bit too much.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0167_zps42d4592f.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0166_zpsdfe1121c.jpg)
Brigade Games Provocator. Lovely model.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0454_zps190a5a64.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0453_zps07a8130a.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Myrmillo. A lovely Scaeva (Left Handed) gladiator. Plastic shield from Warlord Games.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0456_zps655edf0c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0455_zpsb183d4a8.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Secutor. A lovely model - a bit tall compared to every other Gladiator I have though. Plastic scutum from Warlord Games.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0458_zpse8600823.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0457_zpsa1a1ddb9.jpg)
Wargames Foundry Provocator. Lovely model - an annoying pose though (Not happy I have two matching poses for the same class!) Plastic scutum from Warlord Games.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0461_zpsf4814a9e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0460_zps4c60ca8e.jpg)
Wargames Factory Hoplomachus (modified from a Thraex). Added a spear and dagger to the shield hand. Similar equipment made this an easy conversion. I desperately wanted another Hoplomachus.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/004_zps2f6baa50.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/003_zps7fbe7635.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/002_zps9199e31e.jpg)
Some markers I made up (some are being re-painted this evening actually). Some tokens for lost and broken weapons. Also some pali (wooden training posts). This adds a small amount of "terrain" to a normal game.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/GroupShot_zpsd1bbc155.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0165_zps701bc850.jpg)
Some group shots taken at various times of the current House of Oscarus' gladiator school. Will likely add some more Brigade Games additional sets. I prefer the Wargames Foundry quality (great sculpting, excellent crisp details) but the Brigade Games are much more accurate.
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: Mason on July 26, 2013, 01:05:47 PM: They look good to me, sir.
8)

I could do with the inspiration as well, as I should be doing some myself soon, but these will Gladiators for the Partially-Sighted, being 40mm and all that.
;)
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: LeadAsbestos on July 26, 2013, 02:59:42 PM: I think they look good too! Don't be too humble!
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: NickNascati on July 26, 2013, 07:07:19 PM: They look great, the Murmillo turned out fine with a proper shield.
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 26, 2013, 07:55:05 PM: I'm in my final weeks for a few college courses and research papers, so I'm taking a break from any forms of writing/planning etc. The gladiators are partly due to a buddy of mine visiting town in a few weeks. I have Paul Hicks gladiators on the way and wanted 5-10 minis to get some testing in.

Also, needed a temporary break from writing up my Old West rules set (badly timed with the college courses it turns out...). These are great fun to paint, and I love that I'll only need 20-30 minis max. Love smaller scale projects.
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on July 26, 2013, 08:37:57 PM: Lovely stuff, like the Murmillo, have to paint mine, too.
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 26, 2013, 08:51:50 PM: I'm pretty happy with the figures...I dislike the Retiarius as I don't care much for the model and the paint I used looked much more brown under my painting light...turns out its pretty dark-red...but I'm too lazy to repaint him, so I'll assume he's just got a weird skin tone. My favourite is probably the Thraex and then the Myrmillo.
Title: Re: Ludus Oscarius...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 26, 2013, 08:56:10 PM: Against my better judgement here are some close-ups where the lack of brush skill really shows up...but it does show off some of the colours and other angles.

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Furt on July 27, 2013, 12:38:09 AM: The House of Oscarus is off to a great start. They are looking really good. :)

I particularly like the Thraex. I have that Foundry figure but with a different helm - I like yours better.

Is his shield a custom one?

Also like the facing markers, they are effective
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 27, 2013, 01:37:30 AM: Yep, the Thraex came with a circular shield...I had no square parmas, so I chopped up a plastic WF roman shield I had laying around. It's not entirely accurate but far better than the circular option. I really didn't like the open faced helmet, so when I realized I wasn't going to use the kneeling guy (top guy, middle row in the picture below) the clippers came out. The end result is actually my favourite of the bunch. lol No griffin on the helmet, but I love the way he looks. I was hesitant about the facing markers, but they turned out well, and not "too" obnoxious.

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Furt on July 27, 2013, 01:58:13 AM: Wow - he came out really well in that case. :o

I couldn't tell that was a custom - thinking I must have missed that particular Foundry Thraex. I like him a lot too.

His parma looks spot on.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 27, 2013, 02:02:01 AM: Having no access to a nice little saw you can tall if you look at the back of his neck, there is a small gap, but its not table-noticeable. Yeah, the Retiarius and Laquearius have plastic spears and tridents from kits too, and the Provocator has a fake chest piece which is a random piece of armour I found on a sprue of Mantic skeletons. I had nothing else which was sized appropriately, so I just glue it to his chest (it's minus straps...) but it's enough for me to pretend he's a provocator.

PS: Yes, both the spear and trident are about 1' or so too long for the tools...but...I had already glued and painted them before I made the realization.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Furt on July 27, 2013, 02:16:50 AM: Quote from: Elbows on July 27, 2013, 02:02:01 AM

PS: Yes, both the spear and trident are about 1' or so too long for the tools...but...I had already glued and painted them before I made the realization.

Not too long at all. Where is the trident from?
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Elbows on July 27, 2013, 02:20:33 AM: The trident is the shaft of a Mantic skeleton spear (they come with large, nicely sculpted "thick" spears -I hate spindly breaky ones!) with the trident tip from a small imp in a box of Ex Illis miniatures I picked up a while ago. There are four little imps on a sprue and it happens one of them has a decent trident (the others have two pronged forks which would probably look okay if I did another retiarius).

(http://ex-illis.com/wikipl/images/8/85/BlackImps.JPG)

^These fellas.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: H.M.Stanley on July 27, 2013, 07:28:59 AM: good work that man
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings.
Post by: Little Odo on July 27, 2013, 06:38:48 PM: Very nice conversions and great paint jobs. I too have neither the eyes nor hands for getting decent three-stage shading going so I too rely on "The Dip" method - you however have achieved a far better result than I ever could with it - Nice work.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 03, 2013, 01:11:31 AM: Some new recruits...actually have four of the five new Paul Hicks gladiators nearly complete. One complete Hoplomachus and a Secutor without shield have been based (my plastic box of Romans arrived today so I'll have shields for everyone by this evening).

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST

Hoplomachus. Having now painted most of the Brigade Games/Paul Hicks gladiators, I'd say I like the poses better, but the details are not quite as crisp as some of the Wargames Foundry ones I've painted. They're still a joy to paint, but seem a little more tricky in some cases.

The pictures of the Hoplomachus show some greying due to anti-shine which was applied during a humid morning. It's less noticeable using them on a tabletop, so it's not a big concern. Note that the Hoplomachus figure does not come with a spear nor a small sword, both which have been added. After reading several Gladiator books I'm going with the idea that a Hoplomachus would have thrown his spear/javelin and then engaged with his sword. Both are plastic weapons from various sprues I had laying around.

The Secutor is nice, but I wish I had straightened his ankles a bit. Perhaps an added shield will balance the model, as he seems far too "leany". Overall, very happy with them except for the Myrmillo (details later when he's posted). The Thraex is my favorite so far (posting him when he's done later!)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 03, 2013, 02:28:38 AM: Nice work! Those new Paul Hicks minis do look like they fit side-by-side with the Foundry models pretty well, which is good seeing as I'm looking to get some of both!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Dr Mathias on August 03, 2013, 06:10:40 AM: I think you're being too critical of your paintjobs, they look good.

Something painted by a medium level painter is far better than the unpainted figures the 'better' painter has collecting dust ;)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 03, 2013, 07:26:47 AM: It's funny you say that...because of one of my gaming groups, I'm the only person to ever have things painted...in any form of completion. More pictures coming in a bit on the remaining figures. I think I'll go paint the Provocator now.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Captain Blood on August 03, 2013, 08:09:49 AM: Quote from: Dr Mathias on August 03, 2013, 06:10:40 AM

Something painted by a medium level painter is far better than the unpainted figures the 'better' painter has collecting dust ;)

Too true.
They look absolutely fine. Looking forward to seeing the complete collection. There are an awful lot of 28mm gladiators out there, so knowing when to stop might be the problem! ;)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: bandit86 on August 03, 2013, 08:19:12 AM: Never enough.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: cram on August 03, 2013, 08:43:23 AM: Nice work! I think they have come out well.

Its good to see they fit in well size wise with the Foundry ones.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 03, 2013, 10:21:02 PM: Some more. The secutor is my favourite model (love the look). The Thraex is also quite an excellent sculpt. The Myrmillo is rather poor. The sword arm is at a weird angle, and he comes with midget feet. Also holding his shield at a rather shallow non-fighting angle. It doesn't help he ended up with a "meh" paint scheme and paintjob. Either way he'll see service and have his blood properly spilt.

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST

The Provocator is drying from his dip bath...will be flattened and based tonight for a total of 10. The Laquearius got a half-arse repaint on his flesh (using a better tone). The model may need a bit more work though. Overall, 10 gladiators, all the models I have, covering most of the common types. The next Paul Hicks set flush out the ten most common types. Been reading several Gladiator books lately, and learning quite a bit.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 04, 2013, 12:44:50 AM: Looking good! Maybe the troubles with the Myrmillo could be fixed with a bit of bending of both arms? Seems like a bend at the elbow on the shield arm, or just shifting the whole arm more forward, would put him in more of a combat pose, and then bending the sword arm at the wrist to have the sword lowered a tad would make him appear at the ready.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Furt on August 04, 2013, 12:57:42 AM: I think these look great mate. Your ludus is near done!

I personally like the murmillo's stance myself - without seeing him in the flesh.

It looks like he is probably in no imminent danger and closing ground with an opponent.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 04, 2013, 12:59:19 AM: Possibly. I didn't mess with it, because I don't care too much - also my sword arm had a chunk of metal missing from where the palm of the hand would be...so any bending/flexing near the wrist/sword would have broken the hand off. I'd just say of the five minis, he's my least favorite (and simply isn't as nice as the others in my opinion).

Only other complaint on the Brigade Games gladiators is that the swords are not very well sculpted. The secutor's is not much more than a rod really. The Thraex's is nice, the Hoplomachus doesn't come with any, and the Provocator's is "decent" but the secutor and myrmillo's swords are "meh". I debated chopped them and replacing them with some plastic gladius I have laying around, but I didn't bother. lol (lazy and all that).

I'd give the box of five gladiators an 8/10 (ignoring the poorly cast shields which have been fixed).

PS: Furt, the Myrmillo grew on me a little bit when he was finished, and I don't "mind" him. His helmet is the nicest bit. These guys'll see some BOTS action here in the next few days whenever my buddy breaks free of his pesky wife. Dice, sheets and minis are ready. Next step...start on the Playmobil arena project.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Furt on August 04, 2013, 01:05:38 AM: Quote from: Elbows on August 04, 2013, 12:59:19 AM
PS: Furt, the Myrmillo grew on me a little bit when he was finished, and I don't "mind" him. His helmet is the nicest bit. These guys'll see some BOTS action here in the next few days whenever my buddy breaks free of his pesky wife. Dice, sheets and minis are ready. Next step...start on the Playmobil arena project.

Great news - looking forward to an AAR. And as for the pesky wife - gladiatrix. ;)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 04, 2013, 01:15:36 AM: She's one of those who puts up with geeking out and gaming with a form of mild disdain...but she at least is disinterested enough to let him disappear for an hour or two every six months...I may try to get my brother to hop over and try it after we figure it out. He's not a gamer and glazed over when I tried to rope him into a game earlier. Perhaps I can win him over with new shiny dice and more miniatures.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on August 05, 2013, 07:19:25 AM: Nice paintjob, Elbows, well done. Ordered Brigade stuff already, looking forward to it.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 05, 2013, 09:04:59 AM: The 10th and final gladiator joins the fray - the Brigade Games Provocator. This was the most detailed of the minis, and quite a nice figure. I made one colossal mess-up, which I'm sure someone can spot immediately... :?

(too lazy to fix it)

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST

I'm not stoked on the paintjob on the shield, but I went through a couple plastic shields with even worse designs...I need to plan these out ahead of time for the next batch (waiting on the next Brigade set). The box of plastic Romans from Warlord was a saving grace with an abundance of nice plastic scutums (used on the Brigade Minis pictured in the thread).
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Furt on August 05, 2013, 09:26:53 AM: Great looking figure and nice paint job.

He certainly is an imposing figure. :o

Is the "mistake" the fact that his subligaculum is red in the front and white in the rear?

I suppose it could happen...
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 05, 2013, 09:31:54 AM: Nope, more huge and obvious than that (and I'm assuming that the front section of that is tassled so it might be a separate piece, and was painted as such...eeek? )
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Mister Rab on August 05, 2013, 05:43:16 PM: Looks good!

(Is it the inside of his shield? On my monitor it looks a little unpainted ???)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 05, 2013, 06:40:43 PM: Nice mini!

I'm with Rab - looks like grey plastic on the inside of the scutum, although could also be painted metallic, and the sheen is just hidden since it's a shaded area. Can't tell for sure.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 05, 2013, 06:56:35 PM: Nope, the inside of the shield is painted, but the matte finish tends to "grey" some of the metal and some of the browns. The mistake is that he's holding his scutum at the wrong angle, 90-degree wrong in fact.

I was just rushing when I superglued it on, and I don't want to break it off to fix it. lol
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Mister Rab on August 05, 2013, 07:05:30 PM: Quote from: Elbows on August 05, 2013, 06:56:35 PM
The mistake is that he's holding his scutum at the wrong angle, 90-degree wrong in fact.

Well, now you mention it, that is pretty obvious - I guess this is why I'm not a police detective lol lol
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 05, 2013, 08:13:53 PM: Face -> palm :D
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Furt on August 05, 2013, 09:58:48 PM: Quote from: Elbows on August 05, 2013, 06:56:35 PM
The mistake is that he's holding his scutum at the wrong angle, 90-degree wrong in fact.

Personally I don't think it looks wrong at all. From the rear image I believe it looks quite normal for him to hold the shield like that. Don't get the problem... :?
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 06, 2013, 02:40:08 AM: Well my understanding of a scutum is that the bearer holds the shield in a kind of pistol-grip, shield length up and down....but a quick glance makes me think otherwise. I suppose it could be held that way...

(http://www.bueker-gmbh.de/pics/l/alias3/AH3853P-roman-rectangular-shield-scutum-primed-and-unpainted.jpg)

I assumed since most figures show them held vertically that the grip was vertical, not horizontal to the body of the shield. Hmmm...excellent. Trick question! lol
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Ray Rivers on August 06, 2013, 03:25:11 AM: Holding the shield at a diagonal depends on the positioning of the arm, so it is doable.

I think Legionaries held it vertically because that places all the weight on the lower palm and first part of the fingers, making it fairly easy to carry for long periods of time.

As for horizontally, as in the testudo formation, I have no idea, but I bet they rested the shield on the top of their helmets.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Dr Mathias on August 06, 2013, 05:38:32 AM: I've been reading a lot of books about gladiators recently, and they seem to agree that the grip was held horizontally, as in the picture Elbows showed.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Furt on August 06, 2013, 05:46:27 AM: Quote from: Dr Mathias on August 06, 2013, 05:38:32 AM
I've been reading a lot of books about gladiators recently, and they seem to agree that the grip was held horizontally, as in the picture Elbows showed.

Agreed - but by bending the elbow, as in the miniature, wouldn't that turn the shield to the angle shown? It wouldn't be the typical stance, but still a believable one.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Dr Mathias on August 06, 2013, 04:19:02 PM: I don't have a problem with the way the miniature is posed. I suspect the balance of the shield would make it want to remain vertical, but there's nothing stopping a guy from rotating his wrist.

When Elbows said he'd made an error, I certainly didn't note that the shield was improperly posed :) I should have been more clear that I wasn't arguing for anything in particular other than the shield grip.

Now I need to check the position of all my gladiator's hands!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 06, 2013, 05:06:39 PM: I had never looked at a scutum before, and assumed that since everyone held them vertically that the grip would be pistol-grip...oriented up and down. Now I see that it makes sense to have the grip horizontal, which would allow a more comfortable up and down, but you'd be able to hold it just as the Provocator is. I guess it's a matter of preference. He could be performing a swipe of his shield.

Works for me. :`
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Paul Hick gladiators)
Post by: Elbows on August 15, 2013, 10:10:32 AM: Just some added "tokens" I put together tonight. Sorry for the poor pics, was using my old camera.

The tokens are mainly for dropped weapons, thrown weapons, broken weapons etc. I'll be adding a thrown net, and some more counters eventually. I used some rather oversized swords from a Mantic sprue I had laying around, but they're close enough and more easily recognizable. I also built a handful of palae? (the multiple of palus?). They are the training posts at Gladiator schools. I'll throw them on the board if I feel like gaming at a small training ground or ludus. Some minor terrain to challenge movement a bit (or just place them off to the side for looks).

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Furt on August 15, 2013, 11:19:42 AM: These are very nicely done and well executed.

I have done some of these for myself, but yours are much more interesting.

Really like the broken shields and the shafted weapons sticking in the ground.

Those pali?? are cool and useful for obstacles in BotS.

If you need a sica try bending a straight sword. ;)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Elbows on August 15, 2013, 11:28:55 AM: Yeah, I thought about making a Sica, but then I realized a simple sword will work for any of them (heck, including daggers). I may eventually try to make accurate replicas, but I have no square parmas available etc. I used my last trident, so I can't have a broken trident etc. There will be a lot of double duty. The blue Scutum which is busted on the right side of the picture will be replaced as I don't like it (found a use for my miscast Brigade Games shields though!).

PS: Furt, I went over to my brother's house (he had a baby girl two days ago) and he mentioned twice, without provocation, wanting to play "the gladiator game" again. :D Unfortunately he'll be busy and I'm starting up work again soon, so my games will decrease, but you got him hooked!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Furt on August 15, 2013, 12:02:49 PM: Somebody really needs to make a 28mm sprue of common gladiator weapons and shields. I can't believe it hasn't been done yet.

Agree that tridents are scarce as well. Foundry used to actually give out retiarii in a pack without any tridents at all. :o

Quote from: Elbows on August 15, 2013, 11:28:55 AM
PS: Furt, I went over to my brother's house (he had a baby girl two days ago) and he mentioned twice, without provocation, wanting to play "the gladiator game" again. :D Unfortunately he'll be busy and I'm starting up work again soon, so my games will decrease, but you got him hooked!

Congrats on your new niece mate. A great sign your brother wants to play again! I'd conveniently lose his Negrix's character sheet though. ;)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Elbows on August 15, 2013, 07:58:04 PM: Oh, I will see the fall of Negrix...one way or another! (clenches fist)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 15, 2013, 11:46:08 PM: Nice tokens - I think they came out really well! I've thought about doing something similar, seeing how well yours came out now I'll have to.

I think it's "pali", not 100% on that, though. Usually the "-ae" suffix is when the singular form ends in "-a", whereas the "-i" is for words ending in "-us." This based entirely on observation, not any actual knowledge of the language.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Furt on August 16, 2013, 01:06:26 AM: Quote from: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 15, 2013, 11:46:08 PM
Nice tokens - I think they came out really well! I've thought about doing something similar, seeing how well yours came out now I'll have to.

The more I think about it, the more essential these types of counters become in a game comprising of basically only two figures. With some effort you can elevate the appearance of the game dramatically with simple additions like these - much better than cardboard counters anyway. :)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Elbows on August 16, 2013, 01:09:54 AM: I like that the game is modular...heck you don't even "need" miniatures. So you could print off some pictures of gladiators and print off a single page of hexes and play the game...or go as nuts as you want. I do think it'll add a lot when needed.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Mister Rab on August 16, 2013, 08:59:24 AM: Quote from: Whitwort Stormbringer on August 15, 2013, 11:46:08 PM
I think it's "pali"

Absolutely correct; palus is second declension so does become pali for the nominative plural.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Elbows on August 16, 2013, 08:03:59 PM: Good to know, thanks!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Counters/tokens added)
Post by: Elbows on December 21, 2013, 04:31:36 PM: So I had a random package show up in the mail the other day - it was my favourite set of Foundry gladiators that I had ordered a long time ago, but they'd been back-ordered. I put them together and gave them a lick of paint.

I took down my lights and table, so I apologize for the less than ideal photos.

IMAGES MOVED TO FIRST POST

I took a Thraex for the set and decided I only have one Hoplomachus model (my favourite class). I decided to modify this guy into another one, since the equipment is almost appropriate. Simply added a spear and a small dagger in his parma hand. I'm actually pleased with the quick hack job. And now I have two Hoplomachii! (something I was upset to see is not in the new Paul Hicks groups!).

Overall I definitely prefer the quality of the Foundry stuff. Bigger, slighter more exaggerated details make them much easier to paint. Belts/straps etc. are more defined. I'll be picking up the last of the Paul Hicks stuff too I imagine, but I really enjoy painting the Foundry stuff much more. There is a lion which comes with this set so I'll paint him up some time to try out the animal/beast rules for BOTS.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Four new gladiators - page 4)
Post by: Dr Mathias on December 21, 2013, 05:29:03 PM: Those look great! I wasn't impressed with the pics I've seen of Foundry figures, these show them off rather well.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Four new gladiators - page 4)
Post by: Hu Rhu on December 21, 2013, 05:55:26 PM: Excellent figures and tokens for dropped weapons etc. I shall be 'borrowing' the idea but at 54mm scale.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Four new gladiators - page 4)
Post by: Furt on December 21, 2013, 11:19:22 PM: Really nice. I must admit that although some of the Foundry gladiators are less than historically accurate they have some of my most favorite miniatures.That pack you just painted is the one Foundry pack I don't own myself.

The Hoplomacus is a great conversion and a perfect choice of figures too. :-*

The Myrmillo in the first pick is an actual scaeva isn't he?
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Four new gladiators - page 4)
Post by: Elbows on December 22, 2013, 02:05:07 AM: Yep, an actual scaeva. This set is not too bad, but yes many of the Foundry are very questionable in regards to gear. This pack is close enough for most. One thing you'll notice is that you get random shields...many of which are small parmas, or inaccurate at best. The warlord plastic romans shields have come in very handy fixing that.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Elbows on December 29, 2013, 08:08:40 AM: Photobucket pics re-arranged, broken links fixed - all photos moved to first post for now.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Furt on December 29, 2013, 09:29:44 PM: A very nice compilation that should be very useful to beginning lanistae. :)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Elbows on December 30, 2013, 12:01:43 AM: Some Retiarius is about to hate life...probably get around to painting it tomorrow.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/2013-12-29_18-55-17_342_zps1602a349.jpg)

(and yes, Mr. Furt I'll be using BOTS for this scenario...)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Furt on December 31, 2013, 09:26:34 PM: Quote from: Elbows on December 30, 2013, 12:01:43 AM
(and yes, Mr. Furt I'll be using BOTS for this scenario...)

Cool. You are always pushing the boundaries of what I believe is possible Elbows. :)

Looking forward to seeing your scenario.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Elbows on January 01, 2014, 03:56:31 AM: Weather has been miserable lately...once I get a reasonable afternoon I'll get a lick of paint on it. The question is...Retiarius in the center with his trident and a pile of stones --- do you think he had access to his net during this kind of scenario? I'm planning to run a Prowess 5 (or 6) Retiarius against two Prowess 3 Secutors. I'll allow the Retiarius a handful of stones which can be thrown as normal weapons.

Just not sure about the net. I've decided that the Secutors must use a move action for each of the two steps on the platform (making it slow and a little exhausting getting up top). Using our rather dangerous "attacked from behind" rules my brother and I use, if both Secutors get up to the platform, the Retiarius is in trouble. The platform has been designed to cover precisely 7 hexes (you can just make out that the slats on the platform are divided into 7 sections). So any dropped weapons may fall off the platform, requiring the Secutors to move back to retrieve them etc.

Also I think I'll add a +1 bonus for fighting from an elevated position on the platform (if the Retiarius catches one of the Secutors on the ramp). Should be fun... lol (or bloody and brief)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Furt on January 01, 2014, 07:05:57 AM: Sounds interesting and well thought out.

I've used reenactments as inspiration often in BotS and found this clip of some retiarii versus secutors on a pontus. They do not wield nets.

Looking forward to hearing if this works. :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY2QwsnhDEo
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Photo links fixed, check first post!)
Post by: Mason on January 01, 2014, 08:32:34 AM: As inventive as usual, Elbows.
8)

I too am curious just how this will pan out with the BotS rules.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Elbows on May 15, 2014, 09:54:06 AM: Sooo...after...I dunno, about half a year I finally got around to painting my pontius thing...seen here it's scaled to mount directly on a normal 1.5" hex, and it features seven "spaces" which measure appropriately so the game play doesn't change, it's merely limited to a straight line. I'll have to dig out my BOTS rules again shortly and see how I can run it all in a game. I will be adding a small pyramid-like pile of stones to the bridge at some point.

Sorry for the crap photos - was too lazy to plug in my lights!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0626_zpsb9b20dd0.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0627_zpsdef78688.jpg)

I'll post up if/when I play this fight out using BOTS.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Mason on May 15, 2014, 10:37:32 AM: That looks great.
I like the way that you have kept the 'spaces' but it still looks right.
8) 8)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Elbows on May 15, 2014, 11:13:16 AM: Illustrations seem to show the pontus a bit taller with steerper/narrow bridges leading up - but this is the only way I could really see it being playable. The way we play with two-vs-two games in BOTS if both Secutors get up on the platform the Retiarius is hosed. Off the top of my head, my thoughts:

1) Retiarius has access to stones he can throw using a normal attack (not special)
2) Secutors must spend one foot per space - carefully climbing up the platforms
3) Retiarius will gain an advantage if he is attacking down (but loses this bonus if a Secutor gets to the top of the platform and becomes level)
4) I'm guessing we'll start with a more skilled Retiarius
5) Try games both with and without the Retiarius having his net
6) Create some quick rule for "falling" should a gladiator somehow be forced off the pontus

I have 10 new gladiator figures from Brigade Games I'll be painting up, and that includes a third secutor and two more retiarii, so I'll have plenty of meat for the grind.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Mason on May 15, 2014, 02:14:47 PM: Possible further options:
The Retiarius could have the abilty to jump down unimpeded whilst any other Gladioli would need to test for losing balance.

The Retiarius could also then attack those on the structure using the extended reach of their trident.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Dr Mathias on May 15, 2014, 03:01:04 PM: Quote from: Mason on May 15, 2014, 02:14:47 PM
Possible further options:
The Retiarius could have the abilty to jump down unimpeded whilst any other Gladioli would need to test for losing balance.

The Retiarius could also then attack those on the structure using the extended reach of their trident.

That's what I was thinking, I'd have to assume there was more to this setup than a simple pincer tactic.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontius, say what!?)
Post by: Elbows on May 15, 2014, 07:22:04 PM: Perhaps a favor penalty though is the Retiarius leaves the platform?
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (New recruits!)
Post by: Elbows on May 24, 2014, 10:14:33 PM: Some new recruits. I started painting up my final Brigade Games gladiators. I had a suspicion while painting the Arbelas that he was small, and I was right. I've never seen reverse scale creep in a line by the same sculptor so this is a little disappointing.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0655_zpsec5c3501.jpg)

Still not lovin' the Brigade Games figures...but they're historically pretty spot on and come in a nice variety.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0656_zpscdbf450b.jpg)

Note the Secutor on the left is Foundry and he's a giant among men...then my first Brigade Games Secutor and then...the Arbelas/Scissor --- he's friggin' tiny. I'm sad to say I think most of the figures from sets 2 and 3 might be smaller. I'll have them painted and compared shortly...

Enter the Dimachaerus. So I wanted a Dimachaerus and didn't like any of the available models or themes I'd seen. Using a picture from a Russian authored book that I liked I grabbed a bunch of plastic bits and kitbashed one which will hopefully stand in until I find better models. Viking body, Roman legs, 100-years-war helmet, Greek swords and plume etc. Not amazing, but works.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0654_zps94c7f9b0.jpg)

Sorry for the crap photos! I have a Crupelarius and Retiarius waiting to be matted/based tomorrow, and then another four gladiators.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (New recruits!)
Post by: Mason on May 24, 2014, 10:26:30 PM: People come in different sizes, so old scissorhands wont look so bad, mate.
As long as his weapons look 'in-scale' he should be fine.
Nice paintjob on him.
8) :-* 8)

As for kit-bash Kev: He works for me.
Very clever use of bits.
8)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (New recruits!)
Post by: Elbows on May 24, 2014, 10:38:10 PM: Eh I think I'm just miffed because while I like the equipment and potential of the Brigade Games stuff they're pretty underwhelming. The Crupelarius is not very nice (painted it last night and hated it...lol). Oh well. I think I'm spoiled after doing that batch of beautiful Foundry figures I loved so much. Still, I'll have a damn large host of gladiators when these others are finished. I do like the two Retiarii in the latest batches - the Provocator/Secutor/Thracian/Myrmillo are not fantastic but should work.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: Elbows on May 25, 2014, 08:52:29 PM: Two more recruits, this time a Crupellarius and Retiarius.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0658_zpse35341a9.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0659_zpsb70bd38b.jpg)

Not overly fond of this mini or the paintjob but I'll keep him fit for service. I was pretty disappointed with the final sculpt of this model as the early work showed a full left arm, without attached shield. The final figure has a small circular parma pushed up against the body - really not as nice as I was hoping. I also kinda wanted to give this guy a scutum but that's nearly impossible with the shield pressed into the body so close.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0657_zpsbfb5a700.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0660_zpsab4fb633.jpg)

A new net pansy...might meet his fate on the pontus!

And the House of Oscarus in its current form:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0664_zpsa108eca2.jpg)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: Mason on May 25, 2014, 08:53:39 PM: The House Oscarus has a pretty damn impressive stable of bruisers now.
:-* 8) :-*
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: Elbows on May 27, 2014, 09:10:22 PM: Yet more stuff...another Retiarius and a rather ugly Secutor. Pics are dark so I may re-do them shortly.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0671_zps1377daf8.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0672_zps2dc32656.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0675_zps1dcad02d.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0676_zps921611d6.jpg)

Have some more guys drying at the moment, so more pics tomorrow.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: rumacara on May 27, 2014, 09:26:13 PM: Wow... :-* :-* :-*

More please.
I love these gladiators Elbows. ;D
This last retiarius is from Brigade Games also?
An impressive miniature.

Cheers

Rui
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: Elbows on May 27, 2014, 09:34:48 PM: Yes, the last one is from Brigade Games, while an okay miniature it is a bit of a shame that he almost mirrors the other Retiarius identically (different shoulder guard). Of the latest Brigade Games minis I found the Retiarii to be the best of the bunch.

My favourite gladiators are still far and away the Wargames Foundry ones (if you're willing to chop/modify/hunt down...the ones you want - and they have heaps of different sculptors so I only like a few packs).
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: rumacara on May 27, 2014, 09:41:45 PM: I agree with the foundry ones being the best and yes they have diferent sculps/heights and that´s sad.
Some of them dont mix well.
About Brigade Games although they are smaller i like some of them but the price/postage is prohibitive to Portugal.
I might give a try on sculping/converting something similar to this last retiarius.
I think its wonderfull and on an interesting action position.
Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Rui
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (More meat for the grinder!)
Post by: Elbows on May 30, 2014, 11:56:19 PM: The last three of my gladiators (will eventually pick up some Noxii, and maybe an additional Crupellarius/Dimachaerus/Arbelas...and maybe one more Hoplomachus).

I tore down my photo set thing for gaming, so these are just handheld cell phone pics.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/2014-05-30_18-49-37_917_zps15e64a8a.jpg)
Myrmillo.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/2014-05-30_18-50-08_24_zpse3c8e75f.jpg)
Provocator (I have four of these friggin' guys now...)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/2014-05-30_18-46-09_110_zps7e33306b.jpg)
A Thraex.

I'm not a fan of the Myrmillo sculpt, but the Provocator was very reasonable (though he is quite slight when compared to the others). The Thraex was the surprise of the latest Brigade sets. Very decent miniature, and fun to paint. I used one of my favourite paint schemes so I'm probably biased (always adored brown/beige/crimson/white...). I really genuinely love the result on the Thraex.

My buddy is painting up his gladiators and grabbing a webcam so we plan on trying BOTS online soon! Will post results.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: rumacara on May 31, 2014, 12:01:50 AM: Wow... :-*
Very nice indeed Elbows.
Those Brigade Games miniatures are very good.
Keep them coming.

What colours do you use to paint african skin?

Cheers

Rui
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Mason on May 31, 2014, 12:02:31 AM: Very nice, sir.
Good to see some fresh meat.
:D

I do love the look of your stable.
Some fine thoroughbreds in there.
:-* :-*

This hella's expression puts me in mind of Rocky Balboa....

Quote from: Elbows on May 27, 2014, 09:10:22 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0671_zps1377daf8.jpg)

......Errrr!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Elbows on May 31, 2014, 12:20:54 AM: Yeah...it appears the Retiarius were normally quite stunning guys (because they fought without helmets)...but that fella there ain't. :D

Rumacara - honestly couldn't tell ya. I have about a dozen shades of brown Vallejo, and I've used several different ones (I think I have 5-6 black gladiators). Sorry! (and as usual it's one layer of normal paint...and dip...) lol

PS: I also touched up the ugly Secutor, and touched up one of my first Thraex models from Brigade Games...it appears dip/spray don't work well with dark greys for some reason. :`
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: rumacara on May 31, 2014, 12:25:00 AM: Elbows, thanks anyway.
I will try some vallejo model air browns on 1/72 plastic to see the effect and if i like it i will use on the gladiators.

Cheers

Rui
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Furt on May 31, 2014, 01:35:47 AM: Brilliant work Elbows. The glads look great - especially the Provocator, but I understand your concern that they are a little slight compared to Foundry - which all gladiators minis should be compared.

In general I think you make them all look really good miniatures.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Elbows on May 31, 2014, 02:28:21 AM: Actually most of my Foundry guys scale well with the Brigade Games...just random BG figures are noteable smaller than others (like 25's compared to 28's). It's slightly odd. lol
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Captain Blood on May 31, 2014, 10:36:34 AM: They look great :)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on May 31, 2014, 01:45:39 PM: Lovely painting, well done!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Elbows on June 02, 2014, 02:50:54 AM: Thanks guys. Short of another maybe 10 models, this project will be done soon-ish. I may paint a few animals, and I'm working with a laser-cutting buddy of mine to make an MDF mobile arena/dice/books box-try...thing. lol

So that'll be the next undertaking. Also waiting to see what happens with BOTS. I did some custom BOTS dice and recently made up a slightly prettier gladiator roster sheet.

PS: Too many big threads - the pics are all available on my blog.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Justin Buck on June 03, 2014, 01:44:23 AM: I really dig the last 3. I may be stealing some of your shield designs too. I also think the Foundry figures are nice, but I think people are forgetting that not everyone is the same height/size. having different size figures, especially gladiators, adds another element to the game. It is always a shock to the crowd when the small guy beats the crowd favorite. I'd like to know what animals you were thinking of painting and the modular arena you were talking about.

Justin
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Elbows on June 03, 2014, 02:58:04 AM: I grabbed (I think...) a bear and some wild cats and one of the Foundry sets came with a lion. Furt and I talked about including animals in BOTS and he did up some test rules for them. I'd have to paint up a few Bestiarii but that wouldn't be a problem. The arena (if it happens - design and cost pending) would be decent size MDF box arena, the lid being two parts which become dice trays (and the whole thing should hold books/paper/dice...maaaaybe figures). I'm working with the designer right now.

I'll at least be having one or two made for me and my friends - but if it's profitable, I'll be selling them on ebay (stateside customers only!). We'll see it. If it doesn't work out or is too expensive then it won't happen. I'll be posting up on that if/when it happens. Just something simple but hopefully easy enough to transport.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Three more new arrivals, Page 6!)
Post by: Furt on June 03, 2014, 10:39:01 AM: Looking forward to your arena/box Elbows.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 04, 2014, 05:12:08 AM: Played a game of BOTS tonight against my brother, and we decided to try out the new pontus I had constructed. Because my photobucket is literally full (no more space/bandwidth) I've had to post the pics and info on my blog...sorry!

http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/

Here is a teaser (sorry to become one of the blog guys but I have too many giant pic threads running on LAF right now...grrrr...)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/DSCN0682_zpsd0075797.jpg)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Furt on June 05, 2014, 12:29:03 AM: Looks cool Elbows.

Love how you have included the pontus in your games and the outcome was reasonable.

Looking forward to you developing this more.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 05, 2014, 03:55:39 AM: It was good fun and I'll definitely try it again. Worked very well with little need to change any of the BOTS stuff. The multiple gladiator rules worked fine as well - though needless the say the Retiarius is in a tough spot. However the speed tests, difficulty moving, likelihood of tripping/falling, and the exhaustion could play against the Secutores. We both agreed that if the Retiarius had inflicted some good damage while on the pontus he may have been able to win.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 09, 2014, 09:04:42 AM: Epic clash via webcam tonight...

My buddy and I decided to try playing BOTS via Skype (a webcam service). We each had two miniatures and a hex mat and our BOTS playtest stuff. It actually worked well. This was my buddy's first game of BOTS and it turned into an epic 1 hour 45 minute fight!

I created Fastus, Thraex - a simple gladiator from Illyricum (all stats: 3). My buddy created a Myrmillo (Stamina 4, all other stats 3). A classic match. It went about 8-9 turns. It was the longest match I've played by far. Both gladiators scored hits, but it was a crippling arm hit which caused my Thraex to bleed badly which signaled his demise. I dropped arena dice from six to four...then from four to three. Eventually the Myrmillo went to four dice by the end as well. His Stamina proved decisive as he shrugged off a half dozen strikes (minor wounds). The Thraex was injured three times. Both gladiators spent the latter part of the game attempting to respite, the only place where I failed horribly.

Eventually in the final turn I was at 12 fatigue, and bled horribly...going up to 15 fatigue! Immediately spent, but the crowd spared me for the good fight. My Thraex' arm had been disabled as well. I kept lucking out and evading the persistent Myrmillo. Numerous times it "should" have ended.

In the end, exhausted and bleeding profusely my Thraex surrendered and was granted missio. These two gladiators will likely meet again, soon!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Furt on June 10, 2014, 06:38:28 AM: Wow, you managed a webcam game. That's awesome Elbows.

Will you try this again? I think someone else who was playtesting was interested in trying it via Skype?
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 10, 2014, 09:19:09 AM: Will I try it again? Pffft, my one geeky gamer buddy is about 1800 miles away, so...yep. In fact we played again tonight - three games!

Match 1: House Oscarus (Hoplomachus and Secutor) vs. House Guest (Retiarius and Myrmillo). In this brutal and quick engagement my Hoplomachus Opax slew the Retiarius with a spear the head (saving the Secutor who'd been tripped by his net) and then the two chased down the Myrmillo and Opax dispatched him as well. Neither were granted missio for such a poor showing.

Match 2: After falling down and rolling around in the dirt, my Secutor Cyphus matched up to a well rolled (good strength, good speed, and Nimble) Retiarius named Titus. This match was a grudge match going back and forth with a heavily bleeding thigh my Secutor finally chopped Titus' arm nearly clean off, resulting in his immediate surrender. Such a spectacle meant Titus was awarded life.

Match 3: Titus was seeking revenge so I rolled up an Arbelas to fight him. We introduced a new house rule when I rolled three 1's for my Arbelas' skill. We decided that a roll of three ones would result in a value of 2 being assigned (instead of the standard three) so Mediocratus started off on the wrong foot. While he was lucky to land a couple of blows he fell quickly under a withering counter attack by the mighty Titus. Bleeding from wounds to both arms, he was finally struck so hard on the head that he passed out. His poor skill and equally poor showing meant that Titus gave him quick and easy passage from this world.

_____________

My buddy and I will be firing up the campaign rules, since he's more able to game (and more enthusiastic) than my brother. So I'll get to put it to the grind stone. We'll simply be recruiting these experienced gladiators.

The webcam game works very well. The only issue we've encountered is that his hex boards are different and we run into issues matching spacing when moving figures (and using walls etc.). This will be rectified when he gets a mat like mine or we both buy identical arenas (still working on that). Other than occasional outages and the lack of sharing snacks etc. the game works perfectly well via webcam.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Furt on June 10, 2014, 09:57:20 AM: Quote from: Elbows on June 10, 2014, 09:19:09 AM
The webcam game works very well. The only issue we've encountered is that his hex boards are different and we run into issues matching spacing when moving figures (and using walls etc.). This will be rectified when he gets a mat like mine or we both buy identical arenas (still working on that). Other than occasional outages and the lack of sharing snacks etc. the game works perfectly well via webcam.

lol - not sharing snacks could be a bonus, if you are greedy like me.

I guess you can't share any of the photos either.

Fascinating and dedicated desire to game - well done Elbows.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 10, 2014, 12:23:24 PM: I'll start takin' pics and cataloguing our campaign for the joy of the readers here...point of fact I was thinking a "Gladiator Gossip" thread would be fun - letting people announce and report on all gladiator games. I'd like to hear about some of the gladiatorial legends on the forum. More to come soon!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 30, 2014, 08:04:50 AM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/2014-06-30_03-01-11_917_zps41c042e1.jpg)

Just a teaser of something in progress.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Furt on June 30, 2014, 09:57:06 AM: Shiny logo!

come on mate - show us a bit more...
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on June 30, 2014, 11:09:09 AM: Hahaha, not yet. I have the test pieces here, but I've made some revisions and sent them to my buddy. Don't know when he'll get around to the final version. It's nothing too fancy, just a boxed arena with a two piece lid which consists of two dice-trays. I'm hoping to sell an add-on pack with a pontus, some palii(?), some trap doors, and maybe some hex-bases included. Final arena should measure 11x9 hexes (hexes are 1.5" so they'll fit any common bases).

Initially I'll be purchasing a few, but if they're reasonably priced for me to purchase I'll be selling them stateside via ebay or a webstore or something. They should be big enough to hold a foam tray of figures and maybe a rulebook or something inside. We'll see. Final product will be MDF as well instead of plywood.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on August 01, 2014, 08:18:18 PM: Some (rather dark!) pictures of my painted up Noxii/Slaves. I'll be inventing rules to use them in Blood on the Sand somehow (of course!).

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/Slaves2_zps43ccf5a7.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Gaming/Gladiators%20Gaming/Slaves_zpsc8d3cb12.jpg)
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: rumacara on August 01, 2014, 08:20:42 PM: Wow... :-*

Nice band of noxi.
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Elbows on August 01, 2014, 08:37:08 PM: I admit...I didn't like painting these guys. The figures are okay, but dreadfully boring, and they're just a small side-project for the gladiators to chew up on occasion. It took me a good three weeks to finally sit down and force myself to paint them. Glad I have now. Next hurdle: referee and Cherun(?). I don't like painting very much, and when it comes to non-combatants, civilians or additional figures it's like pulling teeth!

However, once these fellas were knocked out I went on to paint a bunch of fantasy stuff I enjoyed...my reward system. lol My buddy and I have halted our Skype games because his router is a piece of garbage (craps out constantly). But when we get up and running I'll be playtesting some home-brew rules for using these fellas. I'll post pics/info when I do!
Title: Re: House of Oscarus...humble beginnings. (Pontus fight, last page!)
Post by: Furt on August 01, 2014, 10:23:37 PM: They came out great Elbows - suitable grim!

I feel your pain on the painting front too mate. I'm in the same boat mostly, painting is a necessary evil!