Roman SAGA (update 04.09.12)

[Mad Doc Morris]

Since my dear friend Lt. Hazel started his Barbarian Invasion project, there finally is an excuse to start painting 3rd century Romans full scale. So, here's the first unit (coincidentally at contubernium-strength) for our upcoming Roman SAGA project:



The idea of a small expeditionary force, campaigning during the 200's, has haunted me for quite some time. It was originally inspired by the spectacular discovery of a Roman battlefield in Lower Saxony, Germany, dating from this very period. Added to that, I always had a (not so) secret passion for the A&A Miniatures range, recently bolstered by Aventine's venture into this area. Here I've used models from both manufacturers, the footsloggers by A&A led by an Aventine optio. Shield decals are by LBM Studios.
Next unit to follow soon…

Feel free to comment here or visit my blog. Thanks for watching anyway!

[Lt. Hazel]

They are gorgeous  I am looking forward to meet them on tabletop!

[Bugsda]

Excellent! If they fight as good as they look you're in trouble Lt 

[OSHIROmodels]

Cracking figures 

The leaders stripy 'stick' is quite interesting. What was its purpose?

cheers

James

[Ray Rivers]

 

Very nice, indeed.

The Centurion especially grabs the eye. Well done!

[Mad Doc Morris]

Thanks guys!
The 'centurion' - actually his second-in-command, an optio - is wielding a hastile, probably used to push stragglers back into line (like a NCO's spontoon). The stripes are conjectural.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

yeah! the dreams come true, Mad Doc has started a 3rd century project
beautiful work as usual, looking forward to next bunch!

[LeadAsbestos]

 

Very nice! My thread for my Trojan War SAGA will be started shortly, albeit w/ minis that aren't painted nearly as well!

[Marine0846]

Beautiful figures.
Look forward to seeing more.
Also how you use the SAGA rules.

[Mr.J]

They look fantastic. Really love the gritty look of them.
Looking forward to seeing more and seeing how this works with Saga.

[guitarheroandy]

Brilliant minis!!! Well done. I too am looking forward to hearing how you use Saga with these.

[philhendry]

I really like those!  Great stuff!

[Prof.Witchheimer]

just managed to check your blog, Doc, wow! even more nice pics of these Middle Romans and some great reading as well!

My recommendation to everyone to check that Doc's pile of lovely pics and texts 

[Mad Doc Morris]

Cheers, guys, many thanks for your kind words!
Regarding our intended use of the SAGA rules: For a start, we won't change the rules. I know there are already some Ancients variants around, but we don't feel the need for dedicated battleboards yet. Since SAGA represents more or less a fantasy approach (it's inspired by sagas!), we are happy to take it for Roman fantasy as well. With eight play-tested factions to choose from (and more to come), there's enough variation to recreate some opposing Ancients warbands. It's just a question of which tactics you want to emphasise.
On the long run, however, we're eying the Arthurian rules from Too Fat Lardies. Historically they might not fit the bill as well, still there aren't many 'not army sized' rules around for the Roman period.

[War In 15MM]

Beautiful, beautiful figures.  Really enjoyed your 15s.  Richard