A New Year a New Army

Happy New Year to everyone.

Just before Christmas I finally gave in to temptation and brought a selection of Aventine Miniatures very nicely sculpted figures from their Pyrrhic range. I have to say that the service I got from Aventine was very good and quick plus they were able to tailor my order to suit my requirements.

These 16 archers (codes SK03-06) are my first batch, they are Cretans in mercenary service (which appears to have been a common occupation for Cretans in the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods) which is evidenced by the bull motif shown on the standard.
















I really like these figures and have started the next batch of Thureophoroi. The next batch will take somewhat longer than the archers as there are more parts to them and assembling them ready for undercoating is more time consuming.

All bases are from Minibits who very kindly produced a series of movement trays for me (more on them another day). Minibits service was also very good and very quick.

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Roman Cohort

I rebased the first of my Romans this evening, they seem to look better now I've increased the number of figures from 16 to 24 per base. Overall I'm pleased with the way they've turned out:

Should I choose to model a full legion it will have 9 of these bases plus a "double sized" 1st cohort which will be modelled slightly understrength at 36 figures as that fits nicely on to the same width base as the other cohorts. Now it's a case of deciding whether to add a "barbarian" opponent or build forces for the Year of Four Emperors (69AD) which has been in the back of my mind for years as a potential project? All figures are Baccus.

AVGVSTVS to AVRELIAN

Just a quick post to give my friend Dr Phil Hendry's new AVGVSTVS to AVRELIAN ancients rules a plug:

 Along with a few others we have been helping Phil develop these new rules for the Roman Principate (approx. 27BC-287BC). Phil has put a large amount of effort in to them which comes through very strongly in terms of period flavour, simple to use mechanics and comprehensive guides to the armies of Roman and her enemies. Phil has written a guide to what the rules are about and what you get for your money, this is available here http://www.philhendry.me.uk/avgvstvs-to-avrelian/the-avgvstvs-to-avrelian/welcome.html and the actual rules are available here http://toofatlardies.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22. Please give them a try.