Saturday, February 18, 2012

Konstantian or Nikephrian? Ladd's lads . .

Jack Ladd is another St. Paul Irregulars (SPI) member working on 28mm Impetus armies.  Jack is building a Byzantine army from Volume 15 army lists found in Impetus Supplement 2.  I believe it will be able to be either Nikephorian or Konstantinian.  The majority of the army are Crusader figures.  Jack has some of his army painted and on bases, but without the basework.  Jack's shared his WIP before a game -- so, here's some more visual stimulation!

First up are the Varangians.  The shields and banners are primarily provided by Little Big Man, but I believe the Madonna and Child is a postage stamp.  (Jack never forgets his projects!)




Jack also had his horse archers along, and several stands of Thematic cavalry units.  I really like the portrayed movement of the light horse.  The Thematic cavalry are depicted with four figures a base.  i believe the Thematic (higher quality standing cavalry) will be five figures a base, and the Kataphractoi will be six.

Light cavalry archers, front and back views





Thematic cavalry

Jack also brought some personality figures he plans to use as game markers.  These include the Gripping Beast Harald Hardrada figure.  Harald's the guy who absolutely towers over the rest!



The tiny guy with the axe resting on the ground is a Crusader figure, which is a big 28.  The others are Gripping Beasts, so these beasties are really large personality figures.  For Harald, that's totally appropriate.

We'll leave Jack's Byzzies in Progress with a final view of the Varangians in a nice setting . . .



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For the past several weeks I've been working on my 2012 LIttle Wars game, the Vikings in Ireland.  I am working out the forces, terrain, and objectives.  Some obstacles have been encountered, but shall be overcome!  More on this task will follow in the days ahead.

TAFN

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Impetus at Little Wars

Little Wars 2012 April 27 - 29 Pheasant Run Resort, DuPage Expo Center, St. Charles, IL.

There will be plenty of opportunities to play Impetus as Little Wars this year.  Two games on Friday -- the first features Vikings in Ireland (Fri, 9:00am-1:00pm; Event ID E111: I Just Need to get a Few Things), and the second is the battle of Adrianople (Fri, 3:00pm-6:00pm; Event ID E037: Battle of Adrianople 378 AD).  Saturday has a beautiful Samurai game (Sat, 9:00am-11:00am; Event ID E117: Road to Edo)  and an open gaming event Saturday night (Sat, 6:00pm-2:00am; Event ID E112: Impetus 300 Point Armies).  Bruce and I are planning to continue playing 300 point games on Sunday, and will add this to the events if others express interest.

These games represent the efforts of four different local groups from the Chicago area, Madison, and the Twin Cities.  So lots of opportunities to play, and to meet other regional players. This is a so-far unegualled opportunity to share Impetus with others in the midwest.

And do please give a "shout-out" if you want to continue the 300 point match games on Sunday so I know to get it scheduled.

Regards,

Brent

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Arthur, Duke Bellorum

One of the local groups I'm active in is the St. Paul Irregulars (SPI).  A number of the lads are working on 28mm Impetus armies.  Jim Smiley painted up a Late Western Roman army, centered around the theme of Arthur.  Jim has given me permission to share pictures of his work.  So, for no other reason than to share the photographic stimulation of Jim's creation, here goes!
Arthur is in the center, on the white horse, of course.  His hounds accompany him into battle.




The line of Cataphracts
Comitatenses, backed up by Sagittarii
 

Arthur encouraging the boys to valorous deeds.
Jim is currently working on Sassanids, and has completed several stands of elephants.  They are most impressive, and I'm sure to share them in the future.