tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70120394295211744692024-03-08T03:39:00.340-08:00Of Metal MenA Joyful DistractionBrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-21588939779740407512012-08-18T06:35:00.000-07:002012-08-18T06:38:25.895-07:00Wounded! Or How I Spent My Summer Vacation . . . .I've been very inactive on my blog this summer. I was really injured in early June, and am only now feeling like I'm recovering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8CRNzAdaZM/UC-TPDg-d5I/AAAAAAAAAdk/GJGaSJCk9tU/s1600/Casualties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8CRNzAdaZM/UC-TPDg-d5I/AAAAAAAAAdk/GJGaSJCk9tU/s400/Casualties.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me leaning on the wheel, awaiting evacuation to the field hospital.</td></tr>
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My mood was low, and my energy followed suit. Through it all my solice was in gaming, truly that most pleasant of distractions. Over the course of the summer I've found my second true love rekindled -- gaming the 18th century. <br />
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I've made trips east to be with my dear friends in Appleton and Milwaukee, and played again with the ATF group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asbm86ow8mg/UC-V--SHRPI/AAAAAAAAAeM/0fB_4r2yR6Y/s1600/Brent+%2526+the+Mathews+-+Ticonderoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-asbm86ow8mg/UC-V--SHRPI/AAAAAAAAAeM/0fB_4r2yR6Y/s400/Brent+%2526+the+Mathews+-+Ticonderoga.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Appleton, staying with Mike and Peg Mathews</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ut-AFYuuU/UC-TPmORzDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SaimzInjTHQ/s1600/Crew+at+Bill%2527s+12-3-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ut-AFYuuU/UC-TPmORzDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/SaimzInjTHQ/s400/Crew+at+Bill%2527s+12-3-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lads at Bill Protz's for a big BAR game</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImbIUi7TKJ0/UC-W_HamGrI/AAAAAAAAAeY/eDIKgCgdqY0/s1600/TheATF%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ImbIUi7TKJ0/UC-W_HamGrI/AAAAAAAAAeY/eDIKgCgdqY0/s400/TheATF%255B1%255D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one and only ATF group relaxing after an engagement</td></tr>
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My local buddies and I discovered Maurice, Sam Mustafa's excellent set of 18th century rules.<br />
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Still playing Impetus, and adding as much Maurice into the mix as I can. I'm looking forward to catching you up with posts soon. TAFNBrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-38078076629986657412012-05-16T18:52:00.002-07:002012-05-16T19:40:48.577-07:00Byzantine Army of Jack -- The Formed InfantryJack brought his Byzantines over on Mothers Day. We'd hoped to have a game that afternoon, but the rest of the guys were occupied with more important matters. So Jack and I spread the army out, shared conversation, and took pictures of the arrayed forces.<br />
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The army is all painted and glued to the bases, but much is still not flocked. However, the formed infantry was complete, and so will be the feature of this photo study. First we'll focus on the command stands Jack has completed, the emperor and a general.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Oly35jFj8Q/T7Gy3WzxwUI/AAAAAAAAAbA/1cMq3GrDqIw/s1600/General+leading+infantry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Oly35jFj8Q/T7Gy3WzxwUI/AAAAAAAAAbA/1cMq3GrDqIw/s400/General+leading+infantry.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emperor Constantine Diogenes and infantry line</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TeKYVs9oKA/T7Gyy8pp4BI/AAAAAAAAAaI/TI9W7k_9rSU/s1600/Action+shot+general+in+front+of+varagians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3TeKYVs9oKA/T7Gyy8pp4BI/AAAAAAAAAaI/TI9W7k_9rSU/s400/Action+shot+general+in+front+of+varagians.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Maniakes - Strategos attacking a Syrian horseman in the foreground, while Harald Hardrada and his Varagians await the enemy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m7K2I8m5GU/T7Gy33YEgtI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Nd53rKhfNRQ/s1600/Generals+and+infantry+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8m7K2I8m5GU/T7Gy33YEgtI/AAAAAAAAAbM/Nd53rKhfNRQ/s400/Generals+and+infantry+overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two general stands can be combined as one piece, seen here in front of two Skoutato units</td></tr>
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My previous blog post, Byzantine Dioramas by Jack Ladd, features more shots of the George Maniakes base.<br />
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The main line infantry of the Byzantines were the Skoutatoi, close order heavy foot (FP in Impetus) armed with long spear, and backed up by a stand of supporting archers. These are a deep unit in Impetus for the Nikephorian and Konstantinian armies, or are separate units in in Comnenan armies.<br />
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The standards are both Little Big Man Design banners and art-work Jack found on the internet or in other places. The LBMS pieces are the more vibrantly colored ones, but I think the combination of sources works well. This is a well arrayed army.<br />
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The Varangians are the other component of the formed infantry. These are mercenaries from northern Europe and Russian -- originally they were primarily Swedes and Russ, although many other adventurers joined their ranks. After the Norman conquest of England many huscarls joined the Varangian ranks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQHlG6HztcI/T7Gy3wfoBnI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3sojIQ-Stfs/s1600/Haralds+Varangians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQHlG6HztcI/T7Gy3wfoBnI/AAAAAAAAAbI/3sojIQ-Stfs/s400/Haralds+Varangians.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harald Hardrada's unit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sjRDRp-u7s/T7Gy6ZPS5UI/AAAAAAAAAb4/6QiiAsYNGeo/s1600/Varangians+and+crows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6sjRDRp-u7s/T7Gy6ZPS5UI/AAAAAAAAAb4/6QiiAsYNGeo/s400/Varangians+and+crows.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunnar's unit, with a murder of crows!</td></tr>
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The cavalry and light infantry will be featured in a future post.<br />
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Jack's work is very nice -- FYI he does do commission work.<br />
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TTFA<br />
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<br />Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-27915655740558565012012-05-14T19:28:00.001-07:002012-05-16T19:03:29.608-07:00Byzantine Dioramas by Jack LaddOne of my favorite aspects of Impetus is the creativity you can show on the bases. My friend Jack Ladd is a great modeller, and is always thinking about how he can use figures he finds out and about in the army he is currently modelling. Another example of Jack's creative use of figures and materials can be seen in the Irish diorama featured in one of my earlier blog posts - "Who will you send against me now!"<br />
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Jack's Byzantine army has a hard contingent of Varagians. One day Jack saw a group of crows for sale as part of a fantasy line at the Source, a local game store in Roseville, Minnesota. He thought he could incorporate it in his Byzantine Varaginians -- here is the result.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-XSD6P4ij0/T7Gyz1xEI0I/AAAAAAAAAaE/ypDH5EtWJFM/s1600/Crows+close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B-XSD6P4ij0/T7Gyz1xEI0I/AAAAAAAAAaE/ypDH5EtWJFM/s400/Crows+close-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ODIN!!!!!</td></tr>
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I regret I didn't get shots from more angles. There is a decayed body beneath the flight of crows, the varagians next to the crows are looking at them, and the officer is facing them, and appealing to the god Odin.<br />
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Another diorama Jack made as part of the army is of the leader, George Maniakes - Strategos. George is pictured in the act of charging a Syrian foe, caught at the moment his stallion is bowling over the Syrian's mare.<br />
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This piece is outstanding. The more you study it, the more you see. I'm confident we'll see more of Jack's dioramas in for future armies.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-8836933483759498902012-05-14T19:08:00.000-07:002012-05-16T19:37:40.927-07:00The Sassanid Army of Jim - Brief TeaserJim S. brought his Sassinids over in April, and played a 500 point Impetus game against my Fatimid's. I took pictures of the game -- I don't enjoy writing AARs (I was there, after all), but I want to introduce Jim's Sassanids. We are playing a big group game this Sunday, May 20, pitting Jim's Sassinids against Jack's Byzantines. That will be spetacular game, and I really look forward to it!<br />
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So here we go on the Sassinid teaser:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0flQB5Wu4/T7GzI1Iu-vI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/8Q4ClbzRVNI/s1600/Cataphracts+advance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rG0flQB5Wu4/T7GzI1Iu-vI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/8Q4ClbzRVNI/s400/Cataphracts+advance.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy Cavalry Pushtigbhan</td></tr>
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First are the Pushtigbhan, cataphracts that form the fist of the army. Jim's are very well painted, and some future close-ups will show just how painted they are.<br />
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Next up are the Savaran. These are medium cavalry in Impetus, and quite good horse archers. They can soften an opponent up with missile fire, potentially evade when charged, and then charge home when the enemy is ready to break.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shapur I leads these lads</td></tr>
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Last, but certainly not least, are the elephants. These are hazardous to enemy cavalry, but vulnerable to missile fire. The elephants are accompanied by a skirmisher screen of slingers to help protect them from opposing missile fire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRyctCSnvBw/T7GzK2d_2hI/AAAAAAAAAc0/5LC224PK9sU/s1600/focus+on+the+elephants+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRyctCSnvBw/T7GzK2d_2hI/AAAAAAAAAc0/5LC224PK9sU/s400/focus+on+the+elephants+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elephant's come on -- they are already effected by missile fire. When they fail a cohesion test caused by missile fire, they must retire.</td></tr>
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I trust that I will have the opportunity to take more pictures of Jim's Sassanids, and I will gladly share them. That's all for now!Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-52767134675392407972012-04-22T08:21:00.002-07:002012-04-22T08:24:48.201-07:00Terrain cloth for 28mmI've intended to do a terrain cloth for my 28mm games for some time, but haven't gotten around to it. The cloth I desired was modeled after an approach Jeff Knudsen uses, and Elliot James has also used. I've played on these clothes in many ATF (alcohol, tobacco and firearms) games, and they are wonderful. These games are played with 10mm or 15mm figures, and I wondered if this mehod would transfer to 28mm well. I highly recommend it for the smaller scales, it looks great!<br />
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A thread on TMP (<a href="http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=263114">http://theminiaturespage.com/boards/msg.mv?id=263114</a>) started with an excellent tutorial helped me decide to try this method to make a cloth for my upcoming Little Wars game.<br />
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The method is to spread flexible caulk over a canvas sheet, and then color with flock. The Lion of the North's tutorial on the method is here (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/76935015@N03/sets/72157629346115756/with/6886926400/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/76935015@N03/sets/72157629346115756/with/6886926400/</a>), and I recommend it. Elliot's tutorial is also useful (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36331979@N00/sets/72157610259987470/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/36331979@N00/sets/72157610259987470/</a>). Finally, Jeff's games can be seen here (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/war_artisan/collections/72157606732184920/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/war_artisan/collections/72157606732184920/</a>).<br />
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My cloth was a learning experience, but I am pleased with it. I made a 6' by 9' peice, with a river along the portion of one edge. There is a road intersection, with clearly cultivated areas then other areas. It was a weekend project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0npXXBRMBwU/T5LA3h2ScwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/sWFncF4228E/s1600/Making+the+cloth+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0npXXBRMBwU/T5LA3h2ScwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/sWFncF4228E/s400/Making+the+cloth+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on the first section in -- you can see a line of lose flocking in the foreground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiTZOTSsxt4/T5LA4w97QWI/AAAAAAAAAW8/xCzTjv6szxI/s1600/Making+the+cloth+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AiTZOTSsxt4/T5LA4w97QWI/AAAAAAAAAW8/xCzTjv6szxI/s400/Making+the+cloth+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the process of removing all the lose flocking before moving on to the next strip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oy5lOT4d2m0/T5LA4IOKIQI/AAAAAAAAAWw/OnCHEV7OF-s/s1600/Making+the+cloth+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oy5lOT4d2m0/T5LA4IOKIQI/AAAAAAAAAWw/OnCHEV7OF-s/s400/Making+the+cloth+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same section, with all the lose flocking removed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNnEYDgPiRQ/T5LA5j8f1eI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/4EQIz0I6rMw/s1600/Talbe+overview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNnEYDgPiRQ/T5LA5j8f1eI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/4EQIz0I6rMw/s400/Talbe+overview.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview of the table, set up for the Viking - Irish game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ePzyG1s-qw/T5LA6ZergkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Sj8rCd65iE4/s1600/swing+the+gate+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ePzyG1s-qw/T5LA6ZergkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Sj8rCd65iE4/s400/swing+the+gate+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of part of the battle.</td></tr>
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I used the following materials. A 6x10' painting canvas cloth, medium weight; ten or twelve DAP dynaflex 230 brown premium indoor / outdoor sealant; and lots of assorted flock. After I applied the flock, I covered the new area with wax paper and went over it with a rolling pin. I do not have a comparison to this method, but the flock is certainly integrated with the caulk. I was suprised at the amount of flocking material required! So this was not cheap, but certainly different than a standard cloth.<br />
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What I like about it is the clarity of the ground -- terrain features are clearly delineated with a minimum of effort, and the way my bases go with it. Since I used flock on both the game matt and my figures bases they are better integrated than with my standard green gaming matt.<br />
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I am looking forward to using it in convention games, and comparing it to other matts used.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-25180236949104449952012-04-21T07:40:00.000-07:002012-04-22T07:16:58.506-07:00Little Wars, April 27 - 29Little Wars is coming up quick, and for me, Impetus is it's name!!<br />
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I'm looking forward to running a Vikings invading Ireland scenario Friday morning. A lot of effort went into balancing out what is a tough match-up for the Irish in a straight tournament game. Here are some teaser shots -- <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EY25APf_lg/T5LA6N1bTEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/qbVXMP1yW9s/s1600/Viking+-+Irish+clash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EY25APf_lg/T5LA6N1bTEI/AAAAAAAAAXY/qbVXMP1yW9s/s400/Viking+-+Irish+clash.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vikings move in on the Irish village</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ePzyG1s-qw/T5LA6ZergkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Sj8rCd65iE4/s1600/swing+the+gate+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ePzyG1s-qw/T5LA6ZergkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/Sj8rCd65iE4/s400/swing+the+gate+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But find their flank "a hangin' in the breeze"</td></tr>
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There will also be two other Impetus games run, each by a different group. So three groups are running games this year. There will be a game of Adrianople, and one set in Japan.<br />
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I'm runninng an Impetus Open Saturday night, and continuing open gaming Sunday. I reserved space for the Open Saturday evening from 6 pm until 2 am. Several friends have commented on the hours, so I want to clarify this. <br />
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These open gaming times are to encourage regional players to meet each other and have fun gaming some small games. The Saturday Open will include awards for the best painted army and the best player. These awards will be presented between 10:30 and 11. I trust a couple of games will have been played by everyone interested by then.<br />
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I reserved this time so that interested people could play until they closed the doors on 'em. There was never any intention that you had to play the entire 8 hours!! But for the die-hard enthusiasts, you can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQaKK4-0-nE/T5LA3RYVLKI/AAAAAAAAAWc/-FByO4zJTYk/s1600/Gunther+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQaKK4-0-nE/T5LA3RYVLKI/AAAAAAAAAWc/-FByO4zJTYk/s400/Gunther+1.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunthar, painted by Jim Smiley, St. Paul Irregulars</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fu5p9PrkI6Y/T5LA4-bCfmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Cw_yjNfpozQ/s1600/Victory+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="371" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fu5p9PrkI6Y/T5LA4-bCfmI/AAAAAAAAAXA/Cw_yjNfpozQ/s400/Victory+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory, painted by Jack Ladd, St. Paul Irregulars</td></tr>
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Sunday will be very relaxed -- we have space for the day and can do whatever seems appropriate for the people around. Replay some of the earlier games, play a group game, have some learning games, or matches against other Impetus fans! If you're curious about Impetus, you have lots of opportunities to learn more.<br />
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I'm looking forward to Little Wars, which is the regional gamers mixer. There will be friends from all over the region there, and I'm sure that I will make new friends this year.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-2346068200464293552012-02-18T08:26:00.000-08:002012-02-18T08:29:22.265-08:00Konstantian 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!<br />
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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!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sQK8XE9OMM/TzM86XKWYzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/xppJcbIujgc/s1600/varangians+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sQK8XE9OMM/TzM86XKWYzI/AAAAAAAAAWE/xppJcbIujgc/s400/varangians+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BlbGp_vvOM/TzM85RcW5eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/VoTTOputdIU/s1600/Varagians+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BlbGp_vvOM/TzM85RcW5eI/AAAAAAAAAVw/VoTTOputdIU/s400/Varagians+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPeO71Sqroo/TzM86Sn2hDI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/iXFmG2WOiJ4/s1600/varangians+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jPeO71Sqroo/TzM86Sn2hDI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/iXFmG2WOiJ4/s400/varangians+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNfZ8G6aLRA/TzM61xz380I/AAAAAAAAAUk/EY1xH6iF5dY/s1600/LC+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LNfZ8G6aLRA/TzM61xz380I/AAAAAAAAAUk/EY1xH6iF5dY/s400/LC+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZMUW9Dq0Q/TzM61nKEOFI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zS1G2khz5ms/s1600/LC+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DmZMUW9Dq0Q/TzM61nKEOFI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zS1G2khz5ms/s400/LC+back.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light cavalry archers, front and back views</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNPjQQQHBO4/TzM62QkmtsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/1Al0qnOVRYs/s1600/Thematic+2+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qNPjQQQHBO4/TzM62QkmtsI/AAAAAAAAAUw/1Al0qnOVRYs/s400/Thematic+2+front.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thematic cavalry</td></tr>
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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!<br />
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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.<br />
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We'll leave Jack's Byzzies in Progress with a final view of the Varangians in a nice setting . . .<br />
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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.<br />
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TAFNBrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-61436398091800430752012-02-16T04:52:00.000-08:002012-02-18T07:32:17.744-08:00Impetus at Little WarsLittle Wars 2012 April 27 - 29 Pheasant Run Resort, DuPage Expo Center, St. Charles, IL.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Regards,<br />
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BrentBrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-80523710609122878512012-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:002012-02-08T19:45:26.953-08:00Arthur, Duke BellorumOne 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!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkHKCZqMFiQ/TzM5McJbbfI/AAAAAAAAATE/apshOT1nbBw/s1600/Arthur+front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QkHKCZqMFiQ/TzM5McJbbfI/AAAAAAAAATE/apshOT1nbBw/s400/Arthur+front.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur is in the center, on the white horse, of course. His hounds accompany him into battle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVTzblrBbrA/TzM5ObS7J2I/AAAAAAAAATU/TVPmyqK92Og/s1600/Cataphracts+side.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVTzblrBbrA/TzM5ObS7J2I/AAAAAAAAATU/TVPmyqK92Og/s400/Cataphracts+side.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line of Cataphracts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-apjZq9Q0o/TzM5Sf4exoI/AAAAAAAAATk/ttfNOvfNHw0/s1600/Late+Roman+pics2+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-apjZq9Q0o/TzM5Sf4exoI/AAAAAAAAATk/ttfNOvfNHw0/s400/Late+Roman+pics2+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comitatenses, backed up by Sagittarii</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuuQxEhcjgE/TzM5HUidI-I/AAAAAAAAASw/KuFILRpeDHY/s1600/Arthur+%2526+lads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuuQxEhcjgE/TzM5HUidI-I/AAAAAAAAASw/KuFILRpeDHY/s400/Arthur+%2526+lads.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur encouraging the boys to valorous deeds.</td></tr>
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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.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-30554476479129211992012-01-30T20:17:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:31:23.650-08:00Anglo-Danish (Saxon) deep impetus unitsI liked the look of the rebased Vikings so much I redid the rear bases of my Saxons (Anglo-Danish in the Impetus army lists). While I was at it, I added a few LBMS banners to the army.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8T3tV0V4xA/TydiahUa-fI/AAAAAAAAARI/DQHK2LnFmgE/s1600/front+huscarls+low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z8T3tV0V4xA/TydiahUa-fI/AAAAAAAAARI/DQHK2LnFmgE/s400/front+huscarls+low.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harold's Huscarls -- 10 figures on front base, 6 on rear</td></tr>
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The reason for the change was visual. I originally based this army for a different rule set, where these were not deep units. I've been really enjoying Impetus, and am committed to playing Impetus for a while. My unit bases, the front ones, are 12 cm by 6 cm, and this is standard across all my 28 mm dark age armies. I usually put 10 figures on a close order infantry base, organized in two ranks, and crowded together in the center of the stand. This creates a visual density in of figures, and a buffer to protect the figures in play. When I was using two of these as a deep unit I always saw one unit behind another -- the appearance of a SYW second line in close support. Not good! I went to a dedicated rear base that is 12 cm by 4 cm in size, with the figures organized in one line on the front of the base. I'm not totally satisfied with the look of the deep unit as there is still a gap between the second and third rank, but it is visually a huge improvement. Time will tell if I rebase the entire army or not -- although I've felt very postive about my rebasing efforts so far, I do share the common despair about rebasing. The new look is very good from the front and back (which are, after all, the primary way we see the units in a game), and better from the side than the old appearance of two unit bases.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1f1TORGMr8/Tydic5wbDqI/AAAAAAAAASE/-H3g9_QS33k/s1600/Old+%2526+new+deep+side+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1f1TORGMr8/Tydic5wbDqI/AAAAAAAAASE/-H3g9_QS33k/s400/Old+%2526+new+deep+side+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view, old deep unit (2 12x6 bases) and new deep unit (12x6 & 12x4 base)</td></tr>
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There has been a discussion of how many figures to but on a 28mm FP (foot pondorous, or heavy foot) base on the Impetus Forum. I use ten 28 mm figures for most of my armies, but for the Saxons I used twelve figures. It does make the unit look dense! I only used ten figures on the Huscarl units, as these are warriors fighting in the Scandinavian tradition.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSBFlRa47s/TydibCvKz3I/AAAAAAAAARU/fSWS1PMXer4/s1600/front+view+wide+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSBFlRa47s/TydibCvKz3I/AAAAAAAAARU/fSWS1PMXer4/s400/front+view+wide+left.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Select fyrd (12 fig/main base) & Huscarls (10 fig/main base)</td></tr>
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Finally, because a picture is worth a thousand words, and ours is indeed a visual hobby, here are more gratuitous pictures of figures!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooUM4fMA3jk/TydiaS3m9uI/AAAAAAAAARE/CCTQzZRlsoY/s1600/front+right+low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ooUM4fMA3jk/TydiaS3m9uI/AAAAAAAAARE/CCTQzZRlsoY/s400/front+right+low.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdG2NOqifbc/TydibS_81zI/AAAAAAAAARk/L-F2jHkrN4o/s1600/front+view+wide+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdG2NOqifbc/TydibS_81zI/AAAAAAAAARk/L-F2jHkrN4o/s400/front+view+wide+right.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yuSYL7S04o/TydicAHVFuI/AAAAAAAAARw/98sR04m7poE/s1600/Old+%2526+new+deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yuSYL7S04o/TydicAHVFuI/AAAAAAAAARw/98sR04m7poE/s400/Old+%2526+new+deep.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New deep unit on left, old deep unit on right</td></tr>
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Upcoming future posts will include some AARs and photo-presentations of other SPI members (St. Paul Irregulars) 28mm Impetus armies. Your welcome to come back and visit soon . . .<br />
<br />Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-75915584465562955422012-01-24T18:31:00.000-08:002012-01-25T04:33:06.251-08:00Irish army photo studyI have to share some photos of the finished Irish lads. One of my goals was to ensure that the different unit types were easily recognized. I differentiated them with figure selection, paint job, and base compostion. I made skirmishing (S) kerns four figures from a limited pose, light foot (FL) kerns six figures from a limited pose, bonnauchts (also FL) 8 figures from a diverse pose, and nobles (also FL) 9 figures from a diverse pose selection. I composed the nobles from my choice for best painted in the army.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L7o8zozwoc/Tx4lNX0pOmI/AAAAAAAAAO8/NMkpsSbnu7w/s1600/IMG_4383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2L7o8zozwoc/Tx4lNX0pOmI/AAAAAAAAAO8/NMkpsSbnu7w/s400/IMG_4383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S kerns in forground, FL kerns middle, FL nobles center rear, and bonnauchts outside rear</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-RsqIO9wdw/Tx4lRHWJsWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/4mDMq9rk-0w/s1600/showing+kerns%252C+bonnauchts+and+nobles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W-RsqIO9wdw/Tx4lRHWJsWI/AAAAAAAAAP4/4mDMq9rk-0w/s400/showing+kerns%252C+bonnauchts+and+nobles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S kerns front, FL kerns middle, FL bonnauchts left rear and FL nobles right rear</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xITTwxg_uFw/Tx4lR3WisQI/AAAAAAAAAQM/v_ip8zRN_c8/s1600/showing+kerns%252C+bonnauchts+and+nobles+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xITTwxg_uFw/Tx4lR3WisQI/AAAAAAAAAQM/v_ip8zRN_c8/s400/showing+kerns%252C+bonnauchts+and+nobles+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S kerns front, FL kerns middle, FL nobles left rear and FL bonnauchts right rear</td></tr>
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I've painted six noble units, 12 bonnaucht units, 6 FL kerns, 6 S kerns, 2 S slingers and 2 S bows. A sampling of the bonnauchts and kerns follows.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOtp8acAb0Y/Tx4lP8mFeQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/degB-Z7z_s4/s1600/off+center+bonnauchts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOtp8acAb0Y/Tx4lP8mFeQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/degB-Z7z_s4/s320/off+center+bonnauchts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHBISFX_P2Q/Tx4lR29cjoI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/owgzqDbFTvM/s1600/side+view+bonnauchts+and+kerns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHBISFX_P2Q/Tx4lR29cjoI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/owgzqDbFTvM/s320/side+view+bonnauchts+and+kerns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some rear views are shown below.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIS1my6HDrI/Tx4lRaFyfjI/AAAAAAAAAP8/VsxZiz9KAIE/s1600/rear+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIS1my6HDrI/Tx4lRaFyfjI/AAAAAAAAAP8/VsxZiz9KAIE/s320/rear+view+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_oxfrRSyvM/Tx4lQpU-4iI/AAAAAAAAAPs/uNbKscz0hFs/s1600/rear+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_oxfrRSyvM/Tx4lQpU-4iI/AAAAAAAAAPs/uNbKscz0hFs/s320/rear+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite lads, those who made the grade as best painted, formed parade for a photoshoot. The results follow.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OezGR3tIXkM/Tx4lOi46gXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_wwO8VN4KW8/s1600/nobles+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OezGR3tIXkM/Tx4lOi46gXI/AAAAAAAAAPM/_wwO8VN4KW8/s400/nobles+center.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJzQBgP-Jg4/Tx4lPK_pJEI/AAAAAAAAAPU/C2bQsCFzrxY/s1600/nobles+left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJzQBgP-Jg4/Tx4lPK_pJEI/AAAAAAAAAPU/C2bQsCFzrxY/s400/nobles+left.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWinN5loh4s/Tx4lP385bVI/AAAAAAAAAPg/lHWUQJL_J1M/s1600/nobles+left+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWinN5loh4s/Tx4lP385bVI/AAAAAAAAAPg/lHWUQJL_J1M/s400/nobles+left+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51a0kNwbQJg/Tx4lOPTffdI/AAAAAAAAAPE/tZh5f8TT3d8/s1600/noble+right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51a0kNwbQJg/Tx4lOPTffdI/AAAAAAAAAPE/tZh5f8TT3d8/s400/noble+right.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVILVf4WFdY/Tx4lMBCjXOI/AAAAAAAAAOk/DfJ4REiYQg8/s1600/close+up+raven+nobles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVILVf4WFdY/Tx4lMBCjXOI/AAAAAAAAAOk/DfJ4REiYQg8/s400/close+up+raven+nobles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQjWVJGgsE0/Tx4lMeBuhBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/PYzL9Hh0R40/s1600/close+up+horse+nobles+really.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQjWVJGgsE0/Tx4lMeBuhBI/AAAAAAAAAO0/PYzL9Hh0R40/s400/close+up+horse+nobles+really.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That's all for now! I intend to post an AAR of the Irishmen's first engagement with the Vikings and a photo-review of my Saxon army soon. The Saxon's are currently undergoing the same rear-stand rebasing for the deep units the Vikings underwent.</div>Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-88517142487346321632012-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:002012-01-22T08:51:19.881-08:00Viking 28mm army - rebasing deep units for ImpetusI collected my Viking army over several years, and based it up awhile ago to play "It's Magic" and "Might of Arms" with. It's Magic is a local game with a lot of play testing that Peter & I enjoy playing, and Might of Arms is a fine set of published rules -- really old WRG rules made playable in an evening.<br />
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Both rulesets do not reduce unit sizes by removing casualties -- so I used big bases. I have subsequently discovered Impetus, and like this ruleset a lot. In Impetus many armies have units that are more than one stand deep, or deep units. The Vikings are one of these. So I played my Vikings as deep units but didn't like the look -- I based them as one-base equals one-unit. Therefore, I compacted the figures in the middle of the base to both protect the figures from handling during play, and to visually make a tight formation on the base. As single-base units this works great, but makes the deep unit look like one unit behind another, not one unit. I never liked this, and finally determined to see if I couldn't improve the look (my pride in the Irish encouraged me to raise the appearance of their opponents, I believe). So I unbased some of the figures from their 6 cm x 12 cm bases, and rebased them on 4 cm x 12 cm bases, in one rank on the leading edge of the base.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qk3wMcALsE/Txrq_gxOepI/AAAAAAAAANs/56O-_9VH81w/s1600/Comparison+old+and+new+deep+units.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Qk3wMcALsE/Txrq_gxOepI/AAAAAAAAANs/56O-_9VH81w/s320/Comparison+old+and+new+deep+units.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New deep unit basing on the front left unit and rear units, old deep unit "stacked unt" basing on the front right unit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> You can see that the effect from the side is very improved. However, it isn't perfect. The ranks should be even. I may rebase the rest of the army later, burt I will certainly base all future deep units at the same time so that I can compose them to appear as one unit.<br />
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I think that the view from the front is now much improved, however. The following pictures show that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiZ8ppChfI/Txrq_aORzVI/AAAAAAAAANg/kp3yVh8PXDk/s1600/Copmmand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiZ8ppChfI/Txrq_aORzVI/AAAAAAAAANg/kp3yVh8PXDk/s320/Copmmand+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLurvUW1leE/TxrrA0EI4oI/AAAAAAAAAN0/sSeA_xOzL_A/s1600/Deep+units+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MLurvUW1leE/TxrrA0EI4oI/AAAAAAAAAN0/sSeA_xOzL_A/s320/Deep+units+closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new basing system seen from the front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Viking envassion of Ireland had three Viking divisions. The left wing was commanded by the least inspiring Jarl in the army.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiZ8ppChfI/Txrq_aORzVI/AAAAAAAAANg/kp3yVh8PXDk/s1600/Copmmand+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_tiZ8ppChfI/Txrq_aORzVI/AAAAAAAAANg/kp3yVh8PXDk/s320/Copmmand+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vikinng left wing division</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The center and right had commanders of far more reknown, known and respected throughout the land.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-042qQJVGOxg/Txrq_YHSWDI/AAAAAAAAANc/Uh1KWmJUCgw/s1600/Commands+2+%2526+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-042qQJVGOxg/Txrq_YHSWDI/AAAAAAAAANc/Uh1KWmJUCgw/s320/Commands+2+%2526+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center and right divisions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The hard fought battle between the invading Vikings and the local Irish will be discussed in a future post!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BJMy1dtyN8/TxrrBC_0DlI/AAAAAAAAAOA/QmHTZ1R905g/s1600/Irish+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7BJMy1dtyN8/TxrrBC_0DlI/AAAAAAAAAOA/QmHTZ1R905g/s320/Irish+village.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viking host desending on the peaceful Irish village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-46976128522963029452012-01-14T07:45:00.000-08:002012-01-14T07:45:49.889-08:00Dark Age Irish Teaser<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67JvJ8d4Qhc/TxGb_GMKW3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/updQji9SC3o/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67JvJ8d4Qhc/TxGb_GMKW3I/AAAAAAAAAL4/updQji9SC3o/s320/IMG_4282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnauchts, the bulk of the Irish army</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The Irish have challenged all and sundry to a match tomorrow -- so I've been going full bore to get them ready for the big day. I'd like to share a bit of the army, as a preview to the full review to come.<br />
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One goal I had was to make each troop type visually distinct. In the past I've had armies where I could tell them apart, but others had difficulty. Sometimes I had to really study the stand to decide what it was. Definately not what I want! So I used variety of figure, number of figures per stand, and color and painting quality to show unit type.<br />
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All the Irishmen in the Impetus year 1000 list have javelins as missile weapons. The bonnauchts are FL (light foot) in Impetus, or order troops. They are decent missile troops, but strictly average in melee at VBU 4, Impetus 1. I portrayed them as 8 figure units, with well painted and varied figures. The kerns are either FL or S (skirmish). The FL are weak melee troops, and average missile units. The S are average skirmishers. I portrayed the FL kerns as 6 figures, and the S as 4 figures. The figure variety is comparatively very limited, and the general appearance muddier.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rK-B06ezBpc/TxGb_oZTXqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YuG9KmtxLuE/s1600/IMG_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rK-B06ezBpc/TxGb_oZTXqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YuG9KmtxLuE/s320/IMG_4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonauchts</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_Q2LgAjNTs/TxGcACPm_II/AAAAAAAAAMM/mJNg1djBiaw/s1600/IMG_4287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_Q2LgAjNTs/TxGcACPm_II/AAAAAAAAAMM/mJNg1djBiaw/s320/IMG_4287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skirmish kern on left, FL on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZMhtW7Lbxs/TxGcBKclkhI/AAAAAAAAAMs/onvC8S-83_g/s1600/IMG_4291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZMhtW7Lbxs/TxGcBKclkhI/AAAAAAAAAMs/onvC8S-83_g/s320/IMG_4291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnauchts, FL kern & S kern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rest of the army is awaiting the drying of all the glue. Reveal day awaits!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FD6xBve5EwY/TxGcBS1Y8XI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gpH_MTznT90/s1600/IMG_4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FD6xBve5EwY/TxGcBS1Y8XI/AAAAAAAAAM4/gpH_MTznT90/s320/IMG_4292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The challenge is issued -- I'm hoping for the luck of the Irish! <br />
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I will follow up with a presentation of the finished army, and may have an AAR of tomorrow's battle. (Sometimes the camera just never gets used -- I quess some days the bards never make it off the field.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17Ug26kDFiM/TxGb_to8scI/AAAAAAAAAMI/_kwLRr1o_cM/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-17Ug26kDFiM/TxGb_to8scI/AAAAAAAAAMI/_kwLRr1o_cM/s320/IMG_4285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rK-B06ezBpc/TxGb_oZTXqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YuG9KmtxLuE/s1600/IMG_4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rK-B06ezBpc/TxGb_oZTXqI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YuG9KmtxLuE/s320/IMG_4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDPKsrV1OA/TxGcAUUzvUI/AAAAAAAAAMY/IhGRSbBsais/s1600/IMG_4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIDPKsrV1OA/TxGcAUUzvUI/AAAAAAAAAMY/IhGRSbBsais/s320/IMG_4288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK7tS8_vR10/TxGcAgJlDsI/AAAAAAAAAMc/79moa5DFlqM/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SK7tS8_vR10/TxGcAgJlDsI/AAAAAAAAAMc/79moa5DFlqM/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az1ENYrWucE/TxGcA5ZGJpI/AAAAAAAAAMo/IZ1HpfHDGtk/s1600/IMG_4290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az1ENYrWucE/TxGcA5ZGJpI/AAAAAAAAAMo/IZ1HpfHDGtk/s320/IMG_4290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-83693624645573796212012-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T04:19:44.278-08:00Up North!I went up to Grand Marias over the new years. I had a blast, clearly the north shore of Lake Superior is my "happy place."<br />
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In honor of that, I'd like to share some past photos of favorite spots.<br />
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In teh summer I stay in a cabin near Hovland, Minnesota. Right out the door is a little point, which I spend a lot of time on. Here's the view looking east up the coast . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zcTYcdMB4k/TwZezUID4yI/AAAAAAAAALE/pHeykHSRYRE/s1600/ship+off+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zcTYcdMB4k/TwZezUID4yI/AAAAAAAAALE/pHeykHSRYRE/s320/ship+off+point.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabin on the next small point to the east</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>That evening I was out around sunset, and an ore-ship was reflecting the setting sun off the point.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuZpHJJUxac/TwZezyychqI/AAAAAAAAALU/1Fo2epi1-j0/s1600/ship+off+point+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uuZpHJJUxac/TwZezyychqI/AAAAAAAAALU/1Fo2epi1-j0/s320/ship+off+point+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfB9CH1gPdo/TwZezmg1KKI/AAAAAAAAALM/LgfQ3TpQpAQ/s1600/ship+off+point+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfB9CH1gPdo/TwZezmg1KKI/AAAAAAAAALM/LgfQ3TpQpAQ/s320/ship+off+point+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This remains one of the favorite scenes I took pictures of off "the point." I just noticed the resemblence between the waves on the point and the waves on the Jarl Asbjorn model -- I think I know what I was modelling!<br />
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Another often visited location is the Pidgeon river, which is the border between the US and Canada. A very cool place on the river is the Partridge Falls. In 2010 my buddy Dennis and I were up north in the peak of leaf season. We went and visited Partridge Falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE2XlABPesY/TwZeyu3s_lI/AAAAAAAAAK8/ZH0DTrElvb8/s1600/road+to+partridge+falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iE2XlABPesY/TwZeyu3s_lI/AAAAAAAAAK8/ZH0DTrElvb8/s320/road+to+partridge+falls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road into Partridge Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ1VX06C9i8/TwZewqVhJjI/AAAAAAAAAKk/5C4p6PysUGA/s1600/Partridge+Falls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ1VX06C9i8/TwZewqVhJjI/AAAAAAAAAKk/5C4p6PysUGA/s320/Partridge+Falls+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "artsy" shot of the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i-NM4FIf3M/TwZevXbM7tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QlJTCAlcWSc/s1600/Partridge+Falls+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8i-NM4FIf3M/TwZevXbM7tI/AAAAAAAAAKM/QlJTCAlcWSc/s320/Partridge+Falls+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuzGgpoAK2U/TwZexf4ZHAI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qz411hYEuwo/s1600/Partridge+Falls+bottom+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuzGgpoAK2U/TwZexf4ZHAI/AAAAAAAAAKs/qz411hYEuwo/s320/Partridge+Falls+bottom+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Logs at the bottom of the falls -- these are from the 19th century, when the area was first logged</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh2MJ86zZeE/TwZeyPBOBqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gGZTQzJxuw4/s1600/Partridge+Falls+bottom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nh2MJ86zZeE/TwZeyPBOBqI/AAAAAAAAAK0/gGZTQzJxuw4/s320/Partridge+Falls+bottom+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Dennis, for scale!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I came home from the time up north totally refreshed -- which is my common reaction to visiting this wonderful area.<br />
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I'll post more on basing the Irish army soon!Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-83828486933640985432011-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:002011-12-29T22:47:13.913-08:00Dark Age Irish -- The Irishmen are all painted!I've accomplished my goal of painting the last of my Dark Age Irish figures in 2011. I'm painting these to base up for Impetus, my current favorite ancient-medieval rules. This makes about 250 Irishmen completed, and will create an over 500 point Impetus army alone. For those unfamiliar with Impetus, this is one side of a large game, there are certainly enough units for three guys a side at 500 points. The army-list also allows Islemen. These will be added later - I've bought the Crusader figures for the Islemen (hooray for Islay!). These figures are a mixture of Irish and Viking, and they will appear different from both my Irish units and my Viking army. I also have two units of medium Irish cavalry to paint up. I'll leave this painting project for the future, as the Irish don't have cavalry in the Dark Age list. However, a friend is painting up the Welsh, and if we ever ally for a game I will use them then.<br />
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In the Impetus Dark Age Irish list, the Irish can have Viking allies. As I have a 500 point Viking army, this means I can field a 1000 point combined army. I know that someday I will, just to see the specticle!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrwI9VkKQ2I/Tv1Tbxm-BbI/AAAAAAAAAIs/cMQuSe0m4Mo/s1600/Last+goup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrwI9VkKQ2I/Tv1Tbxm-BbI/AAAAAAAAAIs/cMQuSe0m4Mo/s320/Last+goup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last 14 figures (whew)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzkWAQt02SA/Tv1Ta1kOUfI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_jenVE5hYgE/s1600/Last+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SzkWAQt02SA/Tv1Ta1kOUfI/AAAAAAAAAIg/_jenVE5hYgE/s320/Last+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCVoduA8tKI/Tv1TbiRIU4I/AAAAAAAAAIo/W0KOMxe4kGo/s1600/Last+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCVoduA8tKI/Tv1TbiRIU4I/AAAAAAAAAIo/W0KOMxe4kGo/s320/Last+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I've worked on the Irish for seven months or so, and this is the first painting I've done in many years. So there is a real difference between the first figures and the last. My earlier figures appear muddier (I was using one wash at the time -- I changed to a color specific wash per item over time). Also, I believe my detailing improved over time, certainly I accomplished more with the shields as I put in more time painting. I will use the changes over time to visually show class. There are three classes of soldier for the Irish in the Impetus Dark Irish list -- kern, bonnacht, and nobiles. I will make the kerns the least colorful and muddiest looking units, the nobiles will be the most colorful and cleanly detailed figures, and the bonnachts will be in the middle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2725dkpjV-s/Tv1TYaiNjEI/AAAAAAAAAHA/iOmQmGYghds/s1600/Comp+Kern+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2725dkpjV-s/Tv1TYaiNjEI/AAAAAAAAAHA/iOmQmGYghds/s320/Comp+Kern+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2i718m2uzg/Tv1TY6hYiAI/AAAAAAAAAHY/HrqGD1Jf-KU/s1600/comp+kern+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2i718m2uzg/Tv1TY6hYiAI/AAAAAAAAAHY/HrqGD1Jf-KU/s320/comp+kern+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rear row of figures are older paint jobs, and are muddier in appearance</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHHtgPGtRNM/Tv1TYdbnSAI/AAAAAAAAAG8/HHbZE6HCW_s/s1600/Comp+kern+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHHtgPGtRNM/Tv1TYdbnSAI/AAAAAAAAAG8/HHbZE6HCW_s/s320/Comp+kern+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVSwKUZm5Jg/Tv1TYTiH5-I/AAAAAAAAAHM/w65C7XNOOfQ/s1600/Comp+kern+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVSwKUZm5Jg/Tv1TYTiH5-I/AAAAAAAAAHM/w65C7XNOOfQ/s320/Comp+kern+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There javelinmen also show the change in appearance over time</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSE4PEzm78U/Tv1TW5QJYgI/AAAAAAAAAGU/J-kOnB-IHes/s1600/Comp+hero+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSE4PEzm78U/Tv1TW5QJYgI/AAAAAAAAAGU/J-kOnB-IHes/s320/Comp+hero+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erIcK-tMoSU/Tv1TXXjP4PI/AAAAAAAAAGg/XE6PTCunf_c/s1600/Comp+hero+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-erIcK-tMoSU/Tv1TXXjP4PI/AAAAAAAAAGg/XE6PTCunf_c/s320/Comp+hero+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the more recent figure is on the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybOLjb5PNn4/Tv1TY42ILtI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ItMcafUs_C4/s1600/Comp+Ldr+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybOLjb5PNn4/Tv1TY42ILtI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ItMcafUs_C4/s320/Comp+Ldr+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1RmnjlTus/Tv1TZMwr0jI/AAAAAAAAAH0/h5CQ8wCidgs/s1600/Comp+Ldr+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n1RmnjlTus/Tv1TZMwr0jI/AAAAAAAAAH0/h5CQ8wCidgs/s320/Comp+Ldr+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the more recent figure is on the right (I know -- just like some rules I play. Hi, Low, Left, Right . . . )</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2IiCCWGVk/Tv1TW1majvI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/HlEeXvZIipE/s1600/Comp++SB+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2IiCCWGVk/Tv1TW1majvI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/HlEeXvZIipE/s320/Comp++SB+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WQHqPvjjsw/Tv1TZuPBGCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/dIzvL2ws3dw/s1600/Comp+SB+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9WQHqPvjjsw/Tv1TZuPBGCI/AAAAAAAAAHo/dIzvL2ws3dw/s320/Comp+SB+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuBOsJdhE-E/Tv1TZmCym8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/hU7E60i84Wg/s1600/Comp+SB+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MuBOsJdhE-E/Tv1TZmCym8I/AAAAAAAAAHk/hU7E60i84Wg/s320/Comp+SB+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IMO, these standard bearers really show a difference. I'll use this to visually show class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So my next step will be to lay out the bases of the different types on the table and move figures around until I am happy with the arrangement of them into the units of the army. I will share this step -- I would like a based Irish army within the next few weeks.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-23339191708213526852011-12-29T22:05:00.000-08:002011-12-29T22:05:24.753-08:00Jarl AsbjornI did Jarl Asbjorn back in the '80's. I was active in the local figure society, the Minnesota Miniature Figure Society, and did quite a few collector figures at the time.<br />
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I believe the figure is a Post Militaire Series 66 viking. I did the shore and rock carving with balsa and Durham Rock-Hard putty, and the water is a two-part resin product. I can't remember much more about making the water -- looking at it now I believe the waves are clear sealer, like you would use on a sink.<br />
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Anyway, without further ado . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhqeZrhdALU/Tv1TF6Ptw8I/AAAAAAAAAFg/v-WEoHm7keg/s1600/Jarl+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JhqeZrhdALU/Tv1TF6Ptw8I/AAAAAAAAAFg/v-WEoHm7keg/s320/Jarl+1.JPG" width="218" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo4PWDNJAMQ/Tv1TF7sj2aI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1k76o2W2KgE/s1600/Jarl+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo4PWDNJAMQ/Tv1TF7sj2aI/AAAAAAAAAFU/1k76o2W2KgE/s320/Jarl+2.JPG" width="234" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo0shUlUGaE/Tv1TF-tAxuI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/sSFlVVlylZo/s1600/Jarl+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo0shUlUGaE/Tv1TF-tAxuI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/sSFlVVlylZo/s320/Jarl+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zam6haK-TAk/Tv1TGfB6suI/AAAAAAAAAFk/MuweGUszhGk/s1600/Jarl+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zam6haK-TAk/Tv1TGfB6suI/AAAAAAAAAFk/MuweGUszhGk/s320/Jarl+4.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY47q2hBCjs/Tv1TGh7GoOI/AAAAAAAAAFw/GFuRdw9PeYw/s1600/Jarl+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TY47q2hBCjs/Tv1TGh7GoOI/AAAAAAAAAFw/GFuRdw9PeYw/s320/Jarl+5.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhS1Vt58Sd0/Tv1THieCs-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/q2tZY1Hbmjg/s1600/jarl+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhS1Vt58Sd0/Tv1THieCs-I/AAAAAAAAAF4/q2tZY1Hbmjg/s320/jarl+6.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV574oyUg8A/Tv1THvnUdaI/AAAAAAAAAF8/gKjjtMGWpVE/s1600/Jarl+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fV574oyUg8A/Tv1THvnUdaI/AAAAAAAAAF8/gKjjtMGWpVE/s320/Jarl+7.JPG" width="229" /></a></div><br />
It was fun photographing the Jarl, and I am sure I will share other of my past collector figure pieces from time to time. Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-14230418374094489972011-12-23T14:32:00.000-08:002012-02-18T07:31:50.114-08:00Who will you send against me now? -- Irish dark age campI have all next week off! My intention is to finish painting the Irish portion of my Irish Impetus dark age army, and get it based up. I shall certainly make good progress on that.<br />
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I wanted to share a camp diorama my good friend Jack Ladd did for me back in July. Jack and I were going over figures I had in my basement, and Jack developed an idea he insisted he run with. The basis of the setting is a fine bear by Trent Miniatures, a hero from the Crusader Irish line, and a handler, archer, and standard bearer by Gripping Beast.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pukJZ63n1EE/TvT-zKgiPeI/AAAAAAAAAE8/tjzOCSIhxRI/s1600/Front+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pukJZ63n1EE/TvT-zKgiPeI/AAAAAAAAAE8/tjzOCSIhxRI/s320/Front+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdnHln04BH8/TvT-fPZZbUI/AAAAAAAAAD8/7l8vdWQNVXA/s1600/side+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdnHln04BH8/TvT-fPZZbUI/AAAAAAAAAD8/7l8vdWQNVXA/s320/side+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHRNVPyF-Oc/TvT-fFn-bGI/AAAAAAAAAEA/kZ7keEfx8YY/s1600/side+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHRNVPyF-Oc/TvT-fFn-bGI/AAAAAAAAAEA/kZ7keEfx8YY/s320/side+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0s4REDivtD0/TvT-gNHZy2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/px4UxZcfo-U/s1600/side+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0s4REDivtD0/TvT-gNHZy2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/px4UxZcfo-U/s320/side+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Views of the front and side show the Irish/Viking area above, and show the Irish view of the hero and "tamed" bear.<br />
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The suprise Jack envisioned and created is the enemy archer.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cwdXadZvo8/TvT-gBmsJ1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/4Lz6xOCOEFA/s1600/suprise+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6cwdXadZvo8/TvT-gBmsJ1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/4Lz6xOCOEFA/s320/suprise+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIVs42S9SlA/TvT-hKY_4VI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wXbdw7Tz22Q/s1600/suprise+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIVs42S9SlA/TvT-hKY_4VI/AAAAAAAAAEs/wXbdw7Tz22Q/s320/suprise+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy. I will share pictures of how I intend to organize my army soon.Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7012039429521174469.post-67238304497401403322011-12-18T11:40:00.000-08:002011-12-18T11:40:47.958-08:00Current painting project -- Dark Age Irish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This year I've started painting again, after taking a many year break from it. I've really enjoyed it, and want to share my most recent work.<br />
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I'm currently painting a Dark Age Irish army, and plan to play with Impetus. I've got a large collection of dark age armies, and the Irish will fill in a gap in my British Isles collection. The army will be well over 600 points, and contain about 280 or 290 figures. I've got around 200 painted, and plan to finish my Irish figures before I base that portion of the army up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-WOI2eCVmk/Tu49oRhNlLI/AAAAAAAAADM/STfTj-lQm9A/s1600/Waiting+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-WOI2eCVmk/Tu49oRhNlLI/AAAAAAAAADM/STfTj-lQm9A/s320/Waiting+paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish figures awaiting paint. Figures are all Crusader.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm building the army primarily with Crusader miniatures. For me, this is the best value out there, when using the Old Glory Army Card. I'm saddened by the end of Old Glory carrying Crusader figures. For those interested, you've got through December to order through Old Glory.<br />
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I've come along way since I started painting again. Some of my most recent figures follow. I'd welcome any comments.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWrhdvG0Xkk/Tu49oGtQ04I/AAAAAAAAADI/PmntUQsB7Os/s1600/table+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HWrhdvG0Xkk/Tu49oGtQ04I/AAAAAAAAADI/PmntUQsB7Os/s320/table+closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My painting table</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl7YzWPhzTw/Tu49l0NOETI/AAAAAAAAACY/sb2Q9lYxCLE/s1600/finsihed+irish+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl7YzWPhzTw/Tu49l0NOETI/AAAAAAAAACY/sb2Q9lYxCLE/s320/finsihed+irish+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxohyMo-Xlw/Tu49mgY5wUI/AAAAAAAAACc/-bgcHieXUI0/s1600/finsihed+irish+3+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxohyMo-Xlw/Tu49mgY5wUI/AAAAAAAAACc/-bgcHieXUI0/s320/finsihed+irish+3+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Women &Archers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Hd4WTg0Jjk/Tu49khlJgAI/AAAAAAAAAB8/t1kxZSUVLp8/s1600/finsihed+irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Hd4WTg0Jjk/Tu49khlJgAI/AAAAAAAAAB8/t1kxZSUVLp8/s320/finsihed+irish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wKavRheHA0/Tu49kp3hF1I/AAAAAAAAAB4/Yts0FrR4LS4/s1600/finished+irish+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wKavRheHA0/Tu49kp3hF1I/AAAAAAAAAB4/Yts0FrR4LS4/s320/finished+irish+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent Irish noblemen additions</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puUZ_FatOLc/Tu49nGXth3I/AAAAAAAAACs/iSoATCTHYeQ/s1600/finsihed+irish+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-puUZ_FatOLc/Tu49nGXth3I/AAAAAAAAACs/iSoATCTHYeQ/s320/finsihed+irish+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuEFjksTH00/Tu49mmxoGqI/AAAAAAAAACo/QrWLGp1ScEA/s1600/finsihed+irish+5+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JuEFjksTH00/Tu49mmxoGqI/AAAAAAAAACo/QrWLGp1ScEA/s320/finsihed+irish+5+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noble command, front and back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Brenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00541470175560116913noreply@blogger.com4