The Sassanid Army of Jim - Brief Teaser

Jim 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!

So here we go on the Sassinid teaser:

Heavy Cavalry Pushtigbhan

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.

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.

Shapur I leads these lads

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.

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.

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!

Little Wars, April 27 - 29

Little Wars is coming up quick, and for me, Impetus is it's name!!

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 --

Vikings move in on the Irish village

But find their flank "a hangin' in the breeze"

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gunthar, painted by Jim Smiley, St. Paul Irregulars

Victory, painted by Jack Ladd, St. Paul Irregulars

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.

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.

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.