Friday, November 30, 2007

Africa prepares for war


These Garamante African troops really bring a distinctive look all of their own to the Army of North Africa. Their random tribal formations will contrast nicely against the regimented ranks of the drilled Legionaries on the battle field.
I was lucky with these troops for I found the exact reference for them in Osprey's 'Rome's Enemies, The Desert Frontier'. Which was priceless for painting up the animal hide shields.










Below can be seen the Army of North Africa. In the first rank are the Evocati (tough veterans) followed by the Lybian spear men from Leptis Magna. Behind them are two Cohorts from the III Augusta, the African Legion. To the side can be seen a unit of Numidian Light horse with the Garamantes next to them.

Being a Desert army, there will be a lot of Light horse units and skirmishers, so to come will be another 12 African light horse, 12 more Garamante skirmishers and a tribe of 24 Numidian foot skirmishers. Tribesmen are quite cheap in points compared to Legionaries and this Army will appear very large in comparison when finished. How ever, it is quality not quantity that wins wars....I hope. I also have a nice Numidian king figure, that should look good on this Army's command base with the General.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

The Lybian Spearmen

This African Tribune proudly looks upon his new command, the III Leptis Auxiliary cohort, from the city of Leptis Magna in Lybia. Raised from the City guard, they have been given the 12ft thrusting spear of their Carthaginian ancestors.
Lets hope all the training by Tullus's Centurions pays off on the battle field, with Alanicus marching down towards Egypt and an army of Tullus's stationed near Carthage, I guess it won't be long before we find out.

These spear men lend their weight to the forces of Tullus in North Africa.


Kircaticus of the Dumnoii


Here is the mighty Celtic chieftain, Kircaticus of the Dumnoii. With his war band finally amassed, Kircaticus whips them up into a frenzy and leads them off on yet another cattle raid. In battle, their striking black and red shields, mark them out against the other tribes and their bear and wolf pelts create an air of intimidation and awe amongst their enemies. With their crazed eyes beaming out of blue woad bands across their eyes, there are few who can face them with out fear.

Kircaticus shows his bravery by leading his men into battle, naked, with just the magical properties of the woad for protection.
Painting note; These Dumnoii were fun to do and I had a great time sculpting their fur cloaks and giving them a more Barbarian look. They almost became more German looking than Celt, but I liked that for I think there would of been a lot of tribes were the difference between the nationalities would have been only slight. I also enjoyed coming up with the countless animal motifs and designs for the shields to show their great skill in hunting, which they are so proud of. All in all, a nice unique unit with its own character and personalities, can't wait to see what they do to those stuck up Romans! The Celtic huts are from www.wargamesterrain.co.uk. and fit the bill perfectly for this rowdy bunch.