Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Avar Noble Cavalry

The Heart of the Avar Army - The Noble Bow-Armed Lancers.

The Avar Nobles were true medium cavalry who could ride in loose order and use bow fire to disrupt the enemy...

...however, they could also form-up into a solid line and deliver a formidable charge.

As the Avar wave crashed westward, many Steppe peoples joined their conquest.
Impetus Unit Type: CL
Base Size: 8cm x 6cm
Special: none
Manufacturers: Essex & Old Glory 15s
Comments:
This collection of miniatures is a true hodge-podge of codes and nations. I've attempted to combine and paint them in such a way as to give the impression of a melting pot of nations united under (more or less) one banner. I really had to scrounge the collection I was given to put this part of my force together - literally every available and suitable cavalry model I had was pressed (and bent, and forced) into service. It's one of those few projects where I have no left-overs. It's a good feeling actually.
The three main units are played as VBU:6 CM Lancers with Comp Bow C. In essence, this means that, as Impetus units, their primary purpose is close combat with their missile capability being more of a bonus to take advantage of when the opportunity arises. The last photo are also bow-armed (you can't see it from the photo) but these are fielded as VBU:5 CM with Comp Bow B. In other words, the bows are more of a primary weapon. Ideally, melee engagement would only take place after a couple of volleys of bow fire.
Combined with the four units of light cavalry in the previous post, this really is the heart and backbone of my Avar army. When I manage to mount a unified attack with all of my cavalry in one turn, the outcome can be quite unsettling for my opponent. In my opinion, every Impetus player should have a fast-moving, bow-armed cavalry army in his collection.
Thanks for reading,
JET


9 comments:

Phil said...

Even better than the previous ones, this is a stunning work, painting, basing and photographing are excellent...love them!

BaronVonJ said...

Fantastic painting and I always loved the look of smaller minis are large bases. Gives a feeling of mass and a mini diorama at the same time. Nice work.

Jason said...

They look great. The basing adds a lot as well.

fireymonkeyboy said...

Hot sauce. Love the colours on these, JET.

fireymonkeyboy said...

Hot sauce. Love the colours on these, JET.

Terry Silverthorn said...

Wonderful painting Jason. Will be cool to see the whole force when completed

JET (aka Jason) said...

Thank you gentlemen. The compliments are appreciated. I am in the throws of finishing the last two units. Then it will be time to unleash my horde of Slavic infantry!

Christopher(aka Axebreaker) said...

Very nice work Jason!

Christopher

Vinnie said...

great paint job fab pictures