Yes, I'm Still a Geek

I don't know how I fell off the blogging wagon exactly, I just did. Tonight I got a sudden urge to check in and to assure anyone out there who still reads this thing that I am most definitely alive and that my geek life has never been better. Whatever gaming and small spurts of painting I've had over the Spring and Summer have mostly been divided between my two great loves - Impetus and Chaos In Carpathia.

We haven't played much (i.e. any) Impetus over the Summer but there is growth. Stu and I played our first 500-point game featuring his Swiss against my Free Company. You can see my new unit of English Knights below, the gents with the red shields sport the golden axes. Stu's lovely army is comprised of Legio Heroica models.

There is one other guy in the group (also named Jason) who happens to be just as big of a Chaos in Carpathia fan as I am. He is currently painting his 4th warband and, between the two of us, we have playtested and hammered out my Secret Objective and Campaign System. It's the game we just never get sick of us. In fact, you might find some recent game reports on his newish blog. Here are some shots of a game we had over the Summer. The Von Krumms, my Hungarian Monster Hunter warband, continue to be one of my favourites.

So, why haven't we heard from you lately?

Well, in spite of my love of the hobby and the games, there have been some very positive "distractions" as of late. Although my twelve-year old son spends most of his time on his scooter, making videos, and playing PS3, my two-year old requires a lot attention. Here's Jake in all his glory jamming with dear old Dad.

Also, we bought are first house over the Summer. The only major-ish job we took on was to develop the back of the basement area. All of the house stuff has also been eating up time. In fact, my father and I are in the throws of framing up a geek room. The final product will be 11ft x 12 ft and will have ample shelves and a gaming table.

I also am working (or rather, was working before the renovations started) on my 28mm Vikings with an eye to the Dux Bellorum Ruleset. I am in the process of "almost finishing" a number of projects including my 15mm Avar for Impetus and a couple of goblin units for Fantasy Impetus. After the geek room is ready for action, I plan on painting a Brotherhood warband for Chaos in Carpathia, the Alkemy warband I've had lying around for three years, and (no commitment on this one) a few of the guys are starting fleets for Firestorm Armada. I may give that a shot depending on what I see them produce.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Losing With Style

So I've finally decided that it's time to replace my little red disorder markers for Impetus with something a little more visually appealing. I figure if I'm going to lose a game, it's just as well to look good while doing so. I ordered a few packs of medieval casualties from Essex and finally started at them last night.


As you can see, I've simply based one casualty on a round plastic base and painted it up. I've got 18 of these guys started and I"m actually painting them up as one big batch. I finished one off just so you guys could see how it's going to look. I've also painted up some random infantry figures which will be used as opportunity markers (to replace the green markers). Overall, I'm hoping that our games will look just a little sexier.

As I mentioned previously, you'll have to excuse my laxness in the blogging department. We've been spending the majority of our at-home time doing summer stuff - hiking, going to the beach, and chilling out with the kids. Furthermore, our summer geek nights (which still go ahead every Saturday night) have been dominated by board games. Fear not - the regular regime of painting, war-gaming, and blogging will be back in full swing when school starts up.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Avar General

It's been a long hiatus for me but I'm finally back in the saddle (pun intended). Now that my painting area is unpacked and ready for action, I broke out the Avars and decided to paint this general model.


I know what you're thinking... what's with the pink? I don't know really. I just felt so confined by the rules of heraldry after painting my medieval army that this time around I wanted to go crazy. I may go back and get rid of the pink when the rest of the unit is done, or I may not. We'll see.

As for the disturbing lack of game reports, Summer so far has mostly been about board games, particularly Settlers of Catan and lots of two-player Twilight Struggle. So, the geeking is going strong, it just hasn't been in a very bloggable form. Now that I've found both my muse and my paintbrush, I hope to start producing at a reasonable rate again. Don't go too far.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Another Avar Nobleman

I've been picking away at some more Avar cavalry and I thought you guys might like to see the most recently finished one.


Please keep in mind, the colours and shield designs are completely make-believe. I don't know much (read: anything) about the Avar nation. As I said in the last post, if you have any idea who makes these models please let the rest of us know. When I complete more minis (or maybe a full unit), I'll try to get some more photos up.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Avar Test Model

After spending what little spare time I had over the last couple of weeks prepping and priming, I finally took some time today to throw some paint on a 15mm cavalry model. This fellow will be fielded as part of a Noble Cavalry unit for my up-and-coming Avar Impetus army.


This army will consist primarily of medium bow-armed cavalry, Slavic infantry (in the form of FL and S units), and a few units of bow-armed light cavalry that are currently en route from Khurasan Miniatures.

As one gent on TMP kindly pointed out, it's rather questionable whether Avar cavalry used shields. I figure that, since the Avar nation was really a conglomerate of different Asiatic ethnic groups, I'll go ahead and mix these guys in with my shield-less horsemen and hope for the best. When all is said and done, I'll have a 400-point raiding force that will be made up fairly evenly of bow-armed horse and javelin-armed infantry. As an Impetus player (historical considerations aside) it will be quite a fun army to play - very different from the FP, CP, and T units in my Free Company army.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Marc's First Longbowmen

Before Stu and I threw down for a game of Impetus last night, Marc brought along some Show & Tell - two units of longbowmen for his English army. I thought you folks might enjoy seeing them. As you can see, one unit is painted in the livery of his commander-in-chief.


Along with his unit of hobilars I posted a little while back, these guys make a fine start to his army. Marc seems to be in high gear with this army. I won't be surprised if we are playing some small 200-point games in the next month or so.

I finally primed a largish batch of Slavs a couple of days ago, so I'll be getting that project moving as well. I looked at some of the cavalry I had and realized that I could field two or three units of Avar noble cavalry. Thanks to this discovery, I've decided to use my Slavs as part of a larger Avar force. I may "acquire" the necessary light horse miniatures for Father's Day. Anyway, I'm off to prep up some cavalry while enjoying my Sunday morning tea.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Starting the Slavs

My painting table's been pretty quiet for the past month or so. Busy at work, busy at home - you know the drill. This week I thought, "enough is enough," kicked myself in the ass, and started painting some 15mm Slavs for Impetus.


The photo is a little on the dark side but I uploaded a fairly large version so click to see more detail. The miniatures are Old Glory 15s and they are really great models. I've heard lots of complaining about OG miniatures (mostly their 28mm, but also about their 15mm as well), but I don' t see the problem. These miniatures were sculpted with painting in mind. They are one-piece (read: no shields or spears to attach) and each code comes with quite a number of poses. I should mention, this 15mm collection was given to me by a very kind reader. Frankly, now that I see how nice they are (and how many there are) I will have to contact him and retroactively offer him something in trade.

As to the paint scheme, I chose to stick with primarily creams, beiges, and browns for the clothing and to paint the shields as plain wooden planks. The majority will be armed with javelins and axes, but I'll sprinkle a couple of swords and painted shields in just to represent the few professional warriors in the bunch. As it stands right now, the first 400 points of this army will consist entirely of javelinmen units (FL-light foot) and archer units (S-skirmisher). Combine that with a Poor command structure and I'll be left with an army that plays VERY differently than the balanced Free Company army that I've become used to.

For now, this project will take front and center stage. I've simplified my usual method and, in many cases, I've only added one highlight to the base colour. I've decided that every army I paint doesn't have to be a showcase army. With any luck, this one will come together fairly quickly. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Project Update: Marc's 15mm HYW English Off the Ground

Just to put it all in perspective, Marc is the guy in our group who plays (a) Cryx in Warmachine, (b) High Elves in Fantasy Impetus, and (c) The Mad Doctor in Chaos in Carpathia. Well, this time he's done something that excites me more than any of those things. He's finally come out of the gate with his 15mm historical army for Impetus.


Marc has enough Corvus Belli and Feudal Castings miniatures to build a 400-point English army. He showed up at my house last night with a unit of hobilars painted and based. I like the muted colour scheme (they are commoners after all) and, although they are a humble VBU:4, I think their being faster medium cavalry will help with flanking maneuvers against enemy infantry.

As I said more than once on this blog, Impetus is far and away my favourite miniatures game. I love the rules, I love the aesthetic, and I love the perfect balance of relaxation and depth of play. Now that Marc has started his army, there will be four players in our group with 15mm historical armies. Huzzah!

Thanks for reading,
JET

Scouting New Possibilities: Painting an Army to Sell

The last couple of months have been very productive for me. In short, I've almost finished everything I had on my plate for Adventure Gaming and Historic Gaming. Thanks to this burst of productivity, as well as some trading and liquidating, I don't really have a lead pile anymore. Furthermore, since I have a collection of models and terrain for all the games I play (and I really don't have time for any new games), I am a geek with nothing (or very little) to paint.

My situation has got me thinking and, after getting some good advice from some seasoned professional painters on TMP, I've decided that I'm going to paint an army to sell. I feel that my greatest strength is 15mm historical miniatures and, since they're also my favourite to paint, that's where I'm starting. I'm embark upon this experimental journey with caution. I'll paint one army to start. If I (a) enjoy it and (b) can sell to a buyer who is willing to pay an agreeable price for the quality of the work, I may do others.

Before I pick up a brush there are two big decisions to be made. The first is, for what system will I paint an army. I was thinking that I would stick to DBA, Basic Impetus, or Impetus. The second decision, of course, is which army to paint. That's where it gets complicated.

Some of my potential choices are "safe" ones; Romans, Greeks, War of the Roses, or something equally as popular. However, I've also considered some choices that you don't see everyday; Dark Age Welsh, Sarmatians, or perhaps an Eastern European medieval army like Hungarians or Albanians.

Anyway, I will come to a decision in the next few days and order some models to try it out. The absolute worse case scenario? I'll be left with a new army in my collection. I could do worse I suppose.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Impetus Group Update

I haven't been posting quite as frequently lately, but there's been no shortage of painting and gaming going on in my life. I played two games of Impetus last night against Stu's Medieval Turks (Sultanate of Rum) but I forgot to take pictures once the action heated up. I thought I would take the opportunity to fill you folks in on Impetus plans and progress in the group.

The battlefield after the first turn. The core of my army

was made up of longbow backed up by men-at-arms.

First of all, the two main sub-projects in the group are 28mm Fantasy Impetus and 15mm Historical Impetus. As some of us are discovering, if you're not going to be playing on a large table (i.e. 6x8 ft), 28mm just doesn't offer the same level of maneuverer and counter-maneuver that 15mm does. 15mm historical (as some of you are likely aware) is certainly my preference and here's where those involved stand currently.

Marc: HYW English (not painted)
Has enough minis to build a 400-point HYW English army and plans to start in the fairly near future. He plays Impetus regularly now and learned the game playing 6mm Parthians vs Romans.

Chris: Italian City States (painted)/ Normans (not painted)
Has a full 400-point Italian City States (Milanese) army painted and plans to add some units now that Extra Impetus #3 has fleshed out the list. He also has a collection of Normans primed and ready for painting. I am currently trying to egg him on to get going on this OR to add some more units to his Milanese army. I think he's becoming a little distracted by 28mm painting so I'll leave him alone... for now.

Stu: Sultanate of Rum (painted)
Stu recently came to terms with his loathing of painting. To remedy this fact, he has allocated part of his wargaming budget to painting services and the Turkish force pictured above is the first of the commissions he's had done. I've been told that there are more 15mm Impetus commissions planned.

Ken: Aragonese (planned, not yet purchased)
This is the star painter of our group and, thanks to playing the FOG video game lately, his interest in Impetus has kicked into gear. As of last night, he said that he plans on starting a Medieval Spanish (Aragonese) army. It would be groovy to see.

Jason/JET/Me: Free Company (painted) / Norse-Irish (started)
My medieval Free Company army is one of my prized wargaming possessions and it's provided me with many hours of painting and playing enjoyment. I've started (and am about to re-start) a 15mm Irish army. The army was originally intended to be a Dark Age Norse-Irish army, but I may (or may not) paint units to morph it into a later medieval Irish army or a Early Irish army (i.e. fighting conquesting Romans and so on). In the future, there will be other 15mm Impetus armies - I just get such enjoyment out of planning and painting Impetus units.

The more I play Impetus, the more I love it. It is such a simple yet deep rules system. Just last night I had a few "aha" moments with regards to my impetuous heavy cavalry. Here they were at the beginning of the game. They performed quite well for me last night, mostly because I'm beginning to learn how to use their impetuous nature to my advantage.


Stu's medium Ghulam cavalry. At VBU:6 with composite bows, these guys are nothing to sneeze at. Last night, however, my longbowmen, with the help of one particularly courageous unit o dismounted men-at-arms, gave them a sound thrashing.


We'll be playing again next week and, for 15mm historical fans, my Free Company will be fielding some newly-painted units. I've said too much. You'll just have to check back next week. Until then...

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Odds & Ends

The past month and a half has been tiring, I won't deny it. Keeping baby Jake fed and happy takes some effort, and even though I'm not at work right now, when I do have some downtime I often spend it flicking channels or reading. However, since setting up a temporary painting station on the dining room table, I've started making some humble progress.

As most of you are aware, I'm very inspired by our Gothic Horror campaign as of late. I've already painted vampires, werewolves, and a collection of villager types, but I decided that I would also like to field a human warband as well. I just finished painting this Westwind model. His name is Count Konrad Von Krumm and he will serve as the expedition leader for my Hungarian Monster Hunters.


After a small lull, we've recently restarted our Impetus gaming. Now that we are playing again, I've realized how much I miss painting 15mm historical models. I find it to be a truly relaxing experience. I grabbed this 15mm horse by Feudal Castings and painted him yesterday. He will be added to a base of Irish Nobles (FL) along with another horse and a holder to signify the Mounts upgrade.


It's good to be back on the painting train again. My work area is surrounded by a small handful of Irish, some more Monster Hunters, and a small sci-fi force for Future War Commander. Now that I've started to pick up steam, I'm hoping to complete some projects in a timely manner. Stay tuned, and it goes without saying...

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Planning the Norse-Irish for Impetus

I thoroughly enjoyed painting (and still enjoy playing with) my medieval Free Company army for Impetus.  As a later medieval project, there were endless colour options to try out and the beautiful Corvus Belli models were a real joy to paint.  When it was time to start planning a second 15mm Impetus army, I decided that I wanted to do something that was a little less conventional and that would play differently than my combined longbow/cavalry force.

A respectable pile of 15mm Irish javelinmen from Feudal Castings and Corvus Belli.
These will be used to populate bases of Irish Nobles, Bonnachts, and Kerns.

After discussing numerous options, Chris and I settled on the Dark Age period, and with the recent release of Extra Impetus #2, he chose "Normans in Normandy 900-1072" and I went with "Norse Irish 840-1100."  From a player's perspective, I chose the Norse-Irish because of the high concentration of javelin-armed light foot and skirmishers.  Such a mobile (yet fragile) force will offer a completely different play style than my medieval army.  Furthermore, the inclusion of Norse allies would allow me to paint some Viking infantry, but not so much to get me bogged down, and would provide a nice solid shield wall to present to the enemy.  The first 300-point chunk shown below will help guide my painting.

NORSE IRISH (300 points)

#	Unit	Type	Pts
-	Poor CS, Fair General x 2, Poor General x 1	CMD	50
2	Nobles (with mounts)	FL	40
4	Bonnachts	FL	76
3	Kerns	S	36
2	Irish Bowmen	S	24
2	Huscarls (veteran)	FP	42
2	Huscarls (rear ranks)	FP	22
1	Viking Bowmen	S	7
			297

I've painted up one test unit of Bonnachts already (shown here) and I plan on prepping up some more models for painting in the very near future.  This project will be interspersed with various 28mm odds & ends (a little Gothic Horror, some Alkemy stuff, a few Cygnar models), but I hope to start producing on a regularly within the coming few weeks.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Workbench Update: Dollar Store Horror

If you're married this little scenario will ring true with you. All men, in every country around the world, are used to spending time in shops waiting for their wives to do whatever it is that they are doing. Today, I was lucky enough to have a very brief wait on my hands while we were at Dollarama (a Canadian dollar store) and I came upon a few goodies.

I stumbled upon these very Gothic-ish statues for $1.00 each. I realize that they are a little large (I threw in a 28mm ghost for scale), but I thought for three bucks I'll lay them out as some long forgotten monument in Eastern Europe.


I was also looking at all of these various wooden boxes for $1.25 each. I was in the store stacking them and arranging them next to each other (much to the suspicion of fellow shoppers) when I had a brainstorm.


After an hour of sawing, cutting, and cackling in the basement, here's the basic idea I've come up with. when the finish work and the painting is done I think it will stand in nicely as Grunberg's Lunatic Asylum for the Criminally Insane. Furthermore, since I'm currently painting some escaped asylum inmates for my werewolf warband, I thought that it would only be fitting to have somewhere for them to escape from.


I plan on using one of the leftover box lids to make another mausoleum to add to the Old Graveyard (which is all done now incidentally). After that, I'll probably calm down on the terrain. Then again, I may not. I tend to be like a dog with a bone when I get at these projects.

As a final aside (and in a desperate cry for attention), I am very excited to announce that I've had my first article published in a geek-worthy journal. My article, Medieval Mercenaries: Free Companies in Impetus was published in issue #40 of Dadi & Piombo, Italy's premiere wargaming magazine. The article provides a brief overview of the Free Companies and discusses the painting and playing of a Free Company article in Impetus. Even more exciting, the official Free Company army list is rolled out at the end of the article.

Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to submit more articles to such magazines in the future. For me, writing (as well as blogging for you fine folks) is a part of this hobby that I find just as enjoyable as modelling, painting, and gaming.

Thanks for reading,
JET

From Impetus to Basic Impetus

I'm sure that many readers are aware that I am a die-hard Impetus player, and in fact, it's the Impetus content that draws many readers to this site. However, unlike most Impetus players, I did not get my start with Basic Impetus. I dove straight into the full version of the game and never looked back... until now.

My nine-year old son has started gaming with me. We've tried out Song of Blades and Heroes, Legends of the Old West, and have had a great time playing Memoir'44. A short while ago I downloaded the free Basic Impetus rules and realized that they were perfect for us. After unlearning some assumed knowledge from Impetus (discipline tests, multiple moves, etc...) we started playing the game and have had some really great ones.

I've generally been playing my 6mm Romans. The Basic Impetus force consists of FPx3, FLx2, Tx1, Artx1, and CMx1.


Ben, on the other hand has been marching Stu's Parthians across the field. The army consists of CPx3 and CLx5.

This has been great fun, but I'm already starting to ponder where we could go with it. Ben is not particularly interested in painting at the present time but I don't want to quell his interest in war gaming, so I've decided that if we pursue a new Basic Impetus project, I'll be the one to throw the paint on the models for now. Some different possibilities I've considered lately in no particular order:

15mm Irish vs. another Dark Age army
I've accumulated enough Irish infantry to create a Dark Age Irish or Scots Irish force. I could simply choose a viable opponent - Vikings, Saxons, Normans, Picts - or another army that wouldn't be too far fetched, and paint them up.

15mm Marian/Imperial/Late Romans vs. Parthians/Huns/Gauls/British/Spanish/Etc...
If I embark on something new I'll be aiming for 15mm models as I like the price, the look, and I can play them interchangeably against other models I already have painted. Ben really enjoys the Parthians and has told me that he leans towards a cavalry force. This would give me an opportunity to paint some more Corvus Belli models and perhaps to paint a few Parthians by Peter Pig (which I've become quite partial to).

20mm Soft Plastic Armies
I'd prefer to keep the historical projects at the 15mm scale right now, but considering Ben's age, as well as the low prices, I've looked at some of the 20mm plastic offerings by Zvezda, HAT, and Caesar. Some of the kits are great, but one has to be careful what is chosen when creating a Basic Impetus army. If four or five boxes have to be purchased to satisfy the variety of unit types in an army, it defeats the money-saving potential, and I'm better off staying with 15mm metal. A Parthian army could be created with just two boxes of models, but some others would require numerous boxes and considerable wastage.

28mm Basic Impetus Fantasy
I already have all of the models to complete a Corrupted army for Basic Impetus. I could model and paint an opposing fantasy force and I'm sure we'd have lots of fun, However, my one hesitation with this idea is that Ben has really shown interest in the historical armies and I don't want to sweep aside that developing interest.

Anyway, all of this is simply conjecture and mental exercise for the present. We will continue playing with the 6mm Romans and Parthians while I finish painting my Gothic Horror project and my Alkemy models. As always, any advice is welcomed.

Thanks for reading,
JET

So, What's Next?

I’ve posted lots of photos of my medieval project lately, and although there are still units to photograph and post, I’m glad to announce that I’ve reached my painting goal – a fully-painted 400-point Free Company army for Impetus. In order to reach my self-imposed pre-Christmas painting deadline, I now need to finish painting six infantry models and a warjack for my Warmachine Cygnar army. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I figured that it was time to bring you all up to speed on my painting plans for 2010. Over the past year, I have admired many miniatures from afar. It’s been quite a year for the industry, with many great new games being released and affordable new miniatures becoming available. After much surfing and consideration, I’ve made some definite plans for the upcoming year.

Assumption, Oklahoma (continuing project)

Although we’ve taken a short hiatus, the escalating story of Assumption, Oklahoma is not over by a long shot. Sheriff Tom Gunne and his loyal lawmen will be facing new challenges throughout the year as the infamous Black Cole Elgin gang and southern outlaws of Major Eustace Pilesforth continue their illegal shenanigans.

I still have some citizen models and cattle in my collection to paint up for this period. I may try to create some new terrain elements as well. In addition to continuing our Legends of the Old West campaign, we will be trying out some multi-player Gutshot action with a whole new storyline and cast of characters.


Gothic Horror in Eastern Europe (new project)

Those of us who took part really enjoyed the Old West project. Furthermore, readers seemed to enjoy the narrative-style of the game reports, as well as the development of the characters.
Eager to try another skirmishing genre with a narrative edge, I’ve decided to start some Gothic Horror gaming using the awesome Chaos in Carpathia ruleset by Scott Pyle.

Like Legends of the Old West, the game requires very few models to start playing, and participants can choose from four different factions; European Monster Hunters, Human Treasure Hunters, Vampires, and Werewolves. I will be starting a Monster Hunter warband and Chris will be starting Vampires. I will be receiving some rural Russian buildings for Xmas, and as with the Assumption project, creating the environment will be as much a part of the project as painting the actual models. The storyline will develop as we play, and I’ll do my best to keep it creepy and moody.


Norse-Irish for Impetus (new project)

Ever since I discovered the Impetus rules a couple of years ago, the game has become one of my favourite pastimes. The game strikes just the right balance of depth and relaxed play for me. I also find the Impetus basing system very conducive to my style of painting. I can concentrate on one unit at a time, and enjoy the process of planning each base, treating each unit as a mini-diorama.

Since January 2009 I’ve painted three Impetus armies – 6mm Early Imperial Romans, 10mm Carthaginians, and 15mm Free Company. I will be adding a 15mm Norse-Irish to my collection in the coming months. I currently own enough Corvus Belli and Feudal Castings models to create between 200 and 300 points of Dark Age Irish forces. As the painting progresses, I will either expand with more Irish units, or possibly add an allied Norse contingent. I’ve had my eye on Viking models from Feudal Castings, Khurasan Miniatures, and Old Glory 15’s.

Chris and I have had such fun playing with our medieval armies that we decided to keep our second armies in a common period as well. To challenge my Irish, Chris will be painting Normans and we’ll do our best to “re-create” (i.e. butcher) the Norman Invasion of Norse-occupied Ireland. Ken has also mentioned that he will be ordering a 15mm medieval army for Xmas. He is a very skilled painter, and when it finally comes to pass, all of you historical guys will be drooling and prostrating yourselves in front of your monitors.


Alkemy (new project)

I spent almost a month before Xmas last year living in a hotel in Montreal . I was there for work, and one day I came up from the metro and saw Gamers World across the street. I went in to check their Warmachine stock (of which they had everything) and while in there, I stumbled upon the starter boxes for Alkemy. That Christmas, Ken, Marc, and I all mysteriously found Alkemy starter boxes under the Xmas tree.

Alkemy is another low model count skirmish game, and after having a couple of test games, we really enjoy it. There are currently only 10-15 models released for each faction, and the three of us now own just about everything available. I haven’t really done anything with them yet, but when I start in, I imagine that I’ll paint my entire collection (12 models) in record time.


Terrain, terrain, terrain...

I won’t go into detail right now, but I really want to expand my terrain collection during the coming year. As part of the Gothic Horror project I’ll be making some new landscape features and personality pieces. I’d also like to make some 15mm terrain to help improve the aesthetic of our Impetus games. Don’t hold me to it, but I may actually try my hand at making some terrain boards this year.


And There It Is...

Sorry for the length of the post, but it feel as if it’s been too long since I actually posted a real hobby update. 2009 was a very productive year for me geek-wise. I managed to finish Assumption, three Impetus armies, most of my Cygnar collection, and a variety of terrain elements. Here’s hoping that 2010 is just as productive.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Shifting Into High Gear with my Medieval Impetus Army

I was planning on finishing my 400-point Free Company for Impetus by Xmas. As it turns out, certain events have transpired which have motivated me to move up the deadline considerably. I am aiming to have the 400-point army, including the camp, completely painted before the end of November. Insanity, but there it is. I'm trying to find the very fine line that leads to divorce, and then to back off a step or two. ;)

I'm very anal-retentive about storage in my geek room,
but I prefer to work in comfortable disorder.

I've done some planning, and here's where we are at the moment:

Units Painted:
Longbowmen x 3, English Dismounted Men-at-arms x 2, Mounted Men-at-arms x 2, Breton Javelinmen x 2.
TOTAL = 9

To Be Painted:
Longbowmen x 1, English Dismounted Men-at-arms x 1, Mounted Men-at-arms x 1, Breton Javelinmen x 1, Skirmishing Crossbowmen x 3, Bombard & Crew x 1, Camp x 1
TOTAL = 9

The finished units standing expectantly amongst
unpopulated bases; waiting for a miracle perhaps?

Now, it may seem that I'm only halfway along, but that is rather misleading. Five of the remaining nine bases will contain a low density of figures - three are skirmishers (a total of 12 models for all three units), one is an artillery piece with some crew members (maybe six actual models), and the camp... well... I'm still pondering what to do with the actual camp.

I would also love to build and paint some simple buildings using the same method that I did for my Old West town. That may be biting off a little more than I can chew, but time will tell. I will try to keep you all updated as I forge onwards.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Free Company Reinforcements: Step One

After playing our first 15mm medieval game of Impetus, Chris and I had discussed expanding the armies from 200 points to 300 points. Frankly, I was ready to rest on my laurels for a week or so and paint some other stuff, but Chris has gone full steam ahead and has already started his next 100-point chunk. Not to be outdone, I decided that it was best to strike while the iron was hot. My wife and son had mild touches of the cold last night and spent most of the evening in bed watching a movie, after which they turned out the lights and went to sleep. I decided to take my tea to the geek room and to get down to business.

Between last night and this morning I've managed to prep and prime everything I need to make the leap to 300 points. Shown below are enough models to make a second base of heavy cavalry and my fourth unit of longbowmen. This cavalry unit includes command models and will be used to represent my secondary general.


I've also prepared three more units of skirmishers - a second unit of Breton javelinmen and two units of skirmishing crossbowmen. I have to say, the crossbow models were absolutely riddled with flash and took a lot of cleaning. However, they turned out great and I can't wait to paint them.



The 300-point force will be divided into two commands. The first will form the main battle line and will be led by Mercenary General Sir James Stockwood. The second will be comprised of the cavalry and the bretons. It will be led by his nephew, Rodger of Lynn. As an younger and more impetuous man, he is currently fielded as a Poor general. Family...what can you do, really?

#	Unit	Type	Pts
-	Average CS, Stockwood (Expert CIC), Lynn (Poor General)	CMD	52
2	Dismounted Men-At-Arms	FP	50
4	English Longbowmen	T	92
2	Mercenary Crossbowmen	S	24
2	Mounted Men-At-Arms	CP	58
2	Breton Javalinmen (1 elite, 2 regular)	S	24

That's a grand total of 300 points on the nose and requires me to paint six cavalry and twenty-two infantry. I see this next step as the most crucial one in the project. After we've reached 300 points, our primary goal (i.e. 400 points) will seem well within range and nothing will hold us from the finish line.

Now I just have to decide what historical project I want to embark upon next. With the release of Extra Impetus #2, my mind is racing with numerous 15mm projects I'd like to try. Then of course there's Basic Baroque in various scales and periods, and there's other terrain projects I'd like to do... and how does this all tie-in to my Xmas list...and those Wargames Factory plastics are so nice... and...?

For now, I must concentrate on today and not worry about tomorrow until tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Basing Units for Impetus

Some people (i.e. two) have asked me how I base my units for Impetus. Following the advice of Keir, I took photos as I did the basework on the Carthaginians. These photos follow my progression as I worked on 10mm Numidians, but the principles can be applied to miniatures of any scale.

Four units of 10mm Numidians on 6cm x 4cm bases

Materials:

I'm sure most readers know what goes into basing, but for the sake of completion, and for those who have never done it before, here's a list of what I use:

1. white glue - Tacky craft glue. Mine comes in a gold bottle, but any white craft glue will do.
   
2. sand - I use Hartz Grit'n Gravel. Get it at Wal-mart for a buck and change in the pet bird aisle.
3. super-glue - Used to adhere the models to the bases.
4. tree bark - Find someone cutting down a massive old tree. Pull all of the thick, gnarled bark off. With any luck, the tree has been dead for a while (hence the being cut down) and it will be dry and brittle. Otherwise, go buy the bags of stuff used for decorating flower beds.
5. flock and or static grass - If you don't know what I'm talking about, search "modelling flock" in google and you'll find tons of info. In short, the green "grassy-looking" stuff on a base.
   

Preparation:

Before you start decorating the bases, there are a couple of obvious things to do. The most obvious is to attach the models to the bases. For this, I use any super glue of a medium consistency. Really thin stuff will soak into the wooden base before it has a chance to adhere to the model, and the really thick stuff just makes a gloppy mess.

In order to make less populated bases look more interesting, I use chunks of dried bark to represent rocky outcrops. When basing multiple models as elements, the base really becomes part of the model. Little details (rocky outcrops, bushes, fallen tree trunks, etc...) really help show off your models. In fact, a well-done base will bring mediocre paintjobs to life, while a superbly-painted model on a poorly-decorated base suffers greatly.

Finally, paint the integral bases of the models your intended base colour before gluing them down. So, I painted the horsemen bases GW Scorched Brown before I glued them to the wooden base. It will become apparant why I did that a little later.

The Numidians glued down and ready for base work.

Applying Sand:

Working with glue can be very stressful when you are a new painter/wargamer. If there's a wrong way to do it, I've done it, so I hope to share what I've learned with you and to help make this step go as stress-free as possible.

Most new modellers either water glue down too much or not enough. If the glue is too thick it's difficult to apply quickly to the base. If it's watered-down too much, it loses strength and you'll notice sand coming off everytime you move the base.

Here's how I mix white glue:

1. Pour a bunch of glue into a small container.
2. Pour a little water in. Now, before mixing, pour some water back out. Chances are you've added too much water.
   
3. Start mixing. I use a popsicle stick because I can throw it away after I'm done. Keep adding a little water until you reach the "perfect consistency."

What's the "perfect consistency?"

When you lift your popsicle stick up, the glue will start dripping off after a second or so in slow drops. If it runs in a steady stream, it's too thin; add more glue. If it doesn't drip without violent shaking, it's too thick, add more water.

Just the right consistency, dripping off slowly and evenly.

Now, using an old brush, spread the glue out in a nice even blanket. Start from the inside and work quickly. If you go too slow, the glue will start to recede from the edge of the base before you apply the sand.


Hold the element over a shoebox (or something to catch the sand) and pour it on. Don't stop until you're sure that the entire base is well covered with sand.


Dump the excess sand into the box and quickly inspect the base to make sure it looks good. Specifically, make sure that there's no sand on the miniatures themselves and check to see that the sand goes neatly to the base edge.


If there's any sand where you don't want it (on a model's legs for instance), wipe it away with a toothpick. Just don't use a metal tool, as you'll likely scrape the paint off of the model. I also use my fingers to clean up the rim of the base as well. I don't like stray sand hanging down over the sides of the base.

Sanded and ready for paint.

Painting the Base Colours:

After a few hours have passed the sand should be dry and ready for paint. I use high quality model paints to basecoat my bases. I know that many readers are thinking, "Why not just use cheap-o Brand X craft paint? It's only a base, right?"

Here's my reasoning. One of the biggest differences between craft paint and actual model paint is the level of opacity. Cheap paint can be borderline translucent and require multiple coats for complete coverage, even in dark colours like brown. For me, basecoating a sanded base is meticulous, and I refuse to paint over it more than once, all in the name of saving $2.00 over the course of a year or so.

I use GW Scorched Brown because it's very opaque, not too expensive, and readily available at my LGS. I use P3 Greatcoat Grey for the large rocks. Again, I have it in front of me and I don't use very much. I'm sure whatever model paints you have would work just fine.


This is the most meticulous stage in basing, especially when working on bases with lots of close order foot. The only trick here is patience. Keep your paint well-watered down so it seeps down into the sand. Use appropriate-sized brushes and careful strokes so that you don't accidentally paint a model brown. This is where painting the integral model bases brown comes in. Now that they're on the base, you don't have to worry about trying to get paint in under every little guy, as this should have already been accomplished.


Adding Grass:

We're almost done. Mix some glue as per the instructions above and paint it on in whatever irregular pattern you desire. Glue for this purpose shouldn't be quite as watery as for applying sand. If the glue is too watery the flock will soak up the water and when it's dry, it will look like a green algae instead of grass. Dump they flock on, wait for a minute or so, and tap the excess off.

So close now. They'll be throwing javelins in no time.

Final Touches:

As soon as the flock is in place you can proceed to this step; just be careful not to handle the flock or touch it with your brush. Using a light grey paint ( I use GW Codex Grey because I'm trying to get rid of it) I lightly drybrush the large rocks and do a medium overbrush on the sanded areas. By flocking before we did this, a nice contrast is created between the green and the grey areas. I apply a very light drybrush of a cream or bone colour, and finish the base by painting the rim of the base with black paint.

Ready to be let loose against the enemy.

Other Armies:

Ever since I started playing Impetus, I've been using similar techniques to base my armies. Here are some samples.

15mm Longbowmen. The static grass was applied with super glue.

My 6mm Romans. I used ink to tint the bases but I won't do it again.
It's too difficult to achieve consistency with inks.

Stu's Parthians were the first army I based using the method outlined above.

Just remember, basing is always worth the effort, especially in an element-based game like Impetus. Don't wimp out and you won't regret it.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Carthaginian Army Almost Complete

Since moving into my new house at the end of Summer, I've had a hard time trying to get back into the painting groove. However, the guys and I have all made a concerted effort to get back on the production wagon, and frankly, I've produced more in the last 3 or 4 days than I did during the entire month of September.

I'm glad to report that my 400-point Carthaginian army for Impetus is almost finished. I finished painting the additional 30 gauls I needed this weekend past, and the slingers were painted quickly this evening.


The photo below shows what's left to complete. I'm so tantalizingly close at this point that I find it difficult to tear myself away for other distractions (i.e.work, life, etc...)


I will finish the painting and basing this week. Then all I have to do is wait for Chris H.'s Romans to hit the table and I'll be able to bring you all some classic Punic War-style reports.

Thanks for reading,
JET

Pondering the Christmas List

I know. No one wants to hear the dreaded "C" word yet. Unfortunately, it is racing towards us, and it has to be faced. On a positive note, however, Christmas means new toys! For the past year or two I've tended to be pretty frugal with my hobby spending, so I plan on getting some new toys from good ole Ma and Pa for Xmas.

Saladin's Ayyubid Egyptians for Impetus:

I'm sure everyone reading this is quite aware that I'm a HUGE Impetus fan. I am still on track to finish my 10mm Carthaginian army (working on it now) as well as my 15mm Free Company army before Christmas arrives. I love playing the game in any scale, but as a painter, it's the 15mm stuff that really spins my wheels.

You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Legio Heroica's 15mm Crusades range today. I've never even heard of this company before, and I have pondered doing some version of an Arab army for Impetus for some time. If I did, I think these models would be the way I would go.


Lots more photos of their beautiful minis can be found on their website. Anyway, I was thinking of asking for enough models to complete a 400-point army something like:

#	Unit	Type	Pts
-	Average CS, Expert CIC, Fair General	CMD	62
1	Cavalry (lances)	CM	23
4	Cavalry (lances and bows)	CM	140
1	Syrian Cavalry	CM	23
1	Bedouin Cavalry	CL	18
2	Turkoman Cavalry	CL	48
2	Kurdish Javelinmen	FL	32
4	Al-shair Skirmishers (3 elite, 1 normal)	S	54
			400

Furthermore, Extra Impetus #2 comes out this week and I'll likely have my copy by next week. This will include a host of new army lists which may very well lead me in an number of new directions. In any event, a second 15mm project means more fun painting, and an opponent for my Free Company should anyone wish to try the game without purchasing their own army.

More Old West:

Here's the thing. I've invested a lot of time and energy into old west gaming and it's reached a point where almost the entire group has jumped on the old west wagon with me. With that in mind, anything I acquire for this genre will definitely get used on the gaming table.

I realized that the one thing I am seriously lacking in my collection right now is mounted fighters. I think I may ask for one blister of Foundry riders, the ones that come with two personalities, each on foot and mounted. I've also only had the opportunity to paint one 28mm horse and would like to take a stab at some more. Lots more mounted gunfighters can be seen here.

Wargames Factory Plastics:

I love plastic models. Always have. Unfortunately, when Wargames Factory first released their Romans I was a little skeptical. The detail just wasn't there. Since then however , the company has really found their stride, and each set gets progressively better than the last. And who can argue with the prices?

Anyway, I don't really know what I would use the models for. I was thinking of using the Zulus for a Colonial version of Triumph & Tragedy, or perhaps using the Vikings for some Dark Age skirmish-gaming. Whatever the case, I have been resisting WF models ever since the Celts were released. Whether or not it happens this Christmas, it's almost inevitable that I will collapse and get something from their range at some point. We'll see.


Well, as usual, I reserve the right to change my mind entirely. If you have any suggestions I am interested in hearing them.

Thanks for reading,
JET