Empire handgunners #5 and #6: the Swashbucklers

I couldn't find any reference of the first model until I discover the CCM Collectors series page. Problem solved, he was sold as a Swashbuckler in a blister with a second model you could find in the Citadel Dogs of War range.

 

Empire handgunner #2

Sergeant Akman comes from the Citadel Dogs of War range.

The three brothers are finally done!

The fools

All right, first month of the OWAC III, I knew that I could use the end of the winter break to paint my most populated unit:15 fools who gave up everything to follow Pieter the Pious.

As mentioned in the introduction post, my plan for this challenge is to use a wide range of Citadel models that couldn't join Pfeildorf's troops. No feather or fancy clothes here, more the medieval kind, most of the time without any piece of armour and, when necessary, equiped with wooden shields (bought years ago to Hasslefree Miniatures and unfortunately, out of production now - yep, even the accessories are OOP here!).

In terms of colors, I've made tests on a first model, slightly modified by adding a candle on the helmet, something I had seen earlier on this Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay illustration:

The Watchman - Carrier art for WFRP 4th Edition

This very ordinary "Imperial Foot Soldier" (his official name) was painted using a limited palette composed of VMC Dark Sea Blue (highlighted by VGC Bonewhite), and a few brown, grey and beige tones. I've also tried to spare some time with very simple bases: a single layer of Agrellan Earth, highlighted with VMC Tan Yellow and then Pale Sand. As I was reasonably satisfied with this first trial, I've used again and again the same tones on too many models, giving something too regular for a bunch of zealots lost in Araby.

From left to right: Harwood, Mercenary, Imperial Foot Soldier, Ernst Stoutheart and Adolf

I've tried then to change the overall look by removing the Dark Sea Blue from my palette. And whenever possible, I've added some candles to illustrate their religious inclinations. Below a few pictures of my attempts:

Mercenary and Mercenary swordsman

Altdorf Axeman and Mercenary Captain

Gunther, Albrecht and Bardach

And finally, the command group:

Marauder Citizen CZ19, Sir Monne de la Monte and Harwood

Family shot! 

See you next month with the noblemen!

Bergjaeger #6: Calder

Calder is not an archer, but with his bare feet and the riffle in his back, he couldn't but join my band of  hillbillies. Another great model from the Citadel Fighters/Dogs of War range :)


Second trio of Bergjaegers:

Darvin the Bergjaeger

After completing the crossbowmen, I decided to start a new regiment of shooters: the scouts, also known as "Bergjaeger" in the Warhammer Fantasy Armies book.

These are trackers and hunters from the mountain regions of the Empire. They are exceptionally resourceful and much valued as scouts.

Possibly resourceful, but undoubtedly shabbily dressed according to the illustration (let's keep that in mind for the selection of models).

When Pfeildorf is in danger, trappers and hunters come down from the Grey Mountains, knowing that the city council can be very generous for its allies. Indeed, even if the city has its own contingents of archers, mustered among the population, with the support of the Bowyers’ and Fletchers’ Guild, the experience and camouflage skills of these hardened hillmen are much valued.

OK. Considering these few elements of context, I knew that I couldn't re-use the same colors as the remainder of the army (they're not from Pfeildorf), and I also needed to paint them in "camouflage" tones. Initially, I wanted to use desaturated brown and green tones, with a bright red for the tails of arrows (well, not so bright actually). As you can see on the Citadel "Dog of Wars" model, Darvin, the result wasn't very convincing.

Discussions with my pal Haekel made me realise that even if I used different colors, all of them had more or less the same value (or lightness), resulting in a rather dull model. It's easier to see in black and white: check the arrows, the green shirt and the brown hood, we can barely make the difference!


To improve the contrasts, I've given up the red tails idea, darkened the trousers, lightened the shirt and used a colder brown for the hood to make the face stand out. And, although it is barely visible on the picture, I've also reddened the noise to add a small touch of colour.


"Better, but the feet and the trousers are too clean!" said Haekel.

So, here is the final version, with more mud (VMC Leather Brown) on the lower parts. I hope you like it, as this guy should define the color scheme for the whole band.

Dyer and Chauncey

The two last models to complement the militia of Pfeildorf's Guildhouse are done :). Again, they come from the Citadel Fighter F2/Dogs of War range: Chauncey (the spearman) was probably designed by Aly Morrison, and I suspect that Dyer's head results from Trish Morrison's work.


Family shot:

Borlace and Feargus

Two new additions to the militia, from the Citadel Dogs of War range, designed by Aly and Trish Morrison. The sculpting job is sometimes odd, but they'll do the job in the rear rank :)

Cowden and Gustav

Back to Pfeildorf's militia, this time with the Citadel Dogs of War, designed by Aly and Trish Morrison. I think we can attribute Cowden to Aly, and the odd modifications leading to Gustav to Trish...

Eldon and Fenwick

Two new additions to the Watch, from the Citadel Dogs of War range: Eldon and Fenwick. Forget the initial plan about building a imperial Marauder-only army: I'm trying now to paint all the Empire models designed by Aly Morrison (either for Citadel or for his own range). Not sure I'll see the end of it...

Chief Interrogator and Guards of St Quintus Prison

I've finally decided to complete the Guild of Lamplighters and Watchmen before starting anything new. As explained in a previous post, my intent is to work district by district and to paint three blocks of 9 watchmen each with a specific theme.

The first one is Mórrsfeld district, where you can find St. Quintus Prison. You've already met the Warden, the Executioner, and a jailer, it's time to introduce you Theobald Grimm, Chief Interrogator and Torturer of St. Quintus, flanked by two guards.

The two watchmen are Marauder Miniatures from the MM60 Fighters range. I'm not totally convinced by the one on the right, but a collection is a collection, and I have to paint them all. For Theobald, I've used a Citadel model from the Dogs of War range, most probably sculpted by Aly Morrison. Note that the portcullis on the shields is part of the coats of arms of the Watch of Mórrsfeld district.


The standard bearer should follow soon...