From JohnS: The Carolingian army grows slowly (80 points)

Not much to say this week, time and motivation have been scarce.

I have managed to finish the second base of Frankish Heerbann militia which completes that unit. These are a variety of brands of metal and plastic including Crusader, Gripping Beast, Medbury and even a couple of Oathmark miniatures.

 Ten chaps that I have based Deep for To The Strongest.

 I have put them in rough and straggling ranks as i can imagine the Heerbann were not super keen or trained for war.

 And they are not armed with the latest weaponry.

 "Remind me again, why are we here? Those other chaps over there look quite unpleasant."

"I know, let's go home, drink some wine and invent some new types of cheese"

 Even more poorly equipped are these Generic Dark Ages Javelin Skirmishers

Armed with cutting edge "pointy stick" technology, these fellas are sent forward to soften up the enemy.

As first class arrow catchers, they quickly deplete the enemy of ammunition while threatening them with the aforementioned "pointy sticks".

Here they are demonstrating their tactical Running This Way and That Way technique.

 Including their Tactical Withdrawal So We Don't Do Too Much Winning.

So much winning.

That's a total of:

28mm Infantry x 15 @ 5 pts = 75 points. 

From Millsy:

I know how long these have been hanging around as you tried to find the time to work them John so it's great to see them finally done and ready for the table.

I love the composition on the deep base of spear and shield warriors with the pointing chap at the front. There's a real sense of something is about to happen and you don't want to be on the wrong end of it. 

Some great colour choices and some very tidy hand painted shields really lift these up. They feel like you've invested a lot of time and effort and it has paid off.

Lovely brushwork all round mate and I have added another 5 points for the shields. Cracking stuff!

Cheers,
Millsy

From JohnS - I'm Frank, This is My Brother Carol and My Other Brother Carol (90 points)

One of my stated goals for this AHPC was to get some of my Carolingians and Carthaginian armies painted. I have made a start!

First up is a half unit of Frankish Heerbann militia. These are from the assortment of dark age figures I have been collecting for years so I am not sure of all of the makers but there are a couple of Crusader in there I believe.

Some of the figures are a bit rough but that just adds to their "peasanty charm". You can practically smell the pig slop on them...

I decided that their shields should be either monochrome or simple designs to reflect the availability of pigments and the skills of the painters, plus in a variety of shapes and sizes because some shields were older, captured or made quickly.

 My second group are Medbury Miniatures Carolingian Archers, cast in metal.

 These are beautiful sculpts that take paint very well, despite a few issues with casting.

I bought a large quantity of Carolingians from Medbury and I am looking forward to painting more.

With my Carolingian Frankish army finally started I am happy to be back on track and to claim:

28mm Infantry x 18 @ 5pts ea = 90 points

From Millsy:

I always enjoy seeing the finished products from our Antipodean paint and chat sessions. It's like putting a face to a name, or finally seeing a movie you've heard loads about but not seen. It scratches an itch.

These are very fine indeed John. I think you have perfectly captured the look you were going for with the shields and the overall style of the Franks. They're a nice deep base which makes me think these are one of several intended for To the Strongest! Is that right?

Your Carolingians are tempting me to dip my toe into the Medbury Miniatures pool. They definitely look like they'd be fun to paint and you have absolutely done them justice.

90 points added to your tally mate. I look forward to facing off against these fine fellow at some point.

Cheers,
Millsy