Citadel Empire Fighter Warband complete!

 

 So this week I managed to wrap up my warband of classic Citadel and Marauder empire fighters. It's nice to have finally ticked this box with it being on my to do list for many years. I think choosing the appropriate models and a livery that I was really happy with was crucial. This is why I encountered two or three failed attempts in the past. So here we have:

The Tilean Warband of Leopoldo Di Vittorio of Luccini.

Map of Luccini 

 ■ Leopoldo Di Vittorio, mercenary captain

A native of Luccini, the aristocratic Leopoldo attended the Aquila Academy of Luccini, learning the art and science of war. Seeking fame, notoriety and of course, to add to his already substantial wealth, he embarked on the career as a mercenary captain in the employ of the eccentric Lorenzo Lupo. The subsequent years have proved fruitful and devoted but there is always the temptation to change sides at the prospect of higher pay but Leopoldo remains loyal to Lupo - more out of loyalty to Luccini than that of its Prince.

■ Guido Colombano, warband champion 

With Guido, what you see is what you get. A hardy, battle scarred veteran of numerous campaigns from various Tilean conflicts. Despite their social class diversity, Guido has developed a unlikely rapport with Leopoldo. This ageing but steadfast fellow's vast experience is indispensable to the group.

■ Ermillo Moscatelli, champion 

Another alumni from the Aquila Academy of Luccini, the scholarly Ermillo was a former gunnery captain but sought for a more prosperous career as a mercenary. Despite his slender appearance, Ermillo is a wily and guile individual with an appetite for Cathayan philosophy. 

■ Berthold Steinberg, sellsword 

A Middenheimer, formally a swordsman in the army of his native land before heading south to Tilea for the sellsword life. He still carries the shield of his army days depicting the fortress city of Middenheim.

■ Skragrud, mercenary Ogre

Once a member of Golgfag's Maneaters, Skragrud was imprisoned by Lorenzo Lupo along with his ogre comrades for causing havoc in the principality. Later, with the order to be sent to the Border Princes as mercenaries in the service of an exiled imperial noble, Skragrud deserted the Maneaters, opting to remain in Tilea in the service of Leopoldo Di Vittorio.

■ Rinaldo Contarino, crossbowman

A slight and agile fellow, Rinaldo is a skilled marksman originally from Trantio in northern Tilea. A deserter of the Trantio municipal guard, Rinaldo headed south seeking adventure and the prospect of personal wealth.

■ Franco Chioza, pistolier

Formally a lowly brigand from Trantio, Franco has aspired from the gutters, finding his forte as a pistolier and becoming a reputable mercenary much valued by Leopoldo. 

■ Grenrig Gulbron, Dwarf spearman

One of Luccini's Dwarf population, Grenrig sought out the mercenary life after his regiment suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Hel Fenn. 

■ Michele Barbieri, mercenary 

Originating from rural Tilea located near to Verezzo, Michele is another member who escaped from a life of poverty. Skilled with the bow as well as his trusted axe, Michele is one of Leopoldo's longest serving and most trusted subordinates. 

■ Manno Barozzi, mercenary 

A once disgraced palace guard of Tobaro, Manno fled from likely imprisonment for adventure and the dream of untold riches. For Manno, and many others who choose this path, the reality is an early death and an unmarked grave.

 Well as I mentioned in the previous post, the door is left open to expand this warband down the line. I have at least half a dozen suitable candidates that will fit but for now I'm calling it a finished project - and I don't often get to say that!

 I'm a little unsure what the next project will be. I'm keen to add to my Tilean mercenary army although I have felt the temptation to resume my Chaos Beastmen/Broo force as well. I'm concerned about losing the Tilean vibe if I opt for that just yet so that may have to wait a little. 

The Beginning of a Citadel/Marauder Empire Fighter Warband

 

 With something finally painted and confidence restored, I felt it was the right time to embark on the classic Fighter warband as mentioned at the end of my previous post. So here are the first two members, the Captain and Champion. 

 Now it's been something I've intended on doing for several years and I've attempted to make a start in the past but I've never quite been satisfied with the colour schemes. The plan is to have the warband made up of Citadel fighters, mainly from the F2 range and Marauder Minuatures, although as you can see here, I've opted for the excellent Smiorgan Baldhead figure from the Eternal Champion personalities range to represent the champion. I can't think of a model more suitable for a grizzled veteran - he was always destined to be part of this project right from the off. 

 With the warband leader, I've gone for one of the Marauder MM60 Empire fighters; probably my favourite of the range. I've always liked that slightly hawty appearance he has. 

I have to say, this project carries a fair amount of inspiration from the superb Averland warband painted by Chris Sabick of Blue's Marauding Miniatures and if by some gross misfortune, you've never had the pleasure of seeing it, it's well worth a look - HERE

 So the next plan is to get another three painted and post up in a week or two. The aim will be to end with around a dozen in total with the inclusion of a Marauder Ogre - that is if I can get hold of one!

On a final note, something I have recently invested in, due to my eyes beginning to feel the strain of close up work, is a magnifying visor and I'm delighted to say that it's made a hell of a difference.