Warhammer Tilean (Empire) Mercenary Spearmen - Second Rank

Since taking a break from the chaos army, it's taken a few weeks to decide on what's next. After a couple of ideas were attempted without success, I decided to get back to a project I last worked on four years ago, my Tilean mercenary spearmen.

My Tilean mercenary army has been an ongoing project for several years and it's been great to revisit after so long away from it. I do love painting empire troops but they always take me so long so that's probably why it's been such a slow burning project.

As you probably can tell, the second from right is not the real Nuln spearman but in fact a proxy sculpt by Geoff Sims of Oakbound Studios. It's a damn fine tribute to be fair.

The dwarfs are from The Assault Group dwarf range (formally White Knight) by John Pickford and are an absolute joy to paint. This is the first time I've worked on this range and have quite a few in the lead pile so there are definitely plans for more.

The other models are two from the 90's Empire spearmen range and lastly, on the far right end, Edmund from the earlier Citadel F4 Men At Arms range who works quite well as a young lad, yet to receive the regimental black armour.

So I've one final rear rank to complete the regiment but I think attempting them straight away would be a little overwhelming as they take so long but I'm sticking with the Empire theme and am currently working on a command group for another regiment.

Warhammer (Empire) Tilean Halberdiers of Trantio - complete!

 

 I am pleased to say that after about 25 years of desiring one, I have completed a substantially sized regiment of Empire (Tilean) halberdiers.

Gargano's Halberdiers of Trantio 

 I think one of my main issues was achieving one where every model is different which isn't an easy task. There are ten 4th edition trooper models (I've only used eight of them) plus heroes and then it comes down to filtering in other models such as a few that Marauder has to offer plus conversions. The addition of the ogre certainly helped to bulk it out.

 A prosperous, yet turbulent principality since Marco Colombo seized control, Trantio has become one of the most cultured and beautiful regions of Tilea. One of it's most renowned mercenary regiments are Guido Gargano's Halberdiers.

The great Guido Gargano, famed mercenary captain 

Quintilano Dell'orso, regimental champion

Antonio Petruzzelli, regimental standard bearer

 A prominent figure in Trantio, Guido is accompanied by his loyal champion, the towering Quintilano Dell'orso and Antonio Petruzzelli, proud to carry the banner of Trantio. Valzag the mercenary ogre, a distinguishing representative of the regiment, adds a fearsome presence.

 Despite his advancing years, Guido is still a steadfast and redoubtable fellow, a veteran of the mercenary armies of both the overthrown former Trantio Prince Orlando and successor Marco Colombo. Considered to be one of the more loyal Tilean mercenaries, he will generally stick to an agreement and is not the sort to change sides in the middle of a battle if an opponent offers a greater amount of cash.

 As I've mentioned before, the banner is a Habsburg renaissance one brilliantly designed by Pete's Flags. What had been bugging me, especially as the regiment grew was the lack of blue in the banner so I decided to add some myself, with a little reluctance as I'm not particularly good at freehand but it's turned out alright and I'm glad I went for it.

 The third rank is a mixture of 4th edition Empire, Citadel F2 Dogs of War, Marauder and a converted spearman.

  More of the same here too with the rear rank. What I was particularly happy about was the fact the last man I painted (second left) turned out to be one of my favourites of the regiment and didn't fall victim of being rushed which is always a tendency at the end of a long project. 

So with my other two Tilean regiments still requiring several models, I am unsure on what is next. Maybe something completely different or even this small vignette that I keep threatening to do, although I'm still not 100% decided on a theme for that yet.

Warhammer Empire (Tilean) Halberdiers of Trantio - second rank

 

 So while I've been waiting to acquire the remaining spearmen (which may take a bit of time) I've been adding to my Halberdiers of Trantio regiment that I started last year. The second rank has been completed along with an ogre to bulk out ranks two and three.

 The two right sided ones had been painted a few years back but I've spruced them up a fair bit as the reds, blues and browns were pretty dull and required a few extra highlights. 

 I decided adding a halfling on the base to give it a little more detail so I converted one from the Marauder range. He was a recent purchase and I didn't realise just how tiny they were until I had him in hand which works well in comparison with the hulking ogre - a sculpt from Knightmare Miniatures.

Ranks One  and Two complete 

 

 I'm close now to completing ranks three and four to square off the entire regiment so I'm sticking with them now to the end. All I need is to paint two in each of those ranks and they're fully complete so that's the plan for the next couple of weeks. 

Warhammer (Empire) Tilean Mercenary Command Group

 

 It's been a bit slow going of late due to work being pretty full on over the last month but I've managed to get the next pair of Tilean mercenaries done to finish the command group.

 The standard bearer is a conversion of an Imperial gunner and the dwarf champion is the captain from the Marauder dwarf regiment set. The dwarf is more than a little off centre on his base but it was a case of having to so he can rank up alongside the bear. 

 For some time now I've wanted to paint a mixed mercenary regiment of dwarfs and men and seeing how a number of the Tilean cities are populated by both, it seemed appropriate. 

 The flag is nicked from a Sicilian Condottieri design by the excellent Pete's Flags and fits nicely in with the livery of the unit. 

 So there's two left of the front rank to get done, hopefully I'll have a bit more time to work on these over the next couple of weeks - if work permits. 

Citadel Empire Fighter Warband update - last three men finshed!

 Just a brief one here, I've managed to square off my Classic Citadel and Marauder empire fighter warband with the last three guys.

 All three are from the F2 Fighter range, from left, Imperial Pistolier, Royal Guard and Jan Oakheart. I'll be naming each member with a bit of background in the subsequent post with a finished group shot. 

 The plan was for about a dozen in total but ten is fine; I was undecided on one or two models making it in but there is definitely room for several more members down the line. I shall therefore leave it open ended and will likely add to it at some point. I'd definitely like a couple more Dwarfs in the mix for starters. 

Warhammer Empire Hochland Captain

 

 I've finally gotten around to blogging my first post of 2021 which is due to not getting anything painted in about a month and a half. I had planned to work on quite a bit over Christmas but contracted Covid which laid me up until new year.

 It was pretty grim but could have been a lot worse but it did leave me feeling quite mentally ravaged more than anything and when I was functional enough to resume the hobby, I found I was totally at a loss as to what to work on. After several failed attempts at various projects plus a huge lack of confidence, I finally managed to complete something, albeit one solitary figure.

 I've gone for something familiar to get me going again - an Empire mercenary captain. I decided on the colours of Hochland, mainly because I fancied working with green which is a colour I've barely used in recent years. The model is originally the excellent standard bearer which has been slightly modified with a hand conversion. 

 He was painted as a one-off but with the option of adding a retinue if he turned out well so I've lined up several models for that. The important thing was getting something finished and have my confidence return. 

 Meantime I've managed to gather some ideas for some other projects over the coming weeks/months, in particular a classic Citadel fighter warband which has been something I've wanted to get done for years now. A combination of careful figure selection and deciding on colours for the uniform has always kept this idea stalled but I think I've finally got the green light. The way things are going I should have a couple ready for posting next week.

 

Warhammer Empire Border Princes Confederacy Army Commander- High Prince Bela of Styrtia

 Continuing with yet another Border Princes post, this latest offering is a tweaking of the classic Emperor Karl Franz figure - transforming him into High Prince Bela of Styrtia.

High Prince Bela 

"You have a woman's name m'lord!" Any Hungarian would probably beg to differ though 

 The plan is to include three or four of the Border Prince characters into the army with of one them as supreme commander - preferably the most flamboyant one. The Karl Franz figure seemed the most suitable option; getting rid of the hammer of course.

 I decided to give his steed a bit of enhancement as well, using several mould presses as armour details. A bit of a fiddly job was that. The head is of a chaos steed but I've given it a plume from what I believe to be a Blood Dragon horse.

 Overall he was a tricky character to paint; some bitchingly difficult eyes to finish off with as well. With a lot of varying detail, it was crucial to make sure the colour choices were coherent enough. That flowing elaborate sash prevents him from ranking up in a unit with other knights, which is a bit of a pisser.

High Prince Bela accompanied by fellow Border Princes, Duke Beaucamp (left) and Lord Durant.

 I'll try to bash out one more post before the traditional end of year review. Most likely it'll be the start of another unit, possibly cavalry.

Giermund's Mercenary Spearmen of Alfori

 Maybe I should rename The Work of Shaitan, Ed's Empire Blog. Sorry if you're getting a bit fed up with the lack of variety to recent posts. Normally I like to mix things up a bit but I'm riding the Empire wave and right now can't get off. It's nice to stick with something for so long and continue enjoying it as usually I'm keen to change projects all too often.

 Continuing with my Border Princes Confederacy, I've produced a small spearman unit/warband. 

  Now the leader is something rather special, an unreleased Empire mercenary captain. A bit of a white whale figure for me, long on the wish list, I was fortunate to acquire him recently. Many thanks to Steve Casey for that! He's a 1987 sculpt which I didn't realise til I had him in hand but is ahead of his time a bit, resembling the 4th edition Empire range of the early 90's. 

Giermund Brandstätter, mercenary captain and Edmund, boy soldier 

 The 4th edition Citadel Empire spearmen were a nice little range, little being the word seeing as only four were ever produced. It's a pity there weren't a few more variants. 

Stefan and Werner, mercenary spearmen of Alfori

Gregor and Benedikt complete the unit

 I'm aiming to get two or three entries into the army before the end of the year but am not decided on what exactly just yet; there's plenty to choose from. 

 

Warhammer Empire Border Princes Landship - The Mermaid of Sartosa

 If six months ago someone had said me I'd own and paint a Forgeworld Marienburg Landship by October, I'd not have taken them too seriously. This is the main reason my blog has been quiet of late.

The Mermaid of Sartosa

 Back in June I woke up one Saturday after a night down the pub and still slightly drunk I decided on an impulse buy. One landship bought. It arrived fully built which wasn't the smartest idea as it's impossible to paint unless it is in several sections. I then had to stick it in the freezer so I could get the glue brittle and break it up. That worked but not without damaging several pieces so it wasn't off to the best of starts. Furthermore, the other half spotted it on the desk and asked how much it had cost. When I lied and said it was £50, she baulked.

 The first plan was to ditch the crew (which I'm not a fan of by any means) and replace them with some nice 4th edition Perry sculpts.
 I won't lie, this model was an absolute bitch to build/paint at times, especially the rear wheels.

 So four months later (or thereabouts) It's all done - another one off the bucket list.
 Rather than a Marienburg vessel, I've painted it as part of my Border Princes force in particular from the principality of Khypris.

 I'm not sure what's up next. At least I've managed to get my annual large project in which I've been able to achieve for three years running now. It's a lot a weight off the shoulders to see it finished and free me up for smaller more manageable projects to keep the blog ticking along a little more consistently.