From SteveG: More ancients (165 points)

1. Antiochus III The Great. 28mm. Basileus of Seleucid Empire. Solidified his crumbling empire in campaigns from Bactria o Thrace. He sadly, came up against the growing might of Rome and came off 2nd best at Magnesia in190 BC. He even employed Hannibal Barca after his exile from Carthage but failed to utilize his military genius to the full. If he’d been willing and able to do so ancient history may have a vastly different flavour. Model from Aventine w head swap from Victrix Heavy Greek Cavalry set. Relic Miniatures also make a nice looking version of this character.

1. Boii Gallic Spearmen. 28mm 3D printed by Battlecat Miniatures. Unlike most companies that make generic “Gauls” , Battlecat have elected to make a series of specific tribal national groups. The Boii caught my eye as they are clad in linothorax armour, which is rarely associated with Gauls. Being from northern Italy they were likely more heavily influenced by Etruscan and Italic cultures than their Transalpine gallic relatives. Nice figures, each of which is unique. Only detractions are the fact that each figure is fully formed, which makes painting some parts hard to access ie behind their large shields. These shields are all identical and don’t lend themselves to the use of transfers. Also the facial features are a little soft and the helmets have only a few variants. I’ve therefore swapped about ½ of them for heads by Victrix, Wargames Atlantic and Warlord Games. Boiorox ( king of Boii) is a Victix fugure. His banner bearer is modified and the flag is based on the Boii icon from the excellent computer game mod Europa Barbororum II.

2. Chariot by Warlord Games ( I think). It's been knocking around my cupboard for a decade. Finally painted up and it looks pretty good.

1. Illyrians by Gripping Beast. 28mm metal “ old school” figures. Light on detail, not very interesting poses and odd proportions such as huge heads. All in all mediocre minis that I’d not recommend. Despite this I enjoyed getting them painted up. Resin Warfare will bring out some superior 3D printed 28mm Illyrians in 2026.

SteveG

From Millsy:

Oh wow! This is even better than your first entry Steve. So much to like about this from the banner to the shields to the clothing. You've packed in so much detail I'm wondering how you managed it all in just a week mate.

If I was forced to pick a favourite it would be the Gallic command stand. Absolutely smashing. I think this may well prove to be one of my favourite entries of the whole Challenge from my charges.

Well done indeed. 140 points seems like a paltry return. I'm awarding another 10 just for effort and going the extra mile literally everywhere including the basing. You also miscounted the foot (didn't include the chariot crew) so that bring you to 165 all up. Brilliant!

Cheers,

Millsy

From SteveG: Eumenes of Cardia v Neoptolemus of Macedon. in 28mm metals. (10 points)

  G’Day all.    I’m very excited to get underway in this excellent competition.  A perfect way to make a dent in my “pile of shame”. Some of which have been with me for 10 years!   First up are a few colourful protagonists from the turbulent years soon after the death of Alexander the Great.   In what became known as the Wars of the Diadochi (  Successors), multiple Macedonian and Greek Generals fought it out in a complex web of intrigue and scheming, for the carcass of the recently conquered empire.   These two,  Eumenes of Cardia and Neoptolemus, had particular animosity.    

  

Eumenes was a Greek  whilst Neoptolemus was Macedonian and as such suffered from his culture’s customary xenophobia towards his southern brethren.   Alexander, however, has always held Eumenes in high regard due to his proven aptitude and sound counsel.  

Figures are 28mm metal by Aventine Miniatures.  Modified with head swap for Neoptolemus- from a Victrix set.   

Eumenes

They sought each other out at the Battle of  the Hellespont  in  321 BC    with Eumenes coming away with significant wound  but killing his enemy in one on one combat.   

Neoptolemus

1.     Steve G 

From Millsy:

Welcome the the madness Steve! It's great to have another Antipodean in the Challenge, especially if this is the kind of thing we can expect from you mate.

These are both absolutely wonderful, and I love that you've provided the backstory as well. The brushwork is top notch but the basing is absolutely next level! Where did you get the bushes and flowers, they are really convincing?

10 points to kick start your Challenge journey!

Cheers,
Millsy