Work continues on the Assyrian Biblical project with the disembarkment of two stands of Assyrian slingers from the painting desk. The figures are Wargames Foundry and listed as Auxiliary (Chaldean) slingers. I suppose that means that these Chaldeans could fight either for or against the larger Assyrian Empire. I bet they see action on both sides of the fence.
The figures are based in foursomes on skirmish sized stands for Impetvs. This basing scheme should also work for To the Strongest when I get around to giving that set of rules a try. First, I need to make a gridded game mat on which to regulate the game. Something I do want to try especially considering all of the interesting BatReps found and enjoyed.
More Assyrian units are in work with the next to debouch from the painting desk to be a nine figure stand of Assyrian Auxiliary archers. After that, a unit of mounted archers, foot guard to accompany the King's chariot (yes, that means rebasing the chariot!), and a foot unit of Babylonians. These planned additions should suffice to take me deep into August.
I really enjoyed my games of TtS! I found the grid boxes and element based units worked well together, allowing me to take a step back and plot out tactical manoeuvres.
Saying that such generalship only really worked for me when using Ancient Persians. The Ancient Germans didn't pass beyond the 'line up and charge' strategy.
Roy, the rules have been in hand for a long time but never pulled from the shelf. The inertia brought about by having to create a grid has likely slowed any progress towards giving these rules a try. I need to overcome that inertia.
Ahh, I was fortunate to be playing on cloths others had already marked out (and using their toys, too!) 28mm was okay, but my favourite game was Persians versus Greeks in 6mm. For me, looking over the battlefield was like seeing a chess board laid out before me, and I really pulled off some tactical moves and surprised my opponents. Something I've never really done when playing on standard playing surfaces.
Roy, I enjoy the look of 6mm ancients too! My experience is usually within the context of games on a grid using Commands & Colors: Ancients. Probably not the same spectacle as your larger 6mm battles.
Useful guys indeed; the good thing about being an irregular slinger is that you can get paid to fight by both sides at the same time and nobody would be any the wiser...
Looks great. As an aside I worked with a group of ethnic Chaldeans in Iraq back in 2005. I had never actually considered that they had retained their identity after so many millennia!
Thanks! I suppose since the Chaldeans in what was then Babylonia, i guess I am not surprised some remnants of the culture remain. I appreciate your 'boots on the ground' observations. It is educational to get that historical linkage.
Ancient Conquest; is that the old boardgame I used to see advertised in Wargamer's Digest from Excalibre Games? Boy, that was what, 40+ years ago? We are getting old, Ed.
I envision the Chaldeans to dress much like I envision Babylonians. See Jake's comment above above meeting modern day Chaldeans while in Irag.
Well, I guess it was a long time ago (ugh). Saw the comment on Chaldeans: most interesting. Another regional tidbit, only in reverse: Xenophon mentions the Kurds and their autonomous tendencies.
Very nice (and multi-functional) slingers. Re TtS! You can make a grid in less than an hour with a sharpie and some felt from Joanne's or similar (they have sales all the time if you sign up for them) - see my first TtS! post. TYhe Deep Cut Studios mats that Simon sells look fantastic, but I wouldn't spring for those until you see how you like the game (I still haven't and probably won't, being content with my home made ones). Present;y [painting some Libyans and Philistines to bolster my Canaanite Alliance forces for a battle vs Egypt in 2 weeks!
As for TtS, it is on my list of games to try. I already have two of Monday Knight Productions' flocked 4' x 6' mats. I only need to superimpose a grid system onto them.
Libyans and Philistines? I look forward to seeing your new additions. I have more Assyrians in my painting queue.
Yes, the game is to introduce Jared to the rules, which we may use with his Middle School game club this Fall,. and also to introduce Barry and I to John, who lives just one town South of us!
Great looking unit. Look forward to seeing the archers.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Simon! Archers will be up in a couple of days.
DeleteFantastic looking Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks, Michal!
DeleteI really enjoyed my games of TtS! I found the grid boxes and element based units worked well together, allowing me to take a step back and plot out tactical manoeuvres.
ReplyDeleteSaying that such generalship only really worked for me when using Ancient Persians. The Ancient Germans didn't pass beyond the 'line up and charge' strategy.
Roy, the rules have been in hand for a long time but never pulled from the shelf. The inertia brought about by having to create a grid has likely slowed any progress towards giving these rules a try. I need to overcome that inertia.
DeleteAhh, I was fortunate to be playing on cloths others had already marked out (and using their toys, too!)
Delete28mm was okay, but my favourite game was Persians versus Greeks in 6mm. For me, looking over the battlefield was like seeing a chess board laid out before me, and I really pulled off some tactical moves and surprised my opponents. Something I've never really done when playing on standard playing surfaces.
Roy, I enjoy the look of 6mm ancients too! My experience is usually within the context of games on a grid using Commands & Colors: Ancients. Probably not the same spectacle as your larger 6mm battles.
DeleteAnother good looking unit, Jonathan. I really like the figure poses.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark! The poses are dynamic, are they not? The Assyrian range from Foundry is such a nice line of figures.
DeleteExcellent slingers Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteUseful guys indeed; the good thing about being an irregular slinger is that you can get paid to fight by both sides at the same time and nobody would be any the wiser...
ReplyDeleteA perfect employment solution! Appreciate your comment!
DeleteVery nice Jonathan. Very rugged looking fellows.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rod. They do look a rough lot.
DeleteLooks great. As an aside I worked with a group of ethnic Chaldeans in Iraq back in 2005. I had never actually considered that they had retained their identity after so many millennia!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I suppose since the Chaldeans in what was then Babylonia, i guess I am not surprised some remnants of the culture remain. I appreciate your 'boots on the ground' observations. It is educational to get that historical linkage.
DeleteAnother fine looking unit Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Much appreciated, Christopher! Say, I have not seen an update on your blog lately. What are you working on?
DeleteUsed to play Ancient Conquest (the original version) back in the day. Always wondered what Chaldeans would look like!
ReplyDeleteAncient Conquest; is that the old boardgame I used to see advertised in Wargamer's Digest from Excalibre Games? Boy, that was what, 40+ years ago? We are getting old, Ed.
DeleteI envision the Chaldeans to dress much like I envision Babylonians. See Jake's comment above above meeting modern day Chaldeans while in Irag.
Well, I guess it was a long time ago (ugh). Saw the comment on Chaldeans: most interesting. Another regional tidbit, only in reverse: Xenophon mentions the Kurds and their autonomous tendencies.
DeleteNice looking slingers,always good that they can be in various armies too!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you, Iain! Versatility is good!
DeleteVery nice (and multi-functional) slingers.
ReplyDeleteRe TtS! You can make a grid in less than an hour with a sharpie and some felt from Joanne's or similar (they have sales all the time if you sign up for them) - see my first TtS! post.
TYhe Deep Cut Studios mats that Simon sells look fantastic, but I wouldn't spring for those until you see how you like the game (I still haven't and probably won't, being content with my home made ones).
Present;y [painting some Libyans and Philistines to bolster my Canaanite Alliance forces for a battle vs Egypt in 2 weeks!
Glad you like the slingers, Peter!
DeleteAs for TtS, it is on my list of games to try. I already have two of Monday Knight Productions' flocked 4' x 6' mats. I only need to superimpose a grid system onto them.
Libyans and Philistines? I look forward to seeing your new additions. I have more Assyrians in my painting queue.
And, I look forward to seeing your Canaanite/Egyptian clash in two weeks! Will you be using TtS again?
DeleteWith luck, my fledgling Biblical Assyrian Army will see action towards the end of the year.
Yes, the game is to introduce Jared to the rules, which we may use with his Middle School game club this Fall,. and also to introduce Barry and I to John, who lives just one town South of us!
DeleteImpressive and inspiring as always, Jonathan. Your gaming and painting are nonstop, as well as your travels.
ReplyDeleteAll of these activities keep me busy, Dean!
Delete