With Battle #5 mustering out from the painting desk, Battle #6 in work, and a couple of weeks left in 2021, confidence is high in completing this goal. Actually, I am nearing the finish line. Battle #6 has both the bow and MAAs components complete and work will soon begin on the billmen. Having only the billmen left to paint means only another 15 figures and I am done. Should be an easy task once I finish up painting two dozen more Sumerian spear. 
Anyway, off the painting desk today is John de la Pole's Battle. The 28mm figures are Perry plastics and the flags are Pete's Flags. The 52 figures are distributed across three melee lines of archers (24), bill (15), and MAA (13). Basing for this Battle was delayed slightly when I depleted my supply of gold tufts. An order to Tajima 1 Miniatures got the resupply in-house within a week.
Which Battle will be fielded as #6? Thomas Stanley's retinue is on the painting desk and should be completed by year-end.
Nearly one year spent fighting through many WotR battles in playtesting Battle Commander, I learned much about a conflict on which I knew little. While I enjoyed these playtest games greatly, my tendency for experimentation is increasingly turning toward trying my hand at fighting battles using a different approach. Once Battle #6 reaches the field and I can give these ideas a trial run on the table, we will see how far I go.
Impressive as usual Johnathan. Re the actual wars, a key factor in the battles was the uncertainty caused by a fear of treachery.One of the strengths of Never Mind the Billhooks are the event cards that very occasionally scupper a battle.One has to realise that the battles were led by men who had a lot to lose and were always aware of betrayal by their peers.Then of course there was the personal feuds such as the Percies and the Nevilles who has fought each other for centuries. When the Kingmaker changed sides he was still hated by the Lancastrians who were luke warm about his support of Henry.Anyway great figures as is to be expected.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robbie!
DeleteYes, the possibility for treacherous actions is integral to the conflict. "Battle Commander" does this nicely but I ought to pick up a copy of "Never Mind the Billhooks" to see how cards are utilized.
Another cracking battle there Jon! I particularly like the muted yellow and blue you have used for the livery, which is very effective:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve! I like the look of muted and "dirty" uniforms.
DeleteGreat looking retinue, Jonathan. I love the colors of the livery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dean! They will be ready for battle in the New Year.
DeleteLovely mass …. You have a prolific output.
ReplyDeleteMany things are better en masse!
DeleteThat’s what she said…
DeleteStew, Stew, Stew…
DeleteI don't know if you sleep sometimes, but this is another cracking job Jonathan!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil! Sometimes I sleep but not too much.
DeleteThat's looking awesome Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Michal!
DeleteTotally agree with all the above...lovely paintwork and nice big meaty units with wonderful basing (thanks to the timely resupply!) . Outstanding work all round Jion!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keith! This is a big, meaty unit, no doubt. One more to go, for now.
DeleteSuper stuff Jonathan, a very impressive array and output.
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind, Phil. Thanks!
DeleteAn impressive looking unit Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated, Ray!
DeleteLovely work Jonathan, and it sounds like you were able to replenish your stock of tufts to avoid any serious disruption to the production output.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence! Yes, only a slight delay in finishing the basing on these lads. Martin from Tajima 1 always provides swift service. Great product too.
DeleteGreat looking units.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I reread the Black Arrow (as I did recently) I get the urge to refight the Battle of Shoreby with Sir Daniel Brackley with his men in Murray and Blue, the Earl of Risingham against Dick Shelton earning his spurs at the barricades under the eye of Crookback Dick, the Duke of York.
Thanks, Ross! Gosh, I have not read Black Arrow since I was a lad. The family copy was from a set of classics brought into the house by my parents many, many years ago. I wonder if they still have it?
DeleteVery impressive Jon you have really cracked through at a fast rate, especially as the Perry need making etc before painting it all takes time 👍 6 battles is 18 units in my money 😱 quite a force.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement, Matt! The Perry plastics do take some time to assemble but I find the construction process somewhat enjoyable. Yes, 6 Battles equates to 18 units in your money! The box contents are very convenient since one Bow/Bill box can field one archer and one billmen line. Very handy and economical.
DeleteThese are smashing units Jonathan! Most impressive quantitative and qualitative output!
ReplyDeleteYou give me great encouragement! Thanks, Mike!
DeleteGreat WotR figures Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like the them!
DeleteThat's a fine looking unit you have done Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks!
DeleteMaking me feel even worse for selling all mine. Lovely unit.
ReplyDeleteI have only one more Battle to go, if that provides any relief. Thank you, George! Perhaps you want to begin again?
DeleteThat's a beautiful unit Jonathan!! Colourful and realistic!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Good to see you back!
DeleteImpressive and like you say still a few weeks to hit your target
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes,I believe I can finish off #6 before year-end.
DeleteThe battle looks good. With all that armour you still managed to get some bright colours to lift the unit. Looking forward to seeing them in some future games.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter! I look forward to their first engagement too.
DeleteGreat looking battle, I'm glad you have enjoyed moving into the plastic era!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain! I may not stay long in plastics but I am enjoying this foray.
DeleteAnother splendid unit Jonathan…
ReplyDeleteVery colourful indeed…
All the best. Aly
Thank you, Aly!
DeleteI love these foot troops in such a great number.
ReplyDeleteQuantity has its own quality…
DeleteGreat job! Good luck getting battle #6 done as well. You’ll have an excellent WoTR collection. 😀
ReplyDeleteThank you! If I finish up #6 before year-end, I will have enough for the standard three Battles per battle battle.
DeleteStill flabbergasted at how seemingly fast you can get such a large amount of minis painted up!
ReplyDeleteExcellent work Jon!
Thanks, Dai! I am flabbergasted by the quality of brushwork on your furry critter project.
DeleteSuper looking Battle, Jon. I find myself planning some WotR troops myself for use with Test of resolve when Tim and David come to Historicon in July to run some games, Pandemic allowing! Mine will be Old Glory... army card at the Ready!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter! Good to see you jumping into the WotR fray! I await watching you amass your armies. Maybe life will be back to near normal by July but maybe not.
DeleteVery nicely done Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark!
Delete