Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Onward Christian Soldiers

While I am still enjoying a steady stream of games of late, most of the combat has been raging across tables other than my own.  Without the work of hosting a game, I have the luxury of dropping in on my remote host and playing a relaxing game.  An added benefit of this short hiatus is that work at the painting table is beginning to pick up.  Now, a winter pick up in production is not unusual.  In fact, I have documented my seasonal painting tendencies more than once.  This analysis may be something to update and present after the books are slammed shut on the Painting Log for 2025.

Back to today's painting effort.
Sticking with the Reconquista theme from the last painting update, today sees two, 12-figure bodies of spearmen emerge from the workbench.  These 24 figures are all BTD and are among of the last "Christian" BTD figures left in The Lead Pile.  There may remain a few handfuls to make up a command stand or two, but the bins are running empty. 
I like these figures quite a lot with their, somewhat, grotesque facial expressions.  These fellas will be a useful addition to the Christian armies for turning back the Moors.

With more time at the painting desk, a whole array of figures is marching through the production line.  Units from a wide variety of projects will be meandering through the painting queue and into the photo box soon.  Well, that is my hope and plan!

I am back to hosting a game on Friday when the Battle of Zallaqah sees one more outing.  After that game, it might be time for something new.  But what? 
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25 comments:

  1. Michal DwarfCryptDecember 17, 2025 at 7:32 AM

    Beautiful work Jonathan 👏

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  2. rrossDecember 17, 2025 at 8:55 AM

    The BTD figures look really nice Jon, with their snarling facial expressions! What to play next? Why not a collection we haven't seen....I don't think I have ever sent WW2 on your tables, for example?

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    1. Steve J.December 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM

      My first thought was getting the WWII kit onto the table!

      Delete
    2. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:35 AM

      Guys, it has been a very, very long time since the table saw any WWII action. Too long, in fact. I would need to relearn the rules! Probably not suitable for a remote game without some rehearsals.

      Delete
  3. RichardDecember 17, 2025 at 9:33 AM

    Excellent work, Jonathan. Some faces seem based on gargoyles... very funny.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:35 AM

      Thanks, Richard! The faces remind me of gargoyles too!

      Delete
  4. Donnie McGibbonDecember 17, 2025 at 9:41 AM

    Lovely job on some very nice figures Jon, really good work on them, a we have said before it is just a shame that their service let's them down ad the do have some lovely miniatures in their catalogue.

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    Replies
    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:37 AM

      Much appreciated, Donnie! It is a shame service has gone to pot. Perhaps I should try a small order again, sometime?

      Delete
  5. pancerniDecember 17, 2025 at 9:54 AM

    The figures are really nice. They, and anything else you want to feature are fine with me. Your strengths include a good way of blending photos of table and unit action, minimal yet useful graphics, and just the correct amount of analysis & copy to the photos to make the flow of the battle easier to follow.

    Your analysis articles are interesting, introspection beyond what I am likely to generate myself. Personally I would fill the extra time up with painting or terrain making.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:38 AM

      Glad you like them! Thank you for the vote of confidence, Joe. Are you suggesting that I revert to painting only?

      Delete
  6. Christopher(aka Axebreaker)December 17, 2025 at 10:04 AM

    Those look great Jonathan! They do have a lot of character.

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    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:39 AM

      Thanks! Yes, these figures have plenty of character.

      Delete
  7. Steve J.December 17, 2025 at 11:03 AM

    They are really nicely animated Jon and I do like their grotesque facial expressions! Lovely paint job as always:).

    Keith beat me too it, but you have mentioned your WWII forces in the past, but as far as I can remember, I don't think we've ever seen them in action. A New Year resolution to give them there moment in the sun maybe;)?

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    Replies
    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:41 AM

      Thanks, Steve! OK. You have put down a New Years' Challenge for me to get the WWII collections out on the table. Now, small unit actions in 28mm or larger actions in 15mm?

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    2. Steve J.December 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM

      Larger actions in 15mm floats my boat Jon! What rules have you used in the past, or are planning on using now?

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    3. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 12:24 PM

      For the 15mm forces, I have used the battalion-level ruleset, 1943. I have also played Battlefront and Spearhead. Maybe brings Norm's Tigers at Minsk back out for a game to refresh my memory? None of these have seen action in more years than I can remember.

      Delete
  8. blacksmithDecember 17, 2025 at 11:12 AM

    I like the muted colours and the sharpness of their shields Jonathan. I also like those miniatures, what brand are they? I don't recognize that basing, what systems are they for, Impetus? cheers,

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    Replies
    1. Jonathan FreitagDecember 17, 2025 at 11:43 AM

      Thank you, Javier! The figures are from Black Tree Design. A link to the website for these figures is https://eoeorbis.com/collections/feudal.
      Yes, figures are based for Impetus. Good eye!

      Delete
  9. AnonymousDecember 17, 2025 at 11:22 AM

    Got to say they look brill Jon. Great variety in the poses and colouring.
    Chris

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  10. DavidDecember 17, 2025 at 11:41 AM

    A really grand addition to the Christian hosts Jonathan.

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  11. Lawrence HDecember 17, 2025 at 11:42 AM

    Beautiful work on these Jonathan and the shields are a lesson in how to come up with effective and colourful designs with great variation within the unit, but without going over the top. Just right.

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