Wednesday 30 July 2014

Reconquista

This entry starts a new series for the blog - Reconquista - posts dealing with the forces clashing in Medieval Spain, both Moor and Christian alike during the El Cid era and later.

The first showing goes to the Black Guard, a centre piece for the Almoravids and Almohads armies.


The figures here are from Gripping Beast and stand out well in the rest of the army. The slight differences in the head gear making these figures suitable for the Guard unit they represent.

 

Painted and based as two separate stands of Foot Protected for Impetus these figures will be usable in both armies as normal or large units. 



The standard comes from Little Big Men as do the shield transfers. These really lift the finished unit and will give it some identity on the table.


There will be more for this army soon along with a few other items.

Lastly, a warm welcome to:
  • r.a.e. gingerbhoy
  • service ration distribution
Hope that you both find something of interest in these ramblings.

Cheers for now

12 comments:

John said...

Gorgeous! I've been watching your progress on these. I hope mine turn out half as well. Hope there are more Muslims in the wings.

DeanM said...

Wonderful looking troops! Marvelous work on the blacks - basing is also superb. Nicely done.

Millsy said...

Very nice work indeed. Every time I see these chaps I'm seriously tempted...

Jonathan Freitag said...

Beautiful! The black and red are really a handsome combination. I will be following this project with great interest since I have one of my own.

One question on the Black Guard: my understanding is that the Black Guard got its name from the black Africans (Moroccans) that populated its ranks. Yours appear to be light skinned. I am very interested in your sources.

Hendrid said...

Excellent stuff, looking very nice indeed. Keep 'em coming :-)

The Kiwi said...

Great looking units. Top work.
cheers

roma912 said...

Thank you! There are more Moors and Berbers to follow shortly.

Cheers, Ross

roma912 said...

Thanks Dean. I have really enjoyed painting these figures. The basing was picked to set the figures off and emphasize the black of the robes.

Cheers, Ross

roma912 said...

Thanks Michael! This range, even though one of Gripping Beasts older is one of my favourites so I can understand your temptation.
Cheers, Ross

roma912 said...

Thanks Jonathan! I have used artistic licence for the skin colour.In 2005 I spent a fortnight holidaying in Tunisia and have based my choice of skin colour on some of my experiences from then. The locals skin tone was more swarthy than black.There are also a few skirmishers coming soon that show the skin colour better as the small areas of flesh show the highlights more than the base tone. Hope this helps to explain why I have done this.

Cheers, Ross

Within this army there are several units of African spearmen to be painted that will have darker skin tones.

roma912 said...

Cheers mate!

roma912 said...

Thanks, I am rather pleased with them too!

Cheers, Ross