Saturday 6 February 2016

From PeterD - Curtailed Nicomo Cosca (40 Points)


Please excuse the poor photography and lighting
This is the first of what I hope will be three small posts from me today.  My Curtgeld is a Condotierro captain and standard bearer, which I have modeled after the character Nicomo Cosca from Joe Abercrombie's First Law world.  The figures are 28mm metals from the Perry European Armies 1450-1500 range, specifically the Italian command pack.


I do like the movement and posing on these figures
This is a risk taking on my part, since I know Curt has the exact same figures and will surely do a much better painting job than I can achieve.  But what the hey, it's all about pushing personal envelopes.  I have left the figures on pennies commemorative copper medallions featuring an image of the queen, rather than basing them.  Curt's instructions said that this was perfectly Kosher, plus he can base them as he sees fit (or not).  Hopefully they can find a home as a command stand with his Italian wars forces.

I seem to get the flag in profile!  However, the shields show up well here.

I don't follow many high fantasy series any more, but Abercrombie is one that I follow eagerly.  He produces books that are great reads, fittingly witty at times and thought provoking at others.  Plus his writing speed seems to match my desired reading  input speed. I really like how the same characters can appear sympathetic in one novel and then be less likable in the next.  A prime case is Cosca, a mercenary who appears in most of the books of his First Law world in various roles.  Initially he is a broken down drunken soldier of fortune forced to take a command in a forgotten garrison, but who finds his courage when the moment comes.  Later he becomes a successful mercenary commander, a schemer in an assassination plot, a duke and lastly a hired thug who meets a well deserved end.  He consistently goes all in and rolls the dice and we see the result of his wins and losses along the way.

Again excuse the poor lighting.
There is a First Law Wiki which has info on Cosca plus pictures of how others imagine him for those who are interested.  It channeled my inner John Lennon "They're just stories man!", but gave me details without reading all 5 of the books in short order.  He likes fancy clothes, the drink and rides a roller coaster of life.  I gave him a slashed crimson tunic, bi-coloured purple and yellow hose and gilded touches to his rather simple armour (mail, breast plate and barbute) plus a rotadella shield with a griffin emblem.   His standard bearer wears similar but less splendid clothes and carries a flag carrying the same griffin emblem.  
I added this close up to show the details better.  The faces have detail but I lack the skill to bring it out in a photo.

The shields are hand painted as I lack either the patience or skill to use transfers.  I am not completely happy with the griffin but in the end went with the "two foot standard".  I am quite happy with the quartered rotadella on the standard bearer, particularly as it was achieved without the requisite glass of red wine.  The flag came from this excellent site.  

This is completely awesome Pete, thank you so much!
I really like the vibrant colours you've used, and I think you've done a brilliant job on the two shields (sans plonk no less - 'sto cazzo!'). I've not heard of the 'First Law' novels, but now my interest is piqued and will definitely pick them up, especially as I will have one of the principals in my collection! In fact I may have to ply you with a few bottles and convince you to paint up a full detachment of Cosca's men for me to add to my mercenary army. ;)
Thanks again Pete!
 

31 comments:

  1. Very brilliant colours Peter and so suitable for General Cosca, but where's his goat?

    Curt - I can vouch that you will enjoy these books. They have great characters and cracking stories.

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    1. I don't remember the goat. I'll have to reread the books I guess. Thanks Tamsin

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    2. If my memory is right, it was in "Best Served Cold" to provide him with milk to drink instead of booze.

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  2. Yes he is a sympathetic character in the ones I've read, haven't read them all. You've done a nice version of him, I'm enjoying all these Italian wars figures, especially like the check pattern around the Griffin shield. Best Iain

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  3. "it's all about pushing personal envelopes"
    Absolutely it is Peter! I suspect he'll appreciate them all the more simply because you know he already has them and were willing to put yours up for comparison. Nice work mate.

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  4. Great books and now great looking figures to go with them! I really like the work you did on the shields, they make all the difference, and I know how much of a pain they can be to do!

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    1. Thanks Steve. To me painting the shields is all part of the fun!

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  5. Splendidly done - the colour palette is bold but doesn't overwhelm.

    Well done!

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  6. Glad that you like them Curt. I'll bring Cosca, his flunky and a book around next game. You can supply the wine and we'll chat!

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  7. Wonderful job on these Peter! Those shield are quite well done!

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  8. Very nice indeed those shields are great

    Ian

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  9. As soon as I stop typing I will scan eBay for the books.

    I like these figures Pete, I like them a lot. I always find curtgeld a tricky one as we all want to give him something we think he will appreciate AND keep it in the theme. Brilliant for staying true to yourself.

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  10. Great Curt-geld, Peter! I am a fan of the bright plumage, and the Italians had a flair for it! Those sheilds are awesome. I like theM both and they turned out really well including your griffin. Really cool pair!

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  11. Great work. Excellent detail on the shields. cheers

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  12. Congrats on these Peter, well done.

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