From KeithS: Unarmored Vikings (190 points)

So, the Holidays are done, no more company in my house, my internet is working -- this weekend was quite productive!


I decided to dive into the core of what I want to accomplish through this challenge and went with 36 28mm unarmored Vikings to complement a similar number of armored ones I painted in December.  The intent is to use them for Saga once I get a band of Saxons painted up.  That work will be delayed slightly due to an Irish whisky tasting at the local pub tonight (can't be painting after that!).

The majority (32) of these Vikings are by Wargames Factory.  I loved, loved, loved their armored Vikings.  However, I was a little disappointed with these ones.  The detail on the front side of the figures was pretty soft.  As the backs were fine, I'm guessing maybe it was a bad batch.  Whatever - just wish the sides were reversed!  I think they painted up fine, in any case.  Here's the group shot:

I did a dozen as archers, which had the added advantage of reducing the number o shields I had to paint.  Also, I tried out decals for the first time, ordered from the UK.  Ironically, the Viking decals were too large for these guys but the Saxon ones I got worked fine (the reverse is also true, so some of my upcoming Saxons will have Viking decals!).  Not a big deal, given the similarities between the two groups.  I also handpainted about half of the shields, just because I like doing it and need the practice.  Here are some, a mix of decaled and handpainted.  The gold dragon one turned out ok -- must have got it from Wessex.

Some spearmen from reverse:

They look rather angry, as Vikings should:

A random archer up close:

The last 4 are Berserkers, metal figures from Gripping Beast.  I wanted a set for Saga and these were perfect and scaled nicely with the larger group.  As befits Berserkers, they all wear skins and have a mess of weapons.  One is actually wearing shoes.  I assume he is the boss.

You have to respect the pudgy guy on the right -- he is so excited to fight he wore an adult diaper so he didn't have to take a break during the battle!

All in all a fun weekend of painting.  As I mentioned, next up are the poor Saxons who have to deal with these chaps, 32 armored and 32 unarmored figures, also from Wargames Factory.

Great to see projects moving on as part of the Challenge - the group shot looks the biz , with a horde of angry Vikings - pretty sure I would not be staying around.   I have given you a bonus for the hand painted shields - as for the guy with diaper I will let you tell him....and enjoy your Irish Whiskey tasting - " Sláinte! "