From Paul O'G: War of the Roses Lancastrian force (265 points)

The start of a new but long awaited project: War of the Roses. Stage 1 is a Lancastrian force to oppose Alan's lovely Yorkists that he painted a few years ago.  Ironic that I should be doing Lancastrians though, as I served aboard the Destroyer HMS York for more than a year... Anyway, this initial burst of 48 figures includes Foot Knights, Billmen and Retinue Archers for Lion Rampant. In the wings are lots more of the same plus Mounted Knights, Prickers and artillery, as well as European mercenary Pike, crossbows and hand gunners.

I was experimenting with the Scale 75 metallics for the armour - very nice products, and I'm really happy how they have come out and contrast with the snow. This is also my first real foray into snow basing so that they match Alan's army; going for a patchy, early winter look. They came out a bit heavier than expected but I'm happy with them overall.

Foot Knights advance under a Percy House Banner

Well armoured Retinue Billmen move into the attack

Fun fact: Snow basing really soaks up any rum and coke that you might inadvertently spill over your entire army. REALLY well like a sponge. Like, scrape it all off and start again the night before your submission is due. Still, the models now have a nice smell and a fellow Challenger (who dwells in very close proximity) observed "You're really putting something of yourself into this project". I figure the spirits will keep the lads warm in the snow...

Unarmoured Billmen, led by a Man at Arms

Alan has convinced me with his zealous promotion of the 3-2-1 basing schema for the foot troops, but I kept the archers in more refined lines on rectangle bases. I think it shows a more formed and static line up, while the foot sloggers are a bit more ragged in the advance.

Stout Englishmen and their yew bows ready to deliver an arrow storm

Quadrant wise, I am chalking these stout fellows to the Plant of Vogsphere - the egotistical twists and treacheries of the War of the Roses while the nation suffered can only be described as a Black Comedy (as can this justification effort). 

That's 48 figs and a planet bonus for 260 points - as much of a bomb as I'll ever drop! And the two banners are hand painted of course.

From Millsy:

You say "ironic" that you're doing Lancastrians, I say "right minded" or "well adjusted". Despite your latent Yorkist sympathies these are bloody awesome Paul and have put me in mind I really need to dive in here (again) at some point too.

The palette you've chosen goes really well with the winter basing (or is that just me loving the fact you're also painting red and black?). Top work on the banners too mate, kudos for turning your hand to them when it is so easy to pick up paper ones now.

260 points is a decent bomb by anyone's standards and there's an extra 5 for the banners. Cracking work all round!

PS. We won't mention you can't hold your grog despite the burning irony of a navy man who has issues with rum...

Cheers,
Millsy