Sunday 15 January 2023

From PaulO'G: War of the Roses Mercenaries (134 points)

Last Challenge I started a War of the Roses project which has progressed steadily this year, and I wanted to add to it this challenge with something different - European Mercenaries.


Sell sords from the content were features on all sides of the war, and while the Burgundian support to the Yorkists pretenders is the best known, a raft of independent companies from Flanders, France and elsewhere were engaged.


I've done mine up in bright livery to reflect their more flamboyant nature, and because that how I see those 'proto-landschnekts': advertising on the battlefield for future employers, as well as warning others of their prowess as a deterrent. Plus the bright colours pop nicely on my winter bases. While my rules usually have figure removal, pike units like these look so much better packed tighter so I went with 3 group bases for each unit

This unit has a secret weapon - a crossbow bolt to the face!

The flags are all hand painted naturally, using tin foil from the necks of champagne bottles. Yes collecting the raw materials is a drag but somebody has to do it (and who doesnt like a round of French 75s?!). The foil allows great three dimensional shaping and has some good strength to it. With the flamboyant theme in mind, I gave all their weapons pennants so no one would miss them on the field of battle!


Thats as much of a mini War of the Roses bomb that you'll see from me! 
25 x 28mm figs for 125 points

Fantastic work, didn't know about the mercenaries and foreign support, know almost nothing about War of the Roses, about right for a Brit. Added a hand painted flag bonus so the I don't get a crossbow bolt to the face.

33 comments:

  1. Well done Paul. The War of the Roses always seems so awesome, but one look at the flags has me running toward some other project.

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    1. Thanks Greg - they were fiddly but worth it!

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  2. It must have been a hard drinking all that champagne. Great models.

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  3. They do look good, well done Paul!

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  4. Those are great Paul, love the livery and the flags. Hard sacrifice on the bubbly I know…Given the snowy bases I suspect that you are doing a specific battle. Was is Towson that was fought in the snow? Thanks

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    1. Yep, Towton was the nasty battle fought in the snow and wind. I think the Yorkists used the wind to their favour in the archery duel.

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    2. Totally correct Curt. There were a number of winter engagements but Towton was the biggest

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  5. What a wonderful mob of mercenaries, Paul. So colourful and I love your flags (and the 'rigorous sacrifice and process' to get them ready). :)

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  6. They look absolutely great, Paul, and a admire your flags. I saw some YouTube clip on these Flemish mercenaries in the WOTR the other day, fascinating.

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  7. Nice, bright looking troops. The added flags are very eye-catching.

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  8. Smashing work, Paul! Champagne foil, eh? The hardships you have put yourself through for the sake of miniature art! :)

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  9. Very good looking units. The flags and pennants are top notch, excellent job

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  10. Fabulous brushwork on them

    Cheers
    MattW

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  11. The bases really make these colourful chaps pop Paul, that's well thought out and executed for sure!

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  12. Cracking brushwork Paul. At some point we'll have to arrange a dust up with my Burgundians

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  13. Brilliant brushwork that make the figures really pop

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  14. Love these! They are going to stand out beautifully on the table.

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  15. Lovely work, Paul - the flags and standards really bring them to life!

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    1. Thank you indeed Sidney! I think so too :-)

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