From Curt: Paris of Troy (Lust) (45 Points)

Hi there!

For my entry for 'Lust', the 2nd Circle of the Abyss, I give you Paris of Troy. 

As the myth goes, Zeus (aka 'The Big Horny Coward') had Paris choose the most beautiful amongst Athena, Hera and Helen of Sparta (the proxy for Aphrodite). He chose Helen.  Not being able to master himself, Paris stole Helen from her husband Menelaus. As if this situation wasn't bad enough, Menelaus was also the king of Sparta, which made matters exponentially worse for Paris and the Trojan people.

The abduction of Helen instigated the Trojan War which lasted 10 years, cost thousands of lives, and the destruction of Troy itself. In Dante's 'Divine Comedy' Paris' lust for Helen sees him committed to the Second Circle of Hell. 

Oh well, on the bright side at least he has Helen there to keep him company.

I chose to depict Paris mounted in a chariot armed with his trusty (some ancient chroniclers would say cowardly) bow.

This is a stl purchase from Wargames Atlantic. A really nice kit. I scaled it down to 20mm for printing so it would fit in with the rest of my Trojan War collection (some of those previous lads are seen here legging it alongside Paris). 

In the last pic we see Paris speeding away as he and his bow have an upcoming date with Achilles...

Chariots in the Challenge are a bit of a points grab as they have numerous component parts. 8 points for Paris and his driver, 8 for the horse team and another 15 points for the chassis. Hmm, that seems like a lot. Let's dial it back to 25 total. Okay, then add an additional 20 points for the Second Circle (Lust). That should give me 45 points as a grand total (and one Squirrel Point).

Thanks for dropping in!

- Curt

Thanks for dropping by, Curt, and what an exquistite submission! You might have saved it for Greed and claimed the full points. As it is, your modesty gains you 45 points for Lust. This gives an entirely new meaning to visiting Paris, and it truly is a visit in style. A perfect companion to your other Trojan War figures! Excellent work as always.

MartijnN

From LeeH: Russian Jӓgers & Officer 1812 [95 Points]

Originally I was only going to do two of these units but when I looked at the packs of models I had I realised I had enough ‘spares’ to make a third unit. So here I present three units of Russian Jӓgers in skirmish formation with an officer to lead them.

Russian Jägers were light infantry known for being superior marksmen and agile fighters. They could form line units (indeed I intend to add a Jäger Line unit to my force later) but their primary use was skirmishing in open order. In many ways, their uniform was very similar to that of regular line/musketeer units. The main visible differences were black leather belts rather than the white of musketeers and grenadiers, and dark green breeches rather than white. These models all wear the soft forage cap which was used, as far as I can tell, by most branches of infantry. Indeed North Star (who make these figures) describe them as Musketeers/Jägers so they could be used for either type, just with different colour belts showing the difference.

Next on my desk are more infantry but I have already started to assemble and prime a 12pdr artillery piece and crew from Perry Miniatures. Lovely looking models and I’m looking forward to working on that in a week or two.

(Scoring: 19x28mm Foot = 95 Points)

Again, some excellent work on these Napoleonic Russians, Lee! The project seems to trundle along quite happily. I really like these North Star figures, and you have done them proud. Well done, and 95 points it is.

MartijnN

Just another Friday

Well. No more champagne, and the fireworks are through. Here we are, me and you, feeling lost and feeling blue. After one of the gloomiest December months since the beginnings of recordings here in Belgium, with all of 17 hours of sunshine for the whole month, I am happy to be able to report that January seems to have begun slightly better. Which is just as well, as my personal Challenge seems to have started off on the wrong foot too. 

However, there will be a ray of sunshine, as it is the 133th birthday of the Professor today, so we can all join Tolkien fans throughout the world in the traditional birthday toast at 20:00 this evening. Can I suggest raising a glass of Tripel Karmeliet?

Of course, Belgium is justly famous for its beers, and this is a fine blond triple with a healthy percentage of alcohol. As a matter of fact, when the Snowlord visited my humble abode this last September we enjoyed one together.

It is just as good that the Snowlord has been planning to drop the Friday crew a visit today too, as we seem to be off to a rather slow start.

Lee will be talking of retreat again, and Curt will be visiting Paris. For now, that seems to be it. Perhaps more will show up during the day, and if not, I’d better be getting some painting done myself. So, once more into the breach!

Enjoy!