Architects of War comes through again! Reworking my Norse-Gael list, I decided I needed 8 more warriors with Dane axes to get me to 24 total. I put in an order last week and 2 days later, they're at my door. With weekly games of SAGA, how could I pass on painting them up right away? The photos confirm I couldn't. These Gripping Beast figures come with undrilled hands so be prepared to do grunge work before you break out your brush.
A bunch of our local SAGA players are registered for the Grand Melee in Chicago and interest in the game has never been higher. I've been able to get out for weekly games and all the practice is helping me get a handle on running this warband. I'm finding that the more Danish axes I field, the better the Norse-Gael perform. Most importantly, they're fun to run. My favorite tactic is to point the warriors at something and charge into them with "Howling Axes" and "Slaughter."
I'm still working on my linen banners for the warband. I was a bit disappointed with my first attempts so I reached out to the banner expert, Michael of the
Dalauppror blog. His lovely banners are the reason I wanted to try this. I'm going to incorporate his suggestions and see if I can paint something worth keeping. Fingers crossed and thanks Michael for your help!
Great looking axemen, Monty. Looking forward to your battle reports from the tournament.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dean! Figures are a bit simpler to paint when there is no heraldry or barding. ;-)
DeleteFabulous work again, Monty! Your Norse-Gaels (as well as your other stuff) never fail to amaze me. Have you already had a look at the new Irish by Footsore miniatures? I'm sure they'd mix in quite well with your little friends there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Moiterei! Yes, Footsore is excellent and mixes well with Gripping Beast. I was in a rush so for this lot, I went back to GB.
DeleteYour cold themed vignette was very moving.
top notch !
ReplyDeletelove the faces of this nice guys!
this winter will be very cold, there is so much axemen searching some trees;-)
Congratulations Monty!
Cheers
Gilles
Gillies! The bitter cold and grey skies every day is enough to drive a fellow axe crazy. Good thing I've got the painting and gaming table to save my sanity!
DeleteYou're on top form with these Monty, bravo Sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael! Your Snow Beast could be a real challenge for those of us stuck living this far north.
DeleteReally nice work, Monty!
ReplyDeleteI wish there was some way I could pit my Anglo-Saxons against your Norse-Gaels! I'm going to expand my warrior numbers to suit the rules (which I now have!), which will be fun, and will be getting a 4 point Welsh warband for Xmas. Very different abilities!
One day I'd love to schlep over the pond with a couple of warbands to get a Norse-Gael drubbing at your hands!
Rosbif! I wish I could travel to Australia for a game or 3. That would be fabulous. I think you'll like the Welsh. They're very tricky!
Deletehehehe...Chop, chop, choppin' on Odin's door love the post title!
ReplyDeletegreat work as usual Monty well done Sir!
cheers,
Thanks Phil! I love the Dylan tune so it was a natural to be lifted.
DeleteAnother parade of superb looking maniacs Monty! Good luck on the banner I'm sure it will turn out great.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks Christopher! I might have to lower my expectations just a bit. :-)
DeleteNice parody on one my favorite Dylan tunes. Another fine looking octet of Danish skull-bashers.
ReplyDeleteYou're getting in a game every week? Good for you!
Thanks Jonathan and yes, it is a treat to get out the door for weekly games!
DeleteI really like these ones. Despite the prep work hassle you turned out some great painted figures. cheers
ReplyDeleteThanks Brendon! Once you get over the bump, they do paint up well.
DeleteVery nice work Monty! Great to see you're getting some regular games in and reaping the benefit. Chopping the opposition up with big axes is an excellent tactic that will fit a wide range of situations :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul and I think you were the one who said "train hard, play easy at a tournament." Did I get that right?
DeleteCracking stuff Monty. I really like the highlights in the axe blades.
ReplyDeleteThanks Millsy! I've had quite a lot of SAGA painting practice to get it right.
DeleteWooW! I love them! They're strong and brave!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michal!
DeleteExellent looking unit Monty, greate paint work !!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael, and enjoy your first snow of the year!
DeleteStunning paintjob... An excellent result... Very well done, chap!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stefan, I appreciate it. Good luck in the challenge!
DeleteOk Monty, Bob Dylan will be in my head all along this day, for sure...great title! And fantastic paint job on these axemen, they look wonderful!
ReplyDeletePhil, I do love that song! That and Tangled up in Blues might be my two favorites by Dylan.
DeleteLovely paint job Monty - those are nicely-animated poses too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pendragon, I like the Lion Rampant project you have going! I must take a look at those rules.
DeleteThose are pretty dynamic figs. Might need to take another look at GB.
ReplyDeleteFMB
Marcus! I have a friend who calls GB "Beasties." That may apply to their oldes lines but their newer Dark Age figures are quite lovely.
DeleteNice looking figures !
ReplyDeleteand I love the tittle of this post !
congrats !
Thanks Sam and hey, I just realized I'm not following your blog. Fixed!
DeleteThanks !
DeleteI think that I've some updates to do too !
(with the new followers, it's not always easy to update in time the blog-roll!)
Superb, as usual! These guys look ready to carve a Stairway to Valhalla ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, good one No Vember. Dylan to Zeppelin!
DeleteWonderful figures there Monty and I am sure they will be winning the day for you
ReplyDeleteThanks Panzer! With lots of practice, that just may come true!
DeleteLooks like their enemies are gonna have Valhall' of a time trying to beat them - the foe will end up Thor and sorry, if you axe me...!
ReplyDelete...I'll get my coat.
LOL, you get the newly minted Groucho Marx award, Evan!
Delete