Red Stars

What do you know, Red Stars on shields.

“https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:A_duel._Fresco_from_Lucanian_tomb.jpg”

Fresco on the inside side of sarcophagus slab from a Lucanian Tomb.  Second half of the 4th century BCE. Paestum, National Archaeological Museum.

A unit of Crusader Samnites with Red (and Blue) star motif on shields.

Roman Commanders

Command stand with an Agema Roman front and center, and two Relic Romans in the back rank. I imagine the young buck urging the legions on, with the older consolers whispering  strategy in his ear.

I love the look of the Agema figure, dynamically posed with the shield flung back and a spear pointing at the enemy.  There are some sculpting issues – the left arm all but vanishes into the shield, and the strap & scabbard are extended in 3D to support the casting process.  The two Relic figures are a different vision of Romans with classic styled armour covered with ribbons denoting their rank.  The chest detail is somewhat hard to pick out, there appears to be an amount of “flattening” from the casting process.

 

In contrast, the Crusader Generals pack provides two sturdy miniatures with clean lines and well presented detail.  There are days when I appreciate this straight forward design that practically paints itself.

Sally 4th Vikings

2023 was big year for Viking/Saxon Kickstarters.  First up, Sally 4th.

Originally a plastic kit, this group was cast in metal with multiple parts.  About half of the joints went together cleanly, with the other half taking some effort to clean up.  Spears and banner shafts have some bending – time will tell if they hold up as the metal is rather soft.  The figures are well detailed, with many bits and bobs that will need attention during painting.

I went back and forth about how to base the figures.  Ultimatly, I selected the 25mm round.  Now seeing the figures based, it was the right option.  Arms, weapons and even feet are spread out, and use the full 25mm space.