Off the Painting Table (March 2015) part 2

In the proceeding ‘Off the Painting Table’ post I mentioned my next project; a pair of retinues to use with the ‘Lion Rampant’ rules. I decided to field Teutonic Order and Baltic Pagans. For the Baltic Pagans I planned to use FireForge Games Mongol Cavalry and Steppe Peoples, and I would modify these figures to give a less oriental feel. I ordered 3 boxes of figures (roughly £60) which gave all that I required (with an additional 6 mounted figures), plus a Steppe Tribes Warlord figure from Gripping Beast.  The first task was to assemble the figures which proved straight forward. I changed all the oriental heads for hairy, bearded heads from my Viking spare parts collection. The Men at Arms units had helmeted heads which would denote their higher status, together with the round, decorated shields from the kits. The additional mounted figures I used as an extra mounted M/A unit because I feel the list in the rules is rather cavalry lite for the Baltic Pagans. I also changed a few arms to enable the Ferocious Foot units to contain more men with axes and club/maces. I initially considered having a mixture of shields (kite, heater etc.) but quickly rejected this idea and settled for a cut-down version of the wicker shields again supplied in the kits. I primed/undercoated all the figures, and I decided to use black primer because this army will be painted in dull, muted colours with a lot of grey and brown. Using a lighter tone grey or white undercoat would brighten any subsequent colours too much. Normally I add base texture once the figures are completely painted, but when I use black primer I find details become hard to distinguish. Having the unpainted white base texture reflects light on to the figure making it easier to paint. Also the additional weight gives stability to the figure.

So, I now have 61 Baltic Pagan figures to paint up. I think I will start with the mounted units first. My next purchase will be the Teutonic Order, which I plan to buy at the Salute show in London later in April. I intend to use LBMS transfers for the heraldry rather than hand paint it – too many straight lines where any wobble would stand out a mile! On reflection I feel this army may prove tough to paint; so much flowing white cloth and armour, with little colour to vary the palette.

Number	Scale	Period	Manufacturer	Notes:
97	15mm	War of the Roses	Peter Pig
16	15mm	Pony Wars	Peter Pig	Casualty markers
12	28mm	C17th British Cavalry	Wargames Factory
20	28mm	C17th British Infantry	Wargames Factory
12	28mm	ECW cavalry	Warlord Games
14	28mm	ECW pikemen	Wargames Factory	Conversions
8	28mm	Jacobites	Col. Bill’s
1	28mm	Napoleonic Rifleman	Bicorne Miniatures
1	28mm	Horse and cart	4Ground