Sunday, September 21, 2014

SAGA Crescent & the Cross Crusader Warband

Okay, these aren't newly painted figures, but I just rebased them for use as a 1st Crusades Warband. They are on parade awaiting the arrival of their Warlord - just ordered from Black Tree Designs. This 6 Point Warband consists of two Mounted units of Hearthguards, one each Warrior unit of Mounted, Crossbows and Bows; and finally a Mounted unit of Mercenary Warriors.
All of the figures are from Crusader - appropriately enough - except for the the crossbowmen which are Old Glory. The shields have LBMS transfers.
They were originally part of a WAB army, and used extensively in the past. It's nice to have them out of the barracks in anticipation of some SAGA battles.
The last time I played SAGA was a couple of years ago - and had used an all foot Viking Warband. I recall being soundly defeated by a Norman Warband with troops similar to what this Crusader force is. Looking forward to seeing how these guys perform.

29 comments:

  1. Nice looking bunch. Those shields really stand out!

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    1. Thanks, Anne. It was one of my earliest experiences with LBMS - and am still impressed with them. Dean

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  2. Wow, these guys look very cool. I like the mixture of colors. I am sure they will look great on the battlefield.

    Cheers
    Mike

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    1. Thanks, Mike! I am looking forward to getting them in some SAGA games soon. Dean

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  3. Good looking SAGA force! I especially like your brushwork on the cavalry.

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. These were painted before I discovered the Minwax stain technique. So they were given washes and highlights the usual way. Best, Dean

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  4. Superb looking figures Dean, an impressive sight indeed! Looks a well-balanced force too, a little bit of everything in there. Good luck with them :-)

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    1. Thanks, Paul. I like the movement of cavalry (heavy at that), plus good missile troops. I could opt to have a unit of Turcopole cav too - maybe in the future. Best, Dean

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  5. Groovy Cool Dean! Colors and basing are brilliant

    cheers,

    BTD are having a sale what Saga figures are you thinking buying Vikings,Normans or Saxons? :o)

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    1. Thanks, Phil. I ordered the 2nd Crusades mounted command (for the Warlord for this Warband); also the Norman foot characters - the one with the guy with the falcon; and also an Early-HYW mounted command - something to paint up for Lion Rampant - another set of rules I'll be picking up. Best, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Fran. Appreciate the visit and kind comments. Dean

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  7. They look fabulous, Dean, especially your shieldwork! Great when you can pull something "out of the box" and put it on the table.

    Just yesterday, some of the new SAGA players I met had repurposed WAB armies into SAGA warbands and were recalling fondly how the Normans were so tough to beat in the WAB system. Good luck!

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  8. Thanks, Gents.

    @ Monty: Yes, it's good to use existing figs for new rules, etc. Although I do look forward to painting up the new Warlord to command this Warband. Certainly more enjoyable than painting up the rank and file for an army. Best, Dean

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  9. Nice rebasing Dean, I'll look forward to a battle report from the rules.

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    1. Thanks, Ray. I will surely do just that. Dean

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  10. Great looking Crusader warband Dean!

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    1. Thank! I am glad they meet everyone's approval. Dean

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  11. Excellent Crusaders. And, Crusader Miniatures are one of my favorites manufacturers - they really show off the great brush work!

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    1. Thank you so much for the compliment. I like all of the Crusader ranges - they are sturdy, yet have great detail and elegance. Best, Dean

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  12. That's a very large SAGA force! They look great Dean!

    Christopher

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  13. A great job.
    :) Others have been saying for everything else ..

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  14. Thanks for the nice comments, Gentlemen! Looking forward to how these Crusaders will perform. Best, Dean

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  15. Dean, I am mighty happy you just rebased these... Otherwise you would be painting even more insanely fast!

    Anyway... They look great and will make a fine force! Seeing them, I am starting to wonder, of a (regular) SAGA Norman Warband could double as a SAGA C&C Crusader Warband without any problems!

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    1. Thanks, Burkhard. Most definitely about the Normans - at least for First Crusade; probably no problem using them in Second Crusade too - mixed in with knights in surcoats and straight topped shields. The Dogs of War option for C&C allows Turcopole cav for Crusaders too. Fireforge sets would be great for 2nd and later Crusades. BTW, I'm planning on getting Lion Rampant too. Another skirmish level (read few figs) game. Best, Dean

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    2. Sounds good! Might be a good idea to mix some Fireforge minis in, or even do another force. After all they are not that expensive!

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