Before even getting a first game of The Pikeman's Lament in, local rules expert (he wouldn't say it himself, but I consider him so) Pat L. (aka Socal Warhammer) presented the local Rampant sycophants here in the Pacific NW with a version of Lion Rampant based on the Punic Wars era. It's very well thought out as he had been working on it in private for sometime. As you may know Pat has written a version for Chariot warfare - it was in an issue of Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy a year or so ago. Having sold off most of my
Macedonian/Successor army (including four pike phalanx units), it was nice that I held onto a few models. These are just enough for a core "retinue" (not sure what the proper term will be) using Pat's rules. Too bad the Scythed Chariot I still have can't be used (yet).
The
elies are Aventine (painted many years ago - as the rest of the models); the Companion/Cataphracts are 1st Corps - led by a
Relic Seleucus; the Hypaspists a mixture of Foundry and 1st Corps.
The elephant profiles are based on Dragon Rampant's Greater Warbeasts. Haven't really pointed them up with Pat's rules yet, but just wanted to post a teaser shot. I'm sure I'll only be able to afford the use of one of the elies for a 24 point force. Here's a link to the
Pacific NW Rampant FB if you would like to join and check out Pat's rules. Best wishes to you all on this Pacific NW rainy Friday the 13th (aka Templars Round Up Day).
Looks great. I have been perusing Pikeman's Lament based on your recommendation. It looks like it might work well for my Imjin war project. These rules definitely adapt well if you like the basic activation mechanic.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Jake. The uut sizes are great for getting into new periods. The activation mechanic can be a bit much for stuff needing a 7+for sure. Luckily it works for and against your opponent too. :) Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteLooks really awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michal. Glad I kept these figures. I was intending to sell off the Companions at next month's convention too. Keeping them now. Best regards, Dean
DeleteThey do look great and certainly deserve some table time again!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like not having to have mass quantities of figures too. Kind regards, Dean
DeleteStunning looking group. May they serve you well.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. I hope that they do! Best, Dean
DeleteLooks superb and very impressive!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil! Hopefully get a playtest in sometime soon. Warm regards, Dean
DeleteI look forward to seeing how they fare on the tabletop. Now - what do you need to add to expand them? :)
ReplyDeleteSteven, thanks for the interest. The way Pat currently has the rules limits cav & elie units to 12 points max per 24 point "retinue." These particular elies as Indian so they cost 6 points w/o upgrades like javelins. The Companion cav are classed as mtd MAA at 6 points, again w/o upgrades. So one each maxes the points - or I could use two elies and no cav. The foot unit is a foot yeoman class upgraded to Expert with javelins - 6 points. So, the two elie/cav units and this foot point out to 18. I will have to add a foot unit or two for the remaining 6 points. Best regards, Dean
DeleteGlad you kept this collection! Lovely figures especially the elephants.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jonathan. I gave a pack of Crusader Thracian archers which I may have to paint up. Warm Regards, Dean
DeleteSounds like fun - and like everyone else, I'm happy to see you still have a few wonderfully painted figs of the appropriate era to draw on!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Aaron. I couldn't part with the elies and also the Hypaspists. Great to be able to use them again. Kind regards, Dean
DeleteGreat looking minis, Dean. We'll need to get in a PL game soon. I have a pile of Foundry Macedonians, but no hephalumps.
ReplyDeleteThanks, David. The way Pat currently has the rules limiting cav & elies to 12 pts for a 24 pt retinue; I don't know if elies are even worth having. But, yes, we definitely need to get some TPL games in. Regards, Dean
DeleteDude who doesn't like war elephants. That one tossing the dude around is just sick, as in so COOL!!! I have been keeping myself from buying that new plastic kit from Warlords? or another company that I can't remember now. Forge World has released the giant war elephants for Lord of the Rings. Makes me want to watch the movie Alexander again with Colin Farrell.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Kevin
Thanks, Kevin. Yes, these Aventine elies were top of the line when I got them - about 8 years ago - still seem to hold their own (and Romans :)). For the record, they are heavy and I think the Warlord resin/plastic one looks pretty awesome too! Kind regards, Dean
DeleteNice figures....we have played ‘ancient’ Lion Rampant several times and it seems to work quite well as long as you don’t take winning to seriously 🙂
ReplyDeleteThanks, Matt. Yes, not taking it too seriously is the key! Warmest regards, Dean
DeleteLovely looking force I've still got 3 minifigs ancient elephants,nothing else! Hard to part with.
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks a lot, Iain. It's great that I will be able to use them again. Warm regards, Dean
Delete