Finished up a unit of Spartan (Spartiate? Spartish?) cavalry for the army I'm working on.
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| Stuck a general on there too. I find I like extraneous command ;) |
Impetus Unit Type: CM
Base Size: 8cm x 6cm
Manufacturer: 15mm Xyston
Upon reflection, I've realized I goofed a little with this lot. As with the other units, I'm building for Impetus (but with an eye to using the army for other rules as well), I based these guys with a number of figures equal to their VBU (i.e., combat value). Cavalry, in the Spartan Impetus list, have two options - VBU 4 with Impetus 1, or VBU 5 with Impetus 2, i.e., I based these guys as the VBU 5 option.
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| This has been an interesting project for me, because of the limited palette. |
The thing is, however, that unlike their infantry, Spartan cavalry were, evidently, notoriously bad. This suggests that Spartan (Spartiate? Spartish?) cavalry should be the 4/1 option. Some digging around (notably in the new and improved DBA 3.0 book, now with added army notes) suggested that the 5/2 option would likely be for Thessalian cavalry, which the Spartans took with them on some overseas adventures. So, oops?
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| I also kind of like how the basing is evolving across my ancients. |
I'm not particularly broken hearted about it, or anything. Part of doing an army for me is learning about the period. In this case, I just learned about it after the fact ;) Given that even at max size, Spartans can't take more than 2 units of cavalry, painting up an extra figure is not the end of the world.
Another feature of this was that I painted and added Hammipoi, who were evidently skirmishers who used to run along beside the cavalry. Either those Spartan cavalry were REALLY bad riders, or those guys must have been awfully nimble. In game, this gives the unit a few extra shooting dice when they charge or are charged (which effectively means a chance to disrupt), which never hurts.
FMB
Both painting and basing are first rate! One great facet of Impetvs style basing is the opportunity to build mini-dioramas. Yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jonathan. It's an aspect I like as well, though I've found it's most available on cavalry bases. Heavy infantry, or at least my heavy infantry, still tend to show up as "a bunch of guys", perhaps because the bases are relatively small?
DeleteVery nicely done and basing to VBU is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Norm. Do you play Impetus?
DeleteI have the Version 2 basic rules, but have never used them. I am interested in doing a Wars of the Roses army, so would be free to base in relation to the VBU as it would be a 'from scratch' project.
DeleteGreat base !
ReplyDeleteWe Love the mix of cavalry and infantry on the same base ! Really good idea, We did it with german skirmisher holding the the horse's tail...
The harness are also very good !
Bravo !
:-)
I shall have to go and look for your germans now!
DeleteThey look great!
ReplyDeleteMy old Armati 25mm Athenians had Hammipoi based with them as well. I wouldn't worry too much about the quality, it was better for the later wars than the earlier ones but in any case it was a rare Spartan army that didn't include many allies and mercenaries.
I've noticed that in the lists - pretty much every "Spartan" list I've encountered includes mandatory non-Spartan allies. Not just periokoi, but non-Lacedemonian hoplites, which raises the issue of why you've hae a dedicated "Spartan" list at all. Sword and Spear handles this in an interesting way, in that they only offer a "later hoplite" list in which Spartans can be a core troop choice. In other words, the list I've found which actually allows a "pure" Spartan force is technically not a Spartan list ;)
DeleteThis is where reading (translations of) Herodotus, Thucydides and Xenephon comes in......
DeleteOops hit enter too soon. The vast majority of classical Greek armies were either alliances or else a major power backed by contingents of allies, subjects and mercenary light troops. It was the mark of a desperate political situation if there were no allies of subjects present.
DeleteOh, I know - the Three Hundred were actually the Several Thousand for eg.. The existence of "Spartan" lists probably speaks more to the preferences of wargamers than anything else ;)
DeleteNot at all, a Spartan army is one fighting in a Spartan led army for Spartan political reasons.
DeletePainting looks really good and I like the big base.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think I’ve ever seen infantry on the same base as cavalry, must be fast runners!
I hear good things about Impetus but have never played.
It's a terrific game. Never not had fun, even in what turned out to be poor historical match-up.
DeleteThat's an odd way to spell "even when thoroughly trounced by Nick the Lemming."
DeleteI was wondering when you'd chime in ;)
DeleteWhen you least expect it, unlike your forces' grand retreat (usually 6 turns in).
DeleteRegardless of system, `i think the basing looks great as to the troops - very nice indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael!
DeleteI'm going to nick the harness detailing, a really nice touch that adds interest without, hopefully, too much fuss.
ReplyDeleteYep, pretty straightforward. Part of what is making this an interesting project (for me) is I'm limiting myself to the red / black / white scheme, plus some neutrals. I've found I'm playing more with patterns / textures as a result.
DeleteLovely dynamic bunch, beautifully painted! Coming back to historical wargaming basic impetus was my first rule set,I really like it but the group I game with fancied hail Caesar type games,its better playing with others so that's what I went with, but it's a nice game!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain. Much as I like Impetus, my experience has always been that the group makes the game experience, not the rules, so if you've found a good bunch, enjoy it! That said, I've had fun games with HC too, especially multi-player.
DeleteVery handsome group of Greeks! I like the snazzy looking horse furniture. Composition is also excellent.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dean, appreciate it!
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