Swiss

Following on from my previous post, I thought I would just share some close up images of the first Swiss pike block in the army of Capriccio.

But, just before that... the answer to the question posed last time about where the name "Capriccio" comes from (and thanks to those who commented and guessed... and no, it's nothing to do with me ever owning a Ford Capri!)

When I was starting to plan this army, I happened to be listening to some music, and there it was; Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien. A lively and evocative piece of music which I first discovered when it was one of the extra tracks on a CD of the 1812 Overture that I frequently listened to whilst painting (it's a wonder I didn't get into Napoleonics!).

Anyway, that's the source of the Grand Duchy of Capriccio. The name somehow seemed to fit with a renaissance Italian state.

Now on to the Swiss.

For these I used the plastic Landsknechts from Warlord Games. Whilst their accuracy can be questioned by those more knowledgeable than I on the subject, I think they fit the bill for our NMTB armies. I simply decided to paint them as Swiss as I believe that by the early 16th century there was very little to choose between Swiss and Landsknechts in terms of clothing styles.

Talking of clothing, I have dispensed with the cantonal livery associated with the earlier Burgundian Wars Swiss armies, with which many readers may be familiar. Depicting a later style, I decided to go with a Swiss red theme, with just a hint of the cantonal colours of Berne for this unit.

On another matter, entirely. I know there are those who like to do large pike blocks containing many dozens of figures. And that's great. I myself have done so in the past with 54-figure pike blocks back in 2003-2005 when I previously did an Italian Wars project. However, before writing off or dismissing the 2-company (24-figure) pike blocks represented here, it's important to remember the NMTB armies are merely representative, and the system gives a great game, so we're going with it!

Right, here's those pictures:

The full unit:

The fourth rank:

The third rank:

The second rank:

The front rank:

Skirmishers:

That's all for now folks...

Gendarmes

The Grand Duchy of Capriccio is a fictional Italian City state, typical of those found in Renaissance Italy. Its alliances shifted throughout the period, often with Swiss mercenaries, sometimes with Landsknechts from The Empire, and always balancing secular political power with its allegiance to The Papal directive and the influence of the machinations of powerful families and the old Condottiere.

This is the "Never Mind The Billhooks" army I showed a couple of posts ago.

Commander in Chief: Lorenzo di Sangiovese, Granduco di Capriccio.

Commander of Gendarmes: Conte di Montepulciano

Commander of Light Horse: Paulo di Chianti (grandson of one of the original Condottiere).

8 Gendarmes

8 Capriccio Light lancers

6 mounted crossbowmen

Swiss veteran pike block 1 (Berne and Fribourg) + skirmishers

Swiss veteran pike block 2 (Uri and Solothurn) + skirmishers

Total 117 points (+ commanders)

The second Swiss pike block is still "in progress" and there are some further vignettes I will add, plus some options for future expansion.

However, I thought I would just show some more detailed photos of the units completed so far, starting with the Gendarmes:

Those who are familiar with the various figure ranges will notice I have mixed Perry plastic horses with Foundry riders in some cases.

Below is the unit in full, with commander: Conte di Montepulciano.

The flags were printed from some posted on a Facebook group (might have been Wargaming at the Outpost group), over which I have painted the main field colours (and changed some of the colours in a few cases) and touched up the details to prevent colours fading over time.

Most of the other "heraldry" is fairly plain stripes, with the odd fleur de lys (I chose the white fleur on red background as the symbol of Capriccio) all of which were hand painted.

Before I forget, I wonder if anyone can guess the inspiration for the name "Capriccio"...

Sources of Inspiration

Last weekend I attended Partizan, a show full of inspiration.

Other blogs and Facebook channels have already done plenty of photo reports, all worthy of a few minutes spent browsing, even if you did go the show! I often get back from a show and it's only in the photo report of another blog or video that I realise how many games I missed, or the details that escaped my attention.

There were plenty of tables in my natural field of interest on show, and I very much enjoyed chatting to those putting on these games.

In particular, I had been looking forward to seeing the North Star 1672 game as some figures I had painted in around 2013 and which had subsequently been sold to Nick were to appear on the table. It was nice to see them in action.

Ironically, just the week before, I had been pottering around painting another regiment in that collection as part of my "not sure where this is going, but I like the figures and want to occasionally paint a unit here or there" project.

Seeing Nick's game at the show inspired me to finish that latest unit: the French regiment Champagne. 

As you can see, I've done them in an approximation of 3 ranks.

Of late, I have been giving myself a sort of "paint on a whim" remit which has allowed me to wander a little. I will return to the Capriccio army (see previous post) at some time soon.
Meantime, I'm just enjoying pottering around, and also engaging with various sources of inspiration.
It's nice to have John Ray's AMG forum back. I have also discovered some Youtube channels that I enjoy... I'm a bit late to the party on these, but Big Lee's Miniature Adventure has some good stuff on it, and his delivery style is very good too. I have also revisited Henry Hyde's channel and enjoyed immensely one of his recent 18th century Imaginations battle reports.

It has been many years since I subscribed to a hobby magazine, preferring to pick them up as I go each month, or not if the content doesn't grab me. But I recently went all in on Wargame Illustrated Prime, and am enjoying flicking through the many back issues online. I also notice that in his latest post about Partizan, editor Dan has made some interesting points about a third category of game, alongside Participation games and Demonstration games, namely for those tables where no actual game takes place but which focuses on the pure aesthetics of the modelling, terrain, and figure painting. This is something I have long advocated. It's what Partizan was, in fact, built on. OK, the "games" may not get played (and there are many reasons for this, as anyone who has manned a table and been too busy in conversation all day to actually play a game will testify). It's a point worth considering. I also enjoyed David Bickley's (GHQ blog) discussion on the show which also makes some good points. All food for thought.

It should be said that, whatever the secret, Tricks and Lawrence have created a hugely successful show over the past nearly 40 years. And I know, because of the sort of chaps they are, they are always looking to improve, adapt, and adopt new ideas.

Right, back to the paint desk. I wonder what I will paint next...

Still Here... Still Game!

"Isn't it about time you updated the blog, Phil?!"
OK, OK...

My summer painting project has been very enjoyable... a foray into Billhooks Italia.
I've been developing a sort of fictional pairing starting with the Grand Duchy of Capriccio...

As you can see, they have a sort of Florentine flavour.

Above and Below: Lorenzo di Sangiovese, Granduco di Capriccio

Above: Conte di Montepulciano
... and Below: Leading his Gendarmes.

Above: The Capriccio light cavalry... A band of Crossbows, supported by a unit of Caspriccio light lancers.

Below: commander of light horse, Paulo di Chianti.

Above and Below: Swiss from Berne and Fribourg

These Swiss figures are from Warlord Games; plastic landsknechts, painted to look a bit Swiss-ish. I figured that Swiss circa 1515 looked very similar to landsknechts (and certainly very different to the oft seen Swiss figures from the Burgundian Wars). Having painted these, then Warlord brought out some Swiss... but I still prefer these.

Above: May years ago (c 2003-05) I previously "did" the Italian Wars, and had a couple of figures left over. This is a Foundry character figure... a dwarf in Renaissance clothing. I have named him The Gnome of Zurich (I thank you), and he acts as the Swiss quartermaster!

Below, another vignette from my previous Italian wars collection.

Below: skirmishers for the next Swiss unit. Pikemen still to be done.

Below: some atmospheric shots...

Over the summer there have been a few games of Billhooks with the old Berks (Andy, John, and Steve), using our WOTR armies. The rules system always throws up a good game with plenty of luck and surprises!
Sadly, I didn't attend the Derby "Bash", but I gather it was rather good... maybe next year.

Meanwhile, I have an Autumn/Winter hit list that I am working through with lots of bits to do for a number of my projects - some units to paint (including a second unit of Swiss pikes for the Capriccio army), and some scratch-building, terrain bits, and vignettes. I'm working through it all on an "as the fancy takes me" basis, hopping between the many armies I have that need some attention.

Next weekend I plan to attend Partizan, so hope to see many readers there. I have a shopping list...

'Ciao for now,' as they say in Capriccio!