One of those things, and sometimes erring on the side of extreme caution makes sense.
However, as I had some time off last week, I've been painting, and reading.
I finished these Cretan archers - ever present in any self-respecting Successor army.
I decided to paint their tunics a mix of very dark sea greens, some extremely dark blues, and black. In fact, they're pretty well almost all black until you get really close. I just wanted them to look a bit different to the standard Skirmishers of the period. I made their headbands blue as a field-sign indicating they will be on the blue (Antithesid) side in my Successors campaign.
I've also been stocking up my Successors library.
A bit of an Amazon binge added another six books to my ancients shelf.
Flipped a coin as to which one to read first and am enjoying the ""Armies of Hellenistic States" very much indeed. It gives a good overview of the period, and the armies and is certainly whetting the appetite for the rest of the books.
As yet, I haven't quite decided who my favourite of the Successors is... I always thought it might be Seleucus, but that's based on nothing more than a great picture of a Seleucid army way back in Miniature Wargames issue 4 in the early 1980s. Antigonus is also in the running. But, in reality, they all have their less-than-savoury features. I suspect that's what was needed to be victorious in the 3rd century BC!
Wasn't one of them known as Antingonus knock knees?
ReplyDeleteYes indeed. All manner of minor deformities were celebrated in a number of their names.
DeleteGood colour choice Phil, they look very Cretan.
ReplyDeleteThx Robbie. Yes, I hoped they'd have a Cretan menace to them. Phil
DeleteThis is why we never hear about Stephanos the Can't-Be-A*sed and Chebabus the Fat, they just didn't have the personality traits needed to thrive in the fast-moving and ruthlessly competitive successor environment.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure many more will emerge as part off the campaign Steve. Alexander the Lazy (distant cousin to The Great). Funny how many of them have the same middle name, 'The'.
DeleteNice selection of books, I have most of them, have I read them yet.... no.... still several hundred in front of them. Enjoy the read, give any useful feedback on them?
ReplyDeleteThx Lee. So far, I'm just reading the one on Armies of the Hellenistic States. It's pretty good as an intro. I'm looking forward to going deeper on certain armies and battles. Thx for visiting and for your comment. Phil
DeletePhil, I have been really enjoying your tales of the developing Successor armies, especially the wonderful figures. I like the command stand vignettes, too. Are you still planning for WAB 1.5, W&C or a home made variant for the rules? Great finds in the book department too. To peak your interest, as well as challenging a lot of "long held truths" about ancient warfare, can I recommend 2 books by Christopher Matthew - "A Storm of Spears" and "An Invincible Beast". The former covers the Hoplite and the latter the phalangite. He is a well accredited academic, and also puts all his thoughts and ideas to practical testing. He really stirs the pot and I feel he adds a lot to the understanding of the possible tactical aspects of warfare of this era. Another easy & excellent read is Myke Cole's " Legion versus Phalanx". I can highly recommend these as thoroughly "entertaining and informative. Cheers, Rohan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rohan. I'm enjoying the Successors project very much. I'm using WAB 1.5 now. It's a system with which I am familiar-ish. Thx for your book recommendations. Best regards. Phil
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