29 June 2013

Back to Dux

Saxons to the left and British to the right
I have been really slow to photograph figures, mostly I think because I find it a real challenge to take good photos. I have a new camera, but you have to know how to use it. I have learned to recognise what some of the problems are, but am still working on it. I would love to get to a point where I just have to crop the photos and do nothing else. I did buy some daylight bulbs and usually use two swan neck lamps with as much ambient light as possible. My gaming table is just under 3 skylights so ambient light is usually not a problem. I actually had to increase the contrast in these photos as they were too light. I always appreciate any comments on how to improve. A few months ago Curt of Analogue Hobbies explained to me the problems I was having with the temperature, it was just an enormous help.


Anyway, I have finished both sides for a Dux Britanniarum. The final figures needed were 18 Romano-British Numeri, who are the levy fighters. This completes the 44 figure starter army. All figures are from Gripping Beast. They are nice enough, but after painting these as well as the Gripping Beast Vikings, Saxons and Skraelings, as well as 4 units of SAGA hired mercenaries, I am getting a little done with the Dark Ages.

18 Levies in their Warbases movement trays

Shield decals from LBMS, but have been all heavily modified. Matching up the  the correct decal  package with multiple shield variations that exist on Gripping Beast figures

The Romano-British force



















Well this brings my adventure in painting Dark Ages figures close to a finish. I have 8 more SAGA mercenaries to paint as well as 8 Anglo-Saxon slingers. Once done, I will be able to field 6 point SAGA Skraelings, Vikings, Anglo-Saxon and Andalusian Warbands modified as need be by 4 mercenary units. With some duplication, I can also field both Romano-British and Saxon forces to start a Dux Britanniarum campaign.
Maybe it is time to start a game, the forces are painted and based. I have been fishing about for a local player without a whole lot of luck, so I think I will start a solo campaign to test the rules.

7 comments:

  1. Greate looking force !

    Will be nice to see them in action !

    best regards Michael

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  2. great work, am just starting down a similar path myself.
    Peace James

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  3. Great! Very nice pictures, colorful and wonderful figures!
    Phil.

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  4. I completely sympathise with your photography issues. I'm in much the same boat. I'd love to be able to just point and click but life just isn't that easy. Lighting is my major bane ... I think!!

    Nice Dark Age armies/war bands.

    Salute
    von Peter himself

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  5. I am no great photographer, but I find my best pictures are taken outside on an overcast day - especially in the morning. That produces diffuse light and no shadows.

    Great looking troops regardless!

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  6. Beautiful work, John. I can't believe you've managed to get so much done over the past few months. Fabulous stuff. It's too bad you live so far away as I'm planning on hosting a SAGA mini tournament this autumn for the guys from Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon. Should be a blast.

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  7. Wonderful work here! I've got DB and plans to paint one or both sides but I can't seem to get to it. I'll peek over your shoulder and drool until I can get around to it.

    I sometimes get so disgusted with my pics that I've considered handing in my blog. What can you do but soldier on? ;-)

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