SAGA Byzantines - Work in Progress

Time for the first update of this blog. It's been a while, but seeing as everyone was busy celebrating both Christmas and New Year's Eve, I thought we could all use a little break. Of blogging that is. Because over the holiday period I HAVE started to paint my first batch of Byzantines (hurray!). And of course, it's about time I shared some pretty pictures with all of you. First up are some mounted hearthguard.

Two mounted hearthguard with spears and shields

Frontal shot showing the fibula-gem and armor

Rear view with detail of the cloak with tassles

In case you're wondering; these are Old Glory miniatures, not Gripping Beast. They come from there "Dark Age Late Byzantine"-range. Luckily the size difference isn't that noticeable (25mm vs 28mm) and the details are good (although finding reference pictures is a true crime!).
I bought ca. 20 and a bunch of steppe nomads second hand, and so far they haven't disappointed me. Although some of the proportions are a bit off -hamfists for life!- the details are crisp and the sculpts characterful, perfect for a skirmish game like SAGA!

Chi Rho Shield Emblem detail (hand painted)

Chi Rho Shield detail (second variant)

The modeling side was a bit challenging, with having to drill out the grips for the cavalry spear with  too large a drill bit, but in the end -and with the help of a little green stuff- it all came together.

I've especially enjoyed painting the shield emblems and the fibula-gems. All I have to do now is Satin/Matt Varnish them and add turf, tufts and flock. That might be a while though, seeing as the humidity and temperature aren't very optimal at the moment... Still, I think you can see where I'm going!

Next installment will hopefully see me finishing the other two models, so I'll have completed my first official point.

Until next time...