Post by Eric Farrington on Dec 6, 2021 15:29:43 GMT
Earlier, I posted up thoughts on how to use Etruscans with Men of Bronze and you can find that Line of Battle along with others in the Hercules Abroad supplement on the Wargame Vault. You can also find the Etruscans in the Wars of the Republic book I wrote for Osprey. Therefore, I have known for a while now that I wanted an Etruscan army. However, I was not sure how I wanted to approach it. A quick google search did not reveal to me a great set of 28mm Early Etruscans. I did find Aventine's very nice range of Late Etruscans, and I believe Agema now has a line of Etruscans as well. I knew right away that I wanted a unit of Etruscan warriors with Axes, and that was something I did not find well represented in the 28mm ranges.
A couple things stand out when you think of an Etruscan army that make it unique on the tabletop:
1. They had a core of elite hoplites that were the social elite of their civilization, so they had an aristocratic warrior tradition. These warriors were well equipped.
2. The use of the Axe and Javelins within the phalanx unit
3. Etruscans used small breastplates of metal often with the three circle motif to their design, which was also widely used later by other Italic tribes and the Samnites.
4. They used a variety of shield types ranging from the hoplon/aspis, to the scutum, to the pelte
5. They made use of a variety of helmet designs, but they are known for a unique style of "crest"
All of these together can make a very evocative and unique looking force on the tabletop. I wanted to try to capture some of these ideas in the models.
So, I used my leftover Victrix bits from various kits, and these are the result.....
You can read in detail about how I painted them and what I did to make them look "Etruscan" on the blog:
bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/12/on-painting-desk-early-etruscans.html
A couple things stand out when you think of an Etruscan army that make it unique on the tabletop:
1. They had a core of elite hoplites that were the social elite of their civilization, so they had an aristocratic warrior tradition. These warriors were well equipped.
2. The use of the Axe and Javelins within the phalanx unit
3. Etruscans used small breastplates of metal often with the three circle motif to their design, which was also widely used later by other Italic tribes and the Samnites.
4. They used a variety of shield types ranging from the hoplon/aspis, to the scutum, to the pelte
5. They made use of a variety of helmet designs, but they are known for a unique style of "crest"
All of these together can make a very evocative and unique looking force on the tabletop. I wanted to try to capture some of these ideas in the models.
So, I used my leftover Victrix bits from various kits, and these are the result.....
You can read in detail about how I painted them and what I did to make them look "Etruscan" on the blog:
bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2021/12/on-painting-desk-early-etruscans.html