Pict Hunters

28mm Pict Hunters, from Footsore Miniatures. Interestingly, I've received results this week from a DNA test, and it appears that when compared to the reference samples I return 29.4% Pict (AD 300-500). Not sure of the accuracy but it maybe goes some way to explaining my affinity for this army. Anyhow, I'll accept it for now and let loose my inner Pict on the tabletop! 

I've included the reference samples and article below for those interested. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing how future research reveals our distant ancestry. 

The reference sample used to determine Pictish DNA were VK201, VK202, VK203 and VK207. 

303. Magaryan, A., Lawson, D.J., Sikora, M.et al. stated that, 

     "... four (VK201, VK202, VK203 and VK207) of these

304. samples have over 85% “UK” ancestry and are genetically similar to present-day Irish and Scottish populations (Figs 3a and S10.1, Supplementary Table 6), which is in contrast to the isotopic evidence43. Haplotype-based analyses corroborate that four of these samples possessed local genetic ancestries, with little Scandinavian contribution. Only two individuals - VK204 and VK205 - displayed c. 50% Norwegian and Danish ancestries (Supplementary Table 6), respectively, which may indicate admixture between the locals and Scandinavians on the Orkney Islands during the VA. The four ancient genomes of Orkney individuals with little Scandinavian ancestry may be the first ones of Pictish people published to date (Supplementary Note 12). Yet a similar (>80% “UK” ancestry) individual was found in Ireland (VK545) and five in Scandinavia, implying that Pictish populations were integrated into Scandinavian culture by the Viking Age."

305. 
     

     Magaryan, A., Lawson, D.J., Sikora, M.et al. Population genomicsof the Viking world. Nature 585, 390-396 (2020).

     https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/703405v1.full.pdf

Pict Warriors with Javelins

A little bit later than planned, the Picts have arrived. The are Pict warriors with javelins from Footsore Miniatures. I've chosen to base these individually on 25mm bases with the intention of playing SAGA, Dux Britanniarum and Lion Rampant. I can't speak highly enough about how lovely these miniatures are, and an absolute joy to paint. The only downside I have is drilling out the hands, but I can easily get over that (I'm just lazy!). I've lots of Picts to show but will mix other figures into the posts rather than dominate the next few weeks with Picts. Just to keep things interesting I've some Early Saxons, Late Romans and Arthurian to show in 28mm and more 15mm that I need to get photographed. 

The painting table sees more Picts, then I've prepped Late Romans and Early Saxons. 

Goth Archers

 

The Goths just keep coming, now you know how the Romans felt! Bit of a delay on posting the Picts this week as basing is being finished off. So, I thought I offer up these Goth archers, these are 15mm Essex Miniatures from the lead pile. 

 

Painting this week has seen me complete a Pict chariot and some Arthurian figures. These are in the basing queue and will be making their appearance on the blog over the coming weeks. The rest of the time has been spent preparing the next batch for painting, cleaning castings and gluing spear and shields in place ready for undercoating. I've also made some broom bristle spears for the first time, hoping they look okay once painted up!

Goth infantry 3 the hordes keep coming!

 

The latest batch of Goth infantry are 15mm Essex Miniatures. These are part of an Essex Miniatures Goth army pack that I picked up cheap off eBay, and although the coffin shields are no longer on vogue I'm personally not overly concerned. These will do service in my Goth army and in any army go the period that require a similar troop type. 

Good progress has been made on the Picts, only a chariot, 12 cavalry and 16 warriors left from the lead pile. I'm also painting up the Arthurian Heroes of Camelot pack and a few supporting warriors from Warlord Games, these are nearly finished as type this post. Hopefully, I'll be able to get the first batch of Picts based and photographed for the next blog post. 

Frankish Cavalry

The latest addition is a unit of 15mm Frankish Cavalry from Forged in Battle. After painting 15mm almost exclusively for 2024 I felt the urge for a change. Currently on the painting table are 28mm Picts and Late Romans. Progress has been good, so good in fact that I now have a backlog in the basing department. I have found this switch between scales to be quite productive as I’ve maintained interest to paint a little every day. 

 

On another topic an episode on the Mesopotamia theatre during World War One on the Yarkshire Gamer podcast had me buying a copy of When God Made Hell by Charles Townshend. This campaign has always held an interest for me, as my Great Grandfather served and died in Mesopotamia during the First World War. It should make an interesting read, and maybe inspire a wargames project for the future.

 

 

  

Frankish Infantry

To begin I have to say that I really enjoyed painting these miniatures. The figures are 15mm Old Glory and Gladiator Miniatures, the latter I believe are Josef Ochmann sculpts which are beautiful. Sadly, with Fighting 15s closing due to retirement I'm not sure if Gladiator Miniatures will be picked up and continue to be made available. 

 

Currently on the painting table there's been shift from 15mm to 28mm Picts and a handful of part painted Normans I found in a box and decided to finish off. Lots of basing currently going on as well, so plenty of painted miniatures to add to the blog. While painting I've enjoyed listening to Yarkshire Gamer blog, loved the Trevor Dixon episode, though to be fair it's very hard to highlight one episode as they are all excellent. I've also been listening to the Too Fat Lardies podcast, another painting companion which I very much enjoy. As a Mental Health Nurse I'm a strong advocate for the benefits a hobby can bring; and I from a personal perspective I find painting extremely beneficial. I find it quite heartening to see the topic of mental health being openly discussed within the hobby, and proud to be part of a hobby community that can provide such a positive space.