Not sure why I bothered the figure sculpt is absolutely atrocious and I should have just binned it.

The head of the tiger looks more like a skull, and the facial features on the rider are non-existent.

Not sure it even warrants finding shelf space for it!

The last of the Askaris, at least for a while as four units is enough for Askaris for Men Who Would Be King.

Four units now completed.

Druids were complex characters. A combination of priest, healer, scholar and spiritualist, the Druids inspired loyalty and great feats of arms in their Celtic charges. The Romans hated and feared the Druids in equal measure, singling the Druids out as public enemy number one when they returned to the shores of Britain.

From a game sense they are not very useful, but they certainly add colour, even if most of it is white!

I will gradually paint more of my Ancient British skirmish figures over the next few months.

Even more Askartis

The third unit completed.

Having introduced the new Silver Bayonet Scenario Book “Silver Bayonet: Egypt: Shadow of the Sphinx” and outlined the figures I intend to use in Silver bayonet – Egyptian Contingent from “HMMM” (2) it was now time to get painting.

This selection of three figures includes the leader and two infantrymen or they could be used as Mamelukes.

As the figures I am using are all from the metal mountain, I have no idea what ranges they come from.

More tomorrow.

More Askaris with still more to come!

Two units of Askaris now completed.

This is the third and last group of Dismounted North West Mounted Police, this time in winter gear, although I will be “mixing up” the figures in each of the three groups of foot to give a more irregular feel.

Although I have another cavalry unit and vignette to finish I now have enough completed for my 24 point Men Who Would Be Kings group.

I have had several large units of Askaris partly done for ages. They were originally for Congo, and then were going to be used as Turkish infantry for the Napoleonic wars and then for the Russo-Turkish Wars. None of this happened and they have been sitting on their painting sticks for a long time. Mostly completed.

Men Who Would Be Kings has been the impetuous to start getting them finished.

Askari is a word that means “soldier” or “police” in Kiswahili, Arabic, Turkish and a number of other languages. Colonial powers in many parts of eastern, central and southern Africa used the term widely to refer to the African soldiers who fought in their armies in Africa.

During World War I, Askari of the German East African colonial army, the Schutztruppe, gained a reputation as highly effective and dedicated troops. Following Germany’s defeat, a “loyal Askari” myth developed that celebrated their service to Germany, while ignoring the negative effects of colonial rule on the peoples of German East Africa.

There is a European myopic view which tends to treat all Askari as the same for instance German Askaris (Schutztruppe) were primarily recruited from present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. They were used in the Scramble for Africa, the Herero and Namaqua genocide, the suppression of the Maji Maji Rebellion and other conflicts.

On the other-hand the British askaris (King’s African Rifle) were recruited from present-day Kenya, Uganda, and Sudan. They were used in the East Africa Campaign of World War I, the East African Campaign (World War II) and other conflicts.

The French askaris (Tirailleurs) were recruited from present-day Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal. They were used in the Pacification of Algeria and other conflicts.

During the late 19th century, European powers were competing for control of Africa, leading to a number of wars and conflicts. In order to maintain control over their colonies, European powers began recruiting local men to serve as soldiers in their armies. These askaris were a cheap and practical option, and they were used to fight against both local resistance movements and other European powers.

More Askaris over the next few days.

This figure is the Dandy Highwayman Lewis Jeremiah Abershaw

Abershawe, though not a typical lovable rogue, connected with others through his humor and irony, particularly evident during his trial and hanging. This trait distinguished him from other outlaws, fostering a complex image of fear and admiration, while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the strength conferred by laughter in chaotic times.

The term ‘highwayman’ likely entered English in 1617, but it became more common after the English Civil War, when discontented royalist soldiers without jobs turned to robbing on the roads to make a living.

The line between romantic folklore and reality regarding highwaymen has often blurred, leading to tales that mix intrigue and caution. In 1692, an Act of Parliament encouraged citizens to betray these outlaws by offering rewards and immunity for information, creating distrust among neighbors. This shift ultimately tarnished the highwayman’s once admired image due to legal and societal pressures.

Appeals for the captured were spread in the press to raise awareness and gather information. The Gazette news sheet included descriptions of infamous men who terrorised the roads with flashy tactics and occasional violence, instilling fear and chaos in communities as people sought safety and justice.

The Highwayman character in Silver Bayonet was introduced in the “Carpathian” expansion booklet. The Highwayman can be played by all nations. His equipment is 2 pistols, and he is a combat rider. The Highwayman costs 18 recruitment.

I think this character is worth thinking about as it gives you excellent fire power, and maneuver whilst still being capable in close combat.

Although the Litko horses work OK I prefer this option with small magnets to keep the “rider” in place on the base. When dismounted the horse is just left there as scenery as you cannot remount in Silver Bayonet.

This is the first of three Highwaymen and Woman from Wargames Foundry to paint up.

No post today as I am still recovering from my Grandson’s Greek wedding.

If I hear another “Zorba” I will go nuts, although breaking plates to ward of the evil monsters was great fun. I wonder if that will work in Silver Bayonet?

Our wedding present to him………………………….he wishes!