Sunday 18 April 2021

Citadel Empire Fighter Warband complete!

 

 So this week I managed to wrap up my warband of classic Citadel and Marauder empire fighters. It's nice to have finally ticked this box with it being on my to do list for many years. I think choosing the appropriate models and a livery that I was really happy with was crucial. This is why I encountered two or three failed attempts in the past. So here we have:


The Tilean Warband of Leopoldo Di Vittorio of Luccini.


Map of Luccini 


 ■ Leopoldo Di Vittorio, mercenary captain

A native of Luccini, the aristocratic Leopoldo attended the Aquila Academy of Luccini, learning the art and science of war. Seeking fame, notoriety and of course, to add to his already substantial wealth, he embarked on the career as a mercenary captain in the employ of the eccentric Lorenzo Lupo. The subsequent years have proved fruitful and devoted but there is always the temptation to change sides at the prospect of higher pay but Leopoldo remains loyal to Lupo - more out of loyalty to Luccini than that of its Prince.

■ Guido Colombano, warband champion 

With Guido, what you see is what you get. A hardy, battle scarred veteran of numerous campaigns from various Tilean conflicts. Despite their social class diversity, Guido has developed a unlikely rapport with Leopoldo. This ageing but steadfast fellow's vast experience is indispensable to the group.

■ Ermillo Moscatelli, champion 

Another alumni from the Aquila Academy of Luccini, the scholarly Ermillo was a former gunnery captain but sought for a more prosperous career as a mercenary. Despite his slender appearance, Ermillo is a wily and guile individual with an appetite for Cathayan philosophy. 

■ Berthold Steinberg, sellsword 

A Middenheimer, formally a swordsman in the army of his native land before heading south to Tilea for the sellsword life. He still carries the shield of his army days depicting the fortress city of Middenheim.

■ Skragrud, mercenary Ogre

Once a member of Golgfag's Maneaters, Skragrud was imprisoned by Lorenzo Lupo along with his ogre comrades for causing havoc in the principality. Later, with the order to be sent to the Border Princes as mercenaries in the service of an exiled imperial noble, Skragrud deserted the Maneaters, opting to remain in Tilea in the service of Leopoldo Di Vittorio.

■ Rinaldo Contarino, crossbowman

A slight and agile fellow, Rinaldo is a skilled marksman originally from Trantio in northern Tilea. A deserter of the Trantio municipal guard, Rinaldo headed south seeking adventure and the prospect of personal wealth.

■ Franco Chioza, pistolier

Formally a lowly brigand from Trantio, Franco has aspired from the gutters, finding his forte as a pistolier and becoming a reputable mercenary much valued by Leopoldo. 

■ Grenrig Gulbron, Dwarf spearman

One of Luccini's Dwarf population, Grenrig sought out the mercenary life after his regiment suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Hel Fenn. 

■ Michele Barbieri, mercenary 

Originating from rural Tilea located near to Verezzo, Michele is another member who escaped from a life of poverty. Skilled with the bow as well as his trusted axe, Michele is one of Leopoldo's longest serving and most trusted subordinates. 

■ Manno Barozzi, mercenary 

A once disgraced palace guard of Tobaro, Manno fled from likely imprisonment for adventure and the dream of untold riches. For Manno, and many others who choose this path, the reality is an early death and an unmarked grave.

 Well as I mentioned in the previous post, the door is left open to expand this warband down the line. I have at least half a dozen suitable candidates that will fit but for now I'm calling it a finished project - and I don't often get to say that!

 I'm a little unsure what the next project will be. I'm keen to add to my Tilean mercenary army although I have felt the temptation to resume my Chaos Beastmen/Broo force as well. I'm concerned about losing the Tilean vibe if I opt for that just yet so that may have to wait a little. 








14 comments:

  1. Such beautiful painting! A great war band!

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  2. Standing ovation. I simply love what you achieved here.

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    1. Cheers Suber! It's great to finally have a classic fighter warband painted.

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  3. Excellent work!
    Love every aspect of that band!

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    1. Cheers Michał! Such a lovely group of models to paint.

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  4. Enjoyed the backstory, love the warband. These will be great for Mordheim.

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    1. Thanks Ellesse. That's good to know as I hate writing fluff lol!

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  5. duuuuuude! This is a brilliant display. Love the shot of them all together. ;)

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    1. Ah cheers Tom! Was very satisfying to get a group shot of all the lads finished.

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  6. The selection and execution is flawless. Plus great backstories. Great choice to situate them in Tilea. Bravo!

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    1. That's a mighty compliment Matthew, thanks! Glad you liked the backstories. Yeah love the whole Tilean mercenary vibe!

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  7. Superlative work and the little histories of each character just raise the bar even higher! It's little touches like Moscatelli's penchant for Cathayan philosophy that really brings projects like this to life.

    As for the dreaded question "what's next?" - seems a shame to lose the Tilean vibe like you say but I'd love to see how you'd tackle the Broo. I can be patient though!

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    1. Cheers mate! The histories were kept brief as I hate doing fluff! It's conjured up enough for me to familiarise with them though and like you say, bring them to life. Yeah tricky one regarding What's Next. I'm sticking with the Tileans although as much as I love them, I do find Empire models slow going but they do need to be painted to the best of my ability. The Broo will come, just don't want to leave the Tilea project stalled.

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