Hey everyone! We’re back with more April goodness. Today, we’re diving into the "soul" of our two factions. On one side, we explore the mysterious and magical origins of our Beastmen, and on the other, the fierce loyalty of the Anglo-Saxon elite.
Let’s get into it!
1. The Bannerman: Primordial Magic & Shifting Nature
Our Beastmen aren't just monsters; they are marauders who strike from the deepest parts of the forest. Nobody really knows where they come from or if they are more "man" or more "beast." What is certain, though, is that magic has a profound, twisting influence on them.
Workshop Tip (Bestigord with Cloak): For this guy, we wanted to emphasize that "primitive" feel. When painting his cloak, think of raw, untanned hides. Use heavy dry-brushing or stippling to give it a rough, weathered texture that contrasts with the dark, magic-infused skin of the beast itself.
The "Mirror" Race: Interestingly, these are the same race we designed for our Wood Elves (Silvanos), but in their most primitive form. They are the ultimate example of how your environment and the company you keep shape who you become. While the Silvans found harmony, these Beastmen stayed in the dark, becoming raw, wild, and unpredictable.
The Centaurs: These aren't graceful forest guardians. They are heavy, magical aberrationspure muscle and fury meant to shatter enemy lines.
. The Adventurer: The King’s Hearth & The Village Life
Moving over to the historical side, we’re looking at the men who held the kingdom together and the small details that make a tabletop feel alive.
The HeartWeard (Heorðwerod): Today we’re showing the HeartWeard on horseback. Historically, these were the "Hearth-troop"—the professional elite who lived in the King's own hall. They weren't just soldiers; they were bound by a sacred oath of loyalty to their lord. If the King fell in battle, the HeartWeard was expected to fight to the death over his body. We’ve designed them with high-status gear to reflect their position as the King’s personal shield.
The Pigsty: History isn't just about battles; it's about what you’re fighting to protect! We’ve added this Anglo-Saxon Pigsty as a terrain piece. It’s a perfect "objective" for a raid scenario or just to add some authentic 9th-century flavor to your farmsteads and villages.
Hope you guys are enjoying this look into the "why" behind the minis. We love building these worlds as much as we love sculpting the models.
More tomorrow! :)