Front of the Arch Secundi

Rome

Via Secundi, leading down to the Colosseum Secundi

The Arch of Secundi

This huge arch was set up to celebrate the victory over Alanicus at the battle of Narona by the Secundian forces.

Secundus returns to Rome

On returning to Rome, Secundus checks up on the construction of his latest project, the Colosseum Secundi. The giant structure will soon hold games and events to please the crowds of Rome and secure Secondus's grip on the capital. "He who controls the mob, controls Rome" quote from the film 'Secundi, the true Emperor'

Secundus, was not pleased with the lack of progress, there was still a long way to go before completion and time was running out.

5th of July has finally arrived, let battle commence!

Will the large numbers of Cavalry within the Army of Gaul out manoeuvre the German Legions for Tullus, or will the wolf-clad Germans turn the flanks of the Gauls, winning another victory for Secundus? Let the dice fly high!
The veteran General Dewolfus, leads the Army of the Rhine into battle in the name of the greedy tyrant, Secundus.
Meanwhile, the young charismatic General, M.Plinius Fulvius leads the Army of Gaul in the name of the Spanish soldier General, Tullus.

Steady Jones..easy does It...

After spending six months lost in work I have finally started to paint again...and It feels great! I had complete painters block after drawing for six months solid, a situation that had never happened to me before. I drew up plans and designs to get my mind fizzing again but I just couldn't get started.
My table, littered with half finished vehicles and figures was now covered in an inch of dust and I just couldn't change gear in my head. Then I came across the 'Art of War' Wehrmacht edition for flames of war. I'm not really into 15mm painting or gaming but the artwork and glossy pictures started to wake up my sleeping imagination again. On returning to my debris covered table I found my half finished British Platoon and with all the WWII painting tips in my head set about them like a man possessed. Another tip that helped me get started was to paint groups of three of four figures at a time rather than eight to ten man groups. I am happily painting away again now with the help of the Welsh fusiliers, Thanks guys.

Keeping the past alive...today!

After being voted the worst re-enactment group in Britain 2009 by Skirmish Magazine, the Hockley Roman Society meet to discuss events for the coming year.

Celts..thousands of 'em

"why us sir?" "because we're here lad....and no one else".

Batavians on watch duty

After giving It a bit more thought and research I came up with this design for the shield. I have two Auxiliaries sitting on their own in the cabinet with large hexagonal shields and they look good. The shape of the shields seem to scream out German to me and so I've started to think of them as Batavian.

I will add to them to produce a small skirmish unit of 12 Batavians, all with hexagonal shields (from AandA miniatures) and using Warlord Games Auxiliaries. The shield Design is German also which helps towards the Batavian character. Here they are, the odd couple. At the moment their shields are still blank, but already they look different from the other Auxiliary units.

Batavians on guard duty

This week I have been drawing up Batavian Auxiliaries and trying to design a good look for them. I like the shield design featured in Ancient Warfare Magazine and have seen It used elsewhere on the Internet for Batavians.
I like the idea of backing this design in the hope that It may become a kind of short hand for Batavians troops on the war games table and an easy way of recognising Batavians among other Auxiliary units. This is kind of wrong I know and may lead to misinformation, a bit like everybody thinking all Romans wore red after watching the old 60's sword and sandal films. However, I still like the Idea of using it.
Also, I want to include a few long sleeved and trousered warriors in there to give a bit of German character. These could be new recruits just arrived, or old veterans who have taken a few liberties with their dress.

The Face Of Rome

It's tough at the top.

Covered Scutums

Hats off to Warlord Games for producing a huge mountain of Roman equipment to support their growing range. This week I bought Scutums with Pilum attached, very useful for skirmishing units and these covered Scutums. A nice touch and a worthy addition to any baggage train. Now the troops actual look like they're packed for the journey.



If there are any savage Germans eyeing this baggage train with greedy expressions...don't even think about it! At least wait until we clear the forest before you try anything.

Six more Celts join the throng

Six figures in six months that's quite some going. I have been so busy this year that I haven't had chance to pick up the brush. The weird thing now, is that I'm finding it really hard to get started again. The bug has gone and those Horse Archers are still there...laughing. I may need to give myself a juicy project to kick off again, maybe those Batavians I've been putting off for years...

Battle is near

"At last a chance to earn a promotion!" Centurion Severus on hearing the orders to attack.

Campaign Battle, Sunday 5th of July

The order has been given! The Army of Gaul with do battle with the Army of the Rhine. Will it be Tullus and the Senate who prevail, or shall General Dewolfus claim another victory for Secundus. Only the Gods can decide...that and a few dice of course.

The Lucky Saving Throw

After a twenty minute struggle, Optio Marcus Fabius is spared by a fluky saving throw.

Tales from the Table top

The luck of the dice.

We Love Germania!

"We want you to go home!" Here can be seen a friendly group of Germans offering to help the Legions home. The quickest and easiest route is through the Teutoburg Wald, come on there's no time to delay.

I Hate Germania!

"I want to go home!"