Assyrian army

Assyrian army

Tuesday, 2 April 2024

Assyrians pretending to be Shem...

Somewhere in my mind something is telling me that the Hyborian Campaign Shemite army was composed of Assyrians. HoTT says that Howard described them as 'swarthy, hook nosed and with curled black beards' - not going to check out the original reference but that, plus a vague memory, made me feel that the Assyrians would be the best option.

I always try to base figures with shields facing front. It does mean I sometimes think I've wasted my time on things like the armour!

The army will be Rider General, 5 Riders and 6 shooter elements. So these are the shooters. For cavalry, 4 elements will come from a 12 figure unit of 10 AC4, Armoured cavalry with shield and spear and bow in case, plus officer and standard bearer.

The final element could then be an Hykranian mercenary, either from this unit or a yet-to-do unit of SS67, Hykran cavalryman with spear (figures already cast!)

The Rider general to complete the line up is currently on the paint desk - a 2 horse 3 crew Assyrian chariot with a crew of charioteer, standard bearer and general firing bow. Technically, probably a heavy chariot, but I'm happy using it as a Rider element.

Whether this army will get any bigger, don't know, see what happens.

11 comments:

  1. They look great! The helmets are perfect for Shem.

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    1. Steel with the brass decoration at the front does seem to work well.

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  2. Very nice, they certainly look the part, hopefully the army will get bigger!!

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    1. Probably. But I already have a Lamming based Assyrian army, a Minifigs one and a 20mm Garrison one. Afourth army would seem excessive, especially when there are so many other armies out there to build.

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  3. Ideal Shem indeed.
    Alan Tradgardland

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  4. Those horse archers aren't about to run out of arrows any time soon. I have no idea what Shem were like but Assyrians are always a good idea, such a distinctive aesthetic.

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  5. Very colourful, I particularly like the horse archers!

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    1. The horse archers are colourful - just not really sure they're supposed to be.

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