Wargaming maths

HBO's Rome dvd boxed set plus Goldsworthy's "Anthony and Cleopatra" plus Ladybird books equals a wargames project for the dark winter Northern European evenings!
What could be better than pyramids , deserts and the exotic sights,sounds and smells of the Orient to warm one after struggling home through the rain and chill?
Now for some research for illustrations of Cesarian Rome infantry-

A couple of Roman Generals- ideal inspiration for my version of mark Anthony. I am trying to resist depicting him in a lion pulled chariot.
Now Cleopatra and the Egyptian army-

I shall be basing her army and those of her brother on the figure with the spear in the background. So lorica segmentata for the Romans and New Kingdom  for their allies/enemies...

Ancient texts

I obtained this volume recently-

It is the only wrg book of the time I never owned way back then. The copy is from an old school library and is complete with date stamp for borrowings around 1977. I like to think that it set feet upon the road to a life long hobby interest.

New old school gaming

Got the new old school lead out and  used them in  a game using  these rules-
http://gatheringofhosts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/a-summary-for-summery-test-game.html
I am going to tweak the rules but for a first outing they worked really well.

The "Greek" army,or rather part of it,arrayed...

The "Eastern Army" of the Great King arrayed on the opposite of the table, with some books in the background reminding me I have too many already but continue to buy.
More later /tomorrow hopefully with tweaks like increased/decreased strength points for certain units.

Developments

A visit from the Forbodian Ambassador has resulted in an influx of old school lead (mainly painted) for my ancient gaming. It is awaiting some basing,repairs and probably gloss varnishing before it can be used for games. Pics here soon when the camera lead shows up...

Medieval gaming

Inspired by recent reading-

I set up a game.The men of the North islands and high lands have made another invasion in search of plunder-

Stout yeomen have gathered to defend the Little Kingdom-

The camp  is defended against the wild invaders-

More photos of the game later...

Armies of the Rose & Thistle

Hols have started so I will continue to get ancient bits and bobs together.I am going to try to get some games going between the Army of the Thistle  led by-

and Army of the Rose led by -

Watch this space...

Figures ideas sought...

I'm looking for ideas of a figure (old or new school) to represent a crazy,capricious commander of one of my armies who will be based on Elagabalus.Any suggestions of a suitable figure? 

Reinforcements

New chaps bought off ebay and arrived of late-

Garrison figures for a Greek/Roman imagi army for Guyleria. You can't beat the old figures can you?

Update

I had set the game up on our bed and had to take it down due to not having time to play it before we needed the bed to sleep in! However with some rooting around and basing etc I have ended the holidays with completed Vendhyans - see back of photo-

Not to mention some medievals-

which are in the foreground of both photos.
I start January therefore with the following  4 armies ready  for Guyleria-
Vendhyans replete with three war mammoths,chariot and rockets (note white smoke trail in top photo)
Keltoi with light cavalry,infantry and loads of slingers with the option of painting some chariots sometime when
Medievals with bowmen,crossbowmen.knights on foot, some dodgy levy and the ducal warchest (see front of first & second photo) to be guarded on the battlefield at all cost...
Roman type chaps - currently using my dbm based figures but hope to add some Garrison instead to the fray.
There are some Emesan/Edessan type city states troops to paint  and who know what else will take my fancy...
I think I am pretty well set up for some games ahead with the "Gathering of Hosts" rules.

Mammoth New Year

In Guyleria the Vendhyan army has taken the field to oppose some Keltoi raiders-

The Keltoi bang their shields and make their war cries...

The Vendhyan general tries to persuade the Keltoi Druids to tell their men to retreat...

but to no avail.The battle will begin as soon as the generals take their stations .
News and photos later,oh and Happy New Year to one and a all!