Sorry I've been quiet. I am hard at work on my rules or, rather, the 'army guides' to go with them. That has occupied most of my waking hours lately. I think I've more or less broken the back of the job, with just some 'tidying up' to do really. I started off not really enjoying it, and the first versions of the 'lists' (particularly the 'hairy barbarian' ones) were a little bland. But I have gradually got more 'into' it, with the encouragement of my little band of play-testers. The latest version is quite good, even if I say it as shouldn't, and I almost find myself wishing for German and Dacian armies - though in the cold light of day the idea of painting even one more 'war-band' army fills me with dread. There's a bit to go before the rules and guides are ready for publication, but we're getting there. I've started to think about design, and layout. That's a bit complicated because I'm hoping to prevail upon Rich (Clarke, of Too Fat Lardies) to publish several versions, including one for 'mobile devices'.
My friend and fellow lunatic, Paul Darnell, has started a new, and very attractive, Blog about Hadrian's Wall. It's well worth a visit. The photography, in particular, is excellent, and makes me want to 'down tools' and charge the seventy or so miles up to 'Wall Country' for a good day's wandering.
It looks as though I'm doing two demos at the Partizan shows this year - one a 'straight' game with Rich Clarke to introduce him to the rules properly (and to get another good big game in, and do more play-testing) - the second, at the September show a 'siege' game with Paul Darnell, Romans (Leg II Augusta) under Vespasian assaulting a hill fort 'Somewhere in the West of England'. I'm really looking forward to both, but the second, on one of Paul's superb tables, should be a visual treat.
Keith, at Aventine Miniatures, has been ill, which has slowed things down, but it looks as though the first of the Pyrrhic infantry aren't too far away. I'm hoping that they'll be as nice as the rest of the stuff Keith and Adam produce - i.e. nothing short of superbly attractive models. I'm hoping to get back to painting the second half of my first allied legion later in the week.