Early Frankish Army for DBA (II/72)

Panorama of the Early Frankish battle line

Early Frankish Cav and Blade Command

This article shows a miniature army in 15mm scale painted andbased for the miniatures game De Bellis Antiquitatis.Each army consists of 12 stands (known in the game as elements) of 2 to 4 figures per stand.The II/72 Early Frankish army represents western European peoples in the years 250-584 A.D.including the Franks, Alamanni, Quadi, Suevi, Rugian, and Turcilingi.Enemies of the Early Franks include Middle and Late Imperial Romans, Vandals, Gepids, and the Huns.In the game, the Early Franks have the following configurations:

1. Quadi 250-406AD: 1x3Kn (Gen), 10x4Wb, 1x2Ps.
2. Alamanni 250-506AD: 1x3Cv or 4Wb (Gen). 7x4Wb, 3x3Bw, 1x2Ps.
3. Suevi 250-584AD: 1x3Kn (Gen), 8x4Wb, 2x3Bw, 1x2Ps.
4. Others: 1xCv or 4Wb (Gen), 10x4Wb, 1x2Ps.

To the right we see the leaders: 1x3Cv and 1x4Wb.Of course, the general rides a white horse with a nice red plume on his helmet.The warband has a nice standard bearer and trumpet blower.

I got fed up with Vallejo metallics which I used on the foot generals.The Vallejo metallic paint is simply not very opaque, has large particles, and isvery goopy.I used stinky Humbrol enamels on the mounted figures. This paintis nicely opaque and has very fine particles.It is tough to see in such reduced photos, but in person the Humbrolmetallics look like metal.It is a shame to deal with smelly paint thinner once again after using benign water-basedacrylics for so long.

Early Frankish Warbands

To the right is a photo of the 7x4Wb warband.

The figures are mostly Old Glory.I painted them with the "magic dip" method described at theFanaticus site.Basically, paint them with acrylic paints with little or no highlighting or shading.Then dunk the completed figure an the ink-like productsuch as MinWax PolyShades Jacobean or Tudor shade.This product is a stain and polyurethane with a matte finish.Most of it runs off, but some shading is left in the crevices anddepressions giving the miniature a nice three dimensional look.Then I finish them with a matte clear coat to protect the figure.Especially with 15mm figures, this is a quick and easy method to paint an army.

Early Frankish Bow and Psiloi

To the right is a photo of the 3x3Bw bow and 1x2Ps psiloi.I will use these guys to harass my enemy horse.Hopefully a massed group of 3 bows can do some damage.

The bases are from Litko Aerosystems.Glue the appropriate number of figures to the base,coat with white glue, and flock with static grass and peebles froma scenery company such as Woodland Scenics.I like thin bases that blend with the tabletop.These bases are laser cut plywood that barely warp, even when coatedwith dilute glue.

Early Frankish Attack Line

Here is a battle line of the Early Franks.The general is pointing and saying "I want you!"Or perhaps he is challenging you to "pull my finger"as we know the Franks had a diet of boar meat, beer, and very few vegetables.The warbands are eager and ready to kill some Romans.Hopefully the battle will not be a repeat of the opening battle in the movie Gladiator.

Other of my DBA related articles and armies are available at:

• Dan's DBA Painted Army List

There are more articles on Britannia at the Britannia page and many miniatures-related articles at Dan Becker's Models and Miniatures Site.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my figures.