Cheers David. Yes, working them into game systems has been super enjoyable. They add another immersive layer. Now toying with the idea of building a few custom battering rams...perhaps with some villagers steering, if I can manage to work some magic...

Fielding some finished Gothic* archers, Roman/Latin cav, Roman ballista.

Recent trip to the local fabric store has served well yet another installment of the Hannibal campaign...so much terrain to fill! Going to attempt spray painting for my first mat...any tips? 

I remember dyeing some old sheets green many many years ago to use as the base for battlefields. I used an old second-hand baby bath and did it outside on a warm but not windy day.

A peek at the battlefield prior to a game with friends. Battle of the Trebia, 218 BC, Rome and Carthage. What a blast :) 

Hannibal's (Chris) early aggression was the story of the first half, with Carthage making strong gains across the river and up to the boundaries of Placentia. The momentum would swing, however, with Rome's Sempronius Longus (Mike) taking charge in the latter half by orchestrating an effective defensive line, preventing the invading Punics from breaching the Latin settlement. Flipping the script on history, Rome wins the day on objectives and casualties. 

Mustered a few more Republicans over the weekend. 

Hastati w/ gladius 

Italian Hoplites

Hastati/Principes w/ pilum

My first fabric mat was a fleece blanket from Amazon in lime green. I sprayed patches on it on the washing line on a sunny day. The sprays I used were darker green, a sandy colour and a mid brown. This served me well until I began to get professionally printed mats. I donated the original mat to the wargames club before I left the UK.

Thanks for the tips, folks. I've made a few attempts using a few different fabrics, with mixed results. Will try to showcase one at somepoint over the summer. 

Velites

Looking forward to seeing the results! 

As usual your figures are very well painted and I look forward to seeing shots of them in action.

A wee weekend skirmish.