From PeterD - Curtailed Nicomo Cosca (40 Points)

Please excuse the poor photography and lighting

This is the first of what I hope will be three small posts from me today. My Curtgeld is a Condotierro captain and standard bearer, which I have modeled after the character Nicomo Cosca from Joe Abercrombie's First Law world. The figures are 28mm metals from the Perry European Armies 1450-1500 range, specifically the Italian command pack.

I do like the movement and posing on these figures

This is a risk taking on my part, since I know Curt has the exact same figures and will surely do a much better painting job than I can achieve. But what the hey, it's all about pushing personal envelopes. I have left the figures on ~~pennies~~ commemorative copper medallions featuring an image of the queen, rather than basing them. Curt's instructions said that this was perfectly Kosher, plus he can base them as he sees fit (or not). Hopefully they can find a home as a command stand with his Italian wars forces.

I seem to get the flag in profile! However, the shields show up well here.

I don't follow many high fantasy series any more, but Abercrombie is one that I follow eagerly. He produces books that are great reads, fittingly witty at times and thought provoking at others. Plus his writing speed seems to match my desired reading input speed. I really like how the same characters can appear sympathetic in one novel and then be less likable in the next. A prime case is Cosca, a mercenary who appears in most of the books of his First Law world in various roles. Initially he is a broken down drunken soldier of fortune forced to take a command in a forgotten garrison, but who finds his courage when the moment comes. Later he becomes a successful mercenary commander, a schemer in an assassination plot, a duke and lastly a hired thug who meets a well deserved end. He consistently goes all in and rolls the dice and we see the result of his wins and losses along the way.

Again excuse the poor lighting.

There is a First Law Wiki which has info on Cosca plus pictures of how others imagine him for those who are interested. It channeled my inner John Lennon "They're just stories man!", but gave me details without reading all 5 of the books in short order. He likes fancy clothes, the drink and rides a roller coaster of life. I gave him a slashed crimson tunic, bi-coloured purple and yellow hose and gilded touches to his rather simple armour (mail, breast plate and barbute) plus a rotadella shield with a griffin emblem. His standard bearer wears similar but less splendid clothes and carries a flag carrying the same griffin emblem.

I added this close up to show the details better. The faces have detail but I lack the skill to bring it out in a photo.

The shields are hand painted as I lack either the patience or skill to use transfers. I am not completely happy with the griffin but in the end went with the "two foot standard". I am quite happy with the quartered rotadella on the standard bearer, particularly as it was achieved without the requisite glass of red wine. The flag came from this excellent site.

This is completely awesome Pete, thank you so much!

I really like the vibrant colours you've used, and I think you've done a brilliant job on the two shields (sans plonk no less - 'sto cazzo!'). I've not heard of the 'First Law' novels, but now my interest is piqued and will definitely pick them up, especially as I will have one of the principals in my collection! In fact I may have to ply you with a few bottles and convince you to paint up a full detachment of Cosca's men for me to add to my mercenary army. ;)