The Relief of Plavigorica - Mark's Araby Allied Contingent - May Leader month

 Forgive my handwriting, for I write in pain but also gratitude.  Today we moved against the besiegers, emboldened by hashish, desiring to drive a wedge before the gate, to bolster the defenders and share the provisions we have.  From our Sultan’s munificence our camels were laden with dates, sherbet, flour and honey, while we ate from the land. 

Yet just before dawn, the Skaven catapults brought down part of the west wall.  Therefore, our noble Emir diverted our spearhead to defend the breach.  He met Chief Vilethrottle in single combat amid the rubble, and slew him. Alas, our Emir’s wounds are grave and may be beyond the assistance of the magi.

Our corsairs fought an immense rat ogre who towered above them. Fierce stormvermin pushed back our spears. Evil fire throwers tore holes in our ranks. Our carpets - including my own - were brought down by their jezails.  And yet, at the point of defeat, with a great shout, the starving and desperate people of Plavigorica led by Vojvod Milos, surged out, sparking panic in the Skaven ranks.  With Vilethrottle slain, their captains could not stop a rout.  

Now we rest in safety and are thankful.  Our brave Emir lies in the Vojvod's own bedchamber.  Our alchemists and the local physicians have worked through the night but he does not rally.  He said "Let it be known, my wish was again to look upon the Old World, so beloved of my youth. I am at peace".   And I, Snorri, say this now: Although we have prevailed, surely there are no victors in these wars we wage.

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This month, I am painting the contingent’s leaders – the commander, a contingent standard bearer, and a sorcerer.

I managed to get hold of a copy of Suliman the Saracen on eBay in late 2024.  I bought a Footsore warhorse, to which I added some tassels in hope of a slightly more arabesque look. 

But the opportunity for a camel was too tempting. I think the best camels are from Perry Miniatures’ Mahdist war range. 

To get another camel through the OWAC needle, I converted a standard bearer from a Gripping Beast Arab spearman. I’d painted myself into a corner in terms of banner size, with both the archers and corsairs having pretty big flags, and I didn’t want to make this one even bigger despite it being an army standard.  So, the hastily constructed backstory is it is the personal banner of the Sultan.  Although making the journey in person would be beneath him, sending his standard shows his endorsement, and serves as an inspiring rallying point for the troops (without being too large!)

A camel's profile is similar to a horse with a lower speed but higher toughness and willpower.

• In melee, riders have a +2 save from being slightly higher up, except when facing opponents with spears or polearms, when it is the normal +1 for being mounted.
• Camels repel horses.  A horse mounted unit must make a Cl test* to charge camels. 

For my story, this contingent is sent by Alkadi Nazreen, the Sultan depicted in Brian Craig’s Orfeo trilogy**.   The Emir is his military leader. The political leader, the Grand Vizier, will be painted in June.  He is really just a well-appointed member of the baggage train, who’d rather not be sent on this trip but needs must.  

Another important leader, and one of the Magi, is the sorcerer and astronomer Al-Nrikman. He is a level 20 Magus with the ability to summon a djinn.

 

The Citadel sorcerer is the foot version of the flying carpet rider painted last month.  Byron kindly offered to send me one all the way from Tacoma, but I managed to find one in the UK, on the Demon’s Lair website.  The djinn is from Ral Partha Europe, and is the equivalent of a level 6 air elemental. 

Al-Nrikman also has an imp familiar, N’tonik, who (as far as can be told) has the worst profile in all Warhammer:

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The contingent so far:                              

January:  10 Arabyan Guard + Hashishin: 165pts

February: 10 Desert Archers:110 pts

March: 10 Araby Corsairs:198 pts

April: 2 Flying carpets ridden by fakirs and a Snake charmer: 325 pts

May:  Contingent commander: Level 20 hero on camel:109pts

Contingent standard bearer: Level 5 hero on camel with magic standard: 83pts

Sorcerer: Level 15 wizard: 155pts

Djinn: 600pts

Imp: 1pt

Total:947pts

Next month is the wildcard, which for me will be the baggage train.  More camels!

*Rider's Cool is the stat used to test for control of horses in WFB 3rd Edition - when they are spooked by fire.

**Nazreen is a convert from Estalia.  In some ways this makes him more interesting, (how did he become Sultan?), but I think a truly Arabyan character might have been better (just as Stands with A Fist from Dances with Wolves, should have been Sioux).