Don't start with the guards!

When building a new army, a painter of wargames figures with any experience knows that you don’t start with the guards. Paint up a goodly amount of rank and file first and then give yourself a treat by painting an elite unit.

I am starting on Persians to fight Cunaxa (401 BC) and what do I do? I paint the guards first!

These fine looking men represent Cyrus’ bodyguard. Xenophon records them on armoured horses with additional leg armour, wearing red tunics, purple cloaks and white plumes.

I decide to vary the red tunic shades from pink through to deep burgundy and add different decorative patterns. This gives them a degree of individuality whilst still retaining a coherent look. I went for mauve rather than true purple for the cloaks.

The figures are Newline Designs 20mm Persian heavy cavalry and Kappadocians.

Now on to the rank and file — and scythed chariots.