Hypaspists for Hydaspes

(Try saying that after a few drinks...) 

First three units painted specifically for the Society of Ancients Battle Day 2015, finally photographed.

Silver Shields elite pikes flanked by Hypaspists.

These are two of the three Hypaspist (Royal Guard) units, either side of a new pike unit. The figures are all Foundry from their World of the Greeks range. Lovely little miniatures, every figure of the 36 I have is different, with subtle variation in armour and pose. The pikemen have a plethora of variants too, with some nice soft hats and extra kit, the sort of thing that you would expect of hardened campaigners. They have been sitting in their boxes waiting for me to get around to painting them for a long time.

I have done the figures in posh multi-colour armour and with uniform shields (Foundry decals.)  They have all been given short spears / javelins so that they can engage elephants with a missile weapon as suggested by the description of the battle. (I am more than happy that these elite guards carried whatever weapon best suited their mission.)

I have painted one of the three Hypaspist units planned in purple armour and carrying a standard in case  I ever want to differentiate a possible senior regiment amongst the Hypaspists. About a third of the figures had the white helmet plumes that probably signify guard status. Won't make any difference in our Hydaspes refight however.

I just need to matt varnish these guys and finish off the third unit and the cutting edge of Alexander's infantry will be ready!