Every servant of the Empress has their role. Mine just happens to involve balancing transactions and making sure that mercenaries like yourself fulfil their obligations. And while yes, my usefulness against a horde of orcs or the Northmen may be limited, I do like to think it works better when I am in charge of the coin purse for an expedition, rather than someone more used to using a sword rather than a pen. The right tool for the right job.
Aberforth Halwyn, Imperial Paymaster
Now hand me the pouch of salt and spices from my bag – I don’t believe this so-called cook has ever heard of seasoning and I’ll be dammed if I’m eating something so lacking in flavour.
Halflings! Adorable little bastards, usually the butt of most jokes in fantasy settings, much beloved of naps, good food and avoiding work. Something I’m sure we can all agree on.
When thinking up Midgard as a setting, I’m trying to find the guiding line between “perfect utopia” and “extreme fantasy racism” that a lot of settings seem to be going for (such as the Witcher). I’m trying to avoid the classic fantasy tropes, especially regarding the barbarians beyond the “civilised lands” (for a whole host of reasons) but I’m trying hard not to just make “another fantasy setting TM” while still having the features I’m wanting.
For this reason, the Halflings of Midgard are going to pull from multiple elements. Even if it’s traditional, I am keeping the idea of them being agricultural but updated slightly. Rather than just being a pastoral reminder of Middle England, instead they are actual canny farmers and inventors that work through their limitations – this ends up making them a keen part of the Empire as they see the need for co-operation. They get heavily involved in the day to day running of the Imperial organisations, with some of these skills then being in high demand with private individuals – even the dumbest lord in the Marches knows it’s handy to have someone who can balance the books when the Imperial Tax Collectors arrive for their share.
This halfling model is the paymaster from Last Sword, included alongside the paymaster wagon and a group of rough and tumble fellows escorting it. However, upon adding him to the base, I realised he would need a little something to make him stand a little higher. The cash box from the Elf Bard (a figure on my desk waiting to be painted) was almost perfect, if a little on the small side. However, thanks to 3d printing, I scaled it up slightly so both of his feet would fit on it. Got to love my magical resin box.
Painting wise, I decided to give him some armour pieces. Technically the vest is just clothing but I really like the idea that this particular halfling is valued enough to have armoured gloves and a breastplate. Just what’s needed for an adventuring fellow.
The main detail apart from the metal is the Black and Yellow. These are the new Imperial colours I’m using (perhaps inspired by a certain fantasy game I’ve been playing), while the Red and White will remain the scheme for other imperial elements (like the Swordmasters). Yellow is usually a bugger, but Flash Gitz Yellow over Eshin Grey seems to have worked out okay.
I’ve got a few more fantasy models to paint up but before I really get into them there is the matter of trying out my rules. Perhaps on Wednesday?