Mad Matthias of The Badlands

This week I managed to finish up my Bretonnian Baron on Pegasus, the biggest model I’ve painted in a long while. I actually bought the BSB model, took the standard from the kit and whacked that on another character. The big fella here has had a little conversion work done, just an Empire helmet and a normal knight’s lance was added. As a mercenary general, maybe he’s picked up a few odds and ends along the way.

Mad Matt is the leader of the Brigands army I’ve been building this year as part of a slow-grow Old World: Blood in the Badlands campaign. We’re onto our second season and the guys in our gaming group have kept the fire lit under this for over six months and I can see it running for quite a bit longer!

Anyway, hope you enjoy..

Mad Matt in all of his glory!

A couple of notes on his paint job, I made a few sketches with my kids colouring pencils to decide on the main colours - red, white and yellow, plus I knew I would follow over the checkers theme from my other units I'd painted. I also knew from the start I wanted dark armour to give a menacing vibe. I mostly worked my way up from contrast paints, layering and glazing with regular acrylics. The wings of the Pegasus got a nice blue and purple glaze which doesn't really show in the photos, but I'm pretty happy with it. Lastly, the green dragon that features on his helmet and on the freehand, was a last minute choice. I needed a colour that would pop against the red, and also it's a little nod to The Lord of the Rings. I imagine that when Matthias renounced his loyalty to Bretonnia, he changed the colour of his dragon sigil from red to green - after his favourite pub.

Slightly better view of the freehand.

Finally, a bit of background lore to finish this one off..

Matthias of Gisors, leader of the infamous Red Company, hails from the Bretonnian Dukedom of Bastonne. Matthias is the bastard son of a noble family and despite his illegitimate blood, was allowed to squire for his father. He showed great martial prowess, reaching full knighthood at an early age and leading campaigns against beastmen and greenskins. He proved ruthless, charismatic and during this time many lower born knights and men-at-arms pledged their service. Despite this, a fondness for drink and other less chivalrous behaviour led him to fall out with the nobility. He was banished and left for the Border Princes, fighting as a sell-sword for many years.

Quickly, his renown grew - as did the size of his company. Many adventurous knights flocked to the service of the Red Company as word Matthias' exploits spread. It was not long before Thornspire was captured, a strategic keep bordering the Badlands. This grow to become the Border Princedom of Gisors. By now he commanded thousands of men and horse, not just from Bretonnia, but mercenaries from Tilea, the Empire and further abroad. Matthias became known as the Red Prince, the Young Dragon, or the Bastard of Bastonne to some. Although his rise was impressive, the influence he held over his company was unsettling to many. Potential allies distrusted him and often avoided diplomacy.

If this bothered Matthias, he was unheeding. Growing tired of politicking and fighting greenskins, he led the Red Company further south into the Badlands in search of glory. Empire building and castles no longer held interest to him, only besting the next enemy. Implacable, he drove toward whatever fate  waited him, his company in tow.

Thanks for reading, cheers.