There’s something truly special about seeing your miniatures come back from the painting desk, fully brought to life, the colours, the details, the personalities. And thanks to the incredibly talented Jez Allum, the first warriors for my Warring Clans hobby project have returned from their preparation for battle, and they look absolutely stunning.

In this post, I’m showing off the first painted groups Jez has completed, all made from the Fireforge Games plastic samurai and ashigaru kits, which I purchased from North Star Military Figures. These models were chosen specifically for their versatility, detail, and suitability for kitbashing, and Jez has more than done them justice.

The Warriors Take Shape

Here’s a look at each painted group so far, captured in all their tabletop glory:

Ashigaru with Yari (Spears)
These ashigaru spearmen were chosen to form the backbone of the force - simple, disciplined, and ready to create a strong defensive line. Jez has copied the colours I requested perfectly, and I am certain they will stand out on the tabletop. I also asked for the spears to be shortened to make them easier to transport and use in a skirmish game.

Samurai with Katana (Swords)
Next up, the noble samurai. These warriors are posed mid-action, swords drawn and ready to be used as a hard-hitting group. Jez has brought the layered armour to life beautifully with careful shading, and each face carries just enough character to tell a story.

Ashigaru with Yumiya (Bow and Arrow)
These ashigaru archers provide a great contrast to the melee troops, bringing ranged support to the force. With bows drawn and ready, their poses add a real sense of anticipation and action. Jez has painted them in the same colours as the spearmen, visually tying them together into a unified force.

Samurai with Naginata (Polearm or 'mowing sword')
Armed with their iconic polearm, these samurai bring a commanding presence to the battlefield. The length and elegance of the naginata give them a distinct silhouette, making them stand out as elite warriors among the ranks. Whether advancing through village streets or striding across open ground in support of the Commander, they’re sure to look both imposing and purposeful on the tabletop.

Ashigaru with Tanegashima (Matchlocks)
These ashigaru armed with tanegashima bring a distinct flavour to the force, reflecting the growing importance of firearms during the Sengoku period. They feel suitably gritty and grounded, exactly the kind of troops you’d expect to be holding a firing line behind walls or fieldworks.

Mounted Samurai Commander and Hatamoto Standard Bearer
The final two models have a real battlefield presence. I chose to mount my force commander to help him stand apart from the rest of the warriors, giving him a clear sense of authority and status on the tabletop. Alongside him is his trusted hatamoto, carrying one of the clan’s nobori, a bold, vertical banner that marks their position on the field. Jez added some great personalised touches to the banner bearer, including his white armour, giving him the look of a seasoned warrior with a vital role in the command structure.

And the best part? There’s more to come.

Both Sides of the Battle

Jez is now painting up more troops, so I’ll be able to field both sides for games, making it easier to convince my gaming group to give it a go, which also means playing Warring Clans is getting closer to reality. Even better, he’s also started work on two groups of cavalry, which I can’t wait to see galloping across the battlefield.

All of this not only supports my vision for Warring Clans using The Barons’ War ruleset, but the aesthetic and troop choices also translate perfectly into games of Test of Honour, a nice bonus for me as I can use the same miniatures to play my favourite samurai-era game!

The image displayed above is not my own, and I do not claim ownership. It is used under fair use guidance and was sourced from https://greyfornow.com.

Looking Ahead

With troops steadily arriving, I’m turning my attention back to terrain. The battlefield plan George and I developed is coming together behind the scenes, and once both sides are painted and based, it’ll be time for some proper hobby games.

A huge thanks once again to Jez Allum for his outstanding work on these miniatures. Having him involved has been a real boost, especially given my limited time, and seeing the project come to life through his brushwork is incredibly rewarding. It’s moments like this that make Warring Clans feel like a living, breathing hobby project.

More painted warriors (and horses!) coming soon, and hopefully, our first test games not too far behind...

The links below are to product creators mentioned or shown in this blog post:

Grey for Now Games (Test of Honour): https://greyfornow.com/collections/gaming

Jez Allum: https://www.facebook.com/jezspaintingblog/

Fireforge Games: https://fireforge-games.com

Wargames Atlantic: https://wargamesatlantic.com/