Warrior Ancient and Medieval Rules

Well, I finally got my Biblicals from Newline Designs the other day. We all
know about the troubles they had recently, with a premature ad resulting in
their being swamped before they were ready. I ordered some NKE, some
Libyans and Sea Peoples.
I will be comparing to Foundry, so let me get a few things straight about my
so-called Foundry-bashing. The very best Ancient range ever released was
Foundry's Egyptian/Hittite/Sea Peoples/Libyan/Nubian/riff-raff etc, with the
exception of the chariot sizes. As usual, Foundry shot themselves in the
foot with their price structure and bizarre policy of withdrawing the bulk
from production. If only they were available, and cheap, I would be in
Heaven.
Size-wise, the Newline are completely compatible with Foundry, and depending
on your own prejudices, Ral Partha and Old Glory.
The Libyans are as good as, and a few better than Foundry. The faces are
fantastic, as are the details of the sheaths. The command pack is oddly
like Old Glory's command figures. How, exactly are they command? It is not
obvious. Maybe their sheaths _are_ longer, who knows. They are really just
a few more swordsmen and open-handed javelinmen. I did not get the archers,
but I will in my next order.
The Sea Peoples are a mixed bag. They are sold as "horned helmet" and
"crested hat", not as "Sherden" or "Peleset/Lukka". This is rather crucial,
as it does not allow for them being different tribes, with different
command. The command pack thus has 2 Sherden armored swordsmen, 2 Peleset
trumpeters, and 2 Peleset standard bearers. I hope they expand to have 2
separate, complete command packs, with 2 each of officer, standard and
musician. A supplied standard would be nice. (I will be sure NOT to post
this to ancmed, lest Nigel Tallsi deprive the SP of musick or standards
also!) The Sherden were better than the Peleset figures, because the bare
chest was better done than the linen folded armor. There are 6 figures in a
pack, with slight pose variations.
I got the 4-pack of SP chariots. This was originally advertised with 2
crew, with a driver. I got mine with only 1 crew mwmber. I also got a not
that I was owed 4 drivers, and 2 (?) poles. Sounds like they are still
scrambling. Oddly, there was 1 Sherden crew, and 3 Peleset crew. It looks
like a Peleset crew is intended, but it would be nice to see two different
crews represented. I have given only a cursory examination to the chariot,
but it looks like a Hittite chariot in AANE, with square box, and plank
sides. It should hold 3 with some work.
The ox cart is great, with a 4-sided wicker cart, and 2 fat oxen. It has 3
crew, including a Peleset archer. It would be nice to have this archer
available as a separate figure.

Overall, I think this range is a welcome and well-done addition for us
Biblical wargamers. You can never have enough chariots, or riff-raff.

Real Men ride into battle standing up
John the OFM