A Sneak Peek into the Future of Northwing Miniatures

I’ve been speaking with Alan Marsh about the next wave of figures I’d like to produce, and I’m delighted to say he’ll be starting work on the sculpts in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I wanted to give you a sneak preview of what’s to come by sharing some of the narrative backgrounds that inspired these new miniatures.

Babatha's pouch containing her legal documents and other effects

Babatha bat Shimʿon

Babatha is one of the most famous (and fascinating) Jewish women of antiquity, thanks to the chance discovery of a veritable treasure trove of artefacts linked to her in a desert cave. She was a refugee, and in her sculpt I want the viewer to imagine her making her way into a dark, cramped cave to seek refuge from the Romans.

Babatha was a well-to-do woman who had fallen on hard times. Although frightened, she remained resilient. She carries her most important possessions — the deeds to her lands — in a leather pouch, clinging to the hope that one day she will escape and resume her normal life.

We know she was strong-minded, unafraid to stand up for her rights and take men to court to defend what she believed was rightfully hers. The surviving material evidence makes it clear that even as a refugee she never gave up, carrying her legal documents and even her house key with her — small symbols of determination in the face of loss.

Bar Koseba

Bar Koseba was the leader of the Second Jewish Revolt against Rome, ultimately killed by Roman troops during the Siege of Betar. The revolt lived and died with him; his inspirational leadership held the rebels together, and some even regarded him as the messiah. His death brought about the rapid collapse of the rebellion.

He is both warrior and religious figure. Although we don’t know exactly how he died, I imagine him as a battle-worn fighter, facing hopeless odds yet grimly determined to make the Romans pay for every inch of ground they took.

Eleazar of Modi’im

Eleazar will be depicted as an elderly man — a respected religious leader during the time of the Bar Kokhba War. I want the viewer to see him passionately preaching to his followers as they prepare to go into battle against the Romans.

Under one arm he holds a simple scroll — perhaps a copy of the Torah — while with the other he gestures forcefully, urging his listeners to stand firm. Much of what we think we know about him comes from hearsay, but it seems likely that he was close to Bar Koseba.

An example of a sudra turban-headress, a common item of clothing in the region

Eleazar should be seen as a confident and courageous individual, unafraid even in the face of Roman power.

Conclusion

I also aim to produce another pack of "rank and file", this time with missile weapons (perhaps slings or bows, or even throwing spears - I have not yet decided). However, if you have any thoughts then I'd greatly appreciate hearing from you.