I recently received a package of 15mm figures from Two Dragons. The figures were labelled VIK COM 6--Alfred of Wessex command group. Included in the pack were four figures, the most impressive being the Saxon standard bearer. He wore a large cape, had a 'phrygian' style cap, was armored with mail and carried a large, wind-sock style dragon banner. Purposely striding forward, this nicely done figure will make a fine addition to my 10th-11th century Anglo-Saxon army.

The king himself, Alfred, is represented by a less impressive casting, wielding a large sword with both hands. This figure has a Romano-British style helmet, a mail cuirass, and is posed with the sword being swung from the left shoulder.

The third figure is Alfred's shieldbearer, crouching low holding the shield in front with one hand and carrying a curved horn in the other. He is armored with a mail shirt and a basic 9th century riveted helmet. Finally, we have a personal retainer (here labelled 'housecarl'), with a large axe being swung one-handed, shield to the front, with mail armor and wearing a helmet with nasel-guard. This casting is a bit stiffly posed and looks awkward in its stance.

The figures measure a straight 15M BM* and have very little flash, except on the bottom of the bases. They would fit in well with Roger Dospil's figures as well as early Thistle and the Rose castings. Priced at $2.49 per pack. Available from Brookhurst Hobies - T.L. GORE

* The Courier uses the Tobey Barrett Measurement [BM] System to simplify comparison of figure sizes. The number is the height in millimeters from the bottom of the figure's foot (top of base) to its eyes. The letter refers to the "heft" of the figure: L=light, M=medium, and H=heavy. Thus, Hs will fit in with other Hs and some Ms, but not Ls.