The term “Landsknechts” appeared in the German language around 1470, meaning “servant of the land”, as it was formed by Maximilian I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, around the same time. Maximilian was impressed with the tactics displayed by the Swiss Pikemen in their battle for independence against the Duchy of Burgundy and his…
Pike & Shotte is a game of massed combat in the 16th and 17th centuries, predominantly featuring formations of pikemen and musket armed infantry. The bow and crossbow remained a prevalent feature right through the battles of the Middle Ages. These weapons were highly effective but required a great deal of skill and practice to…
Following our look at the flamboyant Landsknechts last week, today we’re uncovering the secrets of the soberer Swiss mercenaries that were the German’s arch-rivals. The Swiss Reisläufer (one who goes to war), were renowned for their service in foreign armies during the late fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, particularly for their mastery of early pike tactics and exceptional discipline….
Throwing all caution to the wind, the flamboyant Landsknechts charge headlong into battle. This week, we’re looking at how to paint their colourful costumes. Dashing Mercenaries Literally translated as Servant of the Land, Landsknechts were units of mercenaries raised by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I as a counter to the formidable Swiss pike formations that dominated…
Equipped with Zweihanders, a large double-handed blade, the new Landsknechts cut down your foe in seconds. View in Store Europe in the late 15th and early 16th centuries was a place of almost constant warfare. With no organised national armies battlefields were the domain of the mercenary companies of the day – chief amongst these…
Mercenaries for hire, the new Landsknecht Missile Troops make each shot count. View in Store The late 15th and early 16th centuries in Europe were defined by near-constant warfare. National ‘standing armies’ were unheard of and the ambitions of empires were reliant on the mercenaries they could afford to hire. Landsknechts were instigated by the…
Smash the enemy with your new mercenaries for hire, the Landsknecht Starter Army stands ready at your beck and call. View in Store The late 15th and early 16th centuries in Europe were defined by near-constant warfare. National ‘standing armies’ were unheard of and the ambitions of empires were reliant on the mercenaries they could…
Kaiser Maximillian I, also known as Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, is ready to lead his armies across Europe with Götz von Berlichingen and Georg von Frundsberg by his side. Kaiser Maximillian I (Young & Old) View in Store Waging war against France and within Italy, Maximillian hired sleuths of Landsknechts. Maximillian was keen to…
Available to the highest bidder, the Landsknechts stand tall and proud and ready to make full use of their pikes. Landsknechts View in Store The late 15th and early 16th centuries in Europe were defined by near-constant warfare. National ‘standing armies’ were unheard of and the ambitions of empires were reliant on the mercenaries they…
No town is set without its own townsfolk! Make them the objective of your game or make your town feel that bit more real, these townsfolk will always have a place in any collection! Townsfolk View in Store This set has a characterful bunch! Including: A fisherman A landlord A poor crippled beggar A floozy…
Dan Hewitson
Tom Mecredy
Josh Berridge