"Elamite Guard from Victrix" Topic

Just updated blog with my representation of how Elamite foot Guards could have appeared.
I used the Victrix Carthaginian plastic citizen infantry as tunics are suitable for Biblical period and helmets Assyrian looking.
Really enjoyed the excuse to use Victrix. Played around with helmets and green stuff using Uratian influence which was all over Near East.
This is first unit for my To The Strongest (rules) NeoElamite army.

chariotgamer.blogspot.com

Nice.

But what is the difference to Babylonian Spearmen? Wouldnt they look the same (round shields, Assyrian helmets).

They look good!

They look convincing enough for me but I can't really believe in units with both tower and round shields. Surely it would be one or the other – especially in a guard or elite unit.

I like the subtle differences- sets them apart from the Assyrians. The crested helmet is very nice!

Decebalus….Babylonian guard spearmen would look pretty much like Assyrian guard mabey minus boots. I did consider just using Assyrian guard. But wanted to give different look to differentiate armies. In fact it would not be unreasonable to use these as Babylonian line spearmen.
Zippee….Re shields. did think of just keeping shields all the same but thought of campaigne look. Also looking ahead thought these could be line spear too if using more armoured guard created.
I still think metal bodyon armour may not be available to many nations other than Assyria, Babylon and Urartu.

Fair enough Colin but tower and round shield in this era implies significantly different combat styles to me. Round shields are for close combat, towers are for shooting over / cowering behind.

Maybe a rank of one and rear of the other but not random mixes. Even in terms of supply, local units would tend to stay together (its a human tribal social trait) and presumably would be similarly equipped.

Elam was a fairly significant power at the end, I think it would have been able to equip its elite with Assyrian/Urartian style armour. It's as much about power PR as protection after all.

But I do like that fact they are distinct from the usual Assyrian/Babylonian look

Zippee….my initial thoughts that you are spoiling my efforts being over critical. However would agree with you on most points. Trying to make look different,tower shield mix not in keeping with rich state for guards. Mix would be fine for line though. Even Napolionic armies were not all uniformed. When local stock runs out I am quite sure captured shields etc would be used. Baylonian spearmen seemed have mixed shields(at least in WRG book).
So I may well go with origional plan and create a heavier Assyrian/Urartian style guard unit. Just need right figures with some conversion just for wargamer look having distictive unit for Elam.
Tower shields…not sure if archery protection saw rise un these or seiges. Feel they were more than pavis like ones actually at seiges. Thanks for your input. Appreciated.

Apologies Colin,
I was really not meaning to rain on your parade – and I do really like the distinctive look.

Just incompatible equipment jars for me – that's my vice not yours :)

Zippee….no worries. Helpful feedback. I will probably do a heavier guard and they can be Urartians and Babylonians also.