"Wessex vs Vikings" Topic
8 Posts
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Louie N | 28 Oct 2016 11:05 a.m. PST |
Hello, I was reading about the Great Heathen arm and Alfred the Great. I have some question related to suitable miniatures for the conflict between the Kingdom of Wessex and the Vikings invading England. Vikings seem fairly straight forward, but I do have a question. Would there be a any difference in Vikings of this earlier era form the army of 1066? Would the army of Wessex be considered a Early Anglo-Saxon army? How would this be different than the army fighting's Normans a century later? What miniatures would be good for this Anglo-Saxon army of Wessex. Thanks |
Prince Rupert of the Rhine | 28 Oct 2016 11:26 a.m. PST |
If you can get them across the pond Gripping beast miniatures are your best bet. go for the mid Saxons here link Alfred's English would be different from those in 1066 who had much greater Dane influence (Housecarls being the big difference)as well as some subtle changes in equipment (more large axes, longer chain mail shirts and kite shields) I think the Danes/Norse would also look cosmetically different during the 9th century to those from the 11th. Helmet styles and length of chain shirts in particular. link if you can get hold of it this guys War-games Illustrated article on Saxon warfare is a good read ryanlavelle.net |
martin goddard | 28 Oct 2016 2:58 p.m. PST |
In 15mm Peter Pig are ideal. They are designed specifically for Alfred's wars ( Uthred sort of time) In those days a few thousand men would be "a great army". the PP Longships rules have a section for battles with the elements appropriate to the specific 8/9th century. Good luck with your project martin |
Louie N | 28 Oct 2016 6:51 p.m. PST |
No specific project but I like researching and exploring. The Anglo-Saxon vs Viking battles are much more common than the Norman vs Anglo-Saxon battles in the Dark Ages. Thanks for the info |
Louie N | 30 Oct 2016 8:39 a.m. PST |
I have one additional question. How armored would these armies have been? I do not imagine a whole group of soldiers in mail, but would it have been limited to the leaders? thanks |
Hobhood4 | 31 Oct 2016 11:24 a.m. PST |
Modern historians, like Ryan Lavelle say that the majority of an Anglo Saxon army consisted of Thegns – wealthier, semi professional soldiers who could afford helmets, swords and mail coats. They might bring a few retainers without body armour or swords. I think they were helmeted as well. Older views imagined a lot of ordinary farmer or Ceorls making up Anglo Saxon armies, but this is now disputed. Figure manufacturers tend to make too many Ceorls. I'd use 60-40 armoured/unarmoured for this period, but others may disagree. The Vikings fighting Alfred were 'professionals' by this time. I would expect a fairly high proportion in armour. They had the opportunity to loot the other Anglo Saxon kingdoms previously conquered. Some suggest that the lack of archaeological finds of armor and helmets indicates a lack of these. My view is that old metal was recycled. |
Louie N | 31 Oct 2016 8:29 p.m. PST |
Good information, Thank you |
Hobhood4 | 01 Nov 2016 2:05 a.m. PST |
Louie N, have a look at Saxon Miniatures. They are making the best Dark age figures around. The Saxons might be a bit too late in style – the GB plastics are good for this period. But their Vikings are fantastic. Just focus on shorter mail coats for all and no two handed axes for the Vikings if you want to be strictly accurate for the Alfred period. |
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