"Perry's WOTR plastics for Portuguese in Africa? " Topic

I was hoping to do something a little different for my Darkest Africa games and I was considering using the Perry's plastic 'Mercenaries', European Infantry 1450-1500' for 15th century Portuguese troops in Sub-Saharan Africa. Would they work do you think? I know the Portuguese used crossbows and handguns but would they have used pikes in sub-Saharan Africa? Polearms? Sword & buckler men? Small cannon? I assume that the Tsetse fly would have prevented them from using cavalry.
Thanks

Eureka Miniatures makes a wonderful range of figures for the Portuguese in Africa in the 15th century. They are better dressed for the hot weather than lots of guys in armor.

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I have seen those but I was hoping for a cheaper alternative.

The Eureka figures are for the 16th century.

I see no reason why the Perry plastic mercenaries wouldn't suit your intended role; in the early conquest period they're unlikely to have yet modified their costume for tropical climates.

Despite a lack of reference to them in most army lists (e.g. DBR), the Portuguese certainly did use pikemen outside Europe. For instance, during the taking of Malacca small blocks of pikemen were used dynamically to clear streets.

I have wonderful memories of a campign an old friend and I played over 45 years ago. Using Scruby Zulus, and assorted Minifigs Renaissance figures to do just that. It was great fun.

Here is a very interesting book for you to read:

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Well I use them for Lancastrians exiled to the New World in 1485 in my alternative history campaign.

TomT

15th century sub-sahara?

Thats a pretty narrow focus… I am quite sure that Portugal did most of its fights either north of the Sahara, or in the 16th century. I am also quite sure that pike played no role in the 15th century – they only trained with pikes in the early 16th century. There certainly were expeditions up the rivers and near possible ports…

Henry…that's interesting re: Malacca…what's the source?

Malacca was conquered by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1511 so a little out your period.

In the 1450-1500 period the Ordenações Afonsinas would be in full effect so I don't think you would see much, if any, pike. Even later ultramarine troops would be more often armed with half-pikes rather than full length pikes.

Crossbows would be common and you would see some handguns. Sword and adarga style shields would also be common but I suspect the croque (a spear with a hook) would be the more common weapon.

Portuguese expedition where always something of an ad hoc enterprise. You would have a very small core of heavily armoured knights, from 1450 to 1460 from the Order of Christ, and from around 1474 (IIRC) from Prince John's household, fighting on foot of course, and then whichever assorted sailors and troops they could hire.

It was a while ago, but I've read two books on the subject: 'Conquerors', by Roger Crowley, and 'The Last Crusaders'. I think the latter contained the more detailed account that mentioned the mini pike blocks.