receives a gift from his wife…
Although we've just released our Bolt Action rules, we've not forgotten our other ranges. Far from it! There's plenty coming through for them, and here's an example – Wallenstein's Lifeguard for our Pike & Shotte range!
Most commanders of the period went into battle with a personal guard, or 'Lifeguard'. As supreme commander of the Catholic League forces, and mercenary captain extraordinaire, Wallenstein's lifeguard was more akin to a private army, consisting of both foot and mounted companies.
Originally, the mounted arm of the Lifeguard consisted of two Harquebusier companies, but by 1627 when Ottavio Piccolomini (who became a famed cavalry commander in his own right) was installed as commander of the Lifeguard, it had expanded to one company of armored lancers, one of harquebusiers, one of dragoons, and one company of Croats. Shortly after, a second company of harquebusiers were add. The armored lancers were certainly the most unique, impressive and expensive of these troops.
Contemporary accounts described them as of 'magnificent appearance'. Equipped with full armor, they were clothed in the finest material. Cloaks of blue and red, lined with gold trim, were the standard uniform of the ordinary trooper; officers and trumpeters were bedecked with extra trim, buttons, silks and laces. Gold-colored pennants were attached to the lance tips for extra impact; part-elite-cavalry-unit, part-haberdashery, they were to stay with Wallenstein through the highs and to his untimely demise.
There's more on the way for Pike & Shotte fans in coming weeks…