Medieval Portuguese

This army has been one of my favorites for many years. It is challenging to play, but a very effective combined-arms force. I particularly enjoy it in Grand Triumph.

The choice of armor and weapons for figures is aimed at the second half of the 15th century. The Iberian Peninsula used both Germanic and Italian style armor in that period, and also some stylistic elements of its own. Figures used are a combination of Essex MER figures, MID range specifically aimed for Spain and Portugal, Mirliton, and other Essex late Medievals.

Knight General

These figures are Mirliton.

The banner is a perfect example of how complex heraldry can be done easily with the technique described in my flags and banners page. Painting this one by hand would be a nightmare. The foot general figure has a hand-painted flag that is less than 1/3 the size, and it was still a nightmare to paint. Something the size and complexity of the large Knight banner? Oy.

Side View of Knight General

Dismounted Knight General

Knight General of the Order of Avis

Having a second General's stand allows me to run this army in Grand Triumph as well. The Order of Avis is a Portuguese military order related to the Order of Calatrava. The military order of Calatrava has the same heraldry but with the cross crosslet in red.

Military Order Spearmen, Archers, Men-at-arms, and Elite Foot

Although they would have supplied a relatively small number of fighters compared to the army as a whole, it was fun to paint up a few stands of the main part of the army (Archers, Heavy Foot, Knights, and dismounted Knights) as troops supplied by the Military Order of Avis. Essex MID105 on the ends of the heavy foot; a Mirliton and another Essex figure in the center with added kite shaped shields. The other figures are all Essex.