Aut Cesar, Aut Nihil, Wargaming the Borgias.

Aut Cesar, Aut Nihil, Wargaming the Borgias.

Wednesday 14 August 2013

Part of the Black Bande of Giovanni Szorza

Following my trip to Florence earlier this year, and the increasing role Caterina Szorza is playing in series three of the Borgias, I had to have my own Black Bande of Giovanni Szorza. I know that they were around a bit later, after the fall of Cesare.
But I'm sorry but its my army, and I need some sort of opponent.
 Anyway, there is a lot of argument [ well in the renaissance history world there is] about the make up of this unit.
 I know the consensus is that they were a unit of arquebusiers. But I also have seen that they could have been pike or even mounted arquebusiers.
 Well never being one to duck the accuracy of history, I am opting for a mixed legion!
 That is pike, arquebus, sword and buckler, some mounted light troops and a small artillery piece!
That should cover every option I think.
 I purchased the lovely Pro Gloria pike when they first came out and I have used them as the pikemen of the unit, with a mounted Foundry officer.
 Where are the flags one cries! Well I am hoping Pete, from Petes flags will have them ready in a week or so. [no pressure there Pete] and will them adorn the unit. I am currently adding a further three bases of pike to give it a hefty look. Always necessary in Blackpowder.
 The small gun is from Foundry's conquistador range, it is a lovely piece and will suffice for the legion.

The arqubus are a mix of Foundry landsnect and Foundry conquistadors. Of course Pro Gloria are gearing up to produce some arqubusiers later this month so I will probably replace these.



The combined legion partly completed.

 I also painted a couple of command stands, for the army. One may do as Cesare pending a more suitable figure. Both are from the Foundry range.




 Anyway, onwards and upwards........................

12 comments:

  1. I can't see anything wrong with your reasoning and the strongest argument (to my mind at least) is "But I'm sorry but its my army, and I need some sort of opponent."

    Good on yer!

    :O)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Superb looking units! Hope to see a pic or two when you've added the flags.
    Really inspiring!

    Got you and John to thank for recommending Pike & Shotte rules after our chat at Call to Arms this year. Getting well into the Italian Wars. Trouble is its costing me a bloody fortune in 25mm metals but I don't regret it, its the only scale for the period.

    Keep the pics and the inspiration coming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words. What I try to do is keep trawling E Bay, Bring and Buys,etc.
      If you regularly check Foundry, especially their e bay site, you can pick up some cut price figures.
      Are you going to Gateshead show? If so bump into me and we'll have a chat.

      Delete
    2. I watch Ebay very closely and have had a few good bargains!

      Sadly can't make Border this year (something about a holiday I think!!) but will be looking to Smoggy in November. Hope to see you their.

      Den.

      Delete
  3. Evening Willie,
    I have admired your Venetians for a longtime [its probably an offence] and I know Dave has been very impressed by the work you do on your figures.
    Thanks for the comment.Robbie.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Robbie, This army's coming on well mate.

    I've put a couple of pics up on my blog that you might be interested in.

    cheers Pete

    ReplyDelete
  5. Onwards and upwards, great additions to your burgeoning forces. I do like the "mixed" unit appearance.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Fantastic looking units, colorful and with great details! Very nice blog too, the Papal troops are impressive, I'll come back!
    Phil.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Evening Phil,
      The Black Bande has now grown and includes some sword and buckler men, and extra pike, I am waiting however until the flags appear, so I can show them in all their splendour. I have also painted up Giovanni Szora, but again I am waiting for his personal standard.
      Thanks for the comment, Robbie.

      Delete
    2. Evening Phil,
      The Black Bande has now grown and includes some sword and buckler men, and extra pike, I am waiting however until the flags appear, so I can show them in all their splendour. I have also painted up Giovanni Szora, but again I am waiting for his personal standard.
      Thanks for the comment, Robbie.

      Delete

Honour Guard of Cesare Borgia.

Honour Guard of Cesare Borgia.