The late 15th and early 16th centuries in Europe were defined by near-constant warfare. National ‘standing armies’ were unheard of and the ambitions of empires were reliant on the mercenaries they could afford to hire.
Landsknechts were instigated by the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximillian I, as a reaction to the Swiss Mercenary Pikemen that had dominated battlefields for decades before the Italian Wars (1494-1559).
Over the course of the Italian Wars, however, the Landsknecht tactics adapted far more than the Swiss and the use of firearms in conjunction with the Pike would give them the edge, at least tactically.
This bundle is designed to get you started with a Landsknecht Pike & Shotte army. Anchored by a solid core of pikeman ably supported by missile troops to achieve the tactical edge that came to dominate the period of the 15th – 16th Century Italian Wars. We’ve included mobility by way of mounted Arquebusiers and Gendarmes, as well as officers to lead your new army.
Free with this bundle, you’ll also receive the highly characterful Looting Party as well as additional fire support by way of a Handsbuchse Light Gun.
Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
