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Post by timurilank on Jun 1, 2016 8:15:30 GMT
An Introduction.
Those of you who have followed the Severan Dynasty project know that I enjoy researching background information as much as painting the armies or constructing new terrain features or structures. With the completion of all the planned armies for the Severan Dynasty, I have looked to a number of other options for a new project.
Of late, we have been playing fantasy using the DBA 3.0/HOTT mash-up known as D3H2 and our initial games were very enjoyable; Goblin-Orc civil wars or Dwarves against the Green Horde. It was during this period I came across a number of game movies at YouTube and found them very inspiring. Some followed a Dark Age and Medieval theme and others were of Science Fiction.
As much as I enjoy Science Fiction a new project in this direction would necessitate too large an investment of time and money building armies and add to that the construction of brand new terrain. On the other hand, a Dark Age/Medieval fantasy project would most likely require a minimum of new terrain items, but I absolutely wanted to avoid the well trodden path toward armies of Lord of the Rings or Conan the Barbarian theme. These were crossed off my list.
What remained at the top of my list is known as the Witcher.
The Witcher is set in a Late Medieval early Renaissance world with a powerful empire waging war against rival kingdoms. The stories abound with ample political intrigue assisted by mages and sorcerers and add to this a variety of races, a diversity of monsters and monster slayers known as Witchers. The game movies that can be viewed at YouTube are The Witcher, The Witcher: Assassins of Kings and The Witcher 3: the Wild Hunt. The quality of the graphics greatly improves throughout the series as does the complexity of the stories filled with sub-plots and active characters. There is a fourth game movie out called “Hearts of Stone” which offers excellent reference material.
As a project, I found the events which take place in the background far interesting than developing something based around the characters. For instance, there are three major wars between the Nilfgaard Empire and the Northern Kingdoms. During the course of these campaigns, both sides are trying to contain their own internal struggles with varying degrees of success. The thrust of this project will then focus on the major participants, the collecting of the armies and the beautiful landscapes, rural villages, walled cities, harbour settings, and ships of course will not be overlooked. The architecture although medieval does evoke an East European style, while the ships of the fleets are a combination of galleys and cogs using lateen sails emblazoned with symbols of their kingdom.
Fans of the game series and of the books, written by Andrzej Sapkowski, have created a Witcher Wikia which bundles all the needed information for this project, such as maps, historical background of the kingdoms, the wars, and character profiles. Also covered are uniforms, weapons and banners which offer a solid start for this project.
Next: The Nilfgaard Empire.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 2, 2016 7:40:41 GMT
The first game movie titled “The Witcher” begins in the year is 1260 and the Great War looms near. Readers wishing more detail can find this chronicled in the Witcher Wikia; battlefield strengths are given in round numbers.
Researching the history of the Nilfgaard Empire, I decided on a campaign beginning with the consolidation of the Empire known as the Southern Conquests of 1239. This offers the advantage of gradually building up the Nilfgaard army as most of the troops would come from the annexed kingdoms during the period of the Southern Conquest. In this way, completed commands can be used then to test scenarios and a siege game I designed some time ago.
The Southern Conquests of 1239. In 1239, the Emperor known as the “Usurper” (actual name is nowhere mentioned in the novels) needed to secure his position and deal with the recalcitrant kingdoms before considering an invasion of the Northern lands beyond the Yaruga River. These kingdoms bordered Nilfgaard so the campaign opens with a methodical conquest and annexation of Ebbing. Maecht, Metinna and Nazair. In rapid succession all fall to the mighty armies of Nilfgaard, only Nazair continued resistance well after the occupation of its lands. Map: Nilfgaard Empire.
The Armies. The armies covered in this project and throughout the continent are similarly armed and equipped; knights and men-at-arms for the mounted units and infantry are armed with pike, spear, halberd or crossbow. Archers are not seen in great numbers but do make up part of the Household Guard for a number of kingdoms. Artillery used for sieges are torsion propelled and counter-weight pieces, such as the large crossbow ballista or trebuchets. None are mentioned as serving on the battlefield.
Where noted in the Witcher Wikia, the strengths of armies are expressed in round numbers of infantry or cavalry. Detail as to troop types is lacking and therefore these lists follow historical proportions given for European medieval armies.
You will note each line entry is expressed as a minimum to a maximum number of elements to offer a greater range of diversity for the game table and to allow for the design of special scenarios.
Next: the Kingdoms involved in the Southern Conquest 1239 – 1245.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 3, 2016 20:20:24 GMT
Nilfgaard
Nilfgaard troops are known as the “Black ones” in the Witcher series and this a reference to the dark uniforms they wore rather than their evil behaviour toward the people they conquered. Aside from the uniform colour, the sun emblem is seen on their flags, badges, shields and emblazoned on the armour of the elite units. Nilfgaard fielded the largest army during all three wars and in fact had a number of them operating in the field at one time. During the Third Nilfgaard-Nordling War, the Empire committed armies for the three separate fronts.
Nilfgaard Army. 0 -1 Household Guard (3Kn) Only when the Emperor is present. 2 - 4 Nobles (3Kn) 1 - 3 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2 - 4 Spearmen (Sp) 1 - 2 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1 - 2 Crossbow (4Cb)
Known units: The link will take you to a list of known units within the Nilfgaard army. I do not intend to duplicate any of these but what is note worth are the non-human elements recorded as participating in the campaigns. One of these are the Elves of the Vrihedd brigade make their appearance in the Witcher 3 series. The first twelve elements are ready to take the field.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 5, 2016 20:14:02 GMT
Province of Ebbing One of the four large provinces bordering Nilfgaard, Ebbing is first kingdom to be annexed during the period known as the Southern Conquest.
At Witcher Wikia, the artist have designed the Ebbing armorial to show blue lines on a white background, presumably to signify the four major rivers that course through the province.
Pictured below, the blue tunics are the only means by which to distinguish Ebbing troops from Nilfgaard troops.
As a later project, armies will have banners to better define them for the Southern Conquest scenario. A second set of banners will depict the integration of the kingdoms within the Nilfgaard Empire. Ebbing Coat of Arms
For campaign purposes, only one major city and two towns will be featured on the campaign map; these are Claremont, Fano, and Tegamo.
Clermont seems to be only one with stout walls and a citadel. Fano and Tegamo are classed as towns so may have defenses not quite up to standard.
The Witcher Wikia mentions very little of castles or noble houses therefore the army list below reflects a dominance of foot troops in relation to mounted.
Ebbing 1-2 Nobles (3Kn) 0-1 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2-6 Spearmen (Sp) or pikemen (4Pk) 0-1 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1-3 Crossbows (4Cb)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 6, 2016 8:57:54 GMT
The Kingdom of Metinna. Metinna lies north of Ebbing and like her neighbor there are a number of rivers which course their way through the land to empty in the great sea. Of the towns and cities two, Neureuth and Forgeham are described as merchant cities and most likely would have fortified walls. Further, one-third of the province is a plain bordered on two sides by the Yelena and Sylte Rivers. Metinna Coat of Arms
Far wealthier province than Ebbing, the army of Metinna could field a larger number of knights and militia from the city garrisons and therefore the maximum number for these is raised. The colour green features in the Metinna coat of arms and this is used as a theme colour for the troops.
Out the large initial order from Legio Heroica I was able to collect sufficient figures wearing a skull cap with cloth roll and feather to set these off from the standard medieval kit. The overall effect is pleasing.
Metinna 1-3 Nobles (3Kn) 0-1 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2-6 Spearmen (Sp) or Pikemen (4Pk) 0-1 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1-3 Crossbows (4Cb)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 8, 2016 7:29:15 GMT
Nazair. The annexation of Nazair is the closing chapter to the Southern Conquest campaign. There is little information to be found at Witcher Wikia about the campaigns, but the fact that it took five years to complete indicates a methodical transition of the old to the new regime for each of the provinces.
My own take on this, after the fall of Ebbing and Metinna, Nazair quietly accepted her fate and opened her gates to Nilfgaard at the prompting by the college of Mages and the Trade Corporations. In the novels there is mention after the annexation of a number of uprisings which necessitated punitive expeditions into the Amell Mountains or the eastern regions of Nazair. Nazair Coat of Arms
I will add the uprisings as a possible scenario for the campaign and therefore the Nazair army list reflects an extra number of troop type options. The Southern Conquest campaign will cover this in detail.
Nazair 1-2 Nobles (3Kn) 0-1 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2-6 Spearmen (Sp) or rebels (3Ax) 0-1 Halberdiers (4Bd) or rebels (3Bd) 1-3 Crossbow (4Cb) or rebels (3Cb) or (Ps)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 9, 2016 6:08:11 GMT
The Nilfgaard Empire in battle array. The battle array reflects the successful completion of the Southern Conquest. There will be one more contingent to add to the collection and these will represent the Elf units that fought alongside Nilfgaard during the Northern Wars.
In a few days I shall post the larger forces of the Northern Kingdoms; Kaedwen, Temeria and Redania.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 13, 2016 19:23:36 GMT
The Northern Kingdoms An Introduction. North of the Yaruga River are the realms known throughout the Witcher series as the Northern Kingdoms. Of these, the kingdoms, Redania, Temeria and Kaedwen are largest and are also the focus for the next phase of this project.
The troops of the Northern Kingdoms are similarly equipped as Nilfgaard and if you have seen any of the game movies you will have noted the small badges to signify the allegiance of a particular character or soldier. The badges are actually too small to paint on a figure but the colour preferences of each kingdom can be used. Generally, the colour of tunic and breeches are less somber than those of Nilfgaard with some combining multiple colour schemes and stripes.
Each of the kingdoms also makes use of mercenaries which have been displaced by the wars prior to the First Nilfgaard-Nordling War. The years of incessant warfare among the Northern Kingdoms have produced many roving bands of mercenaries offering their services to the highest bidder; these can be distinguished by their motley appearance. Dwarf units also appear as allies for a number of kingdoms.
When not allied to fight off the Nilfgaard invasions, the Northern Kingdoms were at war among themselves. Redania meddled in the affairs of Temeria and Kaedwen sought expansion among the smaller kingdoms along the Pontar River; plenty of material for a campaign. Collecting all the minor kingdoms is outside the scope of the project as I will focus on the three largest kingdoms, Redania, Temeria and Kaedwen.
As most of the Witcher game series takes place north of the Yaruga River, there is no shortage of information at the Witcher Wikia covering the history of the kingdoms and their military.
Next: The Kingdom of Kaedwen.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 17, 2016 11:21:03 GMT
The Kingdom of Kaedwen
The Kingdom of Kaedwen, the second largest on the continent after Nilfgaard, is bordered on the east by the Blue Mountains and throughout its domain heavily forested. Ages long ago, these regions were inhabited by the Elves and through many conflicts with the humans slowly migrated to the lands south of Kaedwen known as Dol Blathanna.
Kaedwen has a long history of conflict with Temeria and Redania and this continues in the Witcher series. Their animosity is placed aside temporarily to fend off the Nilfgaard invasions, but would quickly resume when peace with the Black Ones was resolved. The fierce rivalry among the three would definitely add spice to a campaign as during the uneasy periods of peace each would exercise small invasions of neighboring minor kingdoms.
More than any other kingdom of the north, Kaedwen communities are a mix of human and non-human inhabitants. The non-human inhabitants are elves, dwarves, gnomes and Halflings and these will be covered later as a separate topic.
I have included a photo of the recently completed army of Kaedwen and in the background you will see the LH of the Dun Brigade.
Army of Kaedwen 1-3 Nobles (3Kn) 1-3 Light Horse (LH) Dun Brigade 2-4 Spearmen (Sp) or Pikemen (4Pk) 1-2 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1-2 Crossbows (4Cb)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 18, 2016 15:12:20 GMT
The Kingdom of Temeria From the Witcher Wikia, Temeria is referred to as the “Pearl of the North” is the second strongest of the Northern Kingdoms after Kaedwen. During the First and Second Nilfgaard-Nordling Wars, Temeria played a key part in beating back the “Black Ones” of Nilfgaard.
Of the Northern Kingdoms, Temeria outpaced its neighbors by developing a strong military. During the Nilfgaard Wars Temeria formed elite units to add to the already growing number of troops.
One such elite body are the Knights of the White Rose, a military order which took on a more religious bearing and later became the Knights of the Flaming Rose. This unit served directly the King.
The Witcher Wikia lists more troop types and among the infantry the most famous were those titled Landsknechts; the latter being heavily armoured units wielding pike, halberd and crossbow.
Coat of Arms of Temeria
Army of Temeria 0-1 Household Guard (3Kn) Military Order. 1-2 Nobles (3Kn) 0-1 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2-6 Spearmen (Sp) or Auxilia (4Ax) Landsknechts are Pk only. 1-3 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1-3 Crossbow (4Cb)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 20, 2016 7:42:22 GMT
The Kingdom of Redania The army of Redania completes the collection for the Northern Kingdoms. Bordered on the east by Kaedwen, on the south by Temeria and the sea on the west, Redania is noted for its agriculture and trade. Redania held a long history of trade wars with her primary rival, Temeria, but placed these issues aside during the Nilfgaard invasions.
The Redanian army strengths are given in the Witcher Wikia and with ample loans the king of Redania increased troop strength four fold. Taking advantage of the assassination of Foltest of Temeria, Redania invaded her neighbor (the Winter War) and rival to the surprise of Nilfgaard. Nilfgaard would no loinger be facing four kingdoms by one strong power to river her own and by the spring of the following year, Redania set off to fulfill that goal.
Coat of Arms of Redania Army of Redania 0-2 Household Guard (3Kn) Military Order guarding the King. 1-2 Nobles (3Kn) 0-1 Men-at-arms (Cv) 2-6 Pikemen (Pk) or Spearmen (Sp) 1-3 Halberdiers (4Bd) 1-3 Archers (4Lb) or Crossbow (4Cb)
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Post by crazycaptain560 on Jun 22, 2016 3:20:18 GMT
The figures alone are grade A eye candy. Good Stuff! When you're finished, you should compile it into a pdf to share on the wiki.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 22, 2016 6:54:45 GMT
The figures alone are grade A eye candy. Good Stuff! When you're finished, you should compile it into a pdf to share on the wiki. When I am finished?
Thanks for the kind word. The armies are complete but lack banners and flags.
Unfortunately, re-writing the campaign and siege rules are a higher priority. Luckily, the current projects serve as building blocks toward re-writing those rules.
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Post by timurilank on Jun 22, 2016 7:01:11 GMT
Skellige Islands Located off the western shores of Temeria are a group of six islands inhabited by Nordic-like clans each ruled by an elected monarch (Jarl). Seafaring and raiding are their principle pastimes and they were keen to fight primarily as foot soldiers armed with blade and bow weapons. The islands are mountainous and are not considered horse-breeding areas; therefore, lacking horses an army composition would not be dissimilar to Leidang Vikings.
Each island is home to a clan and in the Witcher Wikia under Skellige Islands you can read background information for each clan as well as their colour preferences which make them distinct from other clans.
The Skellige Islands become the principle battleground in the Witcher 3 game, the Wild Hunt.
Skellige Confederation 1– 3 Household (4Bd) 3-6 Raiders (3Bd) 1-3 Archers (3Bw) 1-2 Scouts (Ps)
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Post by timurilank on Jun 23, 2016 6:45:24 GMT
The Non- Humans The Elves. Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings of the Elder races populated the lands five centuries before the first humans landed on the shores of the continent. Through the centuries there developed a social standing among the Elves, those that arrived in the white ships are known as the Aen Seidhe (pronounce en-shay) and regard themselves of a higher level than the newer generations born in the new lands.
With the arrival of humans, the Elves, rather than offer resistance against their expanding presence retreated to the forested regions of Kaedwen and Aedin. One particular group of elves retreated to the Brokilon Forest in the kingdom of Cintra and gained such a reputation of aggression that humans did not dare venture into the Forest of Death.
There were elves that chose not to migrate to the forest regions and integrated as best as they could in the various human communities, some with their offspring becoming half-elves. By the start of the Witcher series, the three social groupings of elves, the Aen Seidhe, the generations born native to the new land and the half-elves are caught up in the turbulent period of the Northern Wars.
Discriminated by humans, the younger generation of elves rebelled, against the advice of the elders, and formed Scoia’tael units. From their enclaves in the forests, the Scoia’tael raided human convoys and burned hamlets gaining a fierce reputation as guerilla fighters. During the Nilfgaard-Nordling wars these commandos as they were called were eagerly sought after by the Nilfgaard Empire as allies.
The Scoia’tael. The Scoia’tael are predominantly bow armed and are classed as “fast” troops (3Bw/Ps). Though they are not mentioned as participating at any of the major battles they did assist the Nilfgaard invasion by seizing key points, plundering convoys and guarding the flanks of the large Nilfgaard cavalry columns.
The Scoia’tael. 4 – 6 Elf light horse (LH) May dismount as 3Bw. 4 – 8 Elf archers (3Bw) 0 – 2 Elf warriors (3Wb/Ax) 1 – 3 Elf skirmishers (Ps)
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