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Post by twrnz on Aug 12, 2017 0:58:10 GMT
Over the last couple of weeks the first parts of a new DBR army has taken the field. Assembled from a second hand purchase the army will do service as a couple of African armies. It's not completely finished yet with highlighting and additional flocking to be completed. First, as Monomotapan, and drawn from the DBR list East African Pagan, the army has had two outings against English Adventures, with very mixed results. Below, a portion of the army.  Below, it advances across the African plain. The army here comprises 59 stands, even in a 300 point game where European armies typically have a composition that is similar to BBDBA.  Here the Monomotapans suffer heavy casualties in the centre, where cannon and musket fire decimated the ranks of the warriors.  |
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Post by gregorius on Aug 12, 2017 1:50:44 GMT
That's a huge amount of figures Keith. Is there enough room on the table to deploy them all?
Cheers,
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Post by twrnz on Aug 12, 2017 3:11:05 GMT
Yes there is enough room. The table is a little deeper than BBDBA but the same width, so 1.2m x 0.9m. They fight in two ranks and in places they are three deep so I can plug the gaps. There are lots of gaps once the fighting starts! The flanks are still open, and vulnerable to attack by either player. Despite the numbers involved the two battles played so far have been resolved in 2 1/4 hours. One a narrow victory for the Africans, the other a crushing defeat.
The next group expands the army further by adding more Warband, but unlike the ones shown are classed as Wb(I). This army will model one of the kingdoms in the Kongo. These warriors will be screened by some skirmishers that will take the Africans to around 74 stands including three generals. They are being based currently. I don't think this list will be as successful however.
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Post by timurilank on Aug 12, 2017 4:29:16 GMT
Yes there is enough room. The table is a little deeper than BBDBA but the same width, so 1.2m x 0.9m. They fight in two ranks and in places they are three deep so I can plug the gaps. There are lots of gaps once the fighting starts! The flanks are still open, and vulnerable to attack by either player. Despite the numbers involved the two battles played so far have been resolved in 2 1/4 hours. One a narrow victory for the Africans, the other a crushing defeat. The next group expands the army further by adding more Warband, but unlike the ones shown are classed as Wb(I). This army will model one of the kingdoms in the Kongo. These warriors will be screened by some skirmishers that will take the Africans to around 74 stands including three generals. They are being based currently. I don't thing this list will be as successful. Keith,
The Kingdom of Kongo is on my list of future projects for this winter.
I became fascinated with the African tribes taking their conflicts to the field with the Dutch or Portuguese as allies. (Battle of Mbwila, October 1665).
I can recommend Warfare in Atlantic Africa, 1500 – 1800 by John Thornton if you don’t already have it.
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Post by twrnz on Aug 12, 2017 4:47:44 GMT
Robert, thanks for your suggestion for reading. I am just awaiting a couple of books and after that will have a look at the one you suggest.
I enjoy the Renaissance period immensely and have for a while been interested in the Portuguese expansion during the period. I have had the first batch of Portuguese for some time with the intention of linking several of my armies together with a common opponent. When these Africans came up for sale I couldn't resist them, especially at a good price. The painting style is not the same as mine so I have some work to do.
The Battle of Mbwila is indeed interesting. The next variation of the Africans will be loosely based on this period. DBR grades the warriors of the Kongo as Wb(I). The skirmishers will have firearms and I'm toying with some renegades, perhaps crewing a light cannon to dislodge or disrupt the enemy.
Later I will build a small Dutch army, with allies. This will provide another useful opponent for these wars.
I must say I'm pleased this post has provided some interest, and feedback.
Regards,
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Post by twrnz on Sept 5, 2017 10:48:23 GMT
This evening the warriors of Monomotapa again took the field, this time encountering a Japanese expedition.  The rapid advance by the Africans was not disrupted by Japanese cannon or musket fire and was disconcerting to the Japanese. However, the Japanese generals steadied the ranks of Samurai and Ashigaru who fought bravely.  While the Africans broke through in some areas the casualties were crippling. First the African left broke, then the centre... |
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