Carolingians - the army of Charlemagne

Santa was kind enough to answer my request for a Carolingian army this year, and he was even more kind in that he delivered it a little before Christmas as he knew I needed to paint it in time for CanCon (including the Worlds) at the end of January.

Like a doting parent, I have been taking photos of every milestone my new baby reaches, some of which are published below.



The troops arrive diligently in their cardboard landing craft.  Like all troops in landing craft, they looked very vulnerable at this stage.

Most of the figures are Old Glory which I got from Old Glory 15's in the US.  They are very affordable and the quality is good.  A bag of 24 infantry costs $10 which after discount and postage works out at about $9 a bag or just under 40c a figure.  And they arrived within 2 weeks of ordering them!

The Carolinginan Generals were the 1st "unit" to be painted, leading from the front like the brave men they are.  Too brave it appears as the commander viewing things from behind a fence was killed in his first battle (thanks Martin!) - and by light foot too!!  The CinC with the red banner, was killed in his second battle (thanks Michael!).  Perhaps there's a lesson in there somehwere about avoiding opponents with names starting with an M?

The backbone of the army - dismounted cavalry, fighting as Armoured Offensive Spear (and they are very offensive - started insulting me almost from the moment I took them out the box!)

The compulsory unit of Saxon Defensive Spear.  Not much good in a fight, but they paint up nicely.

Light foot with javelin and light spears.  These are Museum Miniatures.  They didn't come with shields so I punched out some plastic card and glued it on.  Did the job okay I thought.

Light foot bow, also from Museum Miniatures. 

Breton Light Cavalry.  These are Essex Miniatures.  I don't know what Breton's looked like, and for some reason I have about 6 packs of unpainted light horse, bow from Essex.  I straightened the bows, added some old shields and, voila! I have javelin armed light horse :-) (and two fewer bags of Essex to paint...).

And finally the Carolingian cavalry take the field...