IV/18 Lithuanian or Samogitian

1132 AD - 1435 AD

DBA 2.2

Army Composition: 1 x (Gen) 3Cv or 2Lh, 6 x 2Lh, 1 x 3Cv or 1 x 2Lh, 2 x 3Ax, 2 x 2Ps 

Historical Enemies: Early Polish, Early Russian, Estonian, Prussian, Teutonic Orders, Mongol Russian, Mongol Successors, Ottoman, Wallachian, Moldavian and Later Polish

During the 13th through 16th centuries Samogitia played a central role in Lithuania’s wars against the crusading order of the Teutonic Knights (Knights of the Cross and Knights of the Sword). Invasions started in Lithuania in 1229. Combined military forces undertook numerous campaigns against Samogitians and Lithuanians. Saule (1236), Skuodas (1239), Durbe (1260), Lievarde (1261) are just a few of the battles that took place. Since Žemaitija was the last pagan region in Europe left to be invaded and christened, the Teutonic Order set their sights on this last mission. 

Between 1345 and 1382, the Knights of the Cross attacked from Prussia some 70 times, while the Livonian Knights of the Sword made 30 military forays. Year after year, fortresses were attacked, farms and crops were put to the torch, women and children enslaved and men killed. Despite all their effort, the Žemaičiai managed to defend their lands until the 1410 decisive Battle of Grunwald or Žalgiris, where united Polish-Lithuanian forces defeated the Teutonic Order and ended their crusading days.

Anyway.....on to the figures

Another Cavalry Nation Army painted up to face their fierce rivals the Poles, Russians, Mongols and the Teutonic and Livonia Orders. I decided to give these guys a winter-snow look. I used Baking Soda for my bases to get that smooth snow effect which is fine, but there's a problem, I wouldn't dare and try to travel with this army to visit friends/club tournaments because the baking soda will crack,flake off etc. I need to find, have been for a few years, a good solid sealer to protect and secure the baking soda from falling apart! :o) This snow "flocking" method is not entirely secured and it was put together for visual appeal only.

Army Arrayed

General as 3Cv or 2Lh

General as 2Lh

General as 3Cv

Skirmishers 2Ps

Spearmen 3Ax