While most wargamers instinctively reach for Turcopoles when looking to field regional allies for a First Crusade army, I wanted to build something a bit more unique. A unit of Cilician Armenian allied cavalry. These local Christian auxiliaries are vital aliies to the Crusaders as they pushed through the rugged terrain of southeastern Anatolia.
Over the course of building and painting this army, I’ve found myself completely taken by the history of Prince Tancred. Though he technically marched in the shadow of his uncle, Bohemond of Taranto, during the early stages of the First Crusade, Tancred quickly carved out his own legendary reputation through sheer audacity, tactical brilliance, and relentless drive.
Centered in the vanguard is Tancred, mounted on his striking warhorse.
Flanking the prince are his two invaluable companions. Ilger Bigod, carrying the prince's personal standard. Hugh the Mad, aggressively raising his lance.
After plenty of time at the workbench, my First Crusade Frankish knights are officially based, grouped, and ready to ride down the enemies of Christendom. These, iron-clad knights of the Italo-Norman vanguard are ready to carve their way through the Levant.
Perry First Crusade project: Hospitalers, Crusading noble, and Peter the Hermit, and using the Italian Clergy as an Inquisititor.
So going into this one, the intent was clear—this was supposed to play out like the Battle of the Little Bighorn. You had your split forces, aggressive cavalry and infantry, “this might go horribly wrong”
Naturally… everyone completely ignored that and did their own thing 😂
The tactic proved effective enough that later commanders trained elephants alongside swine to blunt their fear, a weakness noted by Roman and Byzantine authors from the wars against Pyrrhus to the defense of Edessa centuries later.
