DBA Resources

Jim Rapczynski's Later Poles
(DBA IV/66)

(Click Image for Close-up)

> Armies of the Fanatici > Eye Candy > DBA Resources > Fanaticus

I tend to be obsessive about historical accuracy, but am unafraid to make an interpretation, especially if aesthetically pleasing to me. Likewise, I try to set these fellows up historically. This army is based on the Poles that faced the Teutonic Knights at Grunwald (and elsewhere) in 1410. It is larger than a DBA army because I am looking to complete the entire army, including Lithuanians and Tartars. Definitely a labor of love and not of reason. I have come to feel that the Polish banner of the time is represented by two DBx elements, one of Knight and one of Cavalry, with larger banners double this. This seems to be supported by how the army lists are written, even if not specifically stated.

	King Wladyslaw Jagiello of Poland - He is in the center, to his right is a Duke of Masovia, to his left is his nephew Zygmunt Korybut, who was part of the royal suite and could not serve in his own banner.
	The Banner of Zbigniew of Brzezie - He was Marshall of Poland, on the left with sword upraised. Not yet done the 3Cv for this banner yet
	The Banner of Duke Zymhut Korybut - This banner was apparently raised from among both Poles and Lithuanians, therefore the mix of types. Close-up of banner.
	The Banner of St. George - Jan Ziska was in this banner, he is the fellow on the left, Argent, a lobster Gules.
	The Banner of Goncza - Elite court/household banner. Scouts, pursuit, some would say. All three knights figures correspond with historical persons.
	The Banner of Krakow - Elite banner of the army. All of these knights are historical also. The one in black armor is , of course, Zawisza the Black, of Garbow. The knight with the sword is Zyndram of Maszkowice, probably the real commander of the army.
	The Banner of Zaklika of Korzkiew - I thought that this element photographed particularly well.
	The Banner of Nadworna - Elite household banner. Heraldry of the six knights corresponds with historical knights that served in the banner.  Close-up of banner.
	The Banner of Andrzej of Teczyn - My family would use the same heraldry as this. You probably already know how Polish heraldry works. Had to do it as one of the first. My daughter always looks for this one, she knows it's "her" flag.
	The Banner of Clan Gryf -- one of only two clan-based banners at the battle.  Close-up of banner.
	The Banner of Clan Jelita - the second clan-based banner.
	Other Banners - Stray banners that I have not done followers (3Cv) for yet. Includes some pictured elsewhere.
	Wallachian Cavalry -- These figures are actually Pechenegs, which were given to me. I did some work on their hats, and added shields. These are admittedly large. I harvested them from some Russians, scribed the surfaces, added Miliput fur and painted by dry-brush.
	Warwagons
	Militia - Both of the pavises on the viewer's right are based on surviving examples. Heraldry on shields of spearmen is the best I can do for guild heraldry. Extrapolated from later guild heraldry of Krakow, and other guilds from other places.  Closeups of militia of Poznan, Krakow, Kalisz and Lwow.
	Axemen -- Figures are Essex, Gladiator, Roundway.
	Handgunners --Can't remember which brand.

Most of these figures are Essex, which will be clear to most. For variety's sake I have used some Minifigs, Roundway, Gladiator, and another brand I can't remember.  I also convert figures often, changing poses, adding shield, changing weapons, adding miliput detail, etc.

I used bases from Renaissance Ink bases, the thick ones with beveled edges. They have the rubber steel on the bottom. The thick base does make for a higher center of gravity, but it also gives one something to hold on to that is not a figure. I use Delta Ceramcoat paints almost exclusively, with a black wash made from printing ink and water. I also use flocking gel from Renaissance Ink and standard flock. I use an acrylic spray-on varnish.

I scanned the designs for the flags, then redraw and re-scale them in MS paint, doing that in greyscale to provide a painting guide. Some of the devices are cut and paste, or freehanded, which is easy for many of the simple Polish heraldry devices. I use self-sticking label stock, which I affix to heavy foil. I then wrap around pole or lance and glue with AC glue. Then I paint them.

In closing, let me add that I was in a hurry to take advantage of the opportunity provided to share my army with my fellow gamers. The opportunity was a bit more than I expected, and I think that it deserves more than what I have set out here as annotations to the images. I will revise these comments in the very near future.

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Last Update: 21 July 2004

My thanks to Jim Rapczynski for sharing these shots. 
Questions, comments, and feedback welcome.
Send input to Chris Brantley at brant@erols.com.