Pike Block Positioning

[khartoum2]

I'm just putting together some warlord landsknechts and my thoughts are for a standard pike block to be 24 figures on 2x2 bases (6 figure front and 4 deep in total)

My thoughts re positioning figures in the block are :-

Front Row: - all pike
Second row: "sergeant" with halberd to straighten the line, pike, officer, musician and then 2 pike
Third Row:- 3 pike the standard then 2 pike
Back row:- all pike

Really appreciate how people think this would sit as I don't see officer to the front row as too likely to die and lose command. Also is 6x4 best way to go?

Thanks in advance

[Friends of General Haig]

All makes sense.  I would be tempted to have at least two standards/flags as they are one of the most attractive things about the period and it looks great!  I have a sergeant on the back rank to pack the other ranks in, and to ensure everyone is going the right way ;-)

For the Italian wars I would be tempted to have the block deeper, perhaps 6 deep. Just based on the ‘look’ as much as anything else.

[Mako]

Yea, I agree with the above on the pike depth, but 4 will work.  6 does look better.

I've seen some people put their leaders and musicians outside of the pike blocks, so they can have a full array of the latter in place.  Not sure how they really did it back in the day, but suspect that leaders and musicians might just get in the way when the fighting starts.

You could also have a separate row, for the front, or back, with halberds, or columns to the sides as well, for effect, or show, depending upon how your rules work.  Same goes for shot troops, if you have those - crossbows or guns.

If on the flanks, I think I'd just use individual figures, so they can be used for skirmish games too.

[khartoum2]

Thanks for the above - May go 4 as standard depth but 6 as an upgrade with more oomph.

Like the idea of 2 flags just need to see if I have enough suitable figures.

With respect to screening the block I was thinking basing some zweillhanders on 2x1 bases so they could act as a front line. Also do the same with missile troops which could either replace the swordsmen or have as small clocks to the side of the block

Really been helpful

[fastolfrus]

I would second the suggestion for sergeants on the back rank, one at each corner.
I would also put the officer and drummer on a separate stand - if he's in the middle of the second row he can't see properly to command the block, also the front rank cannot see him (and may not be able to hear him either). Probably put the standards in the second rank.

[FierceKitty]

I prefer standards in the second rank, where most men could see them.

[khartoum2]

Thanks again -Like the idea of more sergeants.

Looking like they may be single flag blocks as might not have quite enough standard bearers to go round.

[olicana]

Sounds good to me. I prefer my blocks a little bigger but I know big blocks are not everyone's cup of tea.



The Swiss left at Novara 1513 Vs Landsknechts in the distance.



Ravenna 1512



Here a Landsknecht (108) block is up against a Swiss block (216). Cerignola 1503



Swiss blocks (108s I think) go up against the massed French at Marignano 1515







Big does look good, I think.

[Ray Rivers]

Big does look good, I think.

 

Agreed!

[khartoum2]

They look amazing and dominate the area probably more so than a number of smaller blocks would do

Thanks for the inspiration

[Mako]

Wow, those ARE impressive.

6 x 9 for 54 troops to a unit does look superb!

Thanks for sharing your photos.

Would love to see some closeups of them, and any gendarme units you may have too, if you are willing to share them with us.

[Leapsnbounds]

Thank you.  This discussion is very useful.  I hope there will be more so I can better organize my Landsknecht Armies.  I need all te help I can get.

[olicana]

Without wishing to hijack this thread, a few close ups

[khartoum2]

With goodies like these please feel free to hijack.

I've got to find a nice big screen to look at them they are a beautiful selection and are giving me lots of ideas

Thanks G