Tuesday 30 July 2019

"Pen in one hand, a sword in the other"


The latest addition to the library by Roger Crowley who is fast becoming one of my favourite historical writers.

The title of this post is how Roger Crowley described the Portuguese acquisition of an empire based around the Indian Ocean. I will not offer any explanation as to why - you will need to read the book - but it sums up the overall impact they had as a result of their exploration and travels across the Indian Ocean and into East Asia. I purchased the above (and yes, there is also an Osprey title that is on the 'to get' list) for background to the El Dorado collection I have now taken delivery of. Whilst the idea of Aztecs and Tlaxcalans has a certain appeal - what I would call the traditional Conquistador approach - I am fast coming to the conclusion that figures I have would be better off as Portuguese, simply because the opposition is far more diverse. I shall enjoy reading this and indeed, may even acquire a digital version.


A selection of figures from the Foundry El Dorado range

The El Dorado range by Wargames Foundry is quite delightful and the selection I have is pretty much complete for what I would need. All I need to do is to think about the opposition and so I hope that Crowley's book will help with my decision. 


4 comments:

nundanket said...

Hi David, sounds like the right decision to pick the Portuguese because of the diversity of foes. I'm probably going to show my ignorance here, but couldn't you still do Spanish simply by having alternative flag bearers? Would the Spanish and Portuguese look much different?

David Crook said...

Hello there nundanket,

You are absolutely right about the flag swap idea if needed. To be honest I am veering further and further away from Spain as the prospect of painting a gazillion Aztecs really does not appeal! The Portuguese opposition, as well as being far more diverse, would present less difficulties in that respect.

Much to ponder though.

All the best,

DC

Geordie an Exiled FoG said...

The Foundry El Dorado range is brilliant but I would cry myself to sleep trying to paint enough opposition!

David Crook said...

Hi Geordie,

That is precisely the reason I am looking further afield for the opposition. It will still be numerous but less of a challenge to get painted!

All the best,

DC