Drawing Update: Hussite Weapons

Art by TL Jeffcoat

Art by TL Jeffcoat

I've been working on the War Wagon for the post on the Hussite Hand Cannon off and on for a few weeks and I've finally completed it. I’m putting up both at the same time, and then I’ll see if I can get some of the simpler weapons drawn up. I’m hoping to knock out 3 more this month. One of these days, I’ll have a drawing of every weapon in the Weapons & Warriors series and then I’ll work on wrapping it up and converting it all into a free download. I’ll have to spend some time editing all the posts, too. I’m thinking the formats will probably be Nook, Kindle, and PDF. Not sure if there is need to do any others.


Check out the post on the Hand Cannon of the Hussites to learn more about both of these weapons.

Weapons & Warriors: The Hand-Cannon of the Hussites

Art by TL Jeffcoat

I’m going to discuss a couple things about the Hussites today. The main focus is the Hand-Cannon, but I want to start with the War Wagon, also known as a Wagenburg. These things are pretty straight forward and are the primary reason the Hand Cannons were so successful. It’s a wagon with a big wooden box on it. Holes are cut out so the crossbowmen and gunners could poke their weapons out and shoot the charging enemies. The Hussites would ride these wagons close to the where the enemy was setting up camp or marching and then would form circles or squares with several wagons. They tied the wheels together with chains and then placed shields and pikemen behind the chains to keep anyone from trying to charge through. If anyone was foolish enough to barge through these openings, they would probably have their head caved in by the flail wielding farmers waiting to begin the counter attack.

Counterattack? Yes, the Hussites weren’t the typical army of the 1400’s. They weren’t trained soldiers and they weren’t led into battle by a king. They did have an amazing general, who used tactics he possibly learned while fighting with the Tartars. It didn’t hurt to also have some of the best gunsmiths in Europe as part of the movement. Once their enemies attempted to flee, the Hussites would charge out into the field using cavalry to flank the fleeing soldiers and the men with flails and pikes to kill everyone trapped. The Hussites weren’t known for taking prisoners. This is pretty much how the first Crusade against them ended.

I'm a Weapons Geek, So? - The Deadliest Warrior

The Deadliest Warrior will return to Spike TV later in July for its 3rd season, and I can’t wait to see it. I know, some of you are saying, “You can’t be serious. The simulation program they use is a joke.” Well it sort of is, although it’s about as good as a computer is going to get, till someone figures out how to make one learn on its own, adapt and reason and in milliseconds, just like the human brain does. Until then, I’m not going to worry so much about the Terminator becomes reality theory. What they’re using it’s really not all that bad; it was originally developed to simulate large scale battles for video games. Not a perfect model for reality still, but not as ridiculous as some might believe. Don’t underestimate a nerd and his mission for mimicking realism.

What I love about the show however is the historical education on weapons and armor, not only from learning about new weapons, but finding out how they were used and what they can actually do to the human body. This is the selling point for me since I’m constantly researching about weapons from all ages. I am a weapons lore junkie, and it doesn't matter if it's modern or bronze. I actually have a collection of knives and swords, including a sword that was worn with a formal military uniform in Mongolia. Weapons really get my attention. This is probably why I don’t care how inaccurate their computer is. I can’t say I disagree with the first season final champions after what I saw though. Not just about learning what their weapons and armor were made of and techniques they used in combat, but their physical training as well. Spartans seemed invincible, even in bronze after the Samurai steel in tests could barely dent it. Watching a former Spetsnaz commando get punched in the chest and stomach so hard his back bowed and then just brush it off repeatedly and speak to the man punching him as if nothing was happening to him… well there isn’t much to say about who’s winning that wrestling match. So maybe their computer isn’t too far off reality after all.

I can’t wait to see the match ups this season, if you love the show or don’t, share your thoughts or feelings with me.