The Rus Prince and his bodyguard ride into battle. Traditionally, they deployed at the rear during the early stages of the battle, only joining the fray for the decisive charge to put the enemy to flight (and hog the glory!). These are actually from the Italeri set of Rus.
Archers (with composite bow) deployed here in front of the main position, screening the main force and shooting at the enemy as it advances to weaken it before the close-up action begins.
Crossbowmen deployed in a similar fashion. The leader (slightly taller and in a different pose, is actually a lead figure I had lying around doing nothing from my old Dungeons and Dragons role-playing days. (Manufacturer unknown). Trying to find him a new "cause" to fight for.
Men with slingshots, again deployed as a screening force. Not sure if the picture angle shows the slingshots very well.
The main infantry contingent with spearmen in the front rank and assorted weapons behind. The commander (next to the flag, leaning on his two-handed sword in a thoughtful pose) is actually another metal figure from the world of D&D - again, manufacturer unknown.
I'm planning to give them their first run this coming weekend in my "Battle of Hastings 950th Anniversary" battle, although not as Rus. They dressed pretty much the same as the Saxons and Normans of the era(Saxon King Harold's sister or daughter was married to a Rus prince at the time of Hastings, so what the heck!), so they will kind of fit in.
I haven't decided which side they will be on, but will probably be one of the mercenary units on the Norman side as that army appears to be a bit short of troops at the moment.
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