The pinnacle of the genre, not a video game but a masterpiece of modding: European Warfare

From Age of Empires to European Warfare: A Journey Through Historical RTS Games

My passion for historical real-time strategy (RTS) games began with the original Age of Empires. Like many, I was captivated by its blend of city-building and ancient warfare, and this obsession only grew with Age of Empires II. 

I played it so much that I practically burned out, but my love for the genre didn’t wane.

I vividly remember flipping through a gaming magazine and stumbling upon an announcement for Cossacks: European Wars. The promise of massive armies, well beyond the 200-unit limit of Age of Empires II, left me awestruck. Officers and drummers to organize formations? The ability to rotate formation fronts? It was revolutionary! I dove headfirst into Cossacks, playing every expansion up to Back to War. I still recall the thrill of seeing Prussians introduced in Art of War, the only faction with musket reloading animations. Details like the ponytails on Saxon musketeers and grenadiers made the experience unforgettable. In fact, I specifically chose Saxony because I wanted my soldiers to have those iconic ponytails, which added a unique charm compared to the units of other nations.

Discovering American Conquest

When American Conquest was announced, it promised to take my RTS experience to a whole new level. Spanning from the Discovery of America to the War of 1812, it covered two of my favorite conflicts: the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. To pass the time while waiting, I played Conquest of the New World, losing hours in its chessboard-style battles.

American Conquest introduced innovative mechanics like morale, where units could break formation under heavy losses. But as with Age of Empires, my enthusiasm eventually faded. I began craving something deeper.

Enter European Warfare

My search for more led me to the Hawks Masters of the Field community, a group of history enthusiasts who transformed American Conquest with incredible multiplayer maps and, eventually, the groundbreaking European Warfare mod. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, the mod brought a wealth of new features and a far richer gameplay experience.

At the time, I only played the single-player version, but even then, it was a breath of fresh air. The ability to build redoubts and fortify positions became one of my favorite aspects. It felt like a true evolution of the genre, blending strategy, tactics, and historical authenticity.

A Fresh Update for December 2024

Fast forward over a decade, and I’m thrilled to share that a new version of European Warfare has just been released this December. You can download it now at ModDB.com.

The latest version includes revamped single-player missions and an enhanced multiplayer experience. If you want to make the most of it, I highly recommend joining the Hawks' Discord community. The multiplayer matches are where this mod truly shines. A special thanks to Nappy, who welcomed me into the group, patiently explained the mechanics, and always invited me to join their games—it’s been an absolute pleasure.

If you’re a fan of historical RTS games, do yourself a favor and check out the new European Warfare. It’s a labor of love from the Hawks community, and I guarantee it’ll reignite your passion for the genre.

I’m also thrilled to share some exciting news: in the coming months, the updated version of European Warfare 2: The Age of Reason will be released! This mod shifts the focus from the Napoleonic Wars to the Seven Years' War, and perhaps even the French and Indian War. I absolutely can’t wait to experience it!

Find more players and information on the Hawks' Discord and start your journey into one of the most immersive RTS mods ever created.

AoE 2 DE Custom Multiplayer Scenario: Broken Lances (Lanze Spezzate) 1vs1

 Broken Lances (Lanze Spezzate): A Mercenary Clash Inspired by Renaissance Warfare

The Renaissance era, a time of great cultural and military evolution, saw the rise of professional mercenary companies that redefined warfare in Europe. Among the most renowned were John Hawkwood (Giovanni Acuto), an English captain leading the White Company in Italy, and Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, the last great Italian condottiero who epitomized the courage and strategy of mercenary captains. These figures serve as an inspiration for Broken Lances, a scenario that brings the treacherous and tactical world of mercenary bands to life in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition.

A Battle Between Rival Mercenary Companies

In Broken Lances, two mercenary bands compete for supremacy: The Scoundrels, led by Captain Ale, a diverse company of adventurers primarily from Italy, and Kratos’ Band, commanded by the formidable Teutonic Knight Kratos. The latter embodies the discipline and might of the Germanic lands, drawing on their history of well-organized mercenary forces. These companies mirror the historical rivalries of the Renaissance, where mercenaries like Hawkwood or Giovanni dalle Bande Nere were not only military commanders but also political tools, hired to tip the balance in Italy's fragmented power struggles.

Immersive and Unique Gameplay

This scenario introduces a fresh approach to gameplay. As a mercenary captain, your objective is to eliminate the rival company, earning rewards and maintaining your dominance.

• Restricted Construction: Players cannot build freely but are limited to essential structures for their encampments.
• Resource Management: Utilize mule carts and mills to gather resources. Mills provide farms and livestock like cows, pigs, and goats, essential for sustaining your army.
• Army Expansion: Build army tents to increase your population cap and recruit additional soldiers.
• Village Alliances: Six neutral villages are scattered across the map. Trade with these villages using trade carts, or bring your captain inside to receive 1,000 gold, food, and wood every two minutes.

Strategic Depth and Challenges

The historical condottieri thrived on cunning strategies, and Broken Lances encourages the same.

• Defense and Ambushes: Build palisades, barricades, or ambush enemy trade routes to hinder your opponent’s progress.
• Critical Stakes: Each player starts with one town center, a church, and a market. If these are destroyed, they cannot be rebuilt, raising the stakes of every battle. The loss of your captain results in instant defeat, symbolizing the disintegration of your company.
• Unique Units: While both bands share most units, Kratos’ Band has exclusive access to Teutonic Knights, reflecting their martial heritage.

A Tribute to Renaissance Warfare

This scenario is more than a battle; it is a homage to the mercenary tradition that shaped Europe’s military and political landscapes. Figures like Giovanni Acuto, who mastered both negotiation and battlefield tactics, and Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, who brought innovation and valor to his campaigns, remind us of the complex interplay of loyalty, ambition, and strategy that defined this era.

Broken Lances challenges players to think like true condottieri, balancing resourcefulness, aggression, and strategic foresight. Are you ready to step into the boots of a mercenary captain and carve your legacy in the annals of warfare?

Creating this scenario was a journey in itself, and I owe a special thanks to Alkhalim. His detailed videos on trigger mechanics in the Age of Empires II editor were instrumental in bringing this vision to life. If you’re ready to step into the boots of a mercenary captain and prove your worth, Broken Lances awaits!

12/26 Update: New Version of the Broken Lances Scenario

I’ve made some updates to the Broken Lances scenario for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition after identifying inaccuracies in the previous version. Thanks to the feedback I received, I was able to fix several key issues affecting the triggers for Player 2.

Key Fixes:

• Self-destruction of palisade walls: A trigger was incorrectly set to add instead of set, causing the walls' health points to increase by 1,000 per second, which led to their self-destruction. This has now been corrected.
• Incorrect unit creation: Villagers for Player 2 were being recruited from the monastery. This has been fixed.
• Building restrictions: Player 2 could still construct the mining camp and lumber camp, which are replaced by the mule cart in this scenario. This issue is now resolved.

After running several tests, I can confirm that the updated version functions as intended.

How to Download and Install the Updated Scenario

You can download the updated scenario here
To install it, simply copy the file into the Scenario folder of your Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition directory. Once copied, the scenario will appear in your game under the Custom Scenario menu.

Upload Issue on the Official Website

I attempted to upload the new version to the official Age of Empires II mods website. Unfortunately, the page freezes during the loading process, preventing me from sharing the updated version there. I’ll keep trying and will update you once it’s successfully uploaded.

What’s Next?

In the next update, I plan to include a short guide on how to fully enjoy the scenario in multiplayer matches.

Thank you again for your feedback and support—I hope you enjoy the improved version of Broken Lances!

Lego Custom Knights with a twist!

Here are some photos from a recent experiment combining Lego knights with paper accessories. For this setup, I used medieval and Renaissance tents, along with a few from the American Civil War, all designed by Peter Dennis.

To adapt them for Lego, I modified Peter's files by scaling them up for better compatibility. While working on the tents, I also added the Black Monarchs logo to a few for a personal touch.

I believe it’s possible to create the support structures for these tents using Lego pieces with some minor adjustments—I’ll update you as I explore this idea further.

You might have noticed that my dioramas are no longer photographed outdoors. This is due to the logistical challenges of setting up outdoor shoots, even for small scenes. Additionally, the colder weather makes outdoor work less practical. So, I’ve started experimenting with indoor dioramas, focusing on how to optimize artificial lighting for the best results.

Lego BlackFalcons with Brickperium and Brickwarriors custom items

 

Grudgebringers

This indoor diorama diverges from my usual outdoor approach with natural lighting, featuring instead a large blue cardboard backdrop.

A tent made of cardboard and paper serves as a central element, reflecting my attempt to replicate the appearance of fabric.

The scene represents a rare moment of calm for the Grudgebringers, the legendary mercenary company introduced in the video game Shadow of the Horned Rat, a title I hold in great esteem. A knight accompanies his horse on foot, with sausages and hams visible on the saddle, hinting at supplies gathered through foraging. Nearby, one infantryman peeks into the tent, perhaps to inform an officer of an update.

Custom Barding

 

The Frontier

In my diorama titled The Frontier, a tense scene unfolds as a band of soldiers, possibly Hessians, emerge from the shadows of a dense forest. Accompanied by a group of Native allies, they approach a frontier homestead cautiously. 

Inside the home, a colonial family prepares for the unknown. The husband stands by the window, gripping his musket tightly, his gaze fixed on the advancing figures. Behind him, his father-in-law shields the man’s wife and her sister, both women visibly tense. The younger sister clutches a kitchen knife, hastily grabbed from the set dining table, ready to defend their home if necessary.

The scene draws inspiration from the timeless, suspenseful frontier narratives of John Ford’s The Searchers and Drums Along the Mohawk. Set in the mid-1700s, this diorama captures the mix of fear, determination, and unity in the face of an uncertain encounter, immersing us in the atmosphere of America’s early colonial frontier.

Lego Imperial Guards

Shot of my LEGO Imperial Guards company on the march! Leading the formation, we have the officer and the flag bearer carrying a custom-made flag on fabric, complete with the iconic Guard emblem. I added a weathered effect to the flag, giving it a worn look that speaks of hundreds battles fought against pirates.

The setup was shot in RAW mode with a woodland backdrop on a TV screen, with some real soil added in the foreground for extra depth. I’ve also mixed in both original LEGO pieces and non-LEGO products purchased on Aliexpress.

More Knights

The collection of five photos captures Playmobil knights with heraldry inspired by both Game of Thrones and LEGO factions. First, we have a Playmobil knight bearing the heraldry of House Bolton, with its sigil of a flayed man, embodying the brutal and ruthless nature of the house. Alongside him is another Playmobil knight, this time with the sigil of House Frey.

In the next image, a group of Playmobil knights proudly display the Bull's Knights emblem. Complementing the display are two Playmobil knights sporting the heraldry of the LEGO Crusaders.

Finally, in the last photo, a Playmobil knight with the Fright Knights emblem adds a dark and eerie contrast to the other figures. The Fright Knights, known for their sinister aesthetic.

This collection serves as a tribute to both the storied factions of Game of Thrones and the bold and imaginative world of LEGO, blending medieval symbolism with the craftsmanship of Playmobil figures.

Point d'argent, point de Suisses

"Point d'argent, point de Suisses" — a phrase meaning "No money, no Swiss" — this diorama captures a battalion of Swiss soldiers advancing into battle. Using high-quality, unofficial Lego minifigures from AliExpress, I was struck by the craftsmanship of these pieces despite their unofficial origins. Originally designed as grenadiers of the 1st Swiss Regiment in Napoleon's Grande Armée (circa 1805), they wore fur caps; however, I customized them with tricornes to depict the Swiss troops who served the French Crown throughout the 1700s.

This diorama reflects the Swiss mercenaries' reputation as elite soldiers, valued for their discipline and courage, as noted by figures like Prussian King Frederick II. Inspired by René Chartrand's historical work, "Louis XV's Army: Foreign Infantry and Artillery," and the stunning soldier illustrations by Eugène Lelièpvre, I also included two flags: the royal standard, with its white field and golden fleur-de-lis, and the Swiss regiment’s Flammé flag. These elements honor the foreign regiments who were indispensable to French military power during the 18th century.

House Swyft of Cornfield

In this photo, I’ve portrayed a Playmobil knight as “Sir Tyler Swyft,” inspired by the house of Swyft from Game of Thrones. Known for their striking sigil—a bold blue bantam rooster on a yellow field—the house motto is “Awake! Awake!” fitting perfectly for a valiant, watchful knight. I crafted the tabard and shield with this emblem, aiming to capture the medieval, noble look of Cornfield’s champion. Sir Tyler Swyft’s name may bring a smile as it echoes a more modern cultural reference, but he stands proudly as a guardian ready to defend his keep with the fierce vigilance of his house’s rallying cry.

The Golden Swan Knight and the Black Baron

In childhood, the Golden Swan Knight and the Black Baron were characters that seemed alive in the vivid world of Playmobil, representing ideals of knighthood and rivalry. For years, I imagined epic battles and chivalrous quests, where the Golden Swan Knight’s noble grace was pitted against the Black Baron’s mysterious darkness, especially in that catalog scene where they faced off near the Black Baron’s fortress, a captive damsel just visible in the background.

In the first photo, I’ve highlighted the Golden Swan Knight with unique elements—a custom caparison, shield, and banner crafted to match his signature iconography. In the second, the Black Baron stands with his loyal knights, each bearing wyvern-emblazoned standards in shades of deep purple, painted and designed to capture their ominous presence. The personal touches here echo the nostalgic memory of that Christmas when my father gifted me a play set with the knight’s tournament tent, alongside a beautiful illustrated book of King Arthur by Howard Pyle, igniting my lifelong fascination with medieval lore.

LEGO Black Monarchs Heraldry on Playmobil Knights

In the first image, you’ll see a close-up of a Playmobil knight proudly wearing a tabard that I created, featuring the iconic logo of the LEGO Black Monarchs faction. In the second image, there are three knights in full armor. Two of them carry shields with an alternative Black Monarchs logo, and one knight holds a lance adorned with a Black Monarchs banner. In the background, you can spot a large banner leaning against the wall, also displaying the Black Monarchs emblem.

For those unfamiliar with the LEGO Black Monarchs, they’re one of the classic medieval factions. 

They were a formidable presence in LEGO's medieval universe, ruling with authority and strength. Their designs were simple yet powerful, and they’ve always been one of my favorite LEGO factions.

What I really enjoy is combining LEGO and Playmobil heraldry. There’s something special about using LEGO knight designs on Playmobil figures and vice versa. It allows for a crossover between these two iconic brands, blending their styles in a way that feels both nostalgic and creative.

And let’s be honest, being able to use both #LEGO and #Playmobil in the same image is pure joy for me! Personally, I’ve never seen them as rivals where one excludes the other. For me, there’s no Team LEGO or Team Playmobil—they complement each other, and both offer endless possibilities for creativity.

LEGO Knights Jousting Duel – Custom Heraldry and Accessories

This scene captures the intense moment of a duel between two custom LEGO knights. In the foreground, one knight is seen from behind as his horse rears up, kicking up dirt, ready to charge with his lance aimed forward. In the background, the opposing knight has already lowered his lance and is rushing toward his opponent in full charge.

What makes these knights special are the custom details. The knight in the foreground wears a cape and barding that I made myself, featuring the heraldry of the Scaricamazza family. If you're into heraldry, I highly recommend checking out Dario Scaricamazza’s work on Instagram. His designs were a great inspiration for this.

As for the knight in the background, his barding and shield feature one of my favorite heraldic designs from the 90s Playmobil knights—a yellow wyvern on a purple background. It’s a nostalgic nod to one of the factions I grew up with, and I really enjoyed recreating this iconic design for LEGO.

Other accessories in the scene include armor and lances from Brickwarriors, which add a lot of authentic medieval flair to the figures. Finally, the knight in the background sports a beautiful bascinet helmet that I found on AliExpress, and it really completes his armored look.

It’s always fun blending custom-made heraldry, classic LEGO elements, and accessories from different sources to create something unique. This duel scene feels like a real clash of knights from two different worlds—the Scaricamazza legacy meets the Playmobil faction from my childhood, all brought together in LEGO form!

Imperial Guard of Krieg Diorama with Custom LEGO Minifigures

I’ve always been a fan of the Death Korps of Krieg from Warhammer 40K, so I decided to bring them to life in a diorama—but with a twist. Instead of traditional miniatures, I used unofficial LEGO minifigures that I found on AliExpress. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the quality, but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. These figures are well-made, detailed, and really capture the grim, stoic vibe of the Krieg soldiers.

In the diorama, you can see the squad emerging from the ruins of an Imperial palace. The sergeant leads them from the front, while in the background, the Commissar watches over them. Now, unlike other regiments of the Imperial Guard, the soldiers of Krieg don’t need a Commissar to inspire courage—they already embody relentless loyalty. Instead, the Commissar's role here is to prevent them from becoming too zealous and throwing their lives away unnecessarily in their quest for self-sacrifice. Krieg soldiers are known for their grim determination and readiness to die in the Emperor’s name, often needing a Commissar to remind them not to waste their lives pointlessly.

One of the highlights of this piece is the flag bearer, standing next to the Commissar, carrying a regimental banner that I made by hand from fabric. I’m quite proud of how it turned out, and it really adds that personal touch to the scene.

On the topic of these custom LEGO figures, I know there’s some controversy regarding unofficial products on platforms like AliExpress, especially when it comes to intellectual property and copyright. These figures are not official LEGO products, but they are an affordable alternative for those looking to add something unique to their collection. I do understand the importance of supporting official creators, but sometimes, fan creations and custom figures allow for more creativity and accessibility, especially in niche communities like ours.

Overall, I’m really happy with how this diorama turned out. It’s a unique take on the Death Korps of Krieg, mixing the grimdark aesthetic of Warhammer 40K with the playful and creative world of LEGO.

Brickperium’s “Cuirass of The Silver Lilies” & “Sallet” Helmet Review – A Must-Have for LEGO Knights!

In this post, I’m excited to share my review of some amazing LEGO-compatible accessories made by Brickperium. In the image, you’ll see a knight wearing the Cuirass of The Silver Lilies and the Sallet helmet, both by Brickperium. The knight also wields a cavalry lance from Brickwarriors, another fantastic brand.

I personally painted the armor and helmet, applying a subtle weathering effect to give them a more realistic look. I also created the caparison for the horse and the banner, featuring the emblem of the LEGO faction Dragon Masters.

I highly recommend Brickperium’s accessories, which have just become available. They add a stunning level of detail and realism to your LEGO knights. I'm also a huge fan of Brickwarriors, having used their products for nearly 10 years! The only minor issue I’ve encountered is that the Sallet helmet is a bit too tight on LEGO minifig heads, making it hard to remove.

Overall, on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate these accessories a solid 9. 

They look fantastic and bring your LEGO knights to life! Be sure to check out Brickperium’s wide range of accessories on their website.

Stay tuned! In the coming weeks, I’ll be releasing a video tutorial on how to create your custom banners, flags, and capes using fabric.

Back on the open sea

Here we go again, I managed to get back to the beach, and this time I decided to bring not one, but two galleons: 

the Imperial Flagship and the Bluebrixx Brigantine. 

The plan was to take some photos of both ships together, but I couldn’t find a good way to capture a nice shot! I’ll try again. 

I also had to wait until the evening for the beach to clear out a bit, as it was really crowded! 

My camera probably works better with stronger light, but I really like the rosy evening glow. Flags made by me