Illustrations from Osprey Books
The illustrations below and their accompanying text are taken from volumes in Osprey Books‘ Men-at-Arms series.
Each depicts armor, weapons, and clothing that Xenograg could wear.
Text in red on this page is my commentary.
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Seljuk mercenary, late 11th century This man, a chieftain, wears the characteristic wide-skirted topcoat which had a flap called a muqallab passing diagonally across the chest from right to left; this was tied by tapes under the arm and down the left side. From the belt, which is made of silver plaques, hang his bowcase, quiver, and sword-scabbard. On horseback he would also carry javelins, lasso, and probably one or two spare bows and quivers. The mace was also a popular weapon. Armour was mainly of lamellar construction, but here a captured mail corselet is being worn under the topcoat. Most Seljuks, however, were unarmoured and would have carried for protection only the small shield. This, like their clothes, appears to have been brightly colored.
The topcoat, leggings, and boots—in these colors—could be Xenograg’s everyday dress. His (elven) mail could be worn underneath the topcoat exactly as shown. |
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Ottoman gazi, first half 14th century This [mounted] gazi, or religious volunteer, wears a style of buff-leather armour originally introduced by the 13th century Mongols. The circular ear-pieces on his helmet are also of Mongol derivation, while his straight sword is typically Iranian.
– Armies of the Ottoman Turks: 1300-1774 Light armor and weapons when traveling, but still prepared for trouble. Definitely the bowcase and quiver. Xenograg would have a heavier sword. |
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| Images are © Osprey Books. Used without permission. | ||
