700 AD to 878 AD
The Emishi were a tribal people living in the northern regions of Honshu, the main Japanese island. They were probably descendants of the Jomon people and in some way related to the Ainu. The Emishi were gradually defeated by Yamato Empire troops who had adopted the Emishi practice of using mounted archers.
They are a worthy inclusion in the army lists because of their long and fierce resistance to the expanding Yamato Empire. Renowned as horse archers, the army in this game may have up to 12 elements of Horse Bow. This army has 11 Horse Bow and two Bow Levy.
I included a Russian Brown Bear, which is also native to the northern island of Hokkaido, as scatter terrain. The bear had cultural and religious significance to the Ainu so it makes an interesting piece to add to any wooded terrain on the game board.
The figures are all conversions of Old Glory brand miniatures. The mounted troops are mainly Parthian and Armenian horse archers. They are wearing a mix of clothing; from traditional animal hide garments (with extra arrows stuck in their topknots) to the latest Yamato-style armor and clothing and armor. This reflects their nature as different tribes and not a unified nation. The foot archers are converted from various ancient bronze age figures (Libyans, Nubians, etc.)
For those who do not want to do conversions, Baueda sells Emishi figures that are right for this army.
