Jeanne d'Arc (on foot) Bad Squiddo Games

Jeanne d’Arc was born in 1412 CE, during the Hundred Years War, a long and bloody conflict between England and France, which she would be destined to shape. From a young age, she began hearing what she believed to be the voice of God, though there are attempts at modern diagnosis to explain this on a secular level. We will never know, as per the words of Ridley Scott “Were you there mate?”

This led her on an incredibly daring mission to ensure that Charles VII (currently the dauphin) was to be crowned King, and then his army could save France. The fact that a young girl could walk up to somebody so high ranking is wild enough, but the fact they [eventually] paid attention is even more fantastic. “Scuse me, Sirs, you’re doing war wrong”.

Jeanne led the French Army through highs and lows in the pushback against the English, becoming a mighty hype for morale, waving her banner and yelling for them to push on. An army believing they have God on their side is exceedingly powerful. While it was unlikely she would have fought intentionally, due to her age, size, and lack of combat training, Jeanne’s presence and encouragement were where her power really lay. In wargames, we have rules such as “Inspiring Presence” for banner bearers, and it really was just that!

After a defeat at Margny, she was captured, after pretty much being abandoned by the King she helped create and put on trial by a mixed jury of French, English, and their French allies – the Burgundians.

The trial was as you can imagine – incredibly unfair. However, Jeanne was brilliant (the record of the trial is actually online) and managed to make it through the thorough questioning. What I find bizarre, about the entire odd tale, is they effectively “got her” in the end for her trousers. She insisted on wearing men’s clothes to show she was a soldier, the same as others, and under the direction of God. Crossdressing was seen as blasphemous so she was sentenced to death. Refusing to refute her Mission from God, Jeanne d’Arc was burned to death before a public audience on May 30, 1431, aged just 19.

I normally keep these summaries reasonably brief, to encourage people to read more, but there’s a bit more this time. Sometimes a story or figure can become so well-known that you actually forget the details. So there’s a refresher! There is course far, far more to the story, but that’s the jist!

The pack consists of one single piece miniature, cast in high quality pewter. 28mm scale, supplied unpainted. Also includes a wire spear and printed paper flag.

Sculpted by Alan Marsh, shown painted by John Morris. Banner art by Martin Whitmore.