The Italian Wars Turbulent Priests set contains two distinctive clergy figures, ideal for bringing some of the religious and political character of Renaissance Italy to the tabletop.

Religion was inseparable from politics during the Italian Wars. The Papal States were themselves a major Italian power, while popes, cardinals, friars and preachers could exert considerable influence over rulers and ordinary people alike. The wars were fought not simply between foreign armies, but amid the constantly shifting rivalries of Italian cities and states in a society where religious authority remained enormously important.

Perhaps the most famous turbulent churchman of the period was the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola, whose fiery preaching against corruption and luxury helped transform the politics of Florence during the 1490s. After the Medici were expelled in 1494, at the beginning of the Italian Wars, Savonarola became an influential figure in the Florentine Republic before eventually being arrested and executed in 1498. His career is a striking example of the way religion, popular unrest and politics could become entwined in Renaissance Italy.

Elsewhere, senior clergy could be political leaders and even military participants. Pope Julius II, for example, played an exceptionally active role in the Italian Wars, entering and abandoning alliances as he sought to strengthen papal power and drive foreign rivals from parts of Italy.

These two 28mm figures can therefore be used as priests, friars, preachers or religious characters accompanying an army, appearing in a town or camp, or forming the focus of a scenario. They would also make excellent character pieces for Renaissance skirmish games and civilian scenes.

Pack contents:

• 2 Renaissance clergy figures
• 2 different poses
• Character figures suitable for Italian Wars and Renaissance settings

Supplied unpainted.