AD1666 factions...the Poles
Not as well known to English speaking US players is the three volume " With Fire and Sword " story by H. Sienkewicz. The Polish faction is drawn directly from the heroes the trilogy.
The figures are not in the same uniform as each other, but cleverly show the Poles as they were portrayed in the books. The characters are at least as well drawn as those in the Musketeers set.
The leader Wolodjoski , is a terror in dueling, capable of dispatching an opponent with ease. I mean that the Polish 'Mouse ' is as formidable as any of the Musketeers. Highly skilled and very talented in fencing, but not armed for shooting.
The Polish Dragoons, the backup for the heroes.
The characters are a study in complementing contrast. Skrzetuski is almost in combat as good as the leader and comes with some armor.
Longinous in a melee wields a monster of a sword ( called Cowlsnatcher ) that has a wonderful special rule, and other weapons and skills. The character is so obviously strong that he's the target of the other players early in the game. Pan Longinus is also able to notice demons or other creatures of the dark powers. Kind of how Porthos is about wine.
Pan Zagloba is the next hero, which is a surprise in that he is not the best in melee but exceeds in many ways that the group needs help. Uncle Zagloba can render enemy characters ineffective, by drinking them under the table before the action starts, help with strategy or in a pinch be as innocent as any other bystander---until his sword is required.
That rounds up the basic hero group. There are two additional heros, Baska and Kelting, who provide firepower, additional resources and an unusual support rule. Ketling is defensively protective of Baska, who is very capable of dispatching foes herself.
Finally, it should be noted the Dragoons of the unit are different from the rank and file Musketeers of the French faction. The French are in shooting slightly more accurate, but the Poles have a faster reload and each Dragoon has one more wound than the Musketeers have.
So the Defenders of the Crown are strong group of warriors and supporters, who are either aligned good or at least neutral in alliance. The Emporer Elect has a loyal group in them.
By the way, I highly recommend the " With Fire and Sword " trilogy to you. It is as good as the Dumas stories of the King's Musketeers. It has been called the national novel of Poland. Be aware, in total, some 3000 pages. You won't want to put it down.
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