High detail low-impact Knight model collection (Western Europe, 11th-12th Century). Rational poly-count suitable for 'next-generation' games. Very high level of detail also suitable for high-end render work. Part of a huge related model collection available from ES3DStudios.
This is the 3DSMax rigged version (also provided unrigged, and in .3ds). Alternate format versions, available separately, come in the T-Pose ready for rigging.
********* Textures in 2nd zip download *************
Includes choice of eye colour, plus mouth interior and alpha mapped teeth. This set also includes broadsword, axe, mace, warhammer, lance, kite sheild and choice of helmets. Many more accessories also available.
At the beginning of the Middle Ages a knight was originally a person of noble birth who was trained in a range of weapons, horsemanship and chivalry. A Knights Armor in the Middle Ages was extremely expensive to produce. It had to be tailor-made to fit the Knight exactly or the Knight ran the risk of an ill-fitting suit of armor hampering him in battle. In the early Middle Ages a horse played an extremely important part in the life of a knight. A knight would own several horses which were built for different duties. The Courser was the most sought after and expensive warhorse, but the more common warhorses were the Destriers. The wealthy noblemen who became mounted knights were worth the equivalent of ten foot soldiers. This changed with the emergence of feudalism. A successful soldier could become wealthy and knighthood conferred regardless of his background.
Feudalism was based on the exchange of land for military service. A portion of land (called a fief) would be granted by the King to a successful soldier or knight who had performed well during battle. This reward would be granted in exchange for his services. The fief, or land, was granted to a soldier or knight following a Commendation Ceremony which was designed to create a lasting bond between a vassal and his lord. The knight would swear allegiance to his lord - the Oath of Fealty. Fealty and homage were key elements of feudalism.
A knight who had been rewarded with land pledged his military services. This was called the Feudal Levy. When wars erupted during the Middle Ages soldiers and knights were raised by the Feudal Levy when there was a 'Call to Arms'. Under the Feudal Levy soldiers and knights were required to fight for a limited period of 40 days - under certain circumstances this could be increased to 90 days. Medieval nobles, lords and knights of the Middle Ages were expected to provide trained soldiers to fight for the King and to provide clothes and weapons for the soldiers. The limited time requirement of the Feudal Levy was designed to ensure that the land would not suffer from neglect.
-----
-----
