(1) Italian crossbow militia, armoured with mail and a pavise.

(2) These men carry a large pavise shield to give them some protection while reloading.

(3) Superior Italian crossbow unit armoured with brigandine and a pavise.

(4) The crossbow is an excellent weapon for the militiaman , being easy to use, although slow to reload. These men carry a large pavise shield to give them some protection while reloading.

(5) Superior Italian crossbow garrison unit armoured with brigandine and a pavise.

(6) Therefore it makes sense to give the crossbowmen a large shield, pavise, to hide behind.

(7) Italians are world renowned for their love of the crossbow, none more so then the Genoese . These wealthy militia are equipped with brigandine armour, a large Pavise style shield, and a sword.