Embracing the Italian traditions of soldiering, Ottavio was schooled in the art of war in Florence, enlisting in the Spanish army as a pikeman at sixteen. A year later, he was given command of a cavalry regiment in Bohemia, dispatched by the Grand Duke of Tuscany to bolster the Holy Roman Emperor's army. He fought with distinction under Count Bucquoy at the Battle of White Mountain. He would go on to serve alongside the Graf zu Pappenheim commanding his personal cuirassier regiment), and in Wallenstein's personal bodyguard. His talent for politicking stood him in good stead, allowing him to recover from multiple demotions and capture by the enemy. Ottavio would have five horses shot from under him at Lutzen, leading his cavalry regiment in several decisive charges. 19th century authors were so impressed by his pivotal role in the battle that they would falsely ascribe him command of the entire Imperial left wing during the battle. Command Rating: 8 Son of Belial: Piccolomini's brand of soldiering is cut from the same cloth as a 15th century Condottiero. All cavalry units in his battalia may take the 'Marauders' special rule for +5pts. Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
