Romano-British for Dux Britanniarum

I completed the Comanipulares this week, the single Group of elite grade troops allowed to a Romano-British warband at the start of a Dux Britanniarum campaign (in contrast Saxons get two Groups of elite Hearthguard but fewer troops overall).

I originally thought of doing an all red colour scheme for this Group, but on reflection decided that would be out of keeping with the look of the rest of my professional warriors. I therefore kept the white tunic colour scheme I used for my Milites and just used red on the plumes and cloaks. This also then pushed me down the route of choosing a red and white set of shield transfers from Little Big Men Studios. These come with a fetching Chi symbol and added battle damage!

Keeping the white tunics ties the unit in nicely with the Milites, whilst the red makes them distinctive. I also like the idea that when you are inducted into this elite unit from the ranks the Warlord gifts you with a plumed helmet, red cloak and new shield, but the rest of your equipment you have to find on your own.

The colour combinations were very much the same as for the Milites, with the exception of the red.  This was as follows:

Base coat – Cavalry Brown (VMC 70.982)

First highlight – Cavalry Brown 50% + Dark Vermilion 50% (VMC 70.947)

Second highlight – Dark Vermilion

The flowers and tufts were from the MiniNatur range available from Warbases.

I particularly enjoyed painting these. They are from Footsore Miniatures Late Roman / Romano-British range. They don’t require much in the way of cleaning, but I would recommend paying attention to a particularly prominent mould line running up the left arm and head. A little patience is needed to make sure this has completely gone.

This completes the Groups of warriors. Just the four characters to go before the warband is ready.