Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Age of the Big Battalions => Topic started by: oxiana on August 04, 2011, 09:57:55 AM
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My taste for all things Haitian is evolving into quite a little painting project. I've a unit of Trent Miniatures armed slaves and Haitian infantry on the table, and am about to order some Revolutionary era French infantry too. For the moment though, here's a slave leader with four-legged friend:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8041003.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8041004.jpg)
Figure is an Artizan pirate, with his cutlass swapped by a pistol, and his boots made into bare feet. Dog by Citadel.
Coming next, a Vodou altar with priest:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P7300999.jpg)
Off camera are various pigs and chickens looking worried at what the priest might have in mind! ;)
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Heroclix make a Voodoo Priest and a Voodoo Baron which might mix in with what you have in mind.
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Very Nice, looking forward to more Revolutionary goodness!
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Developing into a nice and unusual project... well done! 8)
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Very nice painting, its a very unusual period, I look forward to seeing more pics!!!
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Another very inspirational figure! ;D
Keep up the good work!
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Looks great, the forum seems to be filled with haitian revolution threads! May also start to paint some kitbashed revolters!
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My interest is just starting, but it's building fast!
There seems to be a big void in figures though for the 1790 time frame. French Rev War (with bicornes) is a bit too late and American Rev War is too early.
Plus, a lot of uniforms at that time had top hats! (Brigade Games has early British with top hats.)
Update: Bicornes are fine. Top hats are out there.
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My interest is just starting, but it's building fast!
There seems to be a big void in figures though for the 1790 time frame. French Rev War (with bicornes) is a bit too late and American Rev War is too early.
Plus, a lot of uniforms at that time had top hats! (Brigade Games has early British with top hats.)
Not exactly. The main fighting in Haiti/St Domingue ( and the rest of the West Indies) spans the period between 1791 and 1809.
The Eureka French revolutionary figures in bicorne are ideal for this, and many of the Brigade Models Egyptian range can be used as well.
Victrix sells a separate set of (marine) top hats that can easily be adapted to French and/or standard British top hats. I agree that the Brigade top hats would be more suitable but those are , alas, not available separately.
The Eureka figures in ragged clothing form an excellent basis for revolting soldiers.
The Victrix 1804 French uniform is slightly different from the 1790s one, but even in 28mm scale hardly noticeable.
Main problem is with the British since the uniforms from that period are quite distinct. Eureka will probably bring out early British one day, but that may still take a while. They do have Loewensteins' and Yorks' Chasseurs in their 100 club, but not many reactions yet.
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Great painting and lovely conversion again! ;D
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WillieB -- Do Brigade's British in top hats have the correct uniform? I can't tell from the photo.
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WillieB -- Do Brigade's British in top hats have the correct uniform? I can't tell from the photo.
AFAIK not I'm afraid.
The West India regiments mostly still wore the longer coat tails, or later, short jackets with half lapels.
Trent has a set of Chasseurs des Irois and Chasseurs de St. Domnique but I don't readily know of any other suitable figures.
Not sure what influence local conditions had on the uniformity of the troops, but I suppose it must have been considerable.
The supply problem must have been enormous as well so the earlier uniforms were almost certainly still worn. Perhaps AWI?
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Not exactly. The main fighting in Haiti/St Domingue ( and the rest of the West Indies) spans the period between 1791 and 1809.
The Eureka French revolutionary figures in bicorne are ideal for this, and many of the Brigade Models Egyptian range can be used as well.
Victrix sells a separate set of (marine) top hats that can easily be adapted to French and/or standard British top hats. I agree that the Brigade top hats would be more suitable but those are , alas, not available separately.
The Eureka figures in ragged clothing form an excellent basis for revolting soldiers.
The Victrix 1804 French uniform is slightly different from the 1790s one, but even in 28mm scale hardly noticeable.
Main problem is with the British since the uniforms from that period are quite distinct. Eureka will probably bring out early British one day, but that may still take a while. They do have Loewensteins' and Yorks' Chasseurs in their 100 club, but not many reactions yet.
I have to say that one worry that I've had with this period is that I'm going to get drawn into the minutiae of Napoleonic uniforms! My own take on this is that I'm happy to go for 'good enough within the spirit of the thing' rather than worry too much about the width of lapels and length of coat tails. Life's too short! lol
In reality, I'm pretty sure that there would have been great variation in uniforms according to date, availability and campaign dress adopted for tropical climates. An interesting thing is that if you go to the Citadelle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadelle_Laferriere), that astounding monument to Haitian independence built soon after the revolutionary wars, you'll find all sorts of cannon dating from the late 1600s to to the early 1800s: all either bought or captured and pressed into service. So a table-top force could field all sorts of artillery if you so desired. I'm going to take an equally liberal attitude to the uniforms!
Anyway, I've finished a few more minis today, so after varnishing and photography I'll post some more pics soon.
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My interest is just starting, but it's building fast!
There seems to be a big void in figures though for the 1790 time frame. French Rev War (with bicornes) is a bit too late and American Rev War is too early.
Plus, a lot of uniforms at that time had top hats! (Brigade Games has early British with top hats.)
Take a look at Front Rank Napoleonic Spanish infantry in top hat and their artillery men. Both a good start for conversions for British and Löwensteiners. FR also have Austrian Landwehr that maybe could be pressed into service as Löwensteiners
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Can anyone provide a direct link to the Eureka WFR yahoo group? I tried a lot of variations but nothing turned up. I'd like to see what they're up to...and add my support for early British.
Thanks
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I don't think they have a Yahoo group. If you email Rob at Eureka USA he can add you to the mailing list I bet.
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Google Fu found that Reiver makes 1792 British:
BFRW1 Line infantry, bicorne with rosette & plume
BFRW2 Grenadiers with fur cap
BFRW3 Line infantry command, bicorne with rosette & plume
BFRW4 Light infantry, top hat with comb
BFRW5 Line infantry, bicorne with rosette
http://reivercasting.wordpress.com/french-revolutionary-wars-1789-1799/british-army-1792/
Reiver is sold through Under the Bed Enterprises:
http://www.underbed.co.uk/
10 figs to a pack £ 10.00 per pack.
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There is nice article (in French tough) on the Republic of Haiti uniforms (1804-1810) by René Chartrand in 'Soldats Napoleoniens' april 2011. (eg blue and red flag, blue and black flag)
Carl
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Thanks to Oxiana, btw. I liked his Haitian leader conversion, so I went to the Artizan site to look at the pirates. Turns out I had already purchased that pack and another pirate pack. But...I realized suddenly that, having soooo many pirates, I had thrown both packs into my box to sell at convention flea markets AND I knew one of the packs had been sold already.
So which pack was still there?
<Drum roll for drama>
The one with the fig I needed!
Whew. The gaming gods were kind.
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Thanks to Oxiana, btw. I liked his Haitian leader conversion, so I went to the Artizan site to look at the pirates. Turns out I had already purchased that pack and another pirate pack. But...I realized suddenly that, having soooo many pirates, I had thrown both packs into my box to sell at convention flea markets AND I knew one of the packs had been sold already.
So which pack was still there?
<Drum roll for drama>
The one with the fig I needed!
Whew. The gaming gods were kind.
Ah – the universe provides. Good find on the Reiver Brits too. :)
Fresh off the paint table, my first Trent minis:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8061010.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8061011.jpg)
A couple of minor green-stuff additions to the two top hats – a revolutionary red for unit coherence.
And two boys/camp followers, from Redoubt and Foundry respectively:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8061012.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8061013.jpg)
The Redoubt mini had his shirt and waistcoat lengthened with green-stuff, and another bit of revolutionary red tied to his arm. The Foundry boy was a kind donation from Overlord – thanks.
A converted Vodou priest is also finished, but I'm still working on the altar. It's coming soon though!
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Lovely paint job !
And thanks to your picture I found another armed slave to look out for! That's # 12.
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I like 'em alot ;D
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Oxiana - What figures are you using for your French and British?
Thanks
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Be careful with the Riever stuff. I've not seen the 1792 Brits in person, but the figures in the Wars of Religion range (IIRC) were very large for 25/28s. I want to say they were more 32-ish.
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Oxiana - What figures are you using for your French and British?
Thanks
I hadn't really thought about that too much just yet. For the French I'll initially have a look at Trent's Revolutionary French (they're 'scruffy' ligne look fun to mix up in an army already ravaged by yellow fever). Also the Eureka revolutionary French The Brits I really hadn't given much thought to at all: let me get two forces together before I think of the third. Trent again for the local chasseurs of course, and then some generic line of foot, and it would be nice to get a set of Foundry marine landing party – not sure if they're 100% accurate for the date, but they're lovely figures!
Be careful with the Riever stuff. I've not seen the 1792 Brits in person, but the figures in the Wars of Religion range (IIRC) were very large for 25/28s. I want to say they were more 32-ish.
Thanks for this. The Trent are certainly on the larger side of 28: I have some Perry minis that look quite slight next to them.
Maybe I should do a size comparison photo.
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Finally, my Vodou priest and altar are finished!
The first great act of the Haitian Revolution was the 'Night of Fire', a Vodou ceremony in August 1791 where slaves pledged themselves to revolt, as seen in this famous painting by Haitian painter André Normil:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/boukman2.jpg)
I really wanted to steer away from the Hollywood version of a Voodoo priest, so to make a 'proper' houngan I had to get out the green stuff once again.
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081010.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081011.jpg)
The sword he was holding in his left hand was removed and replaced with a small axe. For his right hand I made an asson, the ceremonial rattle that tells apart the priest from other initiates. Also added are the feather on his hat, the red neckerchief and the knapsack, or makout. The makout hold all sorts of religious totems and potential magics. There's a bogeyman figure in Haitian folkore called Uncle Makout, who steals bad children and puts them in his knapsack. The Creole name is Tonton Makout, which is where Papa Doc's militia got their name from...
Anyway, onto the altar:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081013.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081014.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081015.jpg)
The rock is just a stone from the garden based on a 60mm washer. Sundry items were in my bits box: a drum to beat out the rhythm during ceremonies, a barrel of rum and bowl for offerings, candles, a skull... The rock is painted with veve, symbols of the various Vodou spirits. The large one on the left in the first picture is for Ogue, a spirit often associated with fighting.
Of course, an integral part of any Vodou ceremony is some sort of sacrifice. In which case we need some of the following:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081012.jpg)
And putting them all together...
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8081016.jpg)
These were a lot of fun to do. As a simple objective marker, all sorts of scenarios spring to mind. A big thanks to Overlord and The Dozing Dragon for providing sundry sacrificial items – cheers.
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Brilliant! :-*
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Loving it, the Alter looks excellent along with the livestock ;D
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A fine job! Something for the rest of us to aspire to.
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Excellent painting and conversions!
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:-* :-* :-*
please more!!!!!
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Oxiana and WillieB -- For gaming (and figure buying) purposes, what would you say should be the ratio of units on the table, armed vs. hand weapons, for the revolting slaves?
2:1 hand weapons to armed? 3:1?
Thanks
Chuck
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SUPER painted minis, and a great Green stuff control for those convertions.
I really like your altar too.
Hope to see more of this interesting project.
Thanks for sharing.
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That's another beautiful vignette Oxiana! Love your paintwork! :-*
@Shogun,
For the early period of the revolt 1791-92 I would go as high as 4 or even 5:1. The only guns the slaves captured were those in possession of the civilians and a few from the colonial infantry regiments ( Du Cap and Port au Prince) Still, a potential half million slaves against a few thousand, often ill, soldiers.
After the National Guards were formed more firearms surely found their way (often including their owners) into rebel hands.
The ratio almost surely went up during and after 1793 when there was a lot of infighting between French troops.
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Fascinating! Read a bit on the subject and toyed with the idea of using it for a skirmish. Trent miniatures are lovely, got a few French here. Lovely painting and conversions here, top notch!
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Great work! I've quite fancied the Trent minis for a while.........may throw the towel in at some point having seen these!
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Really nice. I've toyed with the notion of doing this period in the past, especially after reading the article in Wargames Illustrated (when's part 2 coming out, already?)
What rules are you planning on using? I was thinking Sharpe Practice with some mods...
Steve
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Oxiana and WillieB -- For gaming (and figure buying) purposes, what would you say should be the ratio of units on the table, armed vs. hand weapons, for the revolting slaves?
2:1 hand weapons to armed? 3:1?
What WillieB said. But bear in mind that the revolutionary war burned on and off for a massive 13 years. There were a lot more arms around at the end of that, and the Haitians were a lot more organised too. So you could play different ratios for different periods according to preference (or how many minis you have). I'd keep the average French solider as being better trained than the average Haitian, but of course the latter would have picked up a lot of experience over time, so elite units are an option.
Really nice. I've toyed with the notion of doing this period in the past, especially after reading the article in Wargames Illustrated (when's part 2 coming out, already?)
What rules are you planning on using? I was thinking Sharpe Practice with some mods...
Steve
There was a Wargames Illustrated article? I missed that – does anyone have a PDF?
I'd been thinking of Songs of Drums & Shakoes, since people seem to give it good reviews. Although to be honest, it'll be a while until these particular figures see any dice thrown in anger. I'm painting against a deadline, because in the second half of September I'm packing up all my worldly goods and moving for six months to – well, Haiti actually!
Other thoughts on rules:
Some sort of mechanism to account for the French forces constantly dropping down from yellow fever and malaria would be useful. Possibly a random chance of a proportion of models being removed during game play?
The Polish regiments shipped over by Napoleon actually went over to the Haitian side near the end of the war, so possibly some sort of morale/mutiny check? Even today there's a part of Haiti where many locals have Polish names, and the Polish 'Black Madonna' Catholic icon has been adopted into Vodou iconography.
In terms of morale again, no one really wants to surrender. The French mass murdered their captives, and the Haitians frankly were no less bloodthirsty.
The Haitians had many of their most successful encounters through ambush – great for small action encounters. The two big battles, Crete-a-Pierrot and Vertieres, were both very different beasts. The former was a siege, with the Haitians escaping by feint and deception. Vertieres was more a straight pitched battle, with the Haitians showing such bravery under their leader Capoix that the French general Rochambeau actually halted fighting so he could salute the courage of his opponents. But it ended with a French defeat – their last of the war, and Haiti was independent within weeks.
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It was issue 277
http://www.wargamesillustrated.net/Default.aspx?tabid=267&art_id=2222 (http://www.wargamesillustrated.net/Default.aspx?tabid=267&art_id=2222)
Good article. There was supposed to be a part 2, but I never saw it. (Don't think I missed it.)
I noticed that Nick has painted photos up of all the packs on the Northstar site now. Wish he would repackage the revolting slaves so that it was easy to get them all!
Those are interesting suggestions for the rules, all of which could be handled by SP with cards. Let me think a bit about the specifics. I noticed there are Cuban dog handlers too. Need rules for them as well :D
I have even thought about using Legends of the High Seas for very small campaign games in this era. Like an outpost of French guards versus a local gang of slaves. Throw in a landing party of British too and you've got a good bit of Hornblower style action with a Carribbean twist.
Wow--you are moving to Haiti? That's crazy. Very inspiring place to work on your figs though ;)
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As Axabrax stated, Sharp Practice would be perfect. It allows special cards that would cover losses from Yellow Fever, or Vodou-inspired frenzy.
As to the article in WI277, there is no pdf available. Still too recent to appear on a CD compilation.
I'm finishing up a Russian Civil War book, then starting my research in this period with "All Souls Rising" by Madison Smartt Bell. Coming through my library exchange in a few days is "Avengers of the New World" by Laurent Dubois. So one historical fiction and one non-fiction.
Also on my list is "The Black Jacobins" by CLR James.
Any other must-read books?
Chuck
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It was issue 277
http://www.wargamesillustrated.net/Default.aspx?tabid=267&art_id=2222 (http://www.wargamesillustrated.net/Default.aspx?tabid=267&art_id=2222)
Good article. There was supposed to be a part 2, but I never saw it. (Don't think I missed it.)
I noticed that Nick has painted photos up of all the packs on the Northstar site now. Wish he would repackage the revolting slaves so that it was easy to get them all!
Those are interesting suggestions for the rules, all of which could be handled by SP with cards. Let me think a bit about the specifics. I noticed there are Cuban dog handlers too. Need rules for them as well :D
I have even thought about using Legends of the High Seas for very small campaign games in this era. Like an outpost of French guards versus a local gang of slaves. Throw in a landing party of British too and you've got a good bit of Hornblower style action with a Carribbean twist.
Wow--you are moving to Haiti? That's crazy. Very inspiring place to work on your figs though ;)
I just checked all the later WIs and there's no follow up article yet.
Apparently there are 30 different revolting slaves in the Trent range (17 +13) but there will be an additional pack with new poses soon(ish)
bringing the total to 40 or even 50.
Just out is a new pack of Haitian infantry.(CAR10)
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Apparently there are 30 different revolting slaves in the Trent range (17 +13) but there will be an additional pack with new poses soon(ish) bringing the total to 40 or even 50.
Just out is a new pack of Haitian infantry.(CAR10)
WB -- What do you mean by "(17+13)"?
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WB -- What do you mean by "(17+13)"?
Number of figures in the range: there are 17 different slaves with firearms, and 13 with hand weapons.
I'm finishing up a Russian Civil War book, then starting my research in this period with "All Souls Rising" by Madison Smartt Bell. Coming through my library exchange in a few days is "Avengers of the New World" by Laurent Dubois. So one historical fiction and one non-fiction.
Also on my list is "The Black Jacobins" by CLR James.
Any other must-read books?
'Avengers of the New World' is, for my money, the best book on the Haitian Revolution. It's more readable than 'The Black Jacobins', which while also a great book is a little dated now. The latter was a groundbreaking title when it came out in the 60s, but a lot more research has been subsequently done. Do still read it though!
Good luck with the Madison Smartt Bell. I've picked up 'All Souls Rising' and 'The Stone That The Builder Refused' (the final part of the revolutionary trilogy; the second book is 'Master of the Crossroads') and put both down, not having got very far. He has an incredibly dense writing style that I didn't get on with. That's probably a personal thing though, as lots of people rave about them. You'll learn a lot of creole though!
Bell has also recently written a biography of Toussaint Louverture, which I've yet to read. There was an excellent review essay in the NY Review of Books about it – I can't find it online, but if anyone wants a PDF then DM me your email address. It's an excellent overview of the revolution and a great read.
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I'm curious, presuming the "Cuban dog-handlers" in the Trent range are historically accurate, how would they be used on the table-top? I'm assuming they'd sniff out ambushes and chase after runaways rather than being "war-dogs."
Any other unique rules other than those aforementioned?
Terrain: I'm wondering if there might be any unique terrain feature types to factor in: jungle, marsh, beach, plantation, village, fort, grassland. Any natural dangers such as snakes, poisonous insects, quicksand, flash-floods?
Voodoo: It was mentioned that voodoo could induce a frenzied morale state. Anything else? How are you planning on using that altar? As an objective or just a cool-looking terrain piece? I'm not going to bring up zombies, but if one were to write up a mini-supplement for Sharpe Practice (which i am now mulling over) you'd almost have to throw in a zombie variant just for shits and giggles ;D
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I'm curious, presuming the "Cuban dog-handlers" in the Trent range are historically accurate, how would they be used on the table-top? I'm assuming they'd sniff out ambushes and chase after runaways rather than being "war-dogs."
Yes, these are historically accurate although they weren't brought over to Haiti until 1802. They were meant to be attack dogs – the French general Rochambeau then in charge of the army was a notorious sadist and thought that the public disembowelling of slaves was just the thing to raise French morale. And they actually turned out to be a complete failure. When let loose on the field they were just as liable to attack the French. Rather brilliantly, at one battle near Port-au-Prince, they raised such havoc that the French ended up fleeing the battlefield in fear of the dogs, leading to a famous Haitian victory. Now, game that! lol
Voodoo: It was mentioned that voodoo could induce a frenzied morale state. Anything else? How are you planning on using that altar? As an objective or just a cool-looking terrain piece? I'm not going to bring up zombies, but if one were to write up a mini-supplement for Sharpe Practice (which i am now mulling over) you'd almost have to throw in a zombie variant just for shits and giggles ;D
The strangest thing is that Eureka recently brought out a French Revolutionary zombie mini. But we'll move swiftly on from that... ::)
For Vodou, I was looking at the LOTOW supplement Blood on the Plans and their rules for Medicine Men. There are various rituals there that could be easily adapted: concealment, ignore difficult terrain, spirit guide (dice re-rolling) etc. The rules for musicians and totems could apply – adding to morale etc. Drums are an absolutely central part of Vodou rituals. I'm sure Darkest Africa-type rule sets have rules for 'drums in the jungle' sort of things – either inspiring their own troops or casting fear in the enemy. Hmm, I think I just talked myself into finding a decent mini for a drummer...
As an objective marker, the French may want to destroy it. Haitians may want to carry out a Vodou service lasting several turns. And I like having the sacrificial animals too – maybe they need to be raided from a plantation. I quite like the idea of a having a pig running about the battlefield and people trying to catch it amid the fighting! ;D
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Busy converting the Victrix 1804 Napoleonic plastic figures with again Victrix British marine heads to portray the earlier Colonial infantry.
Thing is the figures are all meant to have a backpack and as such the strap(s) on the back isn't/aren't there.
Adding these straps is quite a bit of work but do-able, but is it necessary?
Of course it would be much easier to just glue on the backpack but somehow it strikes me as odd to see colonial troops that way.
What's your ideas about this guys?
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It probably makes sense that troops wouldn't carry their packs unless they expected a prolonged foray. But I don't think people would mind if the figs had backpacks.
Just my 2 cents.
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Haitian military police -- the marechaussee. Any idea if they wore a uniform? And were they mostly foot infantry with a mounted officer?
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Busy converting the Victrix 1804 Napoleonic plastic figures with again Victrix British marine heads to portray the earlier Colonial infantry.
Thing is the figures are all meant to have a backpack and as such the strap(s) on the back isn't/aren't there.
Adding these straps is quite a bit of work but do-able, but is it necessary?
Of course it would be much easier to just glue on the backpack but somehow it strikes me as odd to see colonial troops that way.
What's your ideas about this guys?
Do one with and one without, and see which you prefer! I'm not one to be a slave to the minutiae of uniforms personally – as long as things are roughly right, I'd opt for tabletop aesthetics any time!
Haven't had much time for painting recently, but will try to get some more stuff finished in the next week...
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I'm painting against a deadline, because in the second half of September I'm packing up all my worldly goods and moving for six months to – well, Haiti actually!
How 'bout that - I'm in Port-au-Prince right now (well, Carrefour this week, but I get moved around a bit). I'm here with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). However, I'll be leaving at the end of September, and frankly, it isn't that easy to get around or to meet anyone other than co-workers. Where will you be located, and what will you be doing?
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How 'bout that - I'm in Port-au-Prince right now (well, Carrefour this week, but I get moved around a bit). I'm here with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders). However, I'll be leaving at the end of September, and frankly, it isn't that easy to get around or to meet anyone other than co-workers. Where will you be located, and what will you be doing?
How peculiar! I'm wondering now if we can get a LAF meet-up in PaP? lol
I'm arriving in the last week of September, but dates not quite finalised yet. I'm renting a place in Pelerin just up from the centre of Pelerin, so a bit of a way from Carrefour... I'm a freelance travel writer, so I'm coming to work on a book project. I'll send you a DM though.
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Cheers, Paul, I'll reply to your PM tonight!
W
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Haven't had much of a chance to paint recently, but I've just managed to finish a few more minis.
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8281012.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8281013.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8281010.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/P8281011.jpg)
All figures by Trent. Not sure what's up with the photography on the second batch – it looks like the fog of war has intervened! If I get a couple more minis finished, I'll do a group shot of what I've painted so far.
Cheers.
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Keep 'em coming. Splendid
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Lovely stuff. I particularly like the chap cocking his pistol and as old Svennn says, keep 'Em comin.
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Thought I'd raise this thread from the grave, appropriately enough for something with more than hint of Vodou...
I'm away from my paint and brushes right now as I'm currently based in Haiti, where I'm writing a guidebook. This means frustration at not being able to paint, but joy in that I've been able to visit lots of historical sites associated with the Haitian revolutionary war and its immediate aftermath. In case anyone is still interested in gaming the period I thought I'd post some pics from a recent side trip to a town called Marchand Dessalines, where there's a string of old forts. This one is called Fort Decidé:
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181323.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181338.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181329.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181330.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181324.jpg)
(http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq291/oxianaboy/PC181342.jpg)
The fort commands the view over the town, which is in a rich agricultural area. There are six forts in total: in the penultimate photo you should just be able to make out four rising on the hills above (the final one is rather charmingly called 'Fort Fin du Monde' (End of the World Fort). The final fort is in the town itself, built around a spring. Sadly it wasn't possible to take any pics here as it was full of people doing their laundry; it would have been fun to have some shots of washing draped out to dry over old cannons!
For more info on the forts in this area (including plans), the best sources are a couple of bulletins put out by ISPAN, who are the Haitian body that look after historical monuments. You can find them here:
http://www.haiti.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=121&Itemid=90
Issues 3 and 5 cover these particular forts. Another useful one for gamers is issue 22, covering the fort at Crete-a-Pierrot, where there was a famous battle against the French. Note: they're in French, so you'll need to run these through Google Translate if necessary. Of course, an even more more detailed account of them will be in the book I'm writing! ;D
Hope you enjoy the pics! :)
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French tv (A2) currently (14/02 and 15/02) runs a two part tv film on Toussaint L'Ouverture. Looks ok (uniforms for the Spanish seem way off)
Carl
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I wonder if some of Eureka's Portuguese conquistadors could not be used.
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I think they could, the mamelucos at least. Foundry's maroons would be another good choice.
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Trent Miniatures just released a pack of Maroons.