Who is this? (gladiator content...)

[Elbows]

So, this is the foundry set that my buddy gave me as a gift about a year ago.  I've been painting up a couple, and I've run into some obstacles.

Who is this guy?  It says Hoplomachus but he does not look like one.  He has the equipment of a Samnite/Secutor without leg protection.  I'm not overly concerned if he's inaccurate, but I wonder if anyone can tell me what class I should use him for?  Armed with a gladius, right chainmail sleeve, helmet and mine came with a square Scutum not the weird one here.



Thoughts?  The center Hoplomachus will get a spear replacing his gladius for a more appropriate look.  The others seem to be acceptable.  Anyone have insight?  Thanks!

(go figure the very first model I paint is a guy I can't figure out how to use!)

PS: Did the Laquearius carry a spear or a trident?  Can I use either without fuss? I was going to give mine a trident.

[Furt]

Could only be a Murmillo, minus his left ocrea. That's my 5 cents anyway.  

And the Laquearius did carry a spear.

[Elbows]

The crouching Samnite should have an ocrea too huh?  Damn my lack of green-stuff ability!    Oh well, I'll still use them...perhaps he is just too awesome to wear extra armor

It's a Murmillo helmet right?

[Furt]

The crouching Samnite should have an ocrea too huh?  Damn my lack of green-stuff ability!    Oh well, I'll still use them...perhaps he is just too awesome to wear extra armor

It's a Murmillo helmet right?

Now whether the Samnite should have an ocrea is probably debatable, but if you want to use him as a Murmillo yes he should have an ocrea and probably a bit more of a longer manica.      See this is really quite simple.

My advice is just call them what you will - it doesn't matter. 

[WillieB]

Well, that's the thing with the Foundry gladiators. Really nice figures but not much research

Both 'hoplomachii' clearly aren't. The middle one- with the raised dagger/sword looks mostly like a Samnite. The painted 'segmented armour' is obviously cotton padding. Samnites were amongst the earliest gladiators so you get a bit of leeway.

The one on the right could be an early Murmillo. The helmet is of a very early style so perhaps it represents a Murmillo before ocreas became standard 'issue'.
That or sculpt an additional greave on his left leg. Just sculpt the padding and press a small rectangular piece of plastic card in the still wet Magic Sculpt or whatever you use. Padding can be on both legs, but mostly only on the lower left.

While you're at it replace the small round shield on the Thraex with a square/rectangular one.

Laquearii are said to have used a spear or javelin. Only reliable illustration I've been able to find shows a pugio but this could very well have been his secundary weapon. Not entirely convinced -yet-they wore the galerus, but it sure looks nice.

[NickNascati]

I'd say a Murmillo, mybe a Secutor.

[LeadAsbestos]

Yep, the Foundry are all over the place w/ details. Still my favorites tho!

[Sir Barnaby Hammond-Rye]

Myself, I think the records are pretty scant considering the breadth of years they cover.

I mean, look at all the exceptions to the rule that occur in everyday life!

[fastolfrus]

Would the provincial arenas have been less standardised?

[Elbows]

Well, I guess I'll just pick the most reasonable use and stick with em.  If the Paul Hicks line becomes fleshed out, these will fade to secondary status.  I can "make" a square shield for the Thraex, and probably turn the center Hoplomachus into a provocator of some sort...

[Elbows]

Update...well I managed to find a small shoulder pad which was in a fantasy set I had purchased...might be able to paint it up and stick it to his leg.

I chopped the Thracian's head off...and I replaced it with the kneeling "samnite" whose body I will discard, and I've crudely fashioned a smaller parma out of a large old scutum...it's a bit ghetto but it will work fine as a stand in.   The center Hoplomachus will have a shield kneeling against his kneed and will be used as a Myrmillo as he fits the description (possibly a Provactor if I can find a suitable piece to represent a chest plate).

The Laquearius and Retiarius are both nearly complete.  So I've salvaged five decent models which are mostly accurate out of the set.  The kneeling guy got the chop, literally.  Will have pictures up in a while, when they're based and seeing some action.

[Elbows]

Here are some previews of the guys I'm throwing together...they'll be dipped and then hit with flat spray - stuck on hex bases etc.


The modified Thraex...I know his helmet is wrong, but I don't care!  He's been fitted with a small square parma now.


The should pad didn't work out, so this guy will be a Murmillo sans ocrea.


The ugly Retiarius...so ugly that I decided to give him some face paint...I figured surely some guys wore some.    He's been fitted with a trident etc.

I'll post pictures of the finished models in a day or two. 

[LeadAsbestos]

Nice work! Don't sweat the details re: the armour, and have fun with it. Looking great so far!