By Joseph Forster

With the new Later North American Tribes factions already on the Force Builder, I’ve been wanting to get these Braves models painted so I can try the new factions! I recently finished up 3 sets of the Braves models and I just wanted to share a couple pictures.

I kept my first set of 4 pretty simple, using very light tan leather, red and blue material, black feathers and minimal to zero warpaint. There’s a lot of detail on these models and takes me a whole set of minis to really familiarize myself with them. I used Rufus’ Native skin formula of Vallejo Tan Earth shaded with Seraphim Sepia wash.

For my second set I changed up my leather legging shade, added some black, white and red war paint and added some more complex detail on some of the straps and material. I used GW Contrast Paints for the black and red war paint and found it works really well since it’s slightly transparent. I especially like the red war paint on the model on the far left. The slightly gloss finish makes his skin look sweaty and alive.

For this last set of minis, I tried to layer in some more Contrast Paints, The tan leather, reds, greens, white and blacks are all contrasts in addition to the war paints. Most of my war paint ideas a stolen directly from Rufus’ work or from images of Iroquois warriors I found online.

I use a lot of common colors within a set of 4 minis but once I mix the sets together they have some nice variation and look less like the product of an assembly line.

I really like these sculpts and look forward to playing the the new Later North American Tribes factions that are out on the Force Builder. The Wabanaki look good with Fast Reload and the Yamasee with Ruthless ability on all their units looks especially fun.  Now I just need some new models for the Young Braves and Pnieses to fill out my force…

I’ll end this with a related book recommendation. I’ve been listening to The Tuscarora War by David La Vere on Audible and it’s given me some insight into the Natives of the Southeast and the Carolinas in particular. I was especially excited to hear that they used European style forts, blockhouses and fortifications! I’m all about fortifications in this game so I’ll have to try that when I get this faction up and running.