Wildcat Legion - more SLM Animals

    The 'Wildcat Legion' composed of Splintered Light Miniatures anthropomorphic figures

A couple weeks ago, I was having so much fun painting Splintered Light Miniatures anthropomorphic animals, that I dug these guys out to do next. They are from their 28mm Hedgerows and Heroes line. There are three Wildcat poses total in the line -- or at least there were years ago when I obtained my miniatures. Actually, several of these were given to me by my friend Keith when I was painting SLM figures up for our Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago campaign. Years later, they're finally completed...!

    I like how the fur detail around the wildcat's head came out on this pose holding his helmet

I decided to match exactly the one Wildcat that I had painted up before, many years ago. They all have the same armor and uniform, a very Greek or Roman looking style. So, I've named the Wildcat Legion -- now that they're more than one of them...! I used a variety of fur colors for the wildcats, from black to gray to light tan to a "tabby cat" color. They all received a dry brush in the appropriate lighter shade. The two spear-armed miniatures have their helmets off. So, I gave them tiny stripes like are often found on household cats. I also gave them white snouts and paws and pink noses. I realize not all cats have this look to them, but it unifies their look.

    The one pose with the sword held upright is probably my favorite of the three

Speaking of unifying, all wear a tunic and large cloak. I went with a bright red for the tunic (essentially the sleeves and skirt). The cloak got a dark red color (Blood Red from Iron Wind Metals). The muscled breastplates were done with an Iron Wind metals steel base coat and silver details. Like many Roman legionaries, I gave them a black crest on their bronze helmet. From painting up Ancient Romans, I have always loved the look of red tunics, bronze helms, silver breastplates, and black crests. Something about that color combination is very striking, and for me, screams "Roman."

    Wildcats armed with axes - these were painted up with armor to resemble that of Rome's Republic

The shields were also done in bright red. For the hand-painted winged shield pattern, I did the black outline with my Micron pens, and filled it in with a thin white brush. Speaking of thin, I'm not sure the pictures give enough of a closeup for you to see the yellow cat's eyes. Weapons were done in a wood brown or Iron Wind Steel and silver, as appropriate. I did do brown washes on the fur for the tan and tabby cats, while a black wash was done for the rest of the miniatures.

I continued my newer flocking for the SLM animal miniatures, adding in a flower tuft and fallen leaves to my other method. I will have to work the Wildcat Legion into the story of my "Splintered Band" -- my heroes who I will be following in a series of solo Sellswords & Spellslingers games. Cats tend to prey upon both mice and rats, so maybe they'll be a neutral legion of mercenaries that can be hired by either side. 

    A final look at the well-dressed and armed Wildcat Legion -- whose side will these mercenaries take?

So, what else am I working on? The Sci-Fi MDF building continues along. For my next batch of miniatures, though, I decided to assemble and paint the Colonial Marines from my boardgame Aliens: Another Glorious Day in the Corps. I have their arms and heads glued to their bodies, now. So, they should get their coat of primer tomorrow in my morning painting session. I also intend to do my first solo game of SS&SS this week -- likely Tuesday or Wednesday. So, stay tuned for more updates.

MINIATURES Acquired vs. Painted Tally for 2025

• Miniatures acquired in 2025: 104
  
• Miniatures painted in 2025: 54 

TERRAIN Acquired vs. Painted Tally for 2025

• Terrain acquired in 2025: 10
  
• Terrain painted in 2025: 16

SCATTER Acquired vs. Painted Tally for 2025

• Scatter acquired in 2025: 53
  
• Scatter painted in 2025: 39