Veruzian Uniform Lament

This tale involves a skin. But thankfully not a human skin, as was the case at Famagusta.

This Minecraft Skin, belonging to PortugalJ, is an extant example of a Veruzian uniform. Specifically, it represents the "Krimzon Guard". In December 2024, in preparation for my first post on Veruzia, I created the following image approximation of what I thought it would look like in real life:

With hindsight, I would say that my instincts were correct even if I went a little overboard. The lines on the torso definitely resemble a Hussar's Dolman jacket braiding, and in the 19th century helmets were generally the exclusive domain of cavalrymen. I think that going for the Pickelhaube-type spike was a mistake, and that a more crested type would probably be more authentic. Still, the boots at least are spot on. The colour scheme of red, white, and black is unfortunate, but when painted clearly as silver, crimson, brown, gold, and black it should not be a concern.

The Krimzon Guard was described thusly around the time of the Great Roman War (2019):

"(Krimzon) Horizon Guard:  All-round full-time soldiers. Able to be deployed using the assets available to them - yet able to commandeer trains, tanks, boats, and all vehicles at their disposal; responsible for defending the nation and expanding it's borders. Must prioritize all Verussian Borders and cities. "

Something important to note here is that the guard is referred to as both the Krimzon and Horizon guard, and that they are expected to commandeer transportation. Given the very decentralized nature of Veruzia this makes sense, but it does leave me wondering if they have to commandeer even their own horses. Still, there being two names hints to me that the Horizon guard would be the regular, or perhaps provincial, infantry of Veruzia compared to the more refined Krimzon guard. But what would the footsloggers be wearing?

Here is a rough map of European and South American uniforms circa 1871. Some are a few years behind where they really were, and a handful may be slightly in advance, but generally this is representative if not entirely geographically accurate. The hearts on the map represent the main locations of Veruzia at the time of the Second Veruzian War, with the Northernmost being where the conflict itself would take place. By looking at neighboring nation's uniforms an approximation can then be established of what the Horizon guard may have looked like in 1871. The Krimzon guard meanwhile will be assumed to have held a similar Hussar-style uniform throughout the century.

Firstly, here is what the neighboring Great Powers of Italy and Austria-Hungary would have worn, as well as the westernized stylings of Serbia and Montenegro. Kepis reign, but the French style greatcoat is not seeing use due to the climate in question. Colours can be both bright and muted. Long pants or boots are the order of the day for legwear.

Uniforms from the Ottoman Empire, Romania, Greece, and Egypt combine both western-influenced assets and local garments. The Black Brandenburgers are also here because their black and silver stylings resemble the Krimzon Guard. These uniforms can be bright, but also much darker in some regards. The Fez appears, as well as the French style backpack instead of a bedroll. Shoe covers appear alongside alternate pant varieties.

Taking these all together, this was my first attempt. In effect, I tried to replicate the Krimzon Guard colour scheme on an infantry figure. I chose the Perry Miniatures Union Infantry in Sack Coats Skirmishing box for this purpose. This was both due to the style of tunic and local availability. Especially interesting was the ability to build a "ragged firing line" with it, which fits the desperate nature of the Second Veruzian War in my opinion. I did not finish this figure, though I did repaint it several times. I tried to make it dark blue, black with blue hints, and lastly fully black but drybrushed grey. None of these worked well enough for me to want to finish the basecoat or go beyond. While a wash can tie together a figure I would like to think of myself as experienced enough to know when something is simply not working properly. What I did like about the figure however was the head and backpack choice. The backpack is from a Napoleonic Hanovarian, though in the future I will need to recast copies and sculpt straps if I wish for more. The head, meanwhile, is from the same Victrix kit that was used for the Turnips and British officer. I am not quite sure how I managed to trim the shako like that, but I am very pleased with the final result. The straps hanging on either side are something I will replicate on future figures as well, since it is both unique and a little unkempt looking, keeping with the Second Veruzian War aesthetic.

While the British are modelled with the Martini-Henry, a gun with cartridges, the Veruzians will still be using muzzle-loaders. Some of the irregular units will probably even be using Flintlocks. As for the colour scheme, I will keep this basic idea for any future Krimzon Guard units, but not for the infantry. Without additional ornamentations I do not think it comes together.

Originally I intended to use a French-style backpack with a curved blanket, but those proved difficult to source. I am somewhat concerned that this backpack will resemble the American uniform too closely even with the unique headwear, so in the future I may change it.

This figure is a second attempt, and one I have not quite given up on yet. I decided to take "Horizon Guard" literally by painting the tunic horizon blue. In real life this colour would be best associated with France in the Great War, so I may make some modifications to the exact pigment to differentiate it. The Baneblade Brown pants I am not happy with, but neither am I entirely displeased. The cap here is covered except for the bill, which is blue. I see promise here, though I would need to properly cut the hat shape for a future figure. The neck would also need to be attached without the awkward holes visible in this figure's case.

This time I tried to make the figure unostentatious to contrast with the Krimzon guard and the British, but I think this was somewhat of an overcorrection. The pants, while a good shade on their own, take what is already a fairly desaturated scheme one step too far. In the future I will want to use that dark blue from the cap's bill as an accent in other places, and probably stripes of grey or white elsewhere to emulate the Veruzian flag and add more pop to the scheme.

Before any of that, however, I should probably ask a few questions of our illustrious leaders to see if that have any input.