maybe do a unit "the emporers favored" unique to rome specifically as a legion themed unit, give it high armor and weapon damage stats but lower in troop numbers similar to the gods of the arena as a second best or something

visually similar to http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-19/acr-gladiator.html remove the fluffy renaissance pants but keep the armor theme of black iron (rather than leather as it appears) and some of the decore like the belt

if not the unit itself, then you could just use it as a theme for future units

Nice idea, I'll have a play around in the varient editor to see what I can come up with - keep an eye out ;)

Check out the second screenshot & the new unit :).

Full reskin was needed, but managed to get it pretty close - I'd have to create new models to get it better (due to a few clipping issues with the items in vanilla which match)

I can see what you mean as far as clipping, but it looks INCREDIBLE for a really rough draft considering how fast you did it, especially for starting out as a totally new model, i figured itd take a bit longer XD

Just out of curiosity, did you have any ideas about a shield design yet? Or are you planning on not making one?

Currently I'm undecided, either a reskinned silver-shield hoplon (round ones) - or a smaller square shield - to get rid of the tiny existing clipping issues will take some time, so for now they are complete but a 'work in progress' I'll update each part as I slowely redo them.

Do you have any thoughts on a design for it yet? Color scheme?
Edit: IMO a hoplon with a black/gold finish would be pretty cool, but thats up to you :D

For the main troops, for those dark armour, red capes works - for the shields again, either dark metallic or the same dark red of the capes - as these are closer to troops than gladiators I thought I'd keep them more uniform - either way I'll have a play around with it all!

Keep up the good work!! Cant wait for more updates! :)

A small update, clipping & colours fixed a little better - still contemplating the shields or not!.

http://i.imgur.com/oxQ8unl.jpg

http://hammeringshield.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/roman-shield-one-gold-round.jpg
http://www.costumeshut.com/files/productsimages/BS_C/20777.jpg
http://www.crazycheapcostumes.com/files/productsimages/BS_C/34904.jpg with black not silver
Just some food for thought :)

Thanks for the input :), finished version is on the gallery - I went for the dark Roman Eagle style shield in the end.

Great unit idea.

I would like to see Gladiator as a separate faction

Maybe do Spartacus, Crixus and Gannicus as heroes, or maximus off Gladiator, would be cool :)

It's something I've been looking at, but I'm waiting for some extra models from CA via new DLC/expansion packs so I can do them justice, really at the moment they wouldn't really look like them.

I'm also investigating making some fresh models (as I'll need to make some new armour to do it).

Maybe u can create Damocles from Ryse Sons of Rome