I haven't really started the Squat army at the moment, still picking up odds and ends. Nearly there though, just need to organise it. I have slightly changed the paint scheme replacing the red flak jackets with brown ones, but still keeping some red details. Very tempted to paint them now, or the Slann, but need to finish the Wood Elves off.
I really like what you have done with your Eagle Warriors. Giving them different coloured suits is a good idea as the Aztecs used to do that with there various suit warriors. It is an idea I was thinking of doing with my Jaguar warriors.
The skin tones are great too, very clear and bright (makes them sound like they moisturise!) and the whole effect works very well. It does break up the 'cookie cutter' look.
The weapon swaps on the priest Slann are good idea (from the C32 Slann 'Huemal and 'Mixtecas' ?) , as is getting rid of the heart and adding shields. The repositioning of the Slann with clubs is good too, gives them that less static look. Might steal that idea from you
For Aztec/Maya/Inca weapon swaps, shields, and banners both the Assault Group and Outpost Wargames sell them at:
http://www.theassaultgroup.co.uk/store/home.php?cat=30
http://www.outpostwargameservices.co.uk/
and Wargames Foundry do banners too.
I understand the need to not to end up with an army dominated by a 'cookie cutter' effect. My first approach was to mix up all the minatures, but that made the army lose it's coherency and feel. So I decided, and will modify more later, to keep the more regular units all the same miniature and have a mix in certain others.
The Totem Warriors, Bull Slann, Venom Tribes are in the background all meant to be more regular uniformed units, so I picked the best miniatures for them and kept to them. With the Spawn bands, as they are local milita all the 'left over' Slann went into those. I also made a couple of the scout units more diverse for fun, and also will do some raider type Cold One riders after looking at Thantsants blog here:
http://teasgettingcold.blogspot.co.uk/s ... abel/Slann
Glad you liked the idea and the choice of using alternative Slann models for the Totem Warriors, the unit you picked is a favourite of mine too. If you don't want to or cannot get all the same model for an alternate Totem warrior unit, my suggestion is to pick a dominate shield design for them, releated to the Totem. Also, a little green stuff conversion for Aligator/Eagle feathers/Jaguar skin patterned capes, clothing or sheilds (I like the idea of Aligator skin shields). Personally I avoid using any of the later Lizardmen parts or miniatures. This is purely my own personal tatse and wanting to keep the earlier and later of the Slann incarnations seperate, although the shields you have used look great. However it sounds and looks like you have an excellent conversion plan in progress
Painting wise, I decided that the mass of the Slann population would be green so that when I painted the Spawn bands, I could add brighter colours to the shields and clothes without it looking too overwhelming. As the Totem warriors are drawn from the best of the Slann Warriors, so they ended up with green flesh too. I also did this to constrast them with the other more exotic units of Slann such as Bull Slann, Venom tribes, scouts, and Jungle Braves. As they are from specific spawnings or tribal areas I gave them the distinct flesh colours, something which is commented on in the army list entries, and from photographs of Frogs/Toads, however unltimately there is no right of wrong way to paint any of them
For the equipment, you have a good approach to the mix of colours you want to use. I would suggest using copper/gold for blades, although a few stolen/traded iron ones would look good. The obsidian on the blades I find generally looks good black.
If you are having problems sourcing Slann, I can suggest Reaper Miniatures who do a Aztec-ish Frogman range, Gaspez Arts who make a Frogman Bloodbowl-esque type team (and a good Wizard subsitiute model as a 'head coach'), and Otherworld miniatures who do excellent looking Frogmen as well as beast such as Giant Frogs, Leeches, Spiders, etc. (although I have not, as yet, bought any).
For Human Slaves there is the option of historical ranges. They are many Lizardmen and Troglodyte ranges about too. The odd Human Slave or Lizardman would'nt look too out of place in unit, especally as standard bearers or musicians. A couple of old C series Lizardmen in an Aligator warrior unit might work.
Don't forget to look in the Dark Elf listings on e-bay for Cold Ones. Both armies used them and they are cheaper in the Dark Elf auctions.
I like the look of how you army is shaping up, your approach to painting and modelling them. I am really looking forward to seeing how they turn out.
All the best,
Lee.