Rifleman 01 — AfterCore Protocol

The Rifleman is the core combat unit of the Rustborn Militia's Infantry Squad — recovered kit, adapted gear, and the discipline to hold a position until the objective is done. Third Mandate of Iron: rust is proof of life.

Sculpted in ZBrush at 32mm scale, designed for resin printing. The kneeling pose was the central compositional decision: it closes the silhouette, lowers the center of gravity, and points everything toward the rifle barrel. The support backpack connected by tubes and the respiratory mask were the key character details — functional, field-modified, worn. The implants and scars beneath the mask add individual history without requiring the face to carry the composition. Padded shoulder protection and the industrial finish of the rifle had to read as recovered and adapted, not manufactured — texture work that communicates a world where everything is repaired rather than replaced.

AfterCore Protocol is an original post-apocalyptic universe developed at The Artifact Smiths. The full faction launches soon on MyMiniFactory Frontiers. https://www.myminifactory.com/users/TheArtifactSmiths