Topic: Question: Mounted chars on 40mm bases in infantry units.

[Aaraden]

Hello,

Sorry if this has already been covered, but I've read the tactica in the War Room and through several threads that spoke of it, and haven't found it discussed.

I'm intruiged by TVI's article on mounted chars in infantry troops and want to try it out, and I like the modelling possibilities of putting mounted chars on 40mm bases.  My question is, a 40mm base takes up 4 infantry spots in the first two ranks of the unit.  Does this affect how you count ranks?  Since the mounted character displaces 3 models, do you need three more models on an additional rank to count em' up, or do you just ignore this?

Thanks,

Aaraden

[Gyro LC]

One of my friends does this with his orcs.  He has a lord on foot on a large base that takes up four spots.  For ranks he counts it as being one normal sized model and counts the number of models he has to determine ranks (ie- 8 models total needed for +1 rank bonus assuming 4-wide.) He willingly gives up the attack from the orc that should be in the front because, frankly, it looks damn cool.

I don't think there's an official way to do this.  Just figure out a fair way and stick to it.  Also, tell your opponent what the deal is.

[skinomyteeth]

I like the modelling possibilities of putting mounted chars on 40mm bases.  My question is, a 40mm base takes up 4 infantry spots in the first two ranks of the unit.  Does this affect how you count ranks?  Since the mounted character displaces 3 models, do you need three more models on an additional rank to count em' up, or do you just ignore this?

Here, here. I wondered the exact same thing when I read that article. Would love for somebody to enlighten me too.

Can a mounted figure be placed on a 20 by 40mm base (cut down from from a 20 by 80mm base)?

[rufus sparkfire]

Technically, a mounted character must always be placed on a 25 by 50 mm cavalry base, and takes the space of two infantry models. See the discussion on characters joining units in the back of chronicles/annual 2004 (also on the GW website).

Using any other kind of base requires the consent of your opponent, and may cause problems at tournaments.

[xnet445]

IIRC, TVI bases his mounted characters on a 40x40 base that also holds 2 infantry models. He does this for alignment purposes, and for WYSIWYG i.e. to show all the models he has "paid" for.

I really like this approach and will use it when I get around to modelling new characters (which I am resisting as I have LOTS of painting to do before I have a full-color army as it is   )

[rufus sparkfire]

Trouble with that is, what happens if the character leaves the unit?

You get problems, that's what.

[sandman]

I'm just reading through the Q&A in the back of Chronicles 2004.  It does not talk about the size of the base at all.  It just says that the base gives the same number of rank and file models as it fills.  A monster base provides four spaces and counts as four models, two in the front and two in the second.

  I have mounted a couple of horses on 20 x 40mm bases that I made by gluing two infantry bases together on a piece of plasticene.  this doesn't change anything other than my ability to rank them up cleanly.  I am a bit anal sometimes.  I like TVI's method better and may switch to that, minus the additional infantry, since, as Rufus pointed out, what happens when you leave the unit.

  The way I read this, though, you get "free" ranks by having a bigger base.  It may not be logical but we all know what lays down that path.  I guess it is just one more case of the special effects that being a hero can have.

[rufus sparkfire]

I'm just reading through the Q&A in the back of Chronicles 2004.  It does not talk about the size of the base at all.

True. But there is also an official base size chart (downloadable on the GW website, but I can't get the link right now). The chart specifies what size bases everything has to be on - cavalry heroes go on cavalry bases.

Now, I wouldn't especially mind someone breaking the rules (provided it wasn't to gain some advantage), but it's important to realise that it could cause problems.

[sandman]

Good point, good point.  I guess I will just keep those models for my friendly games.

[Albrecht von Hinkel]

When I wanted to use 40x40mm I contacted the ones in charge of running the tournament to make sure it was OK.

[Aaraden]

Thanks for the replies guys.  I'm glad to see I'm not just some dummy that missed this in the rules  

IIRC, TVI bases his mounted characters on a 40x40 base that also holds 2 infantry models. He does this for alignment purposes, and for WYSIWYG i.e. to show all the models he has "paid" for.

I'd like to see pictures of that.  For modelling purposes this sounds great.  Although it seems like it may be easier to make up a 20x40 base.

[Light Wizard Acolyte]

You can see TVI's army here:

http://gt.us.games-workshop.com/Results_Coverage/Charlotte/Timothy_Walker_Army/armygallery.htm

Though, I'm not sure if the technique is apparent in the pictures.

[Aaraden]

Yes, I've seen his army. (It's absolutely stunning TVI! )  I just haven't seen a picture that shows the two infantry models on the same 40x40 base the mounted character is on.

[The Village Idiot]

Here you go;



When the character leaves the unit I replace him with a standard 25x50mm based figure and place two foot figures back into the unit. Yes the mounted character only takes-up two ranks on the base, and the other two spots are men on foot that I have paid for. I have not had anyone have any difficulty/problems with my character's bases.

I originally went with the 40mm bases simply so I could model little dioramas like my casualty figures that I could not accomplich on the standard 20mm square bases.

The Village Idiot

[Aaraden]

Thanks!