Switch Theme:

Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit  [RSS] 

Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:13:59


Post by: Sinful Hero


Whether Infinity, 40k, or Warmahordes, why do you base or not base models? I personally am not a fan because I play on a lot of different fields. When I go to my buddy's house with my desert themed models, they'll look quite out of place on his urban board, or grassy plain. A good base can really make a model pop, but if it doesn't match the board it starts to look very out of place.

And why do some tournaments encourage it? Is it something to do with model>game piece?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:22:59


Post by: notprop


Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.

The juxtaposition of one type of base with another type of table finish seems unduly pedantic to me. You need to suspend belief a bit in the first place to fully appreciate an attractive miniature wargame it's not a big step to ignore a desert base in an urban street.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:26:29


Post by: Sinful Hero


Why does an unbased miniature look unfinished? If the model is painted to a good standard, isn't that what should be the focus anyway? What does basing add to it?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:33:03


Post by: Pete Melvin


A good base can actually save a mediocre paintjob. I have a question for you, if you are NOT basing your miniatures what on earth ARE you doing?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:35:02


Post by: Sinful Hero


Painting the base black or whatever color is was originally. Black is usually nondescript and doesn't take focus away from the board or the model.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:37:43


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


I rather like black bases as well. But I do base to add some more visual interest. My models spend more time on display shelves than they do on gaming tables. It really unifies an army to have them all nicely based in the same style.

Also, making a nice black base if often more work than simply doing a scenic base. GW bases have slots or dimples that need to be filled/smoothed before painting them black.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:38:38


Post by: Pete Melvin


But surely then a big black disk on your desert theme boards is just as "bad" as having a non-desert themed base?
You can get clear plastic bases you know, if you really have a problem with it.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:39:05


Post by: Paradigm


For 40k stuff, I don't really base, I find black just looks better for large armies and basically, contrasts with any colour so brings out the paintjob and the board. Is also rather have a good mini with a neat black base than a good mini with a mediocre base, which is about what I can achieve.

Infinity and Deadzone I base as the terrain is generally a lot less varied and it's less hassle when you only need a dozen bases doing.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:40:44


Post by: Sinful Hero


It's not really a problem for me- different strokes for different folks and all that. I was just curious about the reasons people based or didn't base their models.

As I said, a black base on a jungle board doesn't stick out as much as say a snowy base would.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:42:06


Post by: d-usa


For me personally, an unbased model just looks weirder than a model on a base that doesn't match the table, and a black base doesn't match a grass table any more than a lava base.

Even the weird goblin green bases of 1990s GW look better than plain black bases IMO.

There are probably ways to make a very plain base that would both look finished and only clash minimally with the table. But I do understand where OP is coming from.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:44:42


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Pete Melvin wrote:
But surely then a big black disk on your desert theme boards is just as "bad" as having a non-desert themed base?
You can get clear plastic bases you know, if you really have a problem with it.
Black is the universal colour of something not being there. When everything else is painted up nice and colourful, a nice matte black tends to blend in to the background, where as a green grassy base will contrast and stand out against a sandy desert board.

Clear plastic... I've never liked it because it reflects light. The idea is obviously to look like there's nothing there, but instead the fact it's shiny and reflects light, it actually draws your eye to it even more. I paint all my flying stands matte black rather than leaving them clear plastic as it looks so much better to me, doesn't draw the eye as much.

I do tend to think most people who are saying a black base is worse than a snow base on a desert table haven't actually tried making a nice smooth flat black base to compare. As I mentioned earlier, GW bases come with slots and dimples, so if you want a nice looking black base you really have to clean those things up.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:45:27


Post by: Jimsolo


I personally couldn't care, but there's so much bias in the community against bare bases it wasn't worth the hassle to fight it. (In the Dakka showcase forum, people will report you for showing 'unfinished models' if they don't have scenic bases.)


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:47:25


Post by: Pete Melvin


 d-usa wrote:
For me personally, an unbased model just looks weirder than a model on a base that doesn't match the table, and a black base doesn't match a grass table any more than a lava base.
.


I agree entirely with this. For me, basing also helps to tie an army together.

 d-usa wrote:

Even the weird goblin green bases of 1990s GW look better than plain black bases IMO.
.

Well...I wouldnt go THAT far. Drybrushed green flock, yuck.

 d-usa wrote:
There are probably ways to make a very plain base that would both look finished and only clash minimally with the table. But I do understand where OP is coming from
.


Probably. i can't see where OP is coming from, but I play mostly historicals where floating black disks would look really odd, so what do i know.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 15:52:58


Post by: OrlandotheTechnicoloured


I prefer black bases to really badly done scenic bases

when I was gaming semi regularly thye never bothered me at at all

but

I prefer reasonable scenic base to plain black ones

and if you're basing a mini with a tabbed base you've got to either putty the slot to match the rest of the base, or stick some sort of scatter over it anyway so you might as well go all in and decorate your base


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 16:28:28


Post by: Ustrello


I prefer based mini's. I feel like they can add to the "story" if you will of the miniature a bit. Rusted barbed wire, shell casings etc.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 16:41:19


Post by: Nevelon


Baseing my army has been on the to-do list for a while now. The reason I started to actually do it was Dakka guilting me.

You win, Dakka, you win.

I’ve even drilled a few gun barrels. Been thinning my paints for years though.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 16:53:53


Post by: oadie


Why do I create scenic basing? Simple - my miniatures are primarily display pieces that can also serve as gaming counters, not the other way around. I use basing as a unifying visual element,. Solid black could do that, but scenic basing can also serve to convey army fluff/theme.

I do, however, understand where the "black base" camp is coming from. We're trained to abstract black, beyond it simply being the color of nothingness - if we weren't, the blacklining in cartoons/comics wouldn't work. That's why I prefer black base rims, even on scenically based models.

When the situation is reversed - models are gaming pieces that can also be displayed - I base black. My Project Pandora and Dwarf King's Hold minis will only ever be used for those self-enclosed board games. They're receiving a quick (by my standards, at least) and dirty paintjob and will only have their small, round, integral bases to stand on. I could attempt to sculpt/paint space corridor/dungeon floor patterns on the bases, but solid black just seems cleaner and less intrusive, especially considering the impossibility of matching all the varieties of colors and textures on the map tiles.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 17:07:09


Post by: Acephale


It's very simple: I base all my models because I think it looks a lot better than models without scenic bases.

To me, the base is a part of the miniature; it adds depth and style to the whole picture. Especially when the models are ranked up together, coherent basing gives a nice unified look to the army.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 17:14:49


Post by: durecellrabbit


I never used too base my models but I'm not the best at painting and once I tried it I noticed a big improvement. I've never considered not basing my models since.

Especially if I'm doing terrain specific camo, it really helps having a matching base.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:11:08


Post by: Thud


It's super simple, quick and makes the army look much better.

Subjective opinion is subjective and all, but that's why I base my models.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:16:56


Post by: Grimtuff


 notprop wrote:
Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.

The juxtaposition of one type of base with another type of table finish seems unduly pedantic to me. You need to suspend belief a bit in the first place to fully appreciate an attractive miniature wargame it's not a big step to ignore a desert base in an urban street.


This.

Nothing more really.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:23:14


Post by: Blacksails


Well, there's always the option for clear bases.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:33:42


Post by: Zywus


In theory, not basing models sound like a reasonable idea since you then won't run into the ice-bases on a desert world scenario etc.

In practice though; it's always worth basing your models IMO. Even a quick and easy basejob makes any model approximately 100% better looking. It makes it so much easier to suspend your disbelief and view the model as whatever it's supposed to represent rather than just a plastic/metal figurine.

If you don't want to base, clear bases is the only option that will not drag your painted models down several knots.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:41:07


Post by: Rusty Trombone


I base my minis because they keel over without them!


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/16 23:54:02


Post by: Mymearan


I do it because I've never considered it an option to not base them. Now that I know it's a thing people do, I really want to see photos of well-painted, black-based armies for comparison.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 01:01:21


Post by: Haight


 notprop wrote:
Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.




Yup, this. I take all the time to paint them up really nicely, i want that nice model to look like its standing on something equally realistc. Also, i like sculpting / creating / painting bases.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 01:09:34


Post by: Platuan4th


I used to not base them(I used the same argument about based models clashing with the table, too), but after doing a couple armies, I really noticed how bare and unfinished the models without it looked in comparison, so I've been going back and redoing my bases.

I've actually found that now that I've started basing, the "clashing" terrain types doesn't bother me(I don't even notice it anymore).


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 01:22:01


Post by: SharkoutofWata


A model bringing around his pet rock because it was added to the scenic base is absolutely hilarious to me. I actively try to find alternative models for Special Characters that include some scenery. I have an Illic Nightspear model that is really just a specific Ranger model painted in the distinct blue and yellow I avoided with my other Rangers. Just normal black or green painted bases for me. Most fancy is green flock but I haven't done that in ages.

"Everyone move up! Got your pet rocks or dead carcass? Alright, let's go! Wraithknight, make sure you drag that crashed Space Marine Land Speeder with you even though we're fighting Orks."


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 01:41:46


Post by: Steelmage99


Why do I base my models?

Well, frankly because I enjoyed doing it. I had fun coming up with a specific scheme and colours that tied in with my armies, and represented them well.

(Use of past tense is due to me having been prized-out and grossed-out by GW)


Why do you base your models? @ 0057/05/17 01:49:56


Post by: -Loki-


 Pete Melvin wrote:
Well...I wouldnt go THAT far. Drybrushed green flock, yuck.


It wasn't even flock. It was sand PVA'd to the base, the whole thing painted Goblin Green, then the sand drybrushed Sunburst Yellow.

I'm of the same opinion as notprop. Unbased models, even if it's a black base tidied up, don't look finished. But that's just, like, my opinion man. I'm not going to convince you to do it if you don't like it.

My Haqqislam are based on desert bases. I've never once fielded them on a desert board. Once I fielded them on a grass board, and other times on urban boards, and never once have I ever actually cared that they're based different to the board. I did desert basing because their colours are desert sort of colours. My Tyranids are based on brown dirt with green grass, because all of our 40k tables wound up being grassy, but when we are at the FLGS we game on all kinds of boards. Playing them on an urban board didn't look weird at all.

If you're getting hung up about what their bases look like compared to the table they're on... I dunno. it's just not a problem I've ever had.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 01:59:17


Post by: Ruberu


I like basing, so I base all my models. I usually do a simple green flock and then use a brown color for the edge. I like to make my bases clash with the models colors like my Mordians green bases really makes their red coats pop.

I personally think a painted model with a painted base looks better than a not painted base.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 02:16:05


Post by: Cothonian


I give my models a detailed paint job, then leave the bases clean and black.

If the bases don't match the board I am playing on it seems a bit weird to me. The clean black bases on the other hand are easy to look past, and in my opinion look just fine in the display case (I've always kind of looked at it like a computer game showing off a detailed, weather-worn unit with a black background; it allows you to focus on the unit rather than what he is standing on or what's behind him.) Also not basing my models saves a ton of time.

"Everyone move up! Got your pet rocks or dead carcass? Alright, let's go! Wraithknight, make sure you drag that crashed Space Marine Land Speeder with you even though we're fighting Orks."


That is awesome lol! Never thought of it that way, but that does make me laugh!


I also noticed a few comments mentioning that basing can help with an army's fluff/back-story/narrative, that seems like a cool use for it.

However I will leave my bases clean for now.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 02:18:48


Post by: jonolikespie


It never occured to me not to base my models.

I find building scenic bases one of the most fun parts of the hobby and a model without a base just looks unfinished to me.

I guess I just don't treet my models like game pieces anymore, recently I've very deliberately switched to treating them like artworks.

As well a good base can save a bad model, while a bad base will ruin a good model.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 02:38:27


Post by: jah-joshua


for the most part, i feel that the base sets the scene for the model...
it's the finishing touch...
i'm a big fan of base inserts, and like building a mini-diorama for the miniature, especially if it's a more display oriented piece...

that said, i love the look of the old Rackham studio minis on the plain black bases...
it just seems so right for their minis, somehow...

cheers
jah


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 05:33:18


Post by: Stormonu


I've done black bases for years - started with my D&D minis, where it fit for the dungeon maps we played on. Besides, black's my favorite color anyway.

My friends harrass me for it, but I don't care. It's the way I prefer to do it, and that will not change.

Though, I have tried my hand with doing something different with my Necrons, since the scheme I went for the models was black w/ gold joints (and glowing green in the cracks) - the bases are flourescent green with rocks. In blacklight, the bases have an unsettling glow.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 09:00:55


Post by: Herzlos


 Thud wrote:
It's super simple, quick and makes the army look much better.


This is certainly something I've noticed recently (I started with the base painted green) but have fairly recently started playing with flocks and scenic bases and the results just seem so much more alive.

That said, up until recently most of my gaming has been on an uncovered table, so having jungle based troops moving across a wooden table hasn't jarred too much, and the mini's spend more time in display cabinets than tables anyway. I still don't go nuts on the basing - generally some mud/gravel/grass with a couple of tufts and smallish stones, so there's not much in the way of pet rocks.

Admittedly, I usually use lipped bases now (keeps the tufts from sticking out over the side and makes them easier to move) and paint the lip black.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 09:13:42


Post by: Pacific


 notprop wrote:
Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.

The juxtaposition of one type of base with another type of table finish seems unduly pedantic to me. You need to suspend belief a bit in the first place to fully appreciate an attractive miniature wargame it's not a big step to ignore a desert base in an urban street.




Like the way that you are challenging some very basic assumptions about the hobby though Sinful Hero, first the meaning of the word 'wargame', then the need for bases! Wondering what you have in store next..


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 14:17:09


Post by: Sinful Hero


 Pacific wrote:
 notprop wrote:
Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.

The juxtaposition of one type of base with another type of table finish seems unduly pedantic to me. You need to suspend belief a bit in the first place to fully appreciate an attractive miniature wargame it's not a big step to ignore a desert base in an urban street.




Like the way that you are challenging some very basic assumptions about the hobby though Sinful Hero, first the meaning of the word 'wargame', then the need for bases! Wondering what you have in store next..

Well, I've always gone against the grain, and I've finally got around to start sharing a few opinions.

I think a lot about black bases versus scenic has a lot to do with whether models are canvases for creativity, or customizable game pieces. The latter spectrum is where I obviously fall. I like showing off the pose and paint(when I get around to it anyway), and I'd rather not anything draw attention from it. I understand wanting the model to look more dynamic with a scenic base, but they're game pieces that I want to be easily identifiable to me- and for me at least basing can distract from the model.

I'm proud of them, I like showing them to my friends, but the base is merely a part of the game design(showing space/area) rather than a part of the model IMO.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 14:37:14


Post by: Forar


Huh. As someone that's only been into minis for a few years, and only ever based one figure (aside from those that come with a base of sorts of their own), it's interesting to see how contentious an issue it can be in the larger community.

Personally I prefer black bases. I respect and appreciate the hours some of my friends put into crafting unique basing (along with their meticulous assembly and paint jobs), but I'm simply not interested in spending those hours on the disc said figure is standing on (even if it's a swift thing for some folks, I'm sure untold hours were spent getting to the point it was so quick, and as a non-artist, the less opportunities I have to screw up my figure, the better).

Respect to those who go the extra mile, but at this time it's just not a priority for me.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 14:40:36


Post by: Mymearan


 SharkoutofWata wrote:
A model bringing around his pet rock because it was added to the scenic base is absolutely hilarious to me. I actively try to find alternative models for Special Characters that include some scenery. I have an Illic Nightspear model that is really just a specific Ranger model painted in the distinct blue and yellow I avoided with my other Rangers. Just normal black or green painted bases for me. Most fancy is green flock but I haven't done that in ages.

"Everyone move up! Got your pet rocks or dead carcass? Alright, let's go! Wraithknight, make sure you drag that crashed Space Marine Land Speeder with you even though we're fighting Orks."


Bring-along pieces of scenery is really the most immersion-breaking part of playing a miniatures game to you?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 14:40:56


Post by: notprop


Wow, I've never been quoted so much!

I was thinking over the weekend and remembered that I could sort of show what I meant as well as I have images of the same models before and after basing.

Before (Rhs).


After.


True lighting a positioning makes a difference but the before example just doesn't cut it as a finished model to me. Also the khaki tiles on the base vs. the Necromunda terrain create no visual problem for me either but I am massively biased.

Now that is (for me) quite an effort for basing a mini, though I will say it was far from difficult. My IG for example have only two coats of GW basing sand on them (its has a very pleasing colour and size variation in it since you ask) and I don't paint it. Now my mini painting is decent table top at best but with a bit of sand and a few arid deserty tufts here and there and they look at least 42% better than without.

I can not say enough what a difference even basic basing makes to a model. If like me you follow the rule of four foot I would go so far as to say on the games table it is as least as important as painting, in display probably more so. A base painted black just looks like a base you have splashed paint all over, marks for neatness but not for style or effort I'm afraid.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 14:50:17


Post by: treslibras


Unless the base decoration matches the table, it will always look out of place, to a certain extend - looking down on a red desert or grey city themed table filled with snow based-minis or bland black based-minis is basically the same to me.

The difference comes when you take a mini into your hand or look at it standing in a display (the mini, that is ).

In that situation, even a mediocre basing will always win over a bland black base IMHO.


If I can chose I will use round black beveled bases with basing or inlays, i.e. where I both have a decorated base AND a black ribbon around that acts as a frame (of sorts) for the paint&basing job.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 15:10:50


Post by: ImAGeek


I really like the lipped bases ala Warmachine/Malifaux etc. you kinda get the best of both worlds, you can base it how you like and there's the black lip that separates it from the table... It's like each model has a little pedestal.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 15:30:10


Post by: whitedragon


 ImAGeek wrote:
I really like the lipped bases ala Warmachine/Malifaux etc. you kinda get the best of both worlds, you can base it how you like and there's the black lip that separates it from the table... It's like each model has a little pedestal.


This is a good point, and I've thought about changing over alot of my figures to those bases because they just look nicer in some cases.

I base my figs but always paint the lip black just for this separation, and it always looks great.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 20:11:10


Post by: TheDraconicLord


The model needs basing. No exceptions,

I don't care if it looks out of place, when I paint a miniature I imagine a story, a plot, a background. For example, my former army, Necrons, their tomb world was a world that went into an ice-age thanks to the imperium.

The Oniwaban Shinobu Kitsune and the base plays a big part to tell the "story": It's a high skilled ninja, so skilled she managed to surprise her target because of her impossible route: She jumped over lilypads:


My Space Marines, the first "stage" of their plot is an urban warfare stage, where they have intercepted the Alpha Legion. All my first objectives will be city related, like a cache of supplies, an holy statue, etc so of course the base has to play a part:


So yes, IMHO, the base is extremely important, I never "rush it".


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 20:36:12


Post by: weeble1000


The base is part of the story a miniature tells. I have considered clear plastic bases before, but I've never done it.

Even if frosty space vikings on snowy bases are engaged in an epic conflict on table McLava Flo, the bases don't bother me. I want to know who those tiny little guys are. Once you know that, you can imagine what might bring them to planet Lava-Alpha 7.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/17 21:44:10


Post by: Easy E


I usually just put a quick blast of paint and a wash on the base. If I did more, nothing would ever get done!

Now that time is more of a premium in my life, I don't want to spend time doing micro-landscaping on Trooper #8 in a 10 man squad.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 00:54:24


Post by: Cambonimachine


I havent gone too overboard on the basing yet. Brown gravel/dirt with green/yellow tufts for my nids (the green sets off the orange/purple scheme), cork w/a dash of red flock and "nearly dead" blend tufts for an urban/autumn theme for my DE. No idea what i am gonna do for myNecrons or Tau yet, and my Marines are from back in the day so i keep the awful goblin green-topped base just for pure nostalgia


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 09:11:28


Post by: Herzlos


 Easy E wrote:
I usually just put a quick blast of paint and a wash on the base. If I did more, nothing would ever get done!

Now that time is more of a premium in my life, I don't want to spend time doing micro-landscaping on Trooper #8 in a 10 man squad.


I put a coat of PVA/wood glue down, dunk it in a tub of flocking/grit and then glue a couple of tufts down. Takes maybe 20 seconds per mini. If I'm feeling fancy I'll only partially cover the base in glue before dipping to have some variety of materials.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 09:49:09


Post by: d-usa


My basing varies.

WFB: Fairly simple, usually I just PVA glue to add some sand that gets painted, and then some flock on top of that. Enough to add a little something to the miniature and to make a unit look cohesive, but nothing over the top. My High Elves have some small areas of snow, and my Skaven get some dead looking flock. That gives them a little bit of character and ties the whole army together.

40K, Infinity: A little more work, but still fairly simple. One of my small armies is on city-bases, but the usual setup still follows the same guidelines as my WFB bases. Sand/Paint/Flock.

The one game where I go a bit over the top with my basing is FoW. They are tiny models on fairly big bases so I treat every base like a mini diorama.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 13:09:40


Post by: melkorthetonedeaf


When I've "finished" painting a group of models, I like to base them with a theme so that they can fit into a diorama whenever they hang out on the shelf.

For game pieces, I find black bases makes it clearer where my dudes are. I'd love to do all of my Malifaux or Infinity stuff on clear bases, but at this point I don't want to rebase a whole army if it has a unified look.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 15:08:03


Post by: Eilif


I'm of the opinion that an unbased model just looks unfinished. It's a wargaming standard that goes back to the early decades of the wargaming hobby and as anyone reading my posts know, I have a certain amount of respect for wargaming traditions and standards. http://chicagoskirmish.blogspot.com/2014/08/painting-matters-in-defense-of-hobby.html
Basing is not about blending in with a table, it's about giving the model a finished appearance and more visual display appeal. The answer to the OP's question about…
 Sinful Hero wrote:
And why do some tournaments encourage it? Is it something to do with model>game piece?
is directly answered by this long history of basing as being an accepted wargaming standard and of minis being looked at as models and display pieces and not simply game tokens.

For me, it's more than that though. I find myself in agreement with those who base as a way of giving unity and narrative to a given army or warband. Basing all the units the same can not only make the units seem more united, but it can also add to the background and fluff of the force. For example, the broken red rocks under the feet of my chaos force is both thematic and unifying. Similarly, my woodland warriors warband are incredibly diverse in race and attire, but they are tied together by the woodsy grassland basing that they share.

I do understand the argument that basing will only match certain types of terrain. This was less an issue with historical units which tend to be tied to fewer types of terrain representing the areas where they would have historically fourght. Fantasy and sci-fi units on the other hand are not similarly limited and are likely to see a wider variety of tabletops.

That said, I think the benifits of looking complete, unifying the force and contributing to the theme or narrative of a force far outweigh any potential dissonance between an army and the table it plays on. And I still think that bare bases are incomplete.

 treslibras wrote:

If I can chose I will use round black beveled bases with basing or inlays, i.e. where I both have a decorated base AND a black ribbon around that acts as a frame (of sorts) for the paint&basing job.
Proxie models offers all sizes of bases with a smaller version of the rounded edge. It's less obvious than the larger style PP lip, but it's a nice look and the bases are very affordable.
http://www.proxiemodels.com

For myself, I feel that the beveled edge of most GW style bases offer enough of a division, but I understand the appeal of the rounded edge.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 18:25:19


Post by: Easy E


Here's another reason why my basing is very basic. I don't enjoy basing very much.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 18:36:49


Post by: Platuan4th


 Easy E wrote:
Here's another reason why my basing is very basic. I don't enjoy basing very much.


I don't either, hence why I didn't do it for more than a decade. I do it now because it really does make a world of difference, not because I enjoy it.

Trust me, I didn't enjoy spreading Green Stuff across a 5" base and making it into blasted, muddy NML:



Nor do I enjoy cutting and applying each individual plank/duck board:



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 18:46:17


Post by: Ugavine


I base my Orks 'cuz Gork sed 'eed stomp me if I didn't.

Makes 'em look prettier.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/18 18:52:35


Post by: SilverMK2


Because even my painting looks better with basing



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 00:44:49


Post by: Wolf


I think basing for me is what finishes the model off, it brings the model into the setting of the base you choose and makes each model like a miniature diorama if that makes sense


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 01:51:39


Post by: Smacks


The reason I base models is so they don't fall over. A plain black base is just as much of an aesthetic choice as an ornate thematic one. It is not a question of 'do or do not' -- it is just a question of taste. Neither one is objectively better (though some bases obviously require more work, which might score points with some people).


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 03:47:35


Post by: d-usa


Another purely selfish reason for why I base:

My painting skills are pretty "meh" IMO. But I feel that I am pretty good at making a very pretty base. Having a 10/10 base on a 5/10 model makes the whole thing look like a 7/10.

For asthetics I would imagine that a model that is painted extremely well is going to look very different with a black base than a model that is not painted to the same level. With a blank base there will be more focus on the miniature itself (not that this has to be a bad thing of course).

I do think that in the case of the OP he probably still has a "finished" base: uniformly painted and no paint marks from the model. A clean "plain" base is still different (and better) than an unfinished base.

 Sinful Hero wrote:

And why do some tournaments encourage it? Is it something to do with model>game piece?


I don't think any of us have really covered this yet. I think they simply encourage it for the painting and modeling aspect of the hobby. To many, as we can see in this thread, it is a part of a "finished" model although I would be willing to argue that a cleanly painted base is technically as finished as a scenic base.

Many tournaments also have a painting competition element, and the base will be part of that scoring.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 15:27:31


Post by: Lockark


For skirmish games I like using clear bases so I don't need to deal with proper bashing and looks good on any surface.




For war hammer fantasy I go over the top trying to base everything nice using cork, sand, multiple colors of flock, ect no pics sadly atm.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 15:39:35


Post by: odinsgrandson


Well, I'm going to have to go with what's been said:

 notprop wrote:
Models that haven't been based don't look finished, simple as really.


Really unfinished.

But if you have so much trouble with suspending disbelief, try out some of those clear bases that I've seen (I don't remember if Litko or someone else was making them). Then they won't show a different terrain type than your table.

Personally, I've never thought this was a problem, but I guess someone does.


I don't really understand people's problems with some of the more scenic base options. I mean, I don't imagine that these characters are moving from spot to spot in the same pose either, so it is just a snapshot of a character on a battlefield.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 17:27:21


Post by: Chrissy_J


 Pete Melvin wrote:
But surely then a big black disk on your desert theme boards is just as "bad" as having a non-desert themed base?
You can get clear plastic bases you know, if you really have a problem with it.


If I were a player, and expected to be playing on different terrains, I'd use clear bases. But I'm not, so I don't.

For me, basing is an extension of the character of the miniature. A dwarf on a jungle base doesn't look right, neither does a Chaos Space Marine on a fresh green, grassy rural base.

I quite often make up bases for future use, as well. It's another aspect of model making.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 17:45:57


Post by: Sinful Hero


Why do models not look finished without basing? Is it because that's just how it's always been done, or it helps to place a model into an environment? Basing won't improve a bad paintjob, but it might pull the eye from it.

I just find a lot of basing makes a model look too busy to me. A layer of sand or snow is fine, but when you start throwing in pipes, grass, rocks, and such it becomes too distracting from the paint job.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 17:46:07


Post by: Easy E


 Ugavine wrote:
I base my Orks 'cuz Gork sed 'eed stomp me if I didn't.

Makes 'em look prettier.



I hate to mention this, but Mork told you too. It wasn't Gork.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/19 18:56:22


Post by: Mr.Church13


 Sinful Hero wrote:
Why do models not look finished without basing? Is it because that's just how it's always been done, or it helps to place a model into an environment? Basing won't improve a bad paintjob, but it might pull the eye from it.

I just find a lot of basing makes a model look too busy to me. A layer of sand or snow is fine, but when you start throwing in pipes, grass, rocks, and such it becomes too distracting from the paint job.


From my experience, no one is going to be able to answer this with anything other than "It's just what we've always done" or "it makes the paint job better/finished."

For me there's two options when basing. Take forever and get it to look decent while adding hours to a paint job or PVC it dip it and call it an afternoon. Neither of which I care to do for models I'm gonna game with regularly. Now for a display piece then yeah go to town.

I really don't think black bases should be treated as unfinished when it comes to models not trying to win a painting competition. Just like I've always hated the opinion that unless a guy paints rocks or skulls glued to his bases he's a bad painter with no talent and all his models are "Unfinished".

For me the matter comes two fold with gaming models. For one I always picture that marine picking up his rubble and carrying it all along with his gear, I can't not do it its just a thought that's always there when I game and it really breaks the immersion. For second I don't have the time I used to to paint and would have to resort to the "glue, rock, flock" technique we used when I worked for GW, sure, for example models it got the job done but I never really liked it. I'd much rather spend time detailing a fantastic model than a rock or sand from Woodland Scenics.

And for that matter what counts as based? One rock, two rocks, sand, grass, full on rubble? You know when a model is fully painted is a rock and some brown paint around it based? I've been in this hobby for 9 years now, please don't make me glue a single rock to all my space marines to play in your tuornament anymore, at least the models are painted I'm not some dude tryin to throw down grey plastic or metal.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 14:38:37


Post by: Zywus


I don't get the argument that having rubble, stones etc would imply that the model carry it with him. (I mean, if that's the feeling someone get, then that's nobody's fault as such, but it's just wierd to me).

In that case, isn't it equally immersion breaking that all the marines move around striking the exact same pose all the time?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 15:03:32


Post by: Eilif


Zywus wrote:
I don't get the argument that having rubble, stones etc would imply that the model carry it with him. (I mean, if that's the feeling someone get, then that's nobody's fault as such, but it's just wierd to me).

In that case, isn't it equally immersion breaking that all the marines move around striking the exact same pose all the time?


I think it's just a case of the way a very few folks view their minis. Not really a point of view worth arguing with since it's entirely subjective.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 15:06:49


Post by: Rainbow Dash


How is my army of slowly growing naked catgirls supposed to look complete standing on a bare plastic black base?
Maybe if I painted it to look like a floor or something but still, doesn't look as good as a cityfight or something


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 18:53:02


Post by: tgjensen


I paint all of my bases a flat Goblin Green because I am an original gangster. I've been painting my bases the same way for close to twenty years now, and by God I am not stopping now!

Scenic bases are just a fad, anyway.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 19:25:46


Post by: Talizvar


The base is an extension of the model to me.
I like to add little brass "shell casings" and stuff like that which would not normally be on the terrain.
I must admit, the clear bases look boss to me and the lipped bases do justify a black for separation.
So aside from the above exceptions, texturing and painting bases really give a better look.
I find also the same bases (different from terrain or not!) also help tie-in allied models that may be of a different race/army.

My two cents.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 19:33:17


Post by: Big P


If it aint based, it aint finished.

I would find a black base very garish on terrain, to me it seems odd not to do it, but ii wont use a model till its finished.

A base should be a mini diorama for your overgrown counter and add to the final piece... simple or OTT both can add to the end result.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 19:47:28


Post by: eskimo


I'd prefer no base over black base. But basing adds to the model, the extra effort put in painting gives me the feeling the other person gives a poo. If i played someone with a grey army i'd go away thinking, "moron, go play video games". Nothing wrong with video games btw, just tabletop is a very involving hobby imo.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 19:53:51


Post by: zlayer77


I like basing ... it is as fun as fixing and painting the miniature.. But there are those that dont like the "pet rock" jada jada.. I say those that dont base are just lazy gits.. Or dont have the skill for it and its easier to just say I want it black to not clash with the table... A pure black base clashes more with the table if you ask me... it looks unfinishded...


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 21:18:31


Post by: Mr.Church13


 zlayer77 wrote:
I like basing ... it is as fun as fixing and painting the miniature.. But there are those that dont like the "pet rock" jada jada.. I say those that dont base are just lazy gits.. Or dont have the skill for it and its easier to just say I want it black to not clash with the table... A pure black base clashes more with the table if you ask me... it looks unfinishded...


We are not lazy nor do we lack the skill so you say we just perfer a different style of model than you do it's no less finished than any other model. I mean I could say that any person who puts "pet rocks" on bases are TFGs, but that would be rude, right?

Just different strokes for different folks. Base. Don't base. I could care less, just paint the models folks no barren metal/plastic/resin.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 22:31:17


Post by: heartserenade


I dunno, black bases just look out of place on any table for me (unless you're playing on a flat black table, I guess). Same with the pet rock thing: why is your miniature carrying a piece of void on his/her/its feet? If it's really bothersome, I guess clear bases would be the natural solution.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 23:10:16


Post by: zlayer77


Mr.Church13 wrote:
 zlayer77 wrote:
I like basing ... it is as fun as fixing and painting the miniature.. But there are those that dont like the "pet rock" jada jada.. I say those that dont base are just lazy gits.. Or dont have the skill for it and its easier to just say I want it black to not clash with the table... A pure black base clashes more with the table if you ask me... it looks unfinishded...


We are not lazy nor do we lack the skill so you say we just perfer a different style of model than you do it's no less finished than any other model. I mean I could say that any person who puts "pet rocks" on bases are TFGs, but that would be rude, right?

Just different strokes for different folks. Base. Don't base. I could care less, just paint the models folks no barren metal/plastic/resin.


Well I do claim that I have mobile cover behind my Moving Base"pet rock"
Its totaly OK that you do not base your Minis but if you lived here in sweden with us Vikings a few of us would wrestle you to the ground and the rest would start basing your Minis wheter you liked it or not .. No Unfinished Models on our TABLES!!!


I'm just kidding and I'm sorry if I stept on your toes with the "lazy word" its just that I think miniatures looks so much cooler on a finished base...


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 23:20:34


Post by: Desubot


I base my models because i feel it doesn't look right unless it has at least some sand on it. Now i like using raw umber pigment powder as it seems to fit on most any table (besides super themed desert or full on urban bases.

I am however having difficulties figuring out what to do with my infinity bases. Should my Aleph bases be clean and blend together with the models or should they be dirty/rusty to contrast them (im thinking urban china rooftops/gutters like in GitS)


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/20 23:28:52


Post by: Mr.Church13


 zlayer77 wrote:
Mr.Church13 wrote:
 zlayer77 wrote:
I like basing ... it is as fun as fixing and painting the miniature.. But there are those that dont like the "pet rock" jada jada.. I say those that dont base are just lazy gits.. Or dont have the skill for it and its easier to just say I want it black to not clash with the table... A pure black base clashes more with the table if you ask me... it looks unfinishded...


We are not lazy nor do we lack the skill so you say we just perfer a different style of model than you do it's no less finished than any other model. I mean I could say that any person who puts "pet rocks" on bases are TFGs, but that would be rude, right?

Just different strokes for different folks. Base. Don't base. I could care less, just paint the models folks no barren metal/plastic/resin.


Well I do claim that I have mobile cover behind my Moving Base"pet rock"
Its totaly OK that you do not base your Minis but if you lived here in sweden with us Vikings a few of us would wrestle you to the ground and the rest would start basing your Minis wheter you liked it or not .. No Unfinished Models on our TABLES!!!


I'm just kidding and I'm sorry if I stept on your toes with the "lazy word" its just that I think miniatures looks so much cooler on a finished base...


It's cool I just have a hard time when it comes to the basing issue. It used to be a really divisive issue in my gaming groups of old.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/21 01:31:04


Post by: jonolikespie


 Desubot wrote:
I base my models because i feel it doesn't look right unless it has at least some sand on it. Now i like using raw umber pigment powder as it seems to fit on most any table (besides super themed desert or full on urban bases.

I am however having difficulties figuring out what to do with my infinity bases. Should my Aleph bases be clean and blend together with the models or should they be dirty/rusty to contrast them (im thinking urban china rooftops/gutters like in GitS)

Personally I think bases always look best contrasting the model and aleph always look best playing up the GitS themes.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/21 13:18:01


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Rainbow Dash wrote:
How is my army of slowly growing naked catgirls supposed to look complete standing on a bare plastic black base?
Maybe if I painted it to look like a floor or something but still, doesn't look as good as a cityfight or something
I assume you mean slowly growing army of naked catgirls... if not I really want to see how you represent a slowly growing naked catgirl in miniature form, I have some weird images in my head


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/21 18:40:23


Post by: Dr H


I think of the base as part of the model. I wouldn't leave any other part flat black, and so I don't leave the base plain either.

Originally, I did consider painting the bases as a shadow of the model, so that it would fit on any terrain. I also didn't want to buy anything specific for the base, but then I discovered a free source of material for my bases; crushed up, dried up paint (Gives a good mixture of shapes and sizes and infinitely modifiable).

A good example of what it looks like unpainted is this wip shot:
Spoiler:

Paint brown for mud, and pick out anything that looks like a rock, and that's the basics for all my bases.

Another thing I've not seen anyone mention is that what you add to the base can help with getting more interesting poses from the models.
For example:
Spoiler:

That pose wouldn't work on a flat base. Or would require significantly more work on the model to get it to work.

Then there are poses where the model has it's foot up on something. Just having the single item for them to rest their foot on, wouldn't work on a plain base.
Spoiler:


And one last one, as others have said, a base can help tell a story and set the scene for the model in question. A mini diorama.
Extreme example (it was for a competition):
Spoiler:


That's why I base my models.

What do the "paint it black" crowd do when the model comes with a piece of terrain moulded on?


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 02:22:37


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Sinful Hero wrote:
Why do models not look finished without basing? Is it because that's just how it's always been done
I think that's most of it to be honest. For most of us the first painted miniatures we've seen were based and 99% of completed painted miniatures we've seen since are based and it's just the community expectation that it will be based.

I wouldn't call a sculpture incomplete because they haven't sculpted scenery around it, I wouldn't call a painting incomplete because it doesn't have a scenic background, when it comes to historic model planes/boats/tanks, rarely are they placed on scenic bases (unless it's part of a larger diorama) and I wouldn't call them incomplete just because they aren't based.

It's just wargaming we have created the expectation that models should have a scenic base to be considered complete. Not that I think there's something wrong with doing a scenic base, but to me it's hardly a stamp of "this is a completed model".

It's always puzzled me why the Painting & Modeling Showcase forum requires models to be based. I wonder if I simply put a model on a clean black base up if it would get removed as unfinished.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 02:55:37


Post by: Cambonimachine


I personally would never give anyone any guff for doing the flat black thing. Its your army after all, and as long as the rest of the model is painted, I say whatever floats your pink lil sailboat cupcake... I have tons of old marines where I did the goblin green top, or bestial brown, cause i was a rebel in the mid/late 90s -_- , but now I definitely appreciate the look of a well done base. Is it my favorite thing to do? Well, no, but neither is painting... I personally only enjoy the modeling aspect of the hobby outside games. But I do it all because 1) I dont have anywhere even close to approaching the funds I would need to commission 5 armies and 2) They are mine, and that includes painting and basing just as much as it does sculpting and posing in cool/neat ways.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 03:04:47


Post by: Stormwall


I base my models to match my crazy autumn terrain.

I guess I like basing because I like terrain more than the models.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 04:01:13


Post by: Litcheur


 Sinful Hero wrote:
why do you base or not base models?


I base them, because I don't want them to capsize.



Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 05:45:22


Post by: Eilif


Something I just thought of today. Some folks say they don't base because they don't want it to clash with non-matching battlefields and mess with the suspension of disbelief of gaming.

However, aren't there many cases where the figures themselves do this? Consider the Catachans fighting on a desert world, or the Tau in tan fighting on a winter planet, the Valhallans in their parkas on a jungle planet, etc, etc... It's just as much of a clash, but no one complains about it.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 06:19:02


Post by: Cothonian


It annoys me when people insist that a model is not done until it is based. I put a lot of work into my models, often trying to give every individual soldier a unique pose or feature making each distinguishable from the next. I then spend the time to give the figurines a good paint job, applying primer, paints and washes. The model is then complete for me, highly detailed and on a clean base. I don't spend hours painting figurines for people to be staring at the ground they are standing on.

This does not mean however that I am against basing. Well done bases look excellent, and as mentioned by many other previously they can be multipurpose, contributing to the model's pose of back story. I however simply prefer not to.

In other words... please don't call my models unfinished just because the base is black plastic. The model is finished, it is the base that remains blank. It's kind of like a new car on the showroom floor, fancy shiny car with the rest of the room blacked out as to not distract from it.

Also I saw one or two comments talking about those who show up with grey plastic or bare metal miniatures, I totally agree that the models should at least have some sort of paint job applied to them. Even a very basic paint job over primer is better than nothing. Frankly it would take a little away from the game if my opponent's army was composed of unpainted grey plastic.


or the Tau in tan fighting on a winter planet,


Getting a little off topic... a buddy of mine is building and painting up his Tau for winter fighting. It's actually really cool, Tau units seem to match up with the whit-grey-blue color schemes associated with arctic fighting oddly enough. (Also I do get your point in regards to some models blatantly not matching the boards they are on, I just wanted to put an interesting thought in hehe.)


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 06:34:28


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Eilif wrote:
It's just as much of a clash, but no one complains about it.
Well firstly, yeah, I have heard people complain about it.

Secondly, it is less of a clash. It's less visually jarring to start with, then beyond that you can often explain it away if you want. We're talking about fighting on alien planets, it's not hard to think of reasons why troops may appear wrongly equipped when based on Earth assumptions. It's much harder to explain why that catachan is dragging a pile of brown dirt with a few tufts of grass across a desert.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 12:55:11


Post by: Vermis


 oadie wrote:
Why do I create scenic basing? Simple - my miniatures are primarily display pieces that can also serve as gaming counters, not the other way around. I use basing as a unifying visual element,. Solid black could do that, but scenic basing can also serve to convey army fluff/theme.

I do, however, understand where the "black base" camp is coming from. We're trained to abstract black, beyond it simply being the color of nothingness - if we weren't, the blacklining in cartoons/comics wouldn't work. That's why I prefer black base rims, even on scenically based models.

When the situation is reversed - models are gaming pieces that can also be displayed - I base black. My Project Pandora and Dwarf King's Hold minis will only ever be used for those self-enclosed board games. They're receiving a quick (by my standards, at least) and dirty paintjob and will only have their small, round, integral bases to stand on. I could attempt to sculpt/paint space corridor/dungeon floor patterns on the bases, but solid black just seems cleaner and less intrusive, especially considering the impossibility of matching all the varieties of colors and textures on the map tiles.


What Oadie said. I agree with all of this. I view my minis as miniature figurines as well as counters, so a dash of scenery just seems natural. Not to mention pretty stunning and inspiring in some examples. The black base reasoning gives me food for thought - and I admit I used to base my 40K models with a bit of grey-brown for largely the same effect - but I'm still gettin' a flockbox anyways.

Although... just going by the first page (apols if it's been brought up already) I have a vague feeling the discussion is skewed towards 40K, and platoon and skirmish games. Individually based fellers oscillating about the place. I think it might be a slightly different situation (YMMV) with rank'n'file blocks, or - especially - multi- and unit-based games (not to mention war machines, elephants, monsters, tanks etc.) where a scattering of big black rectangles might just stand out a bit more.

Also, it's one thing when you've got Space Marines inserting from an orbital plane into the Single Biome Planet du jour, but it might be a different story with historicals and maybe even fantasy, to a degree. Vikings go home when it turns snowy; Monty tries to wrest control of the desert from Rommel; Napoleon squares up over some wide grassy field; Rohan and the Pelennor tend to match that latter description too, along with large swathes of the Old World and the Iron Kingdoms. Unless you're regularly using your big-battle minis to play a skirmish through Stalingrad, Mordheim or the like, 'grass' seems to be a pretty safe bet for bases, closely followed by 'sand'.

Also also, I can understand the opposition to a mini dragging a circle of earth around with it, especially the pet rock/skull/whatever so the mini can do a Captain Morgan, and especially those ridiculous teetering towers of cork that no painting competition is without, these days. But I can't help but wonder that if the former ruins their suspension of disbelief, then what about the soldiers with enormous heads and hands, perched on scale-six-inch-tall plinths, making up armies crammed into and desperately fighting over a football pitch, wielding small arms and guns and sometimes artillery with a range measured in feet; and with none of this able to move and operate according to what it represents, but subject to having a hand descend from above to move them around, and relying on the arbitrary, abstract result of a dice roll to determine what effect a 'shot' has?
I don't mean that as a high-handed criticism of black bases. You can do as you like, and I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow at it. (Well, I might nod, say 'nice', and admire your aesthetic conviction) But in tabletop imagery, as with complaints about other, non-GW rules, I think people tend to forget that it's all very abstract and unrealistic anyway. I know I said that they're not just gaming counters, but... yeah, from another POV that is all they are.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 15:47:29


Post by: Vulcan


They're your models, do what you want. Having played against Grey Legion more than I care to admit, I'm fine with whatever gets you to the game table. So long as I can tell what's what, anyway...

Having said that, I always base, and my basing has gotten more sophisticated over time. My first two armies were simple flock jobs with black edges. After that I started sanding, rocks, patches of flock, and other such things. Just the way I prefer to do things, that's all.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 16:04:50


Post by: Eilif


 Vermis wrote:
[q
Also also, I can understand the opposition to a mini dragging a circle of earth around with it, especially the pet rock/skull/whatever so the mini can do a Captain Morgan, and especially those ridiculous teetering towers of cork that no painting competition is without, these days. But I can't help but wonder that if the former ruins their suspension of disbelief, then what about the soldiers with enormous heads and hands, perched on scale-six-inch-tall plinths, making up armies crammed into and desperately fighting over a football pitch, wielding small arms and guns and sometimes artillery with a range measured in feet; and with none of this able to move and operate according to what it represents, but subject to having a hand descend from above to move them around, and relying on the arbitrary, abstract result of a dice roll to determine what effect a 'shot' has?


Good point.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 16:22:02


Post by: Reality-Torrent


If you don't base it it really woulden't look finished to me..


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/22 18:10:55


Post by: Stormwall


Basing my models allows me to crawl through the gak involved with the model himself and do something fun and creative to base him as I said before.

You guys mentioned models looking out of place by being models, and that is true too.

I've been thinking... If a faction just got done fighting on a desert world, say... idk, Crimson Fists, and then they deployed quickly to an autumn world or some other world, they would still have lots of debris/sand and mud caked on from the prior conflict.

In a way, basing our models shows where they come from. No matter what our models will be out of place, no matter where they go. That's a 40k thing. You know, their home world in your living room or wherever their game table is.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/23 02:31:21


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Vermis wrote:
Also also, I can understand the opposition to a mini dragging a circle of earth around with it, especially the pet rock/skull/whatever so the mini can do a Captain Morgan, and especially those ridiculous teetering towers of cork that no painting competition is without, these days. But I can't help but wonder that if the former ruins their suspension of disbelief, then what about the soldiers with enormous heads and hands, perched on scale-six-inch-tall plinths, making up armies crammed into and desperately fighting over a football pitch, wielding small arms and guns and sometimes artillery with a range measured in feet; and with none of this able to move and operate according to what it represents, but subject to having a hand descend from above to move them around, and relying on the arbitrary, abstract result of a dice roll to determine what effect a 'shot' has?
I don't mean that as a high-handed criticism of black bases. You can do as you like, and I wouldn't even raise an eyebrow at it. (Well, I might nod, say 'nice', and admire your aesthetic conviction) But in tabletop imagery, as with complaints about other, non-GW rules, I think people tend to forget that it's all very abstract and unrealistic anyway. I know I said that they're not just gaming counters, but... yeah, from another POV that is all they are.
Not trying to sound harsh but reading this just sounded like the equivalent of "well we're all dying anyway and you'll never achieve everything you want with your life so why bother at all?". It's kind of dismissing something with the idea that it's all futile anyway.

Of course it's all abstraction, of course the models are just glorified counters, but it still doesn't really make sense to lump all those things together otherwise why are we playing a miniature wargame in the first place? People obviously have different levels of what annoys them or doesn't. To me, the ultimate of a miniature wargame (vs just playing with counters) is that it shows snapshots of a battle, and having non-matching bases is probably the most visually jarring thing even if it is one of those things we just accept. Are there other things that can be jarring? Yes, of course... but when you have 2 fully painted armies, the one that strikes first is the bases.

Though I do base my models anyway, because I tend to not play many games any more anyway, my models are display pieces that get gamed with occasionally, not game pieces that get displayed occasionally. If my models lived in their cases and only emerged to play games I would not give them scenic bases.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/24 12:43:39


Post by: Vermis


Nihilism? Me? Hahaha good gracious no. I see it as sweating the small stuff, criticising one little flaw in the middle of a whole heap of flaws that we successfully ignore anyway to enjoy the game. A bit like grognards who obsess over lacing in Napoleonic games: Switching the colour isn't going to make the 'snapshot' much more immersive or much less toy soldiers. Or the game much better overall. Just different. I don't think it should - or does - improve or ruin your enjoyment that much.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/24 14:59:22


Post by: TheAuldGrump


Two reasons, really:

1.) A nicely based mini looks better - it looks like it is interacting with its environment.

2.) Basing is fun. It allows you to tell a story with the miniature, more so when it is for a unit. (My girlfriend has a unit of dwarfs on a set of stairs, looking heroic - the commander has an easel and a paintbrush...)

It took me about five minutes to be hooked by the dioramic bases that I have seen for Kings of War - it makes doing units so much more entertaining. (Tin Racer on Beasts of War has an undead army that was what decided me that I wanted to do diorama bases.)

The Auld Grump


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/24 15:06:19


Post by: AllSeeingSkink


 Vermis wrote:
Nihilism? Me? Hahaha good gracious no. I see it as sweating the small stuff, criticising one little flaw in the middle of a whole heap of flaws that we successfully ignore anyway to enjoy the game. A bit like grognards who obsess over lacing in Napoleonic games: Switching the colour isn't going to make the 'snapshot' much more immersive or much less toy soldiers. Or the game much better overall. Just different. I don't think it should - or does - improve or ruin your enjoyment that much.
But the very fact we play with miniatures shows that it means something, maybe less to you but I don't think it's a stretch to see how specific things might annoy some people more, especially something as visually jarring as a random patch of grass under a soldier in the middle of a desert. Most the other things you mentioned aren't nearly as bad, though I'm sure there's people who find those things annoying too. Bobbleheadedness in 40k is one of my personal gripes as well.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/29 21:23:01


Post by: Zomnivore


I don't paint bases unless they're resin, and its a cool model.

I don't think they look good as anything other then black pucks, and I like seeing the run off of paint on the black it makes the base look interesting in terms of seeing the process it takes to paint the mini, and that makes a moderately well painted miniature look more interesting.

If I'm trying to be lazy making terrain like sand/grit/flock on a base, and half ass it, it shows and the contrast between the base, and the bases model irritates me more then a base on a black puck.


Why do you base your models? @ 2014/11/29 23:01:01


Post by: -iPaint-


I prefer based over not based, personally.


This:


Looks better than this, imo.


It's nothing fancy, but that little bit extra effort goes a long way. It's also a reason why I started basing vehicles - not only does it make storage and transport easier, but it also brings them up to the same base height as the infantry and weapon teams.



Now, if you're displaying your models for a webstore or something, then I might consider doing a simple black base, or not basing if there's an integral base. I guess it depends.

~iPaint