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I was leafing through the rulebook a few days ago when I saw this tiny entry on bases. It said that your units must be mounted on bases, and that they couldn't be smaller than normal, but it actually says you can mount them on something bigger if you want!

Anyway if you can then why not have a terminator with a massive base to block off entire parts of the board? Can your opponent go onto your oversized base? Could someone make up a really cheesy strategy because of this? Who knows? I don't!

You are reading the Fourth Edition Rulebook. That error has been rectified in the Fifth Edition Rulebook. All models must be mounted on the bases they were packaged with.

Brutii11 wrote: I was leafing through the rulebook a few days ago when I saw this tiny entry on bases. It said that your units must be mounted on bases, and that they couldn't be smaller than normal, but it actually says you can mount them on something bigger if you want!

Anyway if you can then why not have a terminator with a massive base to block off entire parts of the board? Can your opponent go onto your oversized base? Could someone make up a really cheesy strategy because of this? Who knows? I don't!

Why are you leafing through the 4th edition book?

40k is in 5th edition now, and the current rules do not say that. They say you must put them on the base they came with.

Just to be extra clear:
You can go for different base sizes, BUT, you must get opponent/TO consent to the altered base size(/model).

Ah well... I currently play a bastardised mixture of 4th and 5th edition because I object to buying the really expensive rulebook.

Brutii11 wrote:Ah well... I currently play a bastardised mixture of 4th and 5th edition because I object to buying the really expensive rulebook.

Rulebook
£13.69 is not "Really Expensive".

Also, you object to buying the "Expensive" rulebook but not the "REALLY Expensive" miniatures?

Paper Bases with text on them FTW!

Sanctjud wrote:Just to be extra clear:
You can go for different base sizes, BUT, you must get opponent/TO consent to the altered base size(/model).

This. As long as it is within reason, people will consent. For example, I'm basing all my SM heavy weapons on 30mm bases instead of 25mm for aesthetics (see thread) but the change is so minuscule that no one is likely to complain.

Also, if you don't play tournaments and only play with friends, it probably won't matter very much.

That said, you definitely cannot do what you suggested and cover half the battlefield with some gigantic base for a single trooper. Use common sense and within reason. Special character on a 40mm instead of 25mm base? Probably okay. Every termigaunt on a 40mm base? Not going to fly.


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Also, just for my own edification, Gwar!, what page of the 5th ed book is the base rule on? I was trying to find it the other day but wasn't sure where to look.

Page 3, Under "Bases".

Ha! Reading fail on my part, should have checked the "basics" section at the beginning. Thanks, Gwar!

I guess that very time I walk in My FLGS I think 'More Lovley Models!!!' instead of, 'yay, rulebook!'

That new space wolf wolfrider guy could really do with a titan base I guess, since he gets bonus for everyone he is in base-to-base with.... I don't really think that's RAI though. When in doubt, just use the base you're given.

Guitardian wrote:That new space wolf wolfrider guy could really do with a titan base I guess, since he gets bonus for everyone he is in base-to-base with.... I don't really think that's RAI though. When in doubt, just use the base you're given.

Actually says in his rule: "For those considering mounting Canis on a really large base to take advantage of this - Don't even think about it!"

So expressly forbidden in RAW.

Here's a query,

I'm in the process of building a daemon army, and i'm currently putting things on square bases (as per fantasy). I'm not prevented from using these same models for a game of 40k am I? I mean if i'm being literal in terms of RAW, i AM using the bases the models came with, so is there an issue?

RaW you are absolutely fine.

Some People might moan though.

Unlikely, never had anyone moan at mine....

To be honest there are some exceptions.

There are rounded bike bases that people use. I have no problem with them.

IC's being put on larger bases. I have no problem with them.

I've put my wraithlords on different bases but used the same size. By RAW i'm incorrect.

I'd reccomend in tournaments to use the bases they come with (even if you don't think the size is appropriate) and if you have demons to use the round 40k style bases as opposed to the square ones to avoid and disagrements.

In friendly games however, i have to problem using demon on square bases (nice way to collect 40k and fantasy while saving money) as long as there wasn't any sillyness (turning them so they are corner to corner, at max 2" coherency distance to spread out and just about claim a second objective for example)
Larger bases for IC or units like nobz don't bother me either, as long as you make it look impressive and your not just simply putting a larger base on... make it look good at least.
Some exceptions are canis, and that blood angel charecter who i forgot the name of where larger bases = huge advantage

CD based Spore Mine LULZ.
Or.... dreadnought based IC's coming out on the 2" edge of the disembarkment from a LR...

Avoid Modeling for an advantedge...which is a 'duh'...be prepared to be refused and thus bring a model/base of the proper size should you need it.

Seriously, it's the easiest way to cover your bases. You can NOT expect everyone to be OK with stuff that requires opponent consent.

I have a Necron Lord on top of a cork base. I took the base it came with and glued it to a flying base. I tell everyone I play it's modeled this way for looks. When I VOD I put the Warriors on top of the flying base to touch the cork base. This way there is no taking advantage of the base in question.

Of course if someone didn't like that they could say no. I've played countless tourny's and no one has said anything about it.

So, if I use old Tactical Dreadnoughts I can use the 25mm/1inch base ? as that is what they came with... but have to use the larger base on the black reach ones ...

jet_texas wrote:So, if I use old Tactical Dreadnoughts I can use the 25mm/1inch base ? as that is what they came with... but have to use the larger base on the black reach ones ...

You are correct sir.

Half of my termies are on the smaller bases, and the others are on the larger bases.

Same here.

This is mainly because I still use my old (metal) termies for games of Space Hulk now and then (because I can).

It's only my assaulty terminators that are on the larger bases (and one captain).

I would just like to point out that I have now 'obtained' 5th vedition rulebook

I think this is another situation where the rulebook needs to be set aside and the following question needs to be asked: " Is this guy using this base because it looks cool on the model, or is it a design to exploit the rules?". If you think about it, it should be pretty easy to answer that question in most scenarios at first glace.

This is the same issue as modeling for advantage. In a miniatures game there *shouldn't* have to be a rule about it. It is simply a matter of asking the question of whether the model was built as a neat conversion or if it was done to gain advantage over a more "conventional" design.

If you're going to allow "counts as", I can't see any rule that would forbid you to count the 1cm high custom model of the leader of your "space mosquito" army as an Eldar Avatar, but everyone is going to know you're being a d-bag, and it shouldn't be allowed.

I have a squad of old Meganobz that are still on their 25mm bases - their wayy too small to look good on a 40mm, so would a 30mm be a compromise or cheating twice ?

I once read on a forum somewhere about a guy that modeled all his space marines lying down, to take advantage of true LOS, and then made up some line about his guys standing up to shoot or something similarly

Such is modeling to advantage. To do so is to break the unwritten rule of fairness, niceness, and will quickly leave such a person wondering why no one will play him (or her, I'm not sexist!)

Just follow the Rule of Cool. This is simple to do.

Question: Is this model (built on a different size/shape base) very cool looking, and does not take advantage of any special rules? (wolf dude I'm lookin' at you)

If yes, any opponent who won't play you is a

If no, then you are a and have modeled for advantage.
Or you just messed up a conversion, which is fine and un you. But remember, the less cool, the more likely your opponents will think you know something they don't and probably won't allow the model. This is still being a on their part but its more understandable at least.

And your opponent does have the final say in such things, so remember, be cool!