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Hey all, I just decided to start a Vampire Counts army (yes, I know they got hit by the nerf-bat a bit, alongside daemons in 8th), but I run Mantic Undead models. However, there are no spirit hosts yet Does anyone have a suggestion of models to use to be spirit hosts, as I will need 3 models/40mm base. I looked at reaper legendary encounter ghosts already, but it will only save me about 3-4 bucks per base from GW, which isn't worth it to me. Any ideas? I want cost-effective models that are not on the same monetary value as GW's.

A popular choice is the LotR army of the dead. You get a lot of models to throw on monster bases. Probably depends how 'halloween' you want your ghosts.

Erm LotR is GW.

How do the Army of the Dead models size up to GW's scale of model? Do they look decent, or way off scale?

For that matter, how do the army of the dead horsemen look? The GW black knights are terrible.

HoverBoy wrote:Erm LotR is GW.

And anything else he gets won't be Mantic. He just said cost effective models - buying a box of Army of the Dead comes out to about $7.50us a base, and gets you almost 7 bases for $55us. That's pretty cost effective.

Dryads, perhaps? As long as you make sure there aren't too many leaves on them , I believe they could look like angry malformed ghosts, who does not really remember how they looked, or something... If you put three on each base, it is four hosts in one box, pretty cost-efficient I think.

Thanks Loki, I'll check them out. Sounds like the best option right now for a spirit host. I keep forgetting GW's LOTR line is fairly cost effective. By non-GW, I mostly meant non-warhammer, as 17.50 for a base is a bit ridiculous. "You want ten spirit host bases? That will be $175 dollars." No thanks. LOTR models may work, maybe they'll fit in with the Mantic theme.

Just looked at them, and if I switch the heads for mantic heads, they'll work perfectly. Great idea man. Thanks!

If you end up buying some make sure to post pics for scale

Will do. The scale should be fine, as Mantic is definitely NOT heroic scale like warhammer, and the sizes should be pretty similar. I have a few Uruk Hai and they measure up pretty nicely to the mantic undead bodies. Since most Mantic models, other than Skellies are hunched over...the spirits floating will already look taller than ghouls and zombies.

I've seen people just use regular undead but painted in ghostly colors.

Army of the dead scale very nicely with mantic models..plus they're ghosts, so you have a little leeway with how big they are.

I also recommend LotR Morghul Knights for Blood Knights, they look brilliant.

Also, Numenoreans on foot make great vampire/necromancer characters, and Wargs work well for dire wolves (much better than the horrible GW models!).

The gulhavar model is really nice and makes for a good alternative varghulf. Not a budget option, but if you want 2 of them, it's better than just getting 2 of the same model.