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Evenin gents,

So, some models come with a scenic base that causes a large height of an otherwise regular height model. In particular, I'm asking about Eldar Shadow Spectres. These models have a large crystal like object that they stand on top of, which comes with the model, that increases their height by roughly 50%.

Can this base be removed, but the entire actual Eldar model in tact, to get rid of the height disadvantage?

Cheers!

It seems to me that if you remove parts of the model for an advantage, that is MFA.

I removed the scarb bases from my 3 Shards b/c I hate the way they look. If anyone cares tell them they can treat them as slightly taller. But you could glue the model to the side of the crystals why would it have to be on top? I don't see where it makes that much of a diff.

Rule of Cool probably presides. If you make it look awesome, no one is going to complain, but if it looks like you hacksawed off the scenic base and just glued it down to the regular base, people are almost guaranteed to say something.

I ran into the same problem with my Belial from Hitech -- their plinths are just huge. I opted to keep it, though, because it looked awesome.

 DeathReaper wrote:
It seems to me that if you remove parts of the model for an advantage, that is MFA.

I'm gonna have to agree with DeathReaper on this one. If you're modifying the model, especially the base it's provided with, for any kind of tabletop advantage, that's MFA, and MFA is bad.

I modified the new Stormboyz to have a walking/running legs so they would match my 30 existing 3rd edition stormboyz. I didn't like how they constantly fell over and were top heavy if I did any conversions. I don't want my stormboyz hovering over a tire.

But, if anyone attempts to shoot them, I give super leeway and treat them as if they have the disadvantages of the stock model. (IE: hovering over a tire) That is the trick... If you are unwilling to play the converted model as if it was a stock model for gameplay, then you are MFA.

I went the other way with my Belial. I took the old school Termi Captain on a 25 mm base and put him on a current Termi base which I built up to make him the same height as the current Termis. If you dig close, his is on his original base, just buried in the "heroic" base.

Homer

MFA is a community concept, which actually works both ways. You could easily argue that larger FW models provide better LOS for shooting attacks, a smaller model provides worse LOS.

It really depends, frankly I look at those Eldar minis and think of shaving down the rocks they are on just because they look silly. Even floating on the suspended bits of cloth would look better and probably be more stable if balanced and done right.

However 'MFA' with jump pack infantry and alike is really up in the air (pun intended ) as most jump infantry can and often do spend just as much time running on the ground than leaping though the air. The older metal Raptors had similar issues with balance in their positioning. And as with the Storm Boyz the older models were modeled on foot or in a take off position. Which is as easily said about any Jump infantry mini from the Space Marine range, DE Scourges and even Eldar Swooping Hawks. I would not play any ground repositioned jump packer, or alike, as if it was in the air. Its more closer following the rules, as there are no rules on modeling, playing it as it stands with TLoS. Laying prone or in an exceptionally exaggerated crouch I may take a slight issue with, but a standard infantry sized standing jumper I'm cool with. Point of fact the argument could be made there is more advantage in a higher positioned jumper being able able to shoot over scenery other similar models could not. With units like Scourges that would be more useful than a lower positioned model.

But, as 'MFA' a gaming convention all you can really say is; Keep it infantry sized, make it look cool/the way you want and if people take issue with it try to come to an agreement.