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So possibly getting a bit ahead of myself here given there isn't a release date for these guys yet but still, planning ahead never hurts.

So I'm wanting to try something a bit new with basing beyond the simple sand, paint and drybrush look. So I've had a look for some pre-made bases but looking for some input as to whether they would work or not.

I've found 2 designs so far that I like the look of (Granted they are very similar in design):

The Wraithstone bases on Wayland Games.

The Ghost Stonebases on Wayland Games.

(Unable to provide links as is first post)

From my understanding of AoS is that basically anything goes in terms of this world so it wouldn't bee too out of place to think there is still some that would have been in the "home-area" so to speak and what I recall previous terrain for High-Elves being was clean cut almost marble-esque and rich blues. So using that as a base line to work from I figured I could use the above designs but paint them white with blue accents. I have 2 potential issues with this though:

1. The mini and the base blending together. The previews so far show very light paint schemes, mostly whites, creams, gold and blues so it would blend in far too much if I was to go with the preview colours.

2. I'm not sure if the designs above are perhaps too Sci-Fi looking. They would fit in with say Eldar quite easily but not sure if a Fantasy setting would work. I looked at the Ghost stone as having more rounded kind of takes the edge off the Sci-Fi feel but still not certain.

So any advice/suggestions are certainly appreciated.

hi & welcome.
1. the bases aren't by Wayland but by Secret Weapon Miniatures (an American company i think) & Micro Art Studio (which are Polish). Wayland just stock them.
2. some people have had bad experiences with Wayland, including me.
3. re the bases themselves. Here are the images of the 25mm sets:
Ghost Stone

http://www.secretweaponminiatures.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_30_140&products_id=798

Wraithstone

https://shop.microartstudio.com/en/bases/169-wraithstone-bases-round-25mm-5.html

4. As you say, both are similar although I think that the Ghost Stone would suit Tau more than elf or eldar. However they do have more of a shared lower level which could be paint with texture paint or the drybrushed sand you mention. The big issue with both these designs are the multiple levels even on these small bases meaning that it could be difficult to place a mini on.

5. Re colour. For marble or any 'real world' texture, I would source images from google or similar. To dull it down, they could be covered in dust (weathering powder) or you could use different shades of blue - eg light blue on the mini & dark blue on the base - or different tones of blue - eg a turquoise on the minis & a more purpley blue for the bases.

6. Here's an example of some marble I did on a base to show you what I mean re the dusty finish:


(more images of him are in my gallery)

7. Good luck & I look forward to seeing how your project progresses

Out of the 2 you listed, they both look more Sci Fi than anything else. Having looked through some of the other bases quickly, the ancient sands series look like they might hit the spot you are looking for https://www.waylandgames.co.uk/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=ancient+sands&submit_search=. With a little bit of work it could become dirt rather than sand, with some falled leaves added it might be the perfect look. You could even glaze the stone portions so that it looks like the grey/blue stone that GW have used.

plus, forgot to add:
wait to buy until the full range is out. that way you can make sure that the style you choose is available in all the sizes & shapes you will want.
I recently started an army & was looking for bases but there weren't any i liked that did an 80mm round so I've decided to do them with textured paint, fake leaves & tiny twigs instead.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Just had a mega thought:
If you use the Ancient Sands bases:

you could plan an 'Armies on Parade' board, you could do a mosaic pattern which, with the models in place, could show a on of the new runes or, even better, one of the Old World elf runes!
It would take a bit of planning but I think would look amazing!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
on the Community website just now - new short story. Don't know if this artwork is new or not but could provide some inspiration too:

This is perfect. Thanks a lot of the advice suggestions.

The Ancient Sands is perfect, I'm surprised I missed them but then again the name probably threw me off. I can maybe get that marbleesque look and having "dirt" be strewn around would also fit in quite well as I was thinking of running Agrax Earthshade into the crevasses to give the aged look. No path regardless of area is gonna be pristine clean.

Cheers for the heads up about Wayland, though I have used them previously and not amazed with their service so probably not going to go with them, it was just the first UK based link I found.

I was planning on waiting to see the full range before getting any bases, that way I can plan around what looks good imo. The only thing I've planned on buying so far is the army box when it drops. After that I'll worry about buying bases etc.

PS Love the Zhufor mini. Got one myself but looks nowhere near as good as that haha.

Cheers mate
for the weathering i think that a weather powder wash would work better. Choose a mid or light tone of powder (you can make them cheaply by grinding up artists chalks), mix with water then brush over the whole lot. once its dry, rub with a cotton bud or even your finger. Try it out. It's relatively simple but you can get great results.

Ill be honest, I want to make a Lumineth army as I think they look great. I also played High Elves in 4th so it makes sense to me!

Having seen those Ancient Sands bases they seem perfect for the idea in my head. That grey/blue marble style, drifts of old leaves and rocks with the occasional tuft of grass in there. The bases also look like they can easily be modified to take azurite crystals and fallen statues and masonary made with green stuff. Damn, I'm inspiring myself here!

Found these online - http://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/model-leaves/277-leaf-scatter-litter-natural-leaves.html