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How do!

By the authority invested in us by *checks notes* absolutely nobody, I move that we address the Great Question Of Our Time. And to put it with tongue in cheek, but not quite tasting the wallpaper? At What Point Does A Lower Model Per Base Count Start Taking The Piss?

And this is an important question. Because infantry (be that Auxilia, Astartes or Automata) is points cheap, cash intensive. But, in time honoured Epic Tradition? By not gluing the official number to a given base? We can stretch our pennies just a little further. Needless to say, this can be the make or break point for someone looking to get started. Especially when minimum sized units are a bit pants, and certain units (glares in Assault Marines) are bloody hard to come by right now.

I’m going to start with an opening argument that Three Infantry Models To A Base Is Fine. And I’ll even explain why that’s my stance, you lucky things you.

First? Cash considerations aside? These are playing pieces. And it’s crucial that your opponent can tell what’s what in your army from across the board. Not necessarily at a glance (these are tiny, tiny models), but without having to constantly ask. This is the same reason I painted a Plasma Blue Rim on my Support Marines. That and so I can see where they are! Three to a base should still end up visually distinct.

Second? The bases should still look plenty busy, so the overall visual spectacle is still there, arguably only partially eroded. Whilst your units will never look as dense as mine, based as per the GW Serving Suggestion, it will still look like a vast horde.

Third? Thanks to “Command” models? From the Astartes Infantry? You’re now getting four bases of Support, Missile Launchers, Terminators and Assault Marines, instead of the usual two. So those rarer but useful units become achievable for a much lower price.

If a base has just two? It looks too bare. If it has four? You’re not getting the extra bases. And if a base has just one? I’m sorry to say but I think you’re taking the piss. Not to the point I’d be an anus, I’d just not elect to play you again.

For the Mechanicum Automata and Thallax? I think two to a base should be fine. Haven’t seen the models in the flesh as yet, but they do have pretty distinct silhouettes, so can’t be easily mistaken for one another.

But this is just my brain muck to kick us off. Let the great discussion of our time begin…….now

I'll be honest, the only time I have seen a single mini per base was I think 1993 and my mate trying to stretch the few terminators you got in the stompers boxset into a few units.

I don't think that scenario will happen with Legions (stretching pocket money - as I don't think I've seen anyone under the age of 30 playing this game - unless they have something weird going on at home!) it's definitely not anything I have seen in any of the games I've played.

Personally I think 3 or 4 as minimum is fine. I use 5 for tacticals and heavy weapons (the latter on a strip base so they fit better) and 4 for Terminators and Assault troops - although I have seen 3 and think that looks fine too. Having a lower count also lets you have fun with dioramas and terrain on the base.
I have used Ogryns a single mini to the base, I think rather than two but that seems to be fairly common.

One less than is recommended except for core units is my preference but I quite happily print my own...

How much of a noticeable difference between the Li scale and Epic?

Could you wedge a couple of the old epic troops in with your new guys to fill them out a little more?

Personally, I like to make my models as intended by the game, but I have nothing against people who use less models per base. There's even a section in the rulebook that address this matter, you can play with less models per base, but just adjust the visuality favouring attacking models.

On a topic of saving money, I think everyone agrees that toy soldiers are expensive today, but legions imperialis have a lot of options;
- just buy the intended models (this game is fairly cheap compared to regular 30k/40k/28mm scale)
- look for alternative manufacturers such as vanguard miniatures which have excellent selection of models available
- 3d printing (print as many you like, theres a ton of stl files in web, good quality too, if you dont want to invest in your own printer, ask from a friend or pay a third party to print for you)

I do whatever looks the best. Sometimes that means removing one model from the stand. I do like size 1 infantry bases to look busy though, it separates them visually from bikes etc mid size models more.

For example, I like thallaxi bases to look busy, but the big brother bots I prefer just two to a base

 Lathe Biosas wrote:
How much of a noticeable difference between the Li scale and Epic?

Could you wedge a couple of the old epic troops in with your new guys to fill them out a little more?

It'll look bad.
Be it tanks or infantry, the difference is considerable. LI, while still tiny, is way bigger than Epic.
You could do it. But you'll instantly notice that these two things are not like each other...

Come to think of it of it, I’ve classic Epic stuff under me bed. Will try to remember to provide a comparison pic.

Well that puts a hamper on my plans. I was going to put some Epic models on my AT Titans for scale and making the bases look less dull.

ccs wrote:

 Lathe Biosas wrote:
How much of a noticeable difference between the Li scale and Epic?

Could you wedge a couple of the old epic troops in with your new guys to fill them out a little more?

It'll look bad.
Be it tanks or infantry, the difference is considerable. LI, while still tiny, is way bigger than Epic.
You could do it. But you'll instantly notice that these two things are not like each other...

I will be a bit facetious here and say for Orks you kind of get away with it, as they have such an irregular appearance. This is a mix of originals, proxies and prints. But yes the new Legions stuff is a good 2-3mm taller (and very different style) to the originals, which were more abstract. It will look pretty bad!