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Basically you can use any models to represent units as long as it fits a theme, right? Like I know warriors of chaos/slaves to darkness are good as Varangur, but I have some unbuilt Khorne I'm trying to unload. However, if I can't sell it, I was thinking of trying out KoW with it.

Like how true-to-the-options do you have to be? If I wanted to run Blood Warriors as Favored Sons of Korgaan, pretending their two weapons are the two-handed weapon option, would that be all right?

I'm wondering how far you can take the "any models you want" idea

Your specific example with the 2hd weapons is group specific. My current group is relaxed about proxies of any sort, but I've known groups who were STUPIDLY anal about proxies and who would not allow it. So that has nothing to do with the KoW rules, but who you play.

As for any models you want, it has some flex, provided the opponent can tell that (for example) that unit is a Flying unit, thus a winged monster model should not be used to replace a non-Flying model. And for large Infantry or Large Cavalry you'd want to keep them about the same size to avoid targeting confusion. (Mind, Mantic isn't always consistent itself. They've just released a number of Forces of the abyss figures [Demons] for KoW: Vanguard that have wings but don't fly, and the Mind Screech is Height 2 in the rules, but the model is 33% taller than a Height 2 Ogre in the same release before adding the Flight stand!)

I realize you are looking for a hard and fast answer, but unfortunately there is a lot of subjectivity in Mantic's wording. Also, I've never played in a KoW, so if they have more rigid proxy requirements, I don't know.

Jacksmiles wrote:
Basically you can use any models to represent units as long as it fits a theme, right? Like I know warriors of chaos/slaves to darkness are good as Varangur, but I have some unbuilt Khorne I'm trying to unload. However, if I can't sell it, I was thinking of trying out KoW with it.

Like how true-to-the-options do you have to be? If I wanted to run Blood Warriors as Favored Sons of Korgaan, pretending their two weapons are the two-handed weapon option, would that be all right?

I'm wondering how far you can take the "any models you want" idea

Jacksmiles wrote:
Basically you can use any models to represent units as long as it fits a theme, right? Like I know warriors of chaos/slaves to darkness are good as Varangur, but I have some unbuilt Khorne I'm trying to unload. However, if I can't sell it, I was thinking of trying out KoW with it.

Give it a try, It's a great game if you are into regimental fantasy like WHFB.

Jacksmiles wrote:

Like how true-to-the-options do you have to be? If I wanted to run Blood Warriors as Favored Sons of Korgaan, pretending their two weapons are the two-handed weapon option, would that be all right?

Would be fine by me

Jacksmiles wrote:

I'm wondering how far you can take the "any models you want" idea

As long as it's reasonable enough not to confuse your opponent, it's fair game. As Ancestral Hamster was saying, Height is a stat in KoW, so try keep the models height in mind when proxxying (So no goblin-sized giants and such )

Actually this came up in a FAQ so there is an official answer, see spoiler



Spoilered below you have the guideline for the minimal model count (MMC) mentioned in the answer

Thanks guys! I'll check with my local group if I go that route but it sounds like this idea might be reasonable enough provided I keep it clear and no one is crazy about proxies being exact or not allowed (but how can they not be allowed if some armies don't even exist in model form from Mantic?)

Basically, your army should look good and make sense.

Sadly Mantic had to tighten the rules recently because people abused them to field cheap garbage like Kinder Egg toys, Dollar store "bucket of dinosaurs" and literal rocks with googly eyes.

If you're trying the game just go for it.

The important thing is that the unit footprint is the right size.
Then your unit's height.
After that your unit should look like it's capable of its stats. Look strong if it has CS, look fast if it's speedy, have wings or be spectrall if it can fly, have armour if De5+, etc.

Finally, don't be confusing. Don't say similar models are differently things, fir example.

Kings of War uses no TLOS, so technically, the only thing that is of relevance to the actual gameplay is the base size. You can cut out a rectangular card board and write "Cave Troll Horde" with a pencil on it and rules-wise, it doesn't make any difference to actual models.
Flair-wise it would be totally lame of course, both for yourself and for your opponent.

The main rule to follow is that you don't confuse your opponents about what to expect from your units.

Usually if you see an unit with great weapons, you expect it to have CS, and if you field a similar unit without the great weapons you expect that it will have a lower CS or no CS at all.

The blood warriors are perfect SoK, and their weapons are so big that they look like GW anyways, so they should be perfect for this unit.

Note that sometimes you can use an unit that don't look at all like the original is supposed to, but that still fit perfectly the rule profile.

For example, in the Brotherhood list, there are units of water elementals, and I have seen former brets players use knights models painted like ghosts and put on 40x40mm square bases used to represent the water elementals, and it fits perfectly because :
- fluff wise, they are "ghost knights" in service of the Lady, something like that was mentionned during the End Times
- cavalry are clearly height 2, the same as large infantry, so no confusion from there
- they are slightly slower than normal knights (speed 7 instead of 8), but as ghost it make senses, and their speed is still clearly above infantry level
- the regeneration match the one that the "grail knights" equivalent get, and is a perfect representation of the blessing of the Lady
- shambling and fearless make sense for ghost knights, as most undead units get it
- and by putting them on 40x40 square bases (or an unit tray of the appropriate size) the last problem is solved

The same player also used the Green Knight as a greater water elemental, but there it's less perfect, due to the height 4 expected for a monster, but putting the model on a big rock base or similar to remind it is height 4 can do the trick

Using proxies is usually acceptable. A helpful option for you and your opponents is to put a little tag or 3" x 5" card next to the unit that identifies it. It also helps to put the unit stats on the card.

Minimum model count is required for tournaments but for friendlies it is acceptable to put less models. Most opponents understand and accept that buying and painting lots of minis takes a lot of time and $.