Basing Commanders

Omar · Post by **Omar** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 7:30 pm

The army lists detail how commanders should be modeled, but what size base should they be on? Are those rules definite, or can you be a bit more creative with them?

I am playing Principate Roman. Says that commanders should be modeled as Auxillary Cavalry. So, does that mean they all need to be on horses and 40mmX30mm bases,or can I put them on smaller bases, or can I put non-cavalry models on a 40X30mm base?

The bag of command models I have has two cavalry officers and several foot officers. Just wondering how I need to base them. If I can use the foot commanders on a 40X30mm base, or if I have to use that size (so, could I use 40X20mm) but have to use cavalry models, etc.

To me, if its clear who the commander is, I think the model doesnt really matter. I just want to make sure I wont have problems in a tournament setting, so want to use the right sized bases.

ars_belli · Post by **ars_belli** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:05 pm

According to the rules, command bases are to be 40mm [60mm] deep or less (pp. 132-133). Maximum-sized square command bases give a slight boost to command range, but there also appears to be a great deal of variation in practice. If it is possible to conform to the army list specifications, that would probably be best. However, as long as the bases aren't larger than allowed, past discussions have indicated that folks are pretty flexible about it.

Cheers,
Scott

nikgaukroger · Post by **nikgaukroger** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:06 pm

The bit in the lists as to what they shouold be is a guideline for those who want guidance. In real life people are using all sorts of figures - including Tim Porter's 25mm figs on the 15mm base size as you may have seen in photos.

BTW you will note that for 15mm the rules say the base is 40x40 - although using smaller is OK as it doesn't give you any advantages, and actually has a disadvantage.

Omar · Post by **Omar** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:13 pm

Its 40x40mm? I did miss that.

So, I can use smaller if I want, but 40x40 is the norm, and the type is a guideline?

I got a nice set of foot command I wanted to use, but also wanted to use them for DBA. Will base them on a 15mm base, then attach that to a 40mm for FoG.

Thanks!

CrazyHarborc · Post by **CrazyHarborc** » Tue Nov 11, 2008 8:47 pm

Base stacking does come in handy. You can have a fancy larger base that is useable for several different command models if you want. Small dioramas plus the command minies will stand a little taller.

madmike111 · Post by **madmike111** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:19 am

I use the square base recommended in the rules but ignore the suggestions on what the general should be equipped as. I prefer creating a mix of figures on the base like a standard bearer and maybe a couple of foot guards. For the army commander I actually prefer a foot figure with a mounted courier figure and a personal guard and a standard bearer.

Also the number of figures on the base determine the generals ranking, for example 4 figures on the base is usually an IC, while 1 figure is a TC. FC are 2 -3 figures. Makes it much easier when you have a mix of general types.

hammy · Post by **hammy** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 10:42 am

madmike111 wrote:I use the square base recommended in the rules but ignore the suggestions on what the general should be equipped as. I prefer creating a mix of figures on the base like a standard bearer and maybe a couple of foot guards. For the army commander I actually prefer a foot figure with a mounted courier figure and a personal guard and a standard bearer.

Also the number of figures on the base determine the generals ranking, for example 4 figures on the base is usually an IC, while 1 figure is a TC. FC are 2 -3 figures. Makes it much easier when you have a mix of general types.

I would say that this seems to be the most common way people are basing generals for FoG.

I have yet to do my FoG reorganisation on my toys, the prospect of checking through 10,000 plus figures and sorting them into BGs, spares, rebasing where required and sorting out commanders is rather daunting.

davidandlynda · Post by **davidandlynda** » Wed Nov 12, 2008 12:23 pm

I'm going a much more radical route ,a new army for each book,in fact 2 as Lynda will need one as well ,its a good excuse anyway
David

footslogger · Post by **footslogger** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:04 pm

One of the locals is using a round base for his commanders. It has the advantage of being distinctive enough that it's unlikely to count it as a base for dice in melee which we seem to do by mistake a lot with other base types. It has a disadvantage of a few mm lost in reach, but that doesn't seem to cause any problems.