taking the plunge

[tkaz84]

Despite my repeated statements that I would not get into GW products because I'm not interested in painting, Warhammer fantasy just looks like too much fun to pass up (sorry 40k fans, still not interested). So for the holidays one of my gift ideas will be an army set, probably High Elves (looking at this). Being new to GW products I have some questions:

1) Do the minis come with bases? I would assume yes, but if not where can I get them?

2) Where do you get those stands that you use to easily move an entire unit at the same time?

3) How sturdy are the plastic minis? I know many of you use those Army Transport bags and foam to keep them secure, but how important is this?

4) Obviously at some point these will have to be painted. Tom has already volunteered, but if anyone else is interested let me know. Will supply paint if required.

[Andrew]

1) All miniatures come with bases. I don't know a single company that doesn't provide. You can get bags of them from stores.

2) Movement trays are available at OBG too. They're made by GW.

3) Very sturdy, depending on thickness. Space marines can bounce on tile floors and be fine. long thin lances, not so much. But with plastic, you can carry those unpainted elves around in a shoebox and they'll be fine. The cases are mainly for preserving paintjobs more than anything else.

[Leudast1215]

All the above, but for the sake of saving some $ you can just make movement trays out of just about anything. I've seen properly made ones out of wood that look very spiffy, but if you're looking for free just use a shoe box and cut the sprue's that the minis come on into the proper length to create a little edge so the minis don't move around. I've done it myself so I can show you if you would like.

I think you should choose an army that you like the look of because it's important to have a fondness for the army that you play with. Like right now I'm torn between my 2nd Fantasy army being Vampire Counts, Lizardmen (February when released) and Chaos Warriors because their models (w/ the to-be released Lizardmen) appeal to me a lot. I'd rather figure out the game play for them second.

Also glad to see you've finally taken the plunge. Fantasy has more rules than 40K, but it's A LOT easier to manage the models due to movement trays. Maybe more people would play 40K Imperial Guard if all those little guys took 30 seconds to move instead of 10 minutes...

I and everyone else (I hope) would be more than willing to help you out in anyway we can into the hobby. I myself will hope to be playing a game of Fantasy every club meeting to give me a reason to finish converting my Ogres up as I'm sure Andrew would be too were he still here (come back to us! We need you to quickly post updates from club events here on the forum!)

[Andrew]

Ha, yea...

When I return in the spring (which I'm so close to achieving right now) I'll have all my systems with me, so whatever game anybody wants I'll be able to throw down.

[tkaz84]

Since I'm looking at High elves for my starting army (high initiative, strong shooting, strong magic, dragon mounts!) should i go with the standard army set ($170ish) or the $370 Defenders of Ulthuan set which contains some 3300 points of stuff?

[Leudast1215]

That's a very good question: I myself have maybe 2,100 points of Ogres at best. I can't speak for a future 2nd army because that depends on the value of any Lizardmen battalion box sets. Basically if they come with those CRAP models of cavalry I'm going to have to go around the same for them point level for them because I'll be buying the (beautiful) Dark Elf Cold One Riders and swapping their riders with the new (beautiful) Lizardmen Temple Guard ^_^. It'll get pricey fast, but look absolutely sweet.

Bear in mind when you make your choice, there's about $200 difference between those two options. The more expensive one seems to consist primarily of a Dragon and some Chariot models with a couple other units. Frankly, it seems kind of a rip off in that context when it comes to paying for the # of stuff you're getting. I'd personally go for the cheaper box set, then just buy a Dragon separately or something. Most Games of Fantasy seem to be played between 2,000-2,500 points anyway while 40K is 1500. You'd end up with a lot of unused, over-costed models (Chariots, some cavalry).

Btw, is anyone going to show up this Thursday given there are no classes Friday?

[tkaz84]

Picked up the rulebook and ordered the HE army book from GW (which is newer than the one in OBG I believe), won't have any models until after the holidays. As I have things due every day for the rest of the week, I won't be there tomorrow.

[Leudast1215]

Yeah, both my finals are on monday and a written final is due to be turned in on wednesday (sweetness) so i actually have some free time. the 4th class has no final . i'll just pop in and see if anyone shows up.

Btw I could've offered you a version of the 7th edition Warhammer rule book for no money down

[equinox]

My suggestion is once you get the book, sit down with it and figure out what kind of army do you want to play (Dragon Mage, Cav, Shooting Heavy, blend).
After you have made that decision, buy two core choices and a hero choice that fits what you want. Play a few warband games and see if you still like it.

Once you know, expand by getting another core unit and either a rare or special.

Rinse & Repeat.

[RARE CHOICE GAMES]

I agree with equinox on this one, if you are going for playability. This I have found is the best way. Short bursts gradually building to a big force.

If you are going for more the hobby aspect (which I dont believe you are) than go by what looks cool.

Really in the end as long as you are having fun playing thats what matters. Find the style and army that allows you to enjoy the game.