Favorite Figures - Some more Warhammer Empire

Just as a reminder - I like flags. Here are some more Warhammer Empire Figures featuring flags:


These figures can be assembled from the hard plastic, multi-part kit Empire State Troops. The box currently comes with 10 figures and only enough parts to make one standard bearer. As with all Games Workshop kits, there are quite of few options for heads, weapons, etc., to make the figures unique.


The flags are based on regiments from the Kingdom of Bavaria from the period of the War of Spanish Succession in the early 1700's.


Arrghh! Well, September 19th is National Talk like a Pirate Day.

The animation on this figure looks relaxed, yet dangerous.


I like the large pistol resting on his shoulder. Just don't stand behind him (safety violation) as it is not pointed up and down range.


This is the Empire Griffon Standard Bearer. Griffon heraldry appears to be popular in the Empire; just like the Nike swoosh in our culture. Currently this figure is not available in retail stores in the USA, but it can be ordered online or by phone.


Last but not least, though not flag bearers are two more figures.


Last but not least is a leader figure. Above and below is a "champion" (leader) of Empire State Troops. Personally, I think he looks pretty cool with a two-handed sword.

Preview: Raid in the Rittermark

Just a quick preview of our latest game using GW's Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game.

Favorite Figures - The Imperial Guard, Part 3

Now for the troops! The figures are from GW's Imperial Guard Cadian (Cadia is one of the planets) Kasrkin range. I can't remember why they are called Kasrkins but they are equivalent to a Grenadier Company from the Horse and Musket era. The best of the best with honors - sir!!! For my unit, they are the 6th Infantry (Regulars By God!), the greatest infantry regiment in the known universe:

Want to guess my Regimental Affiliation?

Trooper with flamer; good area weapon and pretty nifty in restricted places. To get the "burn" look at the end of the barrel I used a black wash and flesh wash.


Here is the plasma gun - very effective against armored targets. I like how it looks like a BIG GUN and the figure was fun to paint.


This soldier is carrying a meltagun. I forget the difference in game terms between the plasma gun and the meltagun; but, it looks cool. Reminds me of the squad machinegun - he's the guy I turn to if I need to put down a lot fire in a hurry.


Watching the back of the plasma gunner is a soldier with laser rifle.


Soldier with laser rifle. Another reason I like this range of figures is that they carry their weapons realistically and look like they know how to use them!


Here is what the troops look like from the back.


Just another bug hunt. By the way, Starship Troopers is one of the best military science fiction books ever written. The movie is one of the worst ever made - Danger! Danger! Will Robinson!


Yes - I like the plasma gun.

One last look at the some of the men of the 6th Infantry of the future:

Favorite Figures - The Empire General from Warhammer

Love 'em or hate them, Games Workshop has, in my opinion, has had the biggest impact on the miniature gaming industry in the last 20 years. The way they market and package their core games has set the standard for the industry. Not only did they take the lead in hard plastic miniatures, but the Warhammer Fantasy rules have evolved into a fun, playable set of rules for historical wargaming. In fact, Warhammer Ancients are my rules of choice for gaming the Late Roman Period.

One of the armies from the Warhammer Fantasy universe is the Empire. Loosely based on the Holy Roman Empire of the Renaissance, the Empire is an extremely colorful and unique looking fantasy army.

Speaking of hard plastic miniatures, one of my favorite items is their multi-part kit of an Empire General. With the kit you can actually make two characters with quite a bit of options available - one on horse back and one on foot.


This guy looks like an Army General; definitely a member of the upper nobility on his noble steed. The mace is a nice touch and something different.





For the foot figure, I decided to go with the "ole hard-bitten veteran" look again.

Having held some swords that are the size proportionate to this figure, I can tell you that they are heavy. Obviously ate his vegetables when he was younger.


In retrospect, I'm not pleased with the size of the pistol. Early pistols were big, but not that big.

Favorite Figures - The Imperial Guard, Part 2

Here is the company level leadership and snipers:


The officer has what is know as a "power fist". As a retired infantry officer, I'm not too interested in the enemy being close enough for me to use my power fist. On the other hand, me just knocking out the enemy at stand off range would probably be a boring game.


Another officer from the same blister pack with a power fist. I decided to give him a black jacket and hat for an Imperial Commissar look. That's a grenade launcher behind the commissar.

I based the snipers on Soviet Camouflage from World War II:





Every unit needs the long term, experienced NCO:


Sarge with a power sword accompanied by the automatic grenade launcher. If you haven't figured it out yet, Warhammer 40K is a skirmish game!