After wargaming for about 58 years I’m now considering several issues when thinking about new projects. One is how much use I might get from a new pair of armies – I only wargame with others a couple of times a month, perhaps the same for solo games. I also have very arthritic fingers so figure painting is a slow process even using ‘speedy/contrasty’ paints, washes, etc. And storage space: sadly my toy cupboard isn’t bigger in the inside than it is on the outside.
I’m pondering a couple of topics at present, Mughul armies v Mahrattas or Europeans and Macedonians and Persians / Indians. I’m thinking that using smaller figures at a typical two feet viewing distance provides the opportunity for some multiple use of figures. But although I’ve long been an enthusiast for 6mm figures I want to fight full battles, not bits of battles, so that’s potentially still a large number of figures. And much of the light horse which looks so good are only actually there for the loot, not to indulge in any actual fighting.
Rather late in the day I’ve joined the ‘compendium crew’ and one of the issues I’m doing is #155. It contains an article by Mark Drake who suggested using top-down (boardgame) counters, an idea which rather appeals. The issue is from 2006 so some of the sites suggested are no longer around. I’m aware that there are a number of top-down views available on the Junior Generals website though they’re not particularly to my taste (though better than I could draw!).
So, any suggestions for sources of suitable images (they don’t have to be actual counters) that I could use would be greatly appreciated.
In response, I’d mention the cardboard top down unit cards which are available in the Battleground series from Rattrap games (rattrapgames.com). They do these for Alex v Darius and also Punic Wars. Not sure, but seems to be a US company, with associated postage costs if you’re my side of the pond…I’ve seen them being used when trying out the Dominion of the Spear rules on a blog post somewhere (but cannot find it, now!).
Keep us posted on any finds, Brian…?
Last I looked some were available at Second Chance Games in Liverpool UK.
Hi Martin, thanks for the suggestion. Checking the Rattrap site the historical counters are sold out but I’ll keep and eye open.
I may have done Junior Generals a disservice as further examination I’ve found a producer, Hannyabo, which appeal to me more than others I’d previously seen. Many of the files are for DBA but I’m sure it would take much doing to edit into whatever base size I end up using.
More anon
Brian
I suspect the website you saw mention of the “top down” counters may well be this one:
http://darkages40and25.blogspot.com/search/label/%22Dominion%22%20Rules%20Family
Cheers,
Geoff
Hi Geoff, thanks for the link. They do look nice but the Rattrap site says the Alexander v Persian set is sold out, only the reinforcement deck is still available. I’ve seaarched for a UK supplier but withoutsuccess. The only ones I’ve come across are on ebay uk but are actually from the US at sky-high postage rates so I’ll ask a friend over there if he can help.
Brian
This is a problem I’ve been interested in for a while… being as I own a laser printer and have neither the money nor space for the scores of armies I’d like to play 🙂
War Without Minis: https://warwithoutminis.blogspot.com/ uses small abstract tiles made from simple shapes. I believe he makes them in MS Office. I made my own take on them with my own tooling, and they came out alright, but they’re quite small and fiddly.
My latest experiment is using cards with map symbols on, placed into binder clips so they’re free-standing. Paper minis of the type made by Junior General or printable heroes are also an option. I believe there are actually bases designed for this type of mini, and there are some for sale on Amazon; but I haven’t tried them.
Probably the best approach would be to learn how to 3d print things…
G’day Japanoise,
Are you able to post a pic of the tiles you have created? Sounds intriguing!
Cheers
G