Hi, me and a friend are looking to get into the game.
I really want to build a Phalanx based army, most likely Alexander's or the Seleucids, supported by elephants, chariots or lots of cav.
I've been searching for options but im having a lot of trouble finding good looking miniatures i can use for this. Would also like tips for preparing the pikes, as from what i've seen, they tend to not be included.
Currently i am considering something like the starter army over on War & Empire or having to buy a lot of separate minis from Xyston. For pikes my current go to is the long wire spears from North star military figures.
Could really use some help, as there is no gaming group in my area that does ancient, so i can't really get help here.
My advice would be to use wire pikes whatever manufacturer you use. To get the length of the pike looking right, any moulded pike is too wobbly and fragile. I use wire pikes for my Swiss and have never regretted it.
I too am considering an Alex. Macedonian and after my research I am leaning towards Xyston as the best figures. They are closer to 18mm than 15mm if that is an issue for you.
However, be warned that if you use all the high quality troops it will make it very expensive points wise. I have heard some more experienced players complain they cannot make a 10k pts army look and act like Alexander's historical army because it is so expensive. Conversely, I have also seen people downgrade a lot of the army in order to get more troops on the table. They appear to have had some success so clearly there are alternatives.
While you could perhaps rationalise downgrading the phalanx to poor for example on the basis it reflects the fatigue and homesickness of the troops in India, I would struggle with that because their battlefield performance remained high even if they mutinied off the field. In any case, I don't want to buy an 'elite' army than downgrade much of it - sort of defeats the point in my view.
Whatever you do, follow the advice everyone always offers - buy an army that appeals to you. I still like my Swiss and it's even smaller than the Alex. Mac!
Cheers,
Steve
Quote from: Mob1239 on July 18, 2020, 01:26:20 AM
I really want to build a Phalanx based army, most likely Alexander's or the Seleucids, supported by elephants, chariots or lots of cav.
I'd go for Xyston for these and they sell good wire pikes as well so you can order the whole lot together.
The Forged in Battle figures are nice, but IMO not as nice as Xyston and their pikemen's shields are too small IMO.
I concur. I would go for Xyzton for these as well.
Look superb when finished.
S
I agree with the recommendations for Xyston, I have a successor army using these and they are amazing. What I would also recommend is using plastic broom bristles for the Pikes, this has the advantage of being cheaper, safer and less likely to be damaged as they bend and bounce back into shape when knocked about.
Below is a link on how to do this.
http://dux-homunculorum.blogspot.com/2011/12/making-spears-and-pikes-dux.html (http://dux-homunculorum.blogspot.com/2011/12/making-spears-and-pikes-dux.html)
Have a look at Museum Miniatures, new z-ranges Miniatures looks great.
https://www.museumminiatures.co.uk/new-releases.html