"Characterful" 11-13th c. figures for historical RPG, in 28 or 15mm scale?

[FriendlyNeighbourhoodNerd]

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on starting a solo game of Chronica Feudalis, which is a strictly historical medieval tabletop RPG.
I'd like to get some miniatures for the game, or at least one for my character, but since they're not meant for wargames I need some rather unique and characterful figures (if that makes any sense). Probably in metal, as I have no need for boxes of 30 plastic dudes. Peasants, soldiers or anything in between, I haven't really decided on what character I want to make yet.
So, what, in your opinion, are the best, most "characterful" sculpts of miniatures for Europeans around the 11-13th centuries, in 28 or 15mm scale?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I understand that this topic may not entirely fit the scope of the forum, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to post here since it is miniature-related nonetheless. I hope it is not a problem?

[Mammoth miniatures]

I think you'll find it easier to find one offs of each type of character by looking at 28mm ranges. Perry packs tend to have around 6 minis in each which is normally enough for most RPG encounters.

[SJWi]

Hi, I'd agree with 28mm but if concentrating on 11-13th centuries Perry only have a 1st Crusade range for that period.  I'd also look at Footsore Miniatures who produce a Norman/1st Crusade range and a later Baron's War range. They aren't cheap but probably what you want for an RPG. Wargames Foundry and Crusader  would also be worth a look.

Regards

[Ran The Cid]

Not sure if these are too late for you
https://antediluvianminiatures.wordpress.com/2018/02/07/shop-historical-range/
https://claymorecastings.co.uk/new.claymorecastings.co.uk/product-category/figures/english-14th-century/

[commissarmoody]

A little bit past your time frame but here are a few options.

https://www.mirliton.it/diorama-kits
They do sale the figures individually, but I shared the diorama because it is easier to see them all in one place.
 
https://www.eurekamin.com.au/product_info.php?cPath=87_126_909&products_id=13947

https://www.athenaminiatures.co.uk/index.aspx?pageid=6776949&category=4617752&Page=1

Perrys has a few different groups of medieval civilians as well, in their WOTRs, 100 years war and crusade lines.
Hope that helps.

[Will Bailie]

Bob Murch's 1066 line is now available, lots of characters in this line, including peasants, nobles, clergy and more
https://www.cruciblecrush.com/store/range/85/1066/

[FriendlyNeighbourhoodNerd]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone, I'll keep looking (even if just for inspiration too!) for ranges, keep sending 'em in!

So far I came across one of the HYW Perry sets, AO35 Peasants, some of the poses of which I really like and would love to use for a character (if I decide to play a peasant, that is). And I generally like the rest of the range as well so that's a bonus. Although a bit later than the period I'm looking at (12th century) I'll have to do some research on what peasant garb is appropriate as well (it's ridiculous I know but I enjoy it) and we'll see.

Anyways, thanks!

[Will Bailie]

You can also look at Crusader Miniatures for characters.  These characters are from the El Cid collection (11th century Spain); but he has figures for other eras and locales.

https://www.crusaderminiatures.com/list.php?cat=4&sub=10&page=1

Artizan Miniatures Moors are designed to complement the Crusader figures.
https://www.artizandesigns.com/list.php?man=17&cat=116&page=1

I know you said no plastics, but Fireforge Games also has some individual characters in resin, certainly worth the time it takes to look at them even if you don't make any purchases.

And finally, don't forget to check Gripping Beast!  https://www.grippingbeast.co.uk/Civilians_Livestock--category--33.html

[Iain R]

Footsore Barons War range would be a good place to start for the early 13th century. Named character packs for dramatis personae tend to be a pack of two (one foot and a mounted version), and even the standard knightly packs of foot figures are of 4 and all are quite distinctive and characterful.

Antediluvian have some that would work for the late 13th Century, but most are armed with long spears (even the knights) as they are designed for the Scots Wars of Independence.

[FifteensAway]

In 15 mm, Forged in Battle has very nice ranges but not much in singles - but hunt around just in case, might find a set of all unique figures to your liking: https://www.forgedinbattle.com

For individual figures in 15 mm the only manufacturer I know of that might fit the bill is Irregular Miniatures: http://www.irregularminiatures.co.uk

One other option might be Donnington Miniatures: https://shop.ancient-modern.co.uk. Not sure if this will work for you.

The difficulty is the ranges aren't going to be compatible with each other but that might not matter for you.  Irregular often times has more than one version of the same figure.  They are not the 'best' sculpts out there but once cleaned and painted, they play just fine.

Contrary to popular belief, there are very characterful figures out there in 15 mm.  A case in point, Sherlock Holmes in this set:



Found here: https://oldglory25s.com/shop/15-18mm-blue-moon/15-18mm-horror/15-18mm-horror-figures-and-box-sets/15hor-114-jack-the-ripper-victims-bobbies-and-detectives/. Again, available in sets, not individual figures.  Obviously, not the period you are looking for but shows a lot of character - and worth hunting around their website since they may have what you want.

If you go with Old Glory 25s and can justify it, get their Army Card for $50, gives you 40% off almost anything else you buy from them and it goes into effect when you buy it, lasts for a year.

Afraid not really my period of interest but don't ignore 15 mm out of hand.

[FriendlyNeighbourhoodNerd]

I really like these Forged in Battle figures, I wish they had something a little later medieval but they're nice sculpts nonetheless.

The Blue Moon ones look really good too, but unfortunately ordering from the US (or the UK) means import charges for us here in the EU, and I don't think Blue Moon have EU retailers, which is a shame because they have a lot of really good stuff, I think their ACW line in particular is quite popular.

These sculpts in the Jack the Ripper set you've shared are absolutely magnificent, though - full of character! I did not think it was possible in 15mm to be honest, but you've convinced me otherwise. Great stuff.

As for the previous recommendations above, I'm not a big fan of the sculpting style of Crusader/Artizan - as for Footsore, I am certainly considering them, and Claymore/Antediluvian are gorgeous but unfortunately I cannot find any retailers in the EU and would rather not pay the import charges

But thanks, everyone!

[FifteensAway]

Well, only dealer I know of in EU is Baueda who make nice figures but don't know that they have your period.  Might be another in Spain but don't know their name - or if they are still around.

Maybe you can post up a list of EU figure manufacturers for the benefit of the rest of us. 

Personally, I've ordered from all over the world to get figures I wanted without any great challenges.

[FriendlyNeighbourhoodNerd]

I'll take a look at Baueda, I think they cover the same ground Forged in Battle does, aka Dark Ages Normans, Saxons and the like.

I've actually been thinking about putting together a list, might get on it one of these days...

[duc de limbourg]

Worean in germany sell afaik BlueMoon miniatures