Dunedain, Elves, Orcs and.. Mr Wolf and Mason Go There and Back Again. 23/03

[Arthadan]

I've read you're using early Ctadel Normands for Gondor, then I'm afraid Thunderbolt's Mountain Elves are not an option. Tom Meier's miniatures have spot-on realistic proportions and early Citadel's would look like buble-head big-handed aliens next to them.

I think Asgard's Orcs have the right vibe, but sculpting is seriously dated. I'd suggest again Thunderbolt's (Goblins are chunkier than Elves and mix well with most miniatures:



Different style, but not bad are the former Black Tree not-LotR Orcs now produced by Scotia Grendel:



And in Asgard's own style but less dated, you have Militon's Goblins and Hobgoblins (old Grenadier's):


Here you have too Copplestone's half-Orcs which are a must:

[Vermis]

YMMV with Asgard orcs, but I'd go with their wolves over Thunderbolt's. Legendary as he is, I don't think Tom ever did as well with non-humanoid creatures.

[grant]

They are amongst the closest options for me.
I am not entirely sure about that bow or the edging on the clothing, but that is an extremely minor consideration that is easily fixed with a little green stuff.



My Mordor force will mostly consist of Asgard Orcs, which have always most closely resembled Tolkien's description of 'Orcses' in my eyes:

http://www.thevikingforge.net/25mm-fantasy-orcs.html

They are just perfect to me!


 
Thanks, mate.

Dynomite! Hey - and in metal, they are actually less expensive than GW!!! They look great. I think I might add some for my LOTR games.

[OSHIROmodels]

Out of interest, where are the Copplestone half orcs available from?

cheers

James

[Jevenkah]

We got ours from Forlorn Hope, I'm pretty sure:

http://www.forlornhopegames.co.uk/product.php?PK_UniqueID=152

They also carry some of the Fantasy Warriors orcs by Nick Lund:

http://www.forlornhopegames.co.uk/product.php?PK_UniqueID=109

Jevenkah

[carlos13th]

I like this alternative take on LOTR a lot. Look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[Dobbie71064]

Defiantly like this! I might have to try something in the future.

[sukhe_bator]

Looking good!
I'm also liking the Copplestone HalfOrcs very much - very tempting
I'm liking this take on Middle Earth. As I've said in previous posts, this creative melding of historicals and fantasy is not only my cup of tea, but was originally born out of necessity, when there just weren't the sculpts around to use. Now it seems, price hikes by you-know-who and the availability of cheaper plastic alternatives have led to an explosion of such projects.
If I had to start all over again I'd probably go the Dark Ages route too - rather than the later Medieval look, but I have my own Westeros campaign to insert Dark Ages warriors, Vikings as well as later Medieval figures.
Keep up the great work Mason, and Vermis et al will keep us on the straight and narrow, M-E lore-wise.

[Mason]

OK, chaps, I have made up my mind regarding the various figures that I shall be using and have settled on this lot for Gondor:



They ar mostly a mix of OOP Harlequin Saxons (Thanks to Dr. Moebius for the ID) and Citadel/Foundry Vikings/Normans/Saxons.

I think that they will mix pretty well and should give me an almost-uniform look that I want for Gondor once they have cloaks etc sculpted on and are all painted.

The picture above shows an eight-point-force using the SAGA rules (four points of spear-armed Warriors, two points of bow/crossbow armed Warriors and two points of Hearthguard, one of which are mounted and will become my own take on Knights of Dol Amroth).
Bearing this in mind I will probably aim to get four points worth painted up before moving onto an equal sized force for Mordor so that we can get some games in as soon as possible.

Incidentally: I am sticking with mostly Asgard Orcs for the Mordor force with a scattering of other manufacturers providing Heroes, Uruk-Hai, Trolls, Wolf riders etc.

Now I 'just' have to get to work green-stuffing all those cloaks etc that should help unify them....

Incidentally, you may notice that one of the Warrior units is only seven strong.
That is because I am one Foundry Norman crossbowman short.
If anyone has a spare I would be most grateful if you would sell or trade it to me.
 

[Too Bo Coo]

Looks great Mason!  I shall follow with great enthusiasm!

[Blackwolf]

Nice selection of figures there mate

I could post some pics this afternoon,thread title change?

[Mason]

Yes, of course....

The other thing about this project that I had hinted at but not confirmed is that I will not be flying solo.

I mentioned the idea for this project to another of our membership, the esteemed Blackwolf, holder of the Potatoe Cup and producer of seriously atmospheric and moody pictures....

The upshot of it was that we shall collaberate on this project from opposite sides of the globe, each showing our own take on what we believe Middle Earth looked like before Peter Jackson came along and muddied the waters...

We both share a vision of a more 'Dark Ages' look, based on the artwork that was around in our younger years, and hopefully our visions will not be too far apart.

I know one thing that will come from this joint effort: Mr Wolf will certainly raise the bar and, hopefully, force me into making a far better showing than I would on my own!

So, without further ado: Here is our take on things.



Mason and Mr Wolf Go There and Back Again.......

[Centaur_Seducer]

Just a wee question:
Aren't the New Zeelanders known to be British Australians? So if you two do this project together, there is a great chance that it will be like Peter Jacksons take on the books?

[Mason]

I do worry for the poor Swede, Scurv.

I fear the combination of Herring and Snus has destroyed some of those little grey cells.
He really should take his medication before appearing in public....

[Mason]

He knows that I am only pulling his leg, dont worry.
 

He is a sick man, though....