Pirates of madagascar

[summsi]

Hallo to everyone!

Although I was asking this question at other Forums, I will try it here again.

I want to do pirates for east africa (e.g.Madagascar) from about 1700 to 1730.
I´m going to use some Foundrys Pirates but also want some exotic pirates, too.

I was reading that the european Pirates often forced natives  or seamen of captured ships to join them. As in the indian ocean some of these ships were arabian or indian, I am looking for arabs, Indians and native africans that I could use as memebers of my Pirate crews.

In my eyes the best solution are the Foundry Darkest Africa Ruga-Ruga, as they have elements of all natives I´m looking for.

What is your opinion? Or do you have other solutions?

Thank you for helping me!

[argsilverson]

What about some Tiger Miniatures:
http://www.tigerminiatures.co.uk/page4.htm

Sultan troops, demon headed warriors or Moros!

[summsi]

A lot of nice figures and some of them usable.

I only don´t like the ones with firearms as these are much too modern for beginning 18th century. They look like bolt action rifles!

Thank you argsilverson

[Cory]

Eureka has some.

http://eurekamin.com.au/index.php?cPath=87_126_170&sort=3a

[summsi]

Also very nice!

But what do you think about the Ruga-Ruga?

Couldn´t these be used as Arabs, Indians and africans?

[Hannibal]

Hello,

I think, if you like the Ruga-Ruga miniatures, you shall use them. As I can see they are armed with flintlock muskets so they can still be used for this period. Do you still want to use also any zanzibari miniatures from Foundry? If you do so, make sure you don't get any with rifles etc., they won't fit If you are searching for more miniatures that could fit to your crew, try this link: http://www.blackcatbases.com/product.asp?strPageHistory=category&numSearchStartRecord=0&strParents=117&CAT_ID=117&P_ID=560&btnProduct=Products...

Greets Hannibal

[summsi]

Thank you Hannibal!

I am going to use some zanzibaris, too. And of course I will only use musket armed warriors.

Other opinions are welcome!!!

[HerbyF]

You might also try looking at some Indian Mutiny figures. Or Moguls & other Indians from that period. I know there are a few companies that make figures in this period. Lots of bare foot sword & knife armed thugs in turbans.

[argsilverson]

Since you are talking about pirates in African waters, you may throw in your crews some somalis and bashibuzuks, suitably armed

[summsi]

Yes,

seems there are a lot of figures, that can be used for african pirates!!!

I will do a mix of some of them. And will use european pirates , too.

Thanks

[warrenpeace]

You were totally on the right track with Foundry's Darkest Africa line.  The Ruga-Ruga are not the only figures which might meet your needs.  In the Azande line there is a pack of guards which is musket armed.  The Baluchis are also really good, along with the Zanzibaris.  Some of the tribal figures would be fine to throw in also, since that fits in with the exotic nature of your project.  In fact, the African maiden warriors would really spice things up!

You might also consider the line of Dixon Ottomans.  No pics I can point you to, but I just ordered a lot of these because the US distributor in Nashville, Tennessee is having a closeout sale.  I hope some of them turn out to be useful as Arab pirates.

Copplestone has a cool pack of Azande musketmen that must have been sculpted after he left Foundry.  Those would add to the exotic look.

Reaper has a few Arabian nights type characters, male and female, that would be good.  Although the Reapers are expensive, there are only a half dozen or so that you might want to buy, and they are not too much more pricey than the Foundry, Dixon, and Copplestone figures.

In fact, you will have to have someone for your Madagascar pirates to fight.  And the Arabs, Zanzibari, and Baluchi figures mentioned above and by previous posts would be excellent for manning an opposing ship.

Last but best, the outrageously expensive Hasselfree line has three black women Harem guards that are just to die for.  If you want a really exotic look, these are a must have.  These three figures are some of the best I've ever seen.