Techno's Dilemma

[fsn]

Gentlemen and Ladies of the Forum.

As a love of mind games and thought exercises, and in light of my recent reading, I pose to you a dilemma in the same vein as the Prisoner's Dilemma and the Smoking support the NHS problem.

1) Wargames figures of Greek Hoplites are often depicted using the spear raised above the head.
2) New evidence suggests strongly that the Hoplite used the spear in a couched posture.
3) Techno has been asked to sculpt a new range of Hoplites.

If he sculpts the overhead pose, it's historically inaccurate, which will upset his sensibilities, but is now somewhat of a convention.
If he sculpts the couched pose it is likely to be unpopular, except by those who have read the same book.

What does he do?  (No, he can't do both.)

[fred.]

He sculpts both, then it's Leon's dilemma which to cast....

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Separate right arm to allow posing as per side of argument! 

[Techno]

 
GO AWAY !!....ALL OF YOU !!...STOP CONFUSING ME !!

I've got other stuff to clear first, anyway !
Cheers - Phil (I've gotta headache !)

[Ithoriel]

Given that the primary sources support the overarm pose and that, unlike the creators of some of the primary source material, the author of the underarm usage theorem has never fought in a hoplite battle line, I suggest we stick with the overarm pose and burn the author of the alternate theory on a pyre of his own works.

How's that for a solution?

[fred.]

It could be viewed as a touch harsh. 

It may only bring his views to a wider audience as well.

[Techno]

You realize that you'll have to remind me about this when I get around to making them.
I'll have forgotten this way before then.

.......What are we talking about ?

Cheers - ....Erm, No.....don't tell me....I'll remember in a minute.

[Matt J]

Given that the primary sources support the overarm pose and that, unlike the creators of some of the primary source material, the author of the underarm usage theorem has never fought in a hoplite battle line, I suggest we stick with the overarm pose and burn the author of the alternate theory on a pyre of his own works.

Yes please 

Over arm pose please as per the Chigi vase.

Don't see how men in an overlapping shield phalanx can attack underarm unless they want to hurt peoples ankles.

[Subedai]

Do both and then units can have the front rank couched and the rear ranks overarm. Simples, innit!!

[WeeWars]

1. Techno decides not to inform the artist who painted this vase that he was historically inaccurate.



http://www.timetrips.co.uk/gw%20hoplite_tactics.htm

[Steve J]

Techno simply avoids these problems by sculpting the new range of WWII Poles . Simples.

Similar indecision on poses for Aztec warriors has led to that range being shelved indefinitely .

[fsn]

The book is very persuasive, but you're all ignoring the problem.

Does Techno make what he understands to be historically accurate figures, or does he pander to convention, and reinforce the inaccurate, but widely held belief? 

On the one hand, his historically accurate figures may be a bit odd to closed minded gamers (*ahem*), but on the other hand he may be hailed in the future as the man who brought about a change in understanding with his innovative and exciting range.

[mollinary]

The book is very persuasive, but you're all ignoring the problem.

Does Techno make what he understands to be historically accurate figures, or does he pander to convention, and reinforce the inaccurate, but widely held belief? 

On the one hand, his historically accurate figures may be a bit odd to closed minded gamers (*ahem*), but on the other hand he may be hailed in the future as the man who brought about a change in understanding with his innovative and exciting range.

On the other hand he could ignore a no hoper trying to make a name for himself by attacking a clearly understood and practically effective consensus, and continue making figures that reflect contemporary descriptions. No choice really, we are obviously going to get a new range of underhand wusses! 

Mollinary

[Ithoriel]

Pose them "at rest" with spears grounded and vertical

[mollinary]

Pose them "at rest" with spears grounded and vertical

Ithoriel,

Have you ever been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? 

Mollinary