How are we basing our hoplites?

[mmcv]

I've have on my desk here a pile of the lovely new hoplites and some blu-tac and bases to try out some configurations.

I'm generally basing on a 40x20 or 40x40 base. My initial plan was two ranks of 5 on a 40x20 (doubled up for "deep" units) but as usual, no basing plan survives contact with the models. The hoplites in the attack pose present a nice line of shields when done 6 to a base, and could fit 2 rows with a bit of base clipping. Standing front on the at-rest hoplites can only really fit 4 abreast (5 with a little bit of rotation). On the other hand, the at-rest boys stack up pretty nicely so could easily get a 4x3 deployment on a 40x20 giving a nice solid line of depth. So pondering whether I mix and match with a compromise of 2 ranks of 5, or go with all one type per base (and the resulting differences in figure numbers and depths). Or go for something mad like 6 attack pose in front with two ranks of 4 at-rest behind, but the Greeks would probably lay me out on my shield for not properly keeping the files dressed if I did that...

Curious to see what others have done or are planning to do with the new figures?

I think paulr you did 4 x 2 on your bases in DBx spearmen fashion? I tried that but do miss that dense look of shield to shield with the larger gaps between figures 4 abreast gives.

[mmcv]

6 figures in 2 ranks, front attack, back at rest might actually be feasible with a little more base rotation, not sure on the look of it though, as the back row start to stand more side on. Could be they're presenting a smaller target behind their shield by rotating a bit.

[Orcs]

I agree the front rank of 6 work really well, but to me the second rank facing at almost 90 degrees to the front rank look wrong.

Two options I think. 

Go with 2 ranks of 5, for all hoplites or do two ranks of 6 in attack pose for your elites

[fred.]

Yes, the back row looks very odd.

The front rank have quite oval bases, so you can fit a lot across the base. And I'm guessing the back row are more round? But I'm not sure why you have them rotated so far.

I'd not worry about having the same number of figures on each rank. If you have slightly fewer on the second rank that will look fine.

[mmcv]

Both bases are oval but different directions. So the back row take up more horizontal width. That's why I was rotating them to see them line up. You can see below.


I'm actually considering doing these guys this way as bodyguards, two ranks on a 40x10 will pair nicely with the attached command I tend to do on 40x10 too. All standing calmly spaced out rather than huddled up like the less experienced ones.


Two rows of 5 isn't too bad. Not as nice a front row as 6 but still not bad. Might be tempted to add another row or two behind too and do them as deeper. Maybe push the back row closer on shallow bases.


Six and five...not sure it sits right.


Six, four four. Nice depth for a shallow base but just a bit odd.


Ditto Five, four four

Maybe I should just stick with the 5 files as I first thought. Make life easier.

It'll be a little while before these hit my painting queue anyway, just interested to see if anyone else had tackled them differently.

[Genom]

Another to consider depending on rulesets is with the spears sticking forward in attack, can they front up to another unit. I remember trying to figure out how to be able to get a phalanx to look good and still be able to contact the enemy.

[mmcv]

Another to consider depending on rulesets is with the spears sticking forward in attack, can they front up to another unit. I remember trying to figure out how to be able to get a phalanx to look good and still be able to contact the enemy.

Yep, quite right. There's a bit of spare space at the back of the attacking one's bases that I can clip off, so should be able to keep them back far enough for the spears to remain within the base. I'll probably do some of them on deeper (40x40 bases)  as well which will allow a bit more room for such things.

I have sometimes considered doing a slightly deeper base on the standard troops to allow more space for overhang where there are spears, but have so far mostly got away with arranging them in such a way as to not need it. Other than a few units I did when just getting into the hobby where the bills came out over the front quite a bit. Could get in a bit of a tangle.

As I'm only really a casual (and mostly solo) player, usually "close enough contact" is fine anyway.

[Raider4]

I've seen '300'. Put them in a triangle, king at the front . . .

[mmcv]

I've seen '300'. Put them in a triangle, king at the front . . .

And paint the other seven thousand hoplites green to blend in with the base mat so everyone forgets they're there.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Mine are here, a short scroll down my blog
https://madlemmey.blogspot.com/2020/03/fantasy-egyptians-in-10mm.html?m=1

[mmcv]

Mine are here, a short scroll down my blog
https://madlemmey.blogspot.com/2020/03/fantasy-egyptians-in-10mm.html?m=1

Ah yes very nice, I remember those ones now. I see you staggered the at rest ones slightly to fit across well.

[paulr]

I did mine in 2 ranks of 4 on 40x20 bases, the front rank can be set back enough to only have a little spear overhang




In slightly open order before closing for combat...

[mmcv]

Yeah, they certainly look well, and I think the 4 wide could work very well for more elite units that tended to be smaller and better disciplined anyway (Sacred Band, Epilektoi, etc). Then I was thinking could do the 5 wide for standard units, then for "raw" units a slightly more staggered look, possibly 6 and 4, giving a more disorderly look to them. Still unsure whether to go standard depth or "deep" depth for the bulk. Planning them for TtS! initially where such distinctions are important, but probably best playtesting with some empty bases to see how the combat goes. Deep means less manoeuvrable but can take more punishment, but then invariably results in a shorter line by a unit or two. So may do the bulk as "deep" but have a few on hand for the likes of Marathon where the lines were particularly thin, or for the Thebans when they pile the majority of their troops into the juggernaut phalanx on the right and leave the rest thin.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

And paint the other seven thousand hoplites green to blend in with the base mat so everyone forgets they're there.

Indeed Leonadas was a very good publisist.

[Ithoriel]

1300

I stood in the Persian shade
at the Hot Gates.
Felt salt tears on my cheeks
as we walked away
trailing our spears.

Leaving Leonidas
and the thirteen hundred,
Spartan soldiers,
Thespian farmers
and Theban merchants.

Sometimes what matters
is not victory nor defeat
but the willingness
of men to make a stand
and take what comes.

Stranger, go tell the Spartans
that Theban blood,
though unremembered,
stained the ground
as red as Spartan cloaks.

Friend, go tell the Ephors
that Thespians died
not for Sparta's laws
but for hearth and home
and those they loved.

© Mike Headden