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Post by TheREALricksalamone on Jun 19, 2016 20:14:34 GMT
Some are looking for interesting modeling opportunities, others are looking for a cheap way to bulk up units. Here's what I see As acceptable vs unacceptable executions of unit filling.  12 Zombies: unacceptable, too few models, the space isn't filled enough. This is clearly an attempt to cheaply bulk up the unit.  12 Zombies: acceptable, the base is FULL of models while still maintaining a diorama feel. A few other interpretations of unit fillers from my collection:  Acceptable? |
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Post by Naitsabes on Jun 19, 2016 22:14:58 GMT
Great idea for a discussion. I don't think I would be as strict when it comes to acceptable/unacceptable. Generally I am happy to just see painted things on the board. I do like it better when unit fillers are mobile, just seems odd to me when the unit drags columns and walls and whatnot around the battlefield. But, to each his own. Here is what I have:  six flagellants  2x four halberdiers I'd be interested to see what others have come up with. |
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Post by vulcan on Jun 19, 2016 23:10:49 GMT
My rules for unit fillers (YMMV).
1) A unit filler should not cause confusion with other units. Using ogres in Empire Halberdiers is okay, as the Empire does not have a mixed MI/I unit. Using Kroxigors as unit fillers in Skinks is not, because it causes confusion with a proper Skroxigor unit.
2) Rule of Cool. If it looks cool, go for it.
3) You can't go wrong using 12 minis on a 3x4 unit filler. You can go VERY wrong using two minis on a 3x4 unit filler.
4) Don't just throw in terrain features, make it part of the action. Don't just have a tree in the unit filler of orcs, have a goblin up the tree scouting. If the unit filler is of demons around a large rock, have a terrified peasant trapped up there. If the unit filler is of zombies in a graveyard, have them rising up out of their graves.
5) A unit filler shouldn't take up more than half the unit. Less than 1/3 the unit is preferred. Likewise, a unit filler shouldn't include the command group.
6) A unit filler is going to be the centerpiece of the unit. Take some extra care in the modeling and painting of it. You can slack off on detailing rank & file models, but a unit filler stands out too much.
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Post by KevinC on Jun 21, 2016 21:48:52 GMT
I like unit fillers that are small and subtle best. For example, a 40 mm base of some diorama inside a unit of 30 infantry on 20 mm bases is a neat addition to the unit (perhaps a few infighting Orcs or whatever).
I don't like large dioramas that either cause confusion or that are obviously designed because the modeler did not want to buy or paint more models (i.e. a large rock taking the space of 30 models, etc). I think people go overboard to make large dioramas, but I don't like that. Indeed, this is a chief reason that pushes me away from Kings of War – I don't like those diorama armies out there.
Note, people are free to do whatever they want (obviously). As for me, I get more excited of a unit of say 50 models, with each model on their own base – that's cool in my eyes, and that kind of unit is what got me into wargaming.
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Post by Horace on Jun 22, 2016 12:34:29 GMT
It depends on the filler for why I use them. I must admit my skeleton/zombie fillers are lazier than some of my others because I was pretty sick of painting them after I had got through 100+ models. These were simply done as markers for raising. I have a few other undead fillers I don't have pictures of which are all 40mm bases. They are an opening casket with something emerging, another classic skeleton coming out of the ground & a zombie dragging a severed corpse. These are a few of mine which I have photos of already: Some horrors (again for raising so probably slightly unacceptable numbers but what can you do   Slayer with severed Dragon head  Savage Orc Drummer  General Undead coming out of the ground   I have a few more fillers I intend on making at some point. I have the Scibor Dwarf ruins which I intend on combining with the Drunken Dwarfs for some Dwarf fillers, and the old Night goblin Netters & Clubbers for some NG ones. I was trying to think of a few Empire based ones, I think the Regimental Bear will make a nice one |
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Post by TheREALricksalamone on Jun 22, 2016 22:52:09 GMT
That regimental bear is so cool...and also so expensive. I want.
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Post by grandmasterwang on Jun 24, 2016 3:38:32 GMT
There are some great unit filler examples in this thread. So long as they look nice and you cam clearly tell what the unit is i like them.
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Mioum
Junior Member
Posts: 98 
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Post by Mioum on Jul 11, 2016 2:30:02 GMT
I don't mind much about how many models is used to fill the filler, but I like to see quality/effort put into it.
Like Horace's example above (and really, everything posted so far) are really well done. I don't care if there's only 1 Savage Orc taking the spot of 4, or a single Slayer replacing probably 6-8 models. They are quality filler and provide character to the unit, they don't look like cheap model-cutting measure.
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Post by TheREALricksalamone on Jul 14, 2016 18:39:18 GMT
Updated unit filler:    This was my old "unacceptable". I added 2 more bodies and the updated weathering. I've got around 150 of these zombies and they look so gross now, like they've been shambling around in the rain and mud. |
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Post by grandmasterwang on Jul 15, 2016 4:29:21 GMT
Updated unit filler: This was my old "unacceptable". I added 2 more bodies and the updated weathering. I've got around 150 of these zombies and they look so gross now, like they've been shambling around in the rain and mud. It looks great now. |
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Post by mottdon on Dec 14, 2016 20:35:48 GMT
Sorry, I missed this thread somehow. This is a unit filler that I made for my Empire Greatswords. It can also double as a "Capture the Flag" scenario.  And in the unit:  Also make this little two-man sized unit filler to get them to an even 40.  |
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Post by frozenfood on Dec 17, 2016 7:22:58 GMT
I am a simple man, I see a Jack Sparrow monkey unit filler, I comment
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Post by grandmasterwang on Dec 18, 2016 10:54:36 GMT
That monkey is great |
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Post by mottdon on Dec 22, 2016 23:37:47 GMT
Here's another unit filler for my Empire. Since I'm a Mississippi State grad, he's drinking "Bulldog Brew" at a football tailgate. Hope you like him.  |
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Post by wilsonthenarc on Dec 23, 2016 0:18:01 GMT
I have a few unit fillers in my Tomb Kings army, typically in blocks of skellies 30 or 40 or 50. A few 60mm x 40mm. I don't love them look wise, I don't love them gaming wise - I'm with KevinC, if I have a unit of 30 dudes, I'd rather have 30 minis each on their own 20mm x 20mm base. It seems like somewhere circa 2012 everyone was heads over heels for unit fillers. I made a few to fit in with the cool kids. I regret it all. Taking a 3x2 base and "making change" for 6 minis slows the game down. New Years resolution: buy and paint new minis - use a flamethrower on my old unit fillers. |
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