”IS THERE A READER WHO KNOWS NOT THE VALUE OF MINIATURES?
LET HIM CEASE READING LEST HE FIND OUT"

When Ye Fantasysmith started this column, a wee voice deep in his
consciousness asked “Why fantasy miniatures?” The voice grew with
each week that passed until it resembled the din of several hobgoblins.
Enough! It is time to confront this blunt question with several pointed
answers. Watch out, hobgoblins, you don’t have a chance!

APPLICABILITY OF COMMENTS
Fantasy miniatures are primarily used in fantasy gaming. Therefore,
most of my comments will be directed towards this section of the
readership. But there are several miniaturists out there who are Now
producing very creditable fantasy display pieces in 25mm and larger
standards. This segment of the hobby will be addressed also.

Most of the points made here were validated by a group of fantasy
gamers who were interested enough to sign up for a class on “Miniatures
and Fantasy Gaming.” They provided an ideal audience and
discussion panel. Among them were miniaturists who like to produce
display pieces, and both new and veteran fantasy gamers. YOU can
add to their ideas by simply writing a letter to “FANTASYSMITH,” c/o
THE DRAGON.

FANTASY MINIATURES AS COUNTERS
In fantasy game play, figures are most useful in serving as a visual 
counter for combat/encounter situations. They not only show the order
of march at any encounter, but also show which figure is where during
combat. The main advantage of this is to keep combat segments of the
game clear and fast-moving. There is nothing so disruptive to the fun of
gaming as an explosive argument stemming from the question of
“Who was killed by that fireball that just hit us?” Use of miniatures in 
game play is illustrated in sketches that accompany this article, and in
an upcoming article, “Hobgoblin Encounter.”

Those players who regularly use miniatures on a ruled “gameboard”
need never slow or halt their play to argue about:

(1) Any individual or group of characters’ ability to move from
point to point during a melee.

(2) The width of a hall or room and its effect on combat. This is
especially true for multiple character actions.

(3) The effectiveness or applicability of any striking or missile
weapon that is affected by distance or height factors.

(4) Whether any missile weapon will be blocked by any part of the
scenery or one’s own party.

VISUALIZATION
But do we really need finely animated and detailed miniatures for
play counters? Certainly, unpainted miniatures can be used. For that
matter, so can chess pieces, small coins, toothpaste-tube caps, or any of
the small bits and pieces of scrap that are normally found about the
home, office, and workshop. Why insist on painted miniatures?



Surely, some type of counter is better than none at all, but the
painted miniature is more than a counter. It helps the player enter into
the spirit of true fantasy by allowing quicker and better visualization of a
fantasy situation. When figures are of the proper scale, relative sizes of
player characters versus monsters are emphasized. Visual indications
of figure capabilities are also immediately apparent. The <wizard>'s
staff, cleric’s mace, dragon’s wings, and orc’s arrows need no further
explanation.

CHARACTERIZATION
The tiny figures used in play give opportunities for fuller use of
IMAGINATION and even for expansion of the player character. Several of
the newer characters--those of Ral Partha’s Wizards, for example—
are detailed and well-cast enough that their facial features actually
show personality. (The Ral Partha figures referred to have already been
seen in this magazine.) Developed character personalities create a new
dimension in role-playing fantasy. Isn’t it more interesting to imagine
the reaction of a pensive elf or a cantankerous dwarf?

Even when actual character traits are not identifiable from facial
features, the position and painting of the figure will suggest them. This
projection of character traits increases player involvement and enjoyment,
and can make for more energetic and inventive play. Adding
traits to all characters, including henchmen, hirelings, and humanoid
opponents, will suggest new situations and new solutions for old ones.

Most fantasy players use the same miniature figure to represent the
same character, no matter what the level or physical condition of the
character is. By using the same figure, it is easier to remember character
traits and personify the character. This figure becomes an “alter ego” to
some players. As long as some balance is kept in the player’s mind, this
makes for more enjoyable and realistic campaigns. The character you
relate to will not normally do foolish things such as attack a group of fire
giants without a lot of assistance, and will think out a way around the
obstacle they represent.

ADDITION OF COLOR AND PAGEANTRY
Painted miniatures can be depended upon to add color to gaming.
This is literally true. Color, animated form, and figure activity add visual
interest and pageantry to games. Miniature modellers are particularly
fond of the lack of restrictions fantasy modelling allows. Standard
uniforms and colors are NOT required since there is no historical restriction.
Even restrictions placed on ancient and medieval figures are
waived for fantasy figures. For instance, it is very possible for someone
to tell you that the Roman centurion that you just finished painting
needs to be repainted. For instance, the “expert” says that Romans
historically had no bright blue dye for cloaks and other cloth items. If,
however, you were to tell this miserable snob that this was not a Roman
centurion, but a commander in the Omnipotent Asure Legion from
Empire of the Petal Throne, there could be no valid criticism. Who 
knows what colors lurk in the annals of fantasy? Only you do, and no
one can tell you differently.

While fantasy modelling doesn’t require the strict accuracy that
historical modelling does, it still allows the modeller to use his favorite
historical sources. This is a definite advantage. Any period of history
prior to about 1200 can be used as a source of inspiration for ancient/
medieval fantasy miniatures. And if you really want to model your
figures after some other period, you can do so within reason. Your own
favorite sources of inspiration may be interesting to others. Why not
send in their titles?

ORIGINALITY IN SCRATCHBUILDING
For serious modellers, fantasy miniatures often have something
that is lacking in most other forms of modelling—the challenge of
producing a finished figure without somebody else’s model to follow.
Originality, craftsmanship and technical skill is thus at a higher premium
for original fantasy modellers than for the 125th person to complete a
diorama of part of Waterloo. Because of the 1/72nd scale of fantasy,
the physical problems of creating settings and animation of large monsters
are minimized. You don’t have to build them as large as you
would in, say, 54mm standard. This allows additional modelling freedom,
since lighter materials can be used for dioramas or scratchbuilding.
Craftsmanship and skill are harnessed to imagination rather than to
strength of materials or other such physical laws. Great satisfaction can
be obtained by turning out a competent piece that no one else has
thought of yet.

It is this satisfaction that Fantasysmith’s Notebook is aimed at <link>
increasing. Precious little about fantasy miniatures has been written
before now. Figures are regularly reviewed in hobby magazines and
painted pieces are on display at the hobby’s conventions and at hobby
shops. But there is no guide for those who want to get from the raw
figure to the finished work. Standard military miniature painting gives
clues (see list of good sources), but may not cover those areas that are
of particular interest to the fantasy modeller. This column’s continuations,
plus the acknowledged suggestions of you readers, will fill that
gap. Future articles in this column will continue to expand on the theme
of fantasy modelling and the satisfaction it can give the hobbyist.

SUMMARY
Fantasy modelling is always open to question: Why, indeed, do
you need fantasy miniatures? The answers given above can be summarized.
Aside from their intrinsic beauty, they are useful in defining
fantasy gaming action as well as strengthening the fantasy involved in
RPGs.

Fantasy modellers sometimes need reasons for their hobby, especially
when confronting those who do not understand it. The reasons
given in this article, together with the native inspiration of the reader,
may be enough to convert a dedicated scoffer into a role-player who
swears by finished fantasy fancies.

STANDARD MODELLER’S REFERENCE BOOKS
Even though military miniatures (standard regimentals) are not
precisely the same as fantasy miniatures, much good, basic information
is contained in works already produced by miniaturists in the last few
years. Most are directed towards the painter of 54mm figures, and
you’ll have to adapt their advice. They are all good starting points,
however. Fantasysmith’s Notebook is not intended to supplant these <link>
works, but to supplement them. Here they are:

BEST BUYS: These works are all paperbound and inexpensive
but still are comprehensive. They have excellent pictures and sound
advice in their text.

Peter J. Blum, The Model Soldier Manual, Tricom Press LTD,
1013 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10021. 1970. 39pp. With illustrations
by Clyde A. Risley, this is probably THE best book to start off with.
About $2.50.

Brian Fosten & Roy Dilley, Painting and Detailing Military Miniatures,
Almark Publishing Co. LTD, 49 Malden Way, New Malden,
Surrey, KT3 6EA, England, Britain. 1977. 36pp. Finely illustrated,
excellent color plates for detailing. If you want to work this precisely in
25mm, you’ll need a magnifying glass and superior patience. The book
sets an excellent standard, however. Available at Strategy and Fantasy
World stores, $3.50.