Basing of Wb

[<newbie>]

Please help! I have just finished painting a Gaul Army for DBA. Should I base the WB(Gen) element as a 3Wb or a 4Wb. The rules state that the base depth is 15mm for a 4Wb and 20mm for a 3Wb. I would prefer to base it as 4Wb so it is distinctive from the other Wb. But being a different base depth would make it out of step with the other Wb, should recoils or pursuits occur.

[Badger]

I recommend putting it on a base the same size as the rest of the army. The difference in depth is only likely to be an issue if you play "De Bellis Multitudinis" (DBM), and since you describe yourself as a newbie I'm guessing you don't play DBM (yet?). If you want to distinguish the general's element (certainly a good idea), go ahead and put four figures on it.

DBM is a more complex, larger scale game (fewer troops represented per element, hence typically more elements per army) that grew out of DBA and uses similar basic mechanics, but with more depth/complexity of variations between troop types.

[David Kuijt]

What Badger said. Base it on a 20mm base; put 4 figs on it anyway. I've got a couple of armies I've done that with -- it is really nice to have the Gen looking different from the others, and a number of companies have really good foot command figures (hornblowers, commanders, and standard-holders) for the Gauls which really MUST be used. My favorite is Corvus Belli (and not just because Fernando is going to make planc'on wielders for me smile.gif ), but Pass O'the North is also good, and Xyston are very nice also.

[Simba28]

Thank you for your help I will Make it so. I have also registered now. This site is extremely helpful for relatively isolated Aussies.

[xeswop]

Let me offer a compromise option. Note that you must take 8x3Wb so with the general there will be an odd number of Wb and all cannot be double ranked. What is the advantage of the 15mm depth, less pursuit distance. This can be good and bad. Depends on what you are doing.

You should give yourself the option of having either a deep or shallow base. Start with a 15mm deep base with the 4 figures. Also make a 20mm deep base so you have the option. Also have the option of the LCh in case you want more mounted.

If you cannot afford the extra 4 infantry for a second base make a "sabot" base. This is a thin piece of material with 5mm of whatever you are using for the base on the back of it. My bases are thin wood with magnetic bottoms. So I cut a 20mm piece of very thin metal, wafer steel, and glue on a 5mm deep piece of wood on the back -- paint and flock as the 15mm base. If I want the narrow base, then I use it as is. If I want a deeper base, then I just put the 15mm base on top of the thin metal sabot base and I now have a 20mm deep one.

I do this for converting my 15mm deep pikes and blades for DBA into DBR elements. Also, this works for making 6Kns that can double as 3Kn. Sometimes I just attach two 3Kn to a thin metal underbase.

[Roland Fricke]

I've done what Dk mentioned for my Nubian Bw General. I added the general figure along with three bow figures to what should have abeen a 3Bw. Makes it easier to pick out.

I've also have an army with a mounted General with 3 blade figures on a 4Bl(gen) stand, its crowed with the horse replacing a foot figure but it does fit and it makes a very distinctive base.