"Warlord Starter Armies" Topic

Last week, I noticed a pre-order posted on TheWarStore for WG's ECW starter armies. I figured it would mimic GW's plastic starter kits (mismatched plastics) or maybe three sets of infantry in one box, since the price was about the same as three of their normal plastic boxes. I got a newsletter from them yesterday in my email, and these have a ton in them. Pleasantly surprised, I preordered both, then came the inevitable question, what do I use them for? I had picked up a few blister packs from Perry, Foundry, etc, trying to figure out what army to build, now it seems I'll have two (or at least the foundations for two) right out of the box.

So the question for those more familiar with ECW is, can the Scots be used for either Montrose or Covenanter? And what would be the most appropriate English army for them to square off against?

I should probably state that I'm pretty much bound to more tournament-style rules sets with my group, as most of them are ex-GW gamers and prefer the feel of Warhammer-like games (although I'm leaning towards 1644 over WECW).

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Wow, those look like a good deal!

I think the Scots would work better for Covenanters. Montrose fielded some conventional Scottish foot and horse, but is more famous for his less conventional forces, such as Highlanders and Irish. Forces of Montrose also AFAIK only fought against Scottish Covenanters, not against the English.

Covenanters have the advantage that they fought against pretty much everyone, including the English forces of Bishops Wars, English Royalists (early part of civil wars), English Parliamentarians (later part of civil wars), Montrose royalists, and even against other Covenanter forces (they had some internal squabbles at some point).

Yeah, they do look a real good deal!

My one complaint about WG so far has been price but you really can't complain about price with these deals.

I couldn't resist so I just jumped in and grabbed the Roman Starter Army.

It will be interesting to see if they will expand this idea and offer other unit deals with similar level of discounts.

I've pre-ordered two of the Scots armies at this point, and may add a third later.

To note, it will be the only way you can get the Lancers before January!

The Covenanters can also be used in Ireland.

Are the ECW, Roman and Celts sized for particular rules? WAB perhaps? FOG?

I think those are really good deals. That Scots army looks fantastic for that price. I'm doing Scots next so I think that is on the list.

Scots or indeed English can also be used on the contiinent as well. Montrose's Irish Brigade can be depicted as standard ECW/30YW infantry (ie the Parliament/Royalist foot) with some wearing bonnets from the Scots sets showing their ex-mercenary status. Mis 'em up a bit, supply wasn't Montrose's best point.

Are the ECW, Roman and Celts sized for particular rules? WAB perhaps? FOG?

It looks to me like they are sized according to the dimensions of the box and the £50.00 GBP price tag. Should work fine for most games (except perhaps DBA).

Warlord also offers army deals that are specifically designed for WAB, DBM or FOG:

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I can't comment on the ancient armies, but at a glance the ECW armies seem to fit cleanly into WECW and Bloody Kingdom. The Scots need a bit more cavalry to fit into the Covenanter list in 1644 I think.

The Scots need a bit more cavalry to fit into the Covenanter list in 1644 I think.

Since I had the book at hand: the minimum amount of horse required for said list is 12 models – just what you get in the box. Though you would probably also need a mounted general to accompany them.

Since I had the book at hand: the minimum amount of horse required for said list is 12 models – just what you get in the box. Though you would probably also need a mounted general to accompany them.

Thanks for the heads up. I read it quickly and only saw the 2 unit minimum, didn't pay attention to how many were needed in each. I've done some converting to build generals in plastic for games like WHFB back in the day, although I'd probably go metal here. Does anyone have pics of the Perry mounted Scots command for ECW? Doesn't seem that their site has any.

Stupid human questions…
The ad shows 80 pike and shotte. What is the number of pikes to the number of shotte? I've painted the saker set. It's nice. I could paint another. Did you order direct or will anyone in the US stnad by the 50 English Pound price?

This sounds like a good way to build out yet more regiments for the ECW project. Jeez…this project will never end! :)

Thanks!

Steve Miller
DFW Irregulars

Did you order direct or will anyone in the US stnad by the 50 English Pound price?

I've ordered from Warlord directly in the past (for WWII stuff), but I ordered these from TheWarStore.com since it worked out a bit better than the exchange rate at $75 USD per box.

The normal infantry boxes have a 2:1 shotte to pike ratio.

The ad shows 80 pike and shotte. What is the number of pikes to the number of shotte?

That should be equal to 2 normal boxes, which would make 24 pike, 48 shot, 8 command models, and 4 spare bodies.

I did the montrose campaign some time back with redoubt figures.

I read in several places (sorry cant remember where) that his forces looted substational ammounts of military clothing. Remember that the scots government distributed one of the most consistant uniforms at the time, centrally.

Its not just acceptable to use those uniforms it is also accurate! I do agree you should mix in a few "english style" uniforms though as it wouldnt be so consistant on their side.

hopefully , I avoid playing in 28 mm … Otherwise both sets mixed up would have given a verrrrrrrryyy nice gascon regiment **whistle **