"28mm Giaks and Drakkarim - Suitable Figures?" Topic

That subject line probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense if you're not familiar with the world of Magnamund as presented in the Lone Wolf (and related) game books by Joe Dever, but read on and I'll explain.

I'm thinking of starting up a project of building fantasy armies based on the Magnamund setting. I've found plenty of suitable figures for the various Human and Dwarf factions, but I'd like some suggestions for sources of Giak and Drakkarim figures.

If you're not familiar (or need reminding), Giaks are the setting's goblin/orc analogues. Unfortunately, none of the goblinoid figures I've looked at have really captured the look I'd like. Giaks are small to medium in size and are armed and equipped just as well as their human foes. Here are some examples of Giak imagery:

You'll notice that last picture is a group of miniatures – back in 1985, Citadel produced a small range of Lone Wolf tie-in figures, including the boxed set of Giaks pictured. The set comes up on eBay from time to time, but prices are dear and, as much as I love the Citadel giaks, I'd rather source something currently in production (or at least more readily available). But you get a good sense of the scale of Giaks in that pic.

So, first request: links to goblin figures that look a bit more well-equipped and well-drilled than is typical. Bonus points if the line includes wolf riders.

(The closest I've seen for my purposes are the Thunderbolt Mountain goblins, but even they tend to be more along the line of fur-clad savages than what I want.)

The Drakkarim are evil humans allied to the Giaks' cause. Pretty much what you'd expect: skull-shaped face masks, capes and plumes, serrated swords, etc. Here are some examples:

I understand that, among his personal collection, Mr. Dever uses old school Citadel Chaos Knights for the Drakkarim. Certainly, figures drawn from that archetype ("evil" or "chaos" knights) seem the way to go.

Request the second: what are some of your favorite "chaos knight"-type figures to recommend? Super-extra bonus points if you know of any figures with skull-shaped face masks!

The Mongoose Lone Wolf figures have been picked up by by another miniatures company. My google-fu is weak, though.

G.

Are these Mirliton/Grenadier Fantasy half-orc figures close enough?

For the Drakkarim, I think perhaps Dark Elves or the GW LOTR Easterlings or Dale warriors:

@Goober: Ah yes, the Mongoose figures. Unfortunately, I found them to be completely execrable in terms of matching the established visual aesthetic of the setting. I'm actually hoping that now that the LW license has left Mongoose for greener pastures, we might see a new and better line at some point in the future.

@Pedrobear: Thanks for those suggestions! The half-orc idea and the LotR suggestion, in a roundabout way, reminded me of the old Vendell line of Orcs and Goblins, and I think I've found my perfect Giaks in those! There's even wolf-riders… :)

link

I've considered looking at Dark Elves for Drakkarim. The Easterlings are also pretty close. Maybe some conversions between Easterlings and Dark Elves? More research in order.

The Easterling warriors come with the heads detached, so you may be able to get some Dark Elf heads as bits and glue them onto Easterling bodies.