"Command Basing question" Topic

Just getting started in ECW and I'm working on my first pike unit. I plan on putting 4 28mm figures on a 40mm X 40mm base and making units of 16 figs (4 stands). I'm using Warlord Games plastics and so plan on 12 actual pikes and 4 command figures.

So my question is should I make 1 command stand of the four command figures, and if so, should it be in the front or should the front ranks be pikes and the command stand in the rear? Or should I make two stand with two pikes in the front and two command in the rear?

I know some folks make a round (or different shaped/sized than regular) command stand and just place it in front, but I want the command integrated with the unit and then larger commands on seperate stands.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Hi Razor

When I did my plastics I had 2 pike stands at the front. I then put 2 command/flags on each of the rear stands but not in the same rank

Hope this helps

cheers

Keith

Razor78,

Whatever YOU like is what you should do. That being said (and my overall basing is different from yours), here is what I've done:

link
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My original intent was to put my flags in the front rank . . . but I discovered that doing so really masked the pikes behind the flag . . . so I changed plans and put the flags (on separate stands) behind the pikes and I really like the way it looks.

Also, since you are using the Warlord plastics you will have a number of forward slanting pikes (I prefer mine all upright). This means that your flags must pretty automatically be in the rear rank.

By the way, the hex-based figures in front of my units may look like "command figures" but they are not. They are simply used as "morale markers" . . . if in front the unit is in good order; if in back and touching the unit, it is disordered; in back and separated, the unit is shaken; and if in back well separated and turned to the rear, they are routed.

But please keep my initial comment in mind . . . whatever YOU like is what you should do. There are lots of "right answers" . . . and it is YOUR ARMY, not anyone else's.

So choose the basing you like and enjoy the period.

-- Jeff

In most Wargames units given the figure to man ratio even one command figure is probably too many to be accurate. Also command stands often do not accurately represent the positioning and distribution of the "command" types through the unit formation.

That being said, if you are modeling units at 1:5 or tighter ratio it might be worth trying to accurately model the number and position of command figures. Otherwise it is not. For example drummer could often be found at the front corners of units, if the unit frontage is only 12 figures using two of those as drummers at the corners will look decidedly odd.

The long and teh short of it is do what looks good for you and works with the rules you are using.

I agree with all of the above. Go with what you feel looks right. I use the rules Victory without Quarter and base my infantry on 3 stands: 1 pike and 2 musketeers. Usually my command is with the pike but occasionally a stray officer or musician ends up with the muskets:

For more go to the ECW label at my blog: link