"Best figure pose for Napoleonic skirmish gaming?" Topic

For Napoleonic skirmish games, which type of figure pose do you prefer? Feel free to explain why you have a preference.

(a) I prefer all of my figures to be marching.
(b) I prefer all of my figures to be advancing (holding musket, sword, etc. in hands in an 'action' pose other than marching)
(c) I prefer all of my figures to be engaged in loading and firing.
(d) I prefer a mix of poses (any combination of a, b, and c).
(e) It really does not matter to me.
(f) _______________________

b,c and d for me.
Marching figures do not look like they're in a battle, IMO. At least not in a skirmish setting.

For skirmishing? As many poses as possible and as few marching as possible.

If I am skirmishing, I am going to want to track individual characters and variety makes that easier.

A mix. But an "advancing" pose (NOT an Old Glory advancing pose) is a good "neutral" for skirmishing.

Marching figures do not look like they're in a battle, IMO. At least not in a skirmish setting.

I'm having that problem now. For the skirmishing project I'm hoping to start this year, what little I can find is all marching pose. I may have to start converting some sergeants and artillerymen.

A mix of b and c for me, as I prefer my skirmish figures to be in action rather than marching in to action as it were.

As Weasel said, the more variety the better, as you can track individual figures that way.

I suggest that marching, standing, or firing/loading line infantry reflects napoleonic drill – even for small bodies of men. Trained skirmishers is a different matter

g. Not a Skirmish gamer

Mine are mixed positions but they are all either running, loading or firing. Some are knelling to fire others are standing. I don't think marching is a good pose for skirmishers.

I prefer action poses for skirmishes, but would consider using marching poses for troops that weren't used to skirmishing, or not trained for it, but still got caught up in the skirmish – such as line infantry used as convoy escorts.

One definite advantage of a variety of poses is that they make painting more interesting.

There is no solution to this though. I don't do skirmish games but the same issue arises nonetheless. Figures in action poses – standing firing etc – look stupid formed in column in the reserve, miles away from the enemy. Figures placidly plodding along in the advancing pose look equally stupid in a melee. On balance the silliness of the former exceeds the latter, for me, but I might see it differently in skirmish terms.

If not firing/loading, I do like Porte Arms or "defending" – any figure, whether advancing or standing, where the barrel is pointed up but forward.

I'd rather not have clubbing with muskets, but I will tolerate bayonet thrusting.

Action poses for trained skirmishers whether I'm playing a small skirmish or a large battle.

Actually, I think I prefer action poses all around. Right Shoulder Arms, marching doesn't look like a soldier getting shot at!

In 28mm I only do Skirmish gaming and for that I hate March poses.

In 15mm I only do large scale battles and for those in SYW and Napoleonics I Prefer all Marching.

I agree with Flashman14. I really like the 'defending' pose the best as it communicates a readiness to engage in action, but also lends itself well to line formations in reserve.

For any skirmish gaming advancing and defending poses preferred. I would rule out any marching, kneeling, loading, or firing figures in that order.