Beowulf03809 wrote:
Proxy is a different discussion than using a model of a character to represent a different 'version' of that same character. Saruman is Saruman regardless of what set he's from and visually there is nothing different beyond pose. Faramir is Faramir, Boromir is Boromir, and Aragorn is Aragorn, but the options of heavy armor and low armor versions do mean it's often nice to have one of each version if you have the chance (especially since they are all good models IMO).
Proxy is using a significant different model (often completely unrelated) to represent something you do not have.
If you don't intend to use them in tournaments and you're not chained to playing in GW only stores, then you often don't need to worry about proxy issues as long as you talk to your opponent in advance. You cannot proxy during a tournament or similar "serious" event. If GW has a model available for a profile and you want to use the profile you pretty much need to use the model. If you are playing in a GW store then I've heard some pretty tight controls are forced but that may not be global. I can see GW not wanting you to bring in some other company's models but I'm not sure just how they may act to someone wanting to proxy some GW LotR model as another unrelated profile.
GW has a LOT of available models out there but in some cases you just don't play a force enough to justify spending the money on the models, their current model prices are really discouraging ( $20-$24 for 24 models...oh those were the days) and to be honest some models are just dumb looking IMO.
The Black Guard for example I think is a really stupid design. Others love it. Aesthetics are very personal. I do not ever intend on buying the Black Guard models because they just have no appeal to me at all. The profile however is interesting for me so I sometimes use my Mordor Uruk Hai as Black Guard in SBG and WotR. I have a lot of the Morodr Uruk models because back when the hobby was more accessible I picked up a few Cirith Ungol box sets and a few blisters of them. I will not mix actual Mordor Uruks on the table in the same game so there's no risk of confusion and our local players are fine with this proxy. I am happy with the proxy because I really dislike the Black Guard models. We are blessed with a local hobby store that is independent of the GW restrictions and I don't have interest anymore in tournament events run by them.
Lucky you that must be cool.
But yeah man, I understand them not liking other companies products to replace theirs as a proxy, but they should really allow people to use 10 modified mordor orcs to be barad dur...
I mean, if I wanted an army of Dunlendings Id pay at least 50 dollars for 2 warbands let alone heros and the rest of the army. Plus their aint many poses.
Either way, going back to the original topic....thanks everyone for clearing that up.
And yes beowulf, I do like the idea of having the Helms Deep Aragorn and then the fellowship one etc.
My favorite may be how boromir looks in the mines of moria pack then his transformation to the armor of the white tree of Gondor! Thats a nice one.