Hi all

I've just started getting into LoTR SBG. I'm getting the Pelennor box set for Xmas - but I was wondering what my next purchase should be. I'm also getting The Armies of The Lord of The Rings. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated..

TK30

Wait until you get the Pelennor box and see if you like it assuming you haven't played it of course, otherwise you might like the armies of the boxset Rohan Or Mordor (both solid starter forces, but lacking heroes).
You could choose to expand them with different Heroes, captains and more advanced units.
Or once you've got the armies book choose something you really like and go from there.

Thank you - appreciate the advice

I definitely agree with OreSeur's advice.

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"Draw your sword with a heavy heart, but swing it with a heavy hand"

If you are experienced with conversions, just buy extra warriors and convert if cost is an issue. I will be doing it for dwarf captains.

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By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm not so much worried about the cost as I am the time to paint. I hate getting minis only to find out there was a unit that I really should have gotten - and painted - first.

All of it! Just kidding. The command boxes for each force are a good start. Gandalf the White is an ally, so if you want good to have some magic against that 'wraith, he's a good option. Convert or buy a banner bearer.

Scenery is an option, too. Hit the dollar store or craft place for little trees before you have to wait another 11 months. Heck, raid the recycle bin for little boxes and use them as houses or toilet paper rolls for towers. I'm not ashamed to admit I've done it. Just don't raid the neighbours' rubbish if you don't want to develop a reputation.

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"Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you can find a rock." -Will Rogers

Take meat/vegetable trays, bkeach them, and they work like foam core.
As for models, I just learned when I tried a Minas Tirith army that I will need at least one heavy hero.

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By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!

Scenery isn't an issue. I've been doing Warhammer Fantasy, 40K and Historicals since 1987 (Yes, I'm that old). I think I'm going to buy a unit extra for each side (Warg riders for the Orcs, maybe Rangers for Rohan??). Then I'll focus on getting Heroes. I'd eventually like to get a game together for four players. I'll be playing that with friends at Historicon.

Thanks again for the advice. I really appreciate everyone's input.

I think you mean outriders for Rohan.
What 4 armies are you raising, and what size?

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By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!

I bought the box set of Rangers of Middle Earth - because I really liked the models.

You asked the million dollar question Cave Dragon - I'll be using Rohan, Morannon Orcs (since they come in the box set) and then I'm trying to figure out what would ally good with each one.

Problem is all the stuff I need (Books like Armies of the Lord of the Rings, etc.) will be on the Xmas delivery. I was hoping someone had experience and could tell me what I should order. I figure maybe 700 points per player??? I'll admit the advice from GreatKhanArtist seem very sound - just buy it all!!!

Thanks!

Hehe. Go 500pts, it will make games last around 2 hours(depending on the number of models, it can take 5 minutes to move your side with orcs or 5 seconds with Sauron.
Rangers are great, you can create a ranger(arnor/Dunedain) p, fiefdoms, or Gondor army. Very versatile. Morannon orcs-use the troll as a captain(give him the right limbs and your good).
I will say that so far, Rangers have been the most fun to paint. Just make sure to layer the cloaks.

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By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!

Oh, don't worry about the Rangers looking good. I have the colors picked out, I normally run three layers on the clothes, four to five on the skin. I promise you I'll do you proud.

500 points sounds good. As soon as Xmas rolls around I'm going to have to put my painting in high gear...

Again, thank you to everyone on this thread who has taken the time to give me advice. I really appreciate it.

BTW - anyone posted pictures of their painted armies?

I haven't. Still only have one good, tested army that I win with-my Mordor Horde. Gorbag is a beast. Internet searches yield great inspiration, and there is a dwarf army WIP about 7 topics down.

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By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!

Ok - So I bought a couple of things - Thorin Oakenshield (the pack of Thorin and Bilbo were 50% off at one of my FLGS) and the box set of Rangers of Middle Earth. Thorin was smaller and a bit tough to paint but I got him done. He came out OK - high table top quality. I'm going to start on the Rangers - I do expect a better job on these just because they are a bit bigger.

I'll try and post pictures once I'm done.

Can't wait to see!

_________________
By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,
I bid you stand, men of the West!