I'm painting some Corsairs for a gaming show in Feb and wondering how to base them. So far I've only used sand and grass for all my other models, but these are going to start out on a ship in the game, and that will look odd. But I'm not sure I want wood planks under their feet either, because its my friend who owns the ship, and I'll probably never use it again. And third consideration is it has to be quick to do

Any ideas? I'm thinking of doing something "neutral" like the GW basing paint as it has less texture than sand, painted brown...but that seems boring...

I would just do as normal if you're not likely to ever use them on the ship again afterwards. I don't think it really matters. If it really does bug you then perhaps one or two planks amongst the sand might work but its a lot more labour intensive.

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You don't have to be great to start. But you do have to start to be great.

I think you should just build yourself a ship, mate!

In all seriousness, why not try and do an "Umbar" style base? Sandy cobblestones that would tie in with any Haradrim you might have?

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Gondor: 2339pts
Rohan: 1318pts
Dwarves: 2482pts
Elves: 1091pts
Mordor: 2305pts
Isengard: 1762pts
Moria: 1463pts
Evil Men: 381pts

What about this from Capitanmanu?

I suddenly feel respect for the corsairs. Karavatis they are marvelous.
Whafrog I'd suggest basing one group on planks and another with sand and cobbler stones, or sand and dry grass. Or preferably, simply base them with planks and destroy their bases afterwards.

I realize both my suggestions require extra time and money, especially the first one.

Those look amazing! But I have neither the time nor the skill

I'm leaning towards sand, with a few with dry grass, all my other stuff is a "rich loam with healthy grass" look, so at least they'll be different. And didn't they throw sand down on the decks of ships to mop up blood and give better traction? Hmm, maybe a bit of rusty stained sand...

I think those bases with the planks look cool.

You could go for a compromise though and use some plank style textured plasticard used by model builders. I used a similar material for the Harad figures that came with my Mumakil box set. I painted it to look like the Howdah, a sort of wicker and I found a suitable textured plasticard and inserted that onto the bases. It was reasonably easy to do and woould be a lot quicker than the admittedly cool Corsairs pictured almost diorama style above. Certainly would not take up too much time or require a lot of skill.

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[url]http://wargamesdiary.wordpress.com[/url]

Interesting idea, thanks!

Do you have enough Corsairs, or do you need some more?

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Gondor: 2339pts
Rohan: 1318pts
Dwarves: 2482pts
Elves: 1091pts
Mordor: 2305pts
Isengard: 1762pts
Moria: 1463pts
Evil Men: 381pts

I have enough, thanks, 36, with 3 of them converted to reavers (thank you, plastic Easterling cataphract box). If I added more I wouldn't get them done in time. I also have a box of 20 Uruk hai legion to do, but fortunately they are the easiest to paint.

Hm, maybe just sand with a not so green grass on few spots?

Freebooter have some nice stuff to decorate bases for pirates...
http://www.freebooterminiatures.de/en/catalog/792

Also Wyrd miniatures have some realy nice 'pirate' bases which might help for some inspiration...
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/30mm-Driftwood-Docks-Bases.html
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/40mm-Driftwood-Docks-Bases.html
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/50mm-Driftwood-Docks-Base.html
http://wyrd-games.net/shop/Driftwood-Docks-Accessories.html

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CMON-gallery

Thanks, those look pretty nifty.