Independent characters on 40mm bases

Is it against any rule to put your HQ on 40mm bases? It opens up so much more possibilities of modelling some cool bases and helps letting the models stand out from the rest - but is it legal?

EDIT:

And speaking of which, is it okay to mount Hellions on 40mm bases? Reavers on Bike bases? Taloi/Cronoi on 60mm bases?

Well, since all "stock" models come with 25mm, no You can't (ie shouldn't).

However you can model not released guys on anything (even 120x95), tho people would call it WAAC.
IMHO 25mm is way to go. You can obviously go with 25mm and "display" base - bigger one with 25mm hole that can hold small base.

[edit]
general rule of thumb - go with "standard" bases from box. Biker base may give Reavers up to 2" for their melta and actually that may be big difference. Same with embarked CC units bigger base = additional assault range. It's also better in CC.

I'm fairly sure the official GW ruling on this is, you may mount a model on a base bigger than the "standard" one, so long as it's not in order to gain a mechanical advantage (such as Shardnet carriers mounted on 40 mm bases).

That said, though, I'd stuck with the standard bases. As for stuff on a flightstand base, if you find a base of roughly the same size, or bigger, I'm sure that'd give no quarrel.

Keep in mind, though, that some tournaments may have specific rulings on bases. Read up on house rules before attending.

Wrong edition. 4th ed rulebook indeed had this rule (ie You could mount models on bigger base). Checked page 3 (only one when this is mentioned) and Your enemy must be OK with that.

"BASES
Citadel miniatures are normally supplied with a plastic base. (...) Some players like to mount their models on impressive scenic bases. As mounting your models on differentsized bases might affect the way they interact with the rules, make sure before the game that your opponent does not mind this." (BRB page 3)

I think that says everything. You may base your models however you want, but if you dont use the official citadel base you have to ask your opponent permission.
So either talk to the people you normaly play with, if they don't dissagree you can do watever you want, if they dissent, or you don't have regular opponents, or want to use the army on tournaments, just play safe by using standard bases.
Maby you could make removable scenic bases or build replacement models for these situations.

Ah, okay, the ruling in the BRB settles it then. I always thought that mounting models on bigger bases would have as much advantages as disadvantages and therefore not be illegal, really. Because if I measure for Melta range from the elongated edge of a biker base, I'd also have to measure from that edge for deployment and movement. Furthermore, as the base is the same additional length to the back as it is to the front, I could imagine that it'd be harder to stay out of range of enemy guns, etc.

But yeah, that being said, I'll probably stick with the standard base sizes for troops. HQs though, I've seen a lot of people do that in order for their HQ to look more imposing. Do you think there are any disadvantages to model your HQ on a 40mm base?

If you want a 40mm base, this is my suggestion:

Mount the character on a 25mm base that has terrain overhanging. Thus, you'll still be on the 25mm base, but still have a little extra room for modeling something cool looking. I'll be doing something similar for my archon.

I run my CWE phoenix lords and wraithguard on 40mm bases and have never had an issue at tournies - IMO - the rule of cool always takes precedent!

Problem with 40 mm bases is the advantages it can give you can make a significant difference.

You jump out an open topped vehicle for an assault you have gained 15 mm of charge range. Also when in assault you have gained an extra 15 mm to your within 2" of models in base contact range for getting other models to fight.

Personally I have little problem with it in casual games but at tournaments I'd probably call it as it tends to be CC monsters that are modelled this may.

kenny3760 wrote:

Personally I have little problem with it in casual games but at tournaments I'd probably call it as it tends to be CC monsters that are modelled this may.

Also, remember that if you use larger bases, make sure to clear with the tournament organizer to avoid any unnecessary nastiness.

There are penalties as well... disembarking can be difficult if enemy are near by, blasts will still hit you even if it scatters and you will take more attacks back as more models can get to B2B.

The WG have to go on 40mm just to stay upright - they are so top heavy!!!

Massaen wrote:

There are penalties as well... disembarking can be difficult if enemy are near by, blasts will still hit you even if it scatters and you will take more attacks back as more models can get to B2B.

The WG have to go on 40mm just to stay upright - they are so top heavy!!!

Exactly. For HQs, I'd rather have a smaller base than large. Much more of a disadvantage. Most of the character abuses with a bigger base are done by sticking models in a vehicle (Land Raider Null Zone for example) so that advantage is already allowed in certain ways.

Its not all good going up in bases sizes for sure!!!

I follow the old general rule of it's OK to go slightly bigger, but not smaller. I put all of my IC's and HQ's on 40mm (if they aren't already) as a visual queue for me and my opponent, and for making a base more appropriate to a more powerful/important fig.

I have never had a problem with it - my crappy play style certainly doesn't give me any advantages with or without it - and I would always allow someone else to do it in moderation too. I have never mentioned it at tournies, but might start doing so now.

As for Hellions and Reavers, I have every intention of magnetising and re-mounting them on 40mm instead of the bog-standard 30mm clear plastic ones, which are useless. 40mm is still perfectly representative of the surface area of the fig sitting above it.

And even my opponents prefer that my models stay upright if at all possible.