A change of direction for the Praetorian Empire?

[dilanski]

I have a problem that is really bugging me, for a while I have been trying to compete with armies like the Union and Assyrian Empire, but the fact is I can't sustain a large army of anything on the scale of the 'Big Ones', I've been brainstorming for a while how I could compete with them on a comparable scale and I think I have come up with a decent Idea but I don't have much experience in the field, I know some of you have experience in similar areas.

I want to create a mid-size Elite Mercenary group composed of 'Individuals' unlike the faceless troops of large empires, very large portions of my forces will be named and unique, I plan on having ground forces with a focus on special ops, and a small space group composed of a capital ship and various other small ships.

My Inspiration is Saboath Squadron from the Star Wars expanded universe, as well as various bounty hunters and rouge figures from various fiction.

The actual construction behind the army will be mainly form my current army but converted and changed (No more Advanced Guard etc)

Does anyone have any advice on stat-keeping for such armies? I also need advice on creating 'unique characters' how deep should I go into creating them. Another problem is continuity, If a character died in battle, should I create a new guy to replace him?

Any other advice would be appreciated.

[Keldoclock]

Just make a generic "elite" stat card, and make up names for the soldiers on the fly- let their distinctions be their equipment and their appearance.

[BFenix]

I have a similar problem dilanski. My army is basically one big squad with about 10 or 12 individuals and a hero, having like pairs of specialists (snipers, demo, flamers, heavies, melee, magic) and a bit more of basic troops, like 4 or 5 dudes.

I suggest the same, make a generic elite stat card or have a sheet with all specializations. Or mix them both. Just try not making stats for each troop, cause that will be to confusing, believe me, I tried it and I spent half the game just searching for the right stats...

[Silent-sigfig]

Build the simplest troops possible. that's how I go with my factions.

I mean seriously, the U.S.A. doesn't even have torso printing.

[Tuefish]

Well, honestly I've poured a lot of time and money into my army, which is about 76 soldiers strong, not counting ship crews or unmanned platforms. But I think that I could hold the field as well, or better in some cases with just my elite units (War-King, Kingsguard, Einherjar, Berserkers and maybe a Strike-Thane or two) but I think that this could work if done right.
That or invest in some drone tanks and aircraft, then you won't need to explain their recurrence.

[Rocket_Saint]

Yeah, I have a similar project going for my own faction, San Santos Gringos.
A mixed grab bag of humanoid/alien warriors of varying type. At this point its just about a squad size, by I plan on building on to it along with other factions I have, like Space Paladins.

[Magic Soap]

Standard kit, just change slight differences in prints, arm colourings for squad groups (e.g. pink for Delta Squad), faces and helmets. With weapons you can change a few parts, such as attachments.

[dilanski]

I'll be able to have as several squads of troops, I'll post pictures of what I get together when I can.

[dilanski]

Here are a few pics on my current troops, most you've seen before while a few are new, I'm gonna try to get rid of a few of the standard troops for new ones.








These are my standard mercenaries, same as before.


Deadly Space Generals.


Jet Pack Troops.


A Mercenary wielding a powerful R.Y.N.O.ock, the only R.Y.N.O sidearm.


More Mercenaries


Arc-Gun Mercenary


CQ Mercenary


Another Mercenary


Demolition Mercenary


Stealth Assasain


And of course, my new Sig-Fig, with improved Flame-Saber, it's OT and on FIYAH!


I'll keep working on them, and try and get all of the unique. the best examples of what I want to create are the red, orange and blue mercenaries.

[Natalya]

I totally understand if you can't maintain a huge force which is highly uniform and everyone looks the same, it's not easy and usually requires bricklink orders. But you could totally do something like a rebel group, maybe some renegade faction which broke off of a bigger empire or whatever. That way part of it could have guys who look sort-of like normal soldiers but they'd have individuality too if they're not a wealthy faction. The Czech-Republikans that I use are kind-of like that. They broke away from the ASE in a civil war and so they have their own territory but they don't have the most expensive army in the world because they aren't a huge empire. Maybe thinking along those lines could help. Also, try for some light vehicles. Post-Apoc style cars are great for this sort of team.