what scale is legion imperialis

Viren

2 min read

·

20-12-2024

135

0

Share

What Scale is Legion Imperialis? A Deep Dive into Games Workshop's Miniature Scale

The question on many aspiring Imperial commanders' minds: what scale is Legion Imperialis? The answer isn't a simple one, as it depends on how you define "scale." Let's break down the different aspects to give you a complete understanding.

Understanding Legion Imperialis Scale: It's All Relative

Legion Imperialis isn't a single, fixed scale like HO or N scale model trains. Instead, it's best described as a heroic scale. This means the miniatures are larger than their "true" historical or fictional counterparts to enhance visual appeal and tabletop gameplay.

• Relative to other Games Workshop ranges: Legion Imperialis miniatures are noticeably larger than those found in Warhammer 40,000. They sit somewhere between the scale of Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar, leaning closer to the latter in terms of overall size and heroic proportions. This allows for more detail and easier painting, despite the larger size.

• Approximate Scale: While not explicitly stated as a precise ratio like 28mm or 1:72, many experienced hobbyists place Legion Imperialis miniatures around 28-32mm in height, depending on the specific model and pose. This means they are generally compatible with other 28mm miniature wargames, though discrepancies may exist.

• "Heroic" Scale Implications: The "heroic" nature of the scale means that individual models are given exaggerated proportions. This includes increased muscle definition, larger weapons, and more dramatic poses. This aesthetic choice prioritizes visual impact over strict historical accuracy.

Why the Ambiguity in Scale?

Games Workshop doesn't provide a precise numerical scale for Legion Imperialis for a few key reasons:

• Aesthetic Focus: The focus is on the visual experience, emphasizing the heroic and dramatic presentation of the miniatures. A precise scale would potentially limit design choices.

• Playability: The scale is designed to be functional on the tabletop, ensuring that models are large enough to be easily manipulated and visually distinct from each other, even at a distance.

• Manufacturing Tolerances: Manufacturing processes introduce slight variations in miniature size. Specifying an exact scale would be challenging to maintain consistently across production runs.

Comparing Legion Imperialis to Other Systems

To illustrate the relative scale, consider these comparisons:

• Warhammer 40,000: Significantly smaller miniatures, with a more grounded, less heroic aesthetic.

• Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Shares similarities in overall size and heroic proportions, but still displays distinct differences in model design and aesthetic.

• Other 28mm Games: Generally compatible, though some slight discrepancies in size may be noticeable depending on the manufacturer and specific miniature ranges.

Practical Considerations for Gamers

The slightly ambiguous scale shouldn't deter potential players. The key takeaway is that Legion Imperialis miniatures are larger than average 28mm models but still largely compatible with other games in a similar size range. When basing your Legion Imperialis models, keep in mind that using larger bases might enhance their presence on the tabletop.

Ultimately, the "scale" of Legion Imperialis is best understood as a stylistic choice that prioritizes visual impact and gameplay over precise numerical accuracy. This "heroic" scale contributes significantly to the game's unique character and aesthetic.