Do you use miniatures

[ForceUser]

The scary thing for me is that my miniature collection now numbers over 600. I had a few metals from the first 20 years of gaming, but I have bought over 600 D&D Miniatures in the past 6 months.

What is surprising is how many of them are or will be useful.

The sculpts and paintjobs are getting better and better as well. The Aspect of Orcus is great; the Evermeet Wizard is beautiful. (There are braids in her hair, held by a flower-clasp.)

Cheers!

I'm with Merric. I have bought hundreds of the WOTC minis over the past 6 months. I also use Reaper & Ral Partha minis for PCs, and dice, coins and counters for mooks. I love using minis, I think they add a lot to the game.

 

[Pants]

I've jumped on the WotC Mini bandwagon (only for Archfiends so far, the other sets kinda sucked paint job wise).
I also have a nice collection of Chainmail and Reaper Pewters. My painting powers aren't that impressive and I really HATE painting the same fig over and over again. Plastics are a blessing in that regard, however every once in a while I get the urge to paint.

 

[fourthmensch]

I definitely use miniatures, and have since the beginning. Can't really imagine playing without them. In my experience they speed things up, help avoid confusion, and encourage the players to think tactically (Ok, I vault over the table, kick under the chair, etc...). I understand that some people may think that "tactical thinking" refers to a wargaming mentality that detracts from roleplaying, because it is partially correct. At least at my game, when the minis get busted out it means that all other options have been explored and now swords have been drawn.

And there's nothing like when the players finally reach the heart of the dragon's lair, then you smile and plop down that red dragon mini and say "You see THIS."

I have a massive bin of old Ral Partha and Grenadier figures that have turned almost black with age )), and a smaller stash of newer painted Reaper figures. Recently I've discovered Rackham and Magnificent Egos, but they're more expensive so I really only get them for special occasions. I don't really care for GW's style, and I am heartily disappointed in the WotC minis. I can't argue with the number you get for the price, but I detest not being able to buy the minis that I want, and (Orcus and elven wizard aside) I find the quality sorely lacking. Really, though, its just a preference, because I really enjoy painting my own minis.

 

[Toscadero]

I started 24 years ago when some players in the group had their own miniatures. Dice (everyone has too many) represented everything else. Today I've got miniatures from a number of companies (Reaper is a favorite). I've also picked up some WOTC plastic monster minis from ebay where I get groups of 5-10 pieces cheap. The monster minis have helped a lot in larger melees and against monster types. I've also started using the Hirst Arts molds to craft 3D rooms and corridors. The miniatures and rooms add a lot to the atmosphere and presentation.

That being said, if I want to run the combat quick and move on with the adventure, I'm not adverse to drawing the room on scrap paper and using dice (I've still got too many) for PC's and monsters. Whatever works for the situation and pace of the game.