Getting some minis - where do you get yours?

[Vargo]

I'm starting up a campaign here pretty soon, first one I've ever run. I'd like to get my hands on some miniatures, but there are several issues:

1. I know WotC has some kind of "collectible" miniatures set thing going on, but that you get random draws. I'm looking for specific types of minis, and am not interested in doing the random thing.

2. I don't care what material they are made out of, or if they're painted already or not.

3. Cost is definitely an issue.

4. I need some kind of storage container for them.

Any suggestions on the above?

In advance, thank you!

 

[Darkwolf445]

Warhammer miniatures cover a good range, though monster selection may be limited (Unless you want orcs, goblins, ogres, trolls, and the like).

Plastic or metal.

Unpainted.

Generally 8-12 per package, depending upon type.

Non-random.

Also, Reaper (metal, unpainted, large variety).

 

[rose4100]

if your looking for special creatures with warhammer it can be VERY EXPENSIVE. But if you want a horde of base creatures (undead, humans, rat people or what not) its alright i guess. Good quality models but pretty expensive for D&D in my opinion (i play warhammer so i know the cost).

but if you want one rock'in mini to represent your character then warhammer is good.

I'd say go to your local hobby/geek hang-out (if you have one) and ask around for D&D mini's. We use the wotc mini's only because three of our players also collect them so we have a pretty big pool. But sometimes we buy a box and see whats inside, then incorporate the creature into the adventure. It adds a splash of excitement and fun to the game.

"and we fight a... Rakasha?! sweat god!"

 

[megamania]

For variety and price you can not beat Ral Partha. There are others also-

Can't find my links but Google Ral Partha , Fantazation and there are some other net stores. Good stuff to be found.

DDM figures work well if you try e-bay to get commons and uncommons. Rares can get pricey (5-50 dollars EACH)

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

A friend of mine makes paper minis, using pennies to add weight. Other than minis to represent PCs, they have minimal artwork (eg color and number).

So I could say all the red ones are guys with swords, all blue ones have maces, and the green one is shouting orders.

 

[Hawkshere]

Metal minis are nice if you paint them, and the quality is high, but so are the prices. Ral Partha is widely regarded as the best buy in general fantasy minis.

The D&D plastic minis are cheaper, and are widely available on the secondary market, but again, you get what you pay for. The most common figures have the simplest paint jobs, but can be had cheap and in large numbers. For your typical humaniod and undead hack fodder, its hard to beat the DDM secondary market (eBay, plus numerous online shops); just google "d&d minatures". The commons often sell for around 50 cents as singles, but you can often find collected bands of like themed minis even cheaper. Uncommons (the next step up) are better looking and go for less than a dollar up to 10 dollars depending on the size and demand. There are crazy prices listed for some of the rares; that's where the collectability really distorts prices.

Just avoid the retail boosters and the aftermarket rares, stick to the common and uncommons of your choice, don't get ripped off for shipping, and you'll be fine.

Edit: Oh yeah--one of the things I like best about DDM is be able to storing them in ziplock plactic bags. I just bag them by type and box them when not in use.