I don't know if you need this type of article, but it's short and sweet. I first mount my figures on 3/4" x 3/4" cardboard counters from Lou Zocci enterprises.

1. Paint the base with "Life Like landscape cement" or paint.

2. While still wet dredge figure through ordinary play sand. I get mine out of the kids sand box. If you don't have a covered sand box, watch for gifts from the neighborhood cat.

3. Once the cement and sand has had time to dry, paint with a thick wash of green paint, and then let dry. (The sand will grumble some when you paint, so don't worry.)

4. When dry, dry brush over with a light (almost lime green) to highlight the high spots.

5. Spray entire figure with a clear sealer, this will harden the base and protect it from crumbling.

This method allows for a textured base that gives your figures a professional look. For the more adventurous try gluing bits of the long landscape grass to the base.

To achieve a more broken ground look follow the same technique as above, but paint base with a dark brown paint, and dry brush with a light tan or beige. When this is done apply small drops of paint or glue and dredge in a green Flocking material. It provides a churned up look to the base.

For group mounted figures I will glue the terrained figures to the large stand, then apply glue to the cracks between them. Dredge the entire base, and let dry. Apply paint and flock as above and Viola! It may sound like a lot of work, but it pays off in looks, not to mention adds weight to the figure. This method works very well for the gamer who likes individually mounted figures, particularly for those that play 25mm. This may be old hat to many out there, but for you that want to jazz up the warband give it a try. I don't know if this will be of any use to you, but feel free to use it. The technique is nothing new, but it really does dress up and army. retlaw@juno.com