It has always been a mystery to me why the Burmese type armies are not used more by war gamers. They are colorful armies, use many elephants, and unlike the Indian armies I see all time, have mixed units of crossbow and spears. Perhaps, because of the belief that Burmese terrain is usually jungle, many players feel that it is too hard to represent that terrain on the tabletop. Nothing could further from the truth.

Most chroniclers indicate that battles took place in the open areas, away from the jungle, though at times an army might anchor its flank on a jungle stiffened by a flank guard concealed in the growth. Open fields were rolling and very characteristic of the open terrain in Vietnam, which I'm sure many of our readers recall. Ngasaunggyan (1227) was described by Marco Polo as being fought on an open plain with woods behind both the armies. There was also raids and skirmishes and stockade storming, all which make for interesting skirmish gaming with the Burmese as well.

Top to Bottom: Khmer, Burmese, and Sui and Tang figures

Outpost Wargame Services has released a fairly comprehensive line of miniature figures covering the Khmer Kingdom, the Burmese Kingdom and alliances and Sui & T'ang Chinese Empires who were their enemies.

The figures are cast of pewter. Some come with separate shields to facilitate better casting and are detailed enough to paint up decently without a lot of effort. The figures are reminiscent of Thistle & Rose's work, and are 16mm from top of head to toe, 18mm if you factor in the base. I am especially impressed with the Burmese, since most of the information concerning these warriors comes from badly eroded reliefs and diminished archeological finds, yet these little chaps look correct when held up to light of the limited historical references obtainable. Many of the figures come in assorted poses. The elephants are especially nice. Horses, always hard to sculpt, are good and have an oriental "look" to them which I believe adds to these guys distinctiveness.

The figures are conveniently imported here in the US at Brookhurst Hobbies, Ph: (714) 636-3580 or you can fax them at (714) 636-9150. Brooklmrst's website is www.brookhursthobbies.com. They are available in England at the Outpost Wargame Services, Ph: 01670-736694.

The Khmer: Pack of eight foot costs $1.98, pack of four cavalry (horse & rider) $2.40. The war elephant with either warriors or artillery is 2.98 per figure, the Army commander on an elephant is $3.40. The range includes a fiery oil caster for $2.40 (I wasn't sent one of these novelties. Nuts!). Figures shown from left: 1.Maiden Guard (never attested to have fought.) 2. Unarmored spear, 3. Javelinman.

The Burmese: Pack of eight foot costs $1.98, pack of four cavalry (horse & rider) $2.60, the war elephant with platforms is $4.98 with howdah- the same, with just an archer 2.98. Figures shown from left: 1. Levy crossbowman. 2.Guard Cavalry (javelin separate) 3. Elephant with platforms, (6 javelins and 4 platforms are included)

The Sui & Tang: Pack of eight foot costs $2.20, pack of four cavalry (horse & rider) $2.60, Command packs both foot and mounted are $2.60. Extra shields and weapon packs, $2.20 per pack. Figures shown from left: I.Armored cavalry. 2.Armored archer, 3. Unarmored halberd 4. Foot Command.