WHAT DO YOU REPRESENT?: A Good Collection of OSR PC Miniatures

QUICK BASICS OF A GOOD MINIATURE

Just as there are differences in the OSR vs 5E aesthetic in terms of art and adventure design, the same is true for miniatures that represent PCs. This in part is due to the increase of cheap, but sturdy plastics which allow for very dynamic poses. These dynamic poses are great for singular display, but sometimes provide too much action when moving around exploring. PC miniatures for 5E are in a perpetual state of charging or a swirl of magical energy. This just cuts against my desire for a more classical feel. 

I have some other qualifications for miniatures. Monster miniatures are the best when they can represent a sorta range of monsters not just the one specified on lists on the box. Or PC miniatures that can represent a variety of classes. A hooded figure with a staff could be a magic-user, elf, or druid. A figure in helmet, full plate, and a sword could be a variety of class types from fighter to paladin, elf, and any mix of gender.

Basically, the most archetypical the miniature is, the more bang for your buck I think you can pull out of it. Because it just needs to be a good representation, not a perfect replication. This also prevents the miniature from interfering with your world-building and means you have to haul around fewer plastics. This last bit is especially important with terrain (hint: use aquarium plants from pet shops)

Human Fighter by Bobby Jackson

Elf Wizard by Bobby Jackson

BUT ARE THERE ANY REALLY GOOD OSR MINIATURES?

I think I've found some in the Henchmen & Hirelings pack, again, from Reaper Miniatures and by Bobby Jackson (see a trend). Which seem to sell for $40 for 13 miniatures or ~$3 each. But looks like shopping around you can get some cheaper. 

The first awesome thing about this set is that many of the characters are holding both a weapon and equipment! A couple of minis even have 10ft. poles.

The second thing is that despite this set being billed as mainly hirelings, these miniatures look like first or second-level characters. The equipment is not perfect and a lot of the characters seem to me to have vestiges of former (failed) professions. And there is enough variety that you can see that magic-users, thieves, and fighters are represented. True there is no strong cleric or demi-human character but its a good collection. This would also be perfect for DCC.

The third thing is that the expression on each character's face and their stance is more of a mix of wariness, fear, and uncertainty than heroic bravado. This, combined with their gear, gives the set a bit of a Black Adder feel which is kinda how I like to frame my games. Kinda like you're a former pig farmer in a fairy tale setting who is pretty sure this talking fish you just caught is trying to screw you over. But you really need the cash so you're gonna go along with the fish's stupid plan anyway. Maybe get a title out of it.