I was getting ready to build a new army in late 2010 after finishing the Warriors of Chaos. Knowing how much is required to build an entire army, I examined the possibilities exhaustively. I poured over multiple editions of several army books, looked at source material, considering every angle as I weighed my options. I'm embarrassed to admit there were spreadsheets involved. Plural.
In the end I had narrowed down the list from every fantasy and 40k army to only three. I chose the Space Marines, but the remaining two remained strong contenders until the very end. Bretonnia was one of those silver medalists, and could easily have become the army I did in 2011. However, I knew that there was a fatal flaw in the range that would fight me tooth and nail as I constructed the force. The other two armies didn't have this problem, and so the Knights of the Grail fell by the wayside.
The problem that held back my decision?
In the end I had narrowed down the list from every fantasy and 40k army to only three. I chose the Space Marines, but the remaining two remained strong contenders until the very end. Bretonnia was one of those silver medalists, and could easily have become the army I did in 2011. However, I knew that there was a fatal flaw in the range that would fight me tooth and nail as I constructed the force. The other two armies didn't have this problem, and so the Knights of the Grail fell by the wayside.
The problem that held back my decision?
The models.
While the Bretonnian army range isn't quite the mess that the Dark Eldar were, they're still in pretty bad shape. Most models are outdated, many barely supported, and there's still way too much metal. They do have the benefit of an all-plastic core; ironically enough the peasants have the best looking models relative to the rest of the range. But Bretonnia isn't about low-born, it's about knights in shining armor. If GW is going to bring this army up to par for an update in 2012 and beyond, they basically need to reboot the heart and soul of this army. And let's not forget the most important argument for new Bretonnians; the massive sales that would come from every single space marine player who wants a piece of the action. Good knights make for good marines, and nothing lines the pockets of corporate like new marine kitbashing options!
Here's what I see on the road to a successful return for the champions of the grail.
Boxes to Keep
While all of these boxes could use a little freshening up, there are other selections that really need the attention more. GW could easily keep these boxes exactly as they are without the army suffering.
Repackage the Knights
Here's what I see on the road to a successful return for the champions of the grail.
Boxes to Keep
- Men-At-Arms
- Peasant Bowmen
- Pegasus Knight
While all of these boxes could use a little freshening up, there are other selections that really need the attention more. GW could easily keep these boxes exactly as they are without the army suffering.
Repackage the Knights
The curent knights errant/knights of the realm box is a fine example of GW's ability to release a box that fits more than one function. We've seen this more recently in several other boxes, including the beautiful hexwraith/black knight combo box. I see this function playing a key role in the reboot.
 |
| Knight Errant |
This box would contain a more back-basics approach to knighthood. Less ornamentation and lots of weapon options are the keys here. Questing and Errant Knights have a lot in common, it's their motivations that set them apart. Where the Errant Knight is inexperienced, the Questing Knight has given up the trappings of nobility to attain a higher goal.
Errants are crazed and headstrong, something which could be conveyed by gaudy imagery, wild faces, and primitive decoration. Questing knights by contrast have anointed armor, great weapons, ornaments to mark them being on a holy mission. It's just like the difference between Blood Claws and Grey Hunters from the Space Wolves; one is all attitude, the other stoic determination.
Errants are crazed and headstrong, something which could be conveyed by gaudy imagery, wild faces, and primitive decoration. Questing knights by contrast have anointed armor, great weapons, ornaments to mark them being on a holy mission. It's just like the difference between Blood Claws and Grey Hunters from the Space Wolves; one is all attitude, the other stoic determination.
 |
| Knight of the Realm |
Knights of the Realm / Grail Knights
Speaking of the Space Wolves, GW needs to take a page from their own playbook with this new kit. The Wolf Pack box was overflowing with options, and if GW is going to issue a box that is literally required in every Bretonnian army, it needs that level of variety.
As for the Grail Knights, the designers have quite the task on their hands. I believe this is where a multi-purpose box of this nature would really shine. Giving the hobbyist the ability to dress the knight to the appropriate level would not only result in a metric ton of customized knights, but the usefulness would stretch deep into the range as a whole. Perhaps a Knight Errant unit champion needs an ornamented shield, or a Pegasus knight could use a more intricate lance; this is where you would find those solutions.
And as long as we're completely revamping the knights, I would personally like it if GW moved away from the hood-ornament helmet approach. All of these knights have helmets that intrinsically linked to a spirit-animal, go full tilt and make some amazing designs that really speak to the source of the inspiration, rather than a bolted-on afterthought.
As for the Grail Knights, the designers have quite the task on their hands. I believe this is where a multi-purpose box of this nature would really shine. Giving the hobbyist the ability to dress the knight to the appropriate level would not only result in a metric ton of customized knights, but the usefulness would stretch deep into the range as a whole. Perhaps a Knight Errant unit champion needs an ornamented shield, or a Pegasus knight could use a more intricate lance; this is where you would find those solutions.
And as long as we're completely revamping the knights, I would personally like it if GW moved away from the hood-ornament helmet approach. All of these knights have helmets that intrinsically linked to a spirit-animal, go full tilt and make some amazing designs that really speak to the source of the inspiration, rather than a bolted-on afterthought.
 |
| No more hood-ornament helms GW; you're better than that. |
Field artillery box
This is an opportunity not only for Bretonnia, but Warhammer Fantasy in general. There's always talk of castles and siege warfare, but up to now there has been little-to-no model support for said weaponry. GW could do something really cool by bringing transforming the Trebuchet into an expandable plastic kit. By offering a modular timber-based frame and a number of interchangeable options, they could not cover not only the trebuchet, but ballista, catapult, and battering ram with one box. A box like that would have massive appeal to the Warhammer audience, not just Bretonnian players.
 |
| Questing Knight |
Mounted Yeomen
Bretonnia is the undisputed master of cavalry, no doubt about it. But when is it too much? If you count Pegasus Knights, there are already five mounted units of Bretonnians; do we really need six? It would be nice to see these guys bought up to speed in a box similar to the Chaos Mounted Marauders, but only that. The focus of Warhammer has always been that having a horse/cold one/whatever is a mark of status, not necessarily so with these guys. They definitely have their place, but if GW only has so much resources to commit to a reboot, I wouldn't want these guys taking away from the real focus of the army.
Grail Reliquae Bearers
I see these guys very much like the empire flagellants, only a bid more morbid. At the very least it would be nice to see this bought into finecast, but really, there are more important models to consider...
 |
| Grail Knight |
With the King, Green Knight, and the Fey Enchantress all in finecast, GW is at a bit of a crossroads with the people in charge of the proceedings. Looking at what has been done with the empire hqs, it would be great to see a combined plastic box for Damsels on foot and horseback.
More importantly, in an army as rich in heraldry as Bretonnia, an instant best seller would be a plastic lord box like we've seen from the Empire, High Elves, and Orcs. Then we could finally get our hands on a proper plastic Bretonnian BSB.
Conclusion
Options, options, options. When you're mustering a war-host of this caliber, you want them to look their best. Armies are a huge commitment of time and money; it's GW's job to make sure it's worth it for us to invest. With intelligent box redesign, modular kits, and plenty of plastic, Games Workshop can make 2012/2013 a year to remember for the champions of the Grail.
More importantly, in an army as rich in heraldry as Bretonnia, an instant best seller would be a plastic lord box like we've seen from the Empire, High Elves, and Orcs. Then we could finally get our hands on a proper plastic Bretonnian BSB.
Conclusion
Options, options, options. When you're mustering a war-host of this caliber, you want them to look their best. Armies are a huge commitment of time and money; it's GW's job to make sure it's worth it for us to invest. With intelligent box redesign, modular kits, and plenty of plastic, Games Workshop can make 2012/2013 a year to remember for the champions of the Grail.
