Recently I convinced a non wargaming friend of mine to try the Hobbit/SBG as his first war game. He likes the idea of playing a game with the rest of our gaming group but he, of course, isn't so into the price. He wants to be a good army. Where do I start him off? Christmas is coming up so I could buy him a box or some paints and brushes and I could convert him up a Captain. I want to try making this army fairly cheap. Thanks guys

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"In the month of the dragon,
In the dark of the moon,
Can you see the reflection?
In the mirror of doom."

I think either Gondor or old Dwarves are the best options. The models are pretty popular and cheap, and high defence means that these armies are pretty forgiving, even when you're making many mistakes. I'd go with these.

Both Elves (Galadhrim the easiest from a single box) and Dwarves can build a 200pts army from a single box, if using some simple conversions for a hero and banner.

Could be:
Galadhrim Captain with Shield
3 Galadhrim Warriors w Elven blade
4 Galadhrim Warriors w Elf bow
3 Galadhrim Warriors w shield, spear
1 Galadhrim Warrior w banner

or

Dwarf King, two-handed weapon, throwing axes
1 Dwarf Warrior, shield, banner
3 Dwarf Warriors, shield
2 Dwarf Warriors, two-handed weapon
4 Dwarf Warriors, Dwarf bow

Both a decent enough start for any larger army too. Of course, plenty of heroes are available for cheap from ebay and the likes, but I suppose these are some of the very cheapest basic armies possible.

Ebay---->Isengard---->fun themed and competitive. Oh and cheap.

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BLACKHAWK 2010 2013 2015 DYNASTY

Thanks guys, fingers crossed he'll stick around

_________________
"In the month of the dragon,
In the dark of the moon,
Can you see the reflection?
In the mirror of doom."