Review: Freebooters Fate Pirate Starter Set

The original studio photo... because I'm a clutz!

Much like I did with Bushido before it, I'm going to actually review the two starter sets I own for Freebooters Fate. The first of these reviews, as you can see from the title is the Pirate Starter set. Below that title however, you'll see the official website promo shot of the box. This is because I was so excited when reviewing these miniatures and prepping them for their pictures that I stupidly forgot to take a picture of the box and sleeve. Because I'm an idiot! Another thing to point out, although if you've read my introduction article to Freebooters Fate you'll already be aware of, is that these were given to me by Freebooters Miniatures to review. So as always I'm being upfront and honest about it because that's the sort of guy I am. Any way lets get on with the review.

Product Description

A fair criticism of my previous starter set reviews for Bushido was that I didn't actually include detailed enough close up shots of each individual miniature unassembled. So I'm rectifying that oversight with these reviews, so it might be a little bit picture heavy early doors!

Chuchillo and Pirate

As you can see from this picture, the Freebooters square bases come with a slight indentation where the scenic base insert each Freebooters Miniature comes with slots in. Both the Chuchillo and Pirate come in 3 pieces each (excluding that plastic base) and are a doddle to put together. The metal base insert actually makes securing miniatures to their bases easier.

Curly Ann, a sexy lady with a peg leg!

Next up we have Curly Ann, who has the most detailed base insert of the lot in this starter box. She comes in 4 parts, and at first glance you might wander what the hell is going on with the rifle arm. What's going on is that this miniature has been 'cut' exceedingly well. But I'll talk about that later on, there's also a pistol that actually requires some 'pinning' when assembling because there no obvious peg or notch to attach it to the miniature.

Captain Rosso

Finally we have Captain Rosso. Who is an absolutely splendid miniature he really, really is. I can't do justice to how well 'cut' this miniature is either as words sort of fail me. The over coat is shear genius and the way it sits onto Rosso's shoulders is just fantastic. His pistol and pipe hands also fit perfectly in their respective slots too. His hat is optional though and the studio miniature has it resting on the base, but I decided a Captain needed a hat. At 6 parts he's the most complex of the miniatures, but realistically like the others he's a doddle to put together.

There are also a few more items in the starter box besides the 4 miniatures. For starters there is the quick start rules that you will find in all the Freebooters Fate starter boxes. The rules come on a single sheet of paper. On one side you have the English rules, but on the reverse are also the German rules, so it could be educational as well! Having had sight of the full rules I think the quickstart rules do a pretty good job of distilling the essence of the game down. You'll want the full rulebook eventually but for getting started these are fine. But remember, if you want to play the game right away you'll need a pack of those specialist gaming cards as well. The final thing in the box is the character cards, of which there will be 8, 4 English and 4 German.
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