A miniature figure otherwise know as a miniature or simply mini is a small figurine commonly used in Role Playing Games, RPG. Though RPGs can be played without them, miniatures can help visualize where characters are during combat, such as which way each character is facing, who's fighting who, line of sight, etc. They are also used in tabletop wargames such as Heroclix, Mage Knight, and Warhammer. Some minis are superbly sculpted and are collectible in their own right.

The hobby of painting, collecting, and gaming with miniatures is descended from the toy soldier hobby. Traditionally, "toy soldiers" are sold pre-painted, and miniatures are sold "bare" and require painting. This distinction is blurring with the recent introduction of pre-painted plastic figures, such as those used in Clix games produced by WizKids.

Metalic mini's are led free as of 1993 (app.) when it was brought to the attention in New York due to health concerns. From then on miniature companies responded quickly and started casting mini's in different alloys wich were lead-free, this caused in most cases, an increase in price. Games Workshop utilize, like most companies, the White Metal alloy, it is a bit harder than lead but in respect doesn't break as easy or become poruse. Other companies, like Forge World, Armor Cast and MicroArts Studio use Resin ( polyurethane mostly) as their alloy.

Since I started collecting, the hobby has come a long way. From really badly sculpted, static, one part and without detail plastic figures to major plastic kits with multiple parts and amazing details. Also the metal counterparts have come a long way, the detailing on newer miniatures is amazing and this is in all respects due to the sculpting people.

Some of my favorite models include, but isn't limited to, GW Eldar Range (bet you didn't see that coming), Forge Worlds Eldar Revenant Titan, Dark Age Dragyir range, Reapers miniatures (alot of different ones I really like), Wyrd Miniatures and Crocodile Games Sebiki Line.