The six volumes of Tékumel army statistics list 345 separate military formations, each of which has several types of troopers, archers, and commanders. Despite the current heroic efforts of Howard Fielding and the stock of figures produced by previous companies, official figures will never model more than a small fraction of the military units of Tékumel. Indeed, some whole nations (e.g. Livyánu) have never been represented with an official figure. In light of this reality, most Tékumel collectors turn to stand-in or proxy figures, i.e. figures not produced as Tékumel figures but which resemble the drawings in the source material.

There’s no official guide to proxy figures and identifying proxies is art not science. Certain Tékumel figures are easy to substitute. Mrur, for example, are essentially skeleton warriors and many companies produce useable figures. Similarly, vorodlá are winged undead warriors and many companies make suitable figures as gremlins or under other names. And if I drop you beyond the pylons, you will not be able to tell the difference between a Dzor and a (three-eyed) troll.   On the other hand, many of the military formations are not as easy to substitute and require new shields, weapons, or other modifications as well as a certain intangible Tékumelani look..

What follows are some suggestions drawn from Tékumel literature and my own observations. Honestly speaking, not all the figures listed below impress me personally as good proxies. For example, some fans seem to think any half naked female figure (painted olive) is a potential Tékumel figure.  But it’s a matter of personal taste.  I welcome further discussion in the comments, but, to me, most proxies are very disappointing.

(Some of the figures identified over the years as good proxies are now less useful because subsequent official figures have filled gaps. For example, Howard now produces good hlutgrú figures. I have marked “OBE” proxies with an asterisk.)

Naismith Design

Robert Naismith of Naismith Design in the United Kingdom made a range called “Aztecs 1475-1520.” In the 1980s, The Imperial Military Journal recommended figures AZ1 through AZ16 as good proxies for Tékumel figures:

AZ1                 “Good Livyáni fanatic or generic light infantry.”
AZ2-AZ4          “Good light troops”
AZ6-AZ9          “Good medium or heavy troops”
AZ-9                 “Excellent Mu’ugalavyáni light or medium’’
AZ-15               “Banners make excellent standards”
AZ-16               “Good light troops”

The Imperial Military Journal said Naismith’s Mayans also made good Livyáni medium infantry. Interestingly, there is no mention of Naismith’s Incan line. Naismith did the Aztec and Mayan lines in both 15mm and 25mm. The 25mm Naismith figures that would work as proxies are now almost impossible to find. When proxies are rarer than the actual Tékumel figures it’s a collecting problem.

I have no photos of the rare Naismith figures.

Ral Partha

Ral Partha was one of the early producers of official Tékumel figures and Barker, Dave Sutherland, and Craig Smith provided the company with many drawings. I am not accusing anyone of anything improper but I think it’s fair to say that some of the flavor of Tékumel may have leaked into other Ral Partha figures. Thus, some old Ral Partha miniatures are highly sought after as proxies. Scroll through the Ral Partha eBay listings and you’ll find many figures that if suitably painted could substitute for Tékumel figures. The following are some specific suggestions from over the years (all 25mm):

ES-1 = 01-004     Cleric, with serpent staff = generic magic-user (Source: Jeff Berry)
ES-5 = 01-005     Winged Gremlin = vorodlá (Source: Jeff Berry)
ES-6 = 01-006     Patriarch  = generic magic-user (Source: Jeff Berry

ES-7 = 01-007     Winged Serpent = vringálu (Source: Imperial Military Journal)
ES-8 = 01-010     Hill Troll = dzor (Source: Imperial Military Journal)
ES-10 = 01-008   Zaftig Maiden= generic female (Source: Jeff Berry)

01-021                 Elf Princess = generic princess (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-022                 Elf Lord = generic male warrior (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-029                 Sorceress = generic female magic-user (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-030                 Wraith = shunned ones (Source: Jeff Berry)

01-036                 Witch = generic female magic user (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-037                 Monk = generic magic user (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-046                 Undead War Band = Mrur (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-053                 Siren = generic female magic user (Source: Jeff Berry)

01-054                 Ghoul = shédra (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-055                 Enchantress = generic female magic user (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-061                 Werewolf = rényu (Source: Imperial Military Journal)
01-062                 Trill = hra (Source: Imperial Military Journal)

01-066                 Necromancers – used in Barker’s games as NPCs and PCs
.                                (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-073                 Clerics – used in Barker’s games as NPCs and PCs (Source:
.                                Jeff Berry)
01-076                 Elven Personalities = general adventurers (Source: Jeff Berry)

01-165                 Dancing Girls (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-170                 Thieves Guild (Source: Jeff Berry)
01-173                 Sorceress on Palanquin with bearers (Source: Jeff Berry)

02-001                 Wood Elf w/Bow = Tsolyani Legion of Elechu of Usenanu 30th
.                                 Imperial Archers (Source: Imperial Military Journal)
02-002                 Wood Elf w/Bow = generic light archer, militia or peasant (Source: Jeff
.                                      Berry)
02-003                 Wood Elf w/Bow = generic light infantry archer (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-004                 Wood Elf w/Pike = generic light infantry (Source: Jeff Berry)

02-006                 Sea Elf, w/ Upright Pike* = Gurék of Ngáku (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-007                 Sea Elf Advancing* = Gurék of Ngáku (Source: Imperial
.                                Military Journal)
02-008                 Sea Elf w/2 Handed Sword (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-009                 High Elf w/Axe (Source: Jeff Berry)

02-010                 High Elf w/Sword (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-011                 High Elf Advancing w/Sword = Mu’ugalvyáni (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-012                 High Elf w/Spear (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-014                 High Elf Firing Bow = generic or Livyáni medium infantry archer (Source:
.                                   Jeff Berry)

02-019                 Elf Command Group = Tsolyáni infantry (Note: there are five
.                                 figures in this set; the figure with the standard and
.                                 the trumpeter resemble the legion of Kaikama of Bey
.                                 Su; the armoured figure with spear would also work
.                                 well, but the other two figures would not) (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-021                 Deep Elf w/Bow = Livyáni archer (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-023                 Deep Elf w/Halberd = Livyáni Lüneb of the Black Veil based
.                                 at Neihái (Source: Imperial Military Journal)

02-040                 Skeleton command group = Mrur (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-044                 Skeleton melee group = Mrur (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-045                 Skeleton melee group = Mrur (Source: Jeff Berry)

02-104                 Warriors of Chaos = Axeman = Mu’ugalavyáni infantry (Source: Jeff
.                                 Berry)
02-105                 Chaotic Bowmen = (Archer) Ghatóni and (Crossbow)
.                                Mu’ugalavyáni (Source: Jeff Berry)
02-107                 Chaotic Pikemen = generic Mu’ugalavyáni infantry (Source: Jeff Berry)

42-305                 Aztec Arrow Knights (my collection)

42-309                 Aztec Warriors (my collection)

42-320                 Inca General on Litter (my collection)

42-321                 Inca Command Group (my collection)

42-322                 Auquiconia Bodyguards (my collection)

Iron Wind

91-000 = 03-171 Grand Mystic* = Lord Freshsháyu hiTurukén, Kérdu of the
.                                Legion of the City of Chrí (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-002                 Royal Elf Archers (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-003                 Royal Elf Centurions (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-004                 Royal Elf Spearmen (Source: Jeff Berry)

91-006 = 03-172 Tyrennian Champion = command figure (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-008 = 03-173 Exemplar (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-009                 Whisperer (Source: Jeff Berry)

91-404                 Principiate Spearmen (my collection)

91-600 = 03-184 Infernal Elf Desolatier (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-602                 Infernal Elf Spearman (Source: Jeff Berry)
91-421                 Sand Elementals = Shunned Ones (Source: Jeff Berry)

H-021                  Pirate Maiden w/Sword = generic female fighter (Source: Jeff Berry)
H-031                  Red Priest = priest of Dra (Source: Jeff Berry)
H-047                  Ape = Chnelh (Source: Jeff Berry)

H-124 = 04-124  Gunderman Pike, leveled = generic infantry, especially Salarvyáni
.                               (Source: Jeff Berry)
H-125 = 04-125  Gunderman Pike, upright = generic infantry, especially Salarvyáni
.                               (Source: Jeff Berry)
H-221 = 04-221  Turan Infantry, spear = Milumanayáni or Saa Allaqiyáni (Source: Jeff
.                                Berry)
H-222 = 04-222  Turan Infantry, scimitar = Milumanayáni or Saa Allaqiyáni (Source: Jeff
.                                Berry)
H-223 = 04-223  Turan Infantry, spear = Milumanayáni or Saa Allaqiyáni (Source: Jeff
.                                Berry)
H-245 = 04-245  Turan Infantry, command = Milumanayáni or Saa Allaqiyáni (Source: Jeff
.                                Berry)

RAFM Lines

2008                    Dream Warriors = QumQum (Source: Brian Murphy)

3697                    Priestesses

3698                    Women Fighters = Aridani Caravan Guards (Source: Brian Murphy)
3430                    Goddess on Throne = Noble Lady reclining (Nayari?)
.                                (Source: Brian Murphy)

3885                    Crypt Guardian/Underground Guard (Source: Brian Murphy)
3604                    Rock Worms = Nshe forming (Source: Brian Murphy)

3615                    Necromancers = Skull Priests (Source: Brian Murphy)
3076                    Elf Dragon Tongue = Forbidden Weapon (Source: Brian Murphy)
.                           Reptiliads = Very close to Qol (Source: Brian Murphy)

3728                    Wizard’s Adventure Party (my collection)

RAFM also had an impressive line of siege artillery recommended to Tékumel fans, as there has never been an official artillery figure, though I believe Howard has artillery in his future plans. (Source: Imperial Military Journal)

Reaper

02621                  Laurana, Sorceress = Priestess of Dilinála (Source: Jeff Berry)
02042                  Merith = Priestess of Vimúhla (Source: Brian Murphy)
02056                  Dragoth = Dhi’chune (Source: Brian Murphy)
02101                  Jade = Dlamélish Variant (Source: Brian Murphy)

02326                  Britta, War Maiden (Source: Jeff Berry)
02448                  Dancing Girls (Source: Jeff Berry)
02630                  Frogmen* = Hlutgrú (Source: Jeff Berry)
02722                  Witch = Yéleth (Source: Brian Murphy)

02723                  Felicia = Arena Aridáni (Source: Brian Murphy)
02725                  Alaine = Armored Aridáni (Source: Brian Murphy)
02749                  Jade = Dancing Priestess (Source: Brian Murphy)
02754                  Bloodwolf = hyahyú’u the whooper (but with two eyes) (Source:
.                                Brian Murphy)

02762                  Tuilin = Priestess of Stability (Source: Brian Murphy)
02780                  Water Elemental = Nshe Variant (Source: Brian Murphy)
02781                  Bledsoe = Sorcerer (Source: Brian Murphy)
02782                  Warl = Assassin (Source: Brian Murphy)

02800                  Skeleton Warrior = Priest of Skulls (Source: Brian Murphy)
14051                  Janna, Female Barbarian (Source: Jeff Berry)
14065                  Dark Elf Queen (Source: Jeff Berry)
14048                  Fatima = Karakán Priestess (Source: Brian Murphy)

14064                  Mummy Captain = Mummy (Source: Brian Murphy)
14071                  Crimson = High Priest Summoner (Source: Brian Murphy)

Crocodile Games
According to Jeff Berry, these “well-sculpted” figures resemble early drawings by Barker.  Crocodile Games also publishes a “Wards of Aegyptus” rules set, which one fan has recommended for Tékumel battles.

WGE-102             Asar Priestess of Isis
WGE-111             Master of Words
WGE-113             Asar Priest of Osirus
WGE-114             Asar Priest of Horus
WGE-125             Asar Hero

According to Berry, the Asar fighting figures work well as caravan guards, clan troops, and generic light to medium troops. The Crocodile mummies and undead figures work well as command figures for Sárku legions.

Harlequin Miniatures

According to Jeff Berry, these have a good “Tékumel” feel but the shields need modification.

HM-1076            Shadow Elf Lords
HM-1077            Shadow Elf Knights, set 1
HM-1078            Shadow Elf Knights, set 2
HM-1079            Shadow Elf Crossbows, set 1

HM-1080            Shadow Elf Crossbows, set 2
HM-1081            Shadow Elf Assassins
HM-1082            Shadow Elf Arbalist and crew
HM-1083            Shadow Elf Sacrificers

HM-1084            Shadow Elf Sorcerers
HM-1087            High Elf Command
HM-1088            High Elf Guard, set 1
HM-1089            High Elf Guard, set 2

HM-1090            High Elf Fighters, set 1
HM-1091            High Elf Fighters, set 2
HM-1092            High Elf Fighters. set 3
HM-1093            High Elf Archers, set 1 = Tsolyáni archers

HM-1094            High Elf Archers, set 2 = Tsolyáni archers
HM-1095            High Elf Heroes
HM-1221            Saracen Command I
HM-1222            Saracen Lords

HM-1223            Saracen Heroes
HM-1224            Saracen Fighters
HM-1225            Saracen Assassins
HM-1227            Saracen Vizier and Guards

HM-1228            Saracen Slaves Guards
HM-1229            Saracen Command II
HM-1230            Saracen Elite Guards
HM-1231            Saracen Archers

HM-1232            Saracen Command III
HM-1233            Saracen Palace Guards
HM-1234            Saracen Flying Carpet Archer
HM-1235            Saracen Vizier on Flying Carpet
HM-1236            Saracen Flying Carpet Archer
LR-2001             Corsair Archers, set 1
LR-2002             Corsair Archers, set 2
LR-2003             Corsair Archer command
LR-2005             Corsair Spearmen, set 1
LR-2006             Corsair Spearmen, set 2
LR-2007             Corsair Spearmen Command

I-KORE Miniatures – “Celtos” line:

Jeff Berry recommends these figures as proxies but notes that some of the weapons need modification. The Sidhe blister pack figures match drawings done by Craig Smith around 1980 for a line of proposed Salarvyani figures.

Sidhe – Personalities:
12102               Faeron, Fire Wizard
12103               Midhir, Wizard of the Four Winds
12105               Mebh, the Ice Witch
12106               Arianrod of the Obsidian Spear
12107               Drakon-Sul (Swordsman in full ‘fantasy’ plate)

Sidhe – blister packs:
12109               Elf archers, set 1
12110               Elf Guardsmen, set 1
12111               Elf Retainers, set 1
12112               Elf Archers, set 2

12114               Elf Great-swords, set 1
12117               Elf Male Musician
12118               Elf Female Standard-bearer
12119               Elf Retainers, set 2
12120               Elf Guardsmen, set 2
12122               Elf Archers, set 3
12123               Elf Retainers, set 3
12124               Elf Male Standard-bearer

12125               Elf Female Musician
12126               Elf Guardsmen, set 3
12127               Elf Retainer Leader, male
12128               Elf Retainer Leader, female
12129               Elf Guard Leader, male
12130               Elf Guard Leader, female
12131               Elf Archer Leader, male
12132               Elf Archer Leader, female
12133               Elf Great-swords, set 3

Gaels – Personalities:

12310               Queen Eaobhinn
12333               Eriu, Female Champion with Greatsword
12335               Caer, Female Champion with spear

12340               Princess Cliodna with bearers = a good command figure
12341               Cathbad the Druid = a perfect match for Kerdu Narkodlan hi Qoyelmu

Gaels – blister packs:

12314               Warriors with one-handed weapons, set 1
12315               Warriors with two-handed weapons, set 1
12316               Warriors with one-handed weapons, set 2
12317               Warriors with two-handed weapons, set 2
12318               Warriors with spears, set 1
12319               Warriors with staff slings

12320               Warriors with spears, set 2
12321               Warriors with staff slings, set 2
12322               Warriors with one-handed weapons, set 3
12323               Warriors with two-handed weapons, set 3

12324               Warrior with standard
12325               Warriors with staff slings, set 3
12326               Warriors with spears, set 3
12327               Female Warrior musician
12328               Female warrior with standard

12330               Warrior musician
12350               Female Swordsman leader

Formorians
12405               Formorian Sirens = excellent vorodlá

Warhammer/Citadel

83-30               Chaos Daemonette = Yéleth Attacking (Source: Brian Murphy)
54-39               Death Cult Assassins = Aridáni Duelists (Source: Brian Murphy)
46-16               Eldar Uthwe Seer Council = Sorcerers (Source: Brian Murphy)
49-1                 Nightbringer = Summoned Lord (Source: Brian Murphy)
49-37               Necron Lord = Sárku Priest Variant (Source: Brian Murphy)
49-42,43          Tomb Spider = Mechanical Underworld Guardian (Source: Brian Murphy)
010104819      UltraMarine Captain = Ru’un (Source: Brian Murphy)
MO 0033          Aekold Helbrass = Minion of Vimúhla (Source: Brian Murphy)
85-38               Sorceress = Female magic user of Change (Source: Brian Murphy)
85-54               Harpies = Yéleth Attacking (Source: Brian Murphy)
85-14               Dark Elf Witches = Female Combatants (Source: Brian Murphy)
021402204      Sheikh Yadosh = Wealthy Merchant (Source: Brian Murphy)
021003901      High Elf Mage 1 = magic user of Stability (Source: Brian Murphy)
021005206      Alarielle = High Born Lady (Source: Brian Murphy)
.                       Lizardman Banner Staves = Legion Banners (Source: Brian Murphy)
.                       Lizardman Glyphs = Wall Friezes (Source: Brian Murphy)
.                       Chaos Wall 1 = Skull Wall Decor (Source: Brian Murphy)
020711604      Casket of Souls = Underworld Casket (Source: Brian Murphy)
020702207      Mummy 5 = Mummy (Source: Brian Murphy)
0519-1             Arkhan the Black = Sárku Grand Adept (Source: Brian Murphy)
91-06               Skeleton Warrior Rgt. = Mrur (Source: Brian Murphy)
B019                Bloodbowl Amazons = Female Warriors (Source: Brian Murphy)
.                       Mordheim Amazons = Female Magic Users (Source: Brian Murphy)
20-55               Sigmarite Augur = Mad One Female or Fanatic Priestess (Source:
.                            Brian  Murphy)

7157                 Eldar Exarch Dire Avenger = The Llüneb of the Dead Hand of Ouyo (my
.                                collection)

Truthsayer (Source: Bob McCord who calls it “the most Tekumel-like
.                        miniature”)
.                        Fimir = dzor (Source: Bob McCord)
.                        Dark Elf Crossbowmen = Tsolyáni Tumissa Crossbowmen (Source: Bob
.                                McCord)
.                        Tyranid Termagent = Hlyss (Source: Bob McCord)

Chronopia

2326          Stygian the Drugged (my collection)

Earthdawn

345                    Death’s head Nethermancer (my collection)

Metal Magic

1026d                  Zombie (my collection)

c1033m             Elf (my collection)

Amazon Miniatures

Sumo Wrestler = Livyani sorceress (Source: Bill Acheson)

Old Glory Miniatures

.                        Trojan Javelinmen = any light infantry (Source: Bob McCord)

Heroclix

.                        Death Demon = Diodaz of Dlash (Source: Bob McCord)