It’s that time again - the 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge is here, and we’re diving headfirst into all the details on this episode. Chelle, Adan, and Carl sit down to go over the rules of this year’s challenge, how it’s tracked, and what makes it such a fun and motivating way to tackle that pile of shame. Whether you’re painting for glory in the Emperor’s name or fueled by the whispers of Chaos, the HPC is your chance to stay focused, productive, and inspired all year long. We’ll also hear directly from our community. Listeners who took part in last year’s challenge share how the HPC helped them hit their goals, what they learned along the way, and what they’re looking forward to this time around. Their stories remind us that while prizes and painted models are great, it’s the camaraderie and encouragement that truly keep the brush moving month after month. Of course, we’ll be talking about the prize support too - because what’s a challenge without a few epic rewards along the way? With fantastic sponsors stepping up again this year, every month of progress not only builds your army but also earns you entries into our prize drawings. The 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge officially kicked off on September 1st, but it’s never too late to join in. Tune in October 1st to hear how it all works, get inspired by your fellow hobbyists, and take the plunge into a year of painting, progress, and shared passion for Warhammer 40K.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:25:20 - The 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge - Pt1
• 1:05:45 - The 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge - Pt2
• 1:25:30 - Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Goonhammer Media Network
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

In Episode 265, we explore what it means to be a hobbyist over time - from the first spark of excitement, to balancing life’s responsibilities, to rediscovering joy in unexpected ways. We’re diving into how the hobby grows with us, and how each phase of life brings something new to the tabletop.

This episode features reflections and insights from both our hosts and members of the community, sharing how their passion for Warhammer 40K has changed over the years, and what keeps them coming back. Whether you’re painting your first Intercessor or pulling out Rogue Trader-era minis, this one’s for you.

Join us as we celebrate the long game of 40K and the people who’ve made it a lifelong journey.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:31:40 - 40k For a Lifetime: Part 1
• 1:35:00 - 40k For a Lifetime: Part 2
• 2:04:10 - Final Thoughts and show closing
• 2:12:40 - 40k For a Lifetime: Secret Last Part

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Imperium Maledictum by Cubicle7
• Goonhammer
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

Episode 264 of The Independent Characters is one for the ages! This time, we’re not just joined by guests, we’re joined by legends. That’s right: the entire cast of Life After the Cover Save joins Carl in the Astronomicon! Ed, Blake, and Travis bring their unique brand of humor, hobby passion, and podcast chaos to join Carl and crew for one big crossover episode you won’t want to miss. The topic? One that’s bound to spark some debate... What are the greatest Warhammer 40,000 expansion supplements of all time? From the game-changing codex expansions that shaped entire editions, to legendary campaign books and wild narrative add-ons that still echo in hobby history - we’re digging deep, reminiscing, and arguing about which supplements truly stood the test of time. You’ll get laughs, you’ll get hot takes, and you might even find yourself dusting off some old tomes from your shelf once we’re done. Because let’s face it, everyone has their own “best of all time” picks, and we want to hear yours too! This one’s a celebration of the game, the supplements that shaped it, and the community that keeps it alive.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:34:00 - The Greatest 40k Supplements - Part 1
• 1:38:00 - The Greatest 40k Supplements - Part 2
• 2:17:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Goonhammer
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• The Beard Bunker
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

In Episode 263 of The Independent Characters, we open the doors once again to The Warrior Lodge, our roundtable-style discussion format where we bring together voices from across the Warhammer 40,000 community.

This episode, Carl is joined by Josh, Adan, and Skye as we dive into some of the most pressing topics currently sparking debate and reflection within the hobby.

Whether you’re a veteran player or newly initiated into the grim darkness of the far future, The Warrior Lodge always has a seat at the table for you.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Independent Characters!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 1:08:45 – The Warrior Lodge: Part 1
• 2:00:45 – The Warrior Lodge: Part 2
• 2:34:30 – Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! – SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies – SPONSOR
• Imperium Maledictum by Cubicle7
• Goonhammer
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library
• Gamers Grass Bases

In episode 262 of The Independent Characters, we delve deep into the shadows of the Imperium with a close look at Imperium Maledictum, the Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying game from Cubicle 7. Carl is joined by guest hosts Lars, Thom, and Steve; each bringing their unique RPG experience to the table, as we unravel the mysteries and mechanics of this investigative game set in the decaying heart of the Imperium.

We begin with an exploration of the setting: This is a desperate and fractured region of space known as the Macharian Sector. The players serve shadowy patrons; from Inquisitors, Rogue Traders and Adeptus Mechanicus. Adventures revolve around investigations and surviving political intrigue, heretical threats, and the oppressive weight of Imperial bureaucracy. The game’s tone is one of paranoia, secrets, and moral ambiguity - perfectly capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40k universe from a civilian perspective.

Then we dive into the core mechanics and ruleset of Imperium Maledictum. From the D100-based skill checks to the Patron system that shapes your party’s resources and objectives. We will explore how the game encourages teamwork, narrative depth, and immersive roleplaying.

Whether you're a veteran of previous Warhammer RPGs, such as Rogue Trader or Dark Heresy, or new to roleplaying in the 41st Millennium, this episode will help you understand why Imperium Maledictum stands out as a compelling and richly detailed approach to role playing.

If you ARE interested in purchasing the game after listening to this episode - please use our link below as it helps us with our Cubicle7 relationship.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:35:20 - Imperium Maledictum: Part 1
• 1:22:45 - Imperium Maledictum: Part 2
• 1:49:52 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Imperium Maledictum by Cubicle7
• Goonhammer
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

In Episode 261 we’re thrilled to welcome back our longtime cohost and friend, Adan Tejada, to The Independent Characters! Adan joins Carl for a wide-ranging discussion that starts where many games and campaigns end - exploring the tools, techniques, and traditions that help preserve the epic narratives forged on the tabletop. From post-campaign surveys to lore write-ups, and archiving your group or clubs shared mythology, we look at how to give your games the grand epilogue they deserve. If your Warhammer stories stop once the dice go cold, you’re missing one of the best parts.

But that’s not all—we also sit down with Adan for a candid conversation about his recent 3.5-year stint working for Games Workshop. From staffing one of Southern California’s flagship Warhammer stores to managing a single-staffer shop, Adan shares insights on what it’s really like behind the counter. What works, what doesn’t, and how Games Workshop’s retail model functions on the ground floor all get covered in this honest and informative segment.

Whether you're building out your games epilogues or just curious about what goes on in your local Warhammer store, this episode offers something for every hobbyist who loves the game behind the game. It’s a look at the stories we tell after the battles are over—and the people who help keep the hobby alive in the real world.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 1:32:25 - After Action Reports: The story after the battle
• 2:21:15 - Working for GW: Tales from Adan
• 3:10:45 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Goonhammer
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• The Beard Bunker
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

The Independent Characters is a show focused on the universe of Warhammer 40,000. However, for one of the first times ever, we are going to take a slight tour and perhaps a dimension hop to discuss an Old World topic!

In this episode of The Independent Characters, we dive into the crumbling streets of the City of the Damned with Episode 260: Mordheim - Warbands and Wyrdstone.

Carl, Josh, and Jody explore the gritty skirmish game that captured the imaginations of Warhammer Fantasy fans back in 1999 and still lives on through a passionate community today. We’ll break down the core mechanics of Mordheim, how warbands are built and evolve, and what makes its campaign system so enduring.

Then, we recount our own recent two-day campaign weekend—hosted by Jody—where warbands clashed, wyrdstone was hoarded, and lasting stories were forged in the ruins. From preparation to final battle, we share the triumphs, tragedies, and unforgettable moments of bringing this classic game back to life.

While this isn't our usual content, if you're a veteran of the old world or just discovering Mordheim for the first time, this is an episode not to miss!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:21:35 - Mordheim: The Foundations
• 1:08:35 - Mordheim: Campaign Experience
• 2:22:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• War on The Shore 2026
• Adepticon
• Hexengarde Mordheim Terrain
• Broheim Necromunda Community Resources
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

Episode 259 is finally, our Show of Force episode about The World Eaters! To help us out, we have brought in World Eaters expert Brian Harvey, to help us understand what the Sons of Angron are all about... and what makes them such a fantastic army.

If you aren't aware of what our Show of Force Episodes are all about well here is your answer:

Show of Force is an ongoing series of episodes we will spread out through our releases of The Independent Characters. These shows take a look at each army in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe and seek to answer the question 'Why should you collect this army?'

As we have said from the beginning, we don't do "Codex Overviews" this is more of a celebration of the hobby from a specific point of view.

WARNING: These episodes can be dangerous to your wallet. Please listen responsibly!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:56:55 - Show of Force: The Red Tide - Pt 1
• 2:40:15 - Show of Force: The Red Tide - Pt 2
• 3:18:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Adepticon
• Lost to The Nails Podcast
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

Episode 258 of The Independent Characters discusses the future of Narrative Warhammer 40,000!

With the rumors and timetable of a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 ramping up, Episode 258 sees The Independent Characters discussing where we would like to see the focus of narrative style games shift.

This episode contains round-table speculation on what Crusade (or its successor) might look like in the next edition, plus a wish-list to Games Workshop for more social, story-first support.

Additionally we have an interview with the founder and creator of the Rapid Fire Dicebox! This is a really great product that I have seen in person and really thought it was thematically clever. I neglected to lead into the interview - but it comes just before the show closing.

We hope you enjoy Episode 258.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, & Games Played
• 0:54:00 - The Future of Narrative Part 1
• 1:42:45 - The Future of Narrative Part 2
• 1:42:45 - Interview: The Rapid Fire Dice Box!
• 2:54:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Adepticon
• Goblin Hobbies - Makers of the Stampin' Plates
• Maelstrom Mixer
• Rapid Fire Dicebox
• Rapid Fire Dicebox Kickstarter
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

This episode of The Independent Characters starts off with the usual segments. With Josh out of town, Chelle is stepping in to discuss elite choice, hobby progress, and games played.

Then we pivot to discussions with on of the folks who have created and organized this years Maelstrom Mixer, a large narrative event in San Jose. Brett joins us to discuss what it took to put on the event, what they learned from previous years, and where it is going in the future!

Carl attended last year and had a fantastic time. So we will talk about the event, but also pull back the curtain on how one runs something like this.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 1:02:20 - The Maelstrom Mixer
• 2:21:45 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Adepticon
• Goblin Hobbies - Makers of the Stampin' Plates
• The Imperial Truth Podcast (Greg Dann's Charity discussed)
• Maelstrom Mixer
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library