First of all let me just say thank you for your patience as this episode ran late! We had a technical failure where the files of all the interviews I recorded became corrupted… which caused delays as I scrambled to schedule repeat interviews where I could due to scheduling! But here we are… done and live! - Carl

A full year of hobby progress is coming to a close as Carl, Chelle, and Adan sit down to unpack everything the 2025-26 Hobby Progress Challenge became. Around three hundred hobbyists answered the call back in September, and by the time the dust (and the plastic shavings) settled, the community had painted well over eighteen hundred units between them.

The hosts dig into who stuck it out for all twelve months, which bonus categories the community embraced and which ones got left gathering dust on the sprue, and crown the participants who topped the leaderboard through sheer bloody-minded consistency. Expect community voicemails, a few honest confessions about which of the three hosts actually kept pace with their own challenge, and a hard look at what it really takes to paint through an entire year without losing steam.

The actual ending of the Hobby Progress Challenge is at the end of this month, and the drawings for prizes will happen (hopefully live!) in the first week of September. This has been our most successful run of this event so far! Thank you for being a part of it!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 1:07:10 - Fresh Blood for 11th Edition: Part 1
• 1:43:10 - Fresh Blood for 11th Edition: Part 2
• 2:19:10 - 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 281 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, Josh, and Adan are joined by Blake, better known to the community as "Big Nasty B", from Life After the Cover Save! Blake brings his own perspective from across the hobby to the table as we dig into a variety of topics currently on the minds of 40k players everywhere.

Whether you're a veteran general or newly initiated into the grim darkness of the far future, The Warrior Lodge always has a seat at the table for you - and this time around, we've pulled up an extra chair.

We hope you enjoy this episode of The Independent Characters!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 1:03:45 - The Warrior Lodge: Part 1
• 1:43:35 - The Warrior Lodge: Part 2
• 2:08:20 - Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

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

The dust is still settling on the launch, of 11th Edition, and this edition is more than rewrite the datasheets - it has redrawn the battlefield itself.

Objectives are no longer abstract circles on the cloth; they are terrain, fought over and held, and the table now has a correct shape in a way it never did before. For the competitive crowd, that clarity is a gift. But what about the rest of us - the ones who came to Warhammer 40,000 for the story?

In this episode, Carl, Josh, and Adan ask the question: has the new edition quietly designed narrative play out of the core box? They dig into the shift from objective markers to objective terrain, the creep of tournament layouts into the standard game, and the worry on every kitchen-table general's mind - is 11th simply too deadly to be played on the boards we actually love to build?

Along the way, they pull the conversation back from the ledge, mapping out how thematic objectives, flexible layouts, and a little fearless house-ruling can keep the soul of narrative gaming alive and well in the new edition. And with a fresh wave of hobbyists arriving on the heels of the launch, we make the case that the intention was always meant to be a sandbox, not a courtroom.

Pull up a chair, set the terrain however you like, and remember - the rulebook is a tool, not a cage.

We also have an announcement coming shortly for all levels of Patreon Subscribers who want a sticker from our Pride Month Sticker for free. Expect to hear about that in the next day or so. If you want one... or two.. we will send it out to you!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 1:15:15 - New Rules, old Narrative
• 1:39:45 - Old Narrative, new players
• 2:03:00 - Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! - SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
• Darcy Bono Creations
• Hobby Homeworld
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

With 11th Edition launching this month, there has never been a better moment to hand a friend a Space Marine and say "let me show you something." A new edition resets the table - rulebooks, starter sets, and community energy are all aligned toward accessibility, and even veteran players are re-learning the game right alongside newcomers.

In Episode 279, we dig into the art of hobby mentorship: how to recognize this rare window of opportunity and use it to bring new and younger players into the grimdark future without overwhelming them before they ever roll their first dice.

We cover the full journey of introducing someone to Warhammer 40,000 - from choosing the right entry point to starting with the story rather than the stat blocks. We share the mistakes we made when we first started, reflect on what we'd do differently, and offer practical advice on how to read your new player - whether they're a painter at heart, a lore lover, or someone who just wants to push cool models around a table and roll fistfuls of dice. The key, as always, is meeting them where they are and letting their enthusiasm lead the way.

Whether you're mentoring a friend, a family member, or a complete stranger at your local game store, Episode 279 is your guide to growing this hobby the right way - one new player at a time.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 1:07:10 - Fresh Blood for 11th Edition: Part 1
• 1:43:10 - Fresh Blood for 11th Edition: Part 2
• 2:19:10 - Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

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

In Episode 278 of The Independent Characters, Carl takes us along for the ride at The Maelstrom Mixer - a fantastic community event. Carl breaks down how the event is structured, walks you through the games he played, and shares the stories behind the people he met across the table. Whether you've attended a Mixer before or have always been curious what all the fuss is about, this is your inside look at what makes this kind of event so special to the narrative and community side of Warhammer 40,000.

Then we turn our attention to one of the most exciting things to come out of the new Armageddon launch box - the Dominatus Deck. This innovative new system promises to transform the way groups run Warhammer 40,000 campaigns, weaving individual battles together into a living, breathing narrative while keeping the bookkeeping refreshingly light.

We walk through the full four-step campaign loop: from rolling to determine contested locations and their war zone rules, to reading Alliance Briefing cards that set the narrative stakes, pursuing thematic Agendas instead of standard objectives, and earning Battle Honour or Battle Skill cards that follow your units through the campaign. At phase end, controlling alliances claim location bonuses and powerful Relic cards; all building toward a climactic three-phase arc that culminates in one decisive final battle.

If you've ever wanted a campaign system that tells a great story without drowning you in paperwork, the Dominatus Deck might be exactly what we have all been waiting for.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:22:00 – The Maelstrom Mixer
• 1:07:00 – Dominatus Deck Discussion
• 1:35:15 – Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! – SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies – SPONSOR
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

What happens when an edition starts showing its age and a new one looms on the horizon? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh take a hard look at the end of 10th Edition and what GW's own history tells us about what comes next. Because this isn't the first time the 40k Universe has gone through a transition, and if you know where to look, the patterns are hiding in plain sight.

From the Narrative Avalanche of closing Warzones – the 500 Worlds, the Maelstrom, and the legendary return of Armageddon – to the historical precedent set by the Gathering Storm and the return of Guilliman at the end of 7th Edition, the crew breaks down exactly how GW winds down an edition and why, even in the chaos, it's actually a great time to be a fan.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. 11th Edition previews are already dropping, and the internet is already on fire. Cover rule changes, new terrain layouts, character reveals; the crew walks through what's been shown and, more importantly, how to think about it clearly before the hot takes take over. Plus, we tackle the very real challenge of Rules Bleed (that maddening moment when your brain defaults to the old rules mid-game) and share practical tips for making a clean transition into a new edition.

The edition may be ending, but the episode is just getting started!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:21:40 – Crossing the Edition Rubicon: Part 1
• 1:06:20 – Crossing the Edition Rubicon: Part 2
• 1:44:35 – Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

• The Independent Characters Patreon
• Tablewar! – SPONSOR
• Herrick Games & Hobbies – SPONSOR
• Adepticon
• Games Workshop
• The Black Library

What happens when The Independent Characters descend on Milwaukee for four straight days of Warhammer 40,000, other tabletop gaming, and everything Adepticon has to offer? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh bring you their full review of Adepticon 2026, the games they played, the people they met, and the moments that made the trip worth it all.

But this year, the crew wasn't just attending. They were running the show! Well... specifically the Warhammer 40,000 Flex event for the second year in a row. This is quickly becoming one of the convention's most dynamic, welcoming, and inclusive Warhammer 40k events, across all four days. What goes right, what goes sideways, and what keeps players coming back year after year?

From the convention floor to the event organizer's perspective, we share the experiences, the highlights, and the hard-won lessons from one of the best weeks the hobby has to offer. Whether you've been to Adepticon or it's been on your bucket list, this episode will make you feel like you were right there with us.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice
• 0:12:00 - Hobby Progress, and Games Played and Adepticon Review Part 1
• 1:26:15 - Games Played and Adepticon Review Part 2
• 2:35:15 - 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 275 of The Independent Characters, we dive into one of the most satisfying corners of the hobby: Model Rescue & Restoration. Whether you've stumbled across a dusty army at a swap meet, grabbed a suspiciously cheap eBay lot, or inherited a box of badly painted miniatures from a friend, second-hand models can be a gold mine waiting to be rediscovered. In this episode we talk about how to evaluate used armies before you buy them, what warning signs to watch for, and how rescuing older models can save money, preserve classic sculpts, and give forgotten miniatures a second life on the tabletop.

We also break down the practical side of the rescue process, from how to safely strip paint from plastic, metal, and resin models, repair broken parts, and rebuild units so they fit seamlessly into your existing collection. Along the way we share tips, tools, and a few cautionary tales from our own hobby workbenches. If you've ever looked at a battered old miniature and thought "this could be great with a little work," this episode is for you.

Episode 275 releases March 9th, 2026.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:57:45 – Model Rescue & Recovery: Part 1
• 1:47:50 – Model Rescue & Recovery: Part 1
• 2:05:10 – 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

What does it really take to stage a true Apocalypse game in the modern era of Warhammer 40,000? In this episode of The Independent Characters, we tackle "Staging the Apocalypse" - a deep dive into running cinematic mega-battles at 3,000+ points per side without letting the game grind to a halt. We will talk about how to make colossal games feel epic rather than exhausting, and we break down ideas on how to design, structure, and pace large-scale narrative events so every turn stays snappy and every player stays engaged. From table setup and activation structure to personal objectives and dramatic end-game triggers, we explore how to think like a Game Master instead of a tournament organizer. How do you handle Titans and super-heavies without drowning in dice rolls? And how do you end a mega-battle with a cinematic conclusion rather than fatigue on turn three? We share practical tools, hard-earned lessons, and the philosophy behind making these games unforgettable. We also address the big question: how do you run Apocalypse-style events now that Games Workshop no longer actively supports the format? With the right mindset and a willingness to simplify, narrative mega-battles may be more accessible, and more rewarding than ever.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:59:50 - Staging the Apocalypse: Part 1
• 1:35:10 - Staging the Apocalypse: Part 2
• 2:12:55 - Final Discussion and Show Closing

Relevant Links:

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

Episode 273 of The Independent Characters is headed straight into the Legends Graveyard - that strange, dusty corner of Warhammer 40,000 where beloved units go when they're retired from active service. In this episode, we take a look at what it really means for a unit to be moved to Legends status, what restrictions come with it, and why it can feel like a gut punch to longtime hobbyists… even when it makes sense from a rules and balance perspective. If you've ever stared at a shelf full of classic models and wondered "Can I still play these?", this episode's for you. We also dig into where Legends units still shine brightest: narrative games, campaigns, Crusade, and casual play - and how a quick pre-game conversation can keep things fun, fair, and cinematic. Along the way we share our Top 3 Legends units we wish had stayed in the game, and our Bottom 3 that we're honestly kind of relieved to see retired. Finally, we zoom out and talk about what Legends means long-term for Games Workshop's approach to older models, and what it signals about the future of Warhammer 40,000.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:58:25 - The Graveyard of Legends: Part 1
• 1:24:00 - The Graveyard of Legends: Part 2
• 2:12:25 - 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