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

In episode 272, Carl and Josh crack open The Aranthian Succession - Cinderak Burning, the opening salvo in a multi-episode series exploring how Necromunda's story is being pulled forward and woven more tightly into the modern Warhammer 40,000 timeline. This book doesn't just advance the plot—it reshapes the balance of power in the underhive, and sets the stage for a sector-wide reckoning that longtime lore fans will immediately feel.

In the first half of the show, we focus squarely on the narrative: the political upheaval of the Aranthian Succession, the rising tensions within Hive Primus, and what the burning of Cinderak means for the future of Necromunda, and its place in the wider Imperium. This is classic Necromunda storytelling, but told with a sharper eye toward the present 40K era, bridging gaps and modernizing the setting.

The back half of the episode shifts gears into the tabletop, breaking down the rules updates, campaign systems, and new tools this book brings to Necromunda players. Whether you're running a long-form campaign or just curious how these changes impact the game going forward, we've got you covered. And while Adan wasn't available for this episode, don't panic! His return is imminent. The Succession has only just begun, and there's a lot more to come.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:24:30 - Cinderak Burning: Part 1
• 1:02:15 - Cinderak Burning: Part 2
• 1:33:40 - 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

Episode 271 of The Independent Characters is our annual 2025 Warhammer Year in Review, and it's all about taking a breath, looking back, and celebrating another packed year in the hobby. We dig into our favorite releases of 2025 across games, models, and supplements, talk about what really landed for us at the table, and reflect on the trends that shaped how we played, painted, and engaged with Warhammer this year. As always, the conversation goes beyond just "what came out," touching on how these releases impacted our enjoyment of the hobby and the broader community.

This episode also marks the long-awaited return of Josh, who jumps right back into the mix and brings his perspective, enthusiasm, and sharp takes to the discussion. While Adan was originally slated to join us, a scheduling mix-up kept him from making the recording – but don't worry, he's very much part of the wrap-up. We'll be closing out 2025 properly with Adan in a special Patreon episode coming soon, where we'll finish the year together and add even more reflection to an already memorable season.

Episode 271 is equal parts retrospective, celebration, and setup for what's next – a fitting way to close the book on 2025 and get ready for whatever the next year of Warhammer throws at us.

We hope you enjoy!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
• 0:58:45 – 2025 Warhammer Year in Review Part 1
• 1:28:20 – 2025 Warhammer Year in Review Part 2
• 1:56:40 – 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 270 of The Independent Characters, we bring our monumental exploration of Titans to a close by venturing beyond the Imperium to the heretical, alien, and utterly bizarre god-engines that stalk the galaxy. In this second part of our two-part series, we delve into the corrupted Chaos Titans of the Dark Mechanicum - twisted reflections of their loyalist kin whose Machine Spirits have long since merged with the daemonic will of the Warp. From Iconoclasts and Infernals to the infamous Daemon Engines of the Traitor Legios, we examine how the powers of the Warp reshape these once-holy engines into entities of madness and malice.

But the galaxy's gods of war are not limited to humanity's machines. We turn our attention to the Xenos Titans, the elegant, wraithbone Aeldari Phantoms and Revenants, the ramshackle yet terrifying Ork Gargants, and even the living, bio-engineered horrors of the Tyranids that serve as their own monstrous equivalents. Each race has its own vision of what it means to command destruction on a titanic scale, and their designs reveal as much about their cultures as their weapons do about their wars.

On the tabletop, we explore how these colossal war engines appear across games like Warhammer 40,000, Horus Heresy, Adeptus Titanicus, and Legions Imperialis, comparing their aesthetics, rules, and battlefield impact. Whether it's a Gargant's laughter echoing through the smoke, an Aeldari Titan striding like a ghost through reality, or a corrupted Warlord roaring praise to the Dark Gods, each represents a unique expression of power at its most absolute.

We hope you enjoy this episode!

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:26:00 - Engines of The Apocalypse (Part 2): Xenos & Chaos Titans - Part 1
• 1:06:10 - Engines of The Apocalypse (Part 2): Xenos & Chaos Titans - Part 2
• 1:41:35 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

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

Episode 269 of The Independent Characters strides onto the battlefield with a thunderous step as we begin a two-part exploration of the greatest war machines ever to walk the galaxy - the Titans. In this first installment, we turn our gaze to the Imperial God-Engines of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Collegia Titanica, delving deep into their origins, traditions, and the awe-inspiring lore that surrounds them. From the Titan Legions of the Great Crusade to the battles of the 41st Millennium, we trace how these towering avatars of the Omnissiah came to symbolize the Imperium's divine right to rule through fire and steel.

We discuss the classes and hierarchy of Imperial Titans - from the swift Warhound Scout Titans to the legendary Warlord and the near-mythic Imperator - and examine the sacred bond between the Princeps, Moderati, and their god-machine. These are not mere machines, but walking cathedrals of destruction, powered by faith and fury in equal measure.

On the tabletop, Imperial Titans have taken many forms across Games Workshop's systems, and we look at how these behemoths are represented in Warhammer 40,000, Horus Heresy, Adeptus Titanicus, and Legions Imperialis. Whether you command a Titan Maniple in Adeptus Titanicus or field a Warlord in an Apocalypse-scale 40K battle, these engines of war have remained a constant source of fascination and terror. We also discuss the stunning models that bring them to life; each one a feat of design that captures the impossible scale and grandeur of the Imperium's god-machines.

This episode marks the beginning of our most monumental topic yet, and it's only the first half of the story. In Episode 270, we'll turn our auspex toward the Xenos counterparts; the alien god-engines of the Orks, Aeldari, and beyond to see how other races of the galaxy answer the thunderous challenge of the Imperium's Titans!

We hope you enjoy the show.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:49:45 - Engines of The Apocalypse: Imperial Titans - Part 1 (First Half)
• 1:36:30 - Engines of The Apocalypse: Imperial Titans - Part 2
• 2:04:45 - Final Thoughts and show closing

Relevant Links:

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

Episode 268 of The Independent Characters lumbers onto the battlefield just in time for Halloween – and it's a dark and twisted one!

When we set out to cover both the Imperial Knights and their blasphemous counterparts, the Chaos Knights, it quickly became clear that the topic was far too massive for a single episode. Carl's optimism got the better of him (again), and what was shaping up to be a five-to-six-hour show had to be cleaved in two. Thus, our Show of Force: Oaths and Damnation has become a two-parter.

This episode, we descend into the shadows to explore the corrupted Knight Houses that turned their backs on honor and swore allegiance to the Dark Gods. Carl and Adan take you through the lore, the tabletop presence, the terrifying rules, and the evolution of these towering engines of damnation. From the infernal bargains of the Infernal Houses to the ruthless traditions of the Iconoclasts, Chaos Knights embody the darker half of this story, and they arrive on October 31st to haunt your feed.

So lock your hatches, ward your soul, and prepare for a Halloween-ready dive into the corrupted grandeur of the Chaos Knights.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 0:29:00 – Oaths & Damnation – Part 1 (First Half)
• 1:03:30 – Oaths & Damnation – Part 1 (Second Half)
• 1:44:15 – 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

Episode 267 of The Independent Characters arrives right on schedule, and it's a big one, both in content and in subject matter. This time, we're striding into the battlefield with not one, but two colossal armies in our latest Show of Force. Join us as we explore both the Imperial Knights and their dark reflections, the Chaos Knights. These towering engines of war have a presence on the tabletop and in the lore that is impossible to ignore, and we're diving deep into every aspect of them.

Edit: So as we started recording – we realize that this would turn into a 5-6 hour episode. Carl was, once again, too optimistic regarding how much we could cram into an episode. So we made the decision to divide this topic into two parts. Episode 268 will cover the Chaos Knights as Part 2 of Oaths and Damnation.

Over the course of the episode, we cover their origins and history, the unique culture of the Knight Houses, and how those sworn oaths of loyalty can either lead to noble service to the Imperium or a fall into the corrupting grip of the Dark Gods. From lore to codex, units to battlefield roles, we've got it all packed in.

As our Show of Force Episodes go – we'll also take a look back at their evolution over the years – how these armies have grown in design, rules, and miniature range to become some of the most striking models in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

Carl and Adan – as well as a special guest, will unpack the details of these armies over the course of several hours. Fire up your void-shields because Episode 267 releases on October 18th, 2025.

Time Stamps:

• 0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress
• 1:00:40 – Oaths & Damnation – Part 1 (First Half)
• 1:54:10 – Oaths & Damnation – Part 1 (Second Half)
• 3:23:10 – War on The Shore Narrative Event!
• 3:46:30 – 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

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