We’re over a month into 2024 already, and I managed to get a few things done and finished in January.

Perhaps the most notable was getting to roll some dice and have a game. We played Brutal Quest, using the city of Mordheim as the setting, and adapted a scenario from the excellent Sci-Fi Skirmish Scenarios book to give us something to play for. It was a lot of fun.

I did plan to have an audio battle report on the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast like we’ve done in the past. However, instead of recording a pre-game, mid-game, and post-game chat, I recorded the audio from the entire game. It seemed like a worthwhile experiment, but in hindsight, I’ll struggle to edit three hours of audio into a listenable podcast episode. Hopefully a wee video into and some photos will suffice.

The deadly ruins of Mordheim

The good guys

The bad guys

The Wandering Monster – an idea we pulled from Sci-Fi Skirmish Scenarios.

Baddies’ Hobgoblin Sorcerer Zargul Fireweaver hits a speculative long-range fireball in the 19th minute of injury time.

In 15mm News

My Battlemasters-inspired bad guys 15mm army now has three full units, I’ve added some trolls and Chaos Warriors into the mix, alongside my Orc Warriors and big rock demon-type guy.

I say Battlemasters-inspired because we have greenskins and Chaos Warriors fighting on the same side. And because Battlemasters was a really cool game. My Chaos Warriors (along with my other 15mm units so far) need some decals on their shields, but I’ll get to that when I get to it.

I did the troll’s skin with the Frostheart contrast paint. Here are some work-in-progress pics.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Man O’War and Armada have been recently discussed topics on the podcast, and I’ve been slowly building my own fleet to set sail, too.

I picked up these nice Man O’War proxies on Etsy. A Royalist Galleon, three Royalist Corsair Ships, and three Royalist Buccaneers.

I got some Armada-appropriate sized MDF bases from Warbases and used Vallejo Plastic Putty to create the sea effect.

I’m using the Asurmen Blue contrast paint on the water, dry brushed with my old pot of Skull White. That’s also a mid-90s Enchanted Blue around the edge. I’m going for a bright and bold look with these ships, rather than getting too involved in the smaller details.

Sarah, Hoggle, Ludo, & Didymus

I posted recently about how my daughter has gone mad for Labyrinth, and that I’d painted up a Jareth miniature.

She’d been going on about “getting her own toy”, and I found these great wee miniatures on Etsy. They’re made of a very durable plastic, which is handy. I’ve just started to paint them up for her, though she still plays with them in between, and has managed to chip the basecoats a bit. I’m not being precious about it, though. They were bought to be played with by a two year old.

But it’ll be a few years before she gets to push these around…

I first heard about the concept of “slow hobbying” in a 2021 episode of the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast. During this conversation, guest Rik talked about a blog post on the Ninth Age forums (which sadly no longer seems to be available). The idea struck a chord with me, and it’s always something I’ve wanted to revisit and try to solidify.

With that in mind, here is an (admittedly quite grandiose-sounding) attempt at a “manifesto” for the Slow Hobbyists out there.

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In the realm of tabletop miniature wargaming, we, the Slow Hobbyists, proudly declare our allegiance to a philosophy that values depth over breadth, tradition over trends, and the joy of a well-crafted experience over the rush of the new. Our manifesto stands as a testament to our commitment to the slow and deliberate pursuit of the hobby we love.

1. A Miniature-Agnostic Approach

We embrace a diverse array of miniatures, choosing models based on our personal preferences rather than succumbing to the pressure of the latest releases. Our armies are a unique reflection of our individual tastes and creativity.

2. The Art of Patience

We reject the notion of instant gratification and embrace the slow, meditative process of painting. A little progress each week accumulates into a masterpiece over the course of a year. Our armies are not just collections; they are the product of patience, dedication, and love for the craft.

3. Deep Dive into Rulesets

We immerse ourselves in the intricacies of rulesets, delving deep into the nuances of each game system we adopt. We value mastery over variety, savouring the richness of each rulebook and relishing the strategic depth that comes with a profound understanding of the mechanics.

4. Resistance to Hype

We resist the allure of new releases and the constant drumbeat of hype that surrounds them. Our choices are guided by genuine interest and the desire for a lasting connection with our miniatures and the games we play. Trends may come and go, but our commitment endures.

5. Nostalgia as a Guiding Light

We cherish the nostalgia of old rules systems, classic miniatures, and the timeless aesthetic of traditional craftsmanship. Our journey is a celebration of the history and evolution of the hobby, honouring the pioneers and the classics that paved the way.

6. Quality over Quantity in Gaming

We may not have the opportunity to play games frequently, but when we do, it is a cherished occasion. Each game is an immersive experience, and we savour the camaraderie, strategy, and narrative unfolding on the tabletop.

7. Favouring Storytelling and Narrative Experience

We prioritize the narrative experience on the tabletop, weaving rich stories around our armies and battles. Each miniature represents a character with a history, and every game unfolds as a chapter in an ongoing saga. The narrative adds depth and meaning to our hobby, transcending the mere mechanics of play.

8. Rejecting the Notion of Perfect Balance

We reject the pressure for every game to be perfectly balanced and fair. Embracing the unpredictability and quirks of the rules, we find joy in the narrative twists that arise from the unbalanced nature of our chosen games. It is in these imbalances that stories become more vibrant, unique, and memorable.

9. Being Good Stewards of the Hobby

We recognize our role as custodians of a rich and storied tradition. We lead by example, inspiring younger generations to embrace the slow, deliberate approach that defines our passion. We encourage patience, creativity, and a genuine love for the craft, nurturing a community where the values of the hobby endure and flourish, and all are welcome.

10. Community and Camaraderie

We build a community based on shared values, camaraderie, and a genuine passion for the hobby. Our gatherings are not just about the games but also about the exchange of ideas, tips, and the joy derived from our collective creativity.

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In embracing these principles, we, the Slow Hobbyists, stand united. Our journey is one of mindful creation, enduring appreciation, and a commitment to the timeless essence of tabletop miniature wargaming. Together, we forge a path that enriches our lives and leaves a lasting legacy in the world of miniatures and games.

Miniature wargaming is a fun and engaging hobby that can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. The costs can add up quickly, from buying the latest models and paints to investing in terrain and accessories. However, there are ways to enjoy the hobby without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting on a budget.

Start Small

It’s easy to get carried away when starting a new hobby, but it’s important to pace yourself. Start with a small army or a few models you can practice painting and playing with. This will not only help you to avoid overspending but also allow you to learn the basics before investing in more models and supplies.

Look for Deals

Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions from your local hobby store or online retailers. Many retailers offer deals on older models or stock clearance sales, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. You can also find deals on used models from online marketplaces or hobby forums.

Use Alternative Materials

There are many alternative materials that can be used for terrain and scenery, such as cardboard, foam, and even household items like paper clips and toothpicks. This can help you to save money on expensive terrain sets or scenery pieces.

Share Supplies

Consider sharing supplies with friends who are also into miniature wargaming. This can help to save money on supplies that can be expensive, such as paints or brushes. You can also swap models or trade paints and supplies that you no longer need.

DIY Your Accessories

Instead of buying pre-made accessories, try making your own. You can create your own dice trays, measuring tools, and even terrain pieces using materials like foam board, cardboard, and hot glue. This not only saves you money but also adds a personal touch to your wargaming experience.

Use Budget-Friendly Paints

There are many budget-friendly paint options available that can produce great results. Consider using craft paints or student-grade paints, which are often much cheaper than professional-grade paints but can still produce excellent results.

Learn From Free Resources

There are many free resources available online that can help you to improve your painting and playing skills. Watch tutorials on YouTube, read blogs, or join online forums to connect with other hobbyists and learn from their experiences.

Summary: Miniature Hobbying on a Budget

In conclusion, miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting can be enjoyed on a budget with a bit of planning and creativity. Starting small, looking for deals, sharing supplies, DIYing accessories, using budget-friendly paints, and learning from free resources are all great ways to save money while still enjoying the hobby. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting is a hobby that can take a lot of time and dedication. However, it’s possible to enjoy this hobby even when you’re short on time. In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting even if you’re struggling to find hours in the day.

Prioritize

When you’re short on time, it’s important to prioritize what’s most important to you. Do you enjoy painting the most, or do you prefer playing games? Decide which aspect of the hobby you enjoy the most and focus on that.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can help you make the most of your limited time. Set aside specific days or times to work on your hobby, and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Having a plan can help you stay focused and avoid wasting time.

Set Small Goals

When you’re short on time, it can be daunting to tackle a large project. Instead, set small goals that you can achieve in a short amount of time. For example, aim to paint one model or play one game per week. Achieving these small goals can help you stay motivated and feel like you’re making progress.

Simplify Your Projects

Instead of tackling complex painting projects or building intricate terrain, simplify your projects. Choose models that are easy to paint, or use pre-made terrain instead of building your own. This can help you save time and still enjoy the hobby.

Use Shortcuts

There are many shortcuts you can use to save time. For example, use spray primer instead of hand-priming your models, or use washes to quickly shade your models instead of layering paint. These shortcuts can save you time without sacrificing the quality of your work.

Find a Community

Joining a community of miniature wargamers, collectors, and painters can help you stay motivated and inspired. You can learn from others, share your work, and even find people to play games with.

Embrace the Process

Finally, it’s important to remember that enjoying the hobby is about the process, not just the end result. Embrace the time you have to work on your hobby, and enjoy the process of painting, building, and playing games.

Summary: Miniature Hobbying When Short on Time

In conclusion, even when you’re short on time, there are many ways to enjoy miniature wargaming, collecting, and painting. Prioritizing, planning ahead, setting small goals, simplifying projects, using shortcuts, finding a community, and embracing the process are all great ways to make the most of your limited time. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the hobby!

Imagine a tabletop where pink orcs battle green-skinned high elves. Where yellow dwarves hold out against hordes of blue-furred ratmen.

This is, of course, a highly exaggerated scenario of what it might be like to be a colour blind (or “colour deficient”, as my optician recently corrected) miniature painter.

I mean, for one, the colours of paints are written on the pots. So it’d be incredibly hard to get things so “wrong”.

I was first diagnosed with colour blindness at an early age, when a test was sprung upon me at primary school. You’ve probably had one yourself. You’re asked to pick out numbers or letters from these discs of coloured dots. It’s rare for me to find one I can spot.

I suppose the early signs were there – I thought grass was red for a brief period of my life. But as a fairly arty kid (I was decent at drawing) this wounded my pride a bit. You don’t want to be known as “bad” at anything when you’re young, so I’d sneakily check the names of colours written on pencils prior to using them. No more red grass and purple skies for me.

I started collecting and painting miniatures at primary school too – though I never gave the colour blindness thing a thought, in relation to it. At least as far as I can remember. As I say, the names of the colours were on the pots. Goblin Green was green for goblins, Sunburst Yellow was ideal for bits I thought should be yellow. And Blood Red was most definitely not for grass.

Then I did what most hobbyist kids do, and take a long break from around the age of 15. A break I never thought was “a break”, more of an “I’ve grown out of that”. But I came back to it all in my mid-30s – again – as many hobbyists do.

It was only then that I started to think about the colour blindness thing. There’s so much content out there aimed at helping folks with their painting, whereas, back in the day, we were limited to segments of White Dwarf once a month.

I became aware of terms like “colour theory”, “colour palettes”, and “the colour wheel”, which enable painters to use colour in an almost scientific way. You don’t need to look far to see the effects of this. The standard of painting out there these days is truly exceptional.

It’d be wrong of me to say that I couldn’t make use of colour theory myself. I simply haven’t read enough into it yet. This is purely because I try to make sure that 90% of my painting improvement time comes through practice, which leaves only 10% for consuming content and tutorials. I might get to it at some point in the future, and only then will I be able to determine whether or not it’s accessible to me.

The thing I struggle with the most in my painting is the classic “you’ve missed a bit” syndrome. This is because, depending on the colours I’m using, a primed area often won’t stand out to me as much as it probably would for most other painters. Likewise, I can make a small mistake and it won’t stand out to me at all, whereas someone else might spot it right away. I’m not complaining about this. Everyone will have their own unique challenges in the hobby, and this just happens to be mines.

I mentioned the usefulness of having paint colours written on the pots. But come to think of it, that isn’t always true of the modern Citadel paints. For example, I briefly used Naggaroth Night on the premise that it was blue (which was a silly mistake on my part, considering I know my Old World lore). It isn’t hard to find out the colours of paints if I’m in any doubt though, so again, I’m not complaining. Just observing.

I regularly publish pictures of my own painting work on this blog. I accept that I’m nowhere near the standard of many other miniature painters out there, not because of any colour deficiency, but because those folks have put a lot more hours of hard work into honing their craft. For me, it isn’t about comparing my painting with anyone else’s. It’s about looking at what I’ve done this month, compared to what I did 6 months ago, and thinking “there’s a definite improvement here”.

I paint miniatures because it’s a cathartic analogue hobby with steep learning curves and a pursuit of mastery. I don’t see colour blindness as a disadvantage because I’ve never known any different. If I only have my own work to compare against, then it can’t hold me back. I might not ever win a Purple Demon award, but I’m having a lot of fun. And surely that’s all that matters?

Next up: 8 Tips to Rekindle Your Miniature Painting Motivation

It’s the internet, and you’re never more than 2 feet away from an “inspirational” quote.

But the fact that most social media feeds are gummed up with images of people in yoga poses with meaningless slogans printed over them, doesn’t mean we can’t draw on some sage wisdom for our own hobby.

With that in mind, here’s my (ever growing) list of quotes that absolutely weren’t about painting miniatures, but at the same time, are totally apt for the craft.

Let’s dive in…

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“If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.” – David Bowie

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“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.” – Salvador Dali

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“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” – Anton Chekhov

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“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton

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“You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It’s easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.” – Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

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“Creativity doesn’t wait for that perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.” – Bruce Garrabrandt

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“True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Seneca

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“Human beings, it seems, are at their best when immersed deeply in something challenging.” – Cal Newport, Deep Work

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“The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day … you will never be stuck … That way your subconscious will work on it all the time. But if you think about it consciously or worry about it you will kill it and your brain will be tired before you start.” – Ernest Hemingway

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“You set yourself a goal and carry it out – not all at once, but over time. You use your hands or your body to create something.” – Erling Kagge, Silence in the Age of Noise

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“To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut

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“In the end, mastery involves discovering the most resonant information and integrating it so deeply and fully it disappears and allows us to fly free.” – Josh Waitzkin, The Art of Learning

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Is that you suitably inspired now? Ready to crack on and battle through that pile of shame? Great!

Be sure to bookmark this post. Next time you’re struggling to find the motivation, give it another once-over.

And I’ll be building it out over time with more great quotes as I either remember them, or stumble across them. Hopefully you’ve found it useful in some small way 🙂

Here’s to growing up with the tabletop miniature hobby…

Childhood. Another rainy day. A group of you. Packed into your friends bedroom.

Sprawled out on the carpet, battle rages. On all fours, you manoeuvre your forces through the crude cardboard terrain.

Your army advances. Barely a quarter of them decorated in your rustic painting style. Most of your troops wearing that uniformed plastic grey. The odd metal warrior gleams amidst their ranks.

Hastily glued together. Visible mold lines. Lumps and bumps from their birthing sprues. You drive them forward.

The chunky rulebooks you barely understand. Play pauses to debate a point of conflict.

You lie that you read something in White Dwarf. A special that rule lets you wipe out an entire enemy unit because you rolled a 3. There are no smartphones. There is no internet. Who can prove you wrong?

The rain lets up and cabin fever sets in. It’s back outside to play. But there’s a rematch a few days later. This time on your mum’s dining table.

Nearly two hours to set up. Everything just right. Those same armies size each other up from opposite ends of the table.

Everything just right? Well, maybe not. Adjust a few pieces. Do we have any more scenery? Standing over the table. Admiring.

Finally, battle commences. It’s turn after turn of tape measures. Advancing. Moving into position. Closer and closer they get. But then it’s dinner time and you’re ordered to tidy it all away. Not an arrow fired. Not a blow struck.

You’re going to paint your army. All of them. You’re going to get it all done. Soon.

A large Goblin Green stain adorns your bedroom carpet. There was trouble when it happened. You were more upset about the paint.

You’re going to get more miniatures. When you have the money. You’ve picked them all out. Pouring over the catalogue pages at the back of White Dwarf. You’ve even filled in the postal slip form.

The years roll by. Older. Other interests turn your head. The worlds of relationships and alcohol begging to be explored.

Gradually less painting. Gradually less gaming. A slow thing at first.

Then college, university, or work. You move out. Or decide to decorate your room. Either way, things have changed.

Your still largely unpainted force go into a box. Veterans of many campaigns. The unpainted infantryman with the bent spear. That cavalry regiment who shed infinite amounts of flock. The hero with the eyes painted like he’s undergoing an eternal prostate examination.

All of them, into the box. At ease, soldier. Stand down.

They stare up at you as the box lid shuts. The world goes black.

Ring Any Bells?

Alright, so no two hobby experiences are the same. But there are many similarities.

Similar childhood experiences. Similar reasons for stopping. Similar reasons for eventually coming back.

Maybe you have kids of your own now. Maybe you simply walked past a shop and curiosity got the better of you.

Whatever the reason, there comes a point where you open your first paint pot in decades, and think to yourself “here we go again”.

Once you’re back in, you realise how much has changed.

A monthly magazine once told you everything there was to tell. But now there’s the internet. Social media, blogs and podcasts keep you entertained and up-to-date around the clock.

So many companies. So many games. So many incredible miniatures.

You marvel at every photo you see. Everyone a master painter now. Were people always that good?

The Tabletop Miniature Hobby’s “Recently Returned”

The tabletop miniature hobby is a bit like a necromancer. It raises us from our long slumber. Adds us back into its ranks to fight once more.

Once resurrected, one of the first things I learned about was the fate of the Warhammer Old World. I remember thinking “wait… what!?”. But companies change. Things move on.

Then I discovered the concept of ‘Oldhammer’. The blogs and communities.

It was a joy to find the aesthetic that meant so much to me still being embraced and celebrated. In fact, the style is still alive and well in modern companies like Knightmare Games. They produce some fantastic miniatures.

I discovered incredible games like Mantic’s Kings of War, and Open Combat, by Second Thunder. I love these for a number of reasons.

Firstly, they helped exercise the demons of those chunky rulesets from back in the day. The having to wing it. The never actually finishing a game.

Their sleek, succinct, fat-free rules make them accessible to the beginner. And yet, they are difficult to master. Both addictive challenges that make you want to play them again and again.

There’s a more relaxed culture too. “You can use what you already have” is a refreshing break from the treadmill of always just needing that one more thing. “My hobbying will be great, as soon as I…” is a road that never ends.

Yes, many companies make their money from selling miniatures. And yes, there are more Kickstarters out there than there are stars in the sky. But jumping in maybe just doesn’t seem like the mountain it once was.

This is an entire subject of its own, and is well covered in mini series around Sustainable Gaming on the superb Paint All The Minis Podcast.

If you’re just back from a long hobby exile, I’d also recommend How Do You Start (or Get Back Into) the Miniatures Hobby?, an episode of CryinMo’s Tabletop Alchemy Podcast.

Mines are simply the ramblings of an enthusiastically returned tabletop miniature hobbyist. Nostalgic for the past, but excited for the present and future. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed, and perhaps even related to them.

And if you have, please share it out and give us a follow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I’d massively appreciate it 🙂

The miniature wargaming hobby has more layers than the proverbial onion.

Firstly, there’s the complete diversity of games and storyworlds out there. Some gamers focus exclusively on the historical, attempting to recreate real-life battles in the most authentic way possible.

Miniature wargaming also lends itself to the escapism of fantastical and science fiction universes. Here, the possibilities are endless. From a small group of Space Marines fighting their way through the cramped corridors of an alien-infested spacecraft, to a vast shambling horde of undead closing in on a beleaguered Imperial settlement.

Miniature Wargaming, Minus the Gaming

And yet, the actual “gaming” aspect could still be considered a small piece of the wider miniature wargaming pie.

Some people simply like to collect miniatures. Often, these collectors will be interested in the painting aspect. There are some world-class mini painters out there these days who’ve seldom rolled a dice in their life.

Others like to build terrain. This can range from simple trees and hills, to entire villages and cities. Often, these folks will be creating terrain in order to improve their gaming experience. But in some instances, the purpose may be to construct intricate dioramas and other such works of art.

It’s common for miniature painters to have an interest in converting and “kit bashing” their models too. Some may even choose to become sculptors themselves, and create original pieces from scratch.

A Tactile Hobby

Many have questioned why, in a world of state of the art immersive video games, there are still people who physically push static miniatures around a table.

Ostensibly, it seems like there’s no contest between miniature wargaming and its digital counterpart. Video games are so realistic these days, there’s no real set up or tidy up time needed, and the bar of entry is often as low as a one-off cost to buy a game.

Miniature wargaming on the other hand, requires quite a lot from the hobbyist. The buying and painting of minis, the learning of rules, the arranging of games and getting together somewhere to actually play your game of choice.

And yet, we do it. I think this is because there’s so much satisfaction in the hobby that simply can’t be replicated in a digital form. From manoeuvring that newly painted squad of warriors through those scratch-built ruins, to the direct social experience of you and your opponent playing out an immersive story on the tabletop in front of you.

A video game will spoon feed you every little detail of an experience. A tabletop miniature game on the other hand, is a collaboration between the physical pieces on the table, and your imagination.

Storytelling

That brings me on to the final (but in my view, most important) aspect of miniature wargaming.

The storytelling.

Yes, there are some hobbyists out there who play simply to win games. And if that’s what gives them the most pleasure, then all power to them.

But I think the vast majority of us look for the escapism in the miniature world we’ve physically built in front of us. That tangible sandbox we interact with – each one entirely unique in its own way.

These battlefields are often part of a wider world or universe too. Entire campaigns are created to fight out heroic sagas, either in the custom-built worlds of the gamer, or in popular and iconic settings such as the Warhammer Old World.

The layers and sub-layers of the miniature wargaming hobby are fascinating. Each of us has our own unique background and areas of interest, but what connects us mostly, is that we are storytellers.

Summary: The Miniature Wargaming Hobby

I’ve noticed a bit of a pattern in the hobby since I returned to it last year. And it’s exactly that – folks returning to their childhood passion after a long hiatus.

Of course, there are some out there who stuck with it through their late teens and early 20s. And there are others who didn’t collect or play at all as kids. But it’s very common to hear about people who thought they’d “grown out of it”, only to walk past a Games Workshop one day in their 40s, and… well, you know the rest.

I think this is great, because it shows the hobby stands the test of time, and it doesn’t matter what age you are. It’s also an excellent way to engage with your kids and get them involved in something physically creative. Something that can give them a rare escape from the world of smartphones, tablets, and Playstations.

For more on this, check out:

• Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast
• On Returning to the Tabletop Miniature Hobby
• Top 29 Tips For Beginners Paintings Minis

I’d love to hear about your own experiences and thoughts on the miniature wargaming hobby. Were you one of “the returned” – brought back to life by the great hobby Necromancer? Did you join on in later life? Or have you never been away since picking up your very first mini? Leave a comment in the comments section below, or tweet us to get the discussion going!