Realm of Chaos, Cosmic Horror, & Lovecraftian Random Events

Whether you’re fighting it out with a warband of daemons deep in the Chaos Wastes or exploring the horrors of Innsmouth in the world of HP Lovecraft, there is lots of potential for extraordinary and innovative random events. These can keep your games fresh, engaging, and cinematic, even if you don’t have another human opponent to play against.

I’m using the Brutal Quest/Planet 28 rules systems as my framework here, but they can easily be tweaked and ported over to any other ruleset. Just like these new traits, abilities, and spells, I used AI to help generate this list. With the right prompts, follow-up instructions, and light editing, the possibilities for narrative really are limitless here. Enjoy…

Realm of Chaos Random Event Table

Distorted Reality (Surreal): The very fabric of the realm distorts. All characters suffer -1D4 to their agility until the end of the turn as they struggle to move through the shifting terrain.

Twisted Terrain (Surreal): The battlefield transforms into an otherworldly landscape. Choose a terrain feature (e.g., a forest, rock formation). Characters within 10cm of this terrain are affected by a random supernatural effect until the end of the turn.

Ethereal Echoes (Supernatural): Ghostly echoes of past battles fill the air. All characters may make one extra action this turn. However, any character who slays an opponent this turn suffers -1 brutality as the ghostly echoes haunt their psyche.

Chaos Beastman

Daemonic Infusion (Supernatural): Chaotic energies infuse the battlefield. Choose one spellcaster character. They may cast one spell of their choice without spending an action this turn. However, after casting, they roll 1D6. On a roll of 1, they suffer mind death.

Twisting Shadows (Surreal): Shadowy tendrils reach out from the chaotic rifts, wrapping around a character’s limbs. That character may not make any actions or move this turn.

Flickering Realities (Surreal): The battlefield itself becomes uncertain. Roll 1D6 for each character at the beginning of their turn. On a roll of 1, the character is briefly transported to a random location on the battlefield. Roll 1D10 to determine where.

Chaotic Surge (Supernatural): Chaotic energy surges through one character’s body, making them temporarily invulnerable. Choose one character (yours or your opponent’s). That character gains immunity to damage until the end of the turn but cannot attack.

Baleful Mirage (Surreal): Illusory duplicates of all characters appear on the battlefield. Until the end of the turn, opponents must declare their target before making any attacks or actions, and then roll 1D6. On a roll of 1, they target a duplicate, and their action is wasted.

Chaos Incarnate (Supernatural): The embodiment of chaos takes form on the battlefield. Choose one character (yours or your opponent’s). They become a living conduit of chaos, gaining +3 brutality points but also suffer 1D6 damage at the end of their turn as the energies consume them.

Lovecraftian Cosmic Horror Random Event Table:

Eldritch Whispers (Maddening): Strange whispers fill the air, causing characters to question their sanity. Each character must make a (P) roll. Those who fail suffer a -2 penalty to all rolls until the end of their next turn.

Void Beckons (Terrifying): A portal to the void yawns open briefly. The character must make a break test. If they fail, they are drawn into the void, removed from the battlefield, and considered defeated.

Inexplicable Mutation (Bizarre): Cosmic energies warp one character’s form. They gain a random physical mutation (e.g., extra limbs, distorted features) that affects their abilities for the remainder of the battle. This should be determined by rolling on a random mutations table.

Cursed Relic (Dreadful): A malevolent relic surfaces on the battlefield. The character must make an (A) roll to resist touching the relic. If they fail, they are cursed, suffering a -1 penalty to all rolls until they defeat another character in combat.

Cosmic Revelation (Mystical): A character has a sudden, mind-bending revelation about the true nature of the cosmos. They gain +1 to all rolls for the remainder of the game.

kraken cultists by midlam miniatures

Unearthly Shadows (Unsettling): Strange, shadowy figures flicker at the edges of the battlefield. All characters must make a break test. Those who fail are overcome with paranoia and suffer a -1 penalty to all rolls until the end of their next turn.

Whispers from Beyond (Maddening): Characters hear voices from beyond the stars. Each character must make a (P) roll. Those who fail are compelled to spend their next turn moving toward the nearest enemy character.

Cthulhu’s Gaze (Terrifying): The terrible presence of a cosmic entity looms over the battlefield. All characters must make a break test. Those who fail are filled with dread and suffer a -2 penalty to all rolls until the end of their next turn.

Eldritch Awakening (Dreadful): A character becomes a vessel for eldritch power. Choose one character (yours or your opponent’s). They gain a new ability called “Eldritch Blast” that allows them to deal 1D8 damage to any character on the battlefield. However, using this power causes them to suffer 1D6 damage due to the strain on their sanity.

Otherworldly Whispers (Mystical): Alien whispers guide one character’s actions. For the next two turns, they must move and attack as directed by another player of your choice.

Maddening Visions (Bizarre): A character experiences horrifying visions of a future ruled by cosmic horrors. They are filled with dread and must make a break test. If they fail, they are stunned and unable to take any actions for one turn.

Cosmic Mirage (Unsettling): The battlefield shimmers with bizarre illusions. Roll 1D10 for each character on the battlefield. On a roll of 1-3, the character becomes disoriented, suffering a -1 penalty to all rolls until the end of their next turn.

Sanity’s Erosion (Cataclysmic): The fabric of reality weakens further. Choose one character (yours or your opponent’s). They must make a (P) roll. If they fail, they lose 1 point of permanent (P) for the remainder of the campaign.

Stars Align (Mystical): The alignment of the stars grants one character insight into a powerful ability. They gain a unique, game-changing ability for the remainder of the battle. This ability is determined by rolling on a random table.

Cosmic Resonance (Terrifying): The cosmic forces resonate with one character’s presence. They become the focus of the cosmic energies, gaining +2 to all rolls until the end of their next turn.

Realm of Chaos, Cosmic Horror, & Lovecraftian Random Events

As mentioned earlier, I’m using the Brutal Quest/Planet 28 rules systems as my framework here, but they can easily be tweaked and ported over to any other ruleset. Just like these new traits, abilities, and spells, I used AI to help generate this list. With the right prompts, follow-up instructions, and light editing, the possibilities for narrative really are limitless here. Enjoy…

Planet 28/Brutal Quest: New Traits, Abilities, & Spells

I recently played my first solo outing of the sci-fi skirmish game Planet 28 (check out the battle report, Echoes of the Abyss) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, I’m gearing up to create a narrative solo campaign for Planet 28’s fantasy cousin, Brutal Quest.

As I’ve also been tinkering with AI, I thought I’d see if I could encourage it to generate some new abilities, traits, and spells for both games. With a bit of trial and error, follow-up prompts, and light editing, I now have the following list. A few of them might still need some polish and refinement, but I think there are a lot of really cool options here. At the very minimum, they get the imagination flowing for some new in-game possibilities.

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Abilities

Distract: This character can use an action to create a distraction. All enemy characters within line of sight must pass an Awareness (AW) skill roll or become distracted, suffering a -1 penalty to all actions for their next turn.

Evasive Maneuvers: This character gains a +2 bonus to Agility (A) when attempting to avoid ranged attacks. They may make a free move action when they successfully dodge an attack.

Interrogate: After defeating an enemy in combat, this character may choose to interrogate them. Roll 1D6. On a 1, the enemy reveals valuable information about the game scenario or hidden objectives.

Tactician: Once per game, this character can provide tactical advice to a friendly character within line of sight. The chosen character gains a +2 bonus to their next action.

Trapmaster: This character may set traps on specific locations of the battlefield. When an enemy moves into or through the trap’s location, they suffer a -2 penalty to their Agility (A) skill and take 1D6 damage.

Life Leech: This character has the ability to drain life force from opponents. After a successful melee attack, they may choose to regain hit points equal to half of the damage dealt rounded down.

Resilient Resolve: This character gains a +1 bonus to their (P) skill when making break tests. Additionally, they can reroll one failed break test per game.

Artillery Strike: This character can call in a devastating artillery strike from off the table. Once per game, they may use an action to target an area within line of sight. Roll 1D6 for each character within that area, and on a roll of 4-6, they suffer 1D10 damage.

Frenzied Assault: This character goes into a frenzy in close combat. Once per turn, they may use an action to gain a +3 bonus to (F) for one melee attack. However, after this attack, they suffer a -2 penalty to (P) rolls until the end of their next turn due to exhaustion.

Phantom Steed: Once per game, this character can summon a spectral steed. This ethereal mount increases their speed to 20cm for one turn and allows them to move over any terrain without hindrance.

CP Models 1

Traits

Evasive: Enemies receive a -1 to their Shooting skill when attempting to hit this character with ranged attacks. This penalty applies only if the character has moved in their last action.

Eerie Presence: Enemies within 5cm of this character suffer a -1 penalty to their skill rolls, representing their unease in the presence of this unsettling character.

Vengeful: When this character takes damage from an enemy, they gain +1(F) and +1(S) for the remainder of the game, versus that enemy, up to a maximum of +3 each.

Paranoia: This character must make a break test at the start of each turn. On a failed test, they may not perform actions on that turn.

Infiltrator: This character may choose to start the game hidden. They can only be revealed when they perform an action or are within 5cm of an enemy.

Hasty: This character can perform one additional action per turn but suffers a -1 penalty to all skill rolls for that turn.

Night Vision: This character can see in low-light conditions as if it were daylight. They do not suffer penalties for low light or darkness.

Acidic Blood: This character’s blood is acidic. When struck by a melee attack, the attacker takes 1D6 damage in retaliation.

Lone Wolf: This character excels when fighting solo. They gain a +1 bonus to all skills when not within 10cm of any friendly characters. However, they suffer a -1 penalty to (P) rolls when taking break tests when no allies are nearby.

Cursed Weaponry: This character wields cursed weapons that have a chance to inflict lingering ailments. When landing a successful melee hit, there’s a 25% chance that the target will suffer an additional 1D4 damage over the next three turns due to the weapon’s curse.

Spells

Time Warp: Select a character or vehicle within line of sight and make a (P) roll. If successful, you may choose one of the following effects:

  • Fast Forward: The target character or vehicle gains an additional action this turn.
  • Rewind: The target character or vehicle may undo their last action and choose a different one.
  • Pause: The target character or vehicle is frozen in time and cannot be targeted or take actions for the remainder of the turn.

Dimensional Rift: Make a (P) roll. If successful, you may place a dimensional rift marker anywhere on the board. Characters and vehicles within 10cm of the rift at the start of their turn may choose to enter it. Upon entering, they reappear at a random location on the board at the start of their next turn.

Mirror Image: Make a (P) roll. If successful, the acting character creates illusory duplicates of themselves. For the next 1D4 turns, attackers must roll a D6 to determine if they target the real character or a duplicate. On a roll of 1-3, they target a duplicate, and on a roll of 4-6, they target the real character.

Shadow Walk: Make a (P) roll. If successful, this character becomes ethereal and may pass through obstacles and other characters for the next 1D6 turns. They are immune to damage during this time but cannot perform any actions.

Chain Lightning: This powerful spell allows the caster to release a bolt of lightning that arcs between multiple targets. Make a (P) roll; if successful, choose a starting target. The lightning then jumps to the nearest enemy within 10cm, dealing 1D6+2 damage. Repeat this process until there are no eligible targets or you fail the (P) roll.

Time Warp: This spell distorts time, allowing the caster to rewind or fast-forward a character’s actions. Make a (P) roll; if successful, the targeted character must reroll their last action and accept the new result.

Soul Bond: The caster establishes a mystical link with a friendly character within line of sight. For the remainder of the game, they can transfer up to 1D6 of their hit points to the bonded character once per turn. The bond is severed if either character dies.

Tide of Despair: This spell creates an aura of overwhelming despair within a 10cm radius. All characters, friend or foe, within this area must pass a break test or suffer a -2 penalty to all skills for one turn due to the crushing weight of despair.

Dimensional Swap: This potent spell allows the caster to switch positions with any character within line of sight, friend or foe. A successful (P) roll is required to execute this spell, and the switch is permanent.

Pandemonium: This chaotic spell creates a realm of chaos and unpredictability. For one turn, all rules and effects are randomly determined. Roll 1D6 for each action, and consult a chart to determine the outcome. This spell introduces an element of chaos and unpredictability into the game, making every action a gamble.

Planet 28/Brutal Quest: New Traits, Abilities, Spells, & Random Events

I plan to add to this list over time while trying out as many as possible of them in-game, too. I’ll be posting more about my Brutal Quest campaign in the near future. In the meantime, please check out my Planet 28 battle report, Echoes of the Abyss.

More Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast Episodes

Did you grow up collecting and painting Citadel miniatures and playing games like Warhammer, Warhammer 40k, HeroQuest, Battlemasters, and Space Hulk? Did you gradually grow out of the hobby only to find yourself plunging back in many years later, discovering great new games like Frostgrave, Stargrave, and Kings of War?

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The Bedroom Battlefields Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast brings you conversations about collecting, gaming, painting, terrain, and much more – often with a nostalgic twist.

Check out our full list of episodes to get a look at what’s in store.

Subscribe on Your Podcast App of Choice

The Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast is available everywhere podcasts are found. And if it isn’t, please let us know and we’ll fix that ASAP.

Miscellaneous Podcast Episodes

I haven’t always managed to create individual blog posts for every podcast episode. Here are the shows that don’t have one.

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Josh (Crown of Command/Eavy Lead) on Paint Tutoring & Commissions

Josh—a former Eavy Metal painter from the Goblin Green bases/Red period—started the Crown of Command podcast early on in the pandemic. It has since become one of the best podcasts for the HeroQuest generation, and he’s also grown a brilliant YouTube channel around it.

The Crown of Command has also enabled Josh to run a thriving Patreon where he delivers painting lessons and has gone full-time as a commission painter.

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Carl Brown on Open Combat, Lucrum, & Creative Inspiration

Open Combat is one of my original and favourite miniature agnostic skirmish games. On this episode, I’m joined by Carl Brown who created it along with a cool little medieval strategy board game called Lucrum. You can find all of Carl’s games on his website secondthunder.com

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Will YOU Be Playing Warhammer: The Old World?

It’s vox populi time, our question of the month for February 2024 was: Warhammer: The Old World – Will you be playing it? (If so, why? If not, why not?)

Thank you so much to everyone who submitted.

And a massive thanks to Alternative Armies for sponsoring this episode. Here are the 15mm fantasy buildings I was talking about. 

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Are Narrative and Competitive Gaming at Odds With One Another?

I’m joined by Ed from our Discord community, who drinks a staggering 17 pints during the course of this episode and lambasts me for my anti-competitive views.

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Man O’ War and Playing Remote Games

Chris Snyder joins me to talk about his two favourite topics – Man O’ War and remote gaming. Special thanks to Warbases for sponsoring this episode.

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The Bittersweet Act of Opening a Blister Pack

I’m joined by another lovely member of our Discord community, David of the 5thHammer Youtube channel. On this episode, we discuss his hobby origin story, opening old blister packs, and the art of having patience.

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Painting Eyes, Passing the Torch, & the Slow Hobbyist Manifesto

Cam’s another positive member of the Bedroom Battlefields Discord Community, and he joins me for a chat about his hobby origins, being a good steward of the hobby, and his love of Man’O’War.

Also mentioned on this episode:

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Painting One Miniature a Week

Jamie, AKA Kazdok from our Discord community joins us to talk about his hobby origin story, writing his game Of Knights & Quests, and the simple tactic of painting one miniature a week.

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Collecting More Scenarios, as Opposed to More Rulesets

Mark’s back for a wee chat about various hobby topics, including:

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Setting Sail With Mantic’s Armada

Mark and I chat over a range of hobby topics, including ImagiNations, painting 15mm, Space Weirdos, and getting into Mantic’s naval combat game Armada. I also talked about a recent narrative scenario I’ve been planning for Song of Blades & Heroes.

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What’s It Like to Manage a Games Workshop Store?

Stuart from Great Escape Games joins us to talk about his journey from Games Workshop store manager to Wild West gunslinger. As well as running the Cardiff store, Stuart also had a couple of his armies featured in White Dwarf and even won a WFB staff tournament whilst working at GW.

These days, Stuart has traded in his red jersey for a Stetson, as one of the big focuses of Great Escape Games is Dead Man’s Hand. For the past decade, DMH has given players the opportunity to fight out gun battles in the Old West, and it’ll be given some TLC in 2024 with its new edition Dead Man’s Hand Redux – coming to Kickstarter at the end of the month!

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From Rogue Trader to Planet 28

I took one of those notions recently to get myself a copy of Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader, leading me to this post on the Tales From Farpoint blog. Aside from learning that GW was employing a somewhat absurd “just pop into the shop” policy, I started to browse through all the other great content here. Fast forward a few weeks, and I managed to grab a chat with Richard, the fine fellow who runs it. As always, I learned many new things, including the existence of a couple of cool-sounding games called Planet 28 and Brutal Quest.

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Orcs & Goblins Vs Empire: Mayhem – Audio Battle Report

Following our episode with Mayhem creator Brent Spivey it was time to give the game a wee playthrough. We really enjoyed it and it’s certainly one we’ll be adding to our regular rotation.

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Reflections on the Partizan Wargames Show 2023

Roving report Mark drove his Empire Steam Tank to the Partizan Wargames Show, got absolutely tanked up on Bugman’s XXXXXX, and attempted to start fights with several gamers and traders. On this episode, we hear his apology in full.

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40 Years of Warhammer Fantasy: What Next?

Warhammer (in its various iterations) turns 40 this year. We’re told the game is coming back… but will it be released by 2063? On this episode, I chat all things fantasy with GJ. He’s someone you’ve likely heard before, talking passionately and knowledgeably about the game on shows such as The Wargames OrchardThe Crown of Command, and now, his new show, Forces of Fantasy.

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Toybashing, & Running a Wargames Club

Karl of Chicago Skirmish Wargames joins me to discuss the history and ethos of the club, as well as how they defend their fruit. We also talk about “cheapskate hobbying” – particularly the art of “toybashing” miniatures and terrain.

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Creating Content in the Hobby

Podcasts are long-form content that enables us to really dig into a topic and spend some time with it. Whilst some folks enjoy Instagram and short videos, they can’t deliver that same level of depth and engagement. But is the podcasting market already too saturated to jump in? Or worse still, are podcasts dying out?

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The Discipline of Painting Big Armies

I’m joined by Jason, who’s a valued member of our Discord Community. We chat about the goal setting and project management of painting big blocks of troops, as well as the long-term patience and planning required to eventually get them on the tabletop.

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Chaos Horde Vs Small Band of Good Guys: SoB&H – Audio Battle Report

We make a return to playing Song of Blades & Heroes, one of the most simple and accessible skirmish games on the market. And, in this battle, we’re focusing on storytelling over points, fairness, and balance. The defenders can’t possibly win. But how well can they hold out against a huge Chaos force?

View the pictures from our game.

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Solo Kill Team Rules? (No Stranger to Shadow Deep!)

Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team isn’t a game that gets much (any!) airtime on this humble podcast. But listeners might be interested to hear about a cool homebrew solo ruleset heavily influenced by Rangers of Shadow Deep and Rogue Trader. On this episode, I’m joined by Rob who pulled it all together in the form of Acolyte.

Episode Resources

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Re-Skinning Existing Wargaming Scenarios Vs Writing Your Own

Friend of the show Mark Smith returns to discuss what’s new in his own hobby life. One big topic of discussion here is that of ‘re-skinning’ established scenarios in games, so that the mechanical framework is already tried and tested.

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Building Terrain for Mordheim & Skirmish Games

Ryan from the Adventure Built Gaming YouTube channel joins us to talk about his hobby life. A big part of that is building terrain, in particular, for skirmish games like Mordheim, Frostgrave, Rangers of Shadow Deep, and Stargrave.

Ryan’s YouTube channel has some absolute masterclass videos on scratch-building terrain and is well worth checking out.

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Miniature Wargames Magazine – A Chat With the Editor

I’ve been subscribed to Miniature Wargames Magazine for a few months now, and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. On this episode, I’m joined by editor John Treadaway to talk about print publication in the hobby, as well as his own projects and interests.

Also mentioned

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How do they organise games of Blood Bowl in the Warhammer world?

Isn’t administration fascinating? But seriously, what are the logistics of getting a team of Chaos daemons into Altdorf for a sporting event? On this episode, I’m joined by Josh of the Crown of Command podcast for general hobby catchup, with the usual nostalgic twist.

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How Do You Decide When to Buy New Stuff?

I placed a few orders recently, in order to play Blood Moon (Rangers of Shadow Deep) in the near future. But do you need a reason to buy new miniatures, paints, or even, games?

Other topics in this episode include the new Citadel contrast paints, season four of Stranger Things, and Discord. A big thanks to Midlam Miniatures for sponsoring this episode, too.

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Dungeon Saga, White Dwarf Freebies, & Hidden Hobbyists

Is there a bunch of hidden Warhammer players in your neighbourhood? That’s just one of the topics Jason and I cover on this episode of the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast. We also talk about our shared love for Mantic’s Dungeon Saga, reminisce about getting free miniatures on the front of White Dwarf, and explore the world of DIY terrain.

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Cross-Game Campaigns, & the Terrain Conundrum

Terrain is an essential part of the tabletop hobby. What kind you use and how you get it can throw up a few dilemmas, though. Do you make or buy your buildings and scenery? And do you go ultra-realistic but limited, or for a “wooden blocks” approach that can become literally anything you need it to?

As we’re usually limited in our terrain collections for any one genre, I’m talking on this episode about the idea of cross-game campaigns. This gives us the opportunity to tell a sweeping and cinematic story, as opposed to hanging around outside the same three farmhouses for all eternity.

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Miniature Board Games, Fighting Fantasy Books, & Bretonnian Paints

It’s time for another eclectic wander around the hobby, and this time, I’m joined by Grant. He’s a fan of miniature board games and we talk about their appeal when compared to some of the more open “tape measure” games. We also talk Fighting Fantasy (with a nod to Escape the Dark Castle), and the trials and tribulations of painting miniatures.

Be sure to check out BedroomBattlefields.com for recent posts and paintjobs. And, nice reviews of the show are always welcome on Podchaser, too!

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Should You Try to Become a Great Miniature Painter?

A wee solo episode covering a range of topics.

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DIY Terrain, Goblin Green Bases, & HeroQuest

Should you buy miniature wargaming terrain or make your own? That’s just one of the points of discussion in this chat with Tom Holden of the 2 Shelves of Gaming podcast. We also talk about the appeal of miniature agnostic games that let you use any minis, tree and castle terrain, basing miniatures, movement traysWarbases, HeroQuest, Dungeon Saga, and Oldhammer-esque miniature companies.

Miniature Agnostic Games That Let You Use Any Minis

Just want to collect nice-looking minis and worry about the rules later? Check out this list of miniature agnostic games that let you use whatever you own.

With so many brilliant miniature companies out there these days, it’s impossible for most of us to stick to one range.

I’m the sort of person who’ll buy a mini just because it looks cool. I’ll come across pictures of miniatures from companies I’ve never heard of before, and I’ll love the aesthetic of them.

I’m pretty good at not just buying stuff on a whim, but occasionally, there are things that I can’t see past. They get bought up, added to the “to-paint” pile, and I continue to accumulate a rather eclectic collection.

But what to do with them when it comes to the gaming side of the hobby? As a kid, my entire world was Games Workshop. But now there seems to be more rulesets out there than I’ll ever know.

Because of my “miniatures first” ethos, I’m naturally attracted to miniature agnostic games. Quite simply, these are rulesets that allow you to use anything you already own – or would like to own!

List of Miniature Agnostic Games (On My Radar So Far!)

I’ve only recently returned to the hobby after a long break, and it’s taken me time to identify a few games that really fit what I’m looking for. I’m in no doubt that what I’ve mentioned here (and what I’m aware of) is only the tip of the iceberg.

But at the time of writing, here are the miniature agnostic games I’m either actively playing, or in the process of learning. I do tend to play in fantasy or sci-fi settings, as you’ll see. Again, that’s down to the types of minis I like best.

Bonus: Looking for simple tabletop games that are perfect for beginners? We have a roundup of those, too!

Oh and heads up, I use affiliate links here which means I may earn a small commission should you choose to buy through them, though at absolutely no extra cost to yourself.

Frostgrave - Miniature Agnostic Games

Frostgrave

Frostgrave is one of the first games I became aware of upon my return to the hobby. A legendary title for sure. In Frostgrave, you use any minis you have to create your wizard and build your warband. Then, you’ll face off against others whilst hunting for treasure in a ruined, frozen city. An essential addition to any list of miniature agnostic games.

Buy Frostgrave today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

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Open Combat

Open Combat

This little gem is probably my favourite discovery to-date. Open Combat is a small, fun skirmish game. The settings for your battles can be any historical (pre-gunpowder) or fantasy world you have the minis and desire to create. I’ve enjoyed playing the scenarios in the book, and the campaign rules are a nice way to give your warband that sense of progression. Just be sure to keep them all alive…

Buy Open Combat today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Planet 28 & Brutal Quest

Two new additions to this miniature agnostic games roundup, Brutal Quest and Planet 28 are two takes on the same gaming system by Mammoth Miniatures. Brutal Quest is the fantasy variation whilst Planet 28 provides the sci-fi. I’ve only recently started playing both, and I love them. Here’s a Planet 28 solo battle report, and the following podcast episode gets into more detail on the narrative potential of both…

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Song of Blades and Heroes - miniature agnostic games

Song of Blades and Heroes

The more I read into Song of Blades and Heroes, the more I realise how much of a cult classic it actually is. I’ve recently started to dive into the background and rules of SoBaH, and it appeals to me in many ways. I’ve heard one criticism of it being the cover art – apparently, this has prevented one or two folks from picking it up. I must admit, I quite like it myself. Reminds me of nostalgic old cartoons like Thundercats and He-Man. This is a brilliant introductory game for those new to the tabletop miniature hobby.

Buy Song of Blades and Heroes today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

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Rogue Planet

Rogue Planet

Rogue Planet by Brent Spivey is a game that seems to reinvent the wheel in many ways – and manages to pull it off, too. This one’s more of a sci-fi/futuristic setting, so perfect for breaking out the old 40k minis. As ever with these games though, any minis will do the trick. This innovative system involves minimal bookkeeping and no measuring. A recent find for me, and exactly the sort of game I’ve been looking for.

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Buy Rogue Planet today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Mayhem

Mayhem is also created by Brent Spivey (Rogue Planet, mentioned above). Mayhem is a ‘fantasy mass battle’ combat game played on the grand scale. Here generals lead armies of their own creation on the field of battle in search of victory and glory. Like Rogue Planet, it deploys a cool use of polyhedral dice and command points. I would say it’s my favourite ‘rank and flank’ game these days. Check out the following battle report for more…

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Oathmark - miniature agnostic games

Oathmark

Oathmark is another title penned by Frostgrave creator Joseph A. McCullough. It’s a little different from the other miniature agnostic games on here, which are mainly skirmishes involving a small number of troops on either side. Oathmark, on the other hand, is a mass battle or ‘rank and flank’ game. I believe there are official miniatures available, but you can just as easily use what you already own. I particularly like the way you can mix in different races – humans, elves, orcs, goblins, dwarves, etc – to build your own Kingdom. This helps keep every army unique, fresh, and interesting. One for old Warhammer players to try out, for sure!

Buy Oathmark today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Kings of War

Kings of War is another large-scale fantasy battles game. Despite it being one of my favourite games, I had initially left it off the list. However, it’s been suggested a few times, so in it goes. An amazing set of rules that are – as the old saying goes – “easy to pick up, hard to master”. I didn’t include KoW in my original version of this post because creators Mantic heavily supports the game with a large range of miniatures. However, they seem to be pretty laid back about folks trying out their games with existing minis. Another one for the old Warhammer players out there.

Buy Kings of War today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Stargrave

Stargrave

Stargrave is the hugely anticipated “Frostgrave in Space” by the frequently mentioned Joseph A. McCullough. Want to pitch your GW Blood Angels against your Star Wars Stormtroopers? Then this is the perfect game for you.

Buy Stargrave today on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

A Billion Suns

A Billion Suns

Spaceships! A Billion Suns is an interstellar combat game. Take charge of your own fleet of spacecraft using any miniatures you already have… or, toys that look a bit like miniature spaceships… or, your very first 3D printer effort that didn’t come out quite like the medieval chariot it was supposed to.

Buy A Billion Suns on Amazon.com or Amazon UK

Rangers of Shadow Deep – A Solo/Co-Op Miniature Agnostic Game

Yet another miniature agnostic game from the prolific Joe McCullough. A game I’ve been obsessed with this past year, too. Rangers of Shadow Deep is a solo and co-operative game, highly narrative and with some great RPG tropes. Even if you have nobody to play against, you’ll find enjoyment, immersion, and hours of fun here.

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Buy Rangers of Shadow Deep on Amazon or DTRPG

Miniature Agnostic Games & Resources Recommended to Me

Thank you to everyone who’s been in touch so far to recommend additions to this page. I’ve not checked any of these out properly yet, but they all look great.

  • Warlords of Erehwon is a warband-level 28mm fantasy wargame created by legendary designer Rick Priestley. Build your warband from your chosen fantasy miniatures and fight for victory!
  • The Ninth Age. Maintained by hundreds of passionate players from all over the world, The 9th Age: Fantasy Battles is a free fantasy tabletop miniatures wargame designed for everyone.
  • Rally Round the King is a set of rules that recreate battles between armies and for campaigning in the mythical land of Talomir.
  • Two Hour Wargames are makers of entertaining tabletop games playable in two hours or less. All of their games can be played solo or same side (cooperatively) as well as head-to-head.
  • Osprey Wargames Series. Here you’ll find rules for loads of different settings and genres.
  • Horizon Wars: Zero Dark lets you play solo, co-op, player-versus-player or even team-versus-team with the same core rules. No weapons tables.  No faction limitations.  Build your heroes from scratch and equip them to suit your play-style and existing miniatures collection. 

Building a Miniature Agnostic Games List

As I’ve said, I’m aware that this will only be the frosted point on the tip of the iceberg. I’d really appreciate your help in building this page out as a resource. Selfishly, I’d just like to find loads more games of a similar vein. So please use the comments section to tell me about all the miniature agnostic games I’ve not mentioned yet. I will look to keep it updated as much as possible 😀

Next Up: Simple Tabletop Wargames: Best Miniature Games for Beginners

And be sure to check out the Tabletop Miniature Hobby Podcast.

Alessio Cavatore – “There Is No Such Thing as ‘Too Simple’ a Game”

There are few names as respected and influential in this hobby as Alessio Cavatore. Known for his work on iconic games like Warhammer 40k, Bolt Action, and Kings of War, Cavatore has left an indelible mark on the hobby. However, what sets him apart isn’t just the games he’s worked on, but his philosophy that rulesets can be smaller and simpler, and that big, heavy rulebooks don’t necessarily make for better games.

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Just like our episodes with fellow industry legends Gav Thorpe, Andy Chambers, and Tuomas Pirinen, Alessio will be asking the same lineup of recurring questions. These throw up some interesting angles, including:

  • The fact that he doesn’t paint miniatures
  • His surprise at GW blowing up The Old World
  • His new-found appreciation for K-Pop
  • What’s the latest with Alessio’s game design company River Horse

If you’re new to the podcast, thanks so much for giving it a shot. Here’s where you can follow, subscribe, and find a full list of episodes.

Echoes of the Abyss: A Planet 28 Solo Scenario

In the depths of Guttercreek Precinct, where the air was choked with smog and shadows held dominion, a gang of miscreants known as “The Scab Rats” had unwittingly stumbled upon a relic of unimaginable power. A fragment of warpstone, infused with malevolent energy that seemed to twist reality itself.

Their fortune, or perhaps their curse, had led them to a decision. They would cash in on their ill-gotten gains, seeking to sell the warpstone to a mysterious and ominous figure, Ravus Blackfeather. Little did The Scab Rats know Blackfeather was a secret chaos worshipper who had already betrayed them.

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The Scab Rats: Slinger, Vic, Grudge, and Dust.


As the sunless hours of Guttercreek Precinct’s eternal night enveloped the sprawling hive city, The Scab Rats embarked on their treacherous journey, led by their enigmatic leader, Grudge. Alongside him marched Vic, Dust, and Slinger.

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The treacherous Ravus Blackfeather.


Their path wound through labyrinthine tunnels and treacherous alleys, where danger lurked in every shadow. Yet, the lure of riches beyond measure and the chance to escape their lowly existence pushed them forward, even as a palpable sense of dread gnawed at their souls.

Unbeknownst to The Scab Rats, their intentions had not gone unnoticed. In the heart of the underhive, amid the ruins of a derelict factory, two figures awaited their arrival with sinister anticipation. They were the last survivors of a warband damned by their ambition and forsaken by their dark gods.

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Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw.


Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw had heard whispers of the warpstone’s fragment—a source of chaotic energy potent enough to rend the fabric of reality itself. With the world of Noxhaven Bastion serving as their prison, they saw this fragment as their only hope for escape, their ticket out of damnation.

Ravus Blackfeather, the robed enigma, was not what he seemed. Behind his mysterious façade lay a sinister secret. He had deceived The Scab Rats, selling them out to Zarkul and Mordax, revealing their every move and their intent to sell the warpstone.

The fateful meeting was set deep within the underhive, where the air was thick with the stench of desperation, and betrayal lingered like a curse. Ravus Blackfeather waited in the shadows, ready to complete the transaction. Yet, he was not alone. Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw loomed ominously nearby.

As The Scab Rats ventured deeper into the abyss, the atmosphere grew tense, and the very walls seemed to close in around them. Shadows danced with malevolent glee, whispering secrets of doom. With every echoing footstep, the warpstone fragment pulsed with an eerie light, as if it were aware of the impending cataclysm.

The moment of reckoning had come. A clash between desperation and greed, where The Scab Rats would face their most harrowing trial yet. Bloodclaw and Warpreaver, the last survivors of a doomed army, had but one goal—to seize the warpstone and create a rift to freedom. It was a confrontation that would test the boundaries of reality and plunge them all into the depths of madness.

The Game

The Scab Rats have limited ammunition, and their guns have very little chance of harming the two Chaos Marines.

Their main aim will be to escape with their lives (and their priceless warpstone). There will be 15 potential exits through various vents and trapdoors. Only one of these will be an exit to freedom. This will be determined by using a deck of cards.

  • One card is the exit
  • Two cards are extra weapons the gang may use – roll a D20 on the weapons table to discover which
  • Three cards are traps at a damage of 2D6
  • Nine cards are non-events

Slinger has five grenades. I created the rules for these myself. Range is two D6, with a blast radius of 3″ (so, potentially deadly for Slinger if he throws badly). Damage is 3D8. Grenades will bounce off any wall back the way they came to complete their full range, if applicable.

Grudge will begin the game carrying the warpstone. The carrier must take a Psyche test at the beginning of each turn. If they fail, they are hostile towards their comrades until the next turn. They will then need to retake the test.

The Scab Rats all have the Loot ability, which means they can take a Marine’s weapons in the unlikely event of them killing one.

The Scab Rats all have the Gunslinger trait, which means they can shoot out of combat.

The two Chaos Marines have the Bulwark trait, which means no charge bonus against.

The Scab Rats will split up to find the exit.

Complete Victory: All four escape with the warpstone.

Partial Victory: One or more escape with their lives.

Defeat: All four are killed.

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During the game, I jotted down some very basic notes and fed them into ChatGPT to create the following battle report:

Turn One

In the dimly lit chamber of the derelict factory, tension hung heavy as the Scab Rats and the Chaos Space Marines faced off. The warpstone, a shimmering fragment of pure malevolence, was cradled in the arms of Grudge, the enigmatic leader of the Scab Rats. He could feel its unsettling power coursing through him, but his psyche held firm, resisting the insidious whispers that threatened to consume him.

As the first turn unfolded, the Scab Rats had the advantage. The Chaos Space Marines, Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw, had failed to seize the initiative, finding themselves trailing behind their prey. This momentary respite allowed Grudge and his gang to react.

Grudge, determined to protect the warpstone at all costs, felt the warpstone’s eerie influence gnawing at the edges of his mind. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to focus his thoughts. The warpstone’s power was a double-edged sword, and he needed to master it, not be mastered by it. His psyche remained steady, and he retained control over his actions.

Slinger, ever resourceful, had split from the group earlier to scout for an escape route. He now found himself in a dimly lit chamber adjacent to the main confrontation area. To his surprise, his fingers brushed against something unexpected—a sniper rifle concealed within the vent’s dark recesses. The weapon felt cold and deadly in his grip, promising precision and lethality in the upcoming confrontation.

Meanwhile, Vic had ventured into a different part of the factory. Cautiously investigating a vent, he probed deeper, unaware that danger lurked within. As he triggered a hidden trap, it sprang to life, lashing out with cruel efficiency. Vic grimaced as he suffered the brunt of the trap’s cruel punishment, taking 3 damage. Blood welled from his wounds, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to be deterred.

Dust, known for his cunning, had taken a separate path altogether. Venturing into the darkness, he sought the exit with single-minded determination. His nimble fingers found the way, and the prospect of escape beckoned tantalizingly.

However, the serenity of the moment was shattered when Mordax Bloodclaw, fueled by a surge of savage fury, charged forward. With a guttural roar, he lunged at Dust, his armored frame a blur of malevolent intent. In one swift, brutal motion, he seized Dust and hurled him across the chamber. Dust’s body crashed against the hard metal of a nearby structure, leaving him battered and disoriented.

The first turn had come to an explosive end, setting the stage for a confrontation that would test the Scab Rats’ resolve and the Chaos Space Marines’ unrelenting thirst for the warpstone’s power. In the dimly lit chamber, the warpstone’s eerie glow cast elongated shadows, and the battle between light and darkness had only just begun.

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Turn Two

As the second turn began, the Chaos Space Marines, their red eyes burning with malevolence, seized the advantage. Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw were eager to close in on their prey and claim the coveted warpstone.

Bloodclaw, his bolt pistol held steady, took aim at Dust, who had just recovered from being hurled across the chamber. With a deafening shot, the bolt round streaked through the air, narrowly missing Dust as he dove for cover behind a rusted metal crate. The resounding impact sent sparks flying, leaving scorch marks on the chamber’s walls.

Warpreaver, on the other hand, aimed his bolter at Grudge, the bearer of the warpstone. The deafening roar of the bolter echoed through the chamber as the rounds erupted from the weapon’s barrel. However, Grudge, fueled by determination and the warpstone’s eerie power, moved with uncanny speed. The bolts whizzed past him, missing their mark entirely. Grudge remained unscathed, the warpstone’s influence granting him an otherworldly agility.

With the immediate threats momentarily thwarted, it was the Scab Rats’ turn to respond.

Grudge, having passed his psyche test once again, retained his control over the malevolent warpstone. He felt its power coursing through his veins, enhancing his combat capabilities.

Dust, still in cover, took aim at Bloodclaw. He squeezed the trigger of his rifle, but the shot went wide, striking the chamber wall and sending a cascade of sparks into the air.

Slinger, positioned in the adjacent chamber, took a calculated risk. With a quick, practiced motion, he hurled a grenade toward Bloodclaw. However, the grenade missed its target, exploding harmlessly in the distance. The chamber reverberated with the deafening blast, echoing off the metal walls.

The battle had escalated, with both sides demonstrating their resilience and determination. The warpstone’s eerie glow continued to cast its eerie light upon the unfolding conflict, as the Scab Rats fought to protect their prize, and the Chaos Space Marines hungered for its dark power.

Turn Three

As the third turn unfolded, the Chaos Space Marines, despite their fervent desire to seize the initiative, found themselves once again trailing behind the Scab Rats. The eerie warpstone continued to exert its enigmatic influence over the chamber.

Grudge, the keeper of the warpstone’s dark power, held his ground and passed the psyche test once more. His determination was unshaken, and he remained in control of the malevolent artifact, granting him an unnatural resilience.

Dust, undaunted by his earlier missed shot, calmly reloaded his weapon. With unwavering focus, he aimed his rifle at Bloodclaw, pulling the trigger with precision. However, fate was not on his side, and the shot once again failed to inflict damage.

Slinger, known for his proficiency with explosives, decided to take another calculated risk. With a swift motion, he hurled a grenade toward Bloodclaw. But, much like before, the grenade missed its intended target, detonating harmlessly in the distance. The resounding explosion echoed through the chamber.

Bloodclaw, the relentless and brutal warrior, had had enough of Dust’s persistence. With a savage roar, he charged forward, his huge mutated pincer claw poised to strike. Dust, reacting with remarkable agility, narrowly evaded the charge by the barest margin, his awareness keeping him safe from a potentially devastating blow. However, Bloodclaw’s relentless assault was not deterred. With lightning speed, he struck Dust, his monstrous claw tearing through the air. Dust couldn’t fully avoid the attack, and the claw made contact, inflicting a substantial 7 damage upon him. Gritting his teeth, Dust staggered backward, bloodied but determined.

Warpreaver, realizing the threat Grudge posed with the warpstone, raised his bolter once more. He aimed at Grudge with deadly intent, but the shot went wide, missing its target entirely. Grudge, bolstered by the warpstone’s influence, moved with unnatural grace, narrowly avoiding the lethal rounds.

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Turn Four

As the fourth turn dawned, the Chaos Space Marines finally seized the initiative, eager to turn the tide of the battle in their favour.

Bloodclaw, his frustration mounting, attempted to seize Dust, determined to finish him off. He lunged at the Scab Rat with brutish strength, but Dust, his agility undiminished, managed to evade the attack. With a growl of frustration, Bloodclaw’s attempt to throw Dust had failed, leaving the wiry Scab Rat standing his ground.

Meanwhile, Warpreaver, the more tactical of the two Chaos Space Marines, recognized the threat posed by Grudge. He aimed his bolter at the Scab Rat leader and unleashed a volley of rounds. The air was filled with the deafening roar of gunfire, and Grudge, despite his enhanced abilities granted by the warpstone, could not evade the onslaught. The rounds struck true, inflicting a brutal 7 damage upon him. The impact of the shots sent Grudge reeling, his resolve momentarily shaken.

In the midst of the chaos, the warpstone’s influence over Grudge waned, and he failed the psyche test. For this brief moment, the sinister artifact took control of his actions. With a menacing glare, Grudge turned hostile, his malevolent intent clear. With no Scab Rats in his immediate vicinity, he began to retreat, heading back the way he had come, away from the exit. His path was marked by a foreboding aura, and the other Scab Rats could only watch in dismay as their leader withdrew.

Dust, battered but resolute, realized that disengaging from the frenzied combat with Bloodclaw was a matter of survival. He broke away, narrowly avoiding further harm. However, the intense skirmish had taken its toll, and Dust’s health had fallen below 50%. His injuries left him weakened, and he could feel his skills slipping, reduced by one.

Slinger, positioned at a distance, took advantage of his newfound sniper rifle. He aimed with calculated precision at Bloodclaw, his finger gently squeezing the trigger. But, in the heat of the moment, the shot went wide, missing its intended target by a hair’s breadth. The chamber reverberated with the echo of the shot, a testament to the intense battle that raged on.

The fourth turn had seen a shift in momentum, with the Chaos Space Marines unleashing a relentless assault. Grudge’s temporary turn to hostility left the Scab Rats in a precarious situation, and the outcome of this harrowing confrontation remained uncertain. The warpstone’s eerie glow continued to cast its sinister light upon the unfolding battle, an ominous presence that hung heavily in the chamber.

Turn Five

As the fifth turn commenced, it was the Scab Rats who seized the initiative. With Grudge, Vic, Dust, and Slinger now regrouping and focusing on their escape, they had a plan to evade the relentless Chaos Space Marines.

Grudge, his resolve steeled by the malevolent warpstone, passed the psyche test once more. His connection to the artifact remained firm, and he retained control over its sinister power.

Vic and Grudge, recognizing the urgency of the situation, made a run for it. They swiftly moved past Warpreaver, their footsteps echoing through the chamber as they shouted to Dust and Slinger, who were nearby. The message was clear: escape while they still could.

Warpreaver, realizing that Grudge and Vic were attempting to flee, charged at Grudge with a ruthless determination to prevent their escape. He aimed to strike Grudge down, but the Scab Rat leader, bolstered by the warpstone’s power, moved with unnatural agility, narrowly evading the lethal blow.

Bloodclaw, on the other hand, targeted Vic, his huge mutated pincer claw poised to strike. He lunged at the Scab Rat, but Vic, his instincts sharp, managed to avoid the attack, sidestepping the vicious assault. Bloodclaw’s strike missed its mark, leaving Vic unscathed.

The chamber was filled with tension as the Scab Rats made a desperate bid for escape, hoping to outrun the relentless pursuit of the Chaos Space Marines.

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Turn Six

As the sixth turn unfolded, the Scab Rats once again seized the initiative. However, the events that followed were marked by confusion and chaos.

Grudge, the bearer of the malevolent warpstone, faltered in his control over the sinister artifact. The insidious whispers and dark influence overwhelmed him, causing him to lose focus. In his confusion, he charged at his comrade, Vic, who had been at his side moments ago. The charge granted him a bonus, and the warpstone’s power bolstered his combat abilities, enhancing his fight skill by 1. Grudge struck Vic, inflicting 2 damage upon him. Vic, however, refused to retaliate against his friend, opting instead to try to help the situation.

Vic, still standing, turned his weapon towards Warpreaver, who was nearby. He attempted to take a shot at the Dark Marine, but the chaos of the moment caused his aim to falter, and the shot missed its mark.

Warpreaver, sensing an opportunity as Grudge stumbled in his confusion, tried to capitalize on the situation by attacking Grudge. However, his assault failed to connect, as Grudge’s erratic movements defied prediction.

Bloodclaw, the terrifying and unrelenting Chaos Space Marine, saw an opening and seized it. He launched a savage attack against Vic, brutally inflicting massive damage that left Vic gravely wounded and unable to continue the fight. Vic fell, his life extinguished by the relentless assault.

The chamber echoed with the cacophony of battle, and the once-cohesive Scab Rats were now embroiled in a chaotic and tragic confrontation.

Turn Seven

As the seventh turn unfolded, the Scab Rats managed to seize the initiative once more. Grudge, his willpower tested by the malevolent warpstone, managed to maintain control over its eerie power.

With a sense of urgency, Grudge decided that retreat was the only option. He made a run for it, breaking away from the Chaos Space Marine, Warpreaver, who had been in hot pursuit. Warpreaver attempted to strike at Grudge as he fled, but his attack missed its mark. Despite the close call, Grudge managed to elude his grasp, his enhanced agility granted by the warpstone allowing him to slip away.

However, Bloodclaw was not far behind. He saw an opportunity to close the distance, charging after Grudge with relentless determination. As he reached the Scab Rat leader, he managed to land a blow, inflicting 2 damage. Grudge felt the pain, but his resolve remained unshaken.

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Turn Eight

As the eighth and final turn unfolded, Grudge, the Scab Rat leader, was determined to make a desperate escape. He passed the psyche test, his willpower still holding firm against the malevolent warpstone.

With the exit vent within inches of his reach, Grudge broke away from the pursuing Bloodclaw. Despite the Chaos Space Marine’s efforts, he couldn’t land a blow as Grudge fled, the Scab Rat leader’s agility proving crucial in this critical moment.

However, Warpreaver, recognizing the imminent threat to their plans, raised his bolter and opened fire. His shots found their mark, striking Grudge in the back with deadly accuracy. The brutal impact inflicted 6 damage upon Grudge, leaving him bloodied and battered. His health had fallen below 50%, and the injuries took their toll, reducing all his skills.

Bloodclaw, seizing the opportunity presented to him, charged at Grudge with relentless fury. In a brutal and devastating attack, he inflicted gruesome damage upon the Scab Rat leader. The relentless assault proved fatal, and Grudge fell, his life extinguished mere inches from the exit vent.

The grim reality set in—the game was over. Despite the valiant efforts of Slinger and Dust, who had managed to escape, the Scab Rats had suffered heavy losses. Vic and Grudge had paid the ultimate price, and the coveted warpstone had fallen into the hands of the Chaos Space Marines, Zarkul Warpreaver and Mordax Bloodclaw. The derelict factory bore witness to the tragic conclusion of this fateful encounter, its shadows illuminated only by the eerie glow of the malevolent artifact.

Some Kev Adams Goblins From Knightmare

We all need some Kev Adams goblins in our lives. I picked these up a couple of years ago from the excellent Knightmare Miniatures. For some reason or another, they kept getting pushed down my to-do list. But I figured they deserved to be painted, and so, the deed is done.

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‘Neil Warlock’ was the one miniature here who’s had paint on him for a while. I painted him up during the October 2022 nostalgia paint challenge.

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These were a real joy to paint. Each of them has so much character.

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The full warband housed in their movement tray.

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The bigger guys with the spears and shields are from the Black Goblins set.

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The others are the Chaos Mutant Goblin set.

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So there we are: a goblin warband that’ll come in handy for future games of Frostgrave, Rangers of Shadow Deep, and Song of Blades & Heroes. They’ll also link up well with my goblin archers, and I’ve a lot more Oldhammery greenskins waiting patiently on the lead pile, too!

Battle Systems Terrain: It’s Like IKEA for Necromunda

Battle Systems terrain has been on my radar for a few years now. It appealed to me when I first heard about it, and I’d always planned to pick up a box or two at some point.

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Having recently got into Planet 28, the timing felt right. My sci-fi terrain has, until now, been pretty non-existent, and my skirmish terrain, in general, has lacked depth, levels, and floors.

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Like most hobbyists, I don’t have much room for storing terrain (and certainly not for leaving it set up), so the idea of Battle Systems’ “flat-packed” cardboard offerings was quite irresistible.

There’s also a strange nostalgic appeal of cardboard terrain, from those classic Warhammer 40k ruins and Epic Space Marine skyscrapers to the little cottages White Dwarf would teach you to make out of old Cornflakes boxes.

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So I reached out to the good folks at Battle Systems and enquired about reviewing two kits that caught my eye, and they very kindly agreed to send them out to me. The kits are the Frontier Core Set, and the Art Deco High Rise.

I should clarify that I don’t do this often, if ever. Not that there’s anything wrong with the strategy, but I only want to spend my limited hobby time with stuff that I really like, or, like the look of. And like the look of Battle Systems, I do. So, let’s see what to make of it all…

Battle Systems Terrain

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The first thing I noticed upon opening the boxes was just how much terrain is packed into them. I mean, it’s pretty obvious from looking at the box covers, but it’s worth reaffirming that you get a lot of stuff, here.

I actually found it quite intimidating at first, looking at everything in its flat-packed form. I watched a couple of YouTube videos to see examples of other folks putting Battle Systems terrain together, but it is pretty self-explanatory. Once I got started and stuck a couple of walls together, I quickly lost myself in the task. I found it quite therapeutic, actually. Like building a big 3D jigsaw.

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Taking a break for a bit, I rolled out the neoprene mat from the Frontier Core Set. Whilst the detail on it is excellent, the overall quality I’d describe as “fine”. I have a few neoprene mats from GameMat.eu, and they’re of superior quality. But it’s possible that Battle Systems make them this way as it’s easier to fold them in boxes.

Back to the cardboard terrain, the attention to detail in the artwork design is second to none. It’s almost telling you a story of its own as you pop bits out and join them together. They’re double-sided too, so you don’t need to pay too much attention when you’re building it.

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I’m curious as to how others put their Battle Systems terrain together. I imagine it’s a bit like fiction writers: You have the meticulous planners who know every tiny detail before they get to work. Then, you have the “seat of the pants-ers” who just start and see where it takes them. I think I identify more with the latter, though maybe the more experienced you get with the kits, the more likely you are to dream up some grand designs.

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Battle Systems terrain is almost the polar opposite of the 2D neoprene terrain I talked about recently, and yet, I like these 3D cardboard structures just as much. As ever with this hobby, there are no right or wrong ways to do things. Everything is an option, and everything has its place.

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I’ll admit that I don’t see me getting much use from the scatter terrain in these kits. I found them a bit fiddly to put together and didn’t do a great job with some of the smaller parts. This wasn’t a major selling point for me anyway. I was really after the big stuff – walls, stairs, walkways, etc.

I’m excited to bring more of a multi-layered, multi-platformed experience to my skirmish games. I do own a lot of cool terrain, but my miniatures are almost always fighting out their battles on the ground floor. Now, they’ll have the opportunity to climb, jump, and fall from two or three-storey structures. That adds so much to the narrative, the scenario objectives, and the potential for a good tale at the end of it all.

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So, in summary, these kits get two big thumbs up from me. I can see myself getting a lot of use out of them, and the potential for variety is limitless. I often joke about our terrain collections having us fighting over the same three farmhouses on the tabletop. With Battle Systems terrain, there’s no danger of that.

It’s worth noting, too, that although I’ve got sci-fi and apocalypse settings here, Battle Systems also has an excellent-looking fantasy range on their website.

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Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed this whirlwind review, and it has answered some of the questions you might’ve had. Here’s a quick recap:

Pros

  • Flat-pack storage takes up very little room.
  • Limitless variety of build options.
  • Beautifully illustrated card.

Cons

  • Increased setup time – This is definitely not a time-saving tool.
  • Relatively fragile – you’ll need to take very good care of it.

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Now, who wants to get some meatballs?

The Frontier Core Set is available for £84.99, whilst the Art Deco High Rise costs £37.99. Thank you very much to Battle Systems for sponsoring this content!

Take Your Kids on a Dungeon Crawl, With CoraQuest

In CoraQuest you take control of four adventurers exploring a dungeon, avoiding traps, finding treasure, fighting monsters,and sometimes rescuing gnomes called Kevin.


Being a proactive fellow, I’ve been on the hunt for a dungeon crawler I can eventually play with my daughter. She’s only two at the moment, and I don’t fancy waiting another ten years, so I’d been Googling “dungeon crawlers for kids”. I’ll admit it was a somewhat half-hearted search, but it didn’t throw up anything that caught my attention.

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Anyway, it turns out that all I needed to do was attend this year’s Tabletop Scotland to find what I was after. I hadn’t been through the doors two minutes when I spotted a lovely wee game called CoraQuest. I had a chat with the nice chap from Bright Eye Games, got shown the basics, and did the old “take my money” routine.

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When I got a look in the box that evening, I learned more about the game’s origins, and it turns out there’s a heartwarming tale of a Dad (Dan) and daughter (Cora) creating it as a lockdown-era project in 2020.

coraquest gameplay

Anyway, the next natural step in this sequence of events was, of course, to have a chat about it on the podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear from CoraQuest co-creator Dan about the game’s background, how it plays, and the media frenzy that followed its release.

CoraQuest is a cooperative game with everything you need to start playing right out of the box. But it also lends itself to adaptation and homebrewing. There’s a booklet inside that helps you create your own characters, weapons, and items. The game is played with brilliantly drawn cardboard “standees”, but these can easily be substituted by miniatures from your collection. My old Monster in My Pocket horde are just screaming to be let loose on these dungeon tiles…

Links

BOYL 2023: How Did It Go? & What About Hobby Events in 2024?

Everyone’s favourite demolisher of walls, Jason, took his van to Bring Out Your Lead earlier this month. On this episode, he’ll talk you through it whilst you quietly weep because you missed out.

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Then, fellow TMHP Discord community legend Mark will ask you your opinion on potential hobby events in 2024, and you’ll gladly fill out his survey right away. You will!

Chaos Dwarf