Episode 243 of The Independent Characters finds Carl joined by Aaron as we discuss the Crusade rules in general, but more specifically how the Crusade Rules for Pariah Nexus offer a unique gaming experience. We will delve into the lore of the Pariah Nexus Campaign before discussing the rules, features, and missions of the Pariah Nexus Crusade book. Even if you aren't interested in Crusade style play specifically, we think you may find the content of this episode interesting! We hope you enjoy Episode 243. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Workbench and Hobby Progress0:36:30 - Pariah Nexus: The Lore and Impact1:26:10 - Pariah Nexus: The Crunch and Missions1:54:30 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGrimdark TerrainGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Make sure you stay through the end of the episode to hear a potential new intro song for the show! Let us know your thoughts. Episode 242 of The Independent Characters has us joined by Skye Herrick, who is filling in for Josh at the moment. Skye and Carl spend time discussing how Warhammer 40k (and other gaming related things) can help both your personal and professional life. What skills they help develop, and how you can think about balancing your time for what is important to you. Special Thanks to Corporate Citizen for their music! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice0:19:40 - Hobby Progress, and Games Played0:52:20 - The Role of 40k in Life and Work Pt 11:37:10 - The Role of 40k in Life and Work Pt 21:57:40 - Show Closing1:58:40 - Preview of potential new opening music Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGoonhammer Media NetworkLife After the Cover Save PodcastAdepticonGames WorkshopThe Black LibraryCorporate Citizen

Josh will be on a (hopefully) short hiatus from the show. In the meantime we will have a rotating cast of guest hosts as we continue to move forward. Unfortunately, this puts our video efforts temporarily on hold (except for when we do remote interviews). However, the shows audio content continues! This episode has Carl joined by friend, local friendly game store owner, and sponsor, Skye Herrick of Herrick Games and Hobbies! After our usual hobby progress and games played section, we move on to our main topic which seeks to answer the question, "How do you create and sustain a positive gaming community?" With Skye joining us, we have some interesting insight into how the answer to that question may differ for a business as opposed to someone running a club or just local group of friends. We also discuss a bit of the Hobby Progress Challenge for 2024/2025 - if you aren't aware of it, you can find more information on our website. We hope you enjoy!

Make sure you stay through the end of the episode for a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT about our 2024/2025 Hobby Progress Challenge! Episode 240 of The Independent Characters brings on two special guests from the newly reconstituted Life After the Cover Save Podcast. Ed and Travis join us for a great round table discussion! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played1:18:00 - The Warrior Lodge Part 12:10:05 - The Warrior Lodge Part 22:51:35 - Final Discussion and Show Closing2:58:35  - SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: 2024/2025 Hobby Progress Challenge Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGoonhammer Media NetworkLife After the Cover Save PodcastAdepticonGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 239 of The Independent Characters has us finally returning to our Show of Force series! This time we are covering the Leagues of Votann! To help us out, we bring in the famous Dave Taylor! Dave has been a fixture in the miniature wargaming scene for over thirty years. A peerless hobbiest, and incredible painter. Dave has a fantastic Leagues of Votann army. As usual, we issue a warning with this type of show to protect your wallets and tread cautiously as our excitement about the army grows! We hope you enjoy Episode 239! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played1:19:00 - The Leagues of Votann Part 12:21:30 - The Leagues of Votann Part 23:19:35 - Final Discussion and Show Closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGoonhammer Media NetworkThe Art of Books seriesAdepticonGames WorkshopThe Black LibraryBuild, Paint, Play Podcast

Episode 238 of The Independent Characters sees Josh and Carl take a historical and current view at The Lost and The Damned. Don't know what that is exactly? Don't worry we will fill you in soon. We think this leads to some very interesting conversation around the current state of the Warhammer 40k Ruleset, how tight it is, and how you can break free of the constraints that may be inhibiting your gaming! Additionally, we include an interview with Adepticon organizers Hank Edley and Matt Weeks. This interview was originally recorded for our Patreon subscribers, but we felt that the topics touched on here really apply to so many people who attend that fantastic event. We discuss why the decision to move to Milwaukee happened and how it came about. As well as what the future of Adepticon holds! We hope you enjoy Episode 238! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played0:57:00 - The Lost and The Damned1:56:45 - Interview with Adepticon organizers2:30:35 - Final Discussion and Show Closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGoonhammer Media NetworkAdepticonGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 237 of The Independent Characters has special guest Dan Boyd of the 40k Badcast crew joining us to go into a deep dive about Necromunda House Orlock and exactly why he decided to model for the cover of the House of Iron book. We spend a lot of time talking about the Maelstrom Mixer 40k narrative event that Carl attended in San Jose, and then launch into a 2+ hour discussion about House Orlock. Get your combat shotguns ready, as we hope you enjoy Episode 237! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played1:26:30 - Underhive Faction - House Orlock: Part 12:17:30 - Underhive Faction - House Orlock: Part 23:00:50 - Final Discussion and Show Closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGoonhammer Media NetworkGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 236 of The Independent Characters has us returning to the shelves and storage at the back of the Astronomicon to uncover more Warhammer 40k collectible materials. In our second go around of Rare Warhammer 40k Materials, Carl and Josh discuss several art books as well as a graphic novel which is set in the Horus Heresy era and completes a story that was left untold! With this episode being heavily art-focused, we would recommend checking out our YouTube Channel and seeing some of the graphics that are displayed in review. We hope you enjoy Episode 236! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Workbench and Hobby Progress0:44:35 - Rare 40k Materials 2: Part 11:22:25 - Rare 40k Materials 2: Part 22:32:20 - Final Discussion and Show Closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 235 of The Independent Characters takes us, primarily, on a review and recounting of Adepticon from Josh and Jody's point of view. Originally we had expected to include a bunch of information about the various game stores and events Carl went to when on vacation in Australia, but things didn't quite work out as planned on that front. If you ARE interested in the Australia Trip, Carl will discuss that as bonus content for our Patreon members of all levels. However, Josh and Jody go into detail about Adepticon, what events they attended and provide some advice for those going in a long discussion. We hope you enjoy! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Elite Choice0:19:35 - Workbench and Hobby Progress1:05:35 - Games Played and Adepticon2:25:00 - Final Discussion and Show Closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORChris Will (Nahumck) Therapy WebsiteGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 234 of The Independent Characters has us taking a close look at the Sociology of Warhammer 40K Gaming Groups. We will delve into the various social dynamics within Warhammer 40,000 gaming groups such as clubs, friend groups, tournament scenes, conventions, etc. We discuss how these microcosms build camaraderie, negotiate conflicts, and create inclusive spaces for diverse players. We hope you enjoy the show! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice0:12:30 - Workbench, and Hobby Progress1:15:50 - Unity in the Grimdark Future: Part 12:15:30 - Unity in the Grimdark Future: Part 22:49:10 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 233 of The Independent Characters takes an in depth look at the psychology behind collecting Warhammer 40k. We are going to explore the benefits and pitfalls of the hobby and take a look at some strategies for not increasing your "closet of opportunity"... unless that makes you happy! To help us with this we are joined for an interview with Christopher Will, a psychologist operating out of Southern California. We didn't realize how long this episode had gotten as we explored this topic - so strap yourselves in for a pretty lengthy 3 hours of awesomeness! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Workbench, and Hobby Progress0:49:50 - The Psychology of Collecting Warhammer 40k: Part 11:34:00 - The Psychology of Collecting Warhammer 40k: Part 22:16:30 - Interview with Christopher Will2:56:40 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORChris Will (Nahumck) Therapy WebsiteGames WorkshopThe Black Library

In Episode 232 we are joined by not one, but two, distinguished guests! Distinguished may be pushing it, but we are joined by Campbel McLaughlin and Dan Boyd of the 40k Badcast! Two of our favorite people in 40k provide us with a ton of great discussion around various topics that are floating around the Warhammer universe at this time in an episode we are calling The Warrior Lodge - Collab Edition! We hope you enjoy Episode 232 as much as we did recording it! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Elite Choice0:13:25 - Workbench and Hobby Progress1:05:00 - Legions Imerialis: History of the game1:37:00 - Legions Imerialis: New Rules, New Fun2:26:55 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORThe 40k BadcastGames WorkshopThe Black LibraryBrushstroke Painting Guide on applying transfers

In Episode 231 we are going to take a look at the history of Legions Imperialis. We talk about where it came from, what roles in filled in the past, and what role it fills now. We hope you enjoy Episode 231 as much as we enjoy Legions Imperialis! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Elite Choice0:13:25 - Workbench and Hobby Progress1:05:00 - Legions Imerialis: History of the game1:37:00 - Legions Imerialis: New Rules, New Fun2:26:55 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGrimdark TerrainGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 230 of The Independent Characters has us return for an update to our Show of Force for the new Space Marines and Tyranid Codexes! Be warned that Show of Force episodes tend to be damaging to people's wallets. We have two great guests join us as well to talk about each of the armies from a competetive perspective (which is not really our expertise!) and they do a fantastic job of educating us. We hope you enjoy our first episode of 2024! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Host Introduction0:11:00 - Workbench and Hobby Progress0:42:10 - Show of Force: 10th Ed Space Marines1:37:45 - Show of Force: 10th Ed Tyranids2:23:45 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: Tablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORForge WorldGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 229 of The Independent Characters takes a long look at how the year of 2023 impacted Warhammer 40k, our experiences, and what we personally plan for in 2024. This is a long episode where we go month by month through the key products that Games Workshop released for Warhammer 40k and provide our opinions on how it all went down. We hope you enjoy Episode 229. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, and Workbench0:37:45 - 2023 Year in Review - Part 11:43:30 - 2023 Year in Review - Part 22:42:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: PlayOn TabletopThe Army PainterThe Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGrimdark TerrainGames WorkshopThe Black LibraryRogue Trader CRPG by OwlCat Games

Episode 228 of The Independent Characters has us discussing Battle Reports, their place in 40k, and what you can and cannot get out of them. To help us with this conversation we have brought in Nick Froese from PlayOn Tabletop to discuss what exactly goes into the creation of their YouTube show. In addition we spend some time speaking with Adam Abramowicz from The Army Painter to discuss the new line of Speedpaints they have just released as well as talk about his history as a gamer and what else The Army Painter has in store! We hope you enjoy Episode 228. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, and Workbench0:26:00 - Battle reports redeux1:01:00 - Nick Froese from PlayOn Tabletop1:36:00 - Adam Abramowicz from The Army Painter2:05:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: PlayOn TabletopThe Army PainterThe Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGrimdark TerrainGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 227 of The Independent Characters has Carl and Josh attending an incredible event for Adeptus Titanicus. In this episode we will discuss what the Burning of Califax event by the Gothamos Gaming Group (or G3 for short) entailed, what our experience there was, and what it takes to run an event like this. Bear with our audio quality in the final part of the show as we piped in our guest and they didn't have a direct microphone. But we think you will find the information they provide to be useful and entertaining. If you haven't seen pictures of this event on our Facebook Group, Discord, or even posted in the Adeptus Titanicus section of Reddit, you can see them presented on YouTube as we wind our way through the episode. We hope you enjoy Episode 227. There is a lot to unpack here, and we hope you get out of it as much as we put into it! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Elite Choice0:12:30 - Workbench and Hobby ProgressNOTE: We missed the break music between these two! (We know!)0:52:30 - Adeptus Titanicus Maximus: Part 11:32:00 - Adeptus Titanicus Maximus: Part 22:03:40 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORGrimdark TerrainGames WorkshopThe Black Library

WARNING! This episode is best experienced on our YouTube Channel! There is a significant visual component to parts of it that really lend themselves much better to video. You have been warned! Episode 226 introduces us to a new show called The Grimdark Gauntlet! We will put our contestants through a series of challenges to determine who can come out on top! With actual prizes on the line... will they survive!? In a universe teeming with endless war, boundless lore, and intricate strategies, only the most dedicated emerge as true champions. Welcome to the ultimate test of Warhammer 40,000 knowledge and fandom! Here, contestants will face a gauntlet of rounds, each more challenging than the last, drawing from the grimdark vastness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and the in-depth discussions of The Independent Characters Podcast. From the immaterial depths of the Warp to the echoing voices of our beloved podcast hosts, this game will probe the limits of your knowledge, dexterity, and passion. Only the truest fans stand a chance! We hope you enjoy Episode 226. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro and Elite Choice0:11:00 - Workbench and Hobby Progress0:47:10 - The Grimdark Gauntlet: Part 11:33:55 - The Grimdark Gauntlet: Part 21:52:10 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORForge WorldGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 225 of The Independent Characters has us taking a look at the State of the Galaxy. This means we are doing a review of the major changes and updates to the lore over the last 10 years or so. It used to be that nothing changed in the Warhammer 40k universe. It was always two minutes to midnight and the clock stayed there. Since 7th edition though, Games Workshop has slowly begun to evolve the lore and move the clock ever forward. We take a look at these changes and what they mean for the future of Warhammer 40k. We hope you enjoy Episode 225. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Guest Introduction, and Elite Choice0:13:05 - Workbench and Hobby Progress0:28:40 - State of the Galaxy: Part 11:21:50 - State of the Galaxy: Part 22:17:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORForge WorldGames WorkshopThe Black Library

Episode 224 sees Josh and Carl joined by Aaron and Justin. If you are looking for a lot of Warhammer 40k hobby progress and games played... well this isn't going to be the episode for you. Just warning you right now. We do however, spend quite a bit of time talking about the various board games we played at our annual 'Geekend' event we do our in central California. (By the way the game we couldn't remember the name of was called Wavelength!) Eventually we get into the meat of the episode and spend some time discussing current topics within the Warhammer 40k Community (or maybe it's just our perception on the community!). Either way it is a hour and a half of discussion and we hope you share your opinions with us in our Discord server or Facebook group! We hope you enjoy Episode 224. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Guest Introduction, and Elite Choice0:14:30 - Workbench and Hobby Progress0:52:05 - The Warrior Lodge: Part 11:32:50 - The Warrior Lodge: Part 22:14:40 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters PatreonTablewar! - SPONSORHerrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSORForge WorldGames WorkshopThe Black Library