Whilst here at Totally Pawsome we're predominantly a Fantasy/Sci-Fi Wargamer, there are times when historically based titles grab our attention. As huge fans of the Bretonnian's and Golden Era Films like The Flame and the Arrow, Robin Hood, El Cid etc, and books by authors like Bernard Cornwell, we have a real love of Knights and archers. So when we had the opportunity to interview Andy Hobday of Wargames Atlantic, we couldn't wait to ask a fair few questions about The Baron's War. Here is the interview:
Totally Pawsome: What is it about the period that appeals to you?
Andy Hobday: There is something about the early thirteenth century that has always felt like the medieval period to me. A knight looks like the knight I imagined when I was a child: mail, a great helm, a shield and a surcoat. There is no plate armour and the heraldry is still in its infancy. The designs are simple, bold and practical because the visual language of heraldry is only just being established.
I also love the different levels within an army. Alongside the wealthy knights, you have professional soldiers such as serjeants, household retainers and poorly equipped levies who may have been pressed into service. They do not all look alike or fight alike, and that gives a retinue a great deal of visual and narrative character.
The period also has a strong local connection for me. I live near Lincoln, where the final land battle of the First Barons’ War was fought in 1217. Lincoln Castle also holds one of the surviving copies of Magna Carta. This history is not confined to a distant place. I can walk around the castle where William Marshal’s forces fought and won one of the defining battles of the conflict.
AH: Most encounters during the period were relatively small affairs. They were local disputes, raids, ambushes and clashes between rival lords rather than enormous armies meeting for a day-long battle. They were rarely protracted, and once one side lost its nerve, the situation could change very quickly. That is why morale sits at the heart of the game.
I also wanted troop types to behave as you would expect. Mounted knights are the tanks of the medieval battlefield. If they reach the right target at the right moment, they are terrifying. Ranged weapons are dangerous too, particularly if you are caught in the open without cover or decent armour.
The game is scalable, so you can begin with a small encounter and build towards something much larger without changing the rules. The only real difference is how long the game takes. It remains the same system and continues to produce the same difficult decisions, whether you are commanding a small retinue or a sizeable force.
TP: What makes The Barons’ War different from other medieval games?
AH: At its heart, The Barons’ War is about using the right troops for the right job. You cannot expect a group of levies to do the work of mounted knights, but that does not make the levies useless. Put them in the right place and they can hold ground, protect a flank or become a surprisingly effective speed bump.
There is quite a lot of granularity within the system. You have different types of warriors, different levels of experience and abilities that can further define what a group or character can do. That gives players plenty to think about when building a retinue, but the real value appears once the figures reach the table.
For me, those choices create decisions and stories. Narrative scenarios and objectives ensure that a battle is about more than destroying the opposing force. Every game produces moments that the players talk about afterwards: a clever decision, a disastrous failure, a unit holding when it had no right to, or a plan falling apart because somebody committed their knights too early. The result matters, but the story created by the players’ decisions is what stays with you.
AH: I describe The Barons’ War as a historical game rather than a historical simulation. History has shaped how the game looks and plays, and I have stayed as close to it as I reasonably can, but I have never been dogmatic. Gameplay must come first.
The game is completely open when it comes to creating your own retinue. There is a character creator that allows you to build your own lord, give them abilities and begin creating their history through play. We have also produced profiles for named historical characters if you would rather command someone who took part in the events of the period.
Those profiles are based on what history tells us, although we allow ourselves a little room where the surviving evidence is incomplete or contradictory. A profile still has to be enjoyable to use and should create a recognisable character on the tabletop. Strict adherence to an uncertain detail is not worthwhile if it makes the game worse.
TP: What would you recommend to somebody trying the game for the first time?
AH: We recommend starting with a 500-point retinue, which is roughly 25 to 30 models. Everything you need to begin playing is included in the starter set. That is a proper force rather than a cut-down tutorial army, and you can happily continue playing 500-point games for as long as you like.
If you want to expand, the next step is usually 750 points. That only requires a few additional groups, so you can grow the starter retinue without suddenly facing an enormous painting project.
You do not need to know a great deal about medieval history before you begin. The books provide a high-level overview of the period and guidance for anyone who wants to read further, but the game should be able to draw people into the history rather than demanding that knowledge at the door. We also have a large and friendly Facebook group where new players can ask questions, share their forces and learn more about the period.
TP: Do you have a favourite unit or miniature from the range?
AH: I love the latest command box sets. They contain four completely new and very characterful bodies, along with a wealth of parts that can also be used to update the existing plastic knights and serjeants. They are full of the useful, interesting bits that allow you to build named characters from history or make a command group that is entirely your own.
In game terms, I have a soft spot for my levies. They are not glamorous, but they can make a very useful speed bump. Mounted serjeants can be a real terror if they are used properly, which brings us back to matching the troops to the job.
I am also looking forward to fielding a new group of militant monks, particularly with Wargames Atlantic about to release a new plastic set containing plenty of characterful options. They should be great fun both to build and to use.
AH: The next immediate releases from Wargames Atlantic are the militant monks and outlaws. Both should add a great deal of character to existing retinues and open up some interesting possibilities for scenarios.
We are also currently laying out a new supplement for The Barons’ War. I cannot reveal too much about that yet, but there will be more to share soon.
After that, we will head to Outremer. It is a very different arena in which to fight. It introduces the Military Orders and the local forces of Islam, both of which have their own distinctive ways of fighting. The environment itself also becomes an opponent. A Frankish soldier covered in metal armour may be well protected, but fighting in that heat brings a completely new dynamic to the rules.
TP: Where could the rules system go in the future?
AH: If we are able to cover the full historical period for Outremer, I would then love to head into Eastern Europe and explore the Holy Roman Empire, the Polish principalities and the many opponents they faced.
I would also like to take the rules backwards through history. One possibility would be Conquest as a starter set, followed by games covering the Heptarchy, the late Roman West and the Romano-British period.
These would be distinct games built upon the same rules engine. Each period had its own character, and it would be important to capture that on top of the underlying system. I would never want a late Roman game to feel like The Barons’ War with different miniatures. The shared mechanics should make the games familiar, but the armies, scenarios and battlefield pressures must belong to their own time.
TP: If you had an unlimited budget, what would you make?
AH: My answer would be to expand Warhost. I have been building its background and developing ideas for it for around twenty years. Having the freedom to fully realise my own setting for narrative-driven fantasy skirmish games would be just about perfect.
Warhost is powered by The Barons’ War rules, but it has its own world, conflicts and identity. It gives me the chance to bring together everything I enjoy: characterful miniatures, grounded warfare, meaningful decisions, narrative scenarios and a setting that can continue to grow through play.
With an unlimited budget, I would want to explore that world properly through miniatures, books, artwork, stories and campaigns. It is a genuine passion project rather than simply another product range.
AH: It began when my dad bought me a copy of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain when I was ten. The book completely captured my imagination because it gave me choices and made me feel as though I was participating in the adventure rather than simply reading about somebody else’s.
The following year, Dungeons & Dragons took that idea even further. Suddenly there were no limits imposed by the pages of a book. It also introduced me to miniatures and Games Workshop. Seeing the sheer number and variety of miniatures available eventually led me to first edition Warhammer Fantasy Battle, and that became the springboard into everything else.
After more than thirty years working professionally in the tabletop games industry, I am very fortunate to have the working life I want. I can write and develop games, work with talented people and continue creating new projects. Alongside that, I have Warhost, which allows me to develop something deeply personal.
I have a great deal of respect for the entire independent wargaming scene. It is a real hotbed of ideas and continues to generate interesting projects. In particular, I admire Paul Hicks. He is one of the best traditional miniature sculptors working today and part of an unfortunately dying breed. His are the sort of miniatures I grew up with, and they still have a quality and personality that I love.
I also have a lot of respect for Barn at Void Scar Miniatures. He is tireless in the way he promotes his game and miniatures. Both are excellent, but creating them is only part of the job. He is putting in the long yards needed to get them in front of as many people as possible, and I know how much work that takes.
If somebody has not already tried The Barons’ War, I hope this has made them interested and excited enough to give it a go. Failing that, I hope they will join the Facebook group and find out more. At the very least, I hope they leave knowing the name William Marshal, the man remembered as the Greatest Knight.
Steamforged Games has let us know about alot of updates this week, from new releases for pre-order to a new format to make growing your army easier and future developments for Warmachine we thought we'd best let them explain in their own words so here you go:
The full Fane of Nyrro Army is here, and there’s plenty more lurking just around the corner. If you’re looking to gather the whole collection, pick up the full fane army in one easy bundle including, Executioner’s Toll, Death’s Whisper, Court of Shadows and the Gathering Darkness as well as both the Strygon light warbeast and Vordak heavy warbeast.
Death is usually the end of the story. For Harasheth, it’s just another resource.
The Gathering Darkness brings this ancient eldritch and his followers to the battlefield, giving Fane of Nyrro players a force that thrives on attrition and turns every fallen warrior into another opportunity. Harasheth feeds on the essence of friend and foe alike, while the dead are dragged back into his service to keep the pressure on.
Built for both Command and Skirmish games, the army box gives you everything you need to start exploring Harasheth’s brutal playstyle, while existing Fane players get a host of new options for growing their forces.
Want to see just how much trouble Harasheth can cause? Catch up with our Gathering Darkness preview to see what Harasheth brings to the table.
And if you thought that was the end of the story, think again. Something much, much bigger is waiting in the wings.
Cryx Necrofactorium — A new way to raise the dead
The Cryx Necrofactorium is getting a refresh, with a new format designed to make starting and expanding a Cryx army simpler.
The current Command Starter, Battlegroup Box, Core Expansion and Auxiliary Expansion are being replaced with a 30-point Command Set, individual warjack boxes and three 50-point Army Boxes. Each Army Box gives players a complete, playable force, with multiple boxes providing a straightforward route towards larger games.
The new range includes Boneyard Keeper, Legions of the Dead, Lord of Damnation and Wraithbinder’s Host, with the existing miniatures redistributed into the new formats alongside the new Mechanithrall Swarm Warden and Sepsira’s Feat Mechathrall unit. It also includes an individual release for both the Malefactor and Raptor warjacks.
Want the full breakdown? Check out the full article covering what’s changing and how the new format works.
The flame is rising, and if you’re going to answer the Lawgiver’s call, you might as well bring everyone.
The Protectorate of Menoth Army Bundle brings together the full range of Covenant of the Flame forces in one collection, including Defenders of the Flame, Scourge of the Unbeliever, Bastions of Faith and Heralds of Perdition.
And there’s a little something extra for those who answer the call. The bundle includes a free four-card Gifts of Menoth set, and we’ve got two new details to reveal about these exclusive cards.
First, each variant will feature its own unique artwork and colourway, making every edition distinct and giving collectors even more reason to hunt down their favourites.
But that’s not all. We’re also partnering with our distributors to introduce two brand-new exclusive editions for Canada and Australia, bringing the total to five different versions to collect and trade.
Whether you’re building your Menoth army, collecting every edition or simply looking for your favourite design, there’s plenty to keep an eye out for.
The flame burns brighter when everyone is gathered. Pre-orders for the Menoth Army Bundle close September 28, so make sure you’ve got yours in before Menoth casts his judgement.
Upcoming Warmachne Events:
All the best,
ThunderMouser
Here's what they had to say in the update plus links to the relevant pages:
Greetings, Adventurers!
All the best,
ThunderMouser
With us trying some new features we wanted to carry a post about the new Warhammer Miniatures coming out to pre-order on Saturday 12th September 2026.
If like us you're heavily into your fantasy, there's one thing you always want for your games, whether its for a TTRPG or to battle with, its Giants, or in the case of Warhammer, Sons (and daughters) of Behemat.
Our cherry picks of this weeks releases are the following, for the full list of whats coming out please go here:
Bestow the blessing of almighty bigness on your chosen Gargants with Ma Maegran, a mystical witch known as the Chooser of the Mighty. Her magical talents are an invaluable tool in any Sons of Behemat army, while her pair of Ancient Ghyrochs gore nearby prey before they can get within arm’s reach of their titanic shepherd.
Here is their information:
Boss-stompers take a more serious and disciplined approach to warfare, by Gargant standards. Their obsession with real fighting skill makes them particularly dangerous foes, adept at clubbing enemies into the dirt.
This box contains three Boss-stompers who can alternately be built as Rock-hurlers – Gargants that prefer to keep their distance and, as their name suggests, hurl rocks. The three Rock-hurlers also make up the new Spearhead army for the Sons of Behemat.
Finally from this week's pre-orders we have selected the Brawlers of Behemat. This is not only a new game for them (a pummel fest for Giant fans) but we hope that there will be additional new rules in the future where you can control a small band of "minions" who will antagonise the opponents mini alongside sneakily stabbing the other sides forces. Here's the official blurb:
Play out a titanic duel between two raging Mega-Gargants in the Brawlers of Behemat boxed set, featuring easy-to-learn game rules for fast, tactical battles between two massive warriors. You get two complete Mega-Gargants that can each be built as a Warstomper, Gatebreaker, or Kraken-Eater – with rules for all three – as well as a brand new set of ruined Embergard terrain to fight around.
As well as being a fun standalone game, Brawlers of Behemat is also a great way to pick up a pair of Mega-Gargants for your Sons of Behemat army. This boxed set is only available while stocks last.
If you like this please let us know so that we can keep it as a permanent feature.
All the best,
ThunderMouser
WeirdCo's Cyberpunk TCG has this week released the news that the first first Edgerunner Open Regional (EOR) events will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on December 11-13, and Warsaw, Poland, on January 30-31!
If you want a ticket or to see the details please visit the Cyberpunk Blog here to catch up with all the details.
Here are the other announcements in their own words:
MISSED OUR DIGITAL BETA CELEBRATION STREAM? CATCH UP HERE!
We had a great time cracking packs, playing games, and connecting with the community over on our Digital Beta Celebration stream today! If you missed the stream, you can watch it on-demand over on the Cyberpunk TCG YouTube channel now!
KICKSTARTER BACKERS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET THEIR HANDS ON A LIMITED NUMBER OF EARLY-RELEASE EOR TICKETS!
In the spirit of celebration, we’re making a limited number of tickets for both of our first EORs available exclusively to Kickstarter backers who have supported our game from the start. These will be offered to backers via a lottery system before general-release tickets go on sale.
You’ll be able to enter this early-release lottery using the links in this week’s blog post from Noon EST on September 8. Entries will remain open until September 20, and winners will be informed on September 23.
EVEN MORE BETA EVENTS HAVE NOW BEEN SCHEDULED IN MELEE!
Every day, more Local Game Stores are listing their Beta Events. Take a look at our event search page to find events near you, and see where you’ll be able to play in a Beta Event later this month!
CARD FAQS ARE LIVE NOW!
In preparation for our upcoming events, we’ve added some Frequently Asked Questions and answers about a few cards to their pages on our card database. If you have rules questions about a specific card, that’s a great place to start!
whole rule set for the Beta Events just in time for the local games (more of which have been added to the Melee page so you can easily find out if any are being run in your area.
To read the comprehensive rules please go here, if you just want to jump in and play, here's the Gameplay Guide with Turn sequences.
In addition to this, fullfilment is in hand and wave one will begin soon. Thats right Starter Decks and Beta Booster boxes are shipping to regional distribution centres and they’ll be making their way out into the wilds during the first few weeks of September.
For more information join the Official Discord and have the latest sent to your implants.
All the best,
ThunderMouser
Hail Mighty Readers and Followers of the Luck Gods Maths Rocks,
This month Heroes Infinite returns to the Blood Tribes with their themed Furiann Raiders, as usual with the releases from this company, they are beautifully designed, are wonderful options to put into various warbands as alternate options such as heroes or standard troops and if you're like me and love having units of female fighters (although there are a fair few male options too), then you're in for a real treat. Likewise they'll fit in nicely with any number of TTRPG's if you're doing live maps on the table for your players. Stay tuned at the end of the article as we're going to mention the paints that we love to do blood. We are not advertising and have not been sponsored for any of this, its just that at times, we all have problems that need a good fix.
All the best,
ThunderMouser
