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Dungeons and Dragons is a game that everyone has heard of.
It’s on TV and social media, most recently Stranger Things (top show, do recommend greatly 😻) The “nerdy” and “geeky” characters that just want to meet with their close friends and fight dragons, storm a goblin cave or fight a Demigorgon. In reality, it’s so much more than that. 

Now, as much as I want to, I can’t go on a 30 page rant of why Dungeons and Dragons is one of the most popular tabletop games, not only would it be boring for you but I might actually wear my keyboard down, plus Andy has to read over this and he only just manages to fit 36 hours into his day as it is..

With D&D being a passion of mine I’m happy to spout the gospel of the magical 20-sided dice and the games produced to anyone that I meet. Whenever I do this the first thing people often say is, “I’ve always wanted to give that a go”. Or they tell me to shut up. (They’re the ones that are missing out really)
So this is it, an introduction to D&D, a where, how and why! Let’s begin.

1. Location Location Location 

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If you have a chat with Andy (he’s a proper scouser) you can grab a table in Liverpool’s largest gaming space! Located on Kempston street in the Fabric district of Liverpool, Crit Hit Game Hub offers an inviting space to players of all ages and experiences. Here, you can eat, drink and play! There’s no table fee or membership to pay to enter. (As I said, he’s a proper scouser 😉)
Crit Hit offers Critical Hit Adventurers Guild, an online hub where you can post about your interest in the game, level of experience and easily find a group or three of energetic people who are happy to introduce you into their often weekly sessions.
I want to point out that this isn’t the only space in the area that can accommodate a DnD session, but it certainly is the best, in my opinion anyway.
You could always host a game in the comfort of your own home too, as long as you have a table to fit all your friends, but it never can replace the atmosphere of heading down to your FLGS and getting involved with like-minded players in a purpose built space for your game. (check out their VIP room, currently under refurbishment!)

2. Getting started 

This is a step that’s different for everyone. Some people prefer to do their research and read into the Forgotten Realms first, which is easy with online access to stories, live D&D games (such as Critical Role and High Rollers) and campaign books that are available for purchase both in-store and online.
Some of you may just want the bare minimum to get started. For that you would obtain a copy of the Players Handbook or the starter set which contains with a set of dice and pre-generated character sheets. Once you have your PHB and set of dice you can join or start any Fifth edition D&D game and slowly pick up the ropes. It’s as simple as that! 

Alternatively, post in the adventurers guild, join a group and sit down at the table with just a smile, a pencil and a can-do attitude. The community will be happy to teach you how to play the game, lend dice and character sheets to ensure that when you face that werewolf, not only do you know what you’re doing, but you might actually win the fight too. We want as many people to play with as possible. Makes sense right?

3. Playing the game! 

You’ve found your group, climbed up the stairs to your table and even have a matching set of dice (No need to brag). The DM has introduced you to the world you’re playing in… what now?
As I said before I don’t have hundreds of pages to spare, so I can’t launch into a multi-hour lecture on the greatest role-playing game in the world. (Not just my opinion, any official D&D book has that line on the cover)
I can however, direct you to some places where you can learn and grow.
Online live shows that go through campaigns and one shots, such as Critical Role created by Matthew Mercer, and High Rollers DM’d by Mark Humes, there’s Facebook groups (such as D&D Roleplay Tips and Optimisation) and Facebook pages (like D&D’s official page) that are newbie friendly and happy to help. 

YouTube is an excellent resource, full of videos on how to conquer the game, including the Handbooker Helper, created by the Critical Role gang on how to play individual classes and alignments optimally, and guides on how to play in general. But above all, your chosen group will be more than happy to remind you of rules, make sure you remember your sneak attack damage and guide your learning in an immersive world. They’re there to have fun too!

So what excuse have you got to start playing? Once you have the materials you want and a group happy to accept you, there’s not much else to you need.
Of course, you could expand your collection of books to include the Dungeons Master Guide for when you want to start running your own games, plus the many many adventures and campaign settings included in the Forgotten Realms.
I would recommend picking up an extra set of dice for when you need two D20’s? This is the best bit of advice I could give. If your collection gets out of hand you may have to join the Dice Maniacs Club on Facebook, where D&D players and just collectors mill about in their thousands and talk about their beautiful shiny math rocks.

Soon, you’ll understand exactly why the kids from Stranger Things want to go back to their campaign ASAP. There’s nothing better.

Hey everyone! Have you ever wanted to start playing a miniatures game, but felt intimidated by your buddy’s collection? Did your wallet cry out in pain browsing the price of some models? Is painting something only reserved for your lounge as it takes too long? Maybe this is a hobby you just never thought you would have time to invest in? You’re not alone in thinking this! Any prospective hobbyist may turn down one of the greatest games on Earth after a single glance at a rules book, or it’s price! However, the truth of it is that nothing has to be that way. By the end of this article I hope to let you in on some truths and hopefully encourage a few wannabe warlords into the hobby. Let’s get going..

Myth 1: You need a large collection of models to play

When I first started to take an interest in miniature war gaming, I was blown away by the substantial collections my friends had accrued. Clearly, I had no context or time from over which they had amassed these great piles. It seemed like an unachievable goal, especially being from a working class family in one of the poorest areas of the country. Despite this, the journey was not as painful as you may think. Over time, little-by-little, piece by piece, I built up my collection which has taken a long time but at every step I was still able to enjoy the hobby just like everyone else. The fun didn’t stop because I had a few less models than my opponent. You see, it’s far more important to have fun than it is to own models. Make use of your full collection no matter the size. (Size doesn’t matter.. ammarite guys?) Most game systems like Warhammer introduce rules and regulations to allow enjoyable gaming with any size of collection. Systems such as Warmachine, Infinity: The Game, Malifaux require a single £30 box purchase and you are good to go for years of gaming pleasure! There’s always an option regardless of collection size!

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Myth 2: Miniature wargaming is expensive

Whilst it’s true that some can spend thousands on miniatures, that does not mean that war gaming is expensive. Truth is, if you only have a limited budget per month to spend as life gets in the way, then only spend that! As above, there’s gaming systems that can be played in their entirety for as little as £30. You can always look to bolster your forces from seasonal holidays. Not to mention the absolute bargains to be found on the preloved market. Remember to start small and walk before you can run. I built a huge collection of Tyranids using £30 per week EMA funds (an education well spent) plus birthday money, Christmas gifts and the kindness of friends and strangers.

Myth 3: Painting is difficult and takes too long

*DISCLAIMER* I am one of the worst people to speak to when it comes to finishing a painting project. Like me, a lot of people never finish or even start painting their models. Seas of grey or undercoated models travelling 12 inches across a brightly painted lava landscape, because everyone wants to get playing as soon as possible. It happens, don’t feel bad about getting your minis painted right away, it’s all about fun. When you finally decide you’re ready to get painting that’s the time to do it. Like most things, you won’t be great at it straight away. I would go as far as saying you’ll probably be terrible, just like everyone else when they first started. Some very famous minifig painter’s first models looked like they had dipped entire models into nail varnish and called it a day. Practice makes perfect, alongside tonnes of free tutorial online combined with some simple colour schemes making an easy way to get a tabletop ready army on the board as quickly as possible. There’s even Games Workshop’s new Contrast paint system (which we stock by the way.. Shameless plug here) which makes painting effortless but with amazing results!

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Myth 4:  I will not have the time for Wargames in my life

I can testify, most players work full/part time jobs, have families and can normally arrange 2-4 games per month. The hobby will always have something to do in any schedule. You can paint, you can build, you can play or just read! It’s a very versatile hobby overall. When my schedule fills up, I can always have smaller games with friends, throw a handful of models together before bed or on my break in work. I have seen some dedicated chaps gluing scouts together on the bus, rule books and codices read in the Doctor’s reception. Any time you have can be useful and keep you interested in the hobby.

Hopefully this has managed to clear up some of the many myths I have encountered with the hobby. War gaming is inclusive and open to everyone. Not to mention that the community is always willing to help those struggling, which is exactly why I wanted to write this article. Are there any more myths you have heard? Please let us know, we want to hear your experiences. I look forward to playing you soon.

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It’s finally arrived! A brand new funky edition of our favourite tabletop war game. A new box set for us to sink our collective teeth into. It’s no surprise that Games Workshop have once again provided us with another outstanding quality box set, and its very likely to be the best value offered in a box set that we have ever seen. I want to deeper dive into this release and have a gander at the contents.

The Indomitus box set features two fully established armed forces, comprising of the well loved Space Marines and technically skilled Necrons. A wide array of troops, HQ units and even fast attack occupy the slots inside the box. There’s an incredible variety of units inside the box.

Space Marines are comprised of; Primaris Captain, Primaris Lieutenant, Primaris Chaplain, Judiciar, Bladeguard Veteran Squad, Bladeguard Ancient, Outrider Squad, Eradicator Squad and an Assault Intercessor squad. This in total is an incredible start to a Primaris Space Marine army with untold support from the characters, fast attack units and some hard-hitting new elites.

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The Necron side is a fresh build of an Overlord, a Royal Warden, a Plasmancer and 2 Cryptothralls, a Skorpekh Lord, 3 Skorpekh Destroyers, a Canoptek Reanimator, 2 units of Warriors and 6 bases of Scarabs. Just like the Space Marine half we’ve already seen, we have a diverse range of units for a great introduction to Necrons.

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Like most buyers already have, I divided my box with someone else and doubled up on the Necrons in exchange for the Space Marines (I love a good Necron list, not too fussed about a Space Marine chapter). I now have a very usable, versitile 2000 point list from the Indomitus box alone, which is adaptable, especially with my extensive Necron collection on my shelves!

Accompanying a tonne of new miniatures, you will also get the new 9^th Edition rule book with a limited edition full art cover, a booklet with each model’s datasheet, plus assembly instructions for the push-fit models. This allows inexperienced players to build their box even quicker than you would usually assemble a full force. Once assembled (and should you choose to, paint the miniatures) just grab your own tape measure and dice and get playing.

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Considering the contents of this box, we are super excited to see the new starter sets that will be landing in store shortly, (Use our store for 15% off new releases! Shameless plug I know) featuring some models from the Indomitus box with the addition of dice, measuring aids, terrain and play mats for those that want a true two player starter out-of-the-box experience.

This set so far has exceeded all expectations for quality and value and has been so popular that even though Games Workshop announced it was going to be limited and over produced more of this than any box set, it still sold out in under 48 hours globally.

Overall, Indomitus has pulled me right back into Warhammer and got me very excited for 9^th Edition. I’m looking forward to seeing all the new content for Necron’s soon, including the brand new codex in October. Indomitus has provided myself and many others with a means of increasing our collections substantially and rekindled a passion and fire within an age old miniature game.