Explore every episode of the podcast The Independent Characters | Warhammer 40k Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 284 - LVO & The 2026 HPC Prize Drawing | 19 Oct 2026 | 02:05:10 | |
Episode 284 is a little later than planned, but it's packed with content worth the wait. Adan and Carl kick things off with a recap of Adan's trip to the 2026 Las Vegas Open, where he and his fellow Ork warbosses brought the propa krumpin' to the tabletop. By the end of the conversation, Carl may just find himself convinced to make the trip next year. Next, the show sits down with Todd Kinkade, one of the founders of Tablewar, to talk about their generous support of The Independent Characters Hobby Progress Challenge and the work being done through Tablewar Charities. That conversation leads right into a recording of the live HPC 2026 Prize Giveaway, as Carl and Chelle hand out prizes to the lucky winners of this year's challenge and unveil the HPC 2027, complete with a fresh slate of bonus point opportunities to chase. Las Vegas stories, a great partner, and prizes galore. We hope you enjoy Episode 284! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 283 - Super Titan Megadeath | 23 Sep 2026 | 01:42:19 | |
Apologies for the delays in getting this episode out to you - Internet at Carl's house has been down for over a week. Thank you Frontier Fiber. Episode 283 is here, and it's the biggest game we've ever covered on the show. Ivan and Craig organized a Legions Imperialis mega-battle they called (Super) Titan MegaDeath, a supersized take on the TitanDeath format that strips the game down to nothing but Titans and Knights. Eight players split into two armies of over 22,000 points each and threw down on Herryx IV, fighting over the Ascension Spire in a custom narrative mission called Siege at Thestor, complete with home-brewed rules for defense grid command shrines, an orbital Scorched Earth doctrine, and a planetary void shield network. The numbers alone are wild: 227 Titans and Knights on the table, including 31 Warhounds and 24 Reavers between both sides. We break down what TitanDeath is, how it differs from Adeptus Titanicus, the custom rules we bolted on to make a game this size actually playable, and how the battle shook out. Tune in for the full breakdown of the biggest game night in Independent Time Stamps:
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| Episode 282 - Wrapping up the 2025/26 Hobby Progress Challenge | 24 Aug 2026 | 01:54:16 | |
First of all let me just say thank you for your patience as this episode ran late! We had a technical failure where the files of all the interviews I recorded became corrupted… which caused delays as I scrambled to schedule repeat interviews where I could due to scheduling! But here we are… done and live! - Carl A full year of hobby progress is coming to a close as Carl, Chelle, and Adan sit down to unpack everything the 2025-26 Hobby Progress Challenge became. Around three hundred hobbyists answered the call back in September, and by the time the dust (and the plastic shavings) settled, the community had painted well over eighteen hundred units between them. The hosts dig into who stuck it out for all twelve months, which bonus categories the community embraced and which ones got left gathering dust on the sprue, and crown the participants who topped the leaderboard through sheer bloody-minded consistency. Expect community voicemails, a few honest confessions about which of the three hosts actually kept pace with their own challenge, and a hard look at what it really takes to paint through an entire year without losing steam. The actual ending of the Hobby Progress Challenge is at the end of this month, and the drawings for prizes will happen (hopefully live!) in the first week of September. This has been our most successful run of this event so far! Thank you for being a part of it! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 281 – The Warrior Lodge: The Nasty Edition | 26 Jul 2026 | 02:15:49 | |
In Episode 281 of The Independent Characters, we open the doors once again to The Warrior Lodge, our roundtable-style discussion format where we bring together voices from across the Warhammer 40,000 community. This episode, Carl, Josh, and Adan are joined by Blake, better known to the community as "Big Nasty B", from Life After the Cover Save! Blake brings his own perspective from across the hobby to the table as we dig into a variety of topics currently on the minds of 40k players everywhere. Whether you're a veteran general or newly initiated into the grim darkness of the far future, The Warrior Lodge always has a seat at the table for you - and this time around, we've pulled up an extra chair. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Independent Characters!
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| Episode 280 - Narrative on The New Battlefield | 05 Jul 2026 | 02:07:07 | |
The dust is still settling on the launch, of 11th Edition, and this edition is more than rewrite the datasheets - it has redrawn the battlefield itself. Objectives are no longer abstract circles on the cloth; they are terrain, fought over and held, and the table now has a correct shape in a way it never did before. For the competitive crowd, that clarity is a gift. But what about the rest of us - the ones who came to Warhammer 40,000 for the story? In this episode, Carl, Josh, and Adan ask the question: has the new edition quietly designed narrative play out of the core box? They dig into the shift from objective markers to objective terrain, the creep of tournament layouts into the standard game, and the worry on every kitchen-table general's mind - is 11th simply too deadly to be played on the boards we actually love to build? Along the way, they pull the conversation back from the ledge, mapping out how thematic objectives, flexible layouts, and a little fearless house-ruling can keep the soul of narrative gaming alive and well in the new edition. And with a fresh wave of hobbyists arriving on the heels of the launch, we make the case that the intention was always meant to be a sandbox, not a courtroom. Pull up a chair, set the terrain however you like, and remember - the rulebook is a tool, not a cage. We also have an announcement coming shortly for all levels of Patreon Subscribers who want a sticker from our Pride Month Sticker for free. Expect to hear about that in the next day or so. If you want one... or two.. we will send it out to you! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 279 - Fresh Blood for 11th Edition | 15 Jun 2026 | 02:24:13 | |
With 11th Edition launching this month, there has never been a better moment to hand a friend a Space Marine and say "let me show you something." A new edition resets the table - rulebooks, starter sets, and community energy are all aligned toward accessibility, and even veteran players are re-learning the game right alongside newcomers. In Episode 279, we dig into the art of hobby mentorship: how to recognize this rare window of opportunity and use it to bring new and younger players into the grimdark future without overwhelming them before they ever roll their first dice. We cover the full journey of introducing someone to Warhammer 40,000 - from choosing the right entry point to starting with the story rather than the stat blocks. We share the mistakes we made when we first started, reflect on what we'd do differently, and offer practical advice on how to read your new player - whether they're a painter at heart, a lore lover, or someone who just wants to push cool models around a table and roll fistfuls of dice. The key, as always, is meeting them where they are and letting their enthusiasm lead the way. Whether you're mentoring a friend, a family member, or a complete stranger at your local game store, Episode 279 is your guide to growing this hobby the right way - one new player at a time.
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| Episode 278 - Campaigns, Cards, and Community | 23 May 2026 | 01:42:30 | |
In Episode 278 of The Independent Characters, Carl takes us along for the ride at The Maelstrom Mixer - a fantastic community event. Carl breaks down how the event is structured, walks you through the games he played, and shares the stories behind the people he met across the table. Whether you've attended a Mixer before or have always been curious what all the fuss is about, this is your inside look at what makes this kind of event so special to the narrative and community side of Warhammer 40,000. Then we turn our attention to one of the most exciting things to come out of the new Armageddon launch box - the Dominatus Deck. This innovative new system promises to transform the way groups run Warhammer 40,000 campaigns, weaving individual battles together into a living, breathing narrative while keeping the bookkeeping refreshingly light. We walk through the full four-step campaign loop: from rolling to determine contested locations and their war zone rules, to reading Alliance Briefing cards that set the narrative stakes, pursuing thematic Agendas instead of standard objectives, and earning Battle Honour or Battle Skill cards that follow your units through the campaign. At phase end, controlling alliances claim location bonuses and powerful Relic cards; all building toward a climactic three-phase arc that culminates in one decisive final battle. If you've ever wanted a campaign system that tells a great story without drowning you in paperwork, the Dominatus Deck might be exactly what we have all been waiting for. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 277 - Crossing the Edition Rubicon | 06 May 2026 | 01:48:36 | |
What happens when an edition starts showing its age and a new one looms on the horizon? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh take a hard look at the end of 10th Edition and what GW's own history tells us about what comes next. Because this isn't the first time the 40k Universe has gone through a transition, and if you know where to look, the patterns are hiding in plain sight. From the Narrative Avalanche of closing Warzones – the 500 Worlds, the Maelstrom, and the legendary return of Armageddon – to the historical precedent set by the Gathering Storm and the return of Guilliman at the end of 7th Edition, the crew breaks down exactly how GW winds down an edition and why, even in the chaos, it's actually a great time to be a fan. But the conversation doesn't stop there. 11th Edition previews are already dropping, and the internet is already on fire. Cover rule changes, new terrain layouts, character reveals; the crew walks through what's been shown and, more importantly, how to think about it clearly before the hot takes take over. Plus, we tackle the very real challenge of Rules Bleed (that maddening moment when your brain defaults to the old rules mid-game) and share practical tips for making a clean transition into a new edition. The edition may be ending, but the episode is just getting started! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 276 - Adepticon 2026 Review | 12 Apr 2026 | 02:40:43 | |
What happens when The Independent Characters descend on Milwaukee for four straight days of Warhammer 40,000, other tabletop gaming, and everything Adepticon has to offer? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh bring you their full review of Adepticon 2026, the games they played, the people they met, and the moments that made the trip worth it all. But this year, the crew wasn't just attending. They were running the show! Well... specifically the Warhammer 40,000 Flex event for the second year in a row. This is quickly becoming one of the convention's most dynamic, welcoming, and inclusive Warhammer 40k events, across all four days. What goes right, what goes sideways, and what keeps players coming back year after year? From the convention floor to the event organizer's perspective, we share the experiences, the highlights, and the hard-won lessons from one of the best weeks the hobby has to offer. Whether you've been to Adepticon or it's been on your bucket list, this episode will make you feel like you were right there with us. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 275 - Model Rescue & Restoration | 09 Mar 2026 | 02:10:41 | |
In Episode 275 of The Independent Characters, we dive into one of the most satisfying corners of the hobby: Model Rescue & Restoration. Whether you've stumbled across a dusty army at a swap meet, grabbed a suspiciously cheap eBay lot, or inherited a box of badly painted miniatures from a friend, second-hand models can be a gold mine waiting to be rediscovered. In this episode we talk about how to evaluate used armies before you buy them, what warning signs to watch for, and how rescuing older models can save money, preserve classic sculpts, and give forgotten miniatures a second life on the tabletop. We also break down the practical side of the rescue process, from how to safely strip paint from plastic, metal, and resin models, repair broken parts, and rebuild units so they fit seamlessly into your existing collection. Along the way we share tips, tools, and a few cautionary tales from our own hobby workbenches. If you've ever looked at a battered old miniature and thought "this could be great with a little work," this episode is for you. Episode 275 releases March 9th, 2026. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 274 - Staging the Apocalypse | 23 Feb 2026 | 02:23:22 | |
What does it really take to stage a true Apocalypse game in the modern era of Warhammer 40,000? In this episode of The Independent Characters, we tackle "Staging the Apocalypse" - a deep dive into running cinematic mega-battles at 3,000+ points per side without letting the game grind to a halt. We will talk about how to make colossal games feel epic rather than exhausting, and we break down ideas on how to design, structure, and pace large-scale narrative events so every turn stays snappy and every player stays engaged. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 273 - The Graveyard of Legends | 02 Feb 2026 | 02:17:32 | |
Episode 273 of The Independent Characters is headed straight into the Legends Graveyard - that strange, dusty corner of Warhammer 40,000 where beloved units go when they're retired from active service. In this episode, we take a look at what it really means for a unit to be moved to Legends status, what restrictions come with it, and why it can feel like a gut punch to longtime hobbyists… even when it makes sense from a rules and balance perspective. If you've ever stared at a shelf full of classic models and wondered "Can I still play these?", this episode's for you.
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| Episode 272 - The Aranthian Succession: Cinderak Burning | 19 Jan 2026 | 01:41:38 | |
In episode 272, Carl and Josh crack open The Aranthian Succession - Cinderak Burning, the opening salvo in a multi-episode series exploring how Necromunda's story is being pulled forward and woven more tightly into the modern Warhammer 40,000 timeline. This book doesn't just advance the plot—it reshapes the balance of power in the underhive, and sets the stage for a sector-wide reckoning that longtime lore fans will immediately feel. In the first half of the show, we focus squarely on the narrative: the political upheaval of the Aranthian Succession, the rising tensions within Hive Primus, and what the burning of Cinderak means for the future of Necromunda, and its place in the wider Imperium. This is classic Necromunda storytelling, but told with a sharper eye toward the present 40K era, bridging gaps and modernizing the setting. The back half of the episode shifts gears into the tabletop, breaking down the rules updates, campaign systems, and new tools this book brings to Necromunda players. Whether you're running a long-form campaign or just curious how these changes impact the game going forward, we've got you covered. And while Adan wasn't available for this episode, don't panic! His return is imminent. The Succession has only just begun, and there's a lot more to come.
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| Episode 271 - The 2025 Warhammer Year in Review | 19 Dec 2025 | 02:10:33 | |
Episode 271 of The Independent Characters is our annual 2025 Warhammer Year in Review, and it's all about taking a breath, looking back, and celebrating another packed year in the hobby. We dig into our favorite releases of 2025 across games, models, and supplements, talk about what really landed for us at the table, and reflect on the trends that shaped how we played, painted, and engaged with Warhammer this year. As always, the conversation goes beyond just "what came out," touching on how these releases impacted our enjoyment of the hobby and the broader community. This episode also marks the long-awaited return of Josh, who jumps right back into the mix and brings his perspective, enthusiasm, and sharp takes to the discussion. While Adan was originally slated to join us, a scheduling mix-up kept him from making the recording – but don't worry, he's very much part of the wrap-up. We'll be closing out 2025 properly with Adan in a special Patreon episode coming soon, where we'll finish the year together and add even more reflection to an already memorable season. Episode 271 is equal parts retrospective, celebration, and setup for what's next – a fitting way to close the book on 2025 and get ready for whatever the next year of Warhammer throws at us. We hope you enjoy! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 270 - Engines of the Apocalypse (Part 2): Xenos & Chaos Titans | 29 Nov 2025 | 01:46:07 | |
In Episode 270 of The Independent Characters, we bring our monumental exploration of Titans to a close by venturing beyond the Imperium to the heretical, alien, and utterly bizarre god-engines that stalk the galaxy. In this second part of our two-part series, we delve into the corrupted Chaos Titans of the Dark Mechanicum - twisted reflections of their loyalist kin whose Machine Spirits have long since merged with the daemonic will of the Warp. From Iconoclasts and Infernals to the infamous Daemon Engines of the Traitor Legios, we examine how the powers of the Warp reshape these once-holy engines into entities of madness and malice. But the galaxy's gods of war are not limited to humanity's machines. We turn our attention to the Xenos Titans, the elegant, wraithbone Aeldari Phantoms and Revenants, the ramshackle yet terrifying Ork Gargants, and even the living, bio-engineered horrors of the Tyranids that serve as their own monstrous equivalents. Each race has its own vision of what it means to command destruction on a titanic scale, and their designs reveal as much about their cultures as their weapons do about their wars. On the tabletop, we explore how these colossal war engines appear across games like Warhammer 40,000, Horus Heresy, Adeptus Titanicus, and Legions Imperialis, comparing their aesthetics, rules, and battlefield impact. Whether it's a Gargant's laughter echoing through the smoke, an Aeldari Titan striding like a ghost through reality, or a corrupted Warlord roaring praise to the Dark Gods, each represents a unique expression of power at its most absolute. We hope you enjoy this episode! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 269 - Engines of The Apocalypse: Imperial Titans | 20 Nov 2025 | 02:09:44 | |
Episode 269 of The Independent Characters strides onto the battlefield with a thunderous step as we begin a two-part exploration of the greatest war machines ever to walk the galaxy - the Titans. In this first installment, we turn our gaze to the Imperial God-Engines of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Collegia Titanica, delving deep into their origins, traditions, and the awe-inspiring lore that surrounds them. From the Titan Legions of the Great Crusade to the battles of the 41st Millennium, we trace how these towering avatars of the Omnissiah came to symbolize the Imperium's divine right to rule through fire and steel. We discuss the classes and hierarchy of Imperial Titans - from the swift Warhound Scout Titans to the legendary Warlord and the near-mythic Imperator - and examine the sacred bond between the Princeps, Moderati, and their god-machine. These are not mere machines, but walking cathedrals of destruction, powered by faith and fury in equal measure. On the tabletop, Imperial Titans have taken many forms across Games Workshop's systems, and we look at how these behemoths are represented in Warhammer 40,000, Horus Heresy, Adeptus Titanicus, and Legions Imperialis. Whether you command a Titan Maniple in Adeptus Titanicus or field a Warlord in an Apocalypse-scale 40K battle, these engines of war have remained a constant source of fascination and terror. We also discuss the stunning models that bring them to life; each one a feat of design that captures the impossible scale and grandeur of the Imperium's god-machines. This episode marks the beginning of our most monumental topic yet, and it's only the first half of the story. In Episode 270, we'll turn our auspex toward the Xenos counterparts; the alien god-engines of the Orks, Aeldari, and beyond to see how other races of the galaxy answer the thunderous challenge of the Imperium's Titans! We hope you enjoy the show. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 268 - Show of Force: Oaths & Damnation Part Two | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:52:32 | |
Episode 268 of The Independent Characters lumbers onto the battlefield just in time for Halloween – and it's a dark and twisted one! When we set out to cover both the Imperial Knights and their blasphemous counterparts, the Chaos Knights, it quickly became clear that the topic was far too massive for a single episode. Carl's optimism got the better of him (again), and what was shaping up to be a five-to-six-hour show had to be cleaved in two. Thus, our Show of Force: Oaths and Damnation has become a two-parter. This episode, we descend into the shadows to explore the corrupted Knight Houses that turned their backs on honor and swore allegiance to the Dark Gods. Carl and Adan take you through the lore, the tabletop presence, the terrifying rules, and the evolution of these towering engines of damnation. From the infernal bargains of the Infernal Houses to the ruthless traditions of the Iconoclasts, Chaos Knights embody the darker half of this story, and they arrive on October 31st to haunt your feed. So lock your hatches, ward your soul, and prepare for a Halloween-ready dive into the corrupted grandeur of the Chaos Knights. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 267 - Show of Force: Oaths & Damnation (Part One) | 18 Oct 2025 | 03:50:38 | |
Episode 267 of The Independent Characters arrives right on schedule, and it's a big one, both in content and in subject matter. This time, we're striding into the battlefield with not one, but two colossal armies in our latest Show of Force. Join us as we explore both the Imperial Knights and their dark reflections, the Chaos Knights. These towering engines of war have a presence on the tabletop and in the lore that is impossible to ignore, and we're diving deep into every aspect of them. Edit: So as we started recording – we realize that this would turn into a 5-6 hour episode. Carl was, once again, too optimistic regarding how much we could cram into an episode. So we made the decision to divide this topic into two parts. Episode 268 will cover the Chaos Knights as Part 2 of Oaths and Damnation. Over the course of the episode, we cover their origins and history, the unique culture of the Knight Houses, and how those sworn oaths of loyalty can either lead to noble service to the Imperium or a fall into the corrupting grip of the Dark Gods. From lore to codex, units to battlefield roles, we've got it all packed in. As our Show of Force Episodes go – we'll also take a look back at their evolution over the years – how these armies have grown in design, rules, and miniature range to become some of the most striking models in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Carl and Adan – as well as a special guest, will unpack the details of these armies over the course of several hours. Fire up your void-shields because Episode 267 releases on October 18th, 2025. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 266 - The 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:43:54 | |
It's that time again - the 2025 Hobby Progress Challenge is here, and we're diving headfirst into all the details on this episode. Chelle, Adan, and Carl sit down to go over the rules of this year's challenge, how it's tracked, and what makes it such a fun and motivating way to tackle that pile of shame. Whether you're painting for glory in the Emperor's name or fueled by the whispers of Chaos, the HPC is your chance to stay focused, productive, and inspired all year long. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 265 - 40k For a Lifetime | 16 Sep 2025 | 02:21:22 | |
In Episode 265, we explore what it means to be a hobbyist over time - from the first spark of excitement, to balancing life's responsibilities, to rediscovering joy in unexpected ways. We're diving into how the hobby grows with us, and how each phase of life brings something new to the tabletop. This episode features reflections and insights from both our hosts and members of the community, sharing how their passion for Warhammer 40K has changed over the years, and what keeps them coming back. Whether you're painting your first Intercessor or pulling out Rogue Trader-era minis, this one's for you. Join us as we celebrate the long game of 40K and the people who've made it a lifelong journey. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 264 - The Greatest 40k Supplements | 02 Sep 2025 | 02:22:44 | |
Episode 264 of The Independent Characters is one for the ages! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 263 - The Warrior Lodge | 15 Aug 2025 | 02:43:10 | |
In Episode 263 of The Independent Characters, we open the doors once again to The Warrior Lodge, our roundtable-style discussion format where we bring together voices from across the Warhammer 40,000 community. This episode, Carl is joined by Josh, Adan, and Skye as we dive into some of the most pressing topics currently sparking debate and reflection within the hobby. Whether you're a veteran player or newly initiated into the grim darkness of the far future, The Warrior Lodge always has a seat at the table for you. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Independent Characters! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 262 - Imperium Maledictum: The RPG | 30 Jul 2025 | 02:00:35 | |
In episode 262 of The Independent Characters, we delve deep into the shadows of the Imperium with a close look at Imperium Maledictum, the Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying game from Cubicle 7. Carl is joined by guest hosts Lars, Thom, and Steve; each bringing their unique RPG experience to the table, as we unravel the mysteries and mechanics of this investigative game set in the decaying heart of the Imperium. We begin with an exploration of the setting: This is a desperate and fractured region of space known as the Macharian Sector. The players serve shadowy patrons; from Inquisitors, Rogue Traders and Adeptus Mechanicus. Adventures revolve around investigations and surviving political intrigue, heretical threats, and the oppressive weight of Imperial bureaucracy. The game's tone is one of paranoia, secrets, and moral ambiguity - perfectly capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40k universe from a civilian perspective. Then we dive into the core mechanics and ruleset of Imperium Maledictum. From the D100-based skill checks to the Patron system that shapes your party's resources and objectives. We will explore how the game encourages teamwork, narrative depth, and immersive roleplaying. Whether you're a veteran of previous Warhammer RPGs, such as Rogue Trader or Dark Heresy, or new to roleplaying in the 41st Millennium, this episode will help you understand why Imperium Maledictum stands out as a compelling and richly detailed approach to role playing. If you ARE interested in purchasing the game after listening to this episode - please use our link below as it helps us with our Cubicle7 relationship. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 261 - Echoes of War: Aftermath | 23 Jul 2025 | 03:22:30 | |
In Episode 261 we're thrilled to welcome back our longtime cohost and friend, Adan Tejada, to The Independent Characters! Adan joins Carl for a wide-ranging discussion that starts where many games and campaigns end - exploring the tools, techniques, and traditions that help preserve the epic narratives forged on the tabletop. From post-campaign surveys to lore write-ups, and archiving your group or clubs shared mythology, we look at how to give your games the grand epilogue they deserve. If your Warhammer stories stop once the dice go cold, you're missing one of the best parts. But that's not all—we also sit down with Adan for a candid conversation about his recent 3.5-year stint working for Games Workshop. From staffing one of Southern California's flagship Warhammer stores to managing a single-staffer shop, Adan shares insights on what it's really like behind the counter. What works, what doesn't, and how Games Workshop's retail model functions on the ground floor all get covered in this honest and informative segment. Whether you're building out your games epilogues or just curious about what goes on in your local Warhammer store, this episode offers something for every hobbyist who loves the game behind the game. It's a look at the stories we tell after the battles are over—and the people who help keep the hobby alive in the real world. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 260 - Mordheim: Warbands and Wyrdstone | 28 Jun 2025 | 02:38:03 | |
The Independent Characters is a show focused on the universe of Warhammer 40,000. However, for one of the first times ever, we are going to take a slight tour and perhaps a dimension hop to discuss an Old World topic! In this episode of The Independent Characters, we dive into the crumbling streets of the City of the Damned with Episode 260: Mordheim - Warbands and Wyrdstone. Carl, Josh, and Jody explore the gritty skirmish game that captured the imaginations of Warhammer Fantasy fans back in 1999 and still lives on through a passionate community today. We'll break down the core mechanics of Mordheim, how warbands are built and evolve, and what makes its campaign system so enduring. Then, we recount our own recent two-day campaign weekend—hosted by Jody—where warbands clashed, wyrdstone was hoarded, and lasting stories were forged in the ruins. From preparation to final battle, we share the triumphs, tragedies, and unforgettable moments of bringing this classic game back to life. While this isn't our usual content, if you're a veteran of the old world or just discovering Mordheim for the first time, this is an episode not to miss! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 259 - Show of Force: The Red Tide | 21 Jun 2025 | 03:22:30 | |
Episode 259 is finally, our Show of Force episode about The World Eaters! To help us out, we have brought in World Eaters expert Brian Harvey, to help us understand what the Sons of Angron are all about... and what makes them such a fantastic army. If you aren't aware of what our Show of Force Episodes are all about well here is your answer: Show of Force is an ongoing series of episodes we will spread out through our releases of The Independent Characters. These shows take a look at each army in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe and seek to answer the question 'Why should you collect this army?' As we have said from the beginning, we don't do "Codex Overviews" this is more of a celebration of the hobby from a specific point of view. WARNING: These episodes can be dangerous to your wallet. Please listen responsibly! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 258 - The Future of Narrative Gaming | 31 May 2025 | 02:45:23 | |
Episode 258 of The Independent Characters discusses the future of Narrative Warhammer 40,000! With the rumors and timetable of a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 ramping up, Episode 258 sees The Independent Characters discussing where we would like to see the focus of narrative style games shift. This episode contains round-table speculation on what Crusade (or its successor) might look like in the next edition, plus a wish-list to Games Workshop for more social, story-first support. Additionally we have an interview with the founder and creator of the Rapid Fire Dicebox! This is a really great product that I have seen in person and really thought it was thematically clever. I neglected to lead into the interview - but it comes just before the show closing. We hope you enjoy Episode 258. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 257 - The Maelstrom Mixer | 13 May 2025 | 02:28:34 | |
This episode of The Independent Characters starts off with the usual segments. With Josh out of town, Chelle is stepping in to discuss elite choice, hobby progress, and games played. Then we pivot to discussions with on of the folks who have created and organized this years Maelstrom Mixer, a large narrative event in San Jose. Brett joins us to discuss what it took to put on the event, what they learned from previous years, and where it is going in the future! Carl attended last year and had a fantastic time. So we will talk about the event, but also pull back the curtain on how one runs something like this. We hope you enjoy this episode! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 256 - White Dwarf: Now and Again | 24 Apr 2025 | 04:05:17 | |
Episode 256 of The Independent Characters is a long one... and we even reigned it in! We had a lot to talk about here. We revisit episode 72, where we looked deep into the history and current issues of White Dwarf. In this episode we bridge the gap between episode 72 and now, in an episode we titled White Dwarf: Now and Again. Nearly 12 years have passed since our last coverage of this topic and it was due for a refresh as White Dwarf itself seems to have gone through many refreshes. To help us with this discussion, we are joined by Campbell from the 40k Badcast again. He always brings some great insight. We hope you enjoy Episode 256... and are here for the four hour episode! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 255 - Adepticon 2025 Review | 07 Apr 2025 | 03:00:04 | |
Episode 255 of The Independent Characters is all about our experience at Adepticon 2025! We are back from Milwaukee and along with Josh, Chelle, and Carl will be a host of interviews with those of us who went to AdeptiCon in 2025. We had to repost this since Chelle decided she wants to join this episode. She says that she has "Things to say" about AdeptiCon. What that is... is any of our guesses! We will talk about the events and classes we attended as well as the people we met and spoke with. Finally we will give our opinions on this years AdeptiCon and how it performs in it's new location! We hope you enjoy Episode 255. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 254 - The Warrior Lodge | 22 Mar 2025 | 02:26:38 | |
Episode 254 of The Independent Characters brings in a couple of amazing guests to join us in The Warrior Lodge! First we have Liz Apke, prolific painter and awesome IC's Community Member. You're going to love what she has to say about the Grand Narrative. We also bring in Troy Weis. One of the amazing event coordinators of the now famous Space Hulk event at Adepticon and one of the hosts of the Playin' and Slayin' Podcast from the Basement of Death guys. There is some really great conversation this episode. Some things that made our hosts really stop and consider different opinions here. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did recording it. Welcome to Episode 254 Time Stamps:
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| Episode 253 - Introducing your partner to 40k | 17 Mar 2025 | 01:39:21 | |
Episode 253 of The Independent Characters explores the age old questions of 'How do you get your significant other into Warhammer 40k?'. To help us explain her journey into the Grim Darkness of the Far Future, we are joined by Chelle Tuttle. For those who don't know by now, Chelle is Carl's wife and has had an on again, off again relationship with 40k. She is also managing all of the tracking of everyone's hobby progress in the Hobby Progress Challenge for 2025. For which we are very grateful! While we take a trip down memory lane on her exposure to the game, we also get some insights on what worked for her, to get her invested in the game. I want to thank Chelle for taking the time to join me on this discussion as I know this is a bit outside her comfort zone. We hope you enjoy Episode 253. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 252 - The Influence of Online Content | 10 Feb 2025 | 02:46:43 | |
We are joined by two very special guests for Episode 252! Welcome David and Adam (known as Chaos Dave - or Wargaming Dave, and Uncle Adam of Tabletop Minions fame) who are here to talk about the growing influence of online content in our hobby. How does it impact your gaming for the positive, the negative, and what can be done better from both a producer and consumer side. Many people think that content production is all about the fame, glory, and swimming pools of money. I mean, it is. But that really isn't the actual goal of most content producers. Most are incredibly passionate about their gaming, whether that is 40k, Ravaged Stars, Reign in Hell, or Trench Crusade. Expect to hear the thoughts of these two very successful content producers about how they see their role within the hobby space and what responsibilities content producers have, and why you should (or should not) listen to them. You will get a unique view of what goes on behind the scenes for most productions! We hope you enjoy this discussion! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 251 - Why Terrain & Layouts Define 40k | 30 Jan 2025 | 02:18:54 | |
Episode 251 of The Independent Characters takes a deep look at Warhammer 40k and how it is played in both competition, more casual play, and why it matters. How this impacts not only the types of units considered 'good' by those folks on the Internet, but also how the game is played by different sets of players and how it may shape new players approach and introduction to the game. To bring differing views on this, we once again have Campbell McLaughlin joining us to help us understand the importance of the tournament scene standpoint. We hope you enjoy Episode 251. There is a lot to unpack here, and we hope you get out of it as much as we put into it! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 250 - The 2024 Warhammer 40k Year in Review | 06 Jan 2025 | 02:18:59 | |
The end of 2024 brings us around to our annual Warhammer 40k Year in Review Episode. Typically we go down an entire list of all releases for the year and weigh in on our opinions of them. However, this year we have a lot to celebrate here and so we are going to change it up a little bit. Not only is it the end of 2024 and the beginning of a new year, it is the 250th Episode of The Independent Characters Podcast. And although we took a couple of breaks on the way here, we have indeed made it to this milestone episode. However, for us it isn't about quantity so much as it is about quality. So we will take some time to discuss a little bit of the history of the show, where we see it going, and what is going on currently. Then, instead of boiling 2024 down to a list of releases by Games Workshop, we will discuss our various favorites of the year in depth. What was our favorite game played of the year? Who was our favorite opponent? What was our favorite release? All of this and more will be discussed as we meander through our opening episode of 2025! And while we don't know exactly how much longer we will have Campbell on our staff before he heads back to the 40k Badcast, we have him now. We hope you enjoy Episode 250! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 249 - Collaborative Wargaming | 18 Dec 2024 | 02:27:48 | |
Episode 249 of The Independent Characters has Carl, Josh, and Campbell discussing the merits of Collaborative Wargaming. What does that mean? Well you will find out more when you listen, but at it's core it involves working together to improve your gaming experience. Whether you are playing in a Team Tournament, or launching the greatest narrative campaign this side of the Cicatrix Maledictum, you are going to want to take a listen to this episode for tips, tricks, and inspiration! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 248 - The Evolution of 40k Terrain | 25 Nov 2024 | 02:24:35 | |
Episode 248 of The Independent Characters has Carl, Josh, and Campbell talking about where Warhammer 40k terrain originated from, where it currently stands, and where it might be going. Yep! Still new intro music you are hearing at the beginning of the episode. We are going to stick with it for awhile, at least as long as Campbell is guest starring on the show, and see how you folks adapt to it! Be sure to let us know your feedback! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 247 - Fixed Lists and List Fixers | 15 Nov 2024 | 02:24:45 | |
Episode 247 of The Independent Characters witnesses the return of Josh to the show! We continue to have Campbell from the 40kBadcast as our adopted Podcast Partner while Dan is on Paternity leave! (Congrats Dan by the way!) In this episode Carl, Campbell, and Josh discuss the benefits and drawbacks of two different styles of lists. On one hand, there are those who never, or rarely change anything in their list. While on the other hand, you have those who enjoy changing up their lists every game. We will go into the pros and cons of each option, and maybe a few ideas on how you might want to adjust your approach. And yes, that is still new intro music you are hearing at the beginning of the episode. We are going to stick with it for awhile, at least as long as Campbell is guest starring on the show, and see how you folks adapt to it! Be sure to let us know your feedback! This episode will drop on November 15th. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 246 - Why Campaigns Fail and what to do about it | 21 Oct 2024 | 02:31:28 | |
Episode 246 of The Independent Characters brings onto the roster Campbell McLaughlin of The 40k Badcast fame to join us! While his regular Podcast partner Dan takes some much deserved paternity leave, Campbell will be joining The Independent Characters army roster on a regular basis. We couldn't ask for a better partner! In this episode, Carl and Campbell talk about the ways that Campaigns, in pretty much any system, fail. We discuss what types of speedbumps campaigns often run into, and how those become dead end streets. Then we take a look at what strategies you can apply to ensure that you campaign is a successful one! Even with some choice edits, this episode rolls in at about two and a half hours. But we think this is a solid topic of discussion and we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed recording it! And yes, that is new intro music you are hearing at the beginning of the episode. We are going to stick with it for awhile, at least as long as Campbell is guest starring on the show, and see how you folks adapt to it! Be sure to let us know your feedback! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 245 - The Warrior Lodge: Big Guns Edition | 06 Oct 2024 | 02:49:37 | |
Episode 236 of The Independent Characters has us bringing out the Big Guns! We have not only the return of none other than Justin Keefer to the program, but we also bring in Campbell McLaughlin from the 40k Badcast as well as Phil Hall from The Glacial Geek for a round of The Warrior Lodge! We will cover a variety of topics in this lengthy episode. It will be a long episode but one that we feel will bring you more entertainment than its length would imply. We hope you enjoy! Time Stamps:
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| Episode 244 - 40K Small Unit Tactics | 20 Sep 2024 | 01:55:00 | |
Episode 244 of The Independent Characters has us joined by Phil Hall, also known as The Glacial Geek (check out his YouTube Channel!). Phil and Carl spent quite a bit of time together during this years Nova Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention and while there we had a lot of conversation around painting, playing, and Kill Team. Phil has agreed to join Carl for an episode all about Small Unit Actions in the Warhammer 40k universe. This includes the new version of Kill Team and a bit about what we hope to expect there, in addition to Boarding Actions. These two unique ways of playing in the Warhammer 40k universe offer very different experiences from both each other, and how other games of Warhammer 40k are played! We hope you enjoy Episode 244. Time Stamps:
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| Episode 243 - Crusade: Pariah Nexus | 05 Sep 2024 | 01:59:41 | |
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:
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| Episode 242 - The Role of 40k in Life and Work | 15 Aug 2024 | 02:05:52 | |
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:
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| Episode 241 - Fostering a Positive Community | 15 Jul 2024 | 02:24:20 | |
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! | |||
| Episode 240 - The Warrior Lodge: Collab Edition 2 | 01 Jul 2024 | 03:15:43 | |
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:
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| Episode 239 - Show of Force: Leagues of Votann | 15 Jun 2024 | 03:25:10 | |
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:
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| Episode 238 - The Lost and The Damned | 01 Jun 2024 | 02:38:11 | |
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:
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| Episode 237 - Underhive Factions: House Orlock | 15 May 2024 | 03:10:44 | |
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:
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| Episode 236 - Rare 40k Materials 2 | 01 May 2024 | 02:36:51 | |
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:
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| Episode 235 - Adepticon Down Under Discussion | 15 Apr 2024 | 02:40:04 | |
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:
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