Episode 15 - Unveiling The Journey: A Hobby Interview With James Patterson Welcome back, dear listeners! and today marks the exciting kick-off of Season 3. We're diving into a format that harks back to Season 1—hobby interviews—but with a fresh twist. Join the conversation by contacting us at [email protected] Special Guest: Joining us today is none other than James Patterson—a GBHL player, tournament organizer, and a key member of Goldilocks and the Great bears GBHL team. James wears many hats, including hosting his own YouTube channel under Great Bear Gaming.  Hobby History: James takes us on a journey through his hobby timeline—from early days to adulthood. But why does he dedicate a substantial chunk of his hobby time to the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG) Tournament Organizer Insights: James spills the beans on his tournament organizing. How many events has he orchestrated, and what wisdom can he share with aspiring TOs?  Approach to the Game: As a player and TO, James wears dual hats. What motivates him? Is it the joy of the hobby, a day of friendly competition, or to challenge himself? We will also delve into the social contract—the unwritten rules of goodwill at the tabletop. Great Bear Gaming Channel: What’s the story behind Great Bear Gaming? Where can you find James’s content? Content Creation Insights: James, as a hobby “content creator,” spills the beans on his YouTube journey. What motivated him to start a channel? And for those considering their own channels, advice. And there you have it, folks! An episode brimming with conversation, MESBG insights and advice. Remember to follow James’s adventures on his channel. Great Bear Gaming Facebook. Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠Facebook page⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠Element Games referral link ⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠tip jar⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 14 - Ash: From Brush To Battlefields In this episode, we welcome back our co-host, Ash, who returns after a brief hiatus. The conversational duo format is back, and we dive deep into Ash’s journey through the world of Games Workshop’s Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game. Contact us at [email protected] The Rookie Year: Ash recounts his first year in the hobby—from assembling his unpainted army to stepping onto the tournament battlefield. How has he evolved as a player? Tune in for strategic and tactical insights, especially valuable for new players. Learning the Ropes: We explore Ash’s experiences with different army lists, scenarios, and the intricacies of the game. What pitfalls should new players avoid? We’ve got tips! Tournament Debut: Ash shares advice for fellow newcomers venturing into their first tournaments. Learn from his typical mistakes and discover how to sidestep them. Sportsmanship and Social Contracts: We reflect on fair play, goodwill, and the unwritten rules that shape our gaming experiences. Even in tough luck games, the right opponent can turn it into a memorable match. GBHL 80, 90, and 100s: Ash’s take on these tournaments and how they fit into the journey of a new player. Plus, a peek into the social side of the hobby. Meta Shifts: Should MESBG introduce themed secondary objectives? We discuss cost-effective ways to keep the meta fresh without new models. 2024 Goals: Ash’s competitive aspirations, local gaming club plans, and the armies he’s eyeing for 2023. Casual vs. Competitive: Can you learn from relaxed, theme games as a competitive player? We explore the fun side of the hobby. GBHL Insights: Ash shares his impressions as a new player, including thoughts on rules enforcement and the Stephen Box interview. Extreme sportsmanship, anyone? Join us for an engaging chat that combines passion, strategy, and camaraderie. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced hobbyist, there’s something here for everyone.  Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our Facebook page where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our Element Games referral link Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our tip jar. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 13 - Unlucky For Some (2023 Review) In this episode, we look back at the year 2023 and how it affected our podcast, the MESBG community, and the tournaments we attended. We also share our thoughts on the GBHL and the support (or lack thereof) from the game developers. Plus, we revisit some of the topics we covered in previous episodes, such as 3D printed miniatures and Chaos in Arda-con. Tune in to hear our honest opinions, experiences, and predictions for the future of Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game. Contact us at [email protected] Watch the Dice Breaker - Stephen Box discussion Check out the Half Trolls Supporting the podcast We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our Facebook page where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our Element Games referral link Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our tip jar. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 12 - If In Doubt, Always Follow Your Nose. Join us on our latest venture to a GBHL 90 Event. Join the conversation by contacting us at [email protected] Supporting the podcast We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠Facebook page⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠Element Games referral link ⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠tip jar.⁠ Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 11 - Chaos In Arda-Con Episode 11 is dedicated to talking about the recent controversy in the Ardacon Singles/Team championship. As well as a wider discussion on sportsmanship, fairplay and rules enforcement at tournaments and within the GBHL. Join the conversation by contacting us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.30 Introduction 00.07.42 Controversy 00.47.28 How it was handled, Thoughts, Conclusions  Supporting the podcast We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠Facebook page⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠Element Games referral link ⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠tip jar.⁠ Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 10 - The Two Towers Of Grantham Episode 10 sees Sonny & Ash travel to Grantham for Nathan Talbot's second of his trilogy of LOTR-framed events. A GBHL 80 one dayer. We catch up on correspondence, cover last episode's poll and Q&A. Contact us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.28 Introduction 00.05.52 Correspondence  00.20.01 Event & Lists  00.49.06 Tournament02.23.06 Tournament Review 02.45.37 Poll, Q&A 03.09.58 Quick chat, Next Episode & End Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠Facebook page⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠Element Games referral link ⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠tip jar⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Episode 9 - Nobody Tosses A Dwarf Season two is upon you whether you would risk it or not. Episode 9, the first of season two of the Middle-earth In Mercia Podcast is here. In this episode we attend our first ever GBHL event “Nobody Tosses A Dwarf” held in Bicester England. A GBHL 90 event, a new weighting of tournament for 2023. Contact us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.28 Introduction 00.11.21 Correspondence 00.16.27 Event & Lists (Old Mic) 00.50.28 Day Before (Old Mic) 01.06.14 Games 1 & 2 01.32.05 Chat With Ash - Game 3 02.14.58 Game 4 02.30.47 Tournament Review 02.53.27 Conclusions 02.54.32 Dice Down - Next Episodes Poll 03.01.49 MESBG Meta - Next Episodes Q&A 03.07.37 News - Update On Price Increases 03.14.17 Next Episode & End Poll - What Is Your Preffered Method Of Timed Game End? Q&A - Does MESBG Have A Meta? Go to Spotify or Facebook or Email to submit your answers Great Bear Gaming Tournament preview - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz4yozxIzJ0&t=2s Tournament Lists - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r_rOY0_8Y9EFuEyWEPjrryuM1Vh61vgG/view Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠Facebook page⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠Element Games referral link ⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠tip jar⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

The Eighth and final Episode of season One of the Middle-earth In Mercia Podcast. This week is a round up of the past year, including a hobby update. As well as a tournament report from Ardacon singles.  Contact us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.31 Introduction 00.04.46 Correspondence 00.14.12 Hobby Update 00.50.11 Ardacon Singles 01.31.04 News 01.43.46 Final Thoughts, The Future And Close Out Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠⁠Facebook page⁠⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠⁠Element Games referral link ⁠⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠⁠tip jar⁠⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

Merry Christmas and welcome to the Seventh Episode of the Middle-earth In Mercia Podcast. The very delayed saga of Sonny’s time at the Ardacon Doubles Tournament that took place in early August In Manchester UK. Sometimes the best stories are worth the wait as this is our longest episode ever. The culmination of Middle Earth In Mercia’s season 1 and aim for the year. Join us for our longest ever episode. Contact us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.00 Optional Explanation Of Where The Podcast Has Been 00.06.30 Introduction 00.20.44 Paul (Doubles Teammate) Hobby History 00.36.30 The Army Lists 00.41.41 Day 1 Break Down 01.08.29 Day 2 Morning 01.11.02 Day 2 Lunch Time 01.22.42 The Morning After Day 2 01.31.48 Reflection, Quick Recap And End Position 01.37.58 Detailed Post Tournament Assessment Of Army List 01.47.44 In Depth Review Of Ardacon As An Event 02.09.59 Ardacon Review Summary 02.16.06 Final Thoughts, The Future And Close Out Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠⁠Facebook page⁠⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠⁠Element Games referral link ⁠⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠⁠tip jar⁠⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.

The Sixth Episode of the Middle-earth In Mercia Podcast. This week is an update on hobby progress while taking a look at a couple of the most recent Middle-earth news stories. Contact us at [email protected] Episode Breakdown 00.00.28 Introduction 00.05.00 Hobby Update 00.29.55 MESBG Releases 01.11.36 Rings Of Power 01.36.45 Final thoughts, Next Time And Close Out Supporting the podcast  We appreciate your support and feedback. Please help us grow by telling your friends about us, following and reviewing us on your podcast provider of choice, and following us on our ⁠⁠Facebook page⁠⁠ where we post photos and extras related to our episodes. If you’d like to support us further, please use our ⁠⁠Element Games referral link ⁠⁠ Or, if you’d like to buy us a coffee, please visit our ⁠⁠tip jar⁠⁠. Thank you for listening and stay tuned for more episodes of Middle-earth in Mercia.