North of the Shire Podcast

19/07/2024

Episode 52 – Dunland Gets Bloodied
Don is back to talk about the how his Dunland Battle Company is doing in a local campaign. Three more games played, and how did they do? The episode name says it all.

email us at [email protected]

Battle Compaines Community Edition 3.2
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eP_7qjwImEim1ZpRB_ToyzJEBpQG4vZ3/view
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-52-%e2%80%93-dunland-gets-bloodied/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Don is back to talk about the how his Dunland Battle Company is doing in a local campaign. Three more games played, and how did they do? The episode name says it all. email us at [email protected]

01/06/2024

Episode 51 – Let’s Play Battle Companies
Don talks about the first leg of a local Battle Companies campaign he’s playing in. The campaign is using the Community Edition 3.0 rules so what better way to shine a light on this gem of a publication. Follow along with the ups and downs as his company tries to forge a future better than ‘scratching a living off rocks’.
email us at [email protected]
Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

Battle Compaines Community Edition 3.0
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eP_7qjwImEim1ZpRB_ToyzJEBpQG4vZ3/view
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-51-lets-play-battle-companies/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Don talks about the first leg of a local Battle Companies campaign he’s playing in. The campaign is using the Community Edition 3.0 rules so what better way to shine a light on this gem of a publication. Follow along with the ups and downs as his company tries to forge a future better than ‘scra...

20/04/2024

Episode 50 – Council of the Wise
Andrew and Don discuss their time at Council of the Wise, the largest MESBG tournament in Eastern Canada. They briefly discuss each of their games and review the result. The second part of Don’s home grown Werewolf army is presented as well.
email us at [email protected]
Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-50-%e2%80%93-council-of-the-wise/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don discuss their time at Council of the Wise, the largest MESBG tournament in Eastern Canada. They briefly discuss each of their games and review the result. The second part of Don’s home grown Werewolf army is presented as well. email us at [email protected] Support us...

15/03/2024

Episode 49 – Werewolves in MESBG

Although very confused over what episode number this is, Andrew and Don are back for another discussion. This time the main topic up for discussion is a home brew army list that Don has made which features Werewolves. They also review how the North of the Shire team did with their painting goals for 2023.

email us at [email protected]

Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-49-%e2%80%93-werewolves-in-mesbg/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Although very confused over what episode number this is, Andrew and Don are back for another discussion. This time the main topic up for discussion is a home brew army list that Don has made which features Werewolves. They also review how the North of the Shire team did with their painting goals for...

05/02/2024

Episode 48 – The Battle for Bree Charity Tournament
Don and Garrett sit down for a casual chat about a Charity event they attended in December. Very loose format on this episode as the two guys have have a bit of a discussion about what they’ve been up to during this long lull in MESBG releases.

email us at [email protected]

Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-48-%e2%80%93-the-battle-for-bree-charity-tournament/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Don and Garrett sit down for a casual chat about a Charity event they attended in December. Very loose format on this episode as the two guys have have a bit of a discussion about what they’ve been up to during this long lull in MESBG releases. We call this episode 49 in the intro, but it's really...

16/12/2023

Episode 47 – Where’s your Mojo Frodo?
Andrew and Don are back together for a chat after an unplanned break. They discuss what they have and haven’t been doing over the last couple of months. Topics include a team tournaments, the loss of hobby mojo, clear plastic soldiers, and a listener question on Isengard.
email us at [email protected]
Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-47-%e2%80%93-where-s-your-mojo-frodo/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don are back together for a chat after an unplanned break. They discuss what they have and haven't been doing over the last couple of months. Topics include a team tournaments, the loss of hobby mojo, clear plastic soldiers, and a listener question on Isengard. email us at Northoftheshire...

25/11/2023

We've been taking a bit of an unscheduled break as life has gotten busy. In spite of that we managed to hit 10,000 downloads! So thank you all for your continued support.

We will be back with a new episode in a few weeks.

17/09/2023

Episode 46 – Unique Warrior Profiles in MESBG
Andrew and Don present the concept of Unique Warrior Profiles for MESBG. They answer some listener mail as well as discuss some recent hobby projects.

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-46-unique-warrior-profiles-in-mesbg/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

email us at:
[email protected]

Andrew and Don present the concept of Unique Warrior Profiles for MESBG. They answer some listener mail as well as discuss some recent hobby projects. email us at [email protected] Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

13/08/2023

Episode 45 – August FAQ Discussion
The North of the Shire guys have a quick discussion about the August 2023 FAQ. What were the major changes and how do they affect the meta?

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-45-%e2%80%93-august-faq-discussion/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

The North of the Shire guys have a quick discussion about the August 2023 FAQ. What were the major changes and how do they affect the meta?

23/07/2023

Episode 44 – Ranging ahead in Reconnoitre

Andrew and Don take a close look at the Reconnoitre mission. What types of armies love this mission and which hate it? Advice for the Underdog armies as well as Tips and Tricks to get a Mega Win in this mission. Plus a little hobby chat thrown in for good mesure.

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-44-%e2%80%93-ranging-ahead-in-reconnoitre/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don take a close look at the Reconnoitre mission. What types of armies love this mission and which hate it? Advice for the Underdog armies as well as Tips and Tricks to get a Mega Win in this mission. Plus a little hobby chat thrown in for good measure.

17/06/2023

Some pictures of my Hobbit Conversion which I mentioned in the last podcast. It's based around a new Hero Path for Battle Companies I designed, which is only available to Hobbit Heroes, called the Hobbit Traveller.

11/06/2023

Episode 43 – FrankenHobbit, or The Anatomy of a Hobbit

Andrew and Don discuss Hobbits! Go figure. The Hobbit sat-line is examined with the closest scrutiny that would impress even Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Who, or what, is FrankenHobbit and who created this hideous beast? How can these OP Hobbit Hero’s be brought under control?

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-43-%e2%80%93-frankenhobbit-or-the-anatomy-of-a-hobbit/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don discuss Hobbits! Go figure. The Hobbit sat-line is examined with the closest scrutiny that would impress even Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. Who, or what, is FrankenHobbit and who created this hideous beast? How can these OP Hobbit Hero’s be brought under control?

28/05/2023

Andrew and I were very happy to be invited onto a live stream by our friend Andurz Talks Hobbies. We had a great chat about the business side of MESBG. Most of which was supposition, of course.
Audio issues at the start, so skip to 9:45

Join us as we talk about the business side of the wargaming hobby as it stands today

27/05/2023

For anyone up at the crack of dawn tomorrow (7am), Andrew and I will be guests on Andurz Talks Hobbies. Looking forward to this. I really hope I don't sleep through my alarm.

Join us as we talk about the business side of the wargaming hobby as it stands today

01/05/2023

Episode 42 – Does the Warhammer Fest reveal confirm GW renegotiating license?

Andrew and Don discuss the sale of Middle-earth Enterprises and the potential impact we may see on the game. How significant was the MESBG Warhammer Fest reveal? Oh, and they talk about the game a little too.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/does-the-warhammer-fest-reveal-confirm-gw-renegotiating-license-1682936287/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don discuss the sale of Middle-earth Enterprises and the potential impact we may see on the game. How significant was the MESBG Warhammer Fest reveal? Oh, and they talk about the game a little too.

01/04/2023

With our local tournament Council of the Wise coming up in a few weeks, I decided to try out one of the Blue Wizard profiles that they allow in the tournament. This is Alatar, the Blue Wizard for which I've used the Nordic Wizard 3D print from Galaad Miniatures. Had a lot of fun painting this guy, my 23rd MESBG miniature of the year.
- Don

19/03/2023

Episode 41 – The Great MESBG FAQ.....Controversy?
In this episode the guys discuss a Battle Companies tournament they both recently attended. This marked Andrew’s return to the tournament scene after a three year absence. Has it really been that long? Following that they discuss the recent MESBG FAQ. Was it’s small size controversial or it is just indicative of a game that is in a really good place?
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-41-%e2%80%93-the-great-mesbg-faqcontroversy/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

In this episode the guys discuss a Battle Companies tournament they both recently attended. This marked Andrew’s return to the tournament scene after a three year absence. Has it really been that long? Following that they discuss the recent MESBG FAQ. Was it’s small size controversial or it is j...

06/02/2023

Episode 40 – Gazing into the Palantir of Orthanc

Andrew and Don get together to review their MESBG predictions for 2022. How did they do? What releases are they predicting for 2023? The results of last years Hobby Challenge are also carefully measured and a new challenge set for 2023. In the middle of all that spicy conversation, Andrew drops a big narrative surprise on Don.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-40-%e2%80%93-gazing-into-the-palantir-of-orthanc/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don get together to review their MESBG predictions for 2022. How did they do? What releases are they predicting for 2023? The results of last years Hobby Challenge are also carefully measured and a new challenge set for 2023. In the middle of all that spicy conversation, Andrew drops a bi...

04/01/2023

Episode 39 – How to create a Hobby Tournament

Andrew and Don discuss Canadian Shire, the anual hobby tournament run by the North of the Shire crew. They also read several listener emails and answer questions ranging from Sorcerous Blast to favourite models.
We recorded this episode over a month ago, but between major technical issues, a lengthy illness and the holiday season, getting this edited and published was like trying to cross Caradhras in the middle of winter. Thanks everyone for your patience.

Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-39-%e2%80%93-how-to-create-a-hobby-tournament/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly
This episode will not be available on Spotify

Andrew and Don discuss Canadian Shire, the annual hobby tournament run by the North of the Shire crew. They also read several listener emails and answer questions ranging from Sorcerous Blast to favourite models.   We recorded this episode over a month ag...

02/01/2023

We hope everyone had a very happy Holiday season and got lots of new toys to assemble and paint this year. We’ve been taking a bit of an unscheduled break from the podcast, but will be back soon with much MESBG fun and merriment.

Wishing you all a very safe and happy new year.

The North of the Shire crew - Andrew, Chris, Garrett and Don

20/11/2022

Here is all the progress I've made so far on my Angmar Battle Company, Shadow of the North. - Don

12/11/2022

The four of us were together in the same room for the first time in three years this past weekend as we hosted our tournament Canadian Shire. Garrett, Don, Chris and Andrew.

17/10/2022

Episode 38 – Wandering Orcs & Assassins
Andrew and Don get together for a chat and a catch-up. Then Don revisits his Angmar Battle Company, Shadow of the North. Add in some listener mail and a little trivia and that's episode 38.
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-38-%e2%80%93-wandering-orcs-assassins/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Andrew and Don get together for a chat and a catch-up. Then Don revisits his Angmar Battle Company, Shadow of the North. Add in some listener mail and a little trivia and thats episode 38. ...

11/09/2022

Was so surprised and grateful to have recently passed 10,000 downloads. Our second year had far fewer episodes than out first, so seeing this was really satisfying. Thanks so much to all our listeners!

28/08/2022

Episode 37 – Did Galadriel Lady of Light balance MESBG?
In this episode Andrew and Don discuss the impact of removing Galadriel Lady of Light from many top table armies. What has been the impact of her absence and has it exposed a problem in the game?
This episode was largely recorded a month ago and so that’s why I incorrectly refer to it as episode 36 in the intro. Also, we were working through some rust and my nice microphone didn’t get turned on for the first part of the episode.

Spotify
* This episode is not available on Spotify

Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-37-%e2%80%93-did-galadriel-lady-of-light-balance-mesbg/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

In this episode Andrew and Don discuss the impact of removing Galadriel Lady of Light from many top table armies. What has been the impact of her absence and has it exposed a problem in the game? This episode was largely recorded a month ago and so that’s ...

27/08/2022

I managed to check off a box on the 2022 Hobby Bingo by getting a display board done. Completed it for the Doubles tournament her in Ontario at Council of the Wise. We took The Black Riders LL with which we won one game and lost two.
I got all the basics done on the display, but ran out of time to really punch up the details.

30/07/2022

Episode 36 – Playing in an MESBG League
Back after a short break, Don and Chris catch up and discuss their time at the End of an Age tournament in the OSBGL. Finally they talk abut playing in an MESBG league – do’s, don’t, advantages and disadvantages. It’s all there.

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-36-%e2%80%93-playing-in-an-mesbg-league/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Back after a short break, Don and Chris catch up and discuss their time at the End of an Age tournament in the OSBGL. Finally they talk abut playing in an MESBG league – do’s, don’t, advantages and disadvantages. It’s all there. ...

26/07/2022

Garrett, Chris and I attended our GT, The End of an Age this weekend. The T.O. got some good shots of our armies. Chris - Hunter Orcs. Don - Kingdom of Moria. Garrett - The Dead of Dunharrow.

12/06/2022

Some pictures of my Angmar Orc Sorcerer conversion. One of my starting heroes for my new Battle Company, The Shadow of the North - Don

12/06/2022

Episode 35 – The Shadow of the North
Don is solo in this episode for the first time and presents a new segment for the podcast. If you like Battle Companies, Angmar or Sorcerers, this episode is for you. If not, give it a listen anyway, you may enjoy it.

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/1oqCotFlC3FvHsoOMoUx9B
Podbean
https://northoftheshirepodcast.podbean.com/e/episode-35-%e2%80%93-the-shadow-of-the-north/

This episode will also be available on iTunes very shortly

Don is solo in this episode for the first time and presents a new segment for the podcast. If you like Battle Companies, Angmar or Sorcerers, this episode is for you. If not, give it a listen anyway, you may enjoy it. ...