News

Blog Menu

A Journey Through New Realms: From Guild Ball to MCP to much more!

August 24, 2023

Dad Bod Diaries

Greetings, fellow gamers and enthusiasts of the digital and tabletop realms! It's been quite a journey since the Guild Ball era came to a close back in 2020. As we waved farewell to our beloved game, we found ourselves standing at the crossroads of countless new adventures, each promising a unique blend of strategy, excitement, and camaraderie.

In this inaugural entry of the Dad Bod Diaries, let's take a moment to reflect on the games that have captured my attention and imagination since Guild Ball's final whistle. From the superhero skirmishes of Marvel Crisis Protocol to the epic battles of Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game and the creative wonders of the Guild Ball community projects, I've had the privilege of diving into a diverse array of gaming worlds.

Marvel Crisis Protocol: Superhero Skirmishes in Miniature

Marvel Crisis Protocol catapulted me into the Marvel Universe like never before. As a fan of both the comics and movies, this game was a match made in heaven. I've had the pleasure of assembling my favourite Marvel heroes and villains, pitting them against each other in pulse-pounding, objective-based battles. From web-slinging Spider-Man, the thunderous might of Thor, the sharp shooting Star-lord and the cosmic power or Thanos, every character brings their unique flavour to the tabletop. It's like comic book pages come to life, and I really enjoyed the cinema of this game.

MCP

Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game: Journeys in Tolkien's World

For those moments when I crave epic quests and the rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game is the perfect remedy. This game has transported me to the fantastical realms of Middle-earth, allowing me to lead armies of Elves, Dwarves, Men and Orcs into battle against the forces of darkness. The attention to detail and fidelity to the source material in this game are truly remarkable. It's a journey through Tolkien's world that I relish with every dice roll.

I have loved Lord of the Rings since the first movie was released, and have since then read the majority of Tolkien's Middle-earth works, visiting filming sites in New Zealand and dived deeper in this amazing miniatures game.

With a simple ruleset to grasp, this game is still has so much depth to master. With many factions, as well as the option to ally different armies - your gaming possibilities are endless. This is another cinematic game with epic hero battles and unlikely moments of single warriors holding off giant trolls - so much fun when

I myself have been mostly enjoying playing with a Defence of Helm's Deep force, Boromir of Gondor, the elf lords Legolas and Thranduil, and the mighty Azog the Defiler sitting atop his powerful White Warg.

MESBG

Azogs army 1

Community Projects: Guild Ball's Creative Afterlife

While Guild Ball might have concluded, the creativity of the community remains boundless. From the community made guild, The Lamplighters, and the still constant errata, the Guild Ball Community Project continues to push on. It's heartening to see how Guild Ball lives on in the hearts and minds of its devoted fan base. The GBCP Discord channel or website, or Longshanks.org, is your best bet for any news on Guild Ball updates and events. It has admittedly slowed unfortunately which is just due to the nature of a game going unsupported by its parent company but still love to see it. I have mostly been enjoying GB sporadically through the Vassal program and module as well as painting some long forgotten models.

GBCP

Uncharted Realms: Bushido, Warhammer, Star Wars Legion and Arena Rex

As I continue my gaming odyssey, I find myself drawn to the vast landscapes of other gaming systems. Some of the likes of Bushido's feudal Japan, the grimdark battlefields of Warhammer 40k, Judgement's god battles, the iconic Star Wars galaxy, and the gladiatorial arenas of Arena Rex - all beckon with their own unique adventures and challenges. These games offer intriguing possibilities for new strategies, new stories, and have been hits with my fellow close gamers.

So, fellow gamers, as we embark on this journey together through the Dad Bod Diaries, know that the gaming world is as boundless as our imagination. Join me as we explore these diverse realms, rolling dice, telling stories, and celebrating the joy of gaming in all its forms.

Before we conclude this first chapter of the Dad Bod Diaries, I'd like to share another exciting announcement. In the coming weeks, we'll be embarking on a new journey together, not just this 'blog-cast', but one that will transport us beyond the realms of gaming and into the boundless landscapes of imagination.

Introducing Worlds Beyond: Forging a Legend. This will be a collection of short stories released periodically used as a creative outlet introducing a new world. Together we will weave narratives that transcend time, space, and reality.

As we delve into these tales, we'll uncover the magic of storytelling and the limitless power of creativity. These stories will challenge our perceptions, inspire our dreams, and remind us that, just like in the world of gaming, anything is possible.

So, dear readers, prepare to embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of reality. Worlds Beyond is a realm where imagination knows no limits, and I can't wait to share it with all of you because I will be needing your help! This will be a community assisted, 'choose your own adventure' story, where I will use voting polls, raffle winners and some random luck of the dice to decide where our story goes and what points of interest we focus on!

And this starts now! If you have made it this far, firstly, THANK YOU that genuinely means a lot to me! Second, comment on the blog webpage with who you would like to be our first protagonist. You may choose from the commanding yet charismatic young woman on a mission - Aurora; OR the stoic and formidable, nature loving Grim. I cannot tell you any more about these two characters just yet but trust me when you cannot make a wrong choice.

Stay tuned for the first instalment, and may it be the beginning of many adventures together.

With excitement and anticipation,

Jesse

Introducing the Dad Bod Diaries: Navigating Games, Life, and Everything In Between

August 15, 2023

Hello there, fellow adventurers, gamers, and aficionados of all things tabletop and digital! Welcome to the grand unveiling of a brand-new venture that's been brewing in the creative cauldron for some time now — the Dad Bod Diaries!

But wait, you might ask, what's the story behind this intriguing name? Well, let me give you a glimpse into what awaits within this virtual realm where games, experiences, and the tapestry of everyday life converge.

We've all been there — juggling work, family, and the insatiable desire to dive into immersive worlds, whether they're crafted on a gaming console or spread across a tabletop. And if you're anything like me, you've realised that this balancing act often comes with a few extra pounds and a lot of life's quirks, lovingly known as the "dad bod" state of existence.

Dad Bod Diaries isn't just another blog or podcast; it's a sanctuary for those who revel in the joy of rolling dice, levelling up, and embracing the laughter and chaos that accompanies being, well, an average bloke navigating this thing called life.

Here, we're diving headfirst into a multidimensional abyss where discussions range from dissecting the critical mechanics of a tabletop game, to the poignant musings on the intricacies of aging, as well as the quirks that make us who we are.

Expect heartfelt anecdotes about balancing a 9-to-5 job, (potential) parenthood, mortgages, and the undeniable allure of exploring dungeons or galaxies in our free time. Join me as we embark on quests that take us from epic boss battles to negotiating paint swatches, all the while savouring life's moments like a finely brewed potion.

And who am I? Just your average bloke, a passionate gamer, a proud owner of a well-earned dad bod, and the captain of this narrative ship. With every blog post, podcast episode, and adventure we share, I'm inviting you to journey alongside me. Let's explore the uncharted territories of adulthood, the pixels and polygons that bring us joy, and the simple pleasures that remind us of the magic of being alive.

So, whether you're a tabletop tactician, a virtual hero, a fellow dad bod bearer, or someone who simply enjoys a good story, I extend my hand and welcome you to the Dad Bod Diaries. Together, let's embrace the twists, turns, and triumphs of this grand adventure — one entry, one episode, and one laugh at a time.

Buckle up, my friends, for the tales of dice rolls, digital battles, and life's delightful chaos are about to unfold in ways that only the Dad Bod Diaries can offer.

Cheers to the journey ahead,

Jesse

🎲🏆 3 Years After a Bitter Goodbye 🏆🎲

August 13, 2023

Greetings fellow gaming enthusiasts,

As I sit here, reminiscing about the past three years, my heart swells with a mix of emotions. It was around this time that we bid farewell to our cherished Guild Ball, a game that certainly held a special place in our hearts.

Since the announcement of its discontinuation there has been a void in my heart. Guild Ball was more than just a tabletop game; it was a dynamic blend of strategy and competition that truly set it apart.

The farewell note from the creators and Steamforged Games offered insight into the complexities that led to their decision. The delicate balance between competitive prowess and creative innovation is a tightrope that not all games can traverse flawlessly. It's a reflection of the challenge faced when catering to a dedicated community while keeping the game fresh and exciting.

It's true that the competitive scene grew immensely, and Guild Ball rewarded players for their skill and experience like no other. We revelled in the thrill of matches that hinged on well-calculated moves and brilliant strategy. But it seems that in the pursuit of perfection, we lost some of the whimsical charm that initially drew us to the game.

I would like to remind everyone (and this is the core reason for this post) of the incredible memories and experiences Guild Ball had given us. The friendships forged around the gaming table, the epic clashes of guilds, the triumphant goals, and the brutal take-outs — these moments will forever be etched in our hearts. Not every player at an event was playing for first either. I was always a mid-table coach, enjoying the game just for the game and camaraderie it brought to our lives. The legacy of Guild Ball will live on through us, the players who cherished every dice roll and every cunning move.

As we bid adieu to Guild Ball many of us fell into something new - Bushido, Malifaux, my beloved MESBG or what FreeCity attempted to jump into MCP, to name a few. This may have scratched the itch for some or even most, however I know not all…

Perhaps this is the moment for us to rally, to combine our creativity and love for strategic gameplay, and let our imaginations run wild in a new world filled with exciting mechanics, diverse strategies, thrilling intrigue, and a renewed sense of wonder…

With dice in hand and hearts full of anticipation,

Jesse