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.  

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. 

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. 

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