Banner Bearers

Ben and Elliot discuss the new champion, Durthrax, and Ben gives his masterclass on Luella. Ben also tells us about his summer following his daughter playing underwater hockey for Great Britain.Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: News of our next tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash 2025, and some Durthrax hot takes (and for some reason, Ell keeps calling them Durex - I'm nervous to ask why!).Clash Phase: Masterclass on LuellaEnd Phase: Ben discusses underwater hockey and his trip to Malaysia following the GB teamLinks:Banner Bearers Big Bash 2: Rules pack: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x1C1oSZtEq6c-M_vJpX8lRQKvWZadwBU/view?usp=sharingClash of Champions on Longshanks: https://www.longshanks.org/event/16710/Team Tear on Longshanks: https://www.longshanks.org/event/16711/Music: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot are joined by Banner Bearers Big Bash MVP, Andrew Thompson to  discuss the event and to give us a masterclass on Nia and discuss the event itself. Ben also tells us about a new game he was introduced to during the casual play on the Saturday evening, Kapow!. There's also Ben's report of an unexpected chat with Steamforged CEO, Rich Loxam.Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Banner Bearers Big Bash, a Ben's surprise chat wth steamfored CEO, our plans for our next tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash 2025, and a rules clarifications from the event.Clash Phase: Masterclass on NiaEnd Phase: Ben introduces Andrew and Elliot to Kapow!Links:Kapow!: https://www.wisewizardgames.com/kapow/ Music: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot are  discuss some playtesting of the work from the Battlefield Brewers project and Elliot gives us a masterclass on how to (competitively!) play Morrigan. They also discuss the multiple-nerd-media phenomenon that s Fallout.Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: Playtesting the Battlefield Brewers' Hill Giant rules and reminders about our tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash (22nd and 23rd June) and a Morrigan-themed rules clarification.Clash Phase: Masterclass on MorriganEnd Phase: Ben and Elliot talks all tings FalloutLinks:Banner Bearers' Big Bash tournament sign-ups: - 22nd June: New Frontiers (Godtear with competition-winner scenarios)- 22nd June: Champions' League (Guild Ball)- 23rd June: Top Tear (Godtear standard tournament)Fallout RPG: modiphius.net/pages/fallout-the-roleplaying-gameMusic: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot are joined by Melee in the Midlands Champion, Neil "Gonks Games" Sharp to  discuss the event and to give us a masterclass on how to play (and defeat) Raith Marid. Neil also introduces us to The Drowned Earth, along with a special scoop on upcoming releases! Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: Melee in the Midlands, details about our tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash (22nd and 23rd June) and some Raith Marid themed rules clarifications.Clash Phase: Masterclass on Raith MaridEnd Phase: Neil introduces Ben and Elliot to The Drowned EarthLinks:Banner Bearers' Big Bash tournament sign-ups: - 22nd June: New Frontiers (Godtear with competition-winner scenarios) - 22nd June: Champions' League (Guild Ball) - 23rd June: Top Tear (Godtear standard tournament)The Drowned Earth: https://thedrownedearth.com/Music: purple-planet.com

Welcome to a new mini-series of episodes: the Battlefield Brewers. Ben is joined by community members The Olde Crow and Ekun to discuss a champion design project based on the Local Legends packs made by Steamforged Games. The discussion takes an unexpected turn as they discuss whether to add a fifth class to the game.Links:Local Legends: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/pages/epic-encounters-local-legendsMusic: purple-planet.com

Another shorter episode this time, as Ben and Elliot reveal the winners of their scenario design competition.Ben also discusses the champion design team he is looking to set up on the Godtear Discord Homebrew channel.Winners:Overall: Plenty (Diced Ham) and Trade (Ben)Scenario Rules: Betrayal (Mark Lloyd)Theme: Light (Little Ghost)Map: Pincer (Reamus) Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download hereGodtear Discord: https://discord.gg/ZhS3VxaV9CDrumroll SFX: SpanacMusic: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot discuss how to make a team of champions that synergise and work well together, and cover each others weaknesses. Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: A game against an old friend, bitty news (including a shout out for more votes on the scenario comp!) and an interesting rules queryClash Phase: Picking a team that worksEnd Phase: Ell introduces Ben to BattletechLinks:Competition voting: https://forms.gle/1L9eZGst3WaC7nZEAMusic: purple-planet.com

A shorter than usual episode this time, as Ben and Elliot discuss the next stage of their scenario design competition.Please vote and give us feedback on whether you want to see more competitions like this.Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download hereVoting form: Vote hereMusic: purple-planet.com

A shorter than usual episode this time, as Ben and Elliot discuss the entries to their scenario design competition.Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download here Music: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot are joined by the organiser of the  Banner Bearer's Big Battle Bash, Dan Kenyon, and the champion form the event, Mark Lloyd, to discuss the event and launch a scenario design competition.Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Banner Bearer's Big Battle BashClash Phase: Scenario design competitionEnd Phase: Ben talks about his new kickstarter deliver, Earthborne RangersLinks:Email us your scenario: bannerbearerspodcast@gmail.com Innocence Scenario Rules: objectivehex.com/post/homebrew-scenario-innocenceEarthborne Rangers: earthbornegames.com/Music: purple-planet.com

Ben and Elliot are joined by newly-crowned UK Open Champion, Mike Marchal, to discuss their weekends at the UK Games Expo, and their relative successes in the UK Open Championship. There's also a fantastic interview with Steamforged Games' Creative Director, Mat Hart, and lore guru Sherwin Matthews.Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Games Expo and the UK Open ChampionshipClash Phase: Interview with SFGEnd Phase: Mike introduces us to MoonstoneLinks:Moonstone: https://www.moonstonethegame.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this episode, Ben and Elliot are on the road to the Who Let the Dogs Out tournament in Sunderland and take the opportunity to record an episode. In this one they discuss what the future might hold for Godtear and develop their wishlist of what they would like to see going forward.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Elliot reflects on his Construction experiences, followed by a quick news section and looking at what happens to Skullbreaker when he gets KO'd.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben and Elliot the potential developments that could occur within the game and discuss which ones they would most like to see. They return to the discussion after the tournament (with a brief aside with their tournament thoughts) and share some ideas they got from people at the event.End Phase: Ben and Ell talk about Ben's new RPG they have been playtesting: S.M.A.S.H.Links:Godtear Open at Games Expo UK: https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/1039-godtear-uk-open/Ben's DrivethruRPG storefront: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/455/The-Black-OrificeMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

In this Episode Ell and Ben are joined by local newbie, Mark Lloyd to discuss which champions make for the best starting experience, and which to avoid. Aimed at players just starting out at Godtear, this episode gives you some hints and tips to help you put together a teach of champions that will ease you into the game and help you learn.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: New Construction scenario first play thoughts, a ton of news, and multi-action effects in the gameClash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben, Elliot and Mark discussing skill ceilings and floors and the champions you should take or avoid as a new player to teh game.End Phase: Mark introduces Ben and Ell to Unmatched.Links:Godtear Open at Games Expo UK: https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/1039-godtear-uk-open/Unmatched: https://restorationgames.com/unmatched/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Having had to cancel recording earlier in the week, Elliot and Ben got together on a Friday evening with Martin "Martyboy" Walters with the plan to discuss our favourite champions and our experiences with Star Wars gaming. However, beer and Jagermeister were in flow and things get somewhat derailed, especially later on.  If you're the sort of person who normally switches off for the End Phase you might want to stick around for this one as we wander back onto Godtear in our inability to remain focused. Also, listen out for some outtakes at the end.Music: purple-planet.com

In this episode, Ben and Elliot discuss Lily, get lots of things wrong about the first Fenra teaser, review teh Dark Souls board game and discuss the 5-1-3 drafting format for tournament play.Music: purple-planet.com

In this episode, Ben and Elliot are joined by several prominent community members and players highly ranked on Longshanks to discuss their favourite tournament lists and their strengths and weaknesses.Featuring Dave (Dave M), John (Reamus), Charlie (The OldeCrow), Jeff (Jeff "Gearbox" Mitchell) and Sam (Grumpysarn).Music: purple-planet.comSam's blog: objectivehex.comCharlie's Twitch channel: twitch.tv/theoldecrow

Elliot and Ben and joined in the car by local Godtear convert and tournament newbie, Mark, as they head back to Sheffield for another of Marty's Godtears for Godfears events.This time we weren't able to record as easily between games, so it's only before tournament chat and then a round up from the three of us on our way home.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

In this Episode Ell and Ben are joined by world no.1 Dave Martin to discuss tactics. Aimed at players just starting to explore the depths of Godtear, this episode looks at some of the different decision points in the game and the tactical choices you can make during a game.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Club night games with new players, tournament news and who goes first?Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben, Elliot and Dave talking tactics, from deployment, though whether to lose turn 1 and whether to go first or second, to placing objective hexes and adapting to losing a turn.End Phase: Eternus roleplaying gameLinks:Eternus Quickstart: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410395/Eternus-Quickstart?src=bbpodcastMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben put together their guide for new players, including what to buy, what scenarios to play first, where to find the online communities and resources, and how to get your self some more games. Note: to make the episode new-player-friendly we also mess around with the normal episode order.Episode BreakdownClash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben and Elliot discuss where to go next in Godtear if you've just got started - from just after your first demo to a few games in, all the tips and tricks you need to ease yourself in to this amazing game.Plot Phase: Club night games, Lily and Campaign packs, and getting your head around followers.End Phase: A Song of Ice and Fire Miniatures GameLinks:SFG Godtear articles: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/brands/tagged/category_godtearSFG resources: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/resourcesFB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GodtearTheChampionsUS FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/495478634180175Discord invite: https://discord.gg/fhpcMCwC (valid until 27th Aug 2022)Objective Hex blog: https://www.objectivehex.com/The Olde Crow Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/theoldecrowGodtears for Godfears blog: https://godtearsforgodfears.wordpress.com/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Godtear lead developer, Steve Margetson and they discuss Lily, Ben's bottom-tier list, the tournament reroll and have an extended chat with Steve about the design process for champions.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Rapid Fire for Steve, Ben's bottom-tier list, Lily discussion, tournament reroll.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is Steve telling us all about champion design.End Phase: Steve sells us on Summoner Wars from Plaid Hat Games.Links:Summoner Wars: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/summoner-wars/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are discussing the aftermath of the Creator Clash, Elliot's new tournament list and the hobby side of Godtear.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Elliot's new list, Creator Clash results, Luella rules interaction.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is all about the hobby side of Godtear.End Phase: Elliot tells Ben about Darkest Dungeon, Ben tells Elliot about When the Moon Hangs Low.Links:When the Moon Hangs Low: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/371070/When-the-Moon-Hangs-LowMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 3 and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.Episode BreakdownIn the carGame 1 &2 (Ben & Ell chat with Dave Martin, Matt Walker & Martin Walters)Back in the car (Game 3 and round up)Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Andy from Blackjack Legacy to discuss the upcoming Creator Clash where a bunch of content creators are getting together for a Godtear tournament organised by SFG.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Rapid Fire with Andy, followed by an exploration of Andy's review process, followed some tournament news and a look into Jaak now that his cards are out in the wild.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is all about the creator clash.End Phase: Andy tells us about Mantic Games and Firefight in particular.Links:The Creator Clash announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMPRIDZZ7gM&t=92sBlackjack Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLZLuZU-_3rVBYlxZaoY0gMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Hull for The God, the Bad and the Rangosh and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Adam.Episode BreakdownIn the carGame 1 (Ben vs Nathan, Ell vs Jordan)Game 2 (Ben vs Ell)Game 3 (Ben vs Andrew G, Ell vs Adam)Game 4 (Ben vs Andrew T, Ell vs Andrew G)Interview with tournament organiser AdamBack in the car(Stay listening to the end for some outtakes)Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 2 and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.Episode BreakdownIn the carGame 1 (Ben vs Matt Walker, Ell vs Neil McWilliam)Game 2 (Ben vs Neil McWilliam, Ell vs Mark Peyton)Game 3 (Ben vs Mark Peyton, Ell vs Andy McLelland)Interview with tournament organiser Martin WaltersBack in the carMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Sheffield dynamic duo, Martin Walters and Brucey Gillott to discuss running demo games and introducing new players to Godtear.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Rapid Fire with Martin and Brucey, followed by an exploration of a recent demo game Martin ran, then into the news round-up, with a look at Jaak and Lily.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion as we hear Martin's sage advice on how to demo Godtear effectively and get the new player's POV from Brucey.End Phase: Martin and Brucey share their love of historical gaming with Ben and Ell.Links:The Good, the Bad, and the Rangosh:  https://www.facebook.com/events/695484718436078/UK Boardgame Podcast Rankings: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_board_games_podcasts/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben talk about their weirdest game ever, go over some tournament news, then get into a solid discussion on making a tier list for Godtear champions.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Godtears for Godfears 1 tourney report, our weirdest game, tournament news round-up, a new champion is spoiled and teh Banner Bearers hit the UK Boardgame Podcast rankings.Clash Phase: Main topic discussion as we put together a tier list for the different champions in the game (and Ell persuades Ben not to put Jeen into Trash Tier).End Phase: Ell tells Ben all about GW's Cursed City boardgame.Links:Tier Maker template: https://tiermaker.com/create/godtear-warbands-banner-bearers-version-553160UK Boardgame Rankings: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_board_games_podcasts/Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben goes to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 1 and chats about his games with his opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.Episode BreakdownIn the carGame 1 vs Brucey GillottGame 2 vs Dave MartinGame 3 vs Neil McWilliamInterview with tournament organiser Martin WaltersBack in the carMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben talk about old players getting back into the game, give their hot takes on Skulbreaker, then get into a solid discussion of the scenarios.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Games with returning players and Skullbreaker first experience, Skullbreaker reveal discussion, Shrapnel Shot rules discussionClash Phase: Main topic discussion  looking at the makeup of and strategies for playing each scenario and which classes and champions favour each mission.End Phase: Ben and Ell discuss Escape the Dark Castle, a fun little collaborative game with overtones of 80s fantasy gamebooks like Fighting Fantasy.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by special guest Dave Martin to discuss his experiences at the online Borderless Godtear tournament, more news on the new champion from Steamforged, then get into a solid discussion of the Guardian class.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Borderless Godtear tournament report, Skullbreaker discussion, tournament news, Triple Bite rules discussionClash Phase: Main topic discussion  reviewing the Guardian class, looking at each champion, their  followers and  what Guardians bring to your warband.End Phase: Ben and Ell let Dave tell them all about League of Legends and they discuss why it might have been sited as an inspiration for Godtear.Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben discuss Ben's latest stupid list and the new champion spoiler from Steamforged, then get into a solid discussion of the Slayer class, alongside special guest Sam Hill.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Team-Plot-Phase-Damage battle report, spoiler discussion, tournament news, double action rules discussionClash Phase: Main topic discussion, featuring Sam Hill reviewing the Slayer class, looking at each champion, their  followers and  what Slayers bring to your warband.End Phase: Ben and Ell let Sam lead them on this episode's tangent, looking at MonsterpocalypseMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben discuss Ben's recent foray into Team Green, then get into a solid discussion of the Maelstrom class.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: Team Green battle report, upcoming tournament news and other community highlights, placing objective hexes rules discussionClash Phase: Main topic discussion reviewing the Shaper class, looking at each champion, their  followers and  what Shapers bring to your warband.End Phase: Ben and Ell's tangent this week looks at the Arkham Horror card gameMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com

During this first Episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben introduce themselves and the podcast format, then get into a solid discussion of the Maelstrom class.Episode BreakdownPlot Phase: For the Love of God Tear event report, upcoming tournament news, Fly rules discussionClash Phase: Main topic discussion reviewing the Maelstrom class, looking at each champion, their  followers and  what Maelstroms bring to your warband.End Phase: Ben and Ell take a tangent from Godtear to chat about the Dune RPG they have been playing recentlyMusic: https://www.purple-planet.com