North of the Shire

Don returns with the third update on his Dunland Battle Company. Can he actually win a game? email us at Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

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 Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

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'.

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 Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

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.

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 48.  Things get complicated when juggling recordings. email us at Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

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 Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

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 Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/northoftheshire

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode Garrett and Don discuss many of the resent releases for MESBG and what we've all picked up. They also discuss a recent 600 point tournament they attended along with what armies they took. Don answers a listener question about possible Micro-warband, and lastly they discuss the Troll Hoard. We had some audio trouble in this one, but hopefully it's still enjoyable.

Garrett and Don discuss their time at a recent Battle Companies tournament. Some unique scoring mechanics, and it's greater focus on narrative play, make this a very welcome break from the standard MESBG tournament. Garrett also introduces the LOTR collectible Card game. Although no longer in production this was a popular game and sounds like loads of fun.

Andrew and Don catch up after a short hiatus.  Don talks about hobby stuff while Andrew postulates on how awesome the new Dragon Emperor is going to be. Garrett then joins Don to recap their time at a recent small tournament. Finally, they discuss some questions from a couple of players from Finland. Some pretty random content to be honest. So you know, Flotsam and Jetsam.

Andrew and Don discuss highlights of the new FAQ and how they will affect the competitive meta.  Other topics include the 3D printed miniatures and play-testing new army lists and Legendary Legions.

Are you interested in learning how to win at Lords of Battle?  If you are, join Andrew and Don for the definitive analysis of Lords of Battle.  They assess all the different ‘army types' in this mission and evaluate each in turn.  They also get carried away in answering a listener question on ‘how to make Numenor great again' in MESBG and nearly turn this into the main topic of the episode. 

For the first time all four of our hosts make an appearance in this episode as we gaze into Galadriel's mirror.  I know, exciting right?  Well anyway....  We look back into 2021 and try to look into the future of the hobby for 2022.  Join us as we discuss how we all did with our hobby challenge for last year (spoilers, not too well) and the new challenge for 2022.  Listen on as Chris goes all Azog, and challenges the team of Andrew, Garrett and Don to a painting challenge. 

In this episode Andrew and Don take a close look at the Hold Ground mission.  They rate how the different army types perform in this mission depending on if they win or lose priority on turn one.  Of course, there is the usual banter and discussion around the all things Tolkien.     

Andrew and Don take a deep dive into the matched play scenario To The Death.  They also discuss their recent hobby activity and in ‘What Have I got in my Pocket', they touch of the new Vanquishers Legendary Legion.     

Andrew and Don celebrate the one year anniversary of North of the Shire.  They've also collected all the sections to their Oath Bound, MESBG narrative story, into one place and added the final installment to complete the first chapter.  

In this episode, Andrew and Don discuss the matched play scenario Domination.  Don talks about returning to a tournament after an 18 month hiatus.  Plus another installment of their original narrative story, Oath Bound.

In this episode, Andrew and Don discuss the whereabouts of Evil Saruman and Gandalf the Grey in the MESBG meta....Where art thou Saruman and Gandalf?  Plus another exciting segment of the TBD Chronicles.   

Andrew and Don discuss four kings, and all of them top tier heroes: King Elessar, The Witch- King of Angmar, Thror and The Goblin King.  They also answer a listener question about designing scenarios as well as much of the usual banter about MESBG.

In this episode Andrew and Don discuss the mysterious micro warband.  Join them as they build a micro warband army using the Isengard faction, the best in the business. In the All that is Gold Does not Glitter segment, the guys answer a listener question about their favorite un-competitive lists and how to improve the Lothlorien faction.  Last but not least, Andrew steps up to the plate with the longest segment yet for our narrative short story. 

In this episode Andrew and Don discuss the Silver Medalist's, the Mid-Tier heroes of MESBG.  Rather than taking an analytical approach to the topic they discuss six popular heroes in this bracket: Tauriel, Balin the Dwarf, King of Moria, Cirdan, The Shade, The Spider Queen and Gorulf Ironskin In their other usual segments they give their thoughts on what we may see  in the next edition of the MESGB rule set, how they go about building an army list and Andrew navigates through a little MESBG word association.  Finally they revisit their narrative segment where they follow the adventures of Garthur the Dwarf Ranger and the mysterious nameless woman he's traveling with.

The Combined Arms Army Build is up for discussion in this episode.  If you like big heroes, wizards, rank and file troops, archers, cavalry, and siege engines, then this is the army for you.  In the All that is Gold Does not Glitter segment Don and Andrew answer a question about the popularity of different armies in the different MESBG communities around the world.  Andrew finally gets some revenge on Don in the What Have I got in my Pocket segment with a difficult list of trivia questions on Special Rules.  Last, but not least they roll out the second segment in their new narrative segment tentatively named the TBD Chronicles (until a proper name is found).

Andrew and Don discuss Low Tier Heroes of MESBG.  Who are they, why take them and how are they used in armies?  They visit their regular segments All that is Gold Does not Glitter and What Have I got in my Pocket and roll out a new narrative segment where they will take turns writing an original Middle Earth story.

Garrett makes an appearance on the show for the first time to discuss the army he's building for our North of the Shire Army Challenge – Lurtz's Scouts.  We discuss the list, his army build, as well as his plans for painting and displaying the army.  Also up for discussion is The Battle of Eight Armies virtual tournament in which Garrett participated, as well as an assortment of usual MESBG ramblings.      

In this episode Andrew and Don talk about the Mobile army type.  These are fast moving armies that are commonly ‘all mounted'.  Along with this we discuss such important issues as dressing up as a dwarf and our ‘not-too-farfetched pipe dream model and profile'.

In this episode Andrew and Don answer the question, ‘has shooting has become too strong in the game'.  They also discuss their favorite army special rules, Shelob and Andrew asks Don to describe his “Tolkien Beginnings”.  Not to mention the usual amount of MESBG musings.

In this episode Andrew and Don talk about the Leaf Blower army type.  Armies designed to shoot their opponent off the table.  Can you say Rangers of ....????  We also discuss our ‘guilty pleasure' models, favorite LOTR/Hobbit movies and give an update on the OSBGL virtual tournament.

In this episode Andrew and Don discuss the MESBG Legendary Legions.  What's the concept of the legendary legions? Will they eventually become ‘too much of a good thing'?  What impact will Legendary Legions have on the future of the game? In addition to that there is the usual amount of lighthearted banter about a variety of Lord of the Rings related topics

In this episode Andrew and I talk about the Line Breaker, another in our series on army types.  We also dive into the new FAQ and discuss some of the more notable updates and what they could mean for the game.   

In Episode 12 we planned to talk about the Linebreaker army as part of our series on army types, but got distracted answering listener questions.  So we will return to that series in the next episode.  Other topics include Don's new home spun Angmar Battle Companies faction, The Wilds of Angmar and Andrew gets put to the test with a short MESBG quiz.    

In this episode we discuss the Horde and consider all things that make this army type so popular.  We also chat about some recent hobby developments and answer several listener questions.  Finally, after getting eleven episodes under our belts, we manage to figure out how to create a Facebook page for the podcast.

In Episode 10 Andrew and Don discuss the Shield Wall, the first build in their series about army types.  Don also discusses his expectations with the Army of Dunland in the 4-person round robin - part of our 2021 Army Challenge.  Of course there is a lot of the usual hobby banter on a wide variety of topics. Email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In this special New Years episode Chris and I take a look back at 2020 and look forward to 2021.  We both discuss our hobby achievements for the past year and set some goals for the new one.  Do you remember what was released this year?  Well we look back at the MESBG releases for the 2020 and we give our thoughts for what we may see in the coming year.  Lastly, the North of the Shire gang set themselves and army goal for the coming year along with a fun little challenge. We'd all like to wish everyone a happy new year.  Here's to a happy and healthy 2021, filled with as much gaming and hobby as we can cram into one year. Email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In this episode we introduce a new series on Army Types, where we outline the six different types of armies you can expect to face in MESBG.  We also review our listener's answers to the question from last episode – who is your favorite member of the Fellowship?  Add in a few laughs and a couple of random topics and you have Episode 8 of North of the Shire.     Email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In this episode we finish off our series on the Mental side of the game with a segment called The Aftermath where we talk about reviewing our lost games as we try to understand our mistakes.  We also have a bit of a chat about the Breaking of the Fellowship Legendary Legion and finally we remember to ask our listeners a question – who is your favorite member of the Fellowship?   Email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In episode 6, Andrew and Don catch up and bid a fond farewell to the man who was almost Gandalf.  In our main topic we explore the Mental side of the game and finally we discuss some models that we, and our listeners, think are ‘under-rated' in the game.    Email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In episode 5 we introduce our third host Chris as he gets his feet wet in North of the Shire.  After the obligatory discussion about Chris' gaming background, we move on to chat about Getting Started in MESBG.  What motivates your first army choice, what hobby supplies to buy and how best to learn the game.  We finish off with some more hobby talk as well as a discussion on ‘favorite' MESBG models.  email us at: Northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In episode 4 we jump into the Mental Game with an episode called Getting Ready to Win.  Here we discuss the value of including visualization as part of your mental preparation prior to a big tournament.  As usual we also discuss a random mix of other topics which vaguely relate to MESBG including our current favorite listener, 70's rock, and Don's very questionable teen years. email us at: northoftheshirepodcast1@gmail.com

In episode 3 we finish our discussion on the Social Contract.  We also briefly discuss our favorite Legendary Legions from Quest of the Ringbearer.  Finally we give our votes for the most competitive factions in the game and toss in a couple of selections from listeners.