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OUTRIDERS BRING NEWS!!
The hum of anticipation hangs in the air. You put a tray of miniatures down on a lovingly decorated gaming board. You’re greeted by a smile, an outstretched hand and an introduction. You swap lists and armies for a second before the tournament organiser calls for quiet….
“ROUND 1 STARTS NOW - YOU HAVE TWO HOURS!”
Dice are rolled, miniatures are placed… The board is set, FINALLY the pieces are moving once more.
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What an explosive return to the Great British Hobbit League - Summer is rushing by in such a flash, and with it a glut of gaming events and a return of the league itself.
As an attendee and TO for a couple events I can attest to the sheer joy of returning to the scene and rolling dice and sharing japes once more. It’s been a true delight.
And with that there’s much to reflect on.
The league kicked off in June with 'The Battle of Borough Dur' in London. Tom Pattinson took home the trophy in this 600pt one dayer. He commanded the thematic *ahem* alliance of the Spider Queen, Goblin King and Gollum to great effect, winning out ahead of the Brothers Clubley. David takes bragging rights ahead of his brother James with an impressive alliance of Easterlings and Khandish (a man after my own heart). James' bronze trophy was earned by more evil men, with Suladan Leading a Harad Chief and Mahud King into third position. (See Full Army Lists for the winners here.)
The league's first two-dayer was in Late June at 7th City Collectables for a thematic event The Rings of Men. The winner was George Stromberg who used Ugluk’s Scout’s to great effect, meanwhile Aaron Pullen and Andrew Greenwood steered their Corsairs and Arnor to 2nd and third respectively. Theme and sportsmanship was top dog at this event though with prizes gifted to Alex Brackner for his sportsmanship and to Callum Edens ’ beautiful Ice-terlings (see pics below, and check out Hedge Knight Wargaming on Youtube for thorough run downs of games and his army). Feel free to check out Battle Games in Middle Earth Channel for more coverage too. (Full army lists of the winners are here)
Then it was onto Bristol for the Guardian’s Call To Arms, again there’s a comprehensive rundown of the meta on The Guardians of Wiltshire Youtube Channel but top dog was veteran Hobbit (though definitely not in height) David Farmer. He led the new (if it can be called that anymore) Cirith Ungol legion to victory in this 550pt event. Two hero heavy lists came in second and third. Imrahil and Forlong led a mixed arms Fiefdoms force to second for Shaun Lang, and Brothers in arms Boromir and Faramir took home Bronze for Sean Creed. (Full army lists of the winners are here)
Next, Lord of the Imps in Lincoln was a bumper affair - the biggest event since Covid (soon to be eclipsed though) saw 54 players compete in an event themed around the death of your leader on day 1. Former league winner Will Champion reigned supreme with his Force including Azog and Bolg on Day 1, leaving Bolg to ride to victory on the second day. Well done to Runners up Nick Whitakerker and Jasmine Tetley though, Nick proved his worth in a debut league event with his Minas Tirith Force, while previous event winner Jasmine achieved tremendous things with an experimental list featuring Radagast on his sleigh. The hobbying on offer was truly inspiring too - some pics are in the gallery below, but Check out Battle Camper on Youtube for a hilarious two-part tournament video of the event featuring battle reports and more.(Full army lists of the winners are here)
Rounding off this Outrider’s update is the Ruin of Cheshire. Familiar names Kalman Eric and Harry Moore (both regulars on GBHL podiums) came in Second and Third with Kingdom of Moria and Far Harad but they were nipping at the heels of Adam Tudor, a new name to the league this year. He rose to the top of a shark tank of a tournament, but with nearly 40 Corsairs at 500pts it’s hardly surprising! (Full army lists of the winners are here)
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There have been more events, but with so many in such a short space of time full rankings aren’t 100% ticked off yet, so they will have to wait. But in the meantime, if you're even slightly inspired to hit the road, there are numerous events just round the corner.
This weekend in Preston there’s a gathering in the Grey Havens for a 650pt two day tournament. The winner takes home 100pts for the league, and with a field thinned out by Covid, it could produce a surprise winner… Unless you fancy putting yourself to the test of course… (https://www.facebook.com/events/294172815676474/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D]%7D)
The following weekend there’s a one day event in Bexhill on the south coast of England for a good vs evil tournament with an element of escalation. Your first two games will be at 400 pts and then the second two at 700. Lots of variation to think about, and just one ticket left. (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/events/370454823652550/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1628524112888000&usg=AOvVaw29AjVjvZnTEtLgw9l-_hGC)
If you fancy two days of GBHL tourneys next week there's an 8 hr drive, but it is possible… On Sunday in Stirling Scotland, there’s a doubles tournament pitting pairs of 450pt armies against one another. Held at Common Ground Games, one of the finest gaming venues in the country, it’s got a pool of incredibly talented players ready to go. (https://www.facebook.com/events/796300821247520?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D]%7D)
Rounding off August is Cardiff’s premiere event, Into the West. With over 70 players booked in, at a newly refurbished venue, it’s attracting the cream of the crop of GBHL players, including former winners of the league, rules writers and many of those threatening for top position in this year’s standings. Could it be a King or Queen maker of the league? (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/events/655157825162782&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1628524112889000&usg=AOvVaw0nmEMxhmr-yG1ueOmMKNqx)
The same weekend sees London host The Strider Cup, a knockout doubles tournament for a few teams of two hoping for glory. (https://www.facebook.com/events/529970164984663/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D]%7D)
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With that, I bid you a very fond farewell… There’ll be more League Updates and Tournament Teasers on the way soon. But in the meantime, remember the GBHL Website has an archive of data, including standings, winning lists, a calendar of events and a blog to delve into. Have a look here: https://thegbhl.wixsite.com/website
And remember, this hobby is a source of great goodness in many ways… Let it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.
Boo-rarr-Ruum!
Harry Parkhill - GBHL Marketing Officer.
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