In episode 262 of The Independent Characters, we delve deep into the shadows of the Imperium with a close look at Imperium Maledictum, the Warhammer 40,000 roleplaying game from Cubicle 7. Carl is joined by guest hosts Lars, Thom, and Steve; each bringing their unique RPG experience to the table, as we unravel the mysteries and mechanics of this investigative game set in the decaying heart of the Imperium. We begin with an exploration of the setting: This is a desperate and fractured region of space known as the Macharian Sector. The players serve shadowy patrons; from Inquisitors, Rogue Traders and Adeptus Mechanicus. Adventures revolve around investigations and surviving political intrigue, heretical threats, and the oppressive weight of Imperial bureaucracy. The game’s tone is one of paranoia, secrets, and moral ambiguity - perfectly capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40k universe from a civilian perspective. Then we dive into the core mechanics and ruleset of Imperium Maledictum. From the D100-based skill checks to the Patron system that shapes your party’s resources and objectives. We will explore how the game encourages teamwork, narrative depth, and immersive roleplaying. Whether you're a veteran of previous Warhammer RPGs, such as Rogue Trader or Dark Heresy, or new to roleplaying in the 41st Millennium, this episode will help you understand why Imperium Maledictum stands out as a compelling and richly detailed approach to role playing. If you ARE interested in purchasing the game after listening to this episode - please use our link below as it helps us with our Cubicle7 relationship. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress 0:35:20 - Imperium Maledictum: Part 1 1:22:45 - Imperium Maledictum: Part 2 1:49:52 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters Patreon Tablewar! - SPONSOR Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR Imperium Maledictum by Cubicle7 Goonhammer War on The Shore 2026 Adepticon Games Workshop The Black Library
--------
2:00:35
--------
2:00:35
Episode 261 - Echoes of War: Aftermath
In Episode 261 we’re thrilled to welcome back our longtime cohost and friend, Adan Tejada, to The Independent Characters! Adan joins Carl for a wide-ranging discussion that starts where many games and campaigns end - exploring the tools, techniques, and traditions that help preserve the epic narratives forged on the tabletop. From post-campaign surveys to lore write-ups, and archiving your group or clubs shared mythology, we look at how to give your games the grand epilogue they deserve. If your Warhammer stories stop once the dice go cold, you’re missing one of the best parts. But that’s not all—we also sit down with Adan for a candid conversation about his recent 3.5-year stint working for Games Workshop. From staffing one of Southern California’s flagship Warhammer stores to managing a single-staffer shop, Adan shares insights on what it’s really like behind the counter. What works, what doesn’t, and how Games Workshop’s retail model functions on the ground floor all get covered in this honest and informative segment. Whether you're building out your games epilogues or just curious about what goes on in your local Warhammer store, this episode offers something for every hobbyist who loves the game behind the game. It’s a look at the stories we tell after the battles are over—and the people who help keep the hobby alive in the real world. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress 1:32:25 - After Action Reports: The story after the battle 2:21:15 - Working for GW: Tales from Adan 3:10:45 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters Patreon Tablewar! - SPONSOR Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR Goonhammer War on The Shore 2026 Adepticon The Beard Bunker Games Workshop The Black Library
--------
3:22:30
--------
3:22:30
Episode 259 - Show of Force: The Red Tide
Episode 259 is finally, our Show of Force episode about The World Eaters! To help us out, we have brought in World Eaters expert Brian Harvey, to help us understand what the Sons of Angron are all about... and what makes them such a fantastic army. If you aren't aware of what our Show of Force Episodes are all about well here is your answer: Show of Force is an ongoing series of episodes we will spread out through our releases of The Independent Characters. These shows take a look at each army in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe and seek to answer the question 'Why should you collect this army?' As we have said from the beginning, we don't do "Codex Overviews" this is more of a celebration of the hobby from a specific point of view. WARNING: These episodes can be dangerous to your wallet. Please listen responsibly! Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress 0:56:55 - Show of Force: The Red Tide - Pt 1 2:40:15 - Show of Force: The Red Tide - Pt 2 3:18:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters Patreon Tablewar! - SPONSOR Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR Adepticon Lost to The Nails Podcast Games Workshop The Black Library
--------
3:22:30
--------
3:22:30
Episode 258 - The Future of Narrative Gaming
Episode 258 of The Independent Characters discusses the future of Narrative Warhammer 40,000! With the rumors and timetable of a new edition of Warhammer 40,000 ramping up, Episode 258 sees The Independent Characters discussing where we would like to see the focus of narrative style games shift. This episode contains round-table speculation on what Crusade (or its successor) might look like in the next edition, plus a wish-list to Games Workshop for more social, story-first support. Additionally we have an interview with the founder and creator of the Rapid Fire Dicebox! This is a really great product that I have seen in person and really thought it was thematically clever. I neglected to lead into the interview - but it comes just before the show closing. We hope you enjoy Episode 258. Time Stamps: 0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, & Games Played 0:54:00 - The Future of Narrative Part 1 1:42:45 - The Future of Narrative Part 2 1:42:45 - Interview: The Rapid Fire Dice Box! 2:54:00 - Final Thoughts and show closing Relevant Links: The Independent Characters Patreon Tablewar! - SPONSOR Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR Adepticon Goblin Hobbies - Makers of the Stampin' Plates Maelstrom Mixer Rapid Fire Dicebox Rapid Fire Dicebox Kickstarter Games Workshop The Black Library
--------
2:45:23
--------
2:45:23
Episode 59 - Competition and 40k: Part 3 (Elite Level Play)
Episode 59 is a huge one! For those that do not like long episodes, we apologize. However, there is a TON of great information in this episode. After we lead off with our usual Workbench and Games Played section, we dive into the third, and final episode around Competition and Warhammer 40k. To help us along we have brought in some of the big guns of the Warhammer 40k Tournament Scenes. TastyTaste from Blood of Kittens, who follows the ongoing GT circuit joins us for some discussion followed by Ben Mohlie (former Team Captain of ETC Team USA), Mike Brandt (Organizer of The Nova Open), Tony Kopach (2 time winner of The Nova Open and 1 time winner of Adepticon), and last but not least Blackmoor (Tournament Competitor and regular on The 11th Company Podcast). Each of these community players weighs in with their thoughts around competition and a whole lot more! It’s a long show to sit through, but is a fitting cap on the whole series of Competitive episodes we have been running. We hope you enjoy! 0:00:00 – Show Intro 0:02:38 – Workbench and Games played 1:10:25 – Competition and 40k: Part 3(a) 1:33:14 – Interview with TastyTaste 1:10:25 – Competition and 40k: Part 3(b) 2:21:25 – Interview with Ben Mohlie 2:38:45 – Interview with Mike Brandt 3:08:45 – Competition and 40k: Part 3(c) 3:30:20 – Interview with Tony Kopach 3:42:00 – Competition and 40k: Part 3(c) 3:52:00 – Interview with Blackmoor 4:17:30 – Show Closing Links: KR Multicase – SPONSOR Secret Weapon Miniatures! – SPONSOR Smells Like Wargaming – SPONSOR Model Bits – SPONSOR Celesticon Game Convention Nova Open Blood of Kittens IC Campaign Site Forge World Games Workshop The Black Library Endgame Oakland Game Kastle Frontline Gaming
About The Independent Characters | Warhammer 40k Podcast
The Warhammer 40k Podcast that makes you a part of our gaming group! The Independent Characters is rated PG-13 and is family friendly. We have a positive outlook on the Warhammer 40k Hobby and explore all aspects of the Warhammer 40k Universe. Episodes release twice a month.
Listen to The Independent Characters | Warhammer 40k Podcast, BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK