The Independent Characters | Warhammer 40k Podcast

What happens when an edition starts showing its age and a new one looms on the horizon? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh take a hard look at the end of 10th Edition and what GW's own history tells us about what comes next. Because this isn't the first time the 40k Universe has gone through a transition, and if you know where to look, the patterns are hiding in plain sight.
From the Narrative Avalanche of closing Warzones – the 500 Worlds, the Maelstrom, and the legendary return of Armageddon – to the historical precedent set by the Gathering Storm and the return of Guilliman at the end of 7th Edition, the crew breaks down exactly how GW winds down an edition and why, even in the chaos, it's actually a great time to be a fan.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. 11th Edition previews are already dropping, and the internet is already on fire. Cover rule changes, new terrain layouts, character reveals; the crew walks through what's been shown and, more importantly, how to think about it clearly before the hot takes take over. Plus, we tackle the very real challenge of Rules Bleed (that maddening moment when your brain defaults to the old rules mid-game) and share practical tips for making a clean transition into a new edition.
The edition may be ending, but the episode is just getting started!
Time Stamps:
0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
0:21:40 – Crossing the Edition Rubicon: Part 1
1:06:20 – Crossing the Edition Rubicon: Part 2
1:44:35 – Final Discussion and Show Closing
Relevant Links:
The Independent Characters Patreon
Tablewar! – SPONSOR
Herrick Games & Hobbies – SPONSOR
Adepticon
Games Workshop
The Black Library

What happens when The Independent Characters descend on Milwaukee for four straight days of Warhammer 40,000, other tabletop gaming, and everything Adepticon has to offer? In this episode, Carl, Adan, and Josh bring you their full review of Adepticon 2026, the games they played, the people they met, and the moments that made the trip worth it all.
But this year, the crew wasn't just attending. They were running the show! Well... specifically the Warhammer 40,000 Flex event for the second year in a row. This is quickly becoming one of the convention's most dynamic, welcoming, and inclusive Warhammer 40k events, across all four days. What goes right, what goes sideways, and what keeps players coming back year after year?
From the convention floor to the event organizer's perspective, we share the experiences, the highlights, and the hard-won lessons from one of the best weeks the hobby has to offer. Whether you've been to Adepticon or it's been on your bucket list, this episode will make you feel like you were right there with us.
Time Stamps:
0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice
0:12:00 - Hobby Progress, and Games Played and Adepticon Review Part 1
1:26:15 - Games Played and Adepticon Review Part 2
2:35:15 - Final Discussion and Show Closing
Relevant Links:
The Independent Characters Patreon
Tablewar! - SPONSOR
Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
Goonhammer Media Network
Adepticon
Games Workshop
The Black Library

In Episode 275 of The Independent Characters, we dive into one of the most satisfying corners of the hobby: Model Rescue & Restoration. Whether you've stumbled across a dusty army at a swap meet, grabbed a suspiciously cheap eBay lot, or inherited a box of badly painted miniatures from a friend, second-hand models can be a gold mine waiting to be rediscovered. In this episode we talk about how to evaluate used armies before you buy them, what warning signs to watch for, and how rescuing older models can save money, preserve classic sculpts, and give forgotten miniatures a second life on the tabletop.
We also break down the practical side of the rescue process, from how to safely strip paint from plastic, metal, and resin models, repair broken parts, and rebuild units so they fit seamlessly into your existing collection. Along the way we share tips, tools, and a few cautionary tales from our own hobby workbenches. If you've ever looked at a battered old miniature and thought "this could be great with a little work," this episode is for you.
Episode 275 releases March 9th, 2026.
Time Stamps:
0:00:00 – Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
0:57:45 – Model Rescue & Recovery: Part 1
1:47:50 – Model Rescue & Recovery: Part 1
2:05:10 – Final Discussion and Show Closing
Relevant Links:
The Independent Characters Patreon
Tablewar! – SPONSOR
Herrick Games & Hobbies – SPONSOR
Goonhammer Media Network
Adepticon
Games Workshop
The Black Library

What does it really take to stage a true Apocalypse game in the modern era of Warhammer 40,000? In this episode of The Independent Characters, we tackle "Staging the Apocalypse" - a deep dive into running cinematic mega-battles at 3,000+ points per side without letting the game grind to a halt. We will talk about how to make colossal games feel epic rather than exhausting, and we break down ideas on how to design, structure, and pace large-scale narrative events so every turn stays snappy and every player stays engaged. From table setup and activation structure to personal objectives and dramatic end-game triggers, we explore how to think like a Game Master instead of a tournament organizer. How do you handle Titans and super-heavies without drowning in dice rolls? And how do you end a mega-battle with a cinematic conclusion rather than fatigue on turn three? We share practical tools, hard-earned lessons, and the philosophy behind making these games unforgettable. We also address the big question: how do you run Apocalypse-style events now that Games Workshop no longer actively supports the format? With the right mindset and a willingness to simplify, narrative mega-battles may be more accessible, and more rewarding than ever.
Time Stamps:
0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
0:59:50 - Staging the Apocalypse: Part 1
1:35:10 - Staging the Apocalypse: Part 2
2:12:55 - Final Discussion and Show Closing
Relevant Links:
The Independent Characters Patreon
Tablewar! - SPONSOR
Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
Goonhammer Media Network
Painted Figs
Adepticon
Games Workshop
The Black Library

Episode 273 of The Independent Characters is headed straight into the Legends Graveyard - that strange, dusty corner of Warhammer 40,000 where beloved units go when they're retired from active service. In this episode, we take a look at what it really means for a unit to be moved to Legends status, what restrictions come with it, and why it can feel like a gut punch to longtime hobbyists… even when it makes sense from a rules and balance perspective. If you've ever stared at a shelf full of classic models and wondered "Can I still play these?", this episode's for you. We also dig into where Legends units still shine brightest: narrative games, campaigns, Crusade, and casual play - and how a quick pre-game conversation can keep things fun, fair, and cinematic. Along the way we share our Top 3 Legends units we wish had stayed in the game, and our Bottom 3 that we're honestly kind of relieved to see retired. Finally, we zoom out and talk about what Legends means long-term for Games Workshop's approach to older models, and what it signals about the future of Warhammer 40,000.
 
Time Stamps:
0:00:00 - Show Intro, Elite Choice, Hobby Progress, and Games Played
0:58:25 - The Graveyard of Legends: Part 1
1:24:00 - The Graveyard of Legends: Part 2
2:12:25 - Final Discussion and Show Closing
Relevant Links:
The Independent Characters Patreon
Tablewar! - SPONSOR
Herrick Games & Hobbies - SPONSOR
Goonhammer Media Network
Adepticon
Games Workshop
The Black Library