North of the Shire

Episode 33 – Battle Companies Tournament

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.

Episode 32 – Flotsam and Jetsam

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.

Episode 31 – FAQ, A New Meta is Born

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.

Episode 30 - Reigning over Lords of Battle

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. 

Episode 29 – Gazing into Galadriel’s Mirror for 2022

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. 

Episode 28 – Standing your Ground in Hold Ground

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.     

Episode 27: Surviving To The Death

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.   

 

Ep 26 – Anniversary! Oath Bound, an MESBG story

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.

 

Episode 25 – Dominating Domination

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.

Episode 24 – Where Art Thou, Saruman & Gandalf

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.