A lead sculptor from the Age of Sigmar studio has officially joined The Old World team, and the implications are HUGE! What does this mean for the future of the game? To understand what's coming, Rob and Val have to look back at the infamous "schism" between GW's design studios and the resulting scramble during Old World's launch.

After some updates on Val's **Square Based Open Toronto** and the wild success of Rob's Foray format, we get into the big questions: Will Kislev finally ride forth from the tundra? Could the Vampire Coast set sail as a new faction? Are Dark Elves, Chaos Dwarfs, or even the Vampire Counts poised for a grand return?

CHAPTERS 0:00 - Introduction & The Big Tease 0:54 - Val's Update: Square Based Open Toronto & Old World League 3:04 - Val's Recent Games: Lizardmen & a WTC Nuln List 6:30 - Rob's Update: Building Terrain & Foray Event Success

8:56 - The Popularity of Smaller Games in GW's Strategy 12:23 - The Role of Allies, Mercenaries, and Kitbashing in selling models. 15:13 - The Great Table Size Conspiracy

18:26 - Setting the Scene: The Old World's Launch & "The Schism" 20:22 - **The Big News: A New Lead Sculptor for The Old World** 24:32 - A History of GW Main vs. Specialist Design Studio (SDS) 32:01 - How SDS Pivoted with Arcane Journals

35:12 - What's Next for The Old World? 41:41 - Who Will Return? Who is New? 41:58 - Kislev 46:40 - Vampire Coast 55:03 - Dark Elves 59:41 - Chaos Dwarfs 1:03:44 - Vampire Counts 1:06:18 - Skaven & Lizardmen 1:12:04 - Daemons of Chaos (The Dark Horse) 1:21:43 - Dogs of War, Nippon, and... Gnomes?

1:26:14 - When Will We See the Next Big Reveals? 1:27:19 - Conclusion, Shout-outs & Outro

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

► Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

► Check out That Old World Charm Podcast for more Val (talking ADHD and Mental Health): https://oldworldcharm.podbean.com/

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Just when you thought the sands had settled, we're busting out the 90s Egyploitation and going tomb raiding again. Light that lantern and join your hosts Rob and Val on this full review of the Tomb Kings of Khemri Arcane Journal.

We dissect the the thundering Nehekharan Royal Host led by Settra himself, and the construct-worshipping Mortuary Cult. Get ready for a breakdown of all the new magic items, legendary special characters (Settra does NOT kneel, and he also does NOT move swiftly!), and unique units that you might want to inlcude in your Khemrian lists.

Plus, we kick things off with the latest updates on Val's upcoming Square Based Open Toronto and Rob's tournament experiences.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - Introduction & Banter 1:37 - Updates: Preparing for Square Based Open Toronto 2:42 - Rob's Old World Event Recap & Player Feedback 3:34 - Discussion: The Ideal Points Value for Tournaments

ARMIES OF INFAMY REVIEW 10:34 - Initial Thoughts on the Main Tomb Kings Book 11:56 - Army of Infamy: Nehekharan Royal Host 12:09 - Royal Host: Army Composition 14:35 - Royal Host: Special Rules 19:05 - Army of Infamy: Mortuary Cult 19:15 - Mortuary Cult: Army Composition 21:42 - Mortuary Cult: Special Rules 28:35 - New Magic Items 29:02 - Magic Weapons 33:45 - Magic Armour 35:21 - Talismans 38:06 - Magic Standards 41:52 - Enchanted Items 44:40 - Arcane Items 50:17 - Settra the Imperishable 59:06 - Prince Apophas, the Cursed Scarab Lord 1:03:33 - Nekaph, Emissary of Settra 1:06:18 - The Arch Necrotect 1:09:32 - Skeleton Infantry Cohort 1:10:37 - Venerable Ushabti 1:13:56 - Skeleton Cavalry Cohort 1:15:34 - Necroserpents 1:17:44 - Tomb Guard Chariots 1:21:15 - Final Thoughts & Summary of the Arcane Journal

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

► *Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord* https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Dust off your chariots and sharpen your khopesh, because your hosts Rob and Val are taking you on a long-awaited DEEP DIVE into the Tomb Kings Grand Army for 2025!

With the new Match Play Guide changing the face of the battlefield, this isn't just any review; it's a whole new expedition into the Land of the Dead. We're cracking open the ancient seals to look at everything, from the powerful army-wide rules to every single dusty unit in the roster. Is the Necrosphinx still a top-tier terror? Can a block of humble skeletons actually win you the game now? Is Val's new hat secretly powered by the Casket of Souls?

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Introduction & Banter 3:09 - Community Updates & Upcoming Events 8:19 - Tomb Kings Army Overview (TL:DR) 9:54 - The Impact of the Match Play Guide

*Army and Special Rules* 12:47 - Grand Army Composition 15:44 - Army Special Rules (Arrows of Asaph, Cleaving Blow, Unstable & more!) 32:57 - The Lore of Nehekhara

*Magic Items* 40:38 - Magic Weapons 45:44 - Magic Armour 47:53 - Talismans 50:07 - Magic Standards 53:54 - Enchanted Items 57:26 - Arcane Items

*Characters* 1:02:10 - Monarchs of Nehekhara (Tomb King & Tomb Prince) 1:04:56 - Character Mounts & The Necrolith Bone Dragon 1:13:13 - Royal Herald 1:18:02 - Liche Priest (High Priest & Mortuary Priest) 1:26:26 - Necrotect

*Units* 1:31:20 - Skeleton Warriors 1:34:48 - Skeleton Archers 1:36:37 - Skeleton Skirmishers 1:38:26 - Skeleton Horsemen 1:40:21 - Skeleton Horse Archers 1:41:18 - Skeletal Chariots 1:44:46 - Tomb Swarms 1:45:50 - Carrion 1:47:52 - Tomb Guard 1:52:55 - Sepulchral Stalkers 1:56:16 - Necropolis Knights 2:00:32 - Ushabti 2:04:47 - Tomb Scorpion 2:07:20 - Khemrian Warsphinx 2:10:19 - Necrolith Colossus 2:12:05 - Necrosphinx 2:15:29 - Screaming Skull Catapult 2:18:32 - Casket of Souls

2:23:40 - Final Thoughts & Summary

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

► Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

► Always up to date online rules resource for Old World: tow.whfb.app

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

It's time for the numbers! In this episode, Rob and Val dive deep into the tournament results for Warhammer: The Old World since the release of the Match Play Guide. We've got the graphs and stats to break it all down!

We'll explore why stats matter, our methodology for collecting data, and then get into the good stuff: Which armies are the most popular? Which factions have the highest win rates? And what is the "Positive Win Rate Potential" (PWRP) of your favorite army (and what is Positive Win Rate Potential anyway)? From the dominance of Grand Cathay to the struggles of the Skaven, we cover it all!

Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & The Current State of the Game 2:12 - Summer Catch-up & Tournament Anxiety 7:38 - Why Stats Matter in Wargaming 17:30 - Our Data Methodology Explained 25:08 - Faction Representation in the Meta (Meta Rep) 52:25 - Faction Win Rates & The Overperformers 1:05:00 - Factions That Need Help 1:09:51 - Positive Win Rate Potential (PWRP) 1:21:00 - Final Analysis & Community Call to Action

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► Come Play in Toronto! Tickets are available for the *Square Based Open* on October 18th & 19th: https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS* in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► *The California Cup* in Los Angeles! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

► Check out the excellent community resource *Old World Rankings*: https://www.old-world-rankings.com

► A big thank you to *Warhammer Rob (the best Rob)* for his work on the stats!

► Listen to Peter the Falcon's podcast, *That Old World Charm*: https://oldworldcharm.podbean.com/

► Missed our *Cathay Lore video?* Watch it here: https://youtu.be/iOC6jy6SJCI?si=THfdvKK6cSJ076MJ

*MERCH!* https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Rob and Val are back with another patent-pending LORE video, this time deep-diving the Grand Cathay book to answer the eternal question: WHAT'S GOING ON WITH CATHAYAN LOGISTICS?

The Old World is a mess. The Empire's leadership is distracted, the Elves are ignoring their DMs, and Frydaal the Chainmaker is having the time of her life carving up the Westerlands. With no one else stepping up, it's time for the Dragon siblings to assemble a fleet, awaken some Terracotta Sentinels, and sail halfway across the world to sort everyone out.

Join us as we talk geopolitics, the economics of the Old Silk Road, why there are so many boats, and whether or not Vampirates are confirmed (they are).

Chapters:

00:00 Cold Open & What's Up Beijing? 01:45 Man o' War & Dan Abnett's "Fell Cargo" 04:26 Hot Topic: A Wedding Outfit 05:54 Show Updates: Bat Rep Room & Tournaments 11:04 Lore Intro: Turmoil in the Old World 19:20 The Withering of the Laurelorn Forest 24:46 Portents of Ruination 29:22 A Growing Shadow in Northern Cathay 41:48 Diplomacy of the Dragon: Cathay & The Old World 51:24 The Great Trade Routes 01:08:00 The Jade Fleet & The Elves of Ulthuan 01:12:31 A Time to Act: Cathay Decides to Intervene 01:18:30 The Journey West 01:24:10 First Contact: Sea Battle with the Norscans 01:29:33 The Grand Arrival in Marienburg 01:32:35 Final Thoughts & Review 01:43:27 Outro

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

► Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

In this exciting episode, we're taking a deep dive into the brand new rules for Grand Cathay from the *Dawn of the Storm Dragon Arcane Journal!* We're focusing exclusively on the new gameplay content, from the "Jade Fleet" Army of Infamy to a full breakdown of every new magic item.

Join us as we uncover interesting new combos, explore the strategic impact of adding Empire mercenaries to your Cathayan force, and discover a hilarious copy-paste error that officially brings the Skaven into the Core armies of the Old World.

Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 4:01 - The Jade Fleet: Army Composition & Special Rules 16:12 - Unlocking New Combos with Empire Mercenaries 22:22 - Magic Items: Weapons & Armour 28:36 - Magic Items: Talismans, Standards, Enchanted, & Arcane Items 44:06 - Final Thoughts & Hobby Opportunities

MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

► *Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!* https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/ ► *The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets!* https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025 ► *The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16!* https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/ ► Watch our previous Cathay speculation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVCjw6bo2sc&t ► Warriors of Chaos Lore Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvGPeaqx5-g

Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#grandcathay #squarebased #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy

Join Rob and Val as they break down all the exciting news about the upcoming Grand Cathay release for Warhammer: The Old World. From the new Arcane Journal and stunning models to a deep dive into the lore explaining Miao Ying's journey west.

Plus, we discuss the current state of the game, recap a recent tournament, and get sidetracked by the idea of a Man o' War revival. #squareboats.

*Chapters!*

0:00 Introduction 0:53 The State of the Old World & The Cathay Question 13:03 Cathay Speculation on New Rules & Models 27:53 Discussing the recent Old World Almanack and Cathay's journey to the Old World. 55:10 The Future of the Old World Narrative

-----

*MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:*

► Get tickets for the Squarebased Open Toronto (October 18th & 19th): https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

►Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham!: https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

► An Actual Man o' War Battle Report from Crown of Command Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taOvlXjLPqU&t=94s

-----

The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer

After a brief Summer Holiday Rob and Val are back with a piping hot tier list for new players! Wondering what army would be best to start with for Warhammer the Old World? Is Cathay the S tier choice? Are "Legacy" Factions worth considering? Check out the Chapters below to find out!

00:00 Introduction 00:14:30 Beastmen Brayherds 00:19:14 Kingdom of Bretonnia 00:26:10 Grand Cathay 00:33:22 Chaos Dwarfs 00:38:03 Dark Elves 00:43:00 Daemons of Chaos 00:50:46 Dwarfen Mountain Holds 00:56:21 The Empire of Man 01:01:42 High Elf Realms 01:06:42 Lizardmen 01:11:34 Ogre Kingdoms 01:14:13 Orc & Goblin Tribes 01:17:50 Skaven 01:22:10 Tomb Kings of Khemri 01:24:27 Vampire Counts 01:26:51 Wood Elf Realms 01:31:00 Warriors of Chaos

Rob's Old World EVENTS in Nottingham! https://tsnarena.com/events/category/the-old-world/

The Square Based Open Toronto! Oct 18-19! Get Yer Tickets! https://tinyurl.com/Square-Based-Open-Toronto-2025

The California Cup in Los Angeles ! Nov 14-16! https://greenbannereventco.com/product-category/california-cup/

Support us on PATREON and join us on Discord: https://www.patreon.com/Squarebased

MERCH! https://thehonestwargamer.com/product-category/square-based/

Square Based terrain maps and resources: https://thehonestwargamer.com/the-old-world-terrain-guidelines/

Youtube Music Playlist for Audio Only: https://tinyurl.com/SB-YouTube-Music-Playlist

Podcast on all other Platforms: https://squarebasedpodcast.podbean.com/

#warhammer #warhammertheoldworld #warhammerfantasy #warhammercommunity #squarebassed #theoldworld #warhammerpodcast #thehonestwargamer