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