Banner Bearers: Recent Episodes
Elliot Coulbeck and Ben Redmond
Ben and Elliot are joined by Banner Bearers Big Bash MVP, Andrew Thompson to discuss the event and to give us a masterclass on Nia and discuss the event itself. Ben also tells us about a new game he was introduced to during the casual play on the Saturday evening, Kapow!. There's also Ben's report of an unexpected chat with Steamforged CEO, Rich Loxam.
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Banner Bearers Big Bash, a Ben's surprise chat wth steamfored CEO, our plans for our next tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash 2025, and a rules clarifications from the event.
Clash Phase: Masterclass on Nia
End Phase: Ben introduces Andrew and Elliot to Kapow!
Links:Kapow!: https://www.wisewizardgames.com/kapow/
Music: purple-planet.com
Ben and Elliot are discuss some playtesting of the work from the Battlefield Brewers project and Elliot gives us a masterclass on how to (competitively!) play Morrigan. They also discuss the multiple-nerd-media phenomenon that s Fallout.
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: Playtesting the Battlefield Brewers' Hill Giant rules and reminders about our tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash (22nd and 23rd June) and a Morrigan-themed rules clarification.
Clash Phase: Masterclass on Morrigan
End Phase: Ben and Elliot talks all tings Fallout
Links:Banner Bearers' Big Bash tournament sign-ups:
- 22nd June: New Frontiers (Godtear with competition-winner scenarios)
- 22nd June: Champions' League (Guild Ball)
- 23rd June: Top Tear (Godtear standard tournament)
Fallout RPG: modiphius.net/pages/fallout-the-roleplaying-game
Music: purple-planet.com
Ben and Elliot are joined by Melee in the Midlands Champion, Neil "Gonks Games" Sharp to discuss the event and to give us a masterclass on how to play (and defeat) Raith Marid. Neil also introduces us to The Drowned Earth, along with a special scoop on upcoming releases!
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: Melee in the Midlands, details about our tournament The Banner Bearers' Big Bash (22nd and 23rd June) and some Raith Marid themed rules clarifications.
Clash Phase: Masterclass on Raith Marid
End Phase: Neil introduces Ben and Elliot to The Drowned Earth
Links:Banner Bearers' Big Bash tournament sign-ups:
- 22nd June: New Frontiers (Godtear with competition-winner scenarios)
- 22nd June: Champions' League (Guild Ball)
- 23rd June: Top Tear (Godtear standard tournament)
The Drowned Earth: https://thedrownedearth.com/
Music: purple-planet.com
Welcome to a new mini-series of episodes: the Battlefield Brewers. Ben is joined by community members The Olde Crow and Ekun to discuss a champion design project based on the Local Legends packs made by Steamforged Games. The discussion takes an unexpected turn as they discuss whether to add a fifth class to the game.
Links:Local Legends:https://steamforged.com/en-gb/pages/epic-encounters-local-legendsMusic: purple-planet.com
Another shorter episode this time, as Ben and Elliot reveal the winners of their scenario design competition.
Ben also discusses the champion design team he is looking to set up on the Godtear Discord Homebrew channel.
Winners:Overall: Plenty (Diced Ham) and Trade (Ben)
Scenario Rules: Betrayal (Mark Lloyd)
Theme: Light (Little Ghost)
Map: Pincer (Reamus)
Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download here Godtear Discord: https://discord.gg/ZhS3VxaV9C Drumroll SFX: SpanacMusic: purple-planet.com
Ben and Elliot discuss how to make a team of champions that synergise and work well together, and cover each others weaknesses.
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: A game against an old friend, bitty news (including a shout out for more votes on the scenario comp!) and an interesting rules query
Clash Phase: Picking a team that works
End Phase: Ell introduces Ben to Battletech
Links:Competition voting: https://forms.gle/1L9eZGst3WaC7nZEA
Music: purple-planet.com
A shorter than usual episode this time, as Ben and Elliot discuss the next stage of their scenario design competition.
Please vote and give us feedback on whether you want to see more competitions like this.
Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download here Voting form: Vote hereMusic: purple-planet.com
A shorter than usual episode this time, as Ben and Elliot discuss the entries to their scenario design competition.
Links:Scenario Competition Entries Document: Download hereMusic: purple-planet.com
Ben and Elliot are joined by the organiser of the Banner Bearer's Big Battle Bash, Dan Kenyon, and the champion form the event, Mark Lloyd, to discuss the event and launch a scenario design competition.
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Banner Bearer's Big Battle Bash
Clash Phase: Scenario design competition
End Phase: Ben talks about his new kickstarter deliver, Earthborne Rangers
Links:Email us your scenario: bannerbearerspodcast@gmail.com Innocence Scenario Rules: objectivehex.com/post/homebrew-scenario-innocence Earthborne Rangers: earthbornegames.com/
Music: purple-planet.com
Ben and Elliot are joined by newly-crowned UK Open Champion, Mike Marchal, to discuss their weekends at the UK Games Expo, and their relative successes in the UK Open Championship. There's also a fantastic interview with Steamforged Games' Creative Director, Mat Hart, and lore guru Sherwin Matthews.
Show Breakdown:Plot Phase: The Games Expo and the UK Open Championship
Clash Phase: Interview with SFG
End Phase: Mike introduces us to Moonstone
Links:Moonstone: https://www.moonstonethegame.com/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this episode, Ben and Elliot are on the road to the Who Let the Dogs Out tournament in Sunderland and take the opportunity to record an episode. In this one they discuss what the future might hold for Godtear and develop their wishlist of what they would like to see going forward.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Elliot reflects on his Construction experiences, followed by a quick news section and looking at what happens to Skullbreaker when he gets KO'd.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben and Elliot the potential developments that could occur within the game and discuss which ones they would most like to see. They return to the discussion after the tournament (with a brief aside with their tournament thoughts) and share some ideas they got from people at the event.
End Phase: Ben and Ell talk about Ben's new RPG they have been playtesting: S.M.A.S.H.
Links:
Godtear Open at Games Expo UK: https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/1039-godtear-uk-open/
Ben's DrivethruRPG storefront: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/455/The-Black-Orifice
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
In this Episode Ell and Ben are joined by local newbie, Mark Lloyd to discuss which champions make for the best starting experience, and which to avoid. Aimed at players just starting out at Godtear, this episode gives you some hints and tips to help you put together a teach of champions that will ease you into the game and help you learn.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: New Construction scenario first play thoughts, a ton of news, and multi-action effects in the game
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben, Elliot and Mark discussing skill ceilings and floors and the champions you should take or avoid as a new player to teh game.
End Phase: Mark introduces Ben and Ell to Unmatched.
Links:
Godtear Open at Games Expo UK: https://www.ukgamesexpo.co.uk/events/1039-godtear-uk-open/
Unmatched: https://restorationgames.com/unmatched/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Having had to cancel recording earlier in the week, Elliot and Ben got together on a Friday evening with Martin "Martyboy" Walters with the plan to discuss our favourite champions and our experiences with Star Wars gaming.
However, beer and Jagermeister were in flow and things get somewhat derailed, especially later on. If you're the sort of person who normally switches off for the End Phase you might want to stick around for this one as we wander back onto Godtear in our inability to remain focused. Also, listen out for some outtakes at the end.
Music: purple-planet.com
In this episode, Ben and Elliot discuss Lily, get lots of things wrong about the first Fenra teaser, review teh Dark Souls board game and discuss the 5-1-3 drafting format for tournament play.
Music: purple-planet.com
In this episode, Ben and Elliot are joined by several prominent community members and players highly ranked on Longshanks to discuss their favourite tournament lists and their strengths and weaknesses.
Featuring Dave (Dave M), John (Reamus), Charlie (The OldeCrow), Jeff (Jeff "Gearbox" Mitchell) and Sam (Grumpysarn).
Music: purple-planet.com
Sam's blog: objectivehex.com
Charlie's Twitch channel: twitch.tv/theoldecrow
Elliot and Ben and joined in the car by local Godtear convert and tournament newbie, Mark, as they head back to Sheffield for another of Marty's Godtears for Godfears events.
This time we weren't able to record as easily between games, so it's only before tournament chat and then a round up from the three of us on our way home.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/
In this Episode Ell and Ben are joined by world no.1 Dave Martin to discuss tactics. Aimed at players just starting to explore the depths of Godtear, this episode looks at some of the different decision points in the game and the tactical choices you can make during a game.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Club night games with new players, tournament news and who goes first?
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben, Elliot and Dave talking tactics, from deployment, though whether to lose turn 1 and whether to go first or second, to placing objective hexes and adapting to losing a turn.
End Phase: Eternus roleplaying game
Links:
Eternus Quickstart: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/410395/Eternus-Quickstart?src=bbpodcast
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben put together their guide for new players, including what to buy, what scenarios to play first, where to find the online communities and resources, and how to get your self some more games.
Note: to make the episode new-player-friendly we also mess around with the normal episode order.
Episode Breakdown
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion has Ben and Elliot discuss where to go next in Godtear if you've just got started - from just after your first demo to a few games in, all the tips and tricks you need to ease yourself in to this amazing game.
Plot Phase: Club night games, Lily and Campaign packs, and getting your head around followers.
End Phase: A Song of Ice and Fire Miniatures Game
Links:
SFG Godtear articles: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/brands/tagged/category_godtear
SFG resources: https://steamforged.com/en-gb/blogs/resources
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GodtearTheChampions
US FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/495478634180175
Discord invite: https://discord.gg/fhpcMCwC (valid until 27th Aug 2022)
Objective Hex blog: https://www.objectivehex.com/
The Olde Crow Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/theoldecrow
Godtears for Godfears blog: https://godtearsforgodfears.wordpress.com/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Godtear lead developer, Steve Margetson and they discuss Lily, Ben's bottom-tier list, the tournament reroll and have an extended chat with Steve about the design process for champions.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Rapid Fire for Steve, Ben's bottom-tier list, Lily discussion, tournament reroll.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is Steve telling us all about champion design.
End Phase: Steve sells us on Summoner Wars from Plaid Hat Games.
Links:
Summoner Wars: https://www.plaidhatgames.com/board-games/summoner-wars/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are discussing the aftermath of the Creator Clash, Elliot's new tournament list and the hobby side of Godtear.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Elliot's new list, Creator Clash results, Luella rules interaction.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is all about the hobby side of Godtear.
End Phase: Elliot tells Ben about Darkest Dungeon, Ben tells Elliot about When the Moon Hangs Low.
Links:
When the Moon Hangs Low: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/371070/When-the-Moon-Hangs-Low
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 3 and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.
Episode BreakdownIn the car
Game 1 &2 (Ben & Ell chat with Dave Martin, Matt Walker & Martin Walters)
Back in the car (Game 3 and round up)
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Andy from Blackjack Legacy to discuss the upcoming Creator Clash where a bunch of content creators are getting together for a Godtear tournament organised by SFG.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Rapid Fire with Andy, followed by an exploration of Andy's review process, followed some tournament news and a look into Jaak now that his cards are out in the wild.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion is all about the creator clash.
End Phase: Andy tells us about Mantic Games and Firefight in particular.
Links:
The Creator Clash announcement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMPRIDZZ7gM&t=92s
Blackjack Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLZLuZU-_3rVBYlxZaoY0g
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Hull for The God, the Bad and the Rangosh and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Adam.
Episode BreakdownIn the car
Game 1 (Ben vs Nathan, Ell vs Jordan)
Game 2 (Ben vs Ell)
Game 3 (Ben vs Andrew G, Ell vs Adam)
Game 4 (Ben vs Andrew T, Ell vs Andrew G)
Interview with tournament organiser Adam
Back in the car
(Stay listening to the end for some outtakes)
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben and Elliot go to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 2 and chat about their games with their opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.
Episode BreakdownIn the car
Game 1 (Ben vs Matt Walker, Ell vs Neil McWilliam)
Game 2 (Ben vs Neil McWilliam, Ell vs Mark Peyton)
Game 3 (Ben vs Mark Peyton, Ell vs Andy McLelland)
Interview with tournament organiser Martin Walters
Back in the car
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by Sheffield dynamic duo, Martin Walters and Brucey Gillott to discuss running demo games and introducing new players to Godtear.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase: Rapid Fire with Martin and Brucey, followed by an exploration of a recent demo game Martin ran, then into the news round-up, with a look at Jaak and Lily.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion as we hear Martin's sage advice on how to demo Godtear effectively and get the new player's POV from Brucey.
End Phase: Martin and Brucey share their love of historical gaming with Ben and Ell.
Links:
The Good, the Bad, and the Rangosh: https://www.facebook.com/events/695484718436078/
UK Boardgame Podcast Rankings: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_board_games_podcasts/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben talk about their weirdest game ever, go over some tournament news, then get into a solid discussion on making a tier list for Godtear champions.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:Godtears for Godfears 1 tourney report, our weirdest game, tournament news round-up, a new champion is spoiled and teh Banner Bearers hit the UK Boardgame Podcast rankings.
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion as we put together a tier list for the different champions in the game (and Ell persuades Ben not to put Jeen into Trash Tier).
End Phase: Ell tells Ben all about GW's Cursed City boardgame.
Links:
Tier Maker template: https://tiermaker.com/create/godtear-warbands-banner-bearers-version-553160
UK Boardgame Rankings: https://blog.feedspot.com/uk_board_games_podcasts/
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this special tournament diary episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Ben goes to Sheffield for Godtears for Godfears 1 and chats about his games with his opponents and with the tournament organiser, Martin.
Episode BreakdownIn the car
Game 1 vs Brucey Gillott
Game 2 vs Dave Martin
Game 3 vs Neil McWilliam
Interview with tournament organiser Martin Walters
Back in the car
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben talk about old players getting back into the game, give their hot takes on Skulbreaker, then get into a solid discussion of the scenarios.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:Games with returning players and Skullbreaker first experience, Skullbreaker reveal discussion, Shrapnel Shot rules discussion
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion looking at the makeup of and strategies for playing each scenario and which classes and champions favour each mission.
End Phase: Ben and Ell discuss Escape the Dark Castle, a fun little collaborative game with overtones of 80s fantasy gamebooks like Fighting Fantasy.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben are joined by special guest Dave Martin to discuss his experiences at the online Borderless Godtear tournament, more news on the new champion from Steamforged, then get into a solid discussion of the Guardian class.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:Borderless Godtear tournament report, Skullbreaker discussion, tournament news, Triple Bite rules discussion
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion reviewing the Guardian class, looking at each champion, their followers and what Guardians bring to your warband.
End Phase: Ben and Ell let Dave tell them all about League of Legends and they discuss why it might have been sited as an inspiration for Godtear.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben discuss Ben's latest stupid list and the new champion spoiler from Steamforged, then get into a solid discussion of the Slayer class, alongside special guest Sam Hill.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:Team-Plot-Phase-Damage battle report, spoiler discussion, tournament news, double action rules discussion
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion, featuring Sam Hill reviewing the Slayer class, looking at each champion, their followers and what Slayers bring to your warband.
End Phase: Ben and Ell let Sam lead them on this episode's tangent, looking at Monsterpocalypse
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben discuss Ben's recent foray into Team Green, then get into a solid discussion of the Maelstrom class.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:Team Green battle report, upcoming tournament news and other community highlights, placing objective hexes rules discussion
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion reviewing the Shaper class, looking at each champion, their followers and what Shapers bring to your warband.
End Phase: Ben and Ell's tangent this week looks at the Arkham Horror card game
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
During this first Episode of the Banner Bearers podcast, Elliot and Ben introduce themselves and the podcast format, then get into a solid discussion of the Maelstrom class.
Episode Breakdown
Plot Phase:For the Love of God Tear event report, upcoming tournament news, Fly rules discussion
Clash Phase: Main topic discussion reviewing the Maelstrom class, looking at each champion, their followers and what Maelstroms bring to your warband.
End Phase: Ben and Ell take a tangent from Godtear to chat about the Dune RPG they have been playing recently
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com