Hello, it's Andy here, and I couldn't be more excited to introduce Warhost, the fantasy skirmish expansion that I have co-created with sculpting maestro Paul Hicks under our new(ish) venture, Hobday & Hicks. If you know nothing about Warhost or want to learn more about it, read on.

Who's Behind Warhost

• Andy Hobday – game designer (that's me!)

• Paul Hicks – traditional sculptor extraordinaire (for over 20 years), whose work spans Empress Miniatures, Brigade Games, Footsore Miniatures & Games, and Steel Fist Miniatures.

Together, we've channelled our shared passion into Warhost: fantasy miniatures and lore that build on the solid foundation of The Barons' War tabletop game system.

What Is Warhost?

Warhost is a fantastical evolution of The Barons' War tabletop game system. We've introduced:

• Magic: I believe you can't have a fantasy game without it! All races can utilise magic, making it a key element on the battlefield. We have included rules for magic spells and magic items.

• New Races: Step into the shoes of Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, or the Dead, alongside Humans. Each race has unique traits, abilities, and warrior lists to enhance their individuality.

• Large Creatures: Prepare to face large creatures, which require special rules for combat. Their profiles will include a Large(X) designation as an ability, where (X) is the amount of damage they need to take in a single round of combat to be removed.

• Commanders and Command Groups: There are revised rules for Commanders and Command Groups, most importantly in combat. Additional Commanders and your overall Warhost Leader can now issue Command Actions to friendly Groups to make a Reaction (not an Action). They can also spend their actions in melee combat to enhance their attack and defence.

• Rule Refinements: We've also made key changes to some existing rules, such as critical attack rolls of 0.

Plus, the Bylands mini-campaign offers three dynamic, linked scenarios:

1. Scouting the Bylands – your first foray into the wilds.

2. The Shrine of the Elements – a magical clash of wills.

3. The Battle for Byland – the culminating conflict shaped by your prior choices.

I wanted Warhost to enrich The Barons' War system, not reinvent it, by layering in fantasy depth while keeping it familiar and accessible.

Kickstarter: Bringing Warhost to Life

Warhost was born thanks to our Kickstarter campaign, which launched back in August 2024. That campaign wasn't just a fundraiser—it was our creative ignition, and it allowed Warhost to blossom far beyond what we initially envisioned.

Thanks to backers' incredible support:

• The compendium grew from an expected 60 pages into a full 120-page fantasy tome brimming with lore, stunning artwork, and immersive rules.

• We were able to release over a hundred 28mm fantasy miniatures, create branded packaging, and complete fulfilment, turning a bold idea into a tangible reality.

Where Warhost Is Now—and What’s Coming

The Hobday & Hicks website is now live and open for business—offering the Warhost supplement, miniatures, and related products. It launched immediately after Kickstarter fulfilment, allowing access to those who missed the campaign.

As recently as July 2025, I released an update on the Hobday & Hicks blog detailing upcoming developments:

• A Dwarf range is currently underway.

• New releases for Orcs and Elves are in the works.

• Lore about the elemental magic paths (Fire, Water, Earth, Air) is expanding, with new concept art on the horizon.

• Warhost was showcased at PeachCon (2025) following success at Salute 2025.

Why Warhost Deserves Your Tabletop

Before you dive into the details, here’s the heart of what makes Warhost such an exciting and accessible tabletop game. Whether you’re already a fan of The Barons’ War, brand-new to skirmish gaming, or somewhere in between, these are good reasons Warhost can make your next game night unforgettable:

• Built on a trusted game system: Warhost expands The Barons’ War without reinventing it, welcoming new players or longtime fans alike.

• New races and magical layers: Expand your tactical choices with Elves, Orcs, the Dead, Dwarves, Humans and their heroes.

• Beautifully sculpted miniatures: Paul's designs are expressive, detailed, and typically single-piece classic 28mm miniatures.

• Narrative-driven gameplay: The Bylands mini-campaign encourages choices that echo across each scenario.

• Transparent & community-driven: From Kickstarter to fulfilment, we've prioritised clarity, care for backers, and ongoing community engagement.

• Ongoing evolution: This is just the start—with Dwarves in development and elemental lore expanding, Warhost is still evolving—and so is Hobday & Hicks.

Ready To Dive In?

• Visit the Hobday & Hicks website to explore Warhost, grab the PDF, or order miniatures and the physical compendium.

• Whether you're building a new army or enhancing an existing one, Warhost opens up a world of fantasy possibilities. Come and share it with us in the Hobday & Hicks Facebook group.

• Join the community—watch for updates, shared artworks, and announcements about upcoming releases or events like PeachCon.

In summary: Warhost is our love letter to fantasy wargaming—built on Kickstarter's support, sculpted with care, and driven by narrative potential. Thanks for joining us on this journey.