MiniWarGamer Dave

To all my fellow wargaming dads out there.
Happy Father’s Day!

To my own dad:
You made me into what I am today. Your sacrifices and pain forged me into the best version of myself I could possibly be and every decision you made is worth every ounce of joy I’m privileged to experience with my own kids. Thank you dad for being there, for believing in me, and for showing me there’s no greater calling on this earth. You are the greatest warrior I know. I’m proud to be your son. I love you Dad.

These stills were taken from the feature I made a decade ago called The Rangers: Bloodstone and is available to watch on ‪@PrimeVideo‬. I had an extraordinary experience filming this fantasy movie with both my daughter and my dad. It’s the story of Drustan Lorne (played by me) a father who tracks down the orcs responsible for capturing his daughter (big mistake!) and also tells the tale of the warrior who trained my character (played by my own dad). It was the experience of a lifetime and I have many fond memories I’ll cherish forever.

To those still reading: give your dad a call, tell him about your day, tell him you’re doing what he taught you and you’re living your best life because of him. If you’re unable to do this… say the words aloud anyway. Wherever he is, he’ll hear you say it.

#fathersday

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1 week ago | [YT] | 533

MiniWarGamer Dave

I couldn’t help myself… 😉

1 week ago | [YT] | 14

MiniWarGamer Dave

I needed a day to process the loss our community has suffered over the passing of John Blanche. 

Reading the many sentiments have moved me and now that I’ve had an appropriate amount of time to gather my own thoughts …

John… this one’s for you. 

Like so many others I never had the honour of meeting you face to face but I have hope my words will reach you wherever your spirit finds itself. To simply say you’re a legend doesn’t pay proper justice for the actual impact you’ve had on countless lives. And most especially, to my own. 

As a kid in the 90’s I didn’t know Warhammer existed. 

Meanwhile, thousands if not millions of Wargamers already knew your art and immersed themselves in the visual worlds you created. It wasn’t until my mid 20’s I discovered what grim dark was. 

To me, grim dark is an expression of the deepest and darkest parts of humanity made visually manifest for the soul to feast upon. It's no wonder the moment I discovered your grim dark aesthetic I instantly fell in love with it. It allowed me to explore parts of myself I never thought I had permission to explore… never dared to explore. It inspired me… and my shackled hunger for grittier and more honest artwork was born. 

The most significant impact you had on me can be summed up in a mind set I’ve taken years to develop:
I accept the light… AND… the darkness within. They coexist and are reflections of the other. 

In writing these thoughts I’ve come to realize your influence has always been a part of my wargaming experience. From the games I’ve played to the tables I’ve built to the stories I’ve told. In one way or another, they were all shaped by you. For this I’ll be eternally grateful.

Thank you for following your passion and expressing yourself the way you did. The work you’ve done to pave the way will be revered and echoed for generations. You gave the rest of us permission to dream, to explore, and to share our creativity without shame and judgement. 

I hope the ones you hold dear find comfort and love in the days ahead. You were an icon and a giant among us mortals. Rest in peace John. 

#johnblanche

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1,142

MiniWarGamer Dave

Coming soon to a YouTube channel near you! Special thanks to ‪@wayland_games‬ for sponsoring this MASSIVE narrative Warhammer 40K battle!

1 month ago | [YT] | 304

MiniWarGamer Dave

Which one’s yours?

1 month ago | [YT] | 16

MiniWarGamer Dave

Showcase my Blood Angels army?

1 month ago | [YT] | 39

MiniWarGamer Dave

Best bases for NEW Blood Angels:

See all 16 designs here: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/miniwargaming/mega-ba…

1 month ago | [YT] | 38

MiniWarGamer Dave

Just ONE thing makes this Defiler perfect… (swipe over) yup that’s right! SKULL bases for the SKULL THRONE!

Grab them and many more here: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/miniwargaming/mega-ba…

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1 month ago | [YT] | 260

MiniWarGamer Dave

It’s a weird and meaty one! Let’s dive in!

2 months ago | [YT] | 19

MiniWarGamer Dave

Proverbial mic drop.

2 months ago | [YT] | 14