Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: Gold Cache Objective Markers

My latest hobby project has been crafting a set of six thematic objective markers, inspired by the legendary wealth of the Lonely Mountain and the ruinous gold-lust that drives Dwarves, Men, and Dragons alike....

I wanted these markers to serve as gleaming focal points on the battlefield, so I started with (rulebook-appropriate) 25mm Citadel round bases. To give them a more premium, weighted feel in the hand, I glued metal washers to the undersides—the added heft makes them feel as substantial as the treasure they represent.

To ground the markers in the rugged landscapes of Middle-earth, I first applied sand to the bases to create a natural earth texture, priming them in a deep brown. Once the foundation was set, I began building the treasure piles at the center. I used superglue to layer on gold glitter for a realistic "piled coin" effect, then carefully nestled gem beads among the gold to represent emeralds, sapphires, and rubies.

To ensure the hoard stays intact during the heat of battle, I sealed the glitter and gems with a thorough coat of clear fingernail polish. This serves two purposes: it provides a rock-hard protective seal and adds a brilliant, high-gloss luster that makes the gold truly pop under gaming lights.

To finish the bases, I highlighted and dry-brushed the earthy tones to make the ground detail stand out, then added static grass and tufts. This creates a nice contrast between the rugged terrain and the shimmering treasure it’s beginning to swallow.

These markers will be perfect for scenarios involving a Dwarven vault breach, the defense of a royal treasury, or a raid on a dragon’s lair. The way the light catches the gold glitter and the facets of the "gems" makes them incredibly easy to spot during a chaotic skirmish, while the textured greenery ensures they blend seamlessly with my existing terrain collection.

The finished markers bring a fantastic narrative flair to the table. Every time a hero moves to claim an objective, the metallic shimmer serves as a constant reminder of exactly what is at stake. I’m looking forward to seeing these objectives contested in my next battle!

MESBG Battle Report – Khazad-dûm vs Minas Morgul (600 Points)

The Delving Defended: A Stake a Claim Battle Report

The air in the mountain pass was thick with the cloying, unnatural chill of the Dead City. Durin, King of Khazad-dûm, adjusted the grip on his axe, his beard bristling against the cold. Before him, the defiled ruins of the outer gates were crawling with Orc filth, a towering Mordor Troll, and the terrifying, cowled shadow of the Witch-king of Angmar. The scent of stone and smithy-fire had been replaced by the iron tang of blood and Morgul sorcery—the mountain had been breached, and the Dwarves would not let the defilers pass without a reckoning.

The Forces

Durin’s Company (Kingdom of Khazad-dûm):

• Heroes: Durin, King of Khazad-dûm, Mardin, and a veteran Dwarf Captain.
• The Rank and File: A versatile host of Dwarf Rangers (with a mix of longbows, two-handed axes, and throwing weapons); elite Khazad Guard; and a Dwarf Warrior with banner.

The Host of Minas Morgul:

• Heroes: The Witch-king of Angmar (on armored horse), a secondary Ringwraith, and a brutish Orc Captain. 
• The Rank and File: A swarm of Morannon Orcs, Mordor Orcs (equipped with cursed Blades of the Dead), and a massive Mordor Troll.

The Scenario: Stake a Claim

The objective was a grueling war of attrition: control five strategic markers spread across the battlefield. Unlike a final land grab, this was a race for Fortification Points, scored at the end of every single turn. With the Orcs wielding soul-striking blades and the Dwarves boasting legendary resilience, victory would go to the side that could remain standing on the blood-soaked earth the longest.

The Opening Volley

As the hosts drew near, the Dwarf Rangers proved why they are the eyes and ears of the mountain. With grim efficiency, they loosed a hail of bolts that silenced the few Orc archers peering from their defensive fortifications. 

However, the victory was short-lived. A screech that tore at the soul pierced the air as the Witch-king spurred his black steed forward. With a withered hand outstretched, a pall of magical lethargy fell over the King. Transfixed, Durin felt his limbs turn to lead, his legendary fury dampened by a sorcerous fog.

The Meat-Grinder

With their King magically stifled, the three Khazad Guards bore the full brunt of the opening fury. Isolated against the cursed Blades of the Dead, they fought with legendary stubbornness but were eventually overwhelmed by the sheer lethality of the Morgul steel. By the time the first clash subsided, all three had fallen—a grim sacrifice made to hold the center while the rest of the company scrambled for the markers. 

The Troll Toll

Facing such a monstrous force and the lethal Blades of the Dead, the Dwarves had to rely on a relentless rain of throwing axes to thin the Orc ranks before the two lines even met. But once the gap closed, the Mordor Troll became a whirlwind of terror. Acting as a living siege engine, the beast waded into the thickest part of the melee, its massive club sweeping through the Dwarven ranks with bone-crushing force and sending armored warriors flying like broken dolls.

Even the Dwarf Banner was not safe; the Witch-king's dark sorcery frequently blasted the standard-bearer away, forcing the Dwarves to scramble to keep their morale-boosting colors from being trampled in the dirt. The Shadow host seized an early lead in Fortification Points, their aggressive push threatening to sweep the mountain-folk aside.

Dwarven Grit... and Luck

The tide turned as the mountain-folk’s resilience—and an undeniable streak of Dwarven fortune—began to wear the enemy down. As the battle ground on, the Dwarves began winning a statistically improbable number of duel rolls, defying the odds to hold lines that should have shattered. "By the Maker's hammer!" the Dwarf Captain roared, parrying a blow that should have cleaved him in two. While the Witch-king successfully neutralized Durin for much of the match, he couldn't neutralize the luck of the dice or the stubbornness of Rangers holding the line with two-handed axes.

The King’s Gambit

Durin, wounded and sensing his presence in the center was being wasted by hexes, made a tactical retreat. Shaking off the haze, he fell upon the stragglers on the flanks, securing an outer objective and denying the Shadow their points. 

Meanwhile, the secondary Ringwraith hissed in frustration, its flickering form finally dissipating as its Will was utterly spent. With the Wraith gone, the Orcs soon became broken. Bolstered by their Dominant rule, the Dwarves flooded the center objective. The Orc numbers dwindled until they were Quartered, and the Witch-king, seeing his puppets slaughtered, vanished into the gloom.

The Aftermath

By the final turns, the Dwarves’ ability to seize and control the center objective more frequently decided the match. By consistently racking up points in the later turns—a task perfectly suited for the sturdy, and today, incredibly lucky Dwarves—they accumulated a lead the Shadow could not overcome.

Final Score: Victory to the Kingdom of Khazad-dûm!

Epilogue

The cacophony of the retreat eventually gave way to a heavy, suffocating silence over the mountain pass. Durin stood amidst the jagged rocks, leaning heavily on the haft of his great axe. He winced, one hand pressed against a jagged rent in his mail where a Morgul blade had bit deep. Around him, the mountain air was beginning to clear of the ill-natured fog as the sorcerous weight of the Witch-king finally lifted.

The King surveyed the horizon. His fallen Khazad Guards and Rangers were a grim testament to the price of victory, but the banners of the longbeards still flew over the five markers. He watched his kin reclaiming the field and felt a grim pride. Luck had been their ally today, but it was the unyielding will of the Dwarves that would ensure Khazad-dûm stayed forever free. 

The stone remembers its masters, and today, the masters had returned.

MESBG Battle Report – Muster of Isengard vs Rohan Cavalry (500 Points)

The White Wizard’s Wall: A Reconnoitre Battle Report

The fields of the Westfold were silent, save for the rhythmic clatter of Uruk-hai plate. Saruman the White had stepped from the black tower of Orthanc, his presence a cold weight upon the land. But the scent of horse and leather hung heavy in the air—Theoden King had arrived, and the Rohirrim would not let the traitor pass without a reckoning.

The Forces

The Muster of Isengard:

• Heroes: Saruman the White, and Uruk-hai Captain.
• The Rank and File: A large host of Uruk-hai Warriors equipped with Swords and Shields; one with banner.

The Riders of Rohan:

• Heroes: Theoden King, Eomer (Marshal of the Riddermark), Gamling (Captain of Rohan) with the Royal Standard.
• The Rank and File: A sizable contingent of Rohan cavalry units.

The Scenario: Reconnoitre

The objective was simple: move your army off the opponent's board edge. With the Uruk-hai boasting superior numbers and the Rohan cavalry possessing superior speed, it was a race against time and steel. Outnumbered for the objective, the Rohirrim knew they couldn't just dash past; they had to winnow the Uruk ranks first.

The Iron Shell

The Uruk-hai advanced centrally, locked in a tight, disciplined Shieldwall. Without a single pike in the ranks, they relied entirely on their heavy shields and high Defense to weather the storm. Saruman stood at the heart of this black-iron square, guarded on all sides. As they marched, Rohan horse archers circled like hawks, picking off a few Uruks with well-placed arrows, but the line remained unbroken.

The Thunder of the Mark

Seeing the Uruks closing in on the center of the board, Theoden gave the order. The Rohan cavalry thundered forward in a glorious, terrifying charge from all sides. The impact was devastating. Even the Uruk Shieldwall buckled under the sheer weight of the horses, and many of Isengard's finest were trampled into the dirt in the initial clash.

The Wizard’s Wrath

As the Rohirrim began to hack into the Uruk lines, the White Wizard raised his staff. With a series of blinding flashes, Saruman unleashed Sorcerous Blast after Sorcerous Blast.

First, Theoden King was lifted from his saddle and thrown to the earth. Then, Eomer was blasted back, his mount fleeing the sorcerous thunder. Finally, even Gamling, clutching the Royal Standard of Rohan, was sent crashing to the ground. All three legendary leaders of the Mark were forced to fight on foot, their mobility stripped away by the Wizard's malice.

The Palantír’s Sight

Just as the Rohan heroes scrambled to their feet to lead a desperate infantry push, Saruman gazed into the Palantír. Predicting the movements of his enemies, he ensured Isengard seized Priority at the most vital moment. The Uruk-hai didn't wait to be charged again; they counter-attacked with savage fury.

The tide turned. With the cavalry's momentum gone and their leaders grounded, the Uruks began to win crucial combats. The luck of the dice swung toward Isengard as both horse and rider fell.

The Aftermath

By the final turns, both armies were shadows of their former selves—decimated and exhausted. The Uruks attempted a late-game maneuver to sprint for the Rohan board edge, but the clock ran out. All the heroes remained standing amidst the carnage, but not a single model of either side had managed to escape the field.

Final Score: 0 – 0 (Draw)

Epilogue

The screaming of dying horses eventually gave way to a heavy, suffocating silence over the Westfold. The once-proud golden banner of Gamling lay in the mud, held by a captain forced to walk the very earth he usually thundered across. Theoden King, his armor caked in the dust of the land he swore to protect, leaned heavily on Herugrim; across the field of corpses, the White Wizard stood unscathed, his robes a blinding, mocking contrast to the carnage.

There would be no breakthrough today. The Uruk-hai had failed to pierce the heart of the Riddermark, and the Rohirrim had found their spears blunted against the iron will of Orthanc. As the two tattered forces pulled back into the gathering gloom—one to the safety of the Hornburg, the other to the shadows of the Gap—it was clear that while no blood was spared, no ground was gained. The war for the Mark had only just begun, and the fields of Rohan remained a graveyard for heroes and monsters alike.

MESBG Battle Report – Lurtz’s Scouts vs Rohan Cavalry (600 Points)

The battlefield was quiet as dawn broke, six possible resting places of an ancient relic scattered across its open fields and wooded patches. Both warbands would arrive from the edges, racing to uncover the hidden heirloom before the other. On one side, Lurtz’s Uruk-hai Scouts, swift and disciplined, their chieftains eager to claim glory. On the other, the thunder of hooves: Rohan’s finest cavalry, led by Éomer, supported by Gandalf the White astride Shadowfax.

This was no ordinary clash of blades—it was a race, a hunt, and ultimately a desperate struggle for survival. Lurtz led Uruk-hai Scouts with shields and a banner, Uglúk commanded Scouts without shields, and a Scout Captain brought bow-armed Scouts. Éomer led the force alongside Gandalf the White on Shadowfax and a Rohan Captain, supported by a host of mounted Riders of Rohan. The contrast was sharp: an infantry-heavy Isengard force relying on discipline and speed, versus the brutal momentum of an all-cavalry Rohan army.

The scenario began at pace—both sides surged onto the board. Thanks to Lurtz’s special rule, his force moved 8”, nearly matching the Riders’ swifter mounts. That parity in movement proved critical. As fate would have it, the Uruk-hai uncovered the heirloom first! Quickly, they withdrew into a defensive formation in nearby woods, banner and relic tucked behind a bristling wall of shields. Rohan pressed forward, arrows flying. Scouts with bows did what they could in return, but Rohan’s longer reach thinned their ranks more effectively.

The Rohirrim attacked in a pincer: Gandalf, the Rohan Captain, and a mounted detachment on the left, while Éomer led a thunderous charge on the right. Both prongs smashed through Uruk-hai blocking lines, cutting down scouts with ease but paying for it in steady casualties.

On the left, Gandalf the White unleashed terror and blinding sorcery, scattering the Uruk-hai and rendering their blades useless. No attack could pierce him—until Lurtz himself stepped forward. In a brutal clash, Lurtz slew Gandalf and felled mighty Shadowfax, turning the tide on that flank. Bloodied and exhausted, Lurtz withdrew to rally his men.

On the right, however, Éomer carved his own legend. After his riders were mauled by Uruk resistance, he met Uglúk head-on. In short order, Éomer struck Uglúk down with ferocity (“Meat’s back OFF the menu, boys”). The Uruk-hai Scout Captain fell soon after, leaving that flank broken.

Both armies were battered, their numbers drastically reduced. Victory now rested on the Heirloom. Éomer cut through the remnants, finally bringing down Lurtz himself in a furious duel—the White Wizard was avenged. But though the Uruk-hai warlord fell, his banner gone and his captains slain, one critical fact remained: The Uruk-hai Scout clutching the relic endured. Even as both armies broke, even as courage wavered, the Heirloom-bearer passed his test of nerve. Fortune, perhaps the relic’s power itself, steeled him against despair. The game ended with the Uruk-hai still holding the prize, while Éomer withdrew in defeat, vowing to fight another day.

The battle belonged, by rights, to Isengard. Though devastated and leaderless, their possession of the Heirloom ensured victory. Priority rolls at key moments allowed the Uruk-hai to dictate charges against cavalry rather than receive them, blunting Rohan’s greatest strength. Two additional strokes of fortune sealed the day: the Uruk-hai discovered the Heirloom first, allowing them to take a defensive stance, and Lurtz had slain Gandalf in an even, critical duel.

Epilogue:

Thus it came to pass that not the captains of great renown, but a nameless Uruk of the wild, bore away the ancient heirloom. Steadfast he remained amid the terror of battle, clutching his prize while the fields of war were drenched in blood.

The White Wizard was lost, yet in the fall of Lurtz before Amon Hen a greater boon was granted: the life of Boromir was preserved. And in the place of Mithrandir’s guiding hand the son of Denethor arose, a captain of Men whose loyalty was rekindled and whose valor did not falter. Peril he embraced, casting himself before the foe that the halflings be spared from capture; and thus by his steadfast courage the Fellowship, once sundered, was bound anew. In him Gondor beheld a hope unlooked-for, even as the darkness deepened upon the land.

In those days also Éomer, Marshal of the Riddermark, was revealed as a hero among his people. While Théoden King yet lay under the shadow of corruption, Éomer led the Rohirrim in open defiance of the will of Isengard. And there in the furnace of war was friendship wrought between him and Boromir, alongside Aragorn son of Arathorn, whose lineage and doom set him apart, yet whose heart was bound to their cause. Thus did the Three stand together: Gondor, Rohan, and the North, in fellowship of Men united against the Shadow.

And so it was that when the Shadow moved at last, three captains stood foremost against it: Aragorn son of Arathorn, rightful heir of Elendil; Éomer son of Éomund, who was now king of the Riddermark; and Boromir son of Denethor, the pride of Gondor, redeemed in valor. Together they held the West through fire and ruin, until at last the Ring was unmade in Orodruin, and the Dark Lord was cast down.

Thus ended the War of the Ring in this telling: without the march of the Ents, but with the Fellowship unbroken, and with the Three Houses of Men united. And of this bond it is said: though Elves faded and Dwarves grew few, the kingdoms of Men endured, for in those days were Gondor, Rohan, and Arnor bound together in friendship that outlasted the Shadow.

MESBG Battle Report – Fangorn Ents vs Black Gate Orcs (600 Points)

The mists hung low over the battlefield at dawn as two very different forces prepared for war. On one side stood the ancient guardians of the forest—Treebeard, with Merry and Pippin perched safely on his branches, and four other mighty Ents. Opposing them was a grim force from the Black Gate: a Troll Chieftain, another Troll, the Mouth of Sauron, and a disciplined line of Morannon Orcs.

The game opened with a thunderous barrage—boulders flung with devastating precision from Ent hands. A few Orcs fell before the lines even met. Recognizing the open ground was death, the opposing force smartly moved toward a wooded area, using the dense forest as cover. Meanwhile, Treebeard had Merry dismount, and he was carefully deployed to secure a terrain feature on the far side of the battlefield—one safely away from the enemy's reach.

The Ents advanced cautiously toward the Orcs, slowed by a stream that bisected the battlefield and threatened to delay their assault. As they approached the woods, they kept up a steady barrage, continuing to chip away at the Orc numbers with rocks, when possible. The battle remained tense and cagey—each side wary of revealing too much in a scenario built on secrecy and surprise.

Finally, the Black Gate army seized their moment and launched an attack from the forest. But their courage faltered—many of the Orcs failed their nerve checks and refused to charge. The few that did make it into combat were crushed by the sheer might of the Ents.

The Trolls, however, were a different matter. One Ent fell under their brutal assault, and the Troll Chieftain waded into a fierce one-on-one with Treebeard. The duel was brutal—both ancient monsters inflicted serious wounds, leaving each other barely standing by the end.

While Treebeard and the Chieftain fought, more Morannon Orcs broke and scattered.  Finally, the Mouth of Sauron himself also fled the battlefield, abandoning the remnants of his force. With both armies battered but only one broken, the game came to a close.

Final Score: 11–7 to Fangorn. Both sides achieved objectives through clever positioning and hidden choices, but the Ents held firm while the Black Gate broke apart. Treebeard survived and the three other remaining Ents dominated the battlefield through resilience, patience, and... well-thrown stones.

A fantastic match—tight, thematic, and full of the psychological tension that makes Fog of War such a compelling scenario. Hidden objectives kept both sides guessing, and while the Ents led the game early on, momentum swung back and forth near the end. My opponent had some unfortunate dice rolls at key moments, which certainly helped tip the scales in my favor!

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: Treebeard and Hobbits

A recent project was Treebeard from the Middle-Earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG). I used a few quick and effective techniques to get him tabletop-ready with minimal effort—perfect for hobbyists looking to balance quality with efficiency.

---

Step 1: Priming

I started by priming Treebeard with Army Painter Leather Brown Primer. This warm, mid-tone base works especially well for organic textures like bark and helps paint adhere more smoothly.

---

Step 2: Basecoating

With the primer dry, I blocked in the main colors—earthy browns for the bark, muted greens for mossy areas, and other natural tones. At this stage, speed and solid coverage were the priorities, laying a foundation without stressing over precision.

---

Step 3: Highlighting

Using lighter versions of the base colors, I added highlights to raised surfaces and textured areas. A quick drybrush over the bark and details brought out depth and helped accentuate the natural sculpt of the model.

---

Step 4: Shading with Quickshade

Instead of dipping, I brushed on Quickshade, letting it flow into the recesses to create natural shadows and enhance contrast. It’s a reliable technique for fast shading that also provides a protective coat for handling during games.

---

Step 5: Flocking

To finish Treebeard, I applied model tree flocking for a realistic, forest-grown look. I was initially hesitant to use flock instead of painting the foliage by hand, but this method saved a lot of time and still delivered a convincing effect at tabletop distance. A thin layer of PVA glue in targeted areas, a sprinkle of flock, and a bit of drying time was all it took to complete the look.

To enhance the base, I also added tufts of grass and small model flowers, bringing extra color and texture that tied Treebeard even more closely to his woodland environment. These small touches go a long way in elevating the final look.

---

Conclusion

This five-step process—priming, basecoating, highlighting, shading, and flocking—made it easy to bring Treebeard to life quickly and effectively. The combination of painted-on Quickshade and foliage flocking offered great results with minimal time investment, proving that efficient techniques can still deliver strong visual impact on the tabletop.

Although they ride atop Treebeard, I painted Merry and Pippin using a completely different method. They were primed in white and painted almost entirely with Contrast paints. This allowed for quick application of vibrant colors and natural shading in a single step—perfect for getting small characters done efficiently while still maintaining visual punch.

New Edition of Games Workshop's Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG) Announced

A new edition of the Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG) is coming. For those seeking more information, the official announcement provides detailed insights into what we can expect from the new edition.

For some, this news brings a mix of emotions, from excitement about potential updates to concerns over the implications for existing collections and investments.

Apprehension and Fear

Enthusiasts who recently invested in the current edition, especially those who purchased the latest "Eye of Sauron" rulebook, are understandably apprehensive. The prospect of navigating a profile-by-profile rework of the game, while intriguing, also raises questions about whether this overhaul might introduce more issues than it resolves. As with any major update, there's always the fear of unexpected complications or breaking of what is working well, rule-wise.

The Silver Lining

Of course, some see the new edition as an opportunity for the game to evolve, with hopes that it might lead to the release of new models and the revitalization of certain factions. There is some cautious optimism that a new edition might improve under-performing profiles and address some of the balance issues that have been a topic of discussion for years. The potential for new starter boxes and updated profiles for beloved characters adds a layer of excitement for long-time players and newcomers alike.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, we'll undoubtedly see more discussions, debates, and perhaps even a few more surprises as we collectively navigate this new chapter of the game's progression. Whether you're a veteran player or a newcomer, there's no denying that these are exciting times for the world of Middle-earth strategy gaming. Let's embrace the change together and look forward to what lies ahead!

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: The One Ring Priority Marker

One of my latest projects has been crafting unique and thematic priority markers, inspired by the most iconic artifact in Middle-earth – The One Ring.

I wanted priority markers not only to serve their purpose in the game but also to add a touch of Middle-earth's rich lore to the battlefield. What better way to do this than by using Size 10 replicas of The One Ring itself? Made from tungsten, these rings have an authentic feel to them, making them ideal centerpieces for priority markers.

I started with 40mm Citadel round bases and glued pieces of cork to serve as the bases for the markers. The cork provides a natural, uneven terrain look which is perfect for the rugged landscapes of Middle-earth. Using PVA glue, I applied layers of sand to the cork bases. This not only adds texture but also gives a realistic ground effect. Once the sand was dry, I primed the entire bases. After the primer dried, I painted them to mimic the earthy tones of Middle-earth and used an Army Painter tone to shade the bases, adding depth and emphasizing the textures. After that, a few dry-brush strokes were made to bring out the details of the textured sand. Then I sprayed them with sealer. The tungsten One Rings were then carefully placed at the center of the bases, gluing them with Gorilla Glue for a good bond. Lastly, I added patches of flock around the rings. This gives the appearance of the rings being lost or hidden in the wilderness, waiting to be found.

I made slight variations for the different markers, and one of the markers features a lava motif, inspired by the fiery depths of Mount Doom, adding a dramatic and unique variation to the collection.

The rings' metallic gleam contrasts beautifully with the earthy bases, making them the focal points of the markers and helping them stand out on the battlefield. The One Rings at their centers not only look great but also add a narrative element to the game. Each time the priority shifts, players are reminded of the rings' influence and the epic tales of Middle-earth. 

I look forward to seeing these priority markers in action during my next game session!

Middle Earth Strategy Battle Game Miniatures: Crebain

As I get more into Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG), I recently embarked on a project to paint up a flock of crebain -- the sinister spies of Saruman who play a significant role in the journey of the Fellowship while they camped in Hollin. 

The models, sculpted by Medbury Miniatures are aptly named "Bad Birds" and I think they capture the menacing essence of these dark spies. 

I started by priming the models with a grey-black. I then dry-brushed the models with a dark blue-grey. To enhance the shadows and add depth, I used Army Painter Dark Tone to emphasize the details and create a more dynamic appearance. The final result was a flock of Crebain that I think look both menacing and ready to swoop down on unwary hobbits!