The Blacksmith's Desk

November Free Warhammer Mini
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free, and from the 2nd of November, you’ll be able to join up with the Leagues of Votann to scour the galaxy for valuable materials with a Hernkyn Yaegir. In their neverending quest for resources, the Leagues of Votann despatch Hernkyn Yaegirs across the galaxy to mark out valuable planets and establish void stations. Some range around on magna-coil bikes, but the majority hunker down to defend their claims, with stylish coats protecting... Read more...
October 2024 Free Warhammer Mini
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free, and from the 5th of October, we return to the untamed wilds of the Mortal Realms to recruit a formidable Chaos Warrior in celebration of our Chaos-themed Warhammer Day. It might be Warhammer Age of Sigmar, but Chaos is still the dominant force across most of the eight realms. Clad in blackened iron armour, the Slaves to Darkness lay waste everything in their path as they enforce the will of the Ruinous... Read more...
September 2024 Free Warhammer Mini
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free, and from the 7th of September you’ll be able to trudge through the swamps of Ghur and enlist the unreliable aid of a Kruleboy. Kruleboy orruks are snide and conniving creatures who exemplify Mork’s cunning over Gork’s brutality, plunging their enemies into deadly traps and employing dirty tricks to beat their foe. They are not to be underestimated, as more than one Stormhost have found their gleaming plate pierced by razor-sharp crossbow... Read more...
August 2024 Free Warhammer Mini
You can visit your local Warhammer store each month to collect a new free miniature. From the 3rd of August, you’ll infiltrate enemy lines with a Space Marine Scout.  Typically formed from freshly inducted Astartes, Scouts act as vanguard reconnaissance teams – taking on dangerous missions to prove themselves worthy to stand alongside their fully ascended battle brothers on the front lines. Their lighter armour and stealth skills make for ideal covert operatives when a lighter touch is required, and kill teams of Scouts excel at sabotage, infiltration, and assassination.... Read more...
Important Update: Shapeways' Closure and Its Impact on BW Terrain & Forge
January 2026 Update This article documents the July 2024 closure of Shapeways and is retained for historical context. BW Terrain & Forge is operating normally and is no longer searching for a replacement production partner. Printed resin components are now produced on demand through Only-Games, while downloadable STL files are available through the BW Terrain & Forge store and our marketplace stores. For current ordering, production, shipping, and digital delivery information, please visit our Shipping and Digital Delivery Policy or begin with the BW Terrain & Forge Start Here page.... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for July 2024
Every month when you visit your local Warhammer store, you can collect a free miniature. From the 6th of July, you’ll be able to hunt down a Kroot Carnivore. The Kroot are the most numerous of the T’au Empire’s alien auxiliaries, an avian species whose carnivorous appetites make them well-suited for shock assaults. They are masters of fieldcraft and hunting, and the Kroot Carnivores in particular are swift and deadly skirmishers. These miniatures will be available while stocks last, and they may differ from the one pictured – just ask... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for June 2024
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free, and from the 8th of June, you’ll be able to make a pact with the Chaos Gods and earn a Darkaoath Marauder. The Darkoath Tribes are the original inhabitants of the Mortal Realms, and have long suffered under the yoke of the Ruinous Powers. They fight tooth and nail for survival in these harsh worlds, their martial skill honed by endless warring against beasts, monsters, and invading Sigmarite Crusaders alike. In desperate... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for May 2024
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free, and from the 4th of May, you’ll be able to throw your lot in with the Cities of Sigmar and pick up a Freeguild Steelhelm.  These doughty foot soldiers are the rank and file of every Dawnbringer Crusade and every Free City’s garrison. Each unit is composed of the regular men and women that populate Mortal Realms. They go to war with simple hand weapons and sturdy shields, fighting horrors many times... Read more...
The Impact of High-Quality Tabletop Terrain on Your Tabletop Gaming Strategy
Importance of tabletop terrain in tabletop gaming Tabletop terrain plays a crucial role in tabletop gaming by adding depth and realism to your gaming experience. It enhances the visual appeal of your game setup and can affect your strategy and tactics during gameplay. Having high-quality tabletop terrain can provide more opportunities for creative and strategic gameplay, making your gaming sessions more immersive and enjoyable. How high-quality tabletop terrain enhances gameplay High-quality tabletop terrain can significantly enhance your tabletop gaming experience by adding depth and realism to your games. It can... Read more...
Tips and Tricks for Converting Your Troops for a Unique Sci-Fi Army
Introduction to Grimdark Future One Page Rules' Grimdark Future is a free tabletop wargame where players build and paint miniature armies to battle each other. It's set in a grimdark sci-fi universe with factions like the superhuman Battle Brothers, the alien Elven Jesters and the brutal Orc Marauders. The game involves strategy, storytelling, and a lot of creativity in creating your army and deciding how to conquer your opponents on the battlefield. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, knowing the basics of Grimdark Future can help... Read more...
Free Warhammer Mini for April 2024 (Not an April Fools)
Every month you can visit your local Warhammer store to collect a miniature of the month for free (while stocks last). And from the 6th of April 2024, you’ll be able to join the hunt for the Fallen with a free Deathwing Knight! Elite even amongst the vaunted First Company of the Dark Angels, Deathwing Knights make pinpoint teleport assaults upon key targets. Wielding ancient relic weapons alongside immense shields, these Terminators are terrifying foes who can weather almost any attack and strike back with all the fury of the... Read more...
Building an Epic Wargaming Diorama: Incorporating Conversion Bits
Introduction to wargaming dioramas Creating an epic wargaming scene involves setting up a detailed miniature battlefield to bring your game to life. Wargaming dioramas form a crucial part of the gaming experience by adding depth and realism to your matches. Introducing various elements like terrain pieces, miniatures, and custom conversion bits can enhance the visual appeal and narrative of your games. By incorporating these components strategically, you can elevate your tabletop experience to a whole new level. Understanding conversion bits Conversion bits are small, customizable components that tabletop wargamers use... Read more...