TacticsWD 350 · pp. 42–47
Christian Byrne prepares both Good and Evil armies for his first Lord of the Rings Grand Tournament, with Adam Troke coaching the tactical transition from Warhammer 40,000. An Isengard defeat teaches the cost of too few warriors and exposing a Troll, while a Gondor victory demonstrates coordinated heroic actions. Painting remains a major motivation, and Christian explains how coherent colours and a strong presentation help an army attract attention at a tournament.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle GameIsengard
Battle reportWD 350 · p. 45
Christian’s enlarged Minas Tirith force, supported by the Grey Company and Legolas, faces Chris Peach’s Easterlings and Haradrim. Shooting removes Khamûl’s Fell Beast, while a flanking infantry group gradually turns the armoured melee. Khamûl nearly isolates and kills Boromir with magic, but linked Heroic Combats let Halbarad and Legolas intervene, giving Christian the win and demonstrating the value of several cooperating heroes.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle GameGondor
PaintingWD 350 · pp. 46–47
Christian Byrne argues that a tournament army must first catch the passing viewer’s attention before its detailed brushwork can be appreciated. He then contrasts dark, weathered Uruk-hai armour with bright Minas Tirith plate: repeated black washes and brown recesses age the former, while silver panels and carefully redefined joints keep the latter clean. A finished gallery shows how these approaches sit alongside freehand markings and distinctive character models.
Middle-earth Strategy Battle GameIsengard4 paint colours