ARBBL

After tournaments in the car on the way home we often have long conversations on why we were so awful, how the current team we use is rubbish and how we will do so much better with 'insert team here' next time.

During one of these conversations we thought it would be a different challenge if we all took the same team, with the same skill set to see who was the better player. We thought we would use a team no one likes and is generally not very good. We thought that taking five Dwarf teams to the next years competition would be hilarious (you had to be there) and little did we know that others would hear about it and Dwarfs had a really good showing including the eventual winner.

We took this further and decided to make a display base so others would see what we were doing. It helped that this tournament did a painting competition in which the finalists are displayed on the second day so we could show as a non competitive entry. So with ideas storming through my head I went home to see what I could find.

Over the next few weeks a figure supplier was chosen, teams created and orders placed. Some of C.J.'s scenery ideas were robbed for off pitch markers and coach ideas bounced of each other.

We agreed on twelve on pitch players, one coach and three tokens giving me a need for five lots of fourteen spaces. It was at this time that the LotR bases were released for the new army rules, just what I needed and in four x two sizes as well. A big headache solved instantly. I placed these on a piece of hardboard for my base.

C.J. Supplied everyone's tokens on hexagonal bases and I then stuck circular ones underneath so they raise a bit higher than the models in front. We went for a typical beer look, but as I rarely drink I get milk!

How they look alongside team.

Base was given a black undercoat and I was given the rest of the sand used by C.J. for the board and eventually all of the players.

The street idea formed from 'the career of a Blood bowl player'. The basis is that you start of young and eager to join the ranks of players you see every week in the giant stadiums. You go to the pawn shop and trade in your worldly goods, such as potatoes and magic beans, for enough money to buy a second hand kit at the knockdown store. As you progress through the season you frequent the bar spending your well earned dosh on the high life and more old kit. As you get better you spend less money at the knockdown store and more at the posh retail outlet, where finally you become a major player and have enough to deposit in the bank for safe keeping.

The stores were built by using, foam card, card, ex scenery, balsa wood, watered down Poly filler and cake decorations. Once constructed I handed out to the relevant player for them to personalise keeping to the agreed story.

I have taken a front, side and rear of each so you can see how they went together.

First shop is the Pawn Shop and was given to Dave.

Second is the Knockdown prices Store. C.J. Had this one.

Third is the tavern where you will find Simon.

Fourth is the Top end Boutique frequented by Mike. (His name's above the door)