Why you should watch... Uglubs Armoury

Every now and again a you-tubes channel comes along that is truly original. I don't mean being origional for the sake of it, or in a novelty way. 

No, this channel is original in all the best ways, the ways that matter, the ways that make it good. 

Original thoughts expressed in an engaging way, original creations in modelling and painting that are a real joy to see. 

The first thing I noticed with Uglubs Armoury is how cool the workshop/games room is. Just check out how cool it is! 

The second things that I noticed and what comes across in all the videos is the enthusiasm. These guys love their hobby and they have a definite opinion on how they want to hobby, which is great to watch. 

My top 5 favourite videos are:

1) It took me 40 years to finally play a Cyberpunk Wargame - this video looks beautiful and the commentary is great to listen to. 

2) Mighty Lizardmen Army for Warhammer 5th Edition - I really love the mid-90s Lizardmen. They have so much character, especially the skinks and the Kroxigors. And here is a great big, beautifully painted army. 

3) Warhammer 30k terrain - this HUGE board shows exactly what a lot of 30k or 40k DOESN'T show, a non-ruined city. And what a beautiful city it is. I'd love to play over terrain like this. 

4) Bolt Thrower and Bolt Guns - this is one of my favourite videos because of how well the thoughts and idea are put across with great eloquence and real feeling. I love this channel. 

5) Scratch-built hovercraft for WH40K Rouge Trader. - some really great old school modelling.

As you can see from the above list, Uglubs Armoury has a real breadth to it, both in the specific wargames covered and in the style of videos. 

Why you should watch... Jordan Sorcery

 Why you should watch... Jordan Sorcery. 

The You-Tubes is full of people waffling on about what people now call Warhammer Lore. Don't watch those people, they are all wrong and know nothing. Apart from Jordan Sorcery. 

Jordan does not just read from one of the fan written wikis about Warhammer, he does actual research, he does brilliant interviews, he reads material that was actually published by Games Workshop. And of these three, it's Jordan's research that shines through and separates him from the rest of the chaff on wargaming You-Tubes.

Jordan (L) and Martha (R)

His series on the history of Warhammer is, quite frankly, a tour-de-force; history of the real-world development of the fantasy world that our toy soldiers inhabit; the artists, writers and business people that worked over decades to create Warhammer. The story takes many twists and turns and is fascinating, but I think that it's Jordan himself that makes it so fascinating. He brings the subject to life, like any good historian, as he explains and entertains. 

Jordan has dozens and dozens of interviews with people that have been involved in the wargaming, rpg and general gaming industry and they are all of a high standard. There will be someone you really want to listen too and a few interesting people you have never heard of. 

Here are my top 5 Jordan Sorcery Interviews:

1. Rick Priestley - Warhammer Unmade
2. Alessio Cavatorie 
3. Ian Watson
4. Kim Newman (AKA Jack Yeovil) 
5. John Blanche 

But it's not JUST interviews. It's not JUST Warhammer either. Jordan has gone into the history of Bolt Action, starting with the two founders of Bolt Action Miniatures, before they were bought out by Warlord games. RPGs are obviously of interest to Jordan, in fact he has written a part for the upcoming Warhammer The Old World RPG from Cubicle 7.

The single best thing about this channel is Jordan himself however - he is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a great writer, presenter and interviewer. When he talks it's always interesting and when he's interviewing he lets his guests do the talking, just pipping int to nudge them in the right direction. 

Jordan, of course, is not alone on his channel. He is often kept company by his cat, Martha.