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The Freeborn Shard

The Freeborn Shard

By The Freeborn Shard

A podcast about the game 'Beyond the Gates of Antares' by Rick Priestley by Antares developer Tim Bancroft. Episodes feature regular interviews with players on a range of topics and with Rick Priestley himself.

As of March 2022, we begin to focus on the much-anticipated Antares 2.

Beyond the Gates of Antares and the Beyond the Gates of Antares logos are trademarks of Warlord Games Ltd and are used with permission. © Warlord Games Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. Theme music kindly provided by bignic
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Freeborn Shard 4 - The PanHuman Concord

The Freeborn ShardJul 08, 2016

00:00
01:00:32
3.5 - Antares 2 Vorl, and Revenge, Part V

3.5 - Antares 2 Vorl, and Revenge, Part V

The Vorl are now released for Antares 2. Episode 5 completes the 5-part radio play  'Revenge', and starts with an overview of the Vorl development, what they are and how to use their very different capabilities on the table.  Episode 5 continues  the story of 'Revenge' with 'The Chamber of Victory'  - the  reaction Fartok receives when he returns to Gharon Prime. The Ghar clones are played by Tim Bancroft and the narrator and podcaster was also Tim Bancroft.

Nov 12, 202230:30
3.4 - Antares 2 Overview and Revenge, Part IV

3.4 - Antares 2 Overview and Revenge, Part IV

Antares 2 is released. Episode 4 continues the 5-part radio play 'Revenge', and starts with an overview of the changes and why we made them in Antares 2 (Vorl should be next episode).  Episode 4 continues the story of 'Revenge' with 'The High Council Debate' - the reactions in the High Council when news of Fartok's victory reached the ears of the Algoryn. First Councillor Foran Du’Rel was played by Jon Harrington, Intelligence General Gudess Ma Taryn by Rosemary Bancroft, Special Division Councillor Ess Ma Rahq by Laura Marinchek, Traditionalist Councillor Ko’Be by Sergey Allen and Progressive Councillor Altesz Janar (yes, one of those Janars!) by Kevin Stotts and the narrator and podcaster was Tim Bancroft.

Sep 24, 202237:52
3.3 - Revenge, Part III: The Massacre at Duret IV

3.3 - Revenge, Part III: The Massacre at Duret IV

Episode 3 continuews with the background narrative to the release of  Antares 2 in the next month or so.  Tim explains what's happening to Antares development, mentions an Antares 2 Boot Camp on 28th May, and then Episode 3 continues the story of the Battle for Duret IV, the  planet over which Rebel Commander Fartok and High Commander Karg are  fighting. We're continuing with the experiment of narrated, dramatised episodes: this one continuing from the viewpoint of the Algoryn defenders. General Ko'Be is  performed by Jon Harrington, Commander Ess Vahn by Kevin Stotts, Junior  Officer Janar by Sergey Allen (yes, related to Tar Es Janar), and the narrator was Tim Bancroft.

Apr 12, 202209:55
3.2 - Revenge, Part II: Fartok' Defeat

3.2 - Revenge, Part II: Fartok' Defeat

We continue with the background narrative leading to the release of Antares 2 this year.  Episode 2 continues the battle for Duret IV, the planet over which Rebel Commander Fartok and High Commander Karg are fighting. This time, we're experimenting with a narrated, dramatised episode from teh viewpoint of the Algoryn defenders. General Ko'Be is performed by Jon Harrington, Commander Ess Vahn by Kevin Stotts, Junior Officer Janar by Sergey Allen (yes, related to Tar Es Janar), and Commander Hetch by Rosemary Bancroft.  Narrator was Tim Bancroft.

Mar 28, 202207:39
3.1 - Revenge, Part I: Karg's Triumph

3.1 - Revenge, Part I: Karg's Triumph

With Antares 2 due sometime 2022, we thought we'd introduce some of the background to the Antares universe as it has become to support the 2nd Edition. To start with, we'll run through a few episodes of a short story concerned with, of course, the Algoryn and the Ghar Commanders Karg and Fartok...

That story is called 'Revenge', and this is episode one of that story.

Mar 09, 202209:48
2.2: The Ongoing Story

2.2: The Ongoing Story

Justin has a chat with WLG Antares writer Tim Bancroft and creator Rick Priestley about the ongoing story.  What's happened, what might effect what's happening and, perhaps, what might happen  in the universe of 'Beyond the Gates of Antares'.

May 12, 202033:02
2.1 The TableTop Warlords

2.1 The TableTop Warlords

A podcast for the game 'Beyond the Gates of Antares' by Rick Priestley and Warlord Games. Hosts are Tim Bancroft and Justin Shearer, and this is a special format focusing on individual features: this episode, the wonderful Tabletop Warlords Kevin Stotts and Sergey Allen.

Apr 05, 202031:46
Introducing Antares Radio

Introducing Antares Radio

Sean, Keith, Dan and Jamie from the Stoke wargames club produce an entirely different podcast which we're proud to post up here as an alternative to the Freeborn Shard episodes: Antares Radio, a rough-and-ready view from the Antarean trenches!

Here, the group go over what brought them into Antares, what armies they have - and why - and where they want to go next. From 1h19m (approx) the Antares Radio group discuss what they're doing during the current isolation and what's going on at their local club in Stoke (UK).

Mar 23, 202001:47:44
Episode 23: Virai Faction  Special

Episode 23: Virai Faction Special

Freeborn Shard Antares podcast episode 23 focusing on the Virai faction that was released with 'The Dronescourge Returns'. Starting from a general overview of models and special rules, Gary Martin and Tim Bancroft run through the weapons (15:02), Tactical level units (27:42) and then Support, Strategic and Auxilliary units (39:11). We rely on practical experience of using the Virai throughout!!
Jul 25, 201855:17
Freeborn Shard Episode 22: The Dronescourge Returns Special

Freeborn Shard Episode 22: The Dronescourge Returns Special

Freeborn Shard Episode 22, a special running through the new supplement 'The Dronescourge Returns', first in overview, then in a bit more detail. Also contains a competition for a draw to receive a signed copy of The Dronescourge Returns
Jun 30, 201834:38
Freeborn Shard 21: Vehicles and Antares Day

Freeborn Shard 21: Vehicles and Antares Day

Freeborn Shard Antares podcast, Ep.21, with Tim Bancroft and Gary Martin. An overview of the Antares Day 2018, then Gary runs through unboxings of some of the recent vehicles released over the past few months.
Jun 19, 201822:50
Episode 20: Tournament Tactics and Mahran Vesh

Episode 20: Tournament Tactics and Mahran Vesh

Episode 20 of the Freeborn Shard Beyond the Gates of Antares Podcast. News, reviews and an unboxing of the Mahran Vesh and an interview with David Richardson of the Southampton Sluggaz over their recent tournament and the winning tactics and army lists used.
Feb 22, 201837:20
Freeborn Shard 19: Hauler and 2018

Freeborn Shard 19: Hauler and 2018

Episode 19 of the Freeborn Shard - a short episode. A quick look at some events, a "Lookahead at 2018"(4:12), and an unboxing of the big Boromite Hauler with Gary Martin (10:14)as well as an overview of a story we left out from the Dimensional Gates review!
Jan 22, 201824:52
Episode 18: Dimensional Gates and Antares Base One

Episode 18: Dimensional Gates and Antares Base One

Quick news over Strategicon and the Sluggaz tournament, an interview and long chat with Marc DeSantis (2:30) about the 'Dimensional Gates' anthology, writing for Antares and points to ponder, and an interview with Rick Priestley (26:40) about the new, free, downloadable rules PDF 'Antares Base One'.
Dec 17, 201738:02
Freeborn Shard Antares Podcast 17: Birthday Bash News and Videos

Freeborn Shard Antares Podcast 17: Birthday Bash News and Videos

Freeborn Shard Antares Podcast Episode 17 with news and info from the Warlord 10th Birthday bash, a quick overview of the Antares Nexus website, drone reviews and unboxings from Gary Martin and interviews with Antares video bloggers Matt Schreiber and Ben Rubery
Oct 27, 201731:28
Episode 16: Events and Reviews

Episode 16: Events and Reviews

Episode 16 of the Freeborn Shard in its new format. We start off with news, then a Community Chryseis Campaign (3:00), Primus Shard Bootcamp (7:00), an ongoing Chryseis Campaign in Utah (9:30), an Interview with Sylvia Smith from the USA Demo Team (12:07), Seth Hall on the Washington DC Nova Open tournament (19:00) and finish off with some unboxing reviews from Gary Martin(21:38).
Aug 12, 201729:18
Freeborn Shard 15: Chryseis Shard Special

Freeborn Shard 15: Chryseis Shard Special

Episode 15 of the Freeborn Shard: The Chryseis special including an overview of the supplement through interviews with Rick Priestley, unboxings of some of the models (28:45) and insights from co-host Justin Shearer (48:13). Huge technical issues so apologies for the host's sound quality.
Jun 30, 201754:34
Freeborn Shard 14: Liberators & Open Signals

Freeborn Shard 14: Liberators & Open Signals

Episode 14 of the Freeborn Shard including news and reviews; an unboxing of the Liberator and other new releases (18:04); an interview with Vince Rospond from Winged Hussar over the new fiction (29:37); a run down of the Boromite Gang Fighters (40:43); and a more detailed look at the special munitions for weapons such as the X-Launcher (50:38).
May 30, 201701:02:26
Freeborn Shard 13: List, Lessons & Builders

Freeborn Shard 13: List, Lessons & Builders

Episode 13 of the Freeborn shard with news, comment and reviews, an interview with Rick Priestley over the new lists (and a sneak at the new supplement)[9:00], lessons and feedback from the Melbourne tournament [21:41] and chats with Gate Builders, including upcoming events in the USA[~43:10]
Apr 18, 201754:18
Freeborn Shard Episode 12 : Tournament Preparation

Freeborn Shard Episode 12 : Tournament Preparation

Hobby. News and Tournament Preparation, including an interview with Martin Otten about his tournament pack template (14:35), and tournament preparation for players (24:00), organisers (31:25) and referees (36:50), as well as thoughts on preparing tournament army lists (43:05).
Feb 18, 201758:52
Freeborn Shard Episode 11: A Year in Antares, Tactics and Scenarios

Freeborn Shard Episode 11: A Year in Antares, Tactics and Scenarios

Freeborn Shard Episode 11: A Year in Antares, Tactics and Scenarios. Events at 2:00, Hobby and Tips at 10:00, Retrospective and 18:40, Table Depth at 38:00, and a brief look at scenario generators at 45:00.
Jan 17, 201752:30
Freeborn Shard Episode 10 Part 2: Noise Sector

Freeborn Shard Episode 10 Part 2: Noise Sector

Episode 10, Part 2 of the Freeborn Shard featuring interviews with the Antares Initiative's Noise Sector, feedback from the Warlord Boot Camp from Steve Ævans (16:21), new player blogger Aston Howes (21:20) and 'Christmas in Antares' event organiser Seth Hall (24:44).
Dec 17, 201629:26
Freeborn Shard Episode 10, part 1: Strike on Kar'a Nine

Freeborn Shard Episode 10, part 1: Strike on Kar'a Nine

Part 1 of Episode 10 looking at the new introductory game for Beyond the Gates of Antares, 'Strike on Kar'a Nine'. Part 2 will be out when we can link up with our Australian brethren. This episode contains event news, and interview with Andy Hobday of Warlord Games and a competition for the new, boxed set!
Dec 02, 201623:58
Freeborn Shard Episode 9: Freeborn

Freeborn Shard Episode 9: Freeborn

Episode 9 of the Freeborn Shard podcast for 'Beyond the Gates of Antares' with Tim Bancroft and Justin Shearer. Includes an interview with James Buckley (15:10) over the Xilos Day and his Freeborn and covers the particulars(32:09) and the units (40:32)of the Freeborn vardos of Antares.
Nov 17, 201601:02:50
Freeborn Shard Episode 8: Ghar Rebel Outcasts

Freeborn Shard Episode 8: Ghar Rebel Outcasts

Freeborn Shard episode 8 about the Ghar Rebel Outcasts, hobby interests and first interviews with clubs on the Antares Club initiative.
Reviews, club nights, hobby and observations on the Tsan Ra and NuHu to start; interview with Mark Croft of Ladywood, Birmingham at 15:23 (on one the Antares Initiative clubs); Rebel Outcasts overview at 24:20; and interview with Daniel Ewing of the Poole Wargames Society, Parkstone at around 51:50 (another Antares initiative club).
Sep 27, 201601:02:05
Freeborn Shard Episode 7: The Isorians

Freeborn Shard Episode 7: The Isorians

Freeborn Shard episode 7 about the Isorians, Vorl and the Warlord Antares Club promotion. Interview with Andy Hobday on the club initiative (8:16), Isorians and Jez Allum (20:48 and 31:20), and Rick Priestley on the background and also the Vorl (42:08).
Aug 22, 201656:35
Episode 6: Boromites

Episode 6: Boromites

Freeborn Shard 6 - The Boromite Clans and Guilds. Kit and Weapons starts around 08:17, Units around 23:52 and Fluff and Clayton Condruff starts around 49:17.
Aug 03, 201659:25
Episode 5: The Algoryn Prosperate

Episode 5: The Algoryn Prosperate

Freeborn Shard Episode 5 We look at the Algoryn Prosperate, their weapons and units, and also discuss the latest Q&A for the game 'Beyond the Gates of Antares' by Rick Priestley and Warlord Games. AI start at 11:50, Q&A start at about 47:52
Jul 22, 201657:58
Freeborn Shard 4 - The PanHuman Concord

Freeborn Shard 4 - The PanHuman Concord

Freeborn Shard Episode 4 - The PanHuman Concord
A few reviews, competition results, plus a look at the forces of the PanHuman Concord: the Concord Combined Command. Includes an interview with Rick Priestley on his inspiration and ideas for the Concord.
(Beyond the Gates of Antares)
Jul 08, 201601:00:32
Freeborn Shard 3 - Xilos

Freeborn Shard 3 - Xilos

Freeborn Shard Episode 3 - Xilos Special
Reviews of 'The Battle for Xilos' figures and supplement, including proposed lists for the Ghar Outcast Rebels and the first scenario by Listmeister David Horobin and a quick interview with Rick Priestley.
(Beyond the Gates of Antares)
Jun 16, 201601:02:57
Freeborn Shard 2 - Ghar Special

Freeborn Shard 2 - Ghar Special

A podcast dedicated to Beyond the Gates of Antares. This episode has a quick review of latest releases plus an overview of the Ghar: the tactics, rules & gotchas, plus an analysis of the main units.
May 30, 201656:06
The Freeborn Shard Episode 1

The Freeborn Shard Episode 1

Episode 1 of the Freeborn Shard, a gaming podcast dedicated to Beyond the Gates of Antares.
This episode features news,
a quick outline of the Starter Set, the Xilos Horizon, and what to do with it,
an interview with Rick Priestley about what's coming up in the new supplement
An overview of what's different about the universe and the game
May 13, 201601:00:34