Paints & Tools
Let customers speak for us
trading card game
roleplaying games
BLOG POSTS
Tips for Entering Our Painting Competition (and...
Tips for Entering Our Painting Competition (and Maybe Even Winning It)
We’re excited to be running another painting competition here at Wandering Adventures. This time, it’s all about the best single miniature. Whether you’re a first-time entrant or someone who’s been slinging paint for years, here are a few tips to help you put your best work forward.
First off, the basics:
-
Entries are due by May 31st.
-
One entry per person.
-
No commission work — this has to be your own painting.
-
No recycled models from previous contests.
-
Your model has to be from Warhammer 40K, Kill Team, Age of Sigmar, or Warcry.
-
It’s totally free to enter.
Now, onto the good stuff — how to impress the judges. We’ll be looking at each entry across a few key areas. Here’s what those mean in plain terms and how you can aim to score well in each.
Clean Painting
This is about the basics. Neat lines, solid base coats, no paint on places it shouldn’t be (looking at you, shoulder pads that are accidentally half-skin tone). If you’re using washes or drybrushing, aim for control and consistency. This doesn’t mean your model has to be perfect, just intentional.
Highlighting & Shading
Take some time to push your highlights and deepen your shadows. Edge highlights go a long way on armored models, while subtle blends can make cloth or skin pop. If you’ve been curious about techniques like glazing or using contrast between warm and cool tones, now’s a good chance to try it.
Color Contrast & Composition
Pick a scheme that stands out, not just in color, but in how it all ties together. Think about how your colors play off one another and avoid everything blending into a single tone. Try adding a splash color for a weapon or detail to draw the eye, and consider how your palette tells a story.
Basing & Presentation
The base doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should be thoughtful. A textured base, even something as simple as sand and tufts, adds a lot to the final look. Don’t forget to paint the rim — black, brown, or something that complements your model works best.
Overall Impact
This one’s about the whole package. When someone looks at your miniature, does it grab attention? Does it feel like a finished piece, not just a figure from your army? Cohesion, confidence, and creativity go a long way here.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a Golden Demon winner to enter — this is about celebrating the miniature painting community and encouraging everyone to push their skills a bit further. Whether you paint for tabletop play or display, we’d love to see what you create.
Bring your entry to Wandering Adventures (located at 7766 Martin Grove Road, Unit 5) by May 31st. If you’ve got questions or just want to chat about color schemes, drop by the store or message us online.
See you (and your miniature) soon.
Creating a Character For Dungeons & Dragons
Creating a Character in Dungeons & Dragons
One of the most exciting parts of playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is creating a character. Your character is your persona in the game world, shaping how you interact with the story, other players, and the challenges ahead. Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran looking to refine your approach, this guide will walk you through the key steps of building a compelling and effective character.
Step 1: Choose a Race
D&D offers a variety of races, each with unique abilities, lore, and cultural backgrounds. The Player’s Handbook and other sourcebooks provide numerous options. Here are the core races:
-
Common Races: Human, Dwarf, Elf, Halfling
-
Uncommon Races: Dragonborn, Gnome, Half-Elf, Half-Orc, Tiefling
-
Expanded Races (from additional sourcebooks): Aarakocra, Aasimar, Bugbear, Centaur, Changeling, Deep Gnome, Duergar, Eladrin, Firbolg, Genasi (Air, Earth, Fire, Water), Gith (Githyanki, Githzerai), Goblin, Goliath, Grung, Hobgoblin, Kenku, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Minotaur, Orc, Satyr, Shadar-Kai, Shifter, Tabaxi, Tortle, Triton, Warforged, Yuan-Ti Pureblood, and many more.
Consider how your character’s race influences their abilities and personality. A Dwarf’s resilience makes them excellent fighters, while a Gnome’s intelligence is useful for spellcasters.
Step 2: Pick a Class
Your class determines your character’s role in the game, their abilities, and how they approach combat and problem-solving. Here are the official classes:
-
Martial Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue
-
Spellcasting Classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard
-
Hybrid Classes: Paladin (mix of martial and divine magic), Artificer (technology and magic combined)
Each class has unique mechanics and strengths, so think about what kind of experience you want from the game. A Fighter excels in weapon combat, while a Cleric can heal allies and wield divine magic.
Step 3: Select a Background
Backgrounds add depth to your character, providing proficiencies, equipment, and roleplaying elements. Here are the standard backgrounds from the Player’s Handbook and other sourcebooks:
-
Common Backgrounds: Acolyte, Charlatan, Criminal, Entertainer, Folk Hero, Guild Artisan, Hermit, Noble, Outlander, Sage, Sailor, Soldier, Urchin
-
Expanded Backgrounds (from additional sourcebooks): Archaeologist, City Watch, Clan Crafter, Cloistered Scholar, Courtier, Faction Agent, Far Traveler, Gladiator, Guild Merchant, Haunted One, Inheritor, Knight, Knight of the Order, Marine, Mercenary Veteran, Noble (Variant: Knight), Pirate, Plane-Touched, Sage (Variant: Librarian), Sailor (Variant: Pirate), Secret Agent, Shipwright, Smuggler, Urban Bounty Hunter, Uthgardt Tribe Member, Waterdhavian Noble
Consider how your background influences your character’s motivations and relationships with the world.
Step 4: Determine Ability Scores
Ability scores define your character’s strengths and weaknesses. There are three common methods to generate scores: rolling dice, using the standard array, or point buy. Each score impacts different aspects of play:
-
Strength (STR): Important for Barbarians, Fighters, and Paladins who rely on melee combat.
-
Dexterity (DEX): Crucial for Rogues, Monks, and Rangers for agility, stealth, and ranged combat. Also affects AC for lightly armored characters.
-
Constitution (CON): Beneficial for all classes, as it determines hit points and resilience.
-
Intelligence (INT): Essential for Wizards and useful for Artificers and certain skill checks like Investigation.
-
Wisdom (WIS): Important for Clerics, Druids, and Rangers, affecting spellcasting and perception-based skills.
-
Charisma (CHA): Key for Bards, Sorcerers, Paladins, and Warlocks, influencing spellcasting and social interactions.
Make sure your primary stats align with your class—Wizards need high Intelligence, while Rogues benefit from Dexterity.
Step 5: Choose Skills, Feats, and Equipment
Your character will have proficiencies in specific skills based on their class and background. These skills help with everything from persuading NPCs to spotting hidden dangers. At higher levels, you may also gain feats, which provide additional abilities or bonuses. Finally, select starting equipment based on your class and background or roll for starting gold to purchase gear.
Step 6: Consider Multi-Classing and Level Progression
As your character gains experience, they level up and gain new abilities. Some players choose to multi-class, taking levels in multiple classes to create unique combinations. However, multi-classing comes with trade-offs, as you may delay access to higher-level abilities in your primary class. Consider the synergy between classes before making this choice.
For example:
-
A Fighter/Rogue gains additional combat versatility and sneak attack damage.
-
A Sorcerer/Warlock benefits from combining spellcasting resources for high efficiency.
-
A Cleric/Paladin becomes a resilient frontliner with divine magic and smiting power.
If you prefer to focus on one class, consider how its subclasses (archetypes) shape your character’s progression and abilities.
Step 7: Define Your Character’s Personality and Goals
Mechanics are important, but personality and motivation bring your character to life. Consider their alignment, ideals, bonds, and flaws. What drives them? Do they seek revenge, adventure, or redemption? How do they interact with others? A well-developed character adds depth to roleplaying and makes for a more immersive experience.
Step 8: Explore Homebrew Options (Optional)
Many players and Dungeon Masters enjoy incorporating homebrew content—custom races, classes, spells, or backgrounds created by the community. If your DM allows it, homebrew content can add variety and personalization to your character. However, make sure any homebrew choices are balanced and fit within the campaign’s setting.
Step 9: Work With Your Dungeon Master
Before finalizing your character, discuss your ideas with the Dungeon Master (DM). They might have suggestions for fitting your character into the campaign’s setting or adapting certain traits for balance. Collaboration ensures your character’s story aligns with the world and makes for a richer experience.
Final Thoughts
Creating a D&D character is more than just numbers on a sheet—it’s about crafting a persona that fits into the world of storytelling and adventure. By considering both mechanics and personality, you’ll develop a character that’s fun to play and adds to the game’s depth. Whether it’s your first character or your fiftieth, take your time, experiment, and enjoy the process.
If you’re looking for RPG-related products or want to join one of our periodic RPG events, check out Wandering Adventures. We run learn-to-play sessions and organized RPG games at our store. Browse upcoming events at this link and find all RPG-related products here.
Gundam Trading Card Game and Miniature Game Lau...
A new and exciting entry into the world of tabletop gaming is on the horizon. The upcoming Gundam Trading Card Game (TCG) and Gundam Miniature Game are set to launch together, bringing the legendary mecha franchise into a new format for fans to enjoy. While both games share a common theme, they are distinct experiences, offering different ways to engage with the iconic Mobile Suits and characters from the Gundam universe.
The Gundam Trading Card Game
The Gundam TCG is an upcoming competitive card game featuring Mobile Suit pilots, units, and factions from across the franchise’s history. Players build decks and battle using strategic mechanics unique to each faction and playstyle. You can get an early look at how the game plays in the official Learn to Play video here.
At launch, four different starter decks will be available:
-
SEED Strike [ST04A] – A defensive White and Red deck focusing on Gundam SEED, featuring Kira Yamato/Aile Strike Gundam and Athrun Zala/Aegis Gundam.
-
Zeon’s Rush [ST03A] – An aggressive Red and Green deck showcasing Zeon and Neo-Zeon factions from Mobile Suit Gundam and Gundam Unicorn, featuring Full Frontal/Sinanju and Char Aznable/Char’s Zaku II.
-
Wings of Advance [ST02A] – A ramping Green and Blue deck centered around Gundam Wing, featuring Heero Yuy/Gundam Wing and Zechs Merquise/Tallgeese.
-
Heroic Beginnings [ST01A] – A balanced Blue and White deck featuring classic and modern heroes from Gundam, including Amuro Ray/Gundam and Suletta Mercury/Gundam Aerial.
Each deck includes a Bonus Pack, which contains one of 16 full-art holographic cards. Some special decks will even contain all cards in this unique treatment.
Gundam Assemble – The Miniature Game
For those who enjoy the hobby aspect of tabletop gaming, the Gundam Assemble Starter Sets combine the TCG experience with collectible miniatures. These sets contain the same decks as the Starter Decks but also include three different Gundam miniatures (Gunpla models). These miniatures come in runner format (plastic frames with model parts) and require assembly, making them perfect for customization through painting and detailing.
Contents of the Gundam Assemble Starter Set:
-
Three different Gundam Assemble (Gunpla Miniatures)
-
One 50-card ready-to-play deck
-
10 Resource Cards
-
8 Token Cards (including 3 Unit Tokens per deck)
-
Paper Damage Counter
-
Rule/Playsheet
-
Bonus Pack (1 Card)
Additional Accessories & Launch Details
At launch, we will also have:
-
Dice Counters
-
Deck Cases
-
Booster Packs for expanding your deck options
The trading card game officially launches in July, while details on the miniature game are still forthcoming. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
Learn to Play Event
To introduce players to the game, we are hosting a Learn to Play event, where attendees will receive a deck to play with and take home. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the mechanics and get started with the game. More details on the event can be found here.
What is Gundam?
For those unfamiliar with Gundam, it is one of Japan’s most iconic and influential sci-fi franchises. Since its debut in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, the series has expanded into numerous anime series, films, manga, video games, and model kits (Gunpla). The franchise is known for its deep storytelling, political intrigue, and large-scale battles featuring giant mechs, known as Mobile Suits. With multiple timelines and universes, each Gundam series introduces unique conflicts, memorable characters, and stunning mecha designs. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the upcoming Gundam TCG and Miniature Game offer an exciting new way to experience the franchise.
Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to check out our store for all your Gundam gaming needs!




