who dat?
Welcome to a new section where our roving reporter Verne Hmer heads into the locker rooms and grabs an interview with coaches from Phoenix both past and present. With over twenty coaches coming through the doors this will be a long running service which will allow you to get into the minds of the coaches that make up Phoenix Bloodbowl.
MARK
Now we have interviewed the irresponsible adults that created Phoenix it's time we started to interview someone with a bit more sense. So let's introduce you Mark, to the out of towner who came to Phoenix and ran off with the title of the first Phoenix Champion. He's found at tournaments all around the country, usually rocking in the corner muttering "Nuffle hates me!". So let's get down to the interrogation, I mean questions.
So Mark, how long have you played?
Since the pandemic. I've been a GW kid since I was young, but BB2 was one of the things we could all play online when we couldn't socialise together... we played it a lot
Why choose bloodbowl?
It is probably the best game GW have made, and its got everything - humour, violence, skill, a decent length and brilliant miniatures. I love it.
Why are you still playing?
One day, I'm going to get good at it. Plus loads of teams I still have yet to play as.
Why did you choose phoenix and why aren't you still here?
As we came out of lockdown, I had this amazing new game to play and was desperate to socialise. Phoenix was the first local(ish) league I found - I crossed paths with Marcus on a BB Facebook group. My circumstances changed in 2024 and I had to give up some hobby-ing. That might be changing, though...
Which team would you say is your speciality?
I don't know that I have a specialty, but Nurgle is my spirit animal.
What is your favourite team to play and why?
Nurgle. They are so beautiful. I am also really enjoying the new-season dwarves, though.
What is your favourite team to play against and why?
Goblins? They're always good for a laugh. I never mind losing a point to a well-executed TTM play.
What is the worst team to play against and why?
Dark Elves. They can be absolutely impossible to stop.
Who is your favourite phoenix opponent and why?
Too many to choose from among. I do absolutely love that Martin became a wrestler. Nothing to do with BB, but you've got to love that.
Past achievements within phoenix?
I think I'm meant to say winning the first season, but honestly I've had loads of memorable moments playing at Phoenix and I tend to remember improbable plays best. My most profound elf bullshit ever against Marcus will never leave me: a wardancer got up, cage dived, popped the ball out from the opposing team, picked it up in a scrum, leaped out, dodged away, ran off... and then flubbed a pass. But for a joyous moment...
What rule changes would you make?
I do not like fiddling with the rules. With that said, Prayers to Nuffle are a bit too cheap now. I think the new season has gotten most things right, though... eventually.
What new house rule would you add?
Every sideline staff should be represented by a miniature. Especially mascots.
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
Free nurglings for everyone!
What new team do you want to try out?
High elves. They look really good, and I've never really nailed passing teams. The "My ball" on the Dragon Prince is brilliantly thematic. I love it.
If we ran a 16 men league, what placing would you be?
(Rolls a D16...) Ooh! Second, apparently. Can't argue with Nuffle.
Who to interview next?
Martin
What question do you want to put to them?
When your Asterix team hits the gridiron, what role will Getafix have?
Bonus question from Karl: When are you coming home?
Hope to see you all for the Invitational in November, and looking forward to it.
Well there you have it, the original champion is returning and looking for another trophy, although just the Invitational one for now. So that's it from me, Verne Hmer, for this edition of Who Dat?. Join us next time when we pick the brains of one of the few from not only the start of Phoenix but also the beginnings of the game itself.
KARL
For our second interview we head over to the commisioner's office so we can grab a word with the man behind the day to day running of Phoenix Bloodbowl, Karl. It's time to see what makes him tick and get a few insights into his coaching experiences.
Now we move towards the big boss of the Phoenix league, Karl. A man who rules the league with an iron fist, which may explain his hand injury, and no amount of gold will lead to any of the voices in head to be swayed. And trust us, we've tried.
So, Karl, how long have you played Bloodbowl?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...or Somerset, 1987...
Why did you chose to play bloodbowl in the first place?
Seeing the box art mixing my two hobbies of American Football and Warhammer I was hooked before I'd gotten the box home.
After all this time, why are you still playing?
I did stop for a while due to the tournament atmosphere getting very toxic. But with Olly finding my old game box during lockdown and wanting to play then the memories of the fun I had before flooded back as we built the family league which then became Phoenix.
Why did you choose Phoenix and why are you still here?
I think it ended up Phoenix choosing me but I'm still here thanks to the players we have picked up along the way. The mixture of experienced players and rookies all with the same love of the game makes it all worthwhile.
Which team would you say is your speciality?
I loved my Skaven until GW killed them off so now it would have to be Wood Elves. I love the finesse of speed teams over bashy ones.
What is your favourite team to play and why?
For sheer fun it has to be Goblins. The gracefulness of the flying doomdiver, the chaotic beauty of the fanatic, the brutality of the looney when they do as they should but also tagged with the hilarious catastrophic failures when it goes wrong.
What is your favourite team to play against and why?
Anything but Dwarves. As long as I have to think about what I'm doing I'm happy.
What is the worst team to play against and why?
Dwarves. About as much fun as watching paint dry.
Who is your favourite phoenix opponent and why?
So many to choose from... The likes of Alec, Olly and Chris where I have to think about every move. Then there are players like John, Marcus and Martin where the games are just relaxed and fun. Then there are the rookies like Ben and Sam where I can see how far he has come along since a complete novice to now. But just for the sheer chaotic fun then you can't go wrong with Conor and his ridiculous plays needing twenty die rolls, all needing 6's, which will either end in a heroic touchdown or having to buy a new team.
What are your personal goals within phoenix?
On a personal level it would be to hold each trophy once but I am happier watching those I have taught along the way to pick them up instead. For the club itself I hope we keep the same camaraderie we currently have and we get to introduce more players to the real "Beautiful Game"
If you could, what official rule change would you make?
Bring the Slann back home as Jervis always wanted and reset the team limits for positionals so I can let my rats out to play again.
What new house rule would you add to Phoenix leagues?
Make sense of the Stunty/Titchy rules. Stunty should have no effect on stunty.
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
Take the day off.
What new team do you want to try out?
I don't think there is anything left to play but I have the Ewok gnomes slowly coming together so they could be coming soon.
If we ran a full 16 player league, what placing do you think you would be?
I would say a podium finish but the top end of the league is getting closer and closer each season.
Bonus question from Marcus... If you could play one team for the rest of you life, which would it be?
I would get bored too soon and probably end up shelving the game. It's the variety of team styles that keeps me going.
Well thanks for taking the time out to give us your thoughts. Now who do you want us to interview next?
Mark
And what question do you want to put to them in their interview?
When are you coming home?
Well that's it from me, Verne Hmer, for this edition of Who Dat?. Join us next time when we pick the brains of the first Phoenix champion.
MARK
Now we have interviewed the irresponsible adults that created Phoenix it's time we started to interview someone with a bit more sense. So let's introduce you Mark, to the out of towner who came to Phoenix and ran off with the title of the first Phoenix Champion. He's found at tournaments all around the country, usually rocking in the corner muttering "Nuffle hates me!". So let's get down to the interrogation, I mean questions.
So Mark, how long have you played?
Since the pandemic. I've been a GW kid since I was young, but BB2 was one of the things we could all play online when we couldn't socialise together... we played it a lot
Why choose bloodbowl?
It is probably the best game GW have made, and its got everything - humour, violence, skill, a decent length and brilliant miniatures. I love it.
Why are you still playing?
One day, I'm going to get good at it. Plus loads of teams I still have yet to play as.
Why did you choose phoenix and why aren't you still here?
As we came out of lockdown, I had this amazing new game to play and was desperate to socialise. Phoenix was the first local(ish) league I found - I crossed paths with Marcus on a BB Facebook group. My circumstances changed in 2024 and I had to give up some hobby-ing. That might be changing, though...
Which team would you say is your speciality?
I don't know that I have a specialty, but Nurgle is my spirit animal.
What is your favourite team to play and why?
Nurgle. They are so beautiful. I am also really enjoying the new-season dwarves, though.
What is your favourite team to play against and why?
Goblins? They're always good for a laugh. I never mind losing a point to a well-executed TTM play.
What is the worst team to play against and why?
Dark Elves. They can be absolutely impossible to stop.
Who is your favourite phoenix opponent and why?
Too many to choose from among. I do absolutely love that Martin became a wrestler. Nothing to do with BB, but you've got to love that.
Past achievements within phoenix?
I think I'm meant to say winning the first season, but honestly I've had loads of memorable moments playing at Phoenix and I tend to remember improbable plays best. My most profound elf bullshit ever against Marcus will never leave me: a wardancer got up, cage dived, popped the ball out from the opposing team, picked it up in a scrum, leaped out, dodged away, ran off... and then flubbed a pass. But for a joyous moment...
What rule changes would you make?
I do not like fiddling with the rules. With that said, Prayers to Nuffle are a bit too cheap now. I think the new season has gotten most things right, though... eventually.
What new house rule would you add?
Every sideline staff should be represented by a miniature. Especially mascots.
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
Free nurglings for everyone!
What new team do you want to try out?
High elves. They look really good, and I've never really nailed passing teams. The "My ball" on the Dragon Prince is brilliantly thematic. I love it.
If we ran a 16 men league, what placing would you be?
(Rolls a D16...) Ooh! Second, apparently. Can't argue with Nuffle.
Who to interview next?
Martin
What question do you want to put to them?
When your Asterix team hits the gridiron, what role will Getafix have?
Bonus question from Karl: When are you coming home?
Hope to see you all for the Invitational in November, and looking forward to it.
Well there you have it, the original champion is returning and looking for another trophy, although just the Invitational one for now. So that's it from me, Verne Hmer, for this edition of Who Dat?. Join us next time when we pick the brains of one of the few from not only the start of Phoenix but also the beginnings of the game itself.
KARL
For our second interview we head over to the commisioner's office so we can grab a word with the man behind the day to day running of Phoenix Bloodbowl, Karl. It's time to see what makes him tick and get a few insights into his coaching experiences.
Now we move towards the big boss of the Phoenix league, Karl. A man who rules the league with an iron fist, which may explain his hand injury, and no amount of gold will lead to any of the voices in head to be swayed. And trust us, we've tried.
So, Karl, how long have you played Bloodbowl?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away...or Somerset, 1987...
Why did you chose to play bloodbowl in the first place?
Seeing the box art mixing my two hobbies of American Football and Warhammer I was hooked before I'd gotten the box home.
After all this time, why are you still playing?
I did stop for a while due to the tournament atmosphere getting very toxic. But with Olly finding my old game box during lockdown and wanting to play then the memories of the fun I had before flooded back as we built the family league which then became Phoenix.
Why did you choose Phoenix and why are you still here?
I think it ended up Phoenix choosing me but I'm still here thanks to the players we have picked up along the way. The mixture of experienced players and rookies all with the same love of the game makes it all worthwhile.
Which team would you say is your speciality?
I loved my Skaven until GW killed them off so now it would have to be Wood Elves. I love the finesse of speed teams over bashy ones.
What is your favourite team to play and why?
For sheer fun it has to be Goblins. The gracefulness of the flying doomdiver, the chaotic beauty of the fanatic, the brutality of the looney when they do as they should but also tagged with the hilarious catastrophic failures when it goes wrong.
What is your favourite team to play against and why?
Anything but Dwarves. As long as I have to think about what I'm doing I'm happy.
What is the worst team to play against and why?
Dwarves. About as much fun as watching paint dry.
Who is your favourite phoenix opponent and why?
So many to choose from... The likes of Alec, Olly and Chris where I have to think about every move. Then there are players like John, Marcus and Martin where the games are just relaxed and fun. Then there are the rookies like Ben and Sam where I can see how far he has come along since a complete novice to now. But just for the sheer chaotic fun then you can't go wrong with Conor and his ridiculous plays needing twenty die rolls, all needing 6's, which will either end in a heroic touchdown or having to buy a new team.
What are your personal goals within phoenix?
On a personal level it would be to hold each trophy once but I am happier watching those I have taught along the way to pick them up instead. For the club itself I hope we keep the same camaraderie we currently have and we get to introduce more players to the real "Beautiful Game"
If you could, what official rule change would you make?
Bring the Slann back home as Jervis always wanted and reset the team limits for positionals so I can let my rats out to play again.
What new house rule would you add to Phoenix leagues?
Make sense of the Stunty/Titchy rules. Stunty should have no effect on stunty.
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
Take the day off.
What new team do you want to try out?
I don't think there is anything left to play but I have the Ewok gnomes slowly coming together so they could be coming soon.
If we ran a full 16 player league, what placing do you think you would be?
I would say a podium finish but the top end of the league is getting closer and closer each season.
Bonus question from Marcus... If you could play one team for the rest of you life, which would it be?
I would get bored too soon and probably end up shelving the game. It's the variety of team styles that keeps me going.
Well thanks for taking the time out to give us your thoughts. Now who do you want us to interview next?
Mark
And what question do you want to put to them in their interview?
When are you coming home?
Well that's it from me, Verne Hmer, for this edition of Who Dat?. Join us next time when we pick the brains of the first Phoenix champion.
MARCUS
For our first interview we head back to the beginning as we grab a word with the founder of what became Phoenix Bloodbowl, Marcus. It's time to see what makes him tick and get a few insights into his coaching experiences.
So without further ado let's introduce you to Marcus. He was the instigator of the pre-Phoenix mini family league and also the one to start talks with Geek Retreat to begin what became Phoenix Bloodbowl. Without him we would all still be at home having to talk to our own family instead of cursing Nuffle, so we can either thank him or curse him for what he created.
So, Marcus, how long have you played Bloodbowl?
A long time. I remember using the cardboard standees but the main teams I remember owning first were third edition Undead and norse
Why did you chose to play bloodbowl in the first place?
Growing up in an American Football household that side was always there. Then seeing Karl play it i wanted to know what was going on. Still haven't figured it out yet
After all this time, why are you still playing?
I ask myself that before, during and after every game. One thing I do love is hearing the stupid rosters that people have built and then losing to them
Why did you choose Phoenix and why are you still here?
Apparently im down as founder so i should really stay here. It may have been my idea but the way that its grown from 5 people during the great plague of 2020 to what we have now is definitely not down to me
Which team would you say is your speciality?
Absolutely none whatsoever!
What is your favourite team to play and why?
I'm sure most would say Lizards as they are my most used team but I would say either Amazon Team Of Legend or, at the moment, gnomes
What is your favourite team to play against and why?
Karl's skaven and my intercepting saurus and long bomb throwing skinks
What is the worst team to play against and why?
At the moment, anything with tentacles!! Honestly, with coaches across everywhere coming up with random ideas I dont think I have a bad team.
Who is your favourite phoenix opponent and why?
Different people for different reasons. Players like John and Chris are the opponents that cheer you on as you roll your 9th 6 in a row to pull off a stupid series of moves to tie the game on turn 16. Connor is the opponent who defies all logic with his rosters. Alec and Olly are the ones that have builds that no-one ever thinks of. Karl because I like to remind him what my lizards did in our league game. Honestly the dynamic is great
What are your personal goals within phoenix?
I would love to see div 1 champion but I'm guessing they need to be realistic? I know I'm div 1.5 level so im happy to bounce between the leagues and just enjoy the game
If you could, what official rule change would you make?
Big guys should be able to throw other teams little guys and they should be able to intercept them too! If you can throw a little guy, you can catch a little guy
What new house rule would you add to Phoenix leagues?
Fumbbl and Simyins should be legal!!
If you were commissioner for a day, what would you do?
Resign. The day to day running of this league is not something I would like to take on
What new team do you want to try out?
I've played elves twice in leagues but always play the lesser elvish teams so maybe Wood elves
If we ran a full 16 player league, what placing do you think you would be?
8th. Midtable mediocrity. That's actually a good team name too
Bonus question from Karl... Why did you start Phoenix?
I don't remember the story like this! I do remember GW saying a new release was coming and mentioned it to Karl I was looking at buying it. Then we went to Geek Retreat as they said they wanted to run a league. We ended up running that one and then moved to our current home. Not sure how I get the blame for making the league!
Well thanks for taking the time out to give us your thoughts. Now who do you want us to interview next?
Karl
And what question do you want to put to them in their interview?
If you could play one team for the rest of you life, which would it be?
Well that's it from me, Verne Hmer, for this edition of Who Dat?. Join us next time when we pick the brains of the league commisioner.