Chapter 1 It’s Dangerous Business Going Out Your Door

It is absolutely dangerous business to enter your first tournament as I am now addicted to them! Prior to August of 2023 I had not attended a competitive Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game (MESBG) tournament. Fast forward a year later, I have now attended 10 tournaments across four separate states (Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina). The competitive nature of list building and matched play scenarios may drive me as mad as Denethor, however the fellowships I have made along the way bow to no one. Ok, enough of the cheesy Middle-earth puns, however I am originally from Wisconsin and we do love our cheese!

I should start off saying I am by no means a MESBG prodigy, I am more of an enthusiast. However, that does not mean that I am holding back trying to be the top newcomer in the Southeastern Middle-earth Gaming League (SMEGL). I am currently sitting in 16th of 130 participants (more on this later). I intend to use this platform to document my tournament travels and share my seldom triumphs and many defeats along with discussing my list decisions and tactics to make sure you do not make the same mistakes as I do. I hope you follow along on this adventure with me!