Weekly Waffle #399 – Half Pint Titans
1st November 2025
This week’s weekly waffle brings the final position in the core of the Halfling team. And you can argue that these are the glory hounds of the team in the form of the catchers. Getting themselves in a position to be the hero and win the day.
As I’ve been touching on in the previous updates there have been a few things that I have done differently when painting these guys. One of them was using thinned down contrast paints as filters to change the tone of the colour below them. Or at least my limited knowledge is a filter.
I had everything painted up and essentially ready to go. But I just felt that the colours weren’t popping in the way I wanted. So I used a thinned down contrast paint which was brighter to make the colour really pop. If you take the yellow as an example it had something of green tint given it was painted of a base of green. But when I added a thinned down yellow contrast it really made the yellow pop.
This was one of those things on this project that I tried and just seemed to work. I’ve probably done something similar on other projects but they’ve not worked as well as they seem to do here. And I don’t think I’ve had as many of these little successes on other projects. So all in all they have been a joy to paint. But what do you think.
There’s an undeniable thrill that courses through every game of Blood Bowl, a pulse of excitement that ignites when the whistle blows. You think you’ve got it all figured out. You’ve mapped out a strategy, your players are in position, and victory seems within reach. But then, as you glance across the pitch, you see a Halfling Catcher darting through the chaos, and suddenly, your carefully laid plans feel as fragile as a paper lantern in a storm. Welcome to the enchanting world of the Halfling Catcher—a player who embodies the essence of unpredictability in a game that thrives on it.
Let’s set the stage here. In the lore of Blood Bowl, Halflings are often depicted as jovial, food-loving folk who make their home in idyllic villages, far removed from the brutalities of the game. But don’t let their charming appearance fool you. The Halfling Catcher is a whirlwind of energy and agility, a player who embodies the thrilling chaos of Blood Bowl while also embracing the heart and humor that the Halflings bring to the pitch. They may be small in stature, but they play with a heart larger than life, making them a joy to watch and an absolute terror to face.
The Halfling Catchers have a reputation for being nimble, quick-footed, and surprisingly adept at navigating the tumultuous battlefield that is Blood Bowl. These pint-sized athletes are the ones who stretch the field, exploiting every gap and opportunity to get their hands on the ball. When you see a Halfling Catcher on the field, you can’t help but feel a mix of admiration and dread, because you know they’re capable of turning the tide of a match in a heartbeat. Their speed and agility allow them to slip past defenders, evading tackles that would bring down even the most seasoned players.
Now, let’s talk about their role on the pitch. The Halfling Catcher isn’t just there to look cute or serve as comic relief; they are critical to the strategy of any Halfling team. Their primary job is to catch the ball, of course, but it’s so much more than that. They’re the ones who create the scoring opportunities, the ones who can transform a desperate scramble into a glorious touchdown. With their unique blend of speed and elusiveness, they can dart through defenses, leaving larger opponents bewildered and frustrated.
Imagine it: the game is on the line, and the opposing team is closing in. You’ve just received a pass from your Thrower, and suddenly, the entire field opens up before you. The Catcher takes off like a shot, weaving past defenders with an almost balletic grace. It’s in these moments that their true magic shines. They embody the essence of what it means to be a Halfling in Blood Bowl—a mix of resilience, hope, and a touch of mischief. They remind us that in the world of Blood Bowl, anything is possible, no matter how small you may be.
But let’s not ignore the strategic depth that the Halfling Catcher brings to the game. They require a keen understanding of positioning and timing. A skilled player will know precisely when to make a break for the end zone, when to dodge, and when to rely on their teammates to create space. It’s all about synergy. A Halfling team thrives on cooperation, with the Catchers working in tandem with their Linemen and Throwers to carve out paths of opportunity.
And here’s where it gets interesting: while they may not have the brute strength of their opponents, the Halfling Catcher possesses a unique ability to disrupt the plans of larger teams. With their quick thinking and agility, they can often create confusion, darting in and out of the fray, making it difficult for opponents to predict their moves. This unpredictability is a double-edged sword; while it can lead to incredible scoring opportunities, it can also backfire if the Catcher bites off more than they can chew.
What sets the Halfling Catcher apart is their infectious enthusiasm. There’s a certain joy in watching them play, a lightheartedness that permeates the pitch. They embody the spirit of fun that Blood Bowl is all about, reminding us that at the end of the day, it’s just a game—a chance to come together, share a laugh, and revel in the chaos. Their celebration of even the smallest victories is a charming reminder that every touchdown, every successful play, is a cause for joy, no matter how small the player might be.
Now, let’s take a moment to consider the challenges that come with playing as a Halfling Catcher. While they may be quick and agile, they’re also notoriously fragile. A well-timed tackle can send them sprawling to the ground, leaving them vulnerable and on the sidelines. This means that positioning is everything. A good player knows how to protect their Catcher, using the Linemen as buffers to absorb the hits that would otherwise take them out of the game.
Moreover, the Halfling Catcher’s role requires a delicate balance of risk and reward. Yes, they can make miraculous plays, but they can also be the catalyst for disaster if they overreach. A misplaced dodge or an ill-timed sprint can lead to turnovers and lost opportunities. This is the beauty of Blood Bowl—the unpredictable nature of the game keeps players on their toes, and the Halfling Catcher is a shining example of that unpredictability.
As we delve deeper into the lore, it’s essential to recognize the unique culture surrounding Halfling teams. These players are not just athletes; they are representatives of their communities, embodying the spirit of their villages. Each Catcher carries with them the hopes and dreams of their kin, and when they step onto the pitch, they do so with a sense of pride and purpose. Their performances are a celebration of their heritage, a chance to showcase their skills and, of course, to enjoy a good meal afterward.
In many ways, the Halfling Catcher is a symbol of resilience. They remind us that no matter how daunting the challenges may seem, there’s always a chance for triumph. They embody the spirit of adventure, charging headfirst into the fray and embracing the chaos with open arms. They inspire not only their teammates but also the fans, who cheer them on, reveling in the excitement of their daring plays.
So, as we wrap up our exploration of the Halfling Catcher, let’s take a moment to appreciate their unique place in the Blood Bowl universe. They may be small, but they bring immense joy, unpredictability, and heart to the game. They’re the players who can turn the tide in an instant, the ones who embody the spirit of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
Next time you find yourself facing a Halfling team, remember to keep an eye out for that little Catcher racing across the pitch. They may just surprise you, darting through defenders and scoring the winning touchdown when you least expect it. In the world of Blood Bowl, anything can happen, especially when there’s a Halfling Catcher ready to seize the moment with a grin and a twinkling eye. It’s moments like these that make Blood Bowl the beloved chaos we all cherish, and it’s the Halfling Catchers who remind us that sometimes, the greatest victories come from the tiniest players.
