For MeinMMO editor Caro, the local Warhammer store was always a huge temptation, which she never dared to approach. However, the Miniature of the Month made her give the store a chance, where she was very surprised.
Since I started painting miniatures, I have only focused on figures and creatures from the D&D universe. Through the hobby, I eventually became aware of Warhammer, be it through painting tutorials, the community itself, or the cool miniatures adorning the shop windows of the game stores downtown.
Especially the local Warhammer store, which I often passed by during my visits to the city, made me curious. Unlike the general tabletop store, which I like and too often visit, there was this uncomfortable hurdle. I do not like to admit it and I am not proud of it, but I was afraid that as a complete Warhammer novice, only interested in the minis, I would be quickly ridiculed by the “true” fans.
However, the Miniature of the Month
ensured that I could not hesitate to visit: A Saurus Warrior from the Seraphon armies takes the spotlight in June 2026. I absolutely wanted to have this dino.
And thanks to him, I was finally able to conclude for myself: The guys in the Warhammer store are not gatekeepers, but instead made sure that I felt welcome right away.
Nervous, but on time I was ready
I took the time on the first Saturday of the month when the miniature appeared in the store to be there right at opening. What surprised me: I was not alone. But only a few were actually interested in the supposedly neat dino.
It seems I had picked the day when pre-orders for the new “Armageddon” box for Warhammer 40,000 started. I was quickly informed that my early arrival was very clever, as it could get very busy throughout the day. Yes, that’s how you know me; I planned well.
But I wasn’t really interested in this seemingly groundbreaking event – I just wanted my dino. I was told that I could take a seat at a table where the components of the figure, as well as a side cutter and glue, were waiting for me – especially the latter served as an awkward but also perfect icebreaker throughout the experience.
Let’s get to the miniature, the buffet is open
When I was told that I could ask if I had any questions, I just nodded gratefully. I thought I already knew how to assemble miniatures … I thought.
At the table, I started assembling the figure according to the instructions and with the tools. Everything went smoothly, only the glue surprised me. At home, I use a glue and paints from The Army Painter, but the glue in the store was Citadel and much, much thinner.
Because I was unlucky that the dosing needle for precise application was clogged, but I of course didn’t want to disturb anyone, I tried to solve the problem myself. The result: the glue completely flowed out after loosening the tip, onto the shield of the Saurus warrior, onto the poor cutting mat of the store, and onto my honor, which I could up until that point solidly pretend to have.
An oopsie that was the best thing that could happen to me that morning
When the smell of the glue catastrophe finally filled the entire store, I asked for some kitchen paper to clean up the mess. I was incredibly embarrassed, but I was immediately helped. When I returned to the table with a nice employee, I could see with surprise that the glue not only “erased” the drawn lines of the cutting mat but also melted the shield of my dino. Unfortunately, I have no picture of that. At that moment, taking out my phone to take a photo was just too embarrassing.
Only then did I understand how the glue really worked. It melts the plastic so that the parts merge instead of being “just” glued. I dared to talk to the employee, wanting to quickly save the situation by claiming that I actually had a good idea, but I didn’t need to.
After he gave me a new shield from another grid, a relaxed conversation quickly developed. I shared that I loved miniatures but didn’t know much about Warhammer yet. That I actually wanted to start small, but ended up buying a huge Tyranid. That I honestly had some fear about entering the Warhammer store because my silly prejudices made me feel like I didn’t belong there.
I was warmly welcomed – not just by staff
While I was gluing and chatting, more Warhammer fans joined the glue-smelling table. They had pre-ordered their box, but a large part of them decided to stay. People knew each other, planned future rounds, and like me, built the Miniature of the Month because it’s just such a classy thing.
They picked up on my doubts and explained to me that while there are people who demand that you name all 40,000 hammers from Warhammer 40,000, the community is very open to newcomers. Most Warhammer fans are absolutely not gatekeepers but love to talk about their favorite game and inspire new people to join in. And what can I say – it’s contagious.
I spent a total of one hour in the store. And I spent a good half to three quarters of an hour just letting go of all my previous prejudices and not feeling out of place at all. The Saurus Warrior at my workstation continues to remind me of that. Soon it will be painted, too.
How did you get into Warhammer? Did you have similar thoughts as I did? Even though I am not yet deep into Warhammer 40,000, I stumbled upon a miniature one day that I couldn’t let go of. Even though it can hardly be called “mini”: I actually just wanted to buy flowers, now I own a Tyranid and he couldn’t be cuter
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