Thistle and Bard

02/10/2026

It's good news 🙏!

Some of you have been requesting an update following my emergency operation.

The 10cm tumor was sent for a microscopic biopsy following a raised cancer indicator in my bloodwork. It took 6 weeks to hear anything but eventually I got the call.

I DO NOT HAVE OVARIAN CANCER

I had an ovarian tortion created by a calcified mass which, while excruciatingly painful, is not going to threaten my life now it has been removed.

There is a possibility the opposite side could do the same thing at some point. But, we will cross that bridge when it happens and at least, I know what to look for.

28/09/2026

It can only mean one thing: The time of hot-chocolate is upon us ☕.

So there I was minding my own business and uploading the new Warlock Range to the website (which hasn't had as many looks at and I'm not sure why because it's my favourite RPG class for sure), when suddenly I get the notification that water bottles are now sold out.

Not a water bottle design.

Water bottles. Plural.

So I look at my home made pumpkin spice coffee in my new favourite mug, suffering from a cold kindly donated by my son and, of course, I check in with my suppliers...

No joy.

Water bottles are now sold out for the UK and USA. I'm looking at sourcing more but let's be honest, most of my suppliers are quoting at least a month because they're out of season... I know, I didn't know drinking from water bottles was seasonal either, but there it is!

Why water bottles? I have no idea!

You'd have thought it would be hoodies, right?!

22/09/2026

The Temu story continues 🤷. Yes, they actually replied... Eventually and I won't lie, it took some perseverance to get an answer.

BUT

It turns out Temu's policy is very similar to Etsy and other 3rd party marketplaces and the fact that they have one is reassuring but the real question is how easy is it to use or is it just lip service to keep people quiet?

Did you know about this? Have you ever tried to use it? Let me know your thoughts.

20/09/2026

The Dark Elf Warlock is coming next week. Don't forget to indulge your inner goth and check the website on 26th September!

19/09/2026

Don't shoot the messenger 🙅 but there are 99 days to go!

Vlogmas is returning for 2026.

Yes, I know we haven't made it past Halloween, but this year has been BRUTAL and there were no Vlogmas episodes for 2025.

I know that some of you are rolling your eyes right now and I'm sorry to tell you, I will also be putting up my Christmas pre-orders in the next 4 weeks (not sorry).

So, don't scroll by and hit my stories to pin your reminder.

07/09/2026

I have been officially approached by Temu to collaborate with them (and the terms are generous) 🤷.

Let's be honest though, Temu has some really bad sellers on its platform who are making a living by copying other people and a big problem with copyright infringement.

We aren't talking about Disney knockoffs that are all over other platforms like Etsy (but they have those too). We're talking about any viral design more or less.

Temu is the platform, not the seller. So I sent an email back thanking them and requesting more information on these issues.

They haven't responded yet...

29/08/2026

My biggest launch of the year and according to Meta you didn't want to see this because my face was too AI 🤖!

Honestly, I'm not sure what I can do about Meta AI beyond posting more - maybe that's the point 🤷. So if you do see this post, don't let Meta keep it a secret!

Now, let's muster the adventuring party...

28/08/2026

The next chapter of Thistle & Bard begins tomorrow! The portal is open, the tavern is busy, and new adventuring essentials arrive TOMORROW (10am GMT)— though our EU friends will have to sit this one out...

Read the full update and get ready to join the fun: https://wix.to/q1i4aBs

The portal is open, the tavern is busy, and there are some new adventuring essentials waiting on the other side - but our EU adventurers will be missing out *sniff, sniff*...

27/08/2026

Take it easy they said... I heard, do a massive launch 2 weeks in 😬!

Light the beacons 🔥, we're doing this (in all the wrong ways, with no run up or promotion, and exactly how I shouldn't be doing it)!

So, let's do this... Life is too short to wait around for the perfect time.

You don't need to be a RPG player to enjoy this launch! Are you fearless as a barbarian, calm like a monk, or green thumbed like a druid? You're more than your hobby!

25/08/2026

You meet in the tavern... 🗡️

I am cutting it fine with this one but it's time to grab a buddy and muster your party because nothing (not even surgery and a busted stitch) is stopping us.

And...

If you're waiting on your Hero of the Realm subscription box - they'll start shipping next month too!

Product photos are coming shortly, but if you love Adventure Fantasy or maybe you're an RPG player, mark this date down.