…I walk into the store, and there’s a tall, dark-haired, bearded, and tattooed guy in line ahead of me. He greets Andy.
“Hey mate, here for the Brotherhood.”
Andy replies, “They’re setting up, upstairs.”
I walk up to Andy.
“Hey, you said to come down and meet a group?”
The tall guy swivels around immediately.
“Oh, are you also here for the Brotherhood?”
I stumble out a, “Uhhh… Andy?”
“Yes, Rhys, this is Anthony — he’s looking for a group. Play nice.”
This person I’ve never met before — who I now know as Rhys — grabs me, shakes my hand, asks what army I play, introduces himself warmly, and says:
“Really good to meet you, dude. Come upstairs, hang with the boys. It’s a chilled day today. Wanna have a game?”
I immediately mention I have no idea how to play, and without a second thought, Rhys says,
“No problem. I’ll teach you.”
Upstairs, I’m introduced to the Brotherhood of the Bolter.
Leo is painting a commission.
CJ and Dan are playing a match — Tyranids vs. Black Templars.
Zuggy is hanging out, chatting between Leo and the Nid-vs-Templars game.
Rhys and I are setting up for a small game.
Throughout the day, I learn more about the Brotherhood.
CJ is a trade-certified spray painter and an incredible mini painter.
Leo paints professionally — commission work and 3D Printing .
Dan is selling his Black Templars to follow Chaos.
Zuggy’s family owns a bakery up north Brisbane way — it keeps him super busy so he doesnt get to hang often sadly.
Rhys is new-ish to Brisbane, having moved from Perth for a different-coast-sea-change.
The group hadn’t been around long — starting with Leo, CJ, and Dan — and it was growing fast.
What struck me most was that not once did I feel unwelcome, awkward, or like a fill-in for someone else. Everyone asked about my army, my paint scheme, how I did certain effects, and my time in the hobby — all with genuine curiosity and intent.
By the end of the day, I was added to group chats, Discords, friend requests were sent and accepted. As I was leaving, Leo called out,
“You’re a part of the Brotherhood now.”
It pretty much snowballed from there.
From May 2024 to May 2025, the Brotherhood of the Bolter grew — swelling to over 35 members. Team jerseys, podcast appearances, employment opportunities, sponsorships — all came to fruition. The group bounced from strength to strength, not in small part because of the community it championed — and the community that supported it.
Damion and Andy, the owners of Gamers Village, have always said the shop should be a place of acceptance and fun — a place where everyone can feel at home.
The Brotherhood has taken that ethos to heart.
There’s no entrance exam.
No secret handshake.
No obscure lore question to answer.
If you’re a good person, have a decent sense of humour, and want to be part of a community that’s welcoming in a traditionally gatekept space — the Brotherhood is a safe place.
Tribe Pt 3 Incoming.
Notes along the way. 