Para Bellum Games has officially unveiled the newest evolution of their skirmish system, Conquest: First Blood, transitioning the title from a simplified “rank and flank” mode into a standalone, mechanically distinct game system. The announcement coincides with Adepticon 2026’s high-profile move to the Baird Center in Milwaukee, where the studio is currently running live demonstrations of a ruleset designed to be “lean and mean” while expanding tactical depth.
The new edition, often referred to in development as the “scalable skirmish” era, introduces a fundamental shift in how battles in the world of Eä are fought. Unlike previous iterations that mirrored the unit-based movement of its larger sibling, The Last Argument of Kings, the 2026 version of First Blood prioritises individual model activation and a new comparative dice system. This mechanic pits the face values of dice directly against an opponent’s roll, aiming to eliminate the “clunky” feel of earlier editions and replace it with high-tension, cinematic interactions where every warrior’s contribution is critical.
A significant part of the launch strategy involves leaning into the studio’s more whimsical side, specifically the “Murderous Fish Gnomes.” John Fishblood, the official Adepticon ConX miniature, has gone on sale in its standard grey resin both at the convention and online. This follows the lineage of the Peaky Flounder, a limited-edition release from the UK Games Expo, and signals Para Bellum’s commitment to balancing a grimdark setting with self-aware hobbyist fun.
Daryl McKay, Head of Sales and Marketing at Para Bellum, said in a statement:
Conquest is not noted for taking ourselves too seriously… after all – gaming is supposed to be fun! We hope you will stop by our booth at Adepticon in Milwaukee this week.”
The studio is also empowering local communities through the “A Bloody Good Night” in-store event kits. These retail kits include exclusive prizes, such as a unique John Fishblood cast in “First Blood Red” resin, designed to drive foot traffic to local gaming landmarks. This initiative highlights the studio’s “Vanguard Program,” which utilises local ambassadors to bridge the gap between digital rules and physical tabletop play.
While the core rules are now free to download, the commercial launch is supported by new First Blood Warbands priced at approximately £50 (€59.99/US$69.99). These sets, such as the Hundred Kingdoms and Spires warbands, are designed to be “plug and play,” including battle-ready terrain and quick-start guides to lower the barrier to entry for new players in the 35mm scale hobby.
