Fields of Grey – Star Wars Legion, Autism & Playing Through the Storm

(disclaimer – AI has been used to help me write this)

I’m starting this project because I need to.

Not for content.
Not for perfection.
But for my mental health.

I’m autistic. That comes with strengths — hyperfocus, deep research dives, world-building obsessions — but it also comes with things I don’t talk about enough: stress spirals, executive dysfunction, and the constant jumping from one idea to the next without quite landing any of them.

In this hobby, that’s usually meant one thing:

I don’t paint enough.
And because I don’t paint enough, I don’t play.
And because I don’t play, I feel like I’m failing at the hobby I love.

So I’m changing the rules.

The Problem: Perfection Paralysis

I struggle to sit and paint for long stretches. My focus fractures. My brain tells me it has to be done properly or not at all. So projects stall. Boxes stack. Guilt builds.

And when stress is already high — work, life, just existing — the hobby that should help becomes another pressure point.

That’s not sustainable.

The Decision: Play Anyway

This project is about letting go of the idea that everything needs to be painted to be “valid.”

I’m going to play.

Grey plastic.
Bare bases.
Half-built terrain.

And that’s fine.

If playing helps regulate stress, gives me structured focus, and creates a space where my brain can breathe — then that matters more than edge highlights.

The Project: Star Wars: Legion

I’ve got:

• The Galactic Empire starter forces

• The Rebel Alliance starter forces

• The Outer Rim terrain set

And I’ve just subscribed to Disney+ — which means I’m committing to a full Star Wars rewatch alongside the campaign.

This will be:

• Narrative-driven games

• Slow force growth

• Casual missions

• Film and series rewatch reflections

• Zero painting pressure

Empire vs Rebels. Order vs Hope. Structure vs Chaos.

There’s something fitting in that.

Hyperfocus as a Tool, Not an Enemy

One thing autism gives me is the ability to dive deep.

So instead of fighting that — I’m going to use it.

• Rewatch the films.

• Read the lore.

• Build small narrative arcs.

• Play solo games at home when social gaming feels overwhelming.

• Let the table be my reset button.

I struggle socially. I struggle with consistency. I struggle with finishing things.

But I can set up a table and play a game.

And that’s enough.

What This Isn’t

This isn’t a painting showcase.

It isn’t a competitive meta analysis.

It isn’t a “perfect hobby journey.”

It’s someone trying to use the hobby to stay steady during a rough mental health patch.

What This Is

• A permission slip to play unpainted.

• A reminder that grey plastic is still a game.

• A way to reclaim enjoyment.

• A slow, steady narrative campaign set in the Star Wars galaxy.

• A mental health project disguised as toy soldiers.

If you’ve ever:

• Felt paralysed by unfinished projects

• Struggled with executive function

• Avoided playing because your army wasn’t “ready”

• Jumped from one faction to another and felt guilty

Come along.

The armies are grey.
The terrain is dusty.
The Force is strong.

And we’re playing anyway.