Friday, September 30, 2016

2016 Gaming Year in Review

Like a weird government agency, I track my gaming progress from October of one year to September of the next.  Don't ask why, it's just the way I've done things since I started.  Too late to change now.

The Blog
If we don't take the crazed Italian, Russian, and Ukranian search bot explosions, it's still a good year.  Overall, we're looking at another 10-15% growth in page hits per post with a marginal increase in posts.

The Top Ten Blog Posts of the Last Twelve Months 
#1  Mandatory Holiday Swag Post 2015                    (Misc)
#2  Brigade Games 28mm Post Apoc                         (Kickstarter)
#3  Lost Temple of Kajagoogoo                                 (Pulp)
#4  Fall-In! 2015 AAR                                               (Conventions)
#5  Rescue from Kisi Rushwa                                    (Pulp)
#6  Teddy Bears in the Land of Gnomes                   (Gnome Wars)
#7  The Cthulhu Wars                                                (Review)
#8  Evolution Games, Wilkes-Barre                          (Review)
#8  Treasure of the Maja Millie                                 (Pulp)
#10  A Simple Trade                                                  (Pulp)


The Family Pulp Games and Reviews dominate the pageviews, although that one Gnome Wars article in the middle of the top ten makes me happy.  I'll try to get a few more out of the pipeline.



The Best Laid Plans that Didn't Pan Out
The Return of Hoyce:  Alas Hoyce and his beloved wife moved back to Boston as quickly as they had arrived in Pennsylvania.  I missed out on two of his AD&D sessions for Emeron, and despite putting in the effort to catch up with actual plays and updating character, the Return of the Burning Trogs for Hackmaster never panned out either.  I did get to have him jump into one session of Masks for CoC, however, his Egytian thug was no match for the Black Pharaoh.

Samoa:  My Americans got some use as Pulp figures, but nothing else.  My planned expenses to Pulp Figures for more figs never panned out either. 

The FLGS
We are in a new Golden Age for game stores in Wilkes-Barre.  Evolution Games, Tactical Advantage, and The Gaming Chateau all have their own niches.   It's nice to be able to go to a game store and actually find something  that interests me with pocket money.   Stores far too long considered CCGs to be their "candy aisle" purchase, only to complain when their non-CCG customers didn't buy a thing (then bought everything via Amazon).

Fall-In 2015!  -  Maja got to go to her first sleepover con with dear old Dad.  I'm five or six years away from being able to split up and do our own things, but for now I know I can get 15 or 20 minutes of going through the flea market while Maja plays in the HAWKS room.  G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T with Santa, Lego pirates, a gnome joust, and the discovery of Helluva Good French Onion flavored chips made it a great weekend.

Mepacon Spring 2016  -  My first full weekend (Friday-Sunday) RPG convention since... Origins in 96?  Picked up a pile of pulp/Cthulhu minis, some Rifts books that was quite fortuitous with the Savage Worlds Kickstarter.  Ran great games of Spirit of '77 and Kobolds Ate My Baby.  As an added benefit, Maja only tagged along for Saturday and had a blast at the kid's LARP, plus she won the kid's painting contest!

"The Weekend"  - Got to spend some time in Lancaster in July at the Continental Inn with my family, and a game convention broke out!  For a minis-based con, I sure played a lot of History of the World and Divine Right, but I had a great time, picked up a slew of items (some free!) and found a solid burger joint off the main drag. Upon a return trip, the burger joint delivered again.

Kickstarters- There were 18 different campaigns that I pledged to.  Some were a measly dollar, some didn't successfully fund, while others I cancelled due to finances or a drop in enthusiasm.   Of those, I pledged for actual physical product for a whopping 4 of them. 
Tales of the Caribbean  -  First significant delay from Golden Goblin Press, but it's at the printers.
No Mercy   -   Fun little game from Travis Hanson with phenomenal turnaround time.  Three months early!
Post-Apocalyptic Dwarf Bikers - models are awesome and I got extra stuff for my paltry pledge.
Rifts for Savage Worlds - With the delays for Tales of the Caribbean, and the downturn for our Cthulhu campaign, the pdf of the Savage Rifts Player's Book has been the greatest reward I received over the past year. 

The Kid's Painting!  It's slow, it's painful, and they're at the point where their need for higher quality brushes conflicts with their maturity to take care of them.   I'm hoping when the Reaper Bones III Kickstarter finally arrives, a few snowflakes will allow us to dedicate some more time in the basement and the painting bench.  On top of all that, I did get the girls to a painting clinic sponsored by Evolution Games, and my triple paid entry won me a $50 gift certificate to a local painter.  He's methodical, but does solid work, so the infamous Legions of Steel/Planetstorm minis shall be done by him. 

My Own Painting
With a few flights of fancy distracting me my own 159 figures (plus the six the kids did) was  a solid effort.  Compared to a more focused assembly-line 166 back in the Samoa project days, I did a wider variety of figures, at the sacrifice of more brushes.   This year was dominated by finishing up every palm tree in my backlog, plus numerous other terrain pieces (58 in total).  I stayed true to the blog's name and actually finished another Swiss unit, plus a random assortment of two-man teams for the Mepacon Treasure Hunt game that didn't go off.   

The biggest surprise?  More than two dozen fantasy figures (non-mouse) out of the queue!

Games
Masks of Nyarlathotep:  With the same relieved enthusiasm I had when I started this campaign three years ago, the granddaddy of CoC campaigns is done!  Fifteen marathon sessions, with two additional forays in play-by-email to keep it on the rails. Things are certainly not settled yet, and there's still a lot of tread on the tires when we return with three surviving investigators.

Spirit of '77:  I enjoyed running this Powered by the Apocalypse game, and should be picking up the other pdf downloads shortly.

Savage Showdown into Savage Worlds:   Starting with a fun little treasure hunt, the pulp Savage Saga of Maja Millie has been a rousing success at home.  The archeologist noted for her "no guns, but cannons don't count" rule has survived back-stabbers from every direction, saved some friends, and is moving to a more urban direction to close out the storyline before the end of 2016


Family Games:   If Dad can keep kids off of iPads and Netflix, I've got a good chance to play a slew of games.  C'mon, Maja got to learn Burning Plastic and Legions of Steel. That's my entire 90's of minis gaming!   We also accomplished athe Decathlon of Games, ten separate games from Connect Four to Car Wars the Card Game with track meet style points for placing.  Far better than the Game-A-Day concept I attempted last year... during the first month of school.  I may have gotten a tiny bit wiser since then.

2016 Gaming with the Gnomies Awards!
Best Kickstarter:  Post-Apoc Space Dwarf Bikers from Ramshackle Games.  No Mercy from Travis Hanson was way early and  had great artwork, but we probably won't get full use our of it until the Viking Penguin/Teddy Bear Pirate expansion comes out.  Savage Rifts is a boat load of information, but the downloads have been hit or miss from working, and the it's more the impatient other pledges bugging the hell out of me.  Not only were the Space Dwarf Bikers super early, but they sent extra stuff to me!!!  I'm not much for ordering outside the US, but Ramshackle's website is saved to my Favorites.

Worst Kickstarter:  While the RAFM CoC Minis Kickstarter would win the category "Worst Kickstarter Stuck in Canada, The Pyramid of the Lost King wins hands down.  Sixteen months late.  Sixth Edition might be available by the time this arrives at my door.

Best Game:  Savage Showdown brought a new level of excitement to Daddy-Daughter playdays.  The two-part adventure A Simple Trade and A Complicated Arrangement elicited the most fun from all involved.

Best RPG: Savage World Deluxe Explorers Edition.  It could have been Spirit of '77 or Savage Ritfts, but this actually appeared at the FLGS when they first started to the RPG selection.  Impulse buy, haven't looked back since.

Best Minis: For a blog the loves to focus on miniatures, this one is quite tough.  Nothing quite reached the "awesome" level of previous years: (ex:  Mousling boxed set, Battletech Intro Sets, Pulp Figures "Samoans."  My giant clearance sale order from Miniatures Market has sat fallow on the workbench, although I might get some use from it over the next few weeks.  The Windsword Accessories have been nice, but not great.   Even all the rulebooks I got for Christmas have largely been read but left unused.  After reviewing all my purchases and all my painting for the year, I'll give this to all three "Movember" figures offerered by Pulp Figures.  Not only are they awesome individual figures by Bob Murch, but the proceeds went to a good cause (Bob himself is good cause, but a charity he likes is better by default).


Best "Other" Purchase:   Cthulhu Mythos:  The United States' Battle Against the Mythos by Kenneth Hite is an Osprey Alternate History book that provides just enough info for me to grab the bull by the horns and flesh out a few historical scenarios.  If I only had the time to do so...



Thursday, September 29, 2016

No Mercy Expansion Coming Soon!

I had supported Travis Hanson's "No Mercy" this year.  It's a nice twist on War, and the Kickstarter arrived three months early, but it really needed two additional factions to make it fun. 


That wait is getting shorter by the second, as Travis recently teased about the upcoming Kickstarter for the expansion/standalone version for No Mercy:  Pirate Bears vs Penguin Vikings.





Expansion/Standalone?   Don't like Aliens and Cats with Guns!  Great!  Just buy this one and you're set. 


If it's $25 again, just take my money now. 

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Events for Mepacon Fall 2016!

Although they haven't appeared on Warhorn yet, my events for Mepacon Fall 2016 have been submitted.


Friday 8pm - 12am
Toon - "Cthulhu Comes to Springfield 2"
Everyone's favorite minions of the Cthulhu Mythos descend upon the Simpsons in 3 or 4 unrelated "episodes."  To celebrate the post-apocalyptic theme of the convention, this session is the world premiere of "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for Kodos"


Saturday 10am-12pm
Savage Worlds (for Kids) - Mousling Fantasy Adventures, Part I
The royal court is all aflutter: Duels, intrigue, dance-offs, and the arrival of a princess from a neighboring kingdom.  But is she looking for a prince to marry or a party to adventure with?  Kids Game.  Adults  welcome with accompanying child.



Saturday 4pm-6pm
Savage Worlds (for Kids) - Mousling Fantasy Adventures, Part II
As is custom, the visiting princess must be escorted back to her kingdom's border.  However, there are a few people the don't want that to happen.   Kids Game.  Adult welcome with accompanying child.


Sunday 9am-1pm
Toon - "Cthulhu Comes to Springfield 2"
Everyone's favorite minions of the Cthulhu Mythos descend upon the Simpsons in 3 or 4 unrelated "episodes."

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

(Kickstarter) Castle II Kickstarter from Miniature Building Authority

With all its pieces from the first one shipped, Miniature Building Authority has launched it's Castle II Kickstarter.




There is a nice discount for the individual parts, although the S&H charge does get it back near the MSRP.  Order $250 and shipping is included, so if you want some castle pieces and a number of existing stock available as add-ons, it's the perfect opportunity to order them. 

Monday, September 26, 2016

The Apathy of New Releases (Oct '16)

October releases are usually light:  Things that missed GenCon and companies releasing things a bit too early for Christmas for boutique stores like your FLGS. 

As I base everything off of Game Trade Magazine by Alliance Games Distributors, it's fair to note that this solicitation is in Issue #200.  Sometime around January of 2000 the first copy of Game Trade Monthly arrived in the mail to the store I was running.  As much as I adored the old checklist solicitations and brightly colored weekly updates,  this new magazine format looked polished, was chock full of item descriptions, plus the distributor provided five copies to each store for free to give out to the "good" customers.  In my post-FLGS running days, I've never seen that occur (which is why I pull up the pdf off the website a month before it arrives in print), but the concept is good.

My Want List
Nuttin'


My "Money Is No Object" Want List
Not even close...   Good to see things are back to normal for me. 


My Imaginary Store "The Pegleg Gnome" List\
Alderac Entertainment Group
Treasure Lair ...................................................................................................... $24.99

The Army Painter,
Warpaints 18ml
A huge release of paints for February 2017.  At $2.99 a bottle, it's got some value.


Asmodee
Conan Board Game ............................................................................................. $119.99
Legendary Inventors ............................................................................................ $ 39.99
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective - Jack the Ripper and West End ........... $ 39.99


Atlas Games
Once Upon a Time:  Fairy Tales .......................................................................... $ 12.95


Ceaco
Go Nuts Dice Game ............................................................................................. $11.00


Chaosium
Call of Cthulhu Keeper's Deck ............................................................................. $44.95


Decision Games
Ceres: Operation Stolen Base ................................................................................ $12.95
Merrils Marauders .................................................................................................. $12.95
Long Range Desert Group ...................................................................................... $12.95
Phobos Rising! ........................................................................................................ $12.95
Gotta love solitaire wargames (all four)!  They don't get enough love nowadays.

Fantasy Flight Games
Doom Board Game ................................................................................................. $79.95
In retail, licensed board games are usually "one and done" items to sell.   This should be the poster child for that phrase. 
Game of Thrones:  The Iron Throne ...................................................................... $49.95
Alright, maybe two and done.  There will be another licensed version of something else in a month or two.
The Extraordinary Adventures of Baron Munchausen HC .................................... $29.95
Mansions of Madness  2nd Edition ........................................................................ $99.95
Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition Recurring Nightmare Figure and Tiles ..........  $49.95
Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition Suppressed Memories Figure and Tiles .........  $49.95
Star Wars Armada: Phoenix Home ........................................................................  $29.95
Star Wars Armada: Imperial Fighter Squadrons II Expansion ............................... $19.95
Star Wars Armada: Rebel Fighter Squadrons II Expansion .................................... $19.95
Star Wars Armada: Corellian Conflict Campaign Expansion ................................. $29.95
Star Wars RPG:  Age of Rebellion - Friends Like These HC ................................. $29.95
Star Wars X-Wing Sabine's Tie Fighter .................................................................. $14.95
Star Wars X-Wing Force Awakens Upsilon Class Shuttle .....................................  $39.95
Star Wars X-Wing Force Awakens Quad Jumper ..................................................  $14.95


Gale Force Nine
D&D RPG:  Storm King's Thunder DM Screen ...................................................... $14.99


Games Workshop
Death Masque ........................................................................................................... $150.00
Another overpriced boxed set... although... with the price of dreadnoughts and jet bikes, it might be worth it.
It's Deathwatch and Ogre Kingdoms Time for expensive plastic! 

Green Ronin Publishing
Mutants and Masterminds Hero High Sourcebook - Revised Edition ........................ $32.95


Hasbro
Magic the Gathering:  Arena of the Planeswalker - Shadows Over Innistrad ............... PI
So board games for the next set will be a thing?  I'd wait three months and pick it out of the discount bin.  Lots of opportunities online and in brick and mortar for the last game.

Kobold Press
D&D 5E:  Book of Lairs ............................................................................................... $29.99
D&D 5E:  Tome of Beasts - Pawns .............................................................................. $34.99


Konami Digital Entertainment
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Destiny Soldiers Boosters
Yu-Gi-Oh!  TCG Invasion - Vengeance Special Edition


Koplow Games
Time Dice Sets ...................................................................................................................  $4.70


Legion Supplies
Boomstick Playmat ............................................................................................................ $7.80
Grumpy Kim Playmat ......................................................................................................... $7.80
Kitten Playmat            .......................................................................................................... $7.80
For $7.80 apiece, these need to be some cheap playmats...

Midnight Syndicate
Fantasy Music:  Zombies!! Official Board Game Soundtrack CD. ................................... $9.99


Mongoose Publishing
Paranoia Core Starter Set ................................................................................................ $59.99
Traveller RPG Starter Set ............................................................................................... $59.99


Osprey Publishing
Chosen Men:  Military Skirmish in the Napoleonic Wars ............................................. $19.00


Paizo Publishing
Pathfinder RPG: Adv Path - Strange Aeons Part 5 - What Grows Within ..................... $24.99
Pathfinder RPG: Flip Mat Classics - Arena .................................................................... $13.99
Pathfinder RPG: Map Pack Armada ............................................................................... $14.99
Pathfinder RPG:  Player's Companion - Healer's Handbook .......................................... $14.99


Pinnacle Entertainment Group
Savage Worlds RPG:  Weird War I Players Guide ........................................................ $19.99
Savage Worlds RPG:  Weird War I War Master's Handbook ....................................... $19.99


Pokémon USA
Pokémon TCG:  XY Evolution Boosters
Pokémon TCG:  XY Evolution Elite Trainer Box
Pokémon TCG:  XY Evolution Theme Decks.


Posthuman Studios
Fate RPG:  Eclipse Phase - Transhumanity's Fate ..................................................... $19.99


Rio Grande
Power Grid: The Card Game ....................................................................................... PI




Rogue Games
Colonial Gothic RPG:  The Defeated Dead ................................................................ $14.99


Steve Jackson Games
GURPS 4th Edition - Mars Attacks ............................................................................ $24.95
Munchkin Pathfinder - Truly Gobnoxious Blister ......................................................  $ 5.95


Surfin Meeple
Drakerys Accessory Box Sceneries Set A-C\ ........................................................ $45.00 each
I'm interested in more details about these sets...


Wizards of the Coast
Magic: The Gathering CCG Aether Revolt

WizKids
D&D Assault of the Giants Board Game ................................................................ $99.99
D&D Rock Paper Wizard ........................................................................................ $19.99
Star Trek Attack Wing Borg Sphere 4270 Expansion ............................................. $14.99
Star Trek Attack Wing Federation USS Defiant Expansion .................................... $14.99

Friday, September 23, 2016

(Painting) Captain Krustach and Some Tramp Steamer Sailors


With my "little bit 'o this, and a little bit o' that" style of painting this year, I'm happy to finally finish painting an entire pack of minis.


These are Pulp Figures' PSS01 Tramp Steamer Sailors 1 from their Savage Seas line. 
"Captain Skippy" (center) was painted up awhile back and played an active role in my favorite Pulp adventures with my girls, A Simple Trade and A Complicated Arrangement.  Captain Skippy's twin brother Larry, and his crew will play an important part in episodes #9 and #10 of The Savage Saga of Maja Millie.


I also got to finish up Captain Krustach of Kashgar, the 2015 Movember Fundraiser Figure from Pulp Figures.  Don't know when he's making an appearance, but he was another pleasure to paint.




Up Next:  More mouslings, more mouslings, and perhaps a mice warrior.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Pulp Figures Offer for September

I love Pulp Figures special offers!  They're never crazy fabulously cheap sales, but some fun individual figures/variants


For the remainder of September 2016, order 3 or more packs directly from Pulp Figures and receive Fur Hat Alternate Version of Count Casamir for free!






That is in addition to the traditional Buy-Five get one free and free shipping with eight packs, so order RIGHT NOW!


Wednesday, September 21, 2016

(Kickstarter) Toddler Race - A DIY Board Game

One of the homebrew games I play with my kids is the hugely imaginatively titled "The Race Game."   I drew an oval race track on a few large sheets of graph paper, set up pretty simple rules for drifting and crashes, and broke out of my Dad's old antique race cars.  Lately, we've been using the mass of the girls' Shopkins to the same effect.


After two and a half years, someone finally decides to cash in on the giant winfall of profits that family paced gaming will create.  Toddler Race will produce a 24" x 36" racetrack and simple rules set... all for a dollar pledge. 


C'mon, it's buck!

Fall-In! 2016 PEL is Posted!

I got my Fall-In! mailer yesterday, and lo and behold, the Preliminary Event Listing (PEL) is up!


As with all HMGS (East) Cons, here's the list of events that tickle my fancy.

F: 141 Battle of Radzymin - 1920 - Theme Friday, 10:00:00 AM, 5 hrs, 6 Players GM: Michael Zajchowski Period: Inter-War, Scale: 15mm, Rules: Command Decision - Test of Battle In the early hours of August 15, 1920 the Red Army forces resumed their attacks on the Polish lines southwest of Radzymin, Poland intending to break through the second line of defences and opening the road to Warsaw. However, as they bypassed a small forest outside Wólka Radzymińska, they were counterattacked by Polish Reserves.

F: 282 Remember the Alamo? Friday, 10:00:00 AM, 4 hrs, 4 Players GM: Don Carter & ODGW Period: Mexican War, Scale: 15mm, Rules: American Battellines U.S. forces Under Gen. Wool invade northern Mexico. U.S. vanguard meets a larger Mexican force and retreats into a small village. With thoughts of the Alamo in their heads, the Mexican attack. Can the U.S. troops hold out until reinforcement arrive, or will the Mexicans prevail. Beginner welcome.

F: 338 The Wind and the Lion Friday, 10:00:00 AM, 4 hrs, 8 Players GM: David Kasper & NOWS Prize: trophy best side Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Laws of war Tangiers 1904 the countries are on the edge of war then an American gets kidnapped. Roosevelt send in the Atlantic squadron to secure her release. The woman Pedecaris alive or the Raisoli dead. in a small village it all comes to head. Lots of color lots of dice what could be better.

F: 310 Attila the Rat at Catalaunian Fields Friday, 12:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 Players GM: David Wood & HAWKS Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Bear Yourselves Valiantly Attila the Rat has united the various Ratling tribes of Ral Partha, the Ratscum tribes of Grenadier, and a few independent tribes, and is advancing on the west. Will the elves and their allies defeat them before they get to their cities?

F: 151 Trench Wars: Zulu Dawn
Friday, 5:00:00 PM, 2 hrs, 10 Players GM: Tom Cusa Sponsor: Connecticut Game Club, Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Trench Wars (modified) South Africa, 1879. After the Battle of Isandhlwana, with most of the British already dead, a few survivors (mainly Boers and other locals) try to make it to safety. Will you be one of them? Come play and find out. 25mm skirmish game using the Trench Wars rules modified for Colonial warfare. Scenario inspired by the film "Zulu Dawn." (Zulus will be "commanded" by the GM.) Novices, children with adults, rules lawyers and GMs looking for revenge welcome. Kid friendly game. Parent-child teams welcome.
Also at Friday 8pm.

F: 323 The Harbor of Frostgrave Friday, 6:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 Players GM: Christopher Palmer & HAWKS Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave Many magical wonders and treasures were shipped to and from the bustling harbor of Frostgrave. Now the waterfront lies in ruins following the icy cataclysm of 1000 years ago. Do you have what it takes to lead a band of brave adventurers into the frozen ruins of the once great city and find the unknown treasures that may lie lost in the ice and snow? Children under 15 only with a playing adult..

F: 284 Frostgrave, Treasure Hunting in the Frozen City Friday, 7:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 Players GM: Jeffrey Hiley Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave Amidst the frozen ruins of the ancient city Frostgrave, wizards battle in the hopes of discovering the lost magics and treasures of a fallen empire. Each player will take the role of a wizard from one of the 10 schools of magic. Leading an apprentice and hired soldiers into Frostgrave you will compete with other wizards also trying to find lost secrets. Kids 12 and under welcome, accompanied by an adult. Rules taught, beginners welcome.


S: 125 World Powers of the 1930s - Theme Saturday, 10:00:00 AM, 2 hrs, 9 Players GM: Terry Jones Prize: 1 yr free meetup group membership Period: Inter-War, Scale: 1"= 800 miles, Rules: Announced by game master before each start Each player takes the role of a leader of one of the major countries in 1937: The players formulate their goals and the game proceeds with players negotiating with each other to try and achieve those goals. Players can form alliances, trade agreements, & non-aggression pacts, or embargo countries they want to weaken. Conflicts usually arise and are resolved through dice rolls. Each country's power is continuously updated on a world map. Games at 10, 2 & 6. New players may join in at anytime. Try to see if you can do better than the real history makers in the late 1930s. As the leader of England, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, USSR, USA, or China you negotiate with other players to advance your selected goals. Leaders negotiate agreements & may exchange secret notes. The game proceeds quickly, 10-15 min. /yr. Lose your capital and you are out of the game. There are usually an interesting mix of winners and losers. Designed for teens and adults: fun and easy to learn.

S: 224 A Pennsylvania Pete Adventure - In Search of the Eye of the Serpent Saturday, 10:00:00 AM, 4 hrs, 4 Players GM: Annemarie D'Amato Period: Pulp, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Audacious Adventures We find PA Pete in the desert city of El Mashitty. He is looking for clues in order to find the Eye of the Serpent. Rumor has it the Eye is a ruby of enormous size that is worth a Pharaoh's ransom. Of course, Pete is not alone searching for the Eye of the Serpent. Will PA Pete find the ancient relic or will trouble find him? Come join PA Pete in his latest adventure.

S: 174 Backstop in the Baltic - Latvia, 2017? Saturday, 11:00:00 AM, 2 hrs, 4 Players GM: Robert Franklin Period: Modern, Scale: 1:285 Micro, Rules: Thunderbolt! Company elements from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team are in Riga to train the Latvian National Armed Forces when the Russian 138th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade crosses the border. The US platoons are only advisors, but the Latvian armor is not yet operational. M1A2 SEPv2s and M2A3 Bradleys support the Latvian infantry facing the lead battalion of T-72B3s of the Russian advance. The rules will be taught.

S: 291 To the Victor Goes the Spoils Saturday, 2:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 Players GM: Robert Schaible Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave An ancient temple awaits adventurers seeking to explore its depths. Two groups must race to plunder these rich ruins and bring back treasures beyond imagination. Little do they know an even older evil may have other plans for their presence. Will you return from the adventure with vast treasures and your war band intact, or will you fall to the temple's denizens, doomed to wander the wastes as just another vengeful spirit? For new players or veterans. Children welcome with playing adult. Bring a positive attitude and desire to have fun!

S: 302 Plastic Pirates Pilfer Parrots Saturday, 2:00:00 PM, 2 hrs, 8 Players GM: Geoffrey Graff & HAWKS Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 40mm, Rules: Plastic Pirates Those Little Lego Looters have learned that the local townspeople are meeting with the Islanders to trade trinkets and metal tools for rare parrots. Now what do you think those pirates are going to do? The HAWKs present a game for kids. Reading skill would be useful. Adults allowed with playing child, if space allows.

S: 306 Goblins Gone Wild Saturday, 3:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 Players GM: David Schlegel & HAWKS Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: GASLIGHT The Goblins have acquired several infernal machines and are intent on ruining Christmas. Can Santa Claus and his friends protect the presents and save Christmas?

S: 175 Scandinavian Showdown - Sweden, 2017? Saturday, 3:00:00 PM, 2 hrs, 4 Players GM: Robert Franklin Period: Modern, Scale: 1:285 Micro, Rules: Thunderbolt! Russia uses its annual Baltic Fleet exercise as a cover for the 336th Guards Marine Brigade to assault Gotland Island. Securing Gotland will prevent the Nordic Battlegroup from reinforcing the NATO countries of the eastern Baltic. Russian airborne infantry must stand against Swedish Strv 122 MBTs and Strf 90 IFVs long enough for the arriving T-80s to clear the beachhead. The rules will be taught.

S: 207 The Sand Dunes of Zwartfontein (German South-West Africa, 1905) Saturday, 7:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 Players GM: Roy Jones Sponsor: Recreational Conflict, Prize: Herero and German Miniatures Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: The Sword and the Flame (Modified) The Herero War is over - the Nama Wars have begun! The alliance between Nama leader Hendrik Witbooi and the Kaiser is shattered! A combined Nama force of Witbooi troops and those of Simon Kooper confront the Germans at Zwartfontein. The Germans have mobile mountain guns, but the Nama have some tricks of their own. From the forthcoming scenario book "The Nama Wars". More at: www.hererowars.com.

S: 176 The Tomb of Lauffer Saturday, 7:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 Players GM: Patrick Morris Sponsor: n/a, Prize: na Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave -Modified The great wizard summons your warband together to go to the Tomb of Lauffer and break it open so he can claim a lost tome . He unfortunately isn't a great warrior so he is sending you his allies to do this mission (with a sizable paycheck). Inside the tomb is the tome, that he requires, any other treasures or objects you find are not his conern. The great wizard summons your warband together to go to the Tomb of Lauffer and break it open so he can claim a lost tome . He unfortunately isn't a great warrior so he is sending you his allies to do this mission (with a sizable paycheck). Inside the tomb is the tome, that he requires, any other treasures or objects you find are not his concern.

S: 285 Frostgrave, Treasure Hunting in the Frozen City Saturday, 7:00:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 Players GM: Jeffrey Hiley Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Frostgrave Amidst the frozen ruins of the ancient city Frostgrave, wizards battle in the hopes of discovering the lost magics and treasures of a fallen empire. Each player will take the role of a wizard from one of the 10 schools of magic. Leading an apprentice and hired soldiers into frostgrave you will compete with other wizards also trying to find lost secrets. Award winning terrain from Fall In and Cold Wars. Kids 12 and under welcome, accompanied by an adult. Rules taught, beginners welcome.

Z: 199 Into the Darkness: NECROMUNDA: Gang Fights Sunday, 9:00:00 AM, 4 hrs, 8 Players GM: Lisa O'branty Sponsor: LXG & The MECHANICON, Period: SciFi, Scale: 25mm, Rules: NECROMUNDA LRB & House Rules Welcome to NECROMUNDA. The Hive city that has become synomous with gang fighting. Come join us in this classic GW game of gang fight. Rules will be taught, materials will be provided. Players may bring a 1,000 credit gang from the "Living Rulebook". 14 - 88 years of age.

Z: 326 The Ruins of Castle Anthrax Sunday, 10:00:00 AM, 3 hrs, 10 Players GM: Eric Schlegel & HAWKS Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Blood & Swash Fantasy Strange things have been reported in the area of the old castle. The local authorities have engaged groups of hardy adventurers to investigate. So gather your companions, gird your sword and head off on a new adventure. Is it a dragon, a witch, a horde of orcs or something worse? Players under 13 welcome with a playing adult.


Without the word "gnome" anywhere, the pickings are slim compared to previous cons.  Also quite slim are the kids offerings, especially since the two games my daughter played in the HAWKS room last year are essentially running at the same time.  It might turn out to be a solo weekend for dear old Dad, or... I just might hand her my copy of Frostgrave and she if it tickles her fancy.  Pre-Reg should be up and running as this post.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Summer is Over

Despite its best efforts, Summer is technically over.  Time to winterize your Gnome/Fairy doors!
 





Sunday, September 18, 2016

(Kickstarter) Massive 28mm Zeppelin Model

"Do you want to buy a Zeppelin???"


As a perfect example of crazy stuff meant to be put up on Kickstarter, you can now spend $350 for a 7-foot long 28mm scale model of a Zeppelin.  The model is created using laser-cut mdf for the structure and chipboard (the same material you find on the back of notepads) to form the outer skin of the ship.


Perhaps the best part is the Kickstarter had such a reasonable goal (for a project with a $350 item), that they already reached it. Hopefully, the designer won't go too overboard with additional stuff as the total rises.



Saturday, September 17, 2016

Vice: 3D Printing Is Going to Turn the Miniatures Gaming Market Into a War Zone

When a non-gaming co-worker sends you a link to an article about 3-D Printing, sometimes it's beneficial to share it with the gaming world at large.


The 3-D Printing of minis is something everyone on social and gaming media harps is "right around the corner".... over the last five years.    We still have some time until the 3-D sector of the hobby can be productive and profitable enough to do more than mass produce simple parts.

Friday, September 16, 2016

(Painting) More Mouslings and a BLUE MARTIAN SUPREME LEADER

The weather is cooler, pumpkin spice and yoga pants are in the air, but most importantly... the children are going to sleep earlier AND with almost no effort on the parents. 


It's nice to be able to descend to my workstation, listen to an episode Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff back catalog and go up for bed all before 11pm. 
As I mentioned yesterday, I have my events ready for Mepacon, and at least two of them will need Mousling minis.    The painting queue has been adjusted to be a little more mouse-heavy against the Pulp Figures in, but I am finally making some headway. 


The first three mouslings out of the box were part of my Reaper Bones II Kickstarter Rewards.  The Assassin is currently available as part of the Mousling Thief and Assassin pack (RPR 77289).   The Mousling Ranger and Yeoman are RPR 77289
Now it's time to stat them up...

Also off the table, with a long delay, is my BLUE MARTIAN SUPREME LEADER,

All hail my rocky throne in the land of newsprint!
He was supposed to be finished and presented with the other "Blue Martians" I finished awhile back, but the level of detail was so great that I needed to dedicate time just to discover each scroll, satchel, and gourd on his person, and select a color palette to make everything pop, but not exactly like everyone who paints a WFB goblin shaman would. 


NEXT IN THE PAINTNG QUEUE:  Don't worry, the pulp guys are still going to get some love, as we add some more characters and henchmen to the game.  And a lot more mouslings.  And I found another five trees out of the playsets to paint up.  This year shall be remembered as "The Year of Terrain."


Thursday, September 15, 2016

An Expanding Cast of Characters and a Concerned Father

It's been a pretty good week.  The temperatures are dropping, the kids are finally going to bed earlier, and I have been able to venture down in the basement and work at my painting bench.


I've not only gotten a few thing done, but I've also figured out the events I'm running at Mepacon in November (post with descriptions soon to follow).  This also changes my painting queue somewhat, although *spoilers* if I'm ready with my Mousling figures for the Mepacon game, it will be a small weight off my shoulders if I want my Mouse-a-geddon/Rat-na-rock game next year. 


As I'm finishing up the minis and buildings for Episode #9 of The Savage Saga of Maja Millie, I brought up the teams for the next session.  Maja took a few minutes before bed and wove a nice little story between her good guys and bad guys. 


Millie came down the following morning and started naming the new characters. The dog will be dubbed Sparky and one of the older minis will be Ole Olafsson.  She then grabbed a random mini and declared, "This one is Psycho McPsychosson," and proceeded to scamper off with a delightful Tra-la-la...


I knew I should have saved up for therapy.

The Family Game Decathlon 2016

In the spirit of the Olympics, the ViscountEric household partook in a Game Decathlon.  Ten games with track and field scoring (1st=10, 2nd=7, 3rd =4, 4th=1)


I had planned on getting my wife involved in some of the "family gaming" festivities, but she fell upon a horrid summer cold that knocked her out of commission for at least a week.   Part of me still thinks that she's allergic to weird game,


Uno - Millie took a surprise lead with an impressive performance.
Connect Four - With Mom out of commission, this was Dad's to lose.
Dungeon Saga - Maja made numerous tactically sound runs for the win. 
Santa's Bag - This is becoming a big favorite in the house.  Maja wins!
No Mercy  -  Another game full of Travis Hanson art.  Good for 2, 4, 6, or 8 player game with the future expansion.  Win for Dad.
Chupacabra Dice - My first commanding win in Chupacbra Dice!
Car Wars the Card Game - The girls teamed up on me, and soon Maja backstabbed her sister.
Zombie Dice - Win for Maja
Martian Dice - Clinching win for Dad.  Of the dice games, Martian Dice is by far the most inferior.
Life - Like the 1500m in a true Decathlon, the Game of Life is a long game to finish up the event.  The girls ran amok. 


In the end, I only won by one point (my wife at least playing Life could have played spoiler). 


After experimenting with a #30GamesAMonth, just finding time for ten events for one big prize is much easier. We'll certainly recreate this next August, and perhaps on future vacations.


And I will continue to try and get the Missus involved.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

OGRE 6th Edition


Somehow I missed the news of a "compact" 6th Edition of OGRE coming out. 


Consider 6th Edition to be a smaller version of the OGRE Designer's Edition with a lot less cardstock (and no GEVs) for a more reasonable $49.99

(Risus) Pepe the King Prawn

Pepino Rodrigo Serrano Gonzales
Celebrity Interviewer.. okay (4)
Scheming KING PRAWN actor looking for his big break... okay (3)
Fiery Latino Lothario (2)
Spanish Chef... okay (1)


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

(Kickstarter) Song of Blades: Axe and Brimstone

The good folks at Ganesha Games have launched a Kickstarter for their campaign book and miniature line Axe and Brimstone for Advanced Song of Blades and Heroes.


I'm not particularly interested in the campaign rules, or the Possessed Dwarf minis, but the Halfling minis are quite well done.




$30 for the warband of 10 with shipping included?  Sounds like a deal to me. 


Plus the stretch goals alternate between a Possessed figure and a Halfling. 

Ambassador-General Fonzy "The Fonz" Schlepprock circa 1136

Ambassador-General Fonzy "The Fonz" Schlepprock   - 6th Level Gnome Titan Fighter
circa1136
Align:  NG,  Ht:  3'4"  Weight:  84 lbs   Class: UMC   Age 75
Birth:  Legit, Mom:  Living, Loving.  Dad:  Living, Loving.  Heritage:  Honorable
Siblings:  1 illegitimate sibling, brother, younger (alive)  normal relationship, share Mom.
Ambidextrous
Base Movement:  9
XP:  37,760

STR:  15/86
INT:   16/54
WIS:  07/31
DEX: 13/75
CON: 12/01
CHA: 16/50
COM: 11/47

Hit Points:  34
AC:  1
Total Bonus:  +4/+7 (with +2 Short Sword)

PP:  481
GP:  14,043
EP:  2790
SP:  2470
cp:  8107


Weapon Prof:
Short Bow
Dagger
Short Sword Specialize (3/2 attacks, +1/+2 )

Talents
Blind Fighting
Defensive Bonus (+1 Bonus to AC)
Short Sword Bonus (+1 Bonus to Hit)

Basic Gear:
Breeches, Tunic
Belt, Gloves,
Cloak
Large Belt Pouch
Backpack
Flint and Steel
Wineskin
Whistle
Rations (7 days/standard)
Rations (3 weeks, iron)
Winter blanket
rope.
1 Burning Trogs brass signet ring
Crowbar
Grappling Hook
War Pony with tack/bridle/saddle
Fine Silk Garments

Fonzie dressed like this for a costume ball at his Trebeizond estate in 1137.  He never did it again.
Weapons.
2 normal short swords
short bow
60 flight arrows
2 dagger


Armor
Medium Shield (+2 bonus to AC  -  4/3 damage remaining)
Studded Leather (  4/ 2/ 1  )
Ring Mail   (   6/  2/  1  )
Field Plate (24/12/10/8/6/4/2/1)

Magic
"Paingiver"  Shortsword +2  - if wounds another, must save vs spells or writhe in pain for 1d6 rounds.

Skills:  bbi x5

First Aid Skill Suite   24%
         Cauterize Wounds
         Sew Own Wounds
         Sew Wounds

Street Cred               41%
Feign Toughness      30%
Liar, Skilled              41%
Flex Muscle              28%
Weapon Maint.          Auto (10gp/month)
Shaving/Grooming    Auto (25gp/month)
Groin Stomp              23%
Rousing Speech         20%

Languages
Gnomish                    100%
Common                     22%
R/W Gnome                27%
R/W Common             32%

Flaws:
Loss of eye (left)   -1 to hit
Self Absorbed
Enmity to Dwarves
Chronic Liar

Property:
Estate in Treibezond (Neufonzstein) Duchy of Sarbonia, generates 10,000 gp/yr. (20,000 if PC manages it themselves)

Awards, Medals
Phalera Tetracross (Giant medallion from Barthey Empire, to be inserted in armor)
Civic Crown of Barthey (Gilded wreath of olive branches)
Obsidian Medal of Barthey (for heroism during the siege of Akorros)
A pile of ribbons and awards from Celsior and Marakeikos for actions during the civil war.
A pile of ribbons and honors from the Gnome Titan Legions picked up during random trips to bazaars.


Schlepprock Clan
Location:  Southern Gnomish City-States
Race:  Gnome Titan, some normal gnome mixed in
Social Class:  UMC
Alignment:  NG
Clan Religion:  Pangrus
Family Honor:  115
Notable Family Contacts:  None
Hereditary Grudges, Enemies, and Allies:
Dwarves of Ahzur Khai (grudge)

Monday, September 12, 2016

(Kickstarter) Siege of the Citadel

Many moons ago my friend Wooly and I had a chance to pick up a miniatures game at one of the Dreamscape Comics after Christmas sales.  The game we picked up has been well documented:  Legions of Steel.


The next best option was Siege of the Citadel.


The 2nd Edition of Siege has finally come up on Kickstarter, and it's pretty sweet.   $69 plus shipping nets you the new version, with forty figures!  The $150 level adds on the Brotherhood expansion, plus adds a third level of stretch goals with some sweet rewards.



The Quick Reference Shelf

When we moved into the house, I claimed dibs to a bookcase/drawers next to my desk and all my Call of Cthulhu books went on the lower shelf,  There, they have sat for almost two and half years, as easy reference, or even quick reading when I'm bored.

This weekend, I spent a few minutes and relegated the CoC books to a different bookcase in the office, and promoted Hackmaster to that spot.   I'll need them much more often for handy dandy reference.


The picture is missing the extra copies of the PHB and GM's Shield that I own, as well as copies of S5 and S6. 

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Pokemon Go!!!! - Gotta Catch Every One of Us!

As much as I love Blazing Saddles, this is the Mongo crossover that amuses me.



Saturday, September 10, 2016

CoC Masks Post-Campaign Review

I stole this tally from Far Beyond My Capacity

MASKS OF NYARLATHOTEP – STATISTICS
Distance travelled: 28,362 miles

Three Years Actual Time
17  sessions

Cultists confirmed killed:
  • 5 Cult of the Bloody Tongue (New York)
  • 10 Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh (London)
  • 10 Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh (Egypt)
  • @100 Cult of the Bloody Tongue (Kenya)
  • 10-15 Cult of the Bloated Woman Technicians (Gray Dragon Island)
  • 65 New China Army Soldiers sacrificed to the greater good.
Cultists killed by lion:  3

Innocents directly killed: 75
Innocents indirectly killed by Imperial Japanese Navy, on intelligence from the Investigators: 25,000
Sailors of the Imperial Japanese Navy Killed:  25
Marines of the Imperial Japanese Navy Killed: 32

Africans clubbed by Investigators:  12
Wilderness Guides Killed: 2
Wilderness Guides that Survived: 1
Sikh Knife-Fighters Killed With Self-Inflicted Wounds: 1
Mythos beasts encountered:
  • 1 Serpent Person
  • 1 Thing in the Fog
  • 3 Miscellaneous lesser gods
  • 1 Elder Thing
  • 2 Hounds of Tindalos
  • 2 Fire Vampires
  • 1 Dark Young
  • 1 Spawn of Nylarathotep
  • 5 Deep Ones (and lots of carcasses)
  • 1 Shoggoth
Cars Crashed: 1
Motorcycles Crashed: 1
Boats stolen: 2
Buildings blown up: 1
Rooftop Chases: 1
Brothel roofs crashed through: 1
Grenades Used: 37

Hospital visits: 6
Deportations: 6

Black Market Weapons Obtained by Wintermute:  14

Skills Improved to 90% or more: 3 

Steamships overhauled by O'Hara: 2

Appearances by an eight-foot tall orange Asian man: 2

Human Brains Eaten: 1

Characters who jumped off a moving train:  2
  • Steven O'Hara
  • Francois Guerin
Characters killed: 6
  •  Heinrich Hans, ex-German Flying Ace  (blood loss from getting his hands chopped off in Jackson's hotel room)  Episode 1
  • Anthony Parks, Miskatonic Grad Assistant (destroyed by a summoned Elder Thing in the Egyptian desert)  Episode 28
  • Yaleshia, Belly Dancer  (destroyed by a summoned Elder Thing in the Egyptian desert) Episode 28
  • Abdul, Egyptian Thug (disintegrated by the Black Pharaoh), 31
  • Father Dorian Dolan, Anglican Priest (eaten by a shoggoth, Gray Dragon Island), Episode 37
  • Francois Guerin, ex-French Foreign Legion (sacrificed by his own friends "for the good of humanity") Episode 37
Characters driven mad: 1
  • Brian Nichols, driven mad by the paintings in Miles Shipley's house.  Still wandering the streets of Soho in the rain.
Characters' minds wiped: 1
  • Randall Ward, by the mysterious man in the fez at Misr House, Episode #26
Characters who mysteriously disappeared
  • RJ Cunninghame, Big Game Hunter, Episode 37
Characters transported to Ancient Egypt(?):  1
  • Dr Nathaniel Millheim (by the Black Pharaoh)
Characters sodomized by summoned lesser gods
  • Joshua Wenisko (London)
Characters Surviving
  • Steven O'Hara - Mathematician and Physics Doctoral Candidate - full campaign.
  • Dr Bob Wintermute - Professor of History, Miskatonic Univeristy - full campaign.
  • David Kavida - Writer, The New Yorker - four sessions.

Friday, September 9, 2016

The Primitive Blue Race of Mars

Years ago I grew tired of the classic green skinned orcs and goblins.  I also grew to appreciate the literal rainbow of Martian races, so when the local FLGS started stocking some fairly exotic blues, my ideas for "Blue Martians" was born.


The first experiment was on the latest Gretchin boxed set, and they came out great.  This time I'm working towards the more primitive of the Blue Race.


These are just the Goblins 77024 six-pack in the Reaper Bones line.  No problems with flash, paint went on easy, although I'm not a fan of the sculpted bases. 



Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Weekend! 2017

Over Labor Day Weekend, we had a nice relaxing time with just the family (and a hi-speed, sugar filled Friday night sleepover.  *sigh*).  The early trajectories of the hurricane, added to my wife's work schedule, forced us to officially cancel any and all festivities of our Day of Sloth picnic. 

Let's be honest, after a ten year run, we needed a Labor Day off. 

We did get to restart our family pulp game and outside of dog infused carpets that need shampooing, the house might be cleaner than when we moved it. 

One additional nugget of gaming goodness was a mailing for next year's "The Weekend 2017."







The Weekend! is a get together of wargamers (and some tolerable boardgamers) which will next occur June 21st-24th at the Continental Inn in Lancaster, PA.  Its a cozy get-together of fun games, warm camaraderie, and snacks....


LOTS of snacks.


My wife already has the entire week scheduled with a half-week in Ocean City, only to travel up to Lancaster for The Weekend!   Apparently she and the kids enjoyed some sight-seeing and lots of time in the pool as I gamed.   And with our connections for the condo, it will still be cheaper than a regular weekend going to Historicon. 


Still pondering if I want to run a nice mixture of Samoa and/or Gnomes.  I'm still pondering Mepacon in November, so I believe I have some time.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

(Savage Showdown) #8 Paparazzi Violenta

The town of Sohai was all aflutter.  This desert watering hole was normally known as a launching point to treasure seekers and a refuge for those on the run.  However, filmmakers from Hollywood loved the location for their latest feature Witness of a Hero.  Most of the staff and actors had already arrived, but today was the arrival of the main star, actress of film and stage, Miss Ruby Diamond. 


Ruby and her trusty driver John Partridge drive through the gates. 
Alas, there were a few individuals who were a bit too excited for the starlet's arrival. The government had taken many a bribe from the movie executives to allow the production to proceed, however none of it had trickled down to the soldiers assigned to protect the village.  A quick kidnapping and a hefty ransom would alleviate their economic misfortune.

Poorly paid soldiers weren't the only people with an unhealthy interest with Miss Diamond.  It just happened that Lt Colonel Thaddeus Ovaltine, nefarious treasure plunderer, was the president of the Ruby Diamond fan club chapter in Sohai.  One perfume laced fan letter (probably written by an intern) had put him over the edge and he believed he was destined to be with her.  His Rough 'n Ready Riders had been depleted from some past exploits, but were ready to assist true love.

The Bad Guys (Soldiers and Lt Col Ovaltine's Group (not allied): played by Dad 
Obejctive:  Successfully detain Miss Diamond before she reached the hotel.   Figure(s) holding her must do so for the remainder of that turn, and must not be Shaken.


The Good Guys:  played by Maja, Age 7
Objective:  Reach the hotel safely within six turns. 
Ruby Diamond and her driver, John Partridge, start the game entering town.  Ruby starts in the backseat, directly behind John.  
Each turn the good guys roll randomly for a random hero to emerge from a random building to assist the actress. 


Turn One:  While the bad buys crept through the buildings to get into position, John Partridge prayed he could eek out another block or two out of the old jalopy. 

Ted Mosby, Aviator, was the first to come out and welcome the starlet. 

"I loved you in "Weighing Mrs Wright!
Turn Two: Maja Millie, famed archeologist, came running down the street.   This distracted the soldiers, who had been anticipating a car. 

 
"She looks like a movie star, it must be her!"
Turn Three: Lt Col Ovaltine drew a joker, and his plan sprung into action.   He jumped onto the car, climbed across the trunk, and ended up on the opposite running board, ready to pull his beloved out of the car.   Miss Diamond did not agree, and a quick swing of her purse kept him at arm's length.
The Rough 'n Ready Riders try to block the car. 

The rest of the Rough 'n Ready Riders launched their end of the plan, jumping in front of the dying automobile, ready to shoot the driver if need be.  A few bullet holes were created in the windshield, but no one was hurt. 
Lt Colonel Ovaltine slides across the back of the car and rides the running board (in-game it's a four-door sedan).

Bob Njano, former native bearer turned hero, slayer of the Egyptian Chupacabra, emerged from a nearby hut and planned on charging the Rough 'n Ready Riders from the rear.   

A Fight roll of 1 and a Wild die of 1 meant he tripped over his own two feet, a face full of sand.

Spend an extra turn and tie your shoelaces next time, Bob!
Down the street, Maja Millie's incredible speed lured the soldiers down a  side street.  With Maja Millie's vast experience in this campaign, we converted her from a Savage Showdown Wild Card into a full fledged Savage Worlds Wild Card.   While her Luck Edge never came into play, her Fleet of Foot and fantastic running rolls allowed her to distance herself from her foes. 


Turn Four:    With a lead foot and a prayer, John Partridge floored it, and the car responded with one last gasp of life.  Rough 'n Ready Riders narrowly dove out of the way to avoid being run over.  Another Rider was shot in the back by retired mobster and cinefile Gerald the Saint.


Gerald the Saint shoots a few sinners in the back.

Bob Njano crawled behind an ancient pillar to compose himself. 

Maja Millie ran into a small building to lure the soldiers inside. 

Ted Mosby couldn't hit the ground using gravity.

Turn Five:  The surviving Riders finally got off a number of fantastic shots, They managed to not only wound Partridge with a precision shot, but also shoot out both back tires as the driver was swerving to avoid a palm trees.  The car launched into the air, rolling twice before resting just short of the hotel.   Ovaltine and a Rider who had just jumped onto the opposite running board rolled out of the way unscathed. 

The sergeant leading the kidnapping knew it was time to strike and ordered an all-out charge across the boulevard towards the smoking wreckage. 

*BOOM* 

The soldiers stopped only a foot or two into their charge as the headless body of their sergeant fell onto the median.   A red-haired women up the street was reloading her shotgun.    Julie of the Jungle Patrol was not happy with this disturbance during her measly one week of vacation she got every year.  The soldiers hight-tailed it out of there.


Julie of the Jungle Patrol single-handedly stops the kidnappers.
The soldiers following Maja Millie had lost her, but Bob Njano hiding around the corner took out of them.  With the fleeing compatriots coming at them, it was high time to leave the area.  Perhaps no one would remember them when they came in to work tomorrow?

Ruby Diamond emerged from the crashed sedan with a sore neck, but worse for wear.  Her driver, Partridge, fared a far worse fate.  He was already cold when checked on him. 

R.I.P. John Partridge
Out of the dust and smoke, Ruby could only see the lone menacing figure of Lt Col Ovaltine coming towards her. 

"Ever since you sent me that letter, I knew we were destin....*Bang* Bang* Bang*"

Three shots merely grazed the amorous treasure hunter, one on his holster, another nicked his shoulder, while the third knocked off his hat.  The was enough to chase Ovaltine away for another day. 

Another figure emerged from the dust, holding an empty revolver and a pilot's cap. 

"Miss?  Are you alright?"


Curses!  Foiled again!

The other ne'er do wells run off together....



Turn Six:  And with that, Ted Mosby, Aviator, managed to escort Miss Diamond into the Hotel Hatari.   An autograph and a peck on the cheek was all the reward he needed.  Some extra money walking her dog would be a pleasure... 


Speaking of which, where was that silly dog?


After a five month hiatus, the "Egypt Game" is back and better than ever!   Depending on what actions Miss Maja and her sister Millie do, I needed some super-cheap easily replaceable buildings ad walls so I finally found some on rpgnow.com.  I only got three assembled that morning, but the set's variety of buildings and marketplace stalls allowed me to move more permanent versions of the terrain further down my want list. 


If this scenario looks familiar, it's because I based it off of Preacher by Day's AAR Starstruck.   No zeppelin troopers, cultists, or nice terrain (all are in the future purchase queue), but for my audience, they were ecstatic for a little kissy-kissy romance with Ruby Diamon, even if Maja's first choice died in a horrible accident.