2017-18 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
Italy and Ukraine?  Why do your bots love me so?

The Top Ten Blog Posts of the Last Twelve Months 
#1  Wardlings, Toy Aliens, and Post-Gymnastics
#2  (Kickstarter) Shadowrun: Special Ops
#3  Fall-In! 2017 AAR
#4  Cold Wars 2018 AAR
#5  My Historicon 2018 Day-Trip
#6  (Gnome Wars) The Trojan Rabbit
#7  (Review) My Little Pony: Curse of the Statuettes
#8   Ballad of the Pigeon God #56 The Noose Tightens
#9   (Risus) Texas Roadhouse Massacre
#10 (Hackmaster) BT Redux #0.4 - Fonzie
This year was a bigger mess than usual with foreign bots producing page views.  Normally they simply hit the home page, but this year one little bot in Italy loved the Shadowrun Kickstarter post, and another one in Ukraine hit my Wardlings post hard, hence their 1-2 rankings.  Not that they weren't slightly popular posts to begin with, but they might have barely cracked the Top 25 posts before things went crazy.  I've removed the Shadowrun Kickstarter post, and republished the Wardling one under a revised title.

We do get an submission of Gnome Wars with the Trojan Bunny, although it's more ancient and chocolatey than normal.

The Best Laid Plans that Didn't Pan Out:
Cold Wars 2018 - The Curse of what was supposed to be a "Guy's Weekend" seems to be forming a foundation.  Read the the post above for details, but Mom is okay, and I did get some cool stuff.

Non-Con Ponies -  Damn these sociable kids with all their activities.... and Dad's promotion.  While the convention games after working great, sitting back and playing a few games at home would have been great.

Mousling Fantasy - Despite some initial positive reviews by the girls, interest has not been there.  I might have to go through GwtG correspondent Mike Lung's list of anthropomorphic animal games for inspiration.

ViscountEric in Real Life -  Online gaming has been successful, but it has enabled a lack of Face to Face gaming away from home. 

Highlights of 2018:
The Pigeon God Concludes! - Holy crap, I'm amazed and exhausted by the completion of Ballad of the Pigeon God. A little revisionist history to clean up plot holes and general continuity.  Of course, this may have inspired me for other project (more to come!)

5e and a little more - I did pick up a 5e PHB (Amazon prices were way too tempting not to).  Thirty plus sessions of 5e and my dude is a few scant points from 4th level!

Fall-In! 2018 - Who knew this Father-Daughter con would be the last using the "old" Continental Inn?   Gnomes, Lego Pirates, Ants, plus some progress on the Lancaster Hosts' renovation

The "My Little Pony" Eastern Pennsylvania Conventions:  Converting my convention GMing to working the Kid's Game Track exclusively has been a double-boon.  Lots of different players, the two-hour timeslot is concentrated fun, and every once in awhile, I'll get a no-show table and a short break.

Historicon:  A day trip to the real-life Necormunda board known as the Lancaster Host was quite productive.  Two games, a small score from the flea market/dealers hall, and Maja got her first Civil War book.

Kickstarters - I had a much larger list to complain about two months ago, but they all pulled through.
OGRE Miniatures - Set 1  -     ARRIVED!
Prince Valiant                        - ARRIVED!
Talislanta: The Savage Land - ARRIVED!
Pizza Dice -                              ARRIVED!
OgreZine!  -                              ARRIVED!
Macrocosm - Legion of Steel - ARRIVED!
Pulp Alley's Lost World of Lemuria - ARRIVED!
OGRE Miniatures - Set 2        - ARRIVED!
Scenic Grass Tufts                   - ARRIVED!
Hidden Halls of Hazakor         - ARRIVED!
Pelegian Sapper                       - ARRIVED!
In the Dungeon of the Wizard Lord Keraptis  -   Pledge Manage submitted.Awaiting Printing.
Flying Circus -                          Oddly quiet.
Reaper Bones 4  - Pledge Manager wrapped up in early September.  Nothing until March 2019 at the earliest.  Only grabbing a few things, but I do have Wave 1 shipping.

The Kid's Painting!  .
Between the kid's activities, my work hours, and the basement proclivity for water, it's more a case of the kid's stealing my paint for their own nefarious arts and crafts projects.  While I have a dozen shades of pink for that very reason, they recently blew through my zap-a-gap, gorilla glue, and even wood gap filler in some plan for artistic world domination.  Dad was not please, but I was officially pushed over the edge when one of them decided to use a 20+ year old bottle of Citadel copper on a random plastic egg.  Nothing comes close to copper perfection on my minis and it is the oldest bottle of paint that's still good (a bottle of Ral-Partha Aged Metal probably comes close).

My Own Painting
I didn't break a hundred like most other years, but I put up a wild variety of stuff, starting with an immediate distraction into 6mm Sci-Fi (I said this would happen in last year's review. Between "The Box" and the plastic OGRE minis, I would tinker around with the stuff.  The biggest project I got finished was the German Schutztruppe, followed by Middle Eastern Civilians, and a full ensemble for Lt Colonel Ovaltine's Rough 'n Ready Riders.

Games:
This was one of the most prolific gaming years since college.  Thanks to small games with the girls, an active convention schedule, and regular Monday night games online, I've had a diverse and immersive gaming life.  Not only have I played eight new games, but I've continued the streak of running/playing Call of Cthulhu and Gnome Wars each year since 2009.

5th Edition D&D - My gaming world revolves around my Monday online game.  Thirty one of my Mondays was dedicated to Falgor the barbarian and his odd companions.  At worst, it's an excuse to work on my blog if the plot line strays away from my character (often).  At best, it's a combat simulator (it's what my character does best for now).  In between I do get to experiment with some of my own stuff, so it's been a great experience.  No reason to buy any other 5e products just yet, though.

Pulp - Season three of the Savage Worlds Pulp Game hasn't had the same excitement in the house.  Basement issues threatening the terrain, the kid's activities, Dad's exhaustion, or the odd "villains" theme could all play into it.  We will complete 12 "episodes" and figure out where we go with the game, if anywhere.

My Little Ponies - Still awestruck with the Pony-mania, although I am behind on getting some of the books.  The 2-hour MLP convention slots were brilliant for creating characters and running a quick session for young and old alike

When college dudes play My Little Pony: Tails of Equestria, everybody wins...

Call of Cthulhu  - Medicine Hat College - With a few of the cancellations of my 5e online game, and people NOT in the mood for IOU (I know, the horrors), I shifted some gears and set up a Call of Cthulhu game with two requests for theme (1) Gilligan's Island and (2) one player wanted to play "a native."  With no other guidance I made the characters 90's college students in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.  The one player with the "native" request?  He played the Professor, if he was a member of the First Nations.  We've knocked out two sessions of this game, one death, a little madness, and a lot of laughs about outdated technology.  Write-ups are forthcoming.

Adventures in Gulluvia - One of the other filler game, BECMI D&D in Gulluvia is now up to 10 write-ups in the distant future... and perhaps someone will finally freakin' level!  For a SWAT-style game with little referenced background, I'm quite pleased with the actual role-playing taking place.

Risus - IOU -  The original "filler" game, we got "The Culligan" and "The Culligan 2" done with great success

Conventions
Five shows is enough for me!
Fall-In!  2017
Mepacon  Fall 2017
Cold Wars
Mepacon Spring 2018
Historicon!!!!!!!!!

2018 Gaming with the Gnomies Awards!
Best Kickstarter:  Hidden Halls of Hazakor had great communication throughout, a steady supply of new artwork to whet our appetite, and it arrived from Canada two or three days late from the Scheduled Date at the start of the campaign.  One top of all that, it's a mighty meaty book, full of material, and a dungeon larger than some other 5e options.

Worst Kickstarter:  Since I'm a reasonable dude who doesn't order the gangbuster pledge levels and almost anticipate minor delays layered onto practical release schedules, everything's been acceptable in my mellow disposition.  I did realize that I'm should be getting Golden Goblin Press' Guide to the Carribean in PDF from the Tales of the Caribbean Kickstarter.  We are nearing two and half years for this item to be released.  I think it's completely free, and I was so satisfied with Tales of the Caribbean that I forgot this even was supposed to be produced. Now it's not Horrors of War or the Invincible Overlord debacles, but I only pledged $1 to get a front row seat to those circuses

Tales of the Caribbean arrived in pdf just a few days ago. For a seventy page black and white file, it's beautiful.  The closest thing to a problem is some lack of communication and delays for Flying Circus.   Again, not Horrors of War or Invincible Overlord by any stretch.

Best Game:    Texas Roadhouse Massacre using Risus. I believe this was the first introduction for my 5e group into Risus or Illuminati University.  They performed admirably.

Best RPG Purchase:  History may mark this as the first time I've purchased an in-print D&D Player's Handbook since 1999, but the My Little Pony: Curse of the Statuettes Boxed Set wins.

Best Minis:  The "Box o' Minis" I grabbed from the flea market at Fall-In!  I've only painted up seven vehicles from the mecha-laden box, but it's a long-term project.  Plus, the file container is now used to house my My Little Pony Convention stuff!

Best "Other" Purchase:  Maja's Civil War book for a dollar at Historicon.  

(Kickstarter) Killer Rabbits Miniatures by Thomas Foss/Skull and Crown

In a week where Bunnies and Burrows has launched a new edition, it's amusing that Thomas Foss of Skull and Crown has launched a Kickstarter to create armed rabbit miniatures based off of margin art from Medieval texts.  Who knew?

The minis are a bit petite, but are rather affordable.

International Coffee Day!

(Painting) MBA Small Middle-Eastern Building

Once more before I close out my gaming "year" my friends.  Once more...

I've acquired an unpainted resin version of the MBA small Middle Eastern house and painted it up close to it's regularly sold counterpart.

Resin painted by me (L) vs MBA finished version

 I could have gone for darker shades, but I do dig the bleached sand look.

Back view

And with this one, I've completed a whopping 87 items this year.  Another decline, but I only had three sizable projects:  the infernal German Schutztruppe I always complained about, the Eureka Middle East Civilians, and the Spanish-American War US Infantry I use for Lt Col Ovaltine's minions.

NEXT:  I think my next "Schutztruppe" painting project will be the Samoan Fita-Fita and Arab Revolt minis mocking me for eternity.  I also have a ton of figures that need a touch up before I field them for Fall-In!

(Kickstarter) Bunnies and Burrows, 3rd Edition

In week full of cool Kickstarters, I pray to God nothing is cooler than Frog God Games launching Bunnies & Burrows, 3rd Edition, from the original authors, Dr B Dennis Sustare and Dr Scott Robinson.

A buck fetches you the Lite rules on PDF, 25 for the full PDF (plus stretch goals), and $40 nets you the Lite, the PDF, the PDF stretch goals, and the 3rd Edition in softcover.

Pumpkin Spice Role-Playing

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and our thoughts drift to home and hearth, wistful reflection, and fascination for pumpkin spice coffee, pumpkin spice candy, pumpkin spice breakfast cereal, pumpkin spice ice cream, pumpkin spice tea, pumpkin spice omelets, pumpkin spice pasta, pumpkin spice salad dressing, pumpkin spice sriracha, pumpkin spice mouthwash, pumpkin spice Doritos, pumpkin spice running shoes, pumpkin spice contact lenses, pumpkin spice catheter bags, and genetically-engineered pumpkin-spice offspring who we'll one day drive to pumpkin spice soccer practice on a tank of pumpkin spice unleaded.

But few things express the gentle melancholy of autumn like Risus: Pumpkin Spice Edition, because nothing says free, rules-light roleplaying like the taste of sweetened gourd.

Risus: Pumpkin Spice Edition is back!

(Kickstarter) Baby Bestiary 2019 Calendar

Another year, another Baby Bestiary 2019 Calendar!!!

The Mike Lung Gallery #60 Eggyptoos and a Gnomish Sacrifice

Did get too many pictures of Mike's stuff while we were at Historicon, but I snagged these that were part of my daughter Maja's units.
First is a leader figure from the Eggyptoos Command Pack:

 And the mysterious (and daffy) Sphuck:

And the Northern Nurse is converted into something with a much more ancient feel....

(Kickstarter) Talon Games CAV: Strike Ops III

A good portion of "The Box" I snagged up from Fall-In! were metal Talon Games mechs that were produced prior to them getting rolled into Reaper's Cav line. 

Now Talon Games is back control of CAV with Strike Ops, and has released their third Kickstarter for gray PVC mechs: Talon Games CAV: Strike Ops III

More details of this bigger-than-Battletech scale can be found at CAVHQ and Talon Games.

Even Marines Want to Discuss Wargaming in October!

After seeing the NYMSA hosting a Wargaming symposium in the middle of October, I was even more amused to discover the United States Marine Corps History Division is hosting a Brown Bag Lunch/Discussion with the topic of... War Gaming. 

With my work schedule I'm equally unable to attend an event in NYC versus a weekday lunch in Quantico, VA, but these do tickle my fancy.

Cutlists Like to Wear Nikes, Too!

Discussions on War Gaming in New York City

Interested in high-end discussions on War Gaming, its roots, and rule design, possibly even a game or two?  Going to be in Manhattan around the middle of next month?

The New York Military Affairs Symposium (NYMAS) is hosting a two-day conference on those subjects, October 12-13, at the Soldiers Sailors Club on Lexington Avenue.

Entry to the conference is free.  Limited information pertaining to NYMAS is available at www.nymas.org

Alternative Armies: Cyber Bears New Grinning Skull

Longing for the days of the Eureka Teddy Bears, but also interested in wanton sci-fi death and destruction?  The Cyber Bears from Grinning Skull (available through Alternative Armies) might fill that hole in your gaming heart.

Between these guys, the space beavers and pugs I got from Gydran Miniatures, if I do go the Starcraft route, we are going to FunTown!

Sarissa Precision Releases Burrows and Badgers Line of Buildings

Sarrissa Precision is working with Oathsworn Games to release colorful buildings suitable to the character of the Burrows and Badgers Skrimish game

Models do come unassembled and unpainted, but I'm definitely seeing a terrain "upgrade" for my mouslings.

The entire line is available here.

(Kickstarter) Harbor Town by Miniature Building Authority

Miniature Building Authority opens up another product line, and a dozen subsequently themed games at HMGS cons with the Harbor Town Kickstarter.

There's some awesome terrain and accessories in this Kickstarter, and the prices seemed to be out of my budget, but confirming the add-on sections for piecemeal items or stuff from the current catalog made me shudder.

Maybe it's the Mandela, but the last time I saw these were available, I don't think it was fifty bucks for three of them.  Correction:  Last time I made a shopping list they were twenty bucks each.  Ouch!

And I certainly don't remember the Customs House costing this much (That would have been grounds for divorce years ago).

Still doesn't mean I'm not drooling at the rest of the Spanish Main set.... Just means I need more overtime.

The Mike Lung Gallery #59: Welcome to Thundergnome!

Mike's been a busy beaver with his gnome gladiators

The cruel Emperor Catligula has decreed that a coliseum shall be built, and games held for his entertainment. The coliseum will shall be called Thundergnome. …

The arena is from Infinity Engine

Two gnomes enter, One gnome leaves…or something like that. With the arean built now grandstands must be constructed for the emperor and the spectators. 

Emperor Catligula Opens the Arena

If all is successful, the arena may be expanded for Gnoman Chariot Races... the Gnomish Maximus!

Talk Like a Pirate Day 2018

 

Ballad of the Pigeon God #76 - Encyclopedia Columbæ Offeret

With last week's episode, The Ballad of the Pigeon God has finally come to a close.  It was a fantastic run, both compiling the 70-plus weeks of episodes, and the nostalgic trip back to a campaign that ended while Bill Clinton was still President.

As a final gift to this run, I've been compiling an index of character appearances throughout the campaign.  I'll immediately put forth the disclaimer that it's an imperfect, unedited encyclopedia with no direct link

Ballad of the Pigeon God Character Encyclopedia

And for new readers, it should come as no surprise but, **SPOILERS** will abound.

Well ain't this ironic....

(Kickstarter) Occam's Razor by Stygian Fox

Stygian Fox is at it again, and despite my better judgement, this one is wildly tempting.

Occam's Razor is a collection of Cthulhu Modern scenarios with a big twist: each once has a mundane (but still probably horrifying) result. 

Occam's Razor is a collection of modern scenarios by horror author and Call of Cthulhu stalwart Brian M. Sammons for Chaosium Inc's 7th edition Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. It has a dark tone, like most Stygian Fox titles, more akin to True Detective and American Horror Story and is written for Mature Gamers Only. The scenarios look into the dark heart of humanity and the mythos... but this book has a twist.

One of the problems long term Keepers can face when running Call of Cthulhu is their players becoming too jaded or blasé regarding the Cthulhu mythos.

"Oh, Deep Ones? Yeah, we've killed these before. Open fire."
Rather than; "Oh my God! They're real! Run!"

It's difficult to maintain that suspension of belief when you have been facing the same creatures year after year. This is where Occam's Razor comes in, being a collection of scenarios where initially they seem to be linked to the mythos but they have mundane causes and outcomes.

Stygian Fox has had some significant delays with their outstanding Kickstarters, but when they deliver, they are simply spectacular.  

Reapercon Mousling Sightings

Labor Day weekend was Reapercon.  Hundreds of Reaper Miniatures fanatics descending upon Denton, Texas for seminars on painting, sculpting, and some cool swag.

I didn't catch anything new on the Mousling front, and initially, I only caught this cool diorama from the painting contest:

But the mouslings got very quality representation, as per the Reapercon page:

By Bob Ridolfi

By Tish Wolter

Mouslings of the Universe by Christopher Whitfield

Midnight Cheese Raider by Jeff Hensen

You Call This Archaeology? by Capricia Bruns

My Little Mousling by Erin Hartwell

by Kristi Harsh

My Events for Mepacon

My events are officially submitted for Mepacon, November 15-17 in Scranton.  We've got hockey tickets Saturday night, so we'll be wrapping up the con at 4 to make it down to the arena.

"Hooked on a Feeling"
System: My Little Pony: Tails of Equestria  Theme Game
Players 6
Welcome to the awesome underwater world of Seaquestria! Can your Sea Ponies overcome another day at the annual Steam Festival! Everyone welcome at the table and Sea Ponies created before play.

To be run Friday 4-6, Saturday, 9-11, 11-1, and 2-4.

"The Octonauts and the Eight Arms of Order"

System: Scavengers RPG

Players 8

Three days ago, the famous GUP-K was found abandoned and washed up on the coast of Cape Hatteras.  Any attempt to contact the famed Octonauts has been unsuccessful.  It's up to you non-elite group of oceanographers, marine biologists, and casual adventure seekers to search for the missing heroes.  Characters to be provided.  All ages welcome.   

To be run Friday 8-12

The Twenty Five Year Journey of Magic: The Gathering in the New Yorker

Twenty five years and one month ago, a tiny Wizards of the Coast, publishing house for such 800-pound gorillas as Talislanta and The Primal Order, unveiled Magic: The Gathering onto the unwashed masses at Gencon in Milwaukee. 

After all that, the New Yorker has decided to grace us with an article about it.

Even the author admits (and cites!) that there are better stories about the early days of Magic, so a good portion of the article is about expanding diversity. 

Considering I watched two hillbilly, Confederate flag waving dudes play in tournament with Black, Gay, and Female players way back in 1995.  And I'm surprised anyone even cares about the storyline of the new sets adding diversity.  From what I've read, actual story hasn't gotten much better.

Fall-In! PEL is Up and ViscountEric WAS Not Amused

After a short delay and great anticipation, the Fall-In! 2018 Preliminary Event Listing (PEL) is available here.

So first, the bad news.... upon the infinite wisdom of the events team and breaking with 25+ years of tradition when submitting events.

Like the paper form I filled out for my first game circa 1991, the online form gives a spot for Primary Day and an adjacent spot for Primary Time.  Below that is Alternative Day and Alternative Time.  In years of running works, working cons, and managing events for cons, the days and times are concrete for Primary and Alternative.  They are not interchangeable, unless one of the Alternative spots is left blank.  Then one could safely assume that if Alternative Day is blank and Friday 2pm is my Primary, the 5pm listed under Alternative time. 

This is what I submitted:

That's Saturday 10am (since I have to leave by 3pm that day)  OR Friday 3pm.  

This is what appears in the PEL
S: 509: 15 - The Burning of Mautonu - Theme 
Saturday, 3:00 PM, 3hrs, Players: 6 GM: Eric Jacobson, Sponsor: none Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Contemptible Little Armies 
American Marines have landed on Samoa to try and keep the peace in the capital while a civil war rages across the rest of the islands. After a few difficult encounters while venturing out into the countryside, they are given orders to seize the small village of Mautonu. The overland march has been easy for once, far too easy.

So, there's a reason why I don't usually write full-blown tirades... because things aren't usually as bad as they seem.

Upon submitting at email to the Events Coordinator, I got a prompt, nearly immediate response back.

a) The event was listed incorrectly in the PEL.  It shall be corrected ASAP.
b) My event was always listed in the master schedule (with table assignments, etc) for Saturday 10am

Somebody goofed, I caught it, it was corrected accordingly.  Something in the world works like it should.  Thank God!

So here's my full event info:
S: 509: 10 - The Burning of Mautonu - Theme 
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 3hrs, Players: 6 GM: Eric Jacobson, Sponsor: none Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Contemptible Little Armies
American Marines have landed on Samoa to try and keep the peace in the capital while a civil war rages across the rest of the islands. After a few difficult encounters while venturing out into the countryside, they are given orders to seize the small village of Mautonu. The overland march has been easy for once, far too easy.

Thanks to Bill White for being professional and awesome! And on with the show!

Like always, I list the "ViscountEric Interested" events, so if you're into Ancients, the Civil War, or WW2, you probably won't find many of those events here, regardless of how good they are.

Friday
F: 222: 08 - Sunrise Shoot Out
8:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 8 GM: Leo Walsh, Sponsor: none Period: Western, Scale: 28mm, Rules: High Noon
Its early morning and there may be rival gangs in town. The Sheriff has kept his deputies and a few law biding friends posted all night. Lets see what happens. Easy to learn and fast playing game you don't have to wait for your card. All are welcome but everyone should be able to do some basic math. Moms and sisters are welcome too.

F: 316: 08 - Cthulhu Wars 
8:00 AM, 3hrs, Players: 5 GM: Rob Bush, Sponsor: none Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Cthulhu Wars Strategy Board Game
Cthulhu Wars is a fast-moving strategy game about the end of the world. ... You can play as Great Cthulhu himself, or you can take charge of other factions, such as the slithering hordes of the Crawling Chaos, or the insane minions of the Yellow Sign.

F: 181: 09 - The Transvaal War, 1881: Death Valley 
Friday, 9:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Bob Bryant, Sponsor: none Period: 19th Century, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Clans & Companies
A British patrol discovers a small band of Boer commandos bivouacked in a box canyon in the Drakensberg Mountains. Gen. Colley quickly assembles a scratch force for a surpise attack on the following morning.

F: 231: 09 - VSF Racing 
Friday, 9:00 AM, 3hrs, Players: 12 GM: Jon Lundberg, Sponsor: Brigade Games and West Wind Period: Victorian Science Fiction, Scale: 28mm, Rules: VSF Races
Quick warm up to the convention. Race impossible contraptions across a dangerous field in Spain. The game is timed to end when the dealer hall opens.

F: 101: 10 - Speeder Bikes!
Friday, 10:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 8 GM: Richard Smethurst, Sponsor: none Period: SciFi, Scale: Micro-Machine, Rules: Future Race
Rebel Commandos encounter Imperial Scout Bikers on a forested moon. Use your skills, luck, and Aratech 74-Z bike to best the enemy and environment.

F: 246: 10 - Chechnya - deadly Battle of Grozny 1994-95
Friday, 10:00 AM, 7hrs, Players: 6 GM: Edward Kilday, Sponsor: none Period: Modern, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Force on Force
Russian forces besieged the Chechen capital and will attack it with infantry, tanks, armored vehicles, heavy artillery and air support. Against them stood the hardest militia units... The famous Chechen fighters. Join our game to experience cruel urban warfare where no prisoners were taken. Russian forces besieged the Chechen capital and will attack it with infantry, tanks, armored vehicles, heavy artillery and air support. Against them stood the hardest militia units... Please no kids under

F: 447: 10 - Mein Panzer Jr. - Tanks 101 
Friday, 10:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Kenny Noe, Sponsor: ODGW Period: World War II, Scale: 1/72nd, Rules: Mein Panzer Jr.
Mein Panzer Jr. is a kids game for ages 7 and up. Come learn the rules of Mein Panzer in an easy tank vs tank engagement. We can teach you the rules in a short time and play for a few minutes or 4 hours. This is a fun easy time for all to enjoy.

F: 449: 10 - Zombies in the Desert
Friday, 10:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 8 GM: Don Carter, Sponsor: ODGW Period: World War II, Scale: 25mm, Rules: mein zombie squad rules
1942 A plague has broken out in North Africa. Survivors from both sides decide to join together and fight the zombie horde.Troops scattered across the sands receive word to join at Tobruk. Come be a Brit or a German to help stop the horde.

F: 115: 11 - Test of Honour Samurai Battle 
Friday, 11:00 AM, 3hrs, Players: 4 GM: David Hill, Sponsor: Your Hobby Place Period: Feudal Japan, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Test of Honour
Test of Honour is a fun, fast paced 28mm miniature samurai battle. Do you have what it takes to lead your clan to victory and become the shogun?
Also at Friday 2pm, Saturday 10am

F: 150: 12 - 1903- Venezuelan Crisis Goes Hot 
Friday, 12:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Charles Sherrange, Sponsor: none Period: 19th Century, Pre-Dreadnaught, Scale: 1:1000th, Rules: Black Smoke Blue Water
Players will assume either the United States Navy or one of the combined forces of the British, Italian, and German Navies. A hypothetical battle that could have happened had either side decided not to negotiate to have Valenzuela repay their debts. Will use Black Smoke Blue Water Rules, and players will receive a prize.

F: 229: 14 - Circus Maximus for Miniatures 
Friday, 2:00 PM, 3hrs, Players: 8 GM: William Alderman, Sponsor: none Period: Ancients, Scale: 15mm, Rules: Circus Maximum for Miniatures by Big Board Games LLC
The Classic Ben Hur chariot race with refined rules and updated components! Players customizes their Chariot and Team to fit their style of play. Play is loud, fast, and bloody. Attacks are common; often occurring several times during a driver's turn. Offensive tools include whips, ramming wheels and positioning. Faster is not always better; the leader can and will be damaged, if possible. Not all Chariots that start will finish.

F: 241: 14 - Trench Wars: France 1918--What Price Glory Now, Captain Flagg? - Theme 
Friday, 2:00 PM, 2hrs, Players: 12 GM: Frank Luberti, Sponsor: New York Wargamers Association Period: World War I, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Trench Wars (modified)
Part One of the James Cagney WWI film doubleheader. 25mm skirmish game inspired by the film What Price Glory. Novices, children with adults, rules lawyers and GMs looking for revenge welcome.

F: 128: 15 - Picnic Panic Walk Up Demo (Kid Friendly) 
Friday, 3:00 PM, 1.5hrs, Players: 8 GM: Ben Rubin, Sponsor: Stonegate Forge Period: Fantasy, Scale: Other, Rules: Picnic Panic
Come try Picnic Panic, the game of ant warfare. Command a tribe of ants, each with its own unique abilities and advantages, as you wage war over a treasure trove of candy left by careless humans. Play as the noble firstborn,the strong horned ants, the undead black ants, or the hard fighting, hard partying nomants. Eat the candy you capture. Fast-play, easy to learn introduction to the hobby. Adults welcome with playing child. No ticket required.

F: 368: 15 - Russian Civil War 1917-1921 - Theme 
Friday, 3:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 0 GM: David Waxtel, Sponsor: NYWA Period: Inter-War, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Custom
A Waxtel Production Mega Game. Where Reds and Whites move to crush each othre to control Mother Russia

F: 242: 16 - Trench Wars: France 1918--The Fighting 69th - Theme
Friday, 4:00 PM, 2hrs, Players: 12 GM: Frank Luberti, Sponsor: Connecticut Game Club Period: World War I, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Trench Wars (modified)
Part Two of the James Cagney WWI film doubleheader. 25mm skirmish game inspired by the film The Fighting 69th. Novices, children with adults, rules lawyers and GMs looking for revenge welcome.

F: 178: 18 - Assault At Liewenberg: Hitting The Main Line! (German South- West Africa, 1904)
Friday, 6:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Roy Jones, Sponsor: Recreational Conflict Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified)
A rifle-armed landing party of German sailors from the Kaiser's warship SMS Habicht ('Hawk') took a beating in their first assault against the Hereros at Liewenberg. But now the sailors from the 'Hawk' have more men, high morale...and a Revolver cannon! Herero riflemen, however, still hold the high ground. And they fight concealed behind nearly impregnable rock. Somebody - German sailor or Herero rifleman - is definitely going to get hurt at Liewenberg.

F: 499: 20 - LAWRENCE OF ARABIA: A WW1 QUEST GAME - Theme 
Friday, 8:00 PM, 3hrs, Players: 24 GM: Peter Panzeri, Sponsor: OLD GLORY Period: World War I, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frontiers in Flames
Your Team of 3-5 Play Lawrence, Major Tibbs, Sheik Faisal & other's to lead the Arab Army & famous characters on a 4-table raid against the Turks. It's a Wargame, a Strategy game, an amazing race and above all a SURVIVAL game. Face all challenges and try to make it through alive. DON'T MISS THIS RARE CHANCE TO PLAY a REWARDING AND FUN GAME. Reviewed as "Highly entertaining, surprisingly fun and funny."

F: 515: 20 - Gnome Wars: The Battle for Tsingtao - The Heights 
Friday, 8:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: James Stanton, Sponsor: Brigade Games Period: GNOMES!, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars
The Germans have pulled back to the heavily fortified positions above the port at Tsingtao. The British and Japanese have the grim and bloody task of capturing "The Heights." Anyone bringing a painted unit from Brigade Games does not have to preregister.

Saturday
S: 293: 10 - Star Wars Speeder Bike Skirmish
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 8 GM: Theodore Hehemann, Sponsor: none Period: SciFi, Scale: Micromachine, Rules: Modified Future Race
Join the Rebel Troopers or Imperial Scout Troopers on Endor as they try to best each other but both sides must respect the terrain as it can be more dangerous than the enemy. The rules are easy to pick up and the action is fast

S: 304: 10 - Pozuelo Cemetery - Theme 
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Curt Daniels, Sponsor: none Period: Inter-War, Scale: 15mm, Rules: Fireball Forward (modified)
Franco's forces have Madrid surrounded. On 29 NOV 1936, they attacked the Casa de Campo, a former royal hunting reserve covered with woods and scrub. As the Nationalist and Foreign Legion soldiers advanced they were met by a mixed brigade of Republican soldiers. The intense fighting centered around control of the Pozuelo cemetery. Try a new venue for Fireball Forward, The Spanish Civil War.

S: 514: 14 - Gnome Wars: The Battle for Tsingtao 
Saturday, 2:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 8 GM: James Stanton, Sponsor: Brigade Games Period: GNOMES!, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars
The German Far East Squadron control of part of the Shantung peninsula and the port at Tsingtao. The British and Japanese attacked the port but the Germans were able to repulse the first assault. The port will have to captured before they can assail The Heights. Anyone bringing a painted unit from Brigade Games does not have to preregister.


S: 482: 15 - Russian Civil War 1917-1921 - Theme
Saturday, 3:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 0 GM: Andy Waxtel, Sponsor: NYWA Period: Inter-War, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Custom
A Waxtel Production Mega Game. Where Reds and Whites move to crush each othre to control Mother Russia

S: 130: 17 - Picnic Panic Walk Up Demo (Kid Friendly) 
Saturday, 5:00 PM, 1.5hrs, Players: 8 GM: Ben Rubin, Sponsor: Stonegate Forge Period: Other, Scale: Other, Rules: Picnic Panic
Come try Picnic Panic, the game of ant warfare. Command a tribe of ants, each with its own unique abilities and advantages, as you wage war over a treasure trove of candy left by careless humans. Play as the noble firstborn,the strong horned ants, the undead black ants, or the hard fighting, hard partying nomants. Eat the candy you capture. Fast-play, easy to learn introduction to the hobby. Adults welcome with playing child. No ticket required.

S: 177: 18 - The Trenches of Onganjira (German South- West Africa, 1904)
Saturday, 6:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: Roy Jones, Sponsor: Recreational Conflict Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified) The advancing German Headquarters Column is trying to destroy Herero forces based in the valley of the Onganjira. The Hereros have blocked the valley at its narrowest section with a fortified trench line. As the Germans try to outflank the line, entrenched Hereros open fire and charge out! It's a melee, a gunfight, and everything in-between at the Trenches of Onganjira.

S: 339: 19 - PreDreadnought - Italy to take the Austrian Naval base of Lissa,1909
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3.5hrs, Players: 6 GM: Daniel Kerr, Sponsor: Period: Early 20th Century, Scale: 1:1000th, Rules: Black Smoke Blue Water
It's 1909. Uneasy Triple Alliance members Italy and Austria begin wrangling, and with Italy out to even the score, Lissa is again selected as the prize. Italy holds many units back for a fake holiday and sends a force with troop landings to the island base. Italian Ironclads and modern Pre-Dreadnoughts descend upon Lissa. The Austro- Hungarian fleet happens to be at sea to exercise as well. Austria plans to have their divisions reconnoiter together off the site of their great victory

S: 417: 19 - The Spider's Lair 
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 10 GM: Eric Schlegel, Sponsor: none Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Blood & Swash (Fantasy)
Rumors of great riches in the caverns beneath the Needreba Valley have attracted many adventurers to the area, but beware, another rumor says the treasure is guarded by a giant spider.

S: 433: 19 - Dr. Who and the Caverns of Doom
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3hrs, Players: 6 GM: Gregory Priebe, Sponsor: none Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: To Be Continued by GASLIGHT
The TARDIS has brought the Doctor to secret caverns in Bavaria where evil scientists have created giant ants and other horrors, but these aren't supposed to exist on Earth for another 700 years. Are alien intelligences at work to disrupt the development of Earth? The Doctor and his companions must sort it out!

S: 131: 20 - Picnic Panic (For Adults)
Saturday, 8:00 PM, 1.5hrs, Players: 8 GM: Ben Rubin, Sponsor: none Period: Other, Scale: Other, Rules: Picnic Panic
You've played in one of our Picnic Panic demos (or maybe you haven't) with your kids (or maybe you don't even have kids, we don't judge). But did you know Picnic Panic is also a great late night adult game, with just a few significant tweaks? It's been a long day of gaming. Come unwind with us by playing something fast, fun, and with...adult...candies to consume. We promise we won't tell your kids

S: 366: 20 - The Liberation San Pomme de Terre 
Saturday, 8:00 PM, 4hrs, Players: 6 GM: rich kerr, Sponsor: Tri State Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Blood & Plunder
The Governor has run off into the jungle, leaving the lovely Lady Elanor to her own devices. Will the French raiders capture her for ransom, or will her charming English Captain arrive to rescue in the nick of time, and what happened to the Governors treasure?

Sunday
Z: 302: 10 - Eat Hitler!
Sunday, 10:00 AM, 2hrs, Players: 12 GM: Brendan Watts, Sponsor: none Period: SciFi, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Howard Whitehouse's Eat Hitler, the Nazi Taste Treat.
Hitler and his cronies attempt to escape the Fall of Berlin in a time machine but end up in the Age of the Dinosaurs. Players control the dinosaurs chasing and devouring hapless minions of the Third Reich.

Z: 418: 10 - The Spider's Lair
Sunday, 10:00 AM, 3hrs, Players: 10 GM: Eric Schlegel, Sponsor: none Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Blood & Swash (Fantasy)
Rumors of great riches in the caverns beneath the Needreba Valley have attracted many adventurers to the area, but beware, another rumor says the treasure is guarded by a giant spider.

Z: 420: 10 - Zorro and the Treasonous Theft 
Sunday, 10:00 AM, 2hrs, Players: 6 GM: Duncan Adams, Sponsor: none Period: 19th Century, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Blood And Swash On the distant fringe of the Spanish Empire the pueblo of Los Angeles has become a hotbed of intrigue. El Zorro - treasonous outlaw or peoples' hero, depending one your perspective - Fall In!® 2018 Event List Event numbers now contain a 2-digit game start hour designation (24hr time) as the last 2 numbers 43 | Page knows that something evil is afoot. Can he uncover the plot in time to defeat the evildoers?

Take all of this with a grain of salt, o' "Historicals for the Historical Convention" folks.   Just under half of the events that piqued my interest are either straight-up fantasy or sci-fi games... or have an element of the fantastic in them.  

The Battle of Teddysburg, Now Distributed in America!

Well over a year and a half ago, I mentioned that Slave2Game Miniatures was producing Battle of Teddysburg 18mm ACW figures.

The biggest flaw was that Slave2Game was an Australian company and a few heart palpitations were made to pay for shipping from Down Under.

That has changed, as CompanyB will now be selling Teddysburg here in America!

Hopefully these cute little fellas can make the HMGS convention circuit?

And for those still inquiring.... nothing on the 25/28mm Mike Broadbent Teddy Bears that Eureka used to carry.  

(Kickstarter) Dead Gnomes Rising by Old School Miniatures

Old School Miniatures has released another Kickstarter, this time with a Halloween theme:  Dead Gnomes Rising,  undead gnomes to fit their Alpine Gnomes from before.

Of course the only drawback is that these gnomes are perfect scale for 30mm fantasy gnomes, not the ones we use for Gnome Wars.  Undead Gnomelings perhaps?

The Mike Lung Gallery #58: Gnomes vs Ducks!

Mike's sent over a few more pics of his Eggyptoos from Fortress Figures, this time in battle versus the Brigade Games Gnomans!

Ballad of the Pigeon God #75 Where Are They Now?

On 5th of DecDec in the year 1073 of the Ancien Empire, Rurik Bloodblade was crowned Emperor Rurik IV of the Empire of Feraso.  The great apocalypse had been adverted.  The nations of man were reunited as they had been in generations past.

But unlike fairy tales, there is no happily ever after.

Re-establishing an entire empire based on prophecy and a glowing sword is a hard thing to do, but by the time the formal coronation was conducted four months later, most kingdoms, duchies, independent cities, and principalities fell in line.

Ras-Prythax: Krugraf Henrik I was a weak, but conniving King of Ras-Prythax, worthy of the nickname "The Follower."  With the Knights of Feraso supporting Rurik IV, he immediately pledged his fealty.

Aragain:  The death of William I with no immediate heir caused great issue with the mountain kingdom.  Many of the other cousins and uncles in the line of succession had married into noble and commercial families within the hated Senzar Empire. The noble houses selected Sanzo, a first cousin once removed, king, not for his ability, but for his marriage to a local girl ("Pureblood Ferasean" whatever that meant...), Emesinda.

Crosedes:  The death of the "Dread Lord" Cervinal II, and rumored involvement of his only daughter, Celeste, in his nefarious plans, caused a crisis with the Council of Nobles.  Unwilling to give Celeste the crown, they elected Duke Nobquin Silvershield II of Ferrand, second cousins twice removed from Cervinal, as Council Regent to administer the kingdom for "the will of the nobles and the glory of the Emperor".

Masgoth: King Boson V had been King of the Gnomes since the early days of the Imperial Pretenders' claims right after the barbarian hordes receded back into Galmar.  He acknowledged Rurik as the Lord Protector of the Realms, and never sent a copper piece to them in taxes.

Agenmoor: Rurik let bygone be bygones and allowed the elves equal footing at the Imperial Court.  While relations improved with government official between the countries, even the rumors acts of the lost Winnebago tribe, Markuus Brighthelm, and Torm Touchberry did little to lessen the public hatred for most elves.

Skyforge: Already embarrassed by a dishonored shaved dwarf ex-mushroom farmer in battle, the Dwarves of Skyforge could do little but recognize the emperor, under threat of any other embarassment.

Emron: The Mage-Princes were never part of the Second Empire of Feraso, but with certain key courts in disarray within the Principalities, is was deemed smart to swear devotion to the Emperor.

Ispatlia: In the midst of a religious revival involving Akana pushing out the old Argivian gods, the Ispatlian Sydincrats deemed it essential to join the empire, if only for monetary gain.

Markovia, Weissmach, Talmark:  The other countries once part of the First and Second Empires with their warring tribes, bloodthirsty warlords, and corrupt kings fell in line when the rest of the nations swore their oath to the empire, less they become the first targets of war.

The Third Ferasean Empire bloomed into example of stability in a troubled time.   No surrounding nations dared triffle with their might, and Rurik was wise enough not to be lured into diplomatic machinations beyond his ability.  The future of the empire looked bright.

Except that Rurik and his Empress, Fiame II, could not conceive a child, and with sages and scholars unable to find any other blood relations within his Wyrmnalian villages, the empire was on borrowed time.

With the death of Rurik in 1105 and the ascension of Fiame to full rulership, The demi-human and fringe nations rescinded their oaths, or simply failed to acknowledge them anymore.  Upon Fiame's death ten years later, the empire splintered, much into the same familiar boundaries from 1072.  The last few personal effects of the Bloodblades were still being loaded into wagons headed to a museum, when Ernest II of Ras-Prythax seized control of the Imperial Palace and a Pretender claim to the throne that is rarely acknowledged twenty miles outside of Feraso City.

Ballad of the Pigeon God Presents "Where Are They Now?"

The World of Georic, is a homebrew, ever-evolving campaign that I've been using since 1990.  When I started the next campaign in the world, I moved up the timeline 60 years to 1132, and it continues to advance as we scheme about playing again.  Only the future actual play of "Adventures in Gulluvia is outside this timeline.

For those brave enough to read seventy-plus entries in this actual play, it's only fair to pretend to be VH1 and see where everyone, both PC, NPC, and even towns, nations, and items, ended up.  For fairness, I'll only mention any stories post-1132 if such things were mentioned in either The Journey of Mutumbo or The Burning Trogs Rule! campaigns.

In Alphabetical Order, by First Name: 

A. Warren Corkbarrel:  On-again, off-again mayor of Lowdale.   Became a Knight of the Pigeon by Baron Timoth in 1115.

Ariel the Bard:  Survived the battle and went back to Fayette at the Blue Wizard Inn.  Fayette's sister Emeretta, died in the Siege of Eding, so Ariel took over many of her duties.  Ariel passed away in 1102, and Fayette sold the Blue Wizard in 1113.  In celebration of 1115, the new owners changed the name to the Green Griffon Inn.

Ashe Winnebago:  Ashe and his brother Binkley led the Winnebago tribe of elves retreated back into the darker woods of Agenmoor, until the dark elves erupted from the Shadowdark around 1130.  Rumors have placed some of the lost tribe, and possibly Ashe, around the Elvish Citadel at Ilvablight.

Babette de Hydincall: The Chateau d'Echelon was rebuilt, stone by stone, by "Baron" Felix to the dreams of its former owners.  All of the heroes and their families were always offered a hot meal and a place to lay their head.  When he passed in 1090, Babette de Hydincall purchased the grounds. Her sons, Yuri and Darius, and their families run estate.  There has been no change to the invitation.

Brutus: The dim-witted but loyal ex-gladiator realized soon after the battle that he wasn't getting any younger for mercenary work or manual labor.   He would move out of the Chateau soon after it was rebuilt and worked as a bouncer at the Blue Wizard and new new taverns that opened up after Eding began to grown: The Greedy Goblin, and The Broken Keg.   While clearing up a brawl at the keg in 1094, a travelling drow found a soft spot on the big guy's thick head and killed him.  The entire village showed up for the funeral and Baron Timoth superseded the magistrate's powers in the only time of his reign and instantly sentenced the drow to death.

Celeste Silvershield:  Princess Celeste was the only daughter of the Dread Lord, and following Crosedes' enlightened order of royal succession, should have been next in line for the throne.  The Council of Nobles, who were established to act as a rubber stamp in such simple matters, had other ideas.  Naming Duke Nobquin II of Ferrand as a "Council Regent" to rule was a surprise to all. The one thing the council  did award Celeste was the title of Duchess of Hydincall.  The Duchy of Hydincall was normally awarded to the King to avoid a petty noble from surrounding the capital.  It was never determined if giving her this title was a peace offering to the daughter of the Dread Lord, or a way for the Royal Court to keep an eye on her, but she was an active and congenial member of the Court.  She married Gotzoeff, one of the officials of Magic Lyceum and seemed to settle down to a life child rearing, duchy-ruling, with some courtly affairs mixed for good measure.
In reality, she bid her time in court, waiting for the old guard to die out and influence their heirs.  By the time of her death in 1108, the Council of Nobles decided to overrule the wishes of the second Council Regent, Duke Nobquin Silvershield III, and put Celeste's son, Prince Celowin (V) on the throne.

Celowin Silvershield V: The new King of Crosedes showed none of the sadistic streaks of his grandfather and all the long-term planning of his mother.  He consolidated enough power that, after the death of Empress Fiame II in 1115, Crosedes announced their independent sovereignty with only the loss of some minor pre-1073 territory.   His son Geoffrey II would strengthen the bonds with their immediate neighbors to reassemble the splintered branches of the kingdom, including marrying off his young son, Prince Cassius, to bring in the Duchy of Alois into the fold .

Dag di Velandro: Dag and his family survived the battle, helped rebuild the town, and left to live in Ispatlia and continued to grow a monastery of Akana dedicated to kobold acolytes.  They would travel north to visit the Chateau every year during Yule.

Lady Iris de Hierylat:  Lady Iris was knighted to the rank of White Knight of Crosedes (not bad for a two-bit village thief).  At the Emporer's command, she stayed in Eding to formally act as Regent for Baron Timmy for day-to-day activities.  Upon Timmy's sixteenth birthday in 1078, the Emperor gave her the title of Baroness of Lansluck.  She married a local horsetrader from Ras-Prythax, Timon Weissluck, and had three children.

Kannex:  The fire mage from Talislanta barely survived his encounter with Baraxus the Destroyer, but upon recovery, set out for a new career path.  Apparently a certain cabal of mages from the City-State of Anon-Maxis had openly sided with evil and upon their destruction, opened a power vacuum that Kannex, "The Red Mage of Anon-Maxis", was willing to fill.

Jenny d'Echelon: As the adoptive mother of Baron Timmy, she held a high place in the community.  Upon Timmy's sixteenth birthday, she accepted an appointment as Baronial Magistrate, a title she would hold until her death in 1108.

Kane: Kane retired yet again after the Battle.  He helped rebuild Eding and cared for his friend Mohammad.  From time to time, the adventuring bug would bite the water monk and he would don his Chain Mail +3  for "one last adventure," but that ended in a unfortunate encounter with sahaugin off the western coast of Crosedes in 1107.

Mohammad: Echelon's mentor was found in the ruins of the Chateau, completely catatonic.  It was revealed years later that even his moments of clarity hiding in the Chateau's broom closet were all an unfortunate coincidence.  Outside of being a divine lightning rod for the will of Tshang Kai Shing, Mohammad had lost his mind years before. He would live his final eight years (d. 1081) being moved by his friend, Kane, between the second floor broom closet, talking to mops, and once a week to a large windowbox seat down the hall, to watch some of the adventuring family arrive for a communal dinner.  He never responded to anyone.

Norm Dingleberry:  Norm had gained a few minutes alone with Rurik IV, and garnered the Imperial Duchy of Mercadia, a number of miles south of Eding.  He proved to be a far more effective Duke than mushroom farmer.  With Fiame's death in 1115, Norm declared Mercadia independent of any other country, naming himself King.  He's warred with Masgoth, Crosedes, Skyforge, and Emron for territory, and his risky military and diplomatic maneuvers have given him the nickname "The Mad Dwarf" by ally and enemy alike.  He's married multiple times and had a few children.

Pathfinder: Echelon's faithful wolf companion suffered a battering during the apocalypse which was permanent, both mentally and physically.  When Echelon moved into Maless Manor outside Omsjik, he took the pain-stricken wolf with him.   He would spend his days near the hearth in the great hall in the winter or in the observatory during the summer.  His psychic connection with Echelon grew stronger the more Pathfinder was in pain, reaching such a point, that the cleric needed to use Wave to put his poor friend out of his misery.

Rolf Wolfsblood:  Rolf and his new tribe of tattooed warrior-barbarians proved to be a thorn in the side of law and chaos, roaming throughout the land, correcting those who were wronging others, be it brigand or government official, and taking a substantial cut of the loot as their payment.   The clan seemed to disappear before the death of Rurik, and rumors of heavily tattooed warriors leaving the small fishing town of Saltmarsh on a ship known as the Tanaroa Dreams has never been been substantiated.

Sigard Slategap:  The paladin was maimed by the battle, found a place within Eding.  He eschewed the warrior values of being a paladin of Akana and turned into a simple priest of the faith.  He was responsible for constructing the first Temple of Akana Eding had in decades.  He married, and had a number of children.  By the time of Rurik's death, Sigard had been transferred to a larger position as the High Priest of Akana for the Duchy of Draloite.

Sterling Riverbend -  There were rumors after the great battle that Stiriling could be found swinging his Spetum of Awesomeness at the king's cavalry, orcs, or even a displaced pilgrim.  After the battle, Sterling felt great guilt for capturing and collecting on the bounty on Mellandria, enough to travel to the far side of the Empire, but not enough to stop his bounty hunting career.

Timmy d'Echelon (Baron Timoth):  Becoming a hero in an apocalyptic battle and conducting the Imperial Coronation of Rurik IV at the age of ten, might have set a high standard for Baron Timmy, but he strived to do the best for his barony until his death in 1126.  Although an outward opponent of Princess Celeste, and nay vote on the Council of Nobles to elect her son Celowin, the king, he immediately reached out to the young king and established a report with him.  Upon the death of Empress Fiame II and Celowin V's independent rule, now Baron Timoth asked a two favors.  First, he asked to be awarded his barony again, in a full ceremony, but with a new name for the barony: Athelstane, in honor of the old family of landed knights that once protected the area.  Second, he asked that village (now town) of Eding have its name changed on all records as Dechie.   Over the years the traveling pilgrims and tourists visiting the village of Eding were really looking for the village near the Chateau d'Echelon.  That was truncated to d'Echelon, and over the years, the slang had turned it into Dechie.  No one remembered how Eding got it's name, anyway, so it was fitting that it would now be formally relegated to legends.

Thorrin:  Thorrin could be seen tagging along with Norm, acting as the Ducal, then Royal armorer.

Zabty: There was no sign of Count Zabty after the battle.  In later years the Count of Rowand erected numerous statues in his name.

Zoe Alberhold:  The housekeeper still worked at he Chateau into old age.  Her son,  Luke, was the only child living in the Chateau to get bit by wanderlust.  He became a trusted courier throughout the land, getting ensnared in numerous adventures, and rumored to have a certain special lady in every town.  His father Maloran, and Uncle Talis, would be proud.  

Echelon:  After the reconstruction of the Eding and of the Chateau, Echelon decided to spend more and more time at his family estate at Maless Manor.  He would still visit the Chateau on occasion, but with the deaths of his mentor Mohammad, and his companion Pathfinder, he disappeared entirely.  By his accounts he traveled "the world," finding truth and enlightenment.  In the Summer of 1102, he returned, declaring he had discovered a way to ascend into godhood and that Tshang Kai Shing had blessed his journey.  On the 1st of SepDec 1103, Echelon was celebrated at the Chateau before leaving.  A few pilgrims and friends that escorted him to the northern coast of Crosedes claim the "Pigeon-God" simply walked right into the water, trident (Wave) in hand.

The Cult of Echelon soon appeared, supplanting the long-ignored god Brianthos.  The first true priests as a god actually came from a small bird cult originally worshiping Etnosus.

As a recognized religion, Echelon is still small, mostly relegated to well-maintained shrines in coastal communities, although a shrine can be found in between the pigeon coops behind the barn at the Chateau d'Echelon.

In the Echelon mythos, he is assisted by three loyal servants.

• Krazo: Who blesses though that prepare for the trials of the seas, and punishes those who do not.
• Enak:  Who controls the waves and tides 
• Mohammad:  Who blesses those that hunt sharks.