Apathy of the New Releases (Feb '19)

Issue #228 of Game Trade Magazine is now available in pdf (print copies should be arriving at your FLGS soon).  Like a lot of months, there's so many new solicitations, but nothing particularly sings to the old game store manager in me.  However, I'm amazed to say I fond multiple items to put in my "Must Have" and "If I Can Find the Cash" lists, and that's an improvement over many months.

ViscountEric's Want List
Reaper Miniatures
Drangus, Duckman Warrior .............................................. $9.29

It's not the prize of a new Noise Marine, so I guess $9+ for a metal fig is alright.

Poppy Cloverlocks, Halfling Barmaid ..................... $ 6.99

And if I get one, I might as well get two....

ViscountEric's Money-Is-No-Object Want List
Khepera Publishing 
Atlantis RPG:  Pirate Queens of Sheba ............................. $12.99
This looks too intriguing not to take an active look-see...

Steve Jackson Games
The Fantasy Trip: Melee & Wizard ................................... $24.95
With the recent Kickstarter for the other SJG Pocket Boxes, I should start with this one.


The Imaginary Store (The Pegleg Gnome) List
9th Level Games
Tragedies of Middle School .................................................. $24.99

Alderac Entertainment Group
Istanbul: Big Box .......................................................... $69.99
Smash Up: World Tour - International Incident ........... $24.99
Tiny Towns ................................................................... $39.99

Evil Hat Productions 
Fate Core RPG:  Shadow of the Century HC ................ $25.00

Fantasy Flight Games
Legend of the Five Rings RPG:  Mask of the Oni ................. $19.95
Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Across the Burning Sands ... $14.95
Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Shadowlands HC ................  $39.95
Star Wars: Legion - Director Orson Krennic Expansion ........ $12.95
Star Wars: Legion - Legion Game Mats ................................. PI
(Hoth, Jakku, Sullust)
Star Wars: Legion - Imperial Death Troopers Unit ................. $24.95
Star Wars: Legion - Jyn Erso Expansion ................................. $12.95
Star Wars: Legion - Rebel Pathfinders Unit ............................ $24.95

Games Workshop
Chaos Space Marine Noise Marine ........................................ $35.00
Realm of Chaos: Wrath and Rapture ................................... $160.00

Khepera Publishing 
Mythic d6: Adventure Anthology One .................................. $24.95

Konami Digital Entertainment
Yu-Gi-Oh! Arena of Lost Souls Boosters
Yu-Gi-Oh! Infinity Chasers Boosters
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Power Box ................................................. $29.99

Looney Labs
Time Breaker ....................................................................... $25.00

Paizo Publishing
Pathfinder RPG - AP - The Tyrant's Grasp 3 - Last Watch ........ $24.99
Pathfinder RPG - Campaign - Concordance of Rivals .............. $19.99
Pathfinder RPG - Flip Tiles -  Dungeon Vault Exp ................... $19.99
Pathfinder RPG - Flip Mat Classics - Deep Forest .................... $13.99
Starfinder RPG -  Beginner Box ................................................ $39.99
Starfinder RPG - AP Dawn of Flame 3 - Sun Divided .............  $22.99
Starfinder RPG - Pawns - Signal of Screams Collection .......... $19.99

Steve Jackson Games
The Fantasy Trip:  Legacy Edition ............................................ $119.95
The Good, the Bad, and the Munchkin - Complete Ed ............. $ 24.95

Troll Lord Games
5th Edition Adventures - S1 - Lure of Delusion ....................... $11.99

WizKids
WizKids Deep Cuts - Unpainted - Townspeople and Accessories .. $59.99

Z-Man
Lovecraft Letter - A Love Letter Game .......................................... $29.99
Love Letter Premium Edition ......................................................... $29.99
Love Letter Bag (Clamshell) .......................................................... $ 9.99
Love Letter Box .............................................................................. $ 9.99

(Kickstarter) Pocket Box Games of the 80's by Steve Jackson Games

Steve Jackson Games has unleashed a wave of nostalgia over 80's gamers:  a Kickstarter to reproduce many of their Pocket Games from the 80's

At $20 a pop (with a little discount if you order four or more... S&H still to be added during the BackerKit), you can get your hands on the following games:

1. Illuminati
2. OGRE
3. G.E.V.
4. Battlesuit
5. Car Wars
6. Truck Stop
7. Crash City

Stretch Goals will allow for Undead and Necromancer to be added to the selections, as well as  custom eye-in-the pyramid dice to be included in each box.

Add-Ons will allow for even more copies of games, empty boxes, and PRINT copies of the AADA Vehicle Guide, Convoy, and the original Uncle Al's catalog. 

Nostalgia is hitting me pretty hard on this one.  The tax return can not come fast enough.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #12 - Under Illefarn

Dolksford, Free Barony of Illefarn, Wyrmnal

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

My militia companions and I were sent out to the homesteads to confirm some odd stories.   As we traveled up the Delimbra River, I noticed  the vegetation dying alongside the river.  The further we traveled, the wider the trouble.  Soon, we reached the source of our complaint,  the homestead of Meloch and his family.  The animals seemed sickly, crops were still to be planted, but the first burgeoning weeds had turned black.

The River Delimbra had an odd, almost glowing green slick upon it.  I've never seen such a thing before, I dare say I don't wish to see anything like it again.

Meloch's family looked hungry but healthy.  The animals used river water, but the household used a small well that seemed fine, so far.

The other farmers gathered and claimed the ground shook a few days before the green substance appeared in the river.  The biggest damage to the land they had found was near a hill further upstream.

Further investigation at the hill uncovered an ancient stone entrance, carved with dwarven runes.  Murag conceded that this had been some portion of a much older dwarven mine... the original Illefarn.

We came back to the homestead to barter for some supplies, even trading some of our rations to the farmers.

With enough gear to clamor underground, we uncovered a mine that had been abandoned centuries ago, but its chambers were quite occupied.

Three factions fought for control of the many levels of the mine complex.  Dwarves, probably from the south, were searching for artifacts, in a plodding and respectful manner.  I believed Korin Ironaxe, the leader, was a man of good heart and honest intentions, even if we killed three of his guards before attempting to parlay with the fourth.

Korin Ironaxe and his lovely wife, Brurheadeth

His research would have been completed too, if it weren't for a small horde of orcs, goblins, and other unsurly wretches scampering through large swaths of the complex.

Although Murag was a Wyrmnal Dwarf, he was essential with brokering an unsteady alliance with the treasure hunters.   In exchange for searching for the source of the green poison, we would help Korin's followers drive the foul beasts from a few more rooms.  It was not as effective as we would have liked, as both sides waited for the other to double-cross them.

But that paranoia quickly fell by the wayside as small hordes of the living dead poured out of doors unclaimed by either side.

I'm not wholly sure I believe the homesteaders who say we were down in Old Illefarn for ten days.  Sometimes it felt like an eternity.  Being constantly attacked by two separate forces, for the skeletons and zombies belonged to some death cult which found a portion to call its home, then staging counter-attacks to create separation, or even find clean water, seemed to be never-ending.

I will say this of the Dwarves, they are a stubborn and patient folk.  With a lifespan four times that of normal men, they seemed unfazed to stay in cramp, dark, conditions for hours, waiting for the situation to change, or the pursuers to tire of the game.   I still prefer my companion Moreg to the southern dwarves.  He is quieter, less mischievous, and was a better fighter than many of the diggers and researchers, save Korin.

Ultimately, we prevailed... at stopping the green liquid from reaching the river.   The mines contained a series of cisterns, and the quaking Earth damaged a portion of the system, including sending poisons downriver.  We were able to stop the green flow and give the dwarves some additional territory, so they could repair the rest in safety.

We returned as heroes, because the green poison was just starting to reach Dolksford.  With the flows stopped, the water returned to its normal state.

We were hailed as heroes again and rewarded, again, by Melfarm.  Life would had been swell, if it weren't for two things.

The scoundrel, Rolgrim, took our simple story of defeating orcs in a cave system into a sheer exaggeration of KING Ironaxe and his army defeating a horde of orcs and a mob of undead assaulting their massive complex.

Due to Melfarm's greed and lust for power, he began organizing the militia to attack Old Illefarn, with us as the leaders.

I'm not sure how we would have gotten out of that mess, but luckily, my past came to even the deal.

Jarl Runholf had sent men out to hunt me down for the indignities I put through himself and his elf-loving wife, but had zero success.  However, the news of the Order of Merit was being sent up to Norvikk, trickled through Marholm and Runholf the Dandy saw straight through the tricky disguise.

Not of my new surname and feisty reputation, but rather, I was the only Elsderth in the entire land of Wyrmnal.

The bounty hunters caught me with my companions on the drill field with a large audience.  The townsfolk and fellow militiamen were resigned to give me to these men, but my companions had grown attached to me and wished me to stay quite alive.  With those four between me and a painful and torturous rest of my life, I raised the stakes by pulling out... a rock.  We had found it in Old Illefarn and Murag taught me the chant inscribed on the top of it.

Everyone, including myself, was amazed to see a being of earth and stone, assume a form right from the drill grounds and begin slaying the bounty hunters, then turning on the militia and townsfolk.

Not understanding the SECOND chant to control it, inscribed on the bottom of the rock, or the fact alluding me that all commands were to be spoken in Dwarfish, it rampaged throughout the town.

We all realized that our time in Illefarn was fleeting, so we dashed behind some houses, found our belongings, grabbed our horses, and are now heading back through Willip.

Destination?  Verbobonc.

Home.

Your Faithful Servant,

Elsderth Greyhawk,  Sellsword and Sage of the Order of Merit.
Saviour and Ravager of Dolksford, in countless ways.

DM Notes: The last few letters are a result of Talanth Blackash's crew visiting Dolksford, getting wrapped up in an unrequited romance, and leaving abruptly,  although in the campaign, the returned the Baron's sister from a second kidnapping with her word clearing them of any guilt.  The Blackash Crew never stayed long, and rarely finished any standalone module.

Besides this fictional run-through, I've never gotten any group into the dungeon portion of N5 - Under Illefarn.  It is a solid enough set-up that I plan on inserting it into two completely different campaigns I have in my idea book.  

Yet, as I maneuvered this fictional band through Illefarn as a plot device for following the Blackash Crew, my GM instincts took over.  Elsderth's Order of Merit (his name for the group, not anyone else's) would not clear out Old Illefarn.  They would help Korin make some headway, find some treasure, solve the problem, and leave Dolksford.  They leave behind a weakened humanoid warband, a growing death cult, and dwarves trying to fix a cistern(s) that may or may not be poisoned.  

With the Order's departure, and Korin Ironaxe methodically making progress, the death cult would slowly overwhelm them, with "bodies" and possibly the malignancy of the green water.  

The earth elemental will distract the Baron Melfarm for awhile, but when he or his descendants finally turns his attention to the Dwarven enclave, what happens when the inhabitants are undead... and recently transformed proto-Chaos Dwarves!

The only thing more patient than a dwarf, is the undead without a close target. 

Hey, it could happen!

Next: #13 Griffon's Cove

RIP Hal Dyson (1932-2019)

If there's a downfall to the "Big Three" HMGS historical conventions is that, even after years of attending, you don't get to meet everybody there. 

Even then, you know of other people: the ancients tourney guys, the WW2 extravaganza guys, even those infernal Gnome guys.

Hal Dyson was the Aerodrome guy, and he passed away earlier this month.

The Aerodrome console (Pic from Third Point of Singularity)

Mister Nizz from Third Point of Singularity was far more familiar with the gentlemen, so I'll refer dear readers to his post.

Despite never playing in any of the Aerodrome games, there was something comforting about seeing those big wooden command consoles, filled with pegs, lining the table, every convention.  

Co-GMing?

Sometimes life inspires art.  Sometimes art inspires life. 

Sometimes stupid pictures on the internet inspire blog posts.

If one of you is running a mission from God, the other better not run the Penguin in a completely opposite way. 

I've really had few opportunities to Co-GM, the definition of that for the sake of this post is either side-by-side game masters at the table, or a more liberal "troupe" style game, where one GM runs a game and when that storyline is over, a differernt player takes up the GM reins in the same world.

The style does work.  One of the greatest conventions games I've witnessed (and one partook in) was the Bi-Annual "Drow Game" at Mepacon.  A simple plot hook and provide pre-gen Drow characters and just sit back and watch the political carnage unfold would be a first description to many passer-by.  But that game always ran best with at least two, sometimes three, players.   One for the story, one for the mechanics, and if there was a third, one to tie in the political back-stabbing intrigue of the 8-12 players.

And yes, sometimes the players were more back-stabby than the characters would ever be.

Back in last years #RPGaDay, I mention the TORG game that ran through the Bogglecons, Lehicons, and even GenCons of the 90's.  Russ and Todd ran the much more polished, far family friendlier version of a "Must Play" con game than the Drow Guys, but they also had the multi-genre wonders of TORG to keep some spice in the game.  Still, one GM tended to control at least the current portion of the story, while the other performed mechanical, player guidance, and even some book keeping support.

Personally, I have only done one true "two GM at a table" game, and that was the infamous "Cthulhu Comes to Springfield"  TOON game I did with "Dr Bob" of my Call of Cthulhu 1920's campaign fame.  It was a simple concept:  three, maybe four, one-hour "episodes" with with a rotating cast of characters and typical cartoon amnesia throughout.  Bob controlled the stories, while I kept the 6-8 people at the table entertained, and hopefully reined in.

The only problem?  Despite a familiarity with the stories, once Bob left for an extended break one session, I took over full control and that particular episode sort of petered out. 

I will point out that when I've run "Cthulhu Comes to Springfield" as a solo GM, I rehash a lot of the old episodes, but not the one I botched. 

The only other instance near Co-GMing was my World of Georic spinning-off multiple game with different GMs.

Those first D&D in college drew a pretty big crowd, and as some players got to talking, Saturday nights were not quite alright for combat for all of them.  Pretty soon, my next-door dorm neighbor TOWN (The Other White Nate) had his own Friday night group with a mixed group of regulars and new players... but they were still playing in Georic. 

We were playing in the Kingdom of Crosedes for my game, and with no real intention of leaving there for awhile, I gave TOWN all my notes on the land of Emron (basically a knock-off of Glantri for the initiated) and gave him free reign. 

It can be debated that, until he was forced to drop out of school, TOWN's Emron games were far more successful that my campaign. 

Other players have tried to take on the basic structure of the campaign and run with it, any my buddy Hoyce is currently running one that makes me feel at home reading it.

Things might not be all in the same spot, and names might be changed, but I can still see my 20 years of characters inhabiting some corner of his world.   

(Kickstarter) Galactic Civilians by Blind Beggar Miniatures

Blind Beggar Miniatures is back with another flash Kickstarter, currently in the midst of seven day campaign for Galactic Civilians in 28mm.

Medieval civilians are pretty easy to come by, as are the ever-growing group of more fantasy-based figs, but sci-fi civilians aren't the easiest to come by.  While most normal folk stay far-far away from a Space Marine battalion, with the plethora of skirmish games out there, there should be a number of poor civilians cost in the cross-fire of lasers and intrigue.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #11 - Melfarm's Order of Merit

Dolksford, Free Barony of Illefarn, Wyrmnal

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

Soon after my last letter to your Lordship, the "Baron" of Illefarn, Melfarm, graced the militia drill with his presence.

This "Free Lord" looked to be a good mix of Wyrmnalian jarl and petty Ras-Prythax noble:  a man who has slain plenty of men to reach his position, and is enjoying the fruits of his efforts.

The father of Lord Agwain had already given us a decent but appreciative reward for finding his son's body.  Melfarm gave us triple the amount, an actual medal for our efforts, and a formal ceremony where I was forced stand in front of the snickers and guffaws of the militia with the other member's of my patrol:

Alwin Warmark, a mere acolyte of Akana, wielding a flail and donning nothing more than a  leather jacket and shield.  We ribbed him incessantly about working as a latrine digger before his devotion to Akana, but his care with cleaninng and caring for Lord Agwain's body netted us 90% of our initial reward.

Morya Silverbough, a female warrior, longsword, leather armor, dagger. Enjoys setting up camp and cooking almost as much as knocking the snot out of the rest of us... or Akana forbid, any enemies we encounter.

Rolgrim Snakecloud, a scoundrel by any use of the definition, Rolgrim was previously a mason who learned to hate hard work as much as he hates wizards (or perhaps too many rebuffs from "The Busty Mage" Thendara).  He tends to drill with the militia when he's broke from gambling, which is often.

Murag Moutainhammer - If anyone ever mentions the northern dwarves of Wyrmnal in casual conversation, this man will immediately come to mind.  The son of a smith who migrated south, the dwarf remains heavily armored at all times, the glint of his battle axe usually at the ready.  I've not seen many dwarves in Verbobonc, but this is the first one with almost piercing green eyes that leave me unsettled.   I'm delighted he prefers our company.

Apparently we were given the Melfarm's personal Order of Merit, the highest reward a commoner can receive.  While I can't get a free ale at the inn with it, we have effectively gotten promotions in and out of the militia.  I've been retained for some scribing duties with Melfarm's staff, Alwin's been treated better by his superiors at the temple, and Murag is working part-time with an armorer.   Morya is picking up a few silvers acting as the day-to-day assistant (commoner squire?) to Captain Sheren Spearslayer.

And Rolgrim?  Let's just say his drilling with the militia far more than he did previously. 

I would like to add more to this letter, but it has already been considerable time between dispatches, and Morya was sent notice that our group will be called upon to investigate some odd disturbance further upstream on the Delimbra.  I fear a longer letter, or perhaps a short book might be appropriate after this reconnaissance.

Your humble servant,

Elsderth Greyhawk, sellsword and sage
Melfarm's Order of Merit.

GM Notes:  Another set-up letter for something farther down the line, and no sign of that despicable elf Talanth or his obnoxious cronies.

Of course, no man is an island, and Elsderth is now part of an eclectic archipelago.  I picture Morya or the dwarf barking orders, and Elsderth barely keeping up, but I've been surprised before.

Next: #12 - Under Illefarn

(Kickstarter) Noresmian Nights by Lead Adventure

Lead Adventure Miniatures has released another Kickstarter, this for for Noresmian Nights, a new range of 28mm oriental miniatures (not the antiquated East Asian term, rather the antiquated term where "We Three Kings" would come from.

Pledge levels start at roughly US$10 for two figures  (with about the same for shipping from Europe) and works up to around US$120 for the full collection.

Winter Is Here... and Bracketology 101

With the exception of one weird storm between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we've had a relatively mild Winter... until this afternoon, when the heavens should dump somewhere between 0-82 meters of snow on Pennsylvania.  Meteorologists are still scrambling to see just what how many llama farts it will take in the eastern portion of the state, to keep the heavy snowfall further north.

While I've had my regular online 5e game on Monday, there's been little gaming thanks to the six-day a week basketball schedule. 

But the light is at the end of the tunnel, and with that, I was able to whip up a pseudo-game to enlighten and entertain.

My wife and a I are going on a no-kids trip in February, with the kids going to a different location with relatives that same weekend.  We worked alongside the local board of the community basketball association to make sure we picked a weekend that Maja and Millie missed a regular game, and not the playoffs.

This week, the schedule was heavily revised, the last regular games of the season cancelled, and the start of the playoff structure put in its stead.

Sonnuvagun.

We're not cancelling our trip and I needed something to allay the fears of the women in the house, that Maja (the #1 player on the team) would not completely torpedo the teams chances week one.   I broke out a five team double-elimination bracket, some color coded d6's for the different teams, a dice cup, and some basic rules.

Dice would be drawn randomly and placed in order.

Only three games are played week one (it looks like j1 and j2's on the top bracket.), so everybody gets to play at least two weeks.

And because they all wanted to see this bracket resolve itself, I set up some basic rules based on the teams this year.

For 3rd and 4th grade girls, the parity has been pretty good this year, and to keep the dice rolling to a minimum, only the home team (bottom team of the bracket) will roll a single d6 for resolution.

The Cavs are the absolute worst team in the league, with no wins, but the playoffs make odd things happen.  They win a game as the home team on a 1 on 1d6.  Other teams playing them win on a 5-6

Warriors, Celtics, and Lakers are the home team:  They win and advance on a 1,2,3 each other.

And finally, the Sixers (Maja's team) wins on a 1-3 vs the Warriors and Celtics and 1-2 vs the Lakers (all games have been close losses right down to the last seconds.  They should be able to beat them... someday.)

With those quick rules in place, we moved the seedings around about a dozen time, rolled some results, and while Maja's team never went all the way, I did prove to everyone else in the house, that we can go to Pittsburgh, see two Penguins games near the glass, and have a relaxing weekend with destroying anyone's post-season chances.

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #10 - Thendara Wandsregal

Dolksford, Free Barony of Illefarn, Wyrmnal

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

This infernal elf!  I've arrived at yet another village, and I encounter, yet again, stories of this creature and his cohort, like an old hunting dog catching a whiff of a distant memory.

Talanth Blackash and his newest companions, a permanently inebriated man-at-arms, and a near moron of a ranger, where actually residents of Dolksford why I practiced my two weeks of solitude and self-reflection incognito!

It appears they too had been harangued into joining the militia, actually saving the life the of Baron Melfarm's older sister, Bronja, from lizardmen living in at the mouth of the Delimbra River.  Unfortunately for them, it was a few moments before Lord Agwain, her unrequited suitor, arrived with his own henchmen.

We weren't as dramatic with my search party, but my portion of the militia was unlucky enough to find the body of Lord Agwain, riddled with stab marks and a few wounds in places unbecoming of a man of his station.

There are conflicting stories from the other militia members, but I can focus things to one point.   The young Lord was certainly not one to act as a good lord, his attempts to woo the older Lady Bronja was never returned in any form.

And while I refuse to connect the clues and conjecture to make such claims, some of the more wild-eyed villagers have accused the marsh-loving Agwain of recruiting a kidnapping to stage a rescue!  Using the other tales of this man, I find little proof to believe he could even plot such a thing!

Nevertheless, the incidence at the swamp made Talanth and Agwain enemies, and I could imagine the two meeting while traveling down the coastal road, and Talanth and his cronies waylaying the noble, out of spite or justice, no one knows.

The possible of murder of Lord Agwain did not lay on the minds of the citizenry of Illefarn, for it was discovered that Talanth committed a far worse offense: either kidnapping or convicing Thendara, the daughter of the Baronial Wizard, to leave with them, and quite possibly plot the Lord's demise!

Thendara Wandsregal was the only daughter of acclaimed wizard Guy du Wandsregal, who had apprenticed with the Imperial Wizard of Ras-Prythax, Reznik Maximillian.   Unlike her father, who enjoy his position and those of a similar station, Thendara was known to frequent every establishment in the Barony.  Her buxom figure and good looks hid quite a bold confidence and competence in magic-using from an early age.  Again, it's mere conjecture, but I could imagine she may have had an unfortunate encounter with Lord Agwain, and the elf easily swayed her to help them kill him.

Thendara

For now, I shall stay in Dolksford and take advantage of the training for my own survival outside the walls.

Your loyal servant,

Elsderth Greyhawk, sellsword and warrior-sage, member of the Dolksford Militia.

GM Notes:  Pretty early on in my DMing career, I kept running into the scenario  where the players/characters didn't jive the material, and I was forced to realize we needed to cut things short.  This is one of those cases.   I clearly remember getting through at least two of the vignettes in module N5: Under Illefarn, but we never did get to the final (and major) adventure.  The PCs decided to move on and not be kept oppressed by the local milita.  The horror.  

One day, one day I say, I will run the underground lair.  For now, I'll use my drive for continuity and live through Elsderth's company exploring it in letter form.  

The background of the final member of the core four, the "Busty Mage" Thendara was made to fit the new campaign world, but it closely resembles the play style of the character.  Book-smart, assertive, and could party the other three under the table.  The buxom portion was the focus of the other players when her player, George, tried to use late-80's artwork to describe her.  

Next:  #11 -  The Order of Merit

Gingerbread Houses at Dampf's Modelling Page

It appears Tony Harwood at Damp's Modelling Page has recreated his Gingerbread House tutorial onto his blog, originally published on Barking Irons Online in 2012.

Thanks to Mike Lung for pointing this out to me.

Tearing Down the Walls

Today's the last day in my old office building.  I could go onto a rant about moving out of the downtown and into a "corporate office park" with worse traffic, worse food, and worst of all, an office layout that's the exact opposite of what was requested for my team... but I don't have to fight the good fight until Monday.

What I do have to do is finish packing up the wonderful office/cubicle hybrid I've called home for seven years.  The heavy stuff is already packed up and shipped over to the new site, but I've stalled in taking down "The Wall to Dad," chock full of artwork and projects since I started. 

Having two kids go through daycare, plus a number of weekends where they seized an empty cubicle and started making art projects, I've had a steady stream.  And while nothing really surprised me as s I started taking things down this morning,  just the imaginative ideas/schemes/themes on some of the papers reminds me why running games in T.I.A.R.A. (Toddler Interactive Adventure Resulotion... Adventure!) RPG was so much fun. 

I may need to go through this pile of papers at home this weekend and see if I can mine it for more 90% fun 10% rules games we did long ago,and probably should have never stopped doing.

(Kickstarter) Morsels of Madness: An Expansion for Feed the Shoggoth! by Squamous Studios

Squamous Studious, famed for their lovable Feed the Shoggoth game, has launched a Kickstarter for its first expansion, Morsels of Madness

A measly ten bucks (plus three for US S&H) nets you a hard copy of the expansion.  Larger pledge levels include offer to get official minis of mini-shoggoths.

Finally, there is a pledge level containing a copy of Feed the Shoggoth plus the expansion is available for $30 (+$7 for US S&H).

Apathy of the New Releases (Jan '19)

I know Alliance Games Distribution loves to promote their Game Trade Media online footprints with creating RPG character, board game overviews, and "Painting Happy Lil' Minis."

I just want them to consistently release Game Trade Magazine, especially the pdf version.

Regardless, issue #227 has finally arrived, and it is surprisingly chock full of stuff, although nothing that instantly screams "Take my money!"

ViscountEric's Want List
Nothing

ViscountEric's Money-Is-No-Object Want List
Modiphius
John Carter of Mars RPG .................................................... $60.00
John Carter of Mars RPG Narrator's Toolkit ....................... $35.00
John Carter of Mars RPG Notebook .................................... $15.99

The Imaginary Store (The Pegleg Gnome) List
Alderac Entertainment Group
Space Base:  The Emergence of Shy Pluto .............................. $29.99

Arcane Tinmen
Dragon Shield Art Playmat: Hunters in the Snow ................... $17.99
Dragon Shield Art Playmat: The Astronmers .......................... $17.99
Dragon Shield Art Playmat: The Oxbow ................................. $17.99
Dragon Shield Art Playmat: Mist Dashat ................................ $17.99
Dragon Shields Art Sleeves: The Astonomer .......................... $12.49
Dragon Shields Art Sleeves: Hunters in the Snow .................. $12.49
Dragon Shields Art Sleeves:  The Oxbow ............................... $12.49
Dragon Shields Matte (100) ..................................................... $11.00
Baby Blue, Lilac, Mist

Asmodee Editions 
K2 ....................................... $39.99
Rory's Story Cubes: Classic .................... $ 9.99
Rory's Story Cubes: Actions ................... $ 9.99
Rory's Story Cubes: Voyages .................. $ 9.99

Asmodee officially produces Story Cubes now?  The pegboardable blister pack is fabulous for retail, not great for someone transporting them. 

Catan Studios
Catan: Rivals for Catan - Age of Enlightenment Expansion .................. $20.00

Chaosium
King Arthur RPG:  Pendragon  .............................................. $39.99
Prince Valiant RPG ................................................................ $29.99
Prince Valiant RPG: ............................................................... $29.99
CoC: Terror Australis ............................................................. $47.99
Wurm RPG: Core Rulebook - Ice Age ................................... $39.99
Wurm RPG: Black Machairodus ............................................ $ 5.99
Wurm RPG: Voice of Ancestors  Vol 1: Antler Bearers ......... $12.99
Wurm RPG: Voice of Ancestors Vol 2: Man Eaters ............... $12.99
Wrum RPG: GM Screen ......................................................... $12.99
Storypath and Whimsy Card Display ..................................... $12.65

Cheapass Games
Button Men: Originals ............................................................ $12.00
Richochet Poker ...................................................................... $10.00

Chronicle Books
Alakazam!  The Game of Dueling Wizards ............................ $14.95

Creative Goods Companies
Catan: Bandana................................................................... $11.00

Catan: Play Board Mat 20 x 20 .......................................... $21.00
Catan: Window Sticker Set 3 x 18 ..................................... $15.00
Catan: Beach Towel ........................................................... $32.00
Catan: Hand Sanitzer Pen .................................................. $ 4.50

DPH Games
The Gate of Rlyeh .............................................................. $39.99

Dynamite Entertainment
Red Sonja:  Hyrkanias Legacy Board Game ...................... Please Inquire with FLGS (PI)
Red Sonja: Tarot Card Set .................................................. PI

Fantasy Flight Games
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: ARC 170 Starfighter ............... $29.99
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Delta 7 Aethersprite ................ $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Vulture Class Droid Fighter .... $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Z95 AF4 Headhunter .............. $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: TIE/SK Striker ........................ $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Separatist Alliance Maneuver Dial Upgrade .... $9.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Guardians of the Republic Squadron .............. $39.95
Star Wars X-Wing 2nd Edition: Servants of Strife Squadron ............................ $39.95

Gale Force Nine
Aliens Cooperative Board Game ............................................. $60.00
D&D: Waterdeep - Dungeon of the Mad Mage  DM Screen ... $14.99

Geek Tank Games
Tabletop Tokens: Camping Set .................................... $15.99
Tabletop Tokens: Castle Furniture ............................... $15.99
Tabletop Tokens:  Castle Siege .................................... $15.99

Goodman Games
DCC 2018 Holiday Module - Home for the Holideath ................. $9.99
DCC Grimtooth's Trapsylvania ..................................................... $24.99

John Wick Presents
7th Sea : 10 Adventures ................................................ $39.99

Konami Digital Entertainment
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG  Savage Strike Special Editions
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG  Soulburner Structure Decks

Modiphius
Coriolis RPG: Dice Set ............................................... $19.99
Coriolis RPG: Aram's Secret ...................................... $19.99
Coriolis RPG: Emissary Lost ...................................... $39.99
Coriolis RPG: Last Voyage of the Ghazali .................. $19.99


Monte Cook Games
Invisible Sun RPG: Secrets of Silent Streets ............... $49.00
Numenera RPG: Priests of the Aeons .......................... $44.99
Numenera RPG: Slaves of the Machine God ............... $39.99

Osprey Publishing
Bolt Action -  Campaign - Fortress Budapest ............... $30.00
Ragnarok  ...................................................................... $35.00

Paizo Publishing
Pathfinder RPG: AP Tyrants Grasp #2 - Eulogy for Roslar's Coffer .............. $24.99
Pathfinder RPG: Flip Mat Wicked Dungeon ...............................$14.99
Pathfinder RPG: Heroes of Golarion .......................................... $14.99
Pathfinder RPG: Pawns - Return of the Runelords ..................... $24.99
Starfinder RPG: AP Dawn of Flame #2 - Soldiers of Brass ....... $22.99
Starfinder RPG: Critical Fumble Deck ....................................... $10.99
Starfinder RPG: Flip Mat Warship ............................................. $14.99

Pokemon USA
Pokemon TCG: Sun & Moon Team Up Boosters

Reaper Miniatures
More of the large figures from the Bones 3 Kickstarter are finally offered, including the Mystic Circle (which I finished painting a year and a half ago at half the price).
Swiftpaw, Catfolk Monk (metal) ................................. $6.99
Trilladour, Catfolk Bard (metal) .................................. $6.99

Gormgaw (bones) ........................................................ $29.99
Mystic Circle (bones) .................................................  $29.99
Shub-Niggurath (bones) .............................................. $39.99
Viridius (bones) ........................................................... $29.99
T'Raukzul Boxed Set (bones) ...................................... $49.99

Steve Jackson Games
Bullet Dice ................................................. $9.95
Cthulhu d6 Dice Set .................................. $11.95
Muchkin: Warhammer 40K ...................... $29.95

Wizards of the Coast
D&D RPG:  Tactics Map Pack ........................ $24.95

Wizkids
More Noluzur's Marvelous Unpainted Minis, including $15 giants and (small) dragons!

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #9 - Hiding in Dolksford

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

After some crafty maneuvering, and some of the worst rain I have encountered, I made my way into the village of Dolksford.   As a fortified town far off the main trade route, and an inn with a large roaring fire to dry off my soaked bones, I decided to spend some time here incognito.

My penchant for knowledge began to openly conflict with my instinct for self preservation, so I provide you with the report of what I have found.

Dolksford is the capital of the Freiskab, or Free Barony, of Illefarn. To conflict with previous letters, it appears that this dominion, unlike all the jarldoms and warrior enclaves of Wyrmnal, was granted directly by the Jarl of Jarls in Norrvik.  Its status as a Freiskab allows "Baron" Melfarm to avoid the clan-law that is used for resolution throughout the rest of Wyrmnal, including the establishment of debts between other dominions.  Economically, Melfarm is a satellite  of Norrvik, no matter how "free" he claims to be.

Like Ras-Prythax, some of the larger families have been granted an honorary title of Lord, although many of them pretend to exert power they do not effectively have.

Unlike the other towns in Wyrmnal with numerous smaller shrines to the Norse gods, this village has not one, not two, but three operating temples within its walls.  Freya and Thor play prominent parts in the lives of the villagers, although I was comforted to learn of a temple of Akana on the far side of town that is not regularly threatened with pillaging.

Dolksford is situated on the Delimbra River, which empties into a marshy lowland before flowing into the sea.  It is a main trading town along the Mer Nor road that meanders all the way to Markovia.  Not as well-traveled as the Wyrmnal trade route that reaches Verbobonc, upon the discovery that this road has an even worse issue with brigand and illegal toll-takers, I extended my quiet stay.

This has possibly proved my undoing.  After two weeks of residence at the Married Baker Inn, my breakfast of sweet bread was interrupted by the fur-clad, heavily armored Sheren Spearslayer, captain of the freemen's militia.  Apparently, by baronial edict, all able-bodied men staying at least two weeks in the Freiskab must join and train with the Dolksford militia.

Sheren Spearslayer

Realizing this woman was more than capable of violently removing me from town, I swallowed my pride, scanned the common room for inspiration, and formerly introduced myself as Elsderth Greyhawk, retired sellsword and part-time sage.

 After two drills with the militia, I have held my own, although my fortunes seem to be redirected to the local old women for their poultices and other remedies for a beaten and battered body.  Who knew a sharp spear could be used as a bludgeoning and battering weapon, as the bruises on my arms and chest can attest.  Still, I am amazed that my incompetence is glorious compared to some of the long-time local peasants who arrived in the village to train alongside us. 

I was issued  a spear and a leather surcoat with metal studs lining it, as well with the word of warning.  My ability with my largely decorative sword would be tested by the Baron's personal weaponsmaster, Sir Llewellyn Longarm.  Sir Llewellyn is a native of Cymru, and his accent in Trade Prythax is so thick one would think he had had been punched in the head while holding a mouthful of rocks.  If I fail my test, and the ruse is up, I have prepped Mary for a fast getaway, although I know not where I'll go.

But first, I've been alerted to my first official duty as a militiamen.  One of the local lords, Agwain, is late returning from business in Valkurl and some other militia acting as caravan escorts in the opposite direction did not see him either.  By the pleading the Lord's father, and the behest of the Melfarm, we're to wander the road, searching for any traces of this man.

If my limited experience is true, I say we shall either find a body, or the man is still in the arms of a woman, far from the track we search.

Your humble servant,

Elsderth Greyhawk, Sellsword and Sage within Wyrmnalian territory.

DM Notes:  Our retired scribe has developed a bit of a persona, as we ventured down the follow-up to N4 -Treasure Hunt.  It's a bold plan, let's see how this plays out. 

Next: #10 - Thendara Wandsregal

GM Calls it a Snow Day

After a two week break for the holiday, our DM for our 5e online game called a last second audible and the mantle has been dropped in my lap.  

I'm not really prepped for IOU or Curse of Nevoz, so I'll throw them a curve and try to finish the second (?) story arc for my Basic D&D Adventures in Gulluvia game.  

Might need to write up some monstrous NPCs as characters, which means it's time to grab GAZ10 The Orcs of Thar off of rpgnow/drivethrurpg. 

Or they'll just find the Sacred Vault of Weaselton.

(Kickstarter) Deco Dice

In the current gaming renaissance we're in, where every game could be available... and a buttload of accessories for it as well, it blows my mind that the Chessexes and Q-Pros of the world haven't released Art Deco-styled dice, particularly with all the Cthulhu players out there.

Fear not, because Kickstarter now has a campaign up for polyhedral sets of Deco Dice. 

Still unsteady with $14 a set for fancy plastic dice (plus S&H!), but they are pretty sweet.

Happy Birthday Millie!

Little Millie, my princess loving, make-up experimenting, always dancing and cartwheeling daughter, turns 8 today.  

But for all that, she possesses a fearlessness and berserker rage that I've seen in few people.  

While some of her gameplay is still pretty wild and freeform, it probably has more to do with us telling her to go wild and aggressive in her sports.

Whether it's being the second grader filling in at practice to guard the tallest fifth grader on the travel team. 

.... with Maja playing zone in the background

Or scaring the boys by diving for the ball...

.... Millie has a take-no-prisoners approach to everything, and if we can reign that in for at least slime and bedtimes, I think she'll turn out more amazing than she already is. 

(Review) Chickapig

In our household, my wife is the one with the least interest in games sold outside the "traditional" scope of department stores, so it came to my surprise last year when she forwarded me information about Chickapig.

Sure, Dave Matthews (of Dave Matthews Band fame) isn't the actual designer of the game (that goes to luthier Brian Calhoun), but I can't ignore something that piques my wife's interest.  I got her a copy of the game for her birthday, and on New Year's Day, we finally cracked it open and had a go at it.

It's a fun little game.  The premise is pretty simple:  herd your fantastical little Chickpigs across the board and through your gate.  The only problem is that the Chickapigs are excitable little critters that move until they are stopped by something, a fence, a hay bale, another Chickapig, or even a poo-filled cow.  You must navigate your Chickapigs and hay bales, all the while your other three opponents are trying to do the same thing... and possibly mess up your plans in the process. 

Then there is the cow.  Once a player rolls a "1", the cow breaks loose from its centralized pen and can move around the board.  From then on, the cow can be moved one square per move by any player, but on a 1, that player can move the cow to any spot on the board and leave a poop token.  The poop token doesn't block Chickapig movement, but it does force the player to draw a poop card, with negative implications (Lose the next turn, player next to you determines your next move, and so forth).

Having picked up a few of the old Avalon Hill/3M bookshelf games from the 60's and 70's awhile back, I got my nine year old daughter Maja into a few of the no-frills strategy games.  This has the same feel of those games, except the theme of the game, the ridiculous Chickapigs, and, of course, the pooping cow.

My seven-year old could not grasp the concept of the free-running Chickapigs, but she sure like moving cows and dropping poop.

The final arbiter of the game was my wife. Once I made a few sweet moves bouncing my first Chickapig through the gate, she took it up a couple notches and cleaned all of our clocks.  She enjoyed the game, she was interested in playing again, and we discovered some of our friends have unplayed copies of the game.  Played best with four players, Chickapig has the potential of being a casual game when couples come over to visit (or visit and we banish all the kids to the playroom), like couples used to do with rummy, bridge, or other cards games...

Just with Dave Matthews playing in the background.

With my wife's input and appreciation, I'm definitely giving Chickapig four out of five gnomes.

MSRP appears to be $34.95 and is available directly from www.chickapig.com.  I got my wife's copy through my FLGS using Alliance Game Distributors and Buffalo Games as an intermediary. 

The Cold Wars 2019 PEL is Up!

After very limited consternation and delay, the Preliminary Event List for Cold Wars is finally available.

A few quick thoughts before I list my usual  "ViscountEric Approved/Just Interested/Here's a Conversation Piece" events:

1)The H.A.W.K.S. are sponsoring the "Battle in a Box" contest that I tried to emulate with my Samoa game run back at Fall-In!  I have only selected the events that tickled my fancy, but it's a good showing of Game Masters and not everything is 15 mm of smaller. 

2) Speaking about games that tickle my fancy, there's not many true Historical games that piqued my interest.

3)  No Gnomes as of the initial PEL release (See comments below, this has been rectified).  Kids' sports schedules MIGHT be calming down, so I may run something as a late submission/paying GM if this isn't corrected. 

The whole list is available here.
Friday

F: 173: 09 - VSF Racing Through the Mountains
Friday, 9:00 AM, 2 hrs, Players: 10 players GM: Jon Lundberg, Sponsor: Brigade Games and West Wind Period: Victorian Science Fiction, Scale: 28mm, Rules: VSF Races
The races come to the mountains. What perils face the Victorian contraptions as they go though mountain passes?

F: 366: 09 - Wasteland 101: Nuclear Winter
Friday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Gregory Priebe, Sponsor: Period: Post-Apocalypse, Scale: 28mm, Rules: This is Not a Test
Learn to play the popular post-apocalyptic skirmish rules as you battle for survival in a blasted winter hellscape. Veteran and novice warlords are welcome, rules will be taught. Children under 14 are welcome with the participation of a playing adult

F: 111: 10 - BattleTech vs Star Wars, Part 1 of 3
Friday, 10:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Bob Swett, Sponsor: Period: SciFi, Scale: 1:285 micro, Rules: AlphaStrike (Advanced) BattleMech's vs AT-AT and AT-ST's, conventional ground troops, tanks, AT-TE's, speeders, aerospace fighters, and more... In order to support its forever widening conquest of their galaxy, the Galactic Empire has leapfrogged far beyond and to the very edge of the BattleTech's rim. On the peaceful planet of Torado, the confrontation begins. (Part 1 is a different scenario than parts 2 and 3.)

F: 158: 11 - iSandlwana - Washing of the Spears
Friday, 11:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 10 players GM: Thomas Uhl, Sponsor: MapHoGS Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: The Men Who Would be Kings
The Battle of iSandlwana, (January 22, 1879) where over 22,000 Zulu warriors defeated a contingent of 1,350 British and Native troops in one of the first engagements of the Anglo-Zulu War. The British had over confidently marched into Zululand dividing their forces with little regard to their numerically superior foe. The Zulu's massed their warriors and concealed their advance until they were within striking distance. Once discovered, the Zulu's immediately launched into a fierce attack

F: 355: 13 - First Battle of the First Boer War (1880-81)
Friday, 1:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: David Wood, Sponsor: Period: 19th Century, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Combat Patrol (British Colonial Variant)
The trigger for the war came when a Boer named Piet refused to pay an illegally inflated tax. Government officials seized his wagon and attempted to auction it off, but armed Boers disrupted the auction, assaulted the presiding sheriff, and reclaimed the wagon. The first shots of the war were fired when this group fought back against government troops who were sent after them. In this fight, who will control the wagon at the end?

F: 376: 14 - High Himalayas
Friday, 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: David Cook, Sponsor: Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Astounding Tales! 1935.
The British Raj has learned Hitler is sending Gestapo agents on a secret mission into the forbidding Himalayas. Now it's up to a rag-tag band of British agents find these spies and stop their nefarious plan -- whatever it is! Join a romp in the mountains with spies, bandits, monks, adventurers, and maybe even yeti, oh my!

F: 372: 16 - Mein Panzer JR: Tanks vs Tanks 101
Friday, 4:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Kenny Noe, Sponsor: ODGW Period: World War II, Scale: various, Rules: Mein Panzer Jr.
Come play and learn Mein Panzer Jr.!! Great game for kids 6 years old and up!! This is a kids version of our popular Mein Panzer Core Rules system that is a tank skirmish level game. One tank represents one tank!! Mein Panzer Jr. will teach the basic game mechanics of Mein Panzer so once you get to hang of MP Jr. you can move up to the full complement of rules and excitement.

F: 377: 16 - Mein Zombie: Swimsuit Edition
Friday, 4:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Mike Trauger, Sponsor: Period: Zombie Apocolypse, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Mein Zombie
Cold Wars gets hot! Top models have come to the Island of San Miguel for the annual Moto-Zoom magazine bikini photo shoot. The zombies have also arrived. Can the girls escape the island or will the zombies feast? Come play Mein Zombie, a fast fun game that's easy to learn. Rules taught. Beginners welcome.

F: 269: 18 - Fight until Nightfall: Assault at Aob! (German South-West Africa, 1905)
Friday, 6:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Roy Jones, Sponsor: Recreational Conflict Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified)
As German infantry storms the Nama trench at Aob, the German horse holders and wagon drivers located far to the rear think they're safely out of the battle. But then Nama leader Jakob Morenga springs his trap, and overwhelming Nama forces assault the men, horses, oxen, and precious wagon supplies from the flank and from the rear. It's time for the horse holders and drivers to drop their reins, pick up their carbines, defend man and beast, and fight to survive until night falls.

F: 102: 19 - Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?
Friday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Marc Garrett, Sponsor: The Acceptable Casualties Period: Ancients, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Sons of Mars
Gladiatorial combat in 1st century Rome. Secutors! Scissors! Murmillos! Thracians! Or are you a Slave? Find out if you have what it takes to survive in the arena in glorious 54mm scale. Two teams will face off in"Sons of Mars" fast-play gladiator rules. Each member of the winning team will take home a paperback copy of the rules. Watch out for lions.

F: 114: 20 - Star Wars Speeder Bikes
Friday, 8:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Richard Smethurst, Sponsor: Period: SciFi, Scale: Micro-Machine, Rules: Future Race variant
Rebel commandos engage Imperial Biker Scouts in deadly forest combat. Can your side overcome nature's hazards and auto cannon fire to win? Fast, easy, and deadly fun! Junior speeder bikers with adult wingman.

F: 181: 20 - Roman Chariot Race
Friday, 8:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 12 players GM: William Chappell, Sponsor: Period: Ancients, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Roman Circus by Bryan DeWitt
Thrills, chills, and spills in the 1st Century equivalent of NASCAR, with attitude. Drive your chariot around a 12 foot track. Are you Ben Hur (Good)? or Messala (Bad)? There are no laws in the Hippodrome! See if you have what it takes to cross the finish line in your chariot. Only one person gets to wear the laurel wreath and walk away with the gold medal.

SATURDAY
S: 232: 09 - Jousting (Battle in a box contest)
Saturday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Brian DeWitt, Sponsor: Period: Medieval, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Home
Late Medieval jousting tournament between knights & nobles. There shall be 3 rounds. At the signal, riders gallop toward each other on the right hand side of the dividing bar carrying only a lance & shield. You receive 1 point for breaking your lance on your opponent's chest or shield. You receive 2 points for breaking your lance on your opponent's helmet & 3 points for unhorsing your opponent, which ends the match.

S: 427: 09 - Escape the Death Star
Saturday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Jeffrey Hoffman, Sponsor: Period: SciFi, Scale: 30mm, Rules: Star Wars Minatures
A crazy old wizard, scruffy nerf herder, walking carpet, cocky kid and two loyal droids find themselves trapped inside the greatest weapon every devised by the Empire. Can this ragtag, but spirited bunch of adventurers rescue a princess, and escape the Death Star? Not if Jeff Vader, the Head of Catering, has anything to say about it. That kind of thing only happens in the movies.

S: 175: 10 - The Great Game - Jazz Age
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Jon Lundberg, Sponsor: Brigade Games Period: Inter-War, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Rugged Adventures
An Afghan village sits in a high mountain pass. Nominal control allows the powers to insert agents into the neighboring country. Soviets, Chinese, White Russians, British and even some mercenaries troop into the area, but the Afghans are not welcoming.

S: 399: 10 - Happy Hour at the Green Dragon Inn
Saturday, 10:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Nancy Ott, Sponsor: Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Modified Blood and Swash
There's only one dragon in Bywater and that's green! Half of Hobbiton has come to the Green Dragon Inn for the happy hour special. Gaffer Gamgee and his cronies are sitting at their usual table. Rosie Cotton is flirting with the blushing Sam Gamgee. Some Dwarves and even a few of the Big Folk have stopped by for the best beer in the Shire. The guy in a bright blue jacket and yellow boots started singing and everyone joined in. But why is Farmer Maggot chasing Merry and Pippin?

S: 287: 11 - The Last Kids on Earth
Saturday, 11:00 AM, 2 hrs, Players: 10 players GM: James Reynolds, Sponsor: Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Mein Zombie
Since the monster apocalypse hit, 13yr-old Jack Sullivan has been living in a tree house that he armed with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games, Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies, Winged Wretches, Vine Thingies and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known as Blarg. So, he builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint, the reformed school bully, Dirk; his pet monster, Rover and his crush, June.

S: 219: 13 - Sugar Rush (Battle in a Box Contest)
Saturday, 1:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Michael Kogelschatz, Sponsor: Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Home
When the family walks away to go play in the park, the real fun begins. Fairies and bugs come out to battle for the leftovers of the picnic. Will you claim the sugariest treat or be overcome by a sugar rush.

S: 247: 13 - Picnic Panic Walk Up Demo (Kid Friendly)
Saturday, 1:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Ben Rubin, Sponsor: Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25mm, 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: 236: 14 - GI JOE - Assault on the Cobra Temple!
Saturday, 2:00 PM, 5 hrs, Players: 4 players GM: Jayson Gardner, Sponsor: AOH Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Modified Where Heroes Dare!
Intelligence has pin pointed the base of Cobra Operations in the mountains of Sierre Gordo. Players will control an insertion team of Joes as they work their way through this 1980's Pulp dungeon crawl style game.

S: 418: 15 - Plastic Pirates Produce Problems
Saturday, 3:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Geoff Graff, Sponsor: Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 40mm, Rules: Plastic Pirates
Once again those Lego looters slip the ship, jaunt through the jungle, visit the village, panic the population, shock the soldiers and irritate the islanders. Now doesn't that sound like fun?

S: 420: 15 - Samurai and Pirate Showdown
Saturday, 3:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Harry Kogelschatz, Sponsor: Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Blood and Swash
Pirates are invading a Samurai compound, who will win?

S: 207: 17 - Skirmish at Schlegel's Crossroad (Battle in a Box Contest)
Saturday, 5:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Eric Schlegel, Sponsor: Period: American Civil War, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Home
The Yanks and Rebs are advancing and both commanding generals have deemed it necessary to control Schlegel's Crossroad before the next phase of the campaign. Will it be aggression or patience that wins the day?

S: 160: 18 - Rorkes Drift - Death awaits you all 
Saturday, 6:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Thomas Uhl, Sponsor: MapHoGS Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: The Men Who Would be Kings
At 3:15 in the afternoon on January 22st 1879, word of the unimaginable disaster at iSandlwana earlier that day reached the outpost of Rorkes Drift. Lieutenants Chard and Bromhead immediately prepared defenses at Rorkes Drift using the buildings, rocky ledge, mealie bags and biscuit boxes to form a defensive perimeter. Zulu warriors, mainly of the Undi Corps, some 3-4,000 strong, missed the fighting at iSandlwana and were eager to wash their spears in blood and taste victory.

S: 235: 19 - Comic Book Battles: 204 Revolutionary War Soldiers only $1.98 
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8 players GM: Howard Whitehouse, Sponsor: Period: American War for Independence, Scale: 30mm, Rules: A Gentleman's War
Remember those ads on the back of comic books? 'Rush coupon today!' You could get 204 Revolutionary War era toy soldiers for $1.98 plus shipping and handling. They were strangely semi-flat, took forever to arrive, and eventually you set them on fire or shot them with your BB gun. Well, not everyone did. 500 or so surviving comic book flats, painted and organized, will engage in battle in old school style.

S: 340: 19 - Tales of the Gold Monkey 
Saturday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6 players GM: Buck Surdu, Sponsor: Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: GASLIGHT
Join Jake Cutter, Corky, Sara Stickney White, and Jack on an exciting adventure to seek treasure while facing the warriors of Princess Koji, Nazi spies, unfriendly gorillas, and other bad guys. Cutter's Goose lands in an isolated bay on a remote island, and the gang moves inland supported by French soldiers allocated by Bon Chance Louie to retrieve the gold monkey.