The Historicon 2021 Preliminary Events List is UP!

 After what felt like an eternity, a shred of hope emerges from the fury which is COVID-19. 

HMGS has released the Preliminary Events List (PEL) for Historicon 2021, November 11-14 at the Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  

Note 9/20/21:  HMGS just announced that as of now, masks will be required to attend the convention, regardless of vaccination status.

As I always do, I post the events that catch my eye.  The two Gnome events are in a bit larger font.

THURSDAY
T10:101 Mission in Wassissi - The Reverend Jenkin's Mission Thursday, 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 4, Location: Laurell: LA-7 GM: Graham Wilkinson Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: CONGO - Adventures in the Heart of Africa Masks Required? Yes 

Description: The year is 1881 and Major McIntosh has arrived in British Wassissi where the drums speak of trouble as Arab raiders, supported by some local tribes, have erupted into the north of the territory and The fresh, young Major is charged with moving from his base on the eastern bank of the River Kambobo northwards to the remove the troublemakers. Scenario 1: Major McIntosh has reached the Reverend Jenkins Mission to await the arrival of HMS Tetse with additional supplies for the journey north. The local witch doctor Mwanganga feels threatened by the Reverend's "magic" medicines so has used his own 'powers' to stir up the local tribe into attacking the mission. What will the Major Do? Game 1 of 3. 

T10:125 VSF Race in the Old West — Theme Thursday, 10:00 AM, 2 hrs, Players: 12, Location: Adams: AD-2 GM: Jon Lundberg Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: VSF Races Masks Required? No 

Description: A light opening game racing Victorian Sci Fi contraptions. This runs every con timed to end in time to make it to the dealer hall. Enjoy a fast paced and light hearted. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult.

T12:209 Escape from the Lake House Thursday, 12:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 4, Location: Laurell Foyer: LF-2 GM: Jim McWee Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Horror, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Don't Look Back Masks Required? No 

Description: The weather is great, drinks are flowing, and the tunes are blaring, what a perfect night at the lake...taking a break from the party your group goes for a stroll returning a short time later only to discover all the guests have been brutally murdered! The killer is out there, stalking you, your only hope is to escape in your friend's car but where are the keys!?!? Players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

T14:235 Debacle at Makanda Thursday, 2:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Grand Ballroom: GB-11 GM: Kim Allman Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: The Men Who Would Be Kings Masks Required? No 

Description: 17 August 1891; Tasked with quelling the Wahehe Rebellion, Colonel Emil Von Zelewski of the German East African colonial army marches into the Tanzanian interior destroying villages that support the rebels. Coming upon another village, the colonel gives the order to attack. Suddenly there is the pounding of war drums and a great shout of Wahehe warriors. Rules will be taught, and minor age players allowed with participating adult. The Men Who Would Be Kings is a fun, fast, easy to learn rule system for the Colonial Era. This is the first of a linked series of games that will be run during the convention tracking the events of the Wahehe Rebellion.

T19:432 Alien's vs Predators Thursday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Radnor: RD-1 GM: Bob Edoo & Del-Val Gamers Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Aliens vs Predators Masks Required? No 

Description: Come join in the worst nightmare, where humans are caught between the epic battle of Aliens vs Predators. Rules Taught.

T19:174 Sitting on the dock of the Bay Thursday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 12, Location: Grand Ballroom: GB-14 GM: Michael Konwinski Sponsor: 5 Guys and a Lawyer, Prize: None Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Mad Dogs with Guns Masks Required? No 

Description: For you and your gang of fellow importers, your Ship has come in. Now, all you have to do is to unload, and transport the cargo to your Distribution facilities. Your competitors were not so lucky, and MAY want to relieve you of some of your good fortune.

T19:563 The Trenches of Onganjira (German South West Africa, 1904) Thursday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Buchanan: BU-4 GM: Roy Jones & NOVAG Sponsor: Recreational Conflict, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified) Masks Required? No 

Description: The German Main 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 and a gunfight at Onganjira. Bring your wits, plenty of ammo, and as much guts as you've got - this ain't gonna be no picnic, bud! From the scenario book "The Herero War". More at: https://www.hererowars.com. 

FRIDAY

F09:436 Wars of Ozz Friday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Franklin: FR-2 GM: Buck Surdu & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz Masks Required? No 

Description: Wars of Ozz is a black-powder, fantasy, massed battle game set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by the Baum books. Enjoy the unique and dynamic mechanics of these exciting rules. Command brigades of Munchkins, Winkies, Gillikins, Nomes, Quadlings, or the Land of Harvest and enjoy these wonderful figures by Old Glory. Rules will be taught. Younger gamers welcome with a playing adult. 

F15:629 Gnome Wars: The Joust Friday, 3:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 30, Location: Maple/Juniper: MJ-1 GM: James Stanton & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: Teachers Program, Prize: Gnomes! Period: Gnomes!, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Modified To Cry a Joust Masks Required? No

Description: Come and try your luck in the Gnome Joust. Rules Taught, Quick, Easy. FUN!!! No one under 14 without a playing adult. Players are encouraged to bring their own mount, but it is not required.

F19:325 Membership Meeting 

Friday, 7:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 50, Location: Magnolia: MG-1 GM: Joby Miller & HMGS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: Other, Rules: Roberts Rules of Order Masks Required?

Description: 2021 Annual Historicon HMGS Membership Meeting. Open to all members.

F19:149 It Isn't Christmas Until Hans Gruber Falls from Nakatomi Tower 

Friday, 7:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 9, Location: Laurell: LA-6 GM: Jeffrey Wasileski Sponsor: Brigade Games & Cigar Box Battle Mats, Prize: Discount coupon Period: Modern, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Stargrave modified Masks Required? No 

Description: Based on everyone's favorite Christmas movie. NYC Policeman John McClane has flown to the coast, to have a few laughs, hoping to reunite with his estranged wife Holly. But his holiday plans are spoiled when exceptional thief Hans Gruber and his gang seize the Nakatomi Tower. Can John and Holly reunite despite rampaging terrorists, clueless LAPD, trigger-happy FBI agents, and obnoxious reporters?

F19:564 Ordeal at Owikokorero (German South West Africa, 1904) Friday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Buchanan: BU-4 GM: Roy Jones & NOVAG Sponsor: Recreational Conflict, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified) Masks Required? No

Description: It's a reconnaissance mission, but the Schutztruppen, machine gunners and Marines of the Recon Detachment are looking for a fight. So are Herero riflemen, expertly concealed in the bush. Can the Germans get in close, get their intel and get out alive, or will the Hereros annihilate the Recon Detachment? From the scenario book "The Herero War". More at: https://www.hererowars.com.

F19:468 The Siege of COVID Castle, November 1187 Friday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Maple/Juniper: MJ-1&2 GM: Mike Fatovic & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Medieval, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Tactica Siege Masks Required? No 

Description: After the surrender of Jerusalem by the Crusaders, a terrible outbreak of a plague started to take place, now occupied by the Saracens. Saladin has received word from one of his Imam's that a potion exists, as well as the wizard who developed it, and both are at the COVID Castle. Saladin must take the castle to save his kingdom. Will the Crusaders be able to hold the walls and keep control of the potion? You decide.

SATURDAY

S09:454 Sherlock Holmes & The Crime of the Century Saturday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Franklin: FR-4 GM: Sam Fuson & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: GASLIGHT Masks Required? No 

Description: Holmes with Dr. Watson are overwhelmed by a flurry of crimes. Can you figure out the clues to make Law Enforcement win or do the criminals win the day? Mystery crime solving game, where clues come in many forms for both the Law and the Lawless. Lots of action, puzzles to solve. Fun for all!

S09:288 Wars of Ozz Saturday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Laurell: LA-13 GM: Scott Hansen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Napoleonic, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz Masks Required? No 

Description: We're off to fight the Wizard! Munchkins, Gillikens, Winkies and Quadlings battle in the land of Ozz. Rules by Buck Surdu, figures by Old Glory

10:312 Blood & Valor - Learn to Play Saturday, 10:00 AM, 2 hrs, Players: 4, Location: Liberty: LI-1 GM: Christopher Grau Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: World War I, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Blood & Valor Masks Required? Yes 

Description: Come and learn to play Blood & Valor, a skirmish level game set during the conflicts of the Great War. Produced by Firelock Games, those familiar with Blood & Plunder will feel at home with this game's mechanics, but no prior game experience is required. 

S10:625 Invitation to Plunder Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: Radnor: RD-2 GM: Roland Young & Yellow Worm Gaming Society Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave Masks Required? No 

Description: News of a recently unearthed dungeon complex has made its way to several wizards guilds. As warbands scramble to the location in search of fame and fortune, one must wonder. Was such a discovery shared in earnest, or is there a more sinister reason for such a leak? There's only one way to find out. 

S13:287 Wars of Ozz Saturday, 1:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Laurell: LA-13 GM: Scott Hansen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Napoleonic, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz Masks Required? No 

Description: We're off to fight the Wizard! Munchkins, Gillikens, Winkies and Quadlings battle in the land of Ozz. Rules by Buck Surdu, figures by Old Glory 

S14:107 Chaos in Port Royal Saturday, 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 7, Location: Washington: WA-3 GM: victor hiris Sponsor: None, Prize: Winner receives a sloop from firelock games. Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: blood and plunder Masks Required? No 

Description: The 7 factions of blood and plunder try to capture the pirate haven of Port Royal.

S14:458 Plastic Pirates Plunder Picnic Saturday, 2:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 8, Location: Franklin: FR-3 GM: Geoffrey Graff & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 40mm Legos, Rules: PlasticPirates Masks Required? No 

Description: Captain Ogle and his crew have been at sea for 3 months. All they have to eat is moldy bread and rancid meat. The lesser of two weevils? The town picnic is Saturday, and the Pirates are inviting themselves! We all know the mayhem that will occur. A game for the younger set, although reading will be useful. 

S14:504 Rorke's Drift, January 22nd, 1879 Saturday, 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 5, Location: Ross: RO-1 GM: Edward Harding & LARD America Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Sharpes Practice 2 Masks Required? No 

Description: As the British defenders can you repeat history and hold off the Zulu hoards or as the Zulus can you finish off the small British garrison and bring more glory to the Zulu nation

S17:490 HMGS Education Grant Program Overview 

Saturday, 5:00 PM, 1 hrs, Players: 20, Location: Maple/Juniper: MJ-4 GM: Jim Stanton & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: Other, Rules: Education Grant Policy Masks Required? No 

Description: Join us for a rundown of how the HMGS Education Grant Program works and what you need to do to apply for a grant. Teachers welcome

S19:464 For a Few Tusks More - A Congo Adventure Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Franklin: FR-3 GM: Don Hogge & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Congo Masks Required? No 

Description: Who has not heard of the legendary Elephant Graveyard? That mystical place that beckons dying elephants to their final resting place. Apparently everyone has and they are all slugging their way through the Congo jungle to be the first to actually find its location; not to mention, claiming its riches for themselves. Is the graveyard a myth? Or is there some truth to the legends? There's only one way to find out. Kids under 14 welcome with an adult.

S19:486 Gnome Wars: The Battle of the Bees Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Maple/Juniper: MJ-4 GM: Jim Stanton & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Gnomes, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars Masks Required? No 

Description: A combined force of Indian and British troops will attempt to drive the Germans from the rail station on the outskirts of Tanga. After landing on the beach, the Allies must approach Tanga through a wooded area that is home to some African Killer Bees. Let's hope loud noises don't startle them. Anyone bringing a painted 300-point Gnome unit from Brigade Games does not have to pre-register. No one under 14 without a playing adult. Father/son teams are encouraged. 

S19:527 Lt. George Patton shoots it out with Pancho Villa Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: Grand Ballroom: GB-7 GM: Mark Fastoso & Little Wars TV Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: World War I, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Ruthless Masks Required? No 

Description: Second Lieutenant George S. Patton is a young, aggressive officer on Blackjack Pershing's Staff hunting for Pancho Villa. Ordered to lead a foraging expedition in three Dodge Touring Cars, Patton finds himself hot on the trail of one of Villa's senior leaders. After searching several farms Patton and his men engage them in a swirling gunfight.

S20:296 Roman Chariot Race Saturday, 8:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 12, Location: Harrisburg: HA-1 GM: William Chappell Sponsor: None, Prize: Laurel Wreath and Medal or Scepter Period: Ancients, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Roman Circus by Brian DeWitt Masks Required? Yes 

Description: 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. The Best Roman gets the Scepter!

S20:180 Trench Wars: Mexico 1917--Can You Hear The Drums Fernando--An HMGS War College Game — Theme Saturday, 8:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 12, Location: Bar Foyer: BF-1 GM: Frank Luberti Sponsor: HMGS War College, Prize: None Period: World War I, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Trench Wars Masks Required? No 

Description: Mexico accepts the terms of the Zimmermann Telegram and enters the war against the U.S. Who does Germany send to help the Mexicans cross the Rio Grande: their hero from Africa, Paul Von Lettow Vorbeck and his askaris. Will a Zeppelin also show up? Come play and find out. A what if scenario featuring the Trench Wars rules. No charts, just a few dice and a ruler per player. Novices, children with adults, rules lawyers and GMs looking for revenge welcome. Parent/Child teams and fans of ABBA welcome.