Cold Wars 2023 PEL is Up!

Cold Wars 2023 will be occurring March 9-12, 2023 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. 

The Preliminary Events List (PEL) can be found here.

As with all HMGS cons, I'll break out the events that draw my interest, plus some of the events that the Stout Gnomes and the HMGS Next Gen are running (usually in red).

THURSDAY

T17:310 : The Battle of Cowpens - January 17, 1781 — Theme Thursday, 5:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 4, Location: : Next Gen 1 GM: Mike Fatovic & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: American War for Independence, Scale: 54mm, Rules: All the Kings Men 

Description: Retreating from the British army, American General Nathanial Greene split his force to divide the pursuing British in turn. British General Cornwallis obliged and sent Colonel Tarleton after one branch of the rebels. These patriots under Daniel Morgan turned to fight at a South Carolina pasture called Cowpens. Impetuous and direct, Tarleton was known for frontal attacks. Meanwhile, Morgan anticipated Tarleton's boldness as well as the unreliability of his own militia. You can decide who will be the victor, Crown or Patriots! Adolescents (13 to 17) are welcome to play.

T19:264 : Desert Relief Thursday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : DV-1 GM: Scott Landis & Rogues Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: American War for Independence, Scale: 28mm, Rules: TSATF 

Description: A small French Foreign Legion unit is defending a small village in the middle of the Desert. Can the Legion relief column arrive in time to rescue them? Will you March or Die? Slightly modified version of the classic rules the Sword and the Flame. 

FRIDAY

F09:275 : Car Wars: Tanker Truck Take-down! Friday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 4, Location: : GM: Frank Osborn & LXG Gaming Club, THE MECHANICON and Gaming Garage Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Future, Scale: 1/64, Rules: Car Wars 6th Edition and House rules. 

Description: A big rig full of fuel has just exited the highway and is heading for the rest stop. Given the high prices of fuel these days, everyone is seeking alternative methods of transportation. You and your gangmates have decided to simply not pay at all and steal the gas by intercepting the truck before it reaches the drop off. Can your light vehicles take down the rig in time? Push the pedal to the metal and embark on a road chase for the ultimate prize, gasoline! All materials provided and all rules will be taught!!

F09:261 : Frostgrave: The Caverns of Chaos Friday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : DV-1 GM: Cliff Brunken & DelVal Sponsor: Windsword LLC, Prize: Vendor Coupons Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Frostgrave 

Description: Exploring the Frozen City can prove dangerous. But with no risk, comes no reward. Adventure seekers can make a name and great wealth exploring the under City for themselves. However, many have never returned once they set out for Glory. Family Fun- Kids Welcome. 

F09:242 : The Natives Return to Schlegel's Ferry Friday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA1 GM: Eric Schlegel & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Feudal Patrol

Description: The Schlegels have established a trading post and ferry at a prime location along the Western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Now the previous owners want it back. Who will prevail? The 1st of 7 linked scenarios involving the Schlegel family as they advance through history and into the future. Players under 13 welcome with a playing adult.

F11:319 : Showdown at Hoghollow Creek Friday, 11:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: Mike Lung & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Western, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Fistful of Lead 

Description: A light hearted anthropomorphic Western. The Razorback Gang is back in town and fixin' to stir up some trouble. Help Sherriff Chuck E. Cheese, Deputy Dog, and the citizens of Hoghollow Creek show those rascals who is the boss in this town. No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged.

HU:904 : Painting the “2 Footer” Friday, 12:00 PM, 1.5 hrs, Students: 6 Location: Parkview Ballroom: PV-3 Instructor: Jim Stanton & HMGS Next Gen 

Description: Teachers Program: Teaches a unique painting style using all Craft paints and of all things brown primer to create incredibly crisp, clean paint jobs that look amazing on the gaming table. In keeping with the Convention theme we will be painting Matchbox Models of Yesteryear trucks Suitable for 28mm games. Each participant will leave with a couple of painted vehicles. Instructor: Jim Stanton & HMGS Next Gen 

F15:254 : Wars of Orcs and Dwarves Playtest Friday, 3:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA2 GM: David Wood & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Orcs and Dwarves 

Description: The troops used for the two WOOD scenarios run at Cold Wars will be available. This will be a pickup game using the troops selected by the players focus on letting players learn and try the rules. Wars of Orcs and Dwarves (WOOD) is a new set of massed-battle fantasy rules. The engine is based on the mechanics of Wars of Ozz. As a generic set of rules, WOOD is designed to let players use whatever armies they have on hand

F16:321 : The Second Battle of Santa Poco Friday, 4:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: Eric Jacobson & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars 

Description: Everyone remembers the First Battle of Santa Poco, but few people remember the fallout after the heroes left. Con-men, grifters, oil barons, foreign tourists, and even more German agents descended upon the town. Will things come to serious blows, or will the appearance of FOUR new heroes turn the tide? No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged. 

F18:231 : War to Save Yule - River of Ice Friday, 6:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA3 GM: Buck Surdu & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz Description: First of three scenarios in the War to Save Yule campaign supplement for Wars of Ozz. Ice Queen Aurora launched her forces against those of Babbo Natale to seize the Bauble of Time, which allows Babbo and his elves to deliver Yule blessings in one night. Once the Ice Queen has possession of the Bauble of Time, she would use its magic to send forth her black-hearted Krampus out into the night to mark the children of Ozz, so when they reached maturity, they would be enslaved in her mines and armies. The Ice Queen launches her invasion across a frozen river. Younger gamers are welcome with a participating adult. 

F19:255 : Can the Ratlings save their homeland from army of the Necromancer? Friday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA2 GM: David Wood & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Orcs and Dwarves 

Description: The Ratlings are valiant fighters, but the Necromancer has animated a lot of undead, which side will win? Wars of Orcs and Dwarves (WOOD) is a new set of massed-battle fantasy rules. As a generic set of rules, WOOD is designed to let players use whatever armies they have on hand.

F19:239 : Got Skoggskatter? Friday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 4, Location: : FA7 GM: James Mcwilliams & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Dark Ages, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Saga 1st Edition 

Description: The Jarl is offering his daughter's hand in marriage to the warrior who can provide the most Scandinavian Wild Cats for her dowry. Be warned (hiss...growl)--they don't go easy! 

F19:356 : Membership Meeting Friday, 7:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 50, Location: : GM: Joby Miller & HMGS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: Other, Rules: Roberts Rules of Order Description: 2023 Annual Cold Wars HMGS Membership Meeting. Open to all members. 

F19:112 : Ordeal at Otjiwarongo! (German South West Africa, 1904) Friday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : GM: Roy Jones Sponsor: Recreational Conflict, Prize: None Period: Colonial, Scale: 25mm, Rules: The Sword and the Flame (Modified) 

Description: German infantry and Herero riflemen locked in desperate combat! Germans fighting for survival in three separated groups. Two great Herero captains - Assa and Kajata - maneuvering their superior forces for the final deathblow. Then suddenly - the Kaiser's cannon arrive! From the scenario book "The Herero War". More at: https://www.hererowars.com. 

F19:236 : Surprise Aztec Raid on the Spanish Outpost Friday, 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 9, Location: : FA5 GM: Mark Morin & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Feudal Patrol TM 

Description: Near harvest time, a Tlaxcalan village is being raided by the Aztecs, seeking to take wealth, food, and prisoners. The Aztecs know the majority of the Tlaxcalan troops are with the Conquistadores elsewhere, and expect an easy task. Unbeknownst to the Aztecs, there are some Spanish troops at this town who will help to defend it. This is a generic scenario based on Aztecs launching a surprise raid Veracruz or a Tlaxcalan Village serving as a supply base for Cortes. This is a Feudal Patrol™ game using the Civilizations Collide supplement for the period of the Spanish Conquest. 

F20:323 : The Joust - Teachers Program Friday, 8:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 40, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: Elizabeth Stanton & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: Prizes Period: Medieval, Scale: 28mm, Rules: To Cry a Joust 

Description: Jousting Tournament! Rules taught. Quick, easy, loads of fun, prizes! No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged.

SATURDAY

S09:353 : Heavy Gear Blitz: Drop Ship Down Saturday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : GM: Paul Campbell Sponsor: Dream Pod 9, Prize: miniature Period: Future, Scale: 15mm, Rules: Heavy Gear Blitz 3.1 ,

Description: Time is of the essence an Earth forces drop ship has crashed ,this crash surely won’t go unnoticed for long. Your company’s mission is to investigate the crash site to secure any supplies or intel. Rules taught. Kids welcome with an attending adult.

S09:240 : Let's Play Feudal PatrolTM! - Viking Raid Saturday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA9 GM: Gregory Priebe & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Dark Ages, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Combat Patrol TM 

Description: Vikings raid an Anglo-Saxon village in this beginner scenario. Learn this exciting medieval skirmish rules system by playing just a couple of turns or a whole game. Rules will be taught by one of the supplement authors. Come for an hour sometime during this period, take control of a squad, and learn the streamlined mechanics that enable you to fight the battle, not the rules. Younger players are welcome with a participating adult.

S09:244 : The Rebs Comes to Schlegel's Ferry Saturday, 9:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA1 GM: Eric Schlegel & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: MD Period: American Civil War, Scale: 25mm, Rules: GASLIGHT 

Description: It's 1864 and an outshoot of Early's raid on Washington has made it to Schlegel's Ferry and are intent on collecting supplies and burning the village. Can the Schlegel's and their friends repel the invaders? The 4th of 7 linked scenarios involving the Schlegel family as they advance through history and into the future. Players under 13 welcome with a playing adult.

S09:234 : War to Save Yule: Battle for the Bauble of Time Saturday, 9:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA3 GM: Christopher Palmer & HAWKS Sponsor: Old Glory, Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz 

Description: This is the second of three scenarios in the War to Save Yule campaign for Wars of Ozz. The Ice Queen, Aurora, has launched her forces against those of Babbo Natale to seize the Bauble of Time, which allows Babbo to deliver Yule blessings in one night. If the Ice Queen had possession of the Bauble, she would use its magic to send forth her Krampus out into the night to mark the children of Ozz, so when they reached maturity, they would be enslaved to the Ice Queen. In this scenario, Aurora launches her forces against Babbo’s workshops to find the Bauble. Children under 13 only with a playing adult.

S10:107 : The Rescue - A Pennsylvania Pete Adventure Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : GM: Annemarie D'Amato Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Pulp, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Audacious Adventures 

Description: Pennsylvania Pete has been searching the upper Nile for clues for his next adventure. However, during his search, Pete has been captured by Cultist, who are holding him for ransom. Can PA Pete’s friends meet the Cultist’s demands or will his enemies get there first. Join us in the next thrilling chapter of the Pennsylvania Pete Saga.

S10:322 : The Second Battle of Santa Poco Saturday, 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: Eric Jacobson & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars 

Description: Everyone remembers the First Battle of Santa Poco, but few people remember the fallout after the heroes left. Con-men, grifters, oil barons, foreign tourists, and even more German agents descended upon the town. Will things come to serious blows, or will the appearance of FOUR new heroes turn the tide? No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged.

HU:917 : Creating a Jousting Cloth - Teachers Program Saturday, 10:00 AM, 1.5 hrs, Students: 6 Location: Parkview Ballroom: PV-1 Instructor: Elizabeth Stanton 

Description: A class where we make a Jousting cloth. Everyone who attends will leave with a cloth, dice, and cards so they can run a joust. 

S11:177 : Test of Honour - The Last Yamashiro Saturday, 11:00 AM, 3 hrs, Players: 20, Location: : GM: David Hill Sponsor: Your Hobby Place Ltd., Prize: None Period: Other, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Test of Honour - Quick Play 

Description: Test of Honour is a fun, fast-paced 28mm samurai skirmish game and my alterations have made it even more fun and faster-paced (at least I think so). Don’t be scared by the high player count, this is really 5 four-player games at once with alternating activations. The twotime Best in Show Yamashiro (mountain fort) will be making its sixth HMGS appearance. Fight in the fort, the port, the ships or the village. As always, new elements will be making their debut to keep things fresh and shiny. Quick play rules (one piece of paper!) will be taught. Kids welcome with accompanying adult. All miniatures and materials provided, just bring a fun attitude.

HU:923 : Old West Buildings Saturday, 12:00 PM, 1.5 hrs, Students: 6 Location: Parkview Ballroom: PV-2 Instructor: Tim Peaslee 

Description: Some ramshackle buildings can help make your cowboy town look even better. This class will share tips and tricks for making your own western buildings with easy to obtain building materials. 

S14:245 : Al Capone Comes to Schlegel's Ferry Saturday, 2:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : FA1 GM: Eric Schlegel & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: MD Period: Pulp, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Blood & Swash 

Description: It's roaring 20's and Prohibition is in full swing. Schlegel's Ferry is a hotbed illegal alcohol smuggling and various gangs want a piece of the action. Can the Schlegel's maintain control of their town or will out-of-town gangster move into their territory? The 5th of 7 linked scenarios involving the Schlegel family as they advance through history and into the future. Players under 13 welcome with a playing adult.

S14:251 : Plastic Pirates aPpear at Parlay, Produce Problems Saturday, 2:00 PM, 2 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : FA4 GM: Geoff Graff & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Age of Piracy, Scale: 40mm, Rules: Plastic Pirates 

Description: Ahh those Little Lego Looters! Again they arrive unexpected at a ‘peaceful’ meeting between the ‘happy’ island natives and the ‘friendly’ Spanish settlers. Can you imagine all the happy faces we will see? Neither can I !! Trouble expected. A game for the younger set. Reading is useful (or a parent).

S15:277 : Car Wars: MechaDuel Arena, Amatuer Night Saturday, 3:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 4, Location: : GM: Tony Spino & LXG Gaming Club, THE MECHANICON and Gaming Garage Sponsor: None, Prize: Pennsylvania Period: Future, Scale: 1/64, Rules: Car Wars 6th Edition and House rules. 

Description: Amatuer Night is your opportunity for fame and fortune. The new autoduel arena in town is looking for local talent and this may be your last chance out of the algae tank scrubbing business. Now is your chance to finally get behind the wheel of a professional autoduel vehicle and out of the slime vats at the farm. Sponsored by Uncle Albert's Arena Ammo and Gold Cross Cloning. All materials provided and all rules taught. Beginners are welcome!! 

S15:324 : Showdown at Hoghollow Creek - Teachers Program Saturday, 3:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: Mike Lung & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Western, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Fistful of Lead 

Description: A light hearted anthropomorphic Western. The Razorback gang is back in town and fixin' to stir up some trouble. Help Sherriff Chuck E. Cheese, Deputy Dog, and the citizens of Hoghollow Creek show those rascals who is boss in town. No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged. 

S15:318 : The Battle of Brunanburh - 937AD Saturday, 3:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : Next Gen 2 GM: John Spiess & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Dark Ages, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Halberd, Mace, & Great Sword (Advanced) 

Description: Aethelstan, the King of England, has invaded Scotland in an attempt to finally unite the island. Constantine, King of Scotland, knows he cannot withstand the English alone, and has called upon Olaf, the King of Dublin, for help. As dawn breaks, Aethelstan sees a much larger force than expected, including a sizeable amount of Irish cavalry. Undaunted, the English form their shield wall and advance as rain starts to fall. Will this be the day that the island unites? 

War College 3:00 PM  “Rifles and Radio: The Battle of Hamakari (German South West Africa, 1904)” Speaker: Roy Jones Location: Magnolia Type of Talk: Historical, Period: Colonial 

Description: At the waterholes at Hamakari, Abteilung Muehlenfels was enveloped and completely encircled by superior Herero forces concealed in the surrounding thorn bushes. During an 11-hour-long battle, the encircled detachment's only link to the outside world was its Funkenstation (wireless station). Intense Herero rifle fire, delivered in repeated close-range assaults, threatened to destroy the German infantry and artillery before the wireless could summon help. This talk focuses on this decisive battle. This talk is paired with the Friday game "Ordeal at Otjiwarongo!" and the Saturday game "Last Stand at Hamakari".

HU:931 : Painting a Starscape Saturday, 4:00 PM, 1.5 hrs, Students: 6 Location: Parkview Ballroom: PV-1 Instructor: Tanya Brewer 

Description: You've seen neat paint jobs showing a starscape with a nebula, but you don't know how they did that. Come learn one method for how it's done. It's not as hard as you think it is! Instructor: Tanya Brewer

S18:232 : War to Save Yule - Ambush or Fighting Retreat Saturday, 6:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 6, Location: : FA3 GM: Buck Surdu & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz 

Description: Third of three scenarios in the War to Save Yule campaign supplement for Wars of Ozz. Ice Queen Aurora launched her forces against those of Babbo Natale to seize the Bauble of Time, which allows Babbo and his elves to deliver Yule blessings in one night. Once the Ice Queen has possession of the Bauble of Time, she would use its magic to send forth her black-hearted Krampus out into the night to mark the children of Ozz, so when they reached maturity, they would be enslaved in her mines and armies. Based on outcome of scenario 2, this scenario either involves an ambush or a fighting retreat. Younger gamers are welcome with a participating adult.

S19:249 : Buck Rogers Returns to Schlegel's Ferry Saturday, 7:00 PM, 3 hrs, Players: 10, Location: : FA1 GM: Kurt Schlegel & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: None Period: SciFi, Scale: 54mm, Rules: Blood & Swash 

Description: Dr. Huer has finished excavation Schlegel’s Ferry and has invited everyone to see the old Schlegel’s Ferry. The Emperor is even sponsoring a race with a great prize for the winners. Come join Buck, Wilma and scads of aliens at Schlegel’s Ferry in the 25th century! The 6th of 7 linked scenarios involving the Schlegel family as they advance through history and into the future.

S20:325 : Gnome Wars - Just not the slowest Saturday, 8:00 PM, 4 hrs, Players: 8, Location: : Teacher Program Table GM: James Stanton & HMGS Next Gen Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes! Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars 

Description: An old western town and a few hundred of your closest undead friends coming for a late night feeding. To get away, you don't have to be the fastest.... Anyone bringing five (5) painted Gnomes at War figures from Brigade Games does not have to pre-register. No one under 14 without a playing adult with parent/child teams encouraged.

SUNDAY

Z10:246 : The Space Marines Come to Schlegel's Ferry Sunday, 10:00 AM, 2 hrs, Players: 7, Location: : FA1 GM: Eric Schlegel & HAWKS Sponsor: None, Prize: MD Period: SciFi, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Blood & Swash (Fantasy) 

Description: It's the far future and the Earth has long been abandoned and the only remaining residents of Schlegel's Ferry are the mutated descendants of the Schlegels, but a race of spacefaring insects has enslaved the population and set up a mining colony. Now the Intragalactic Confederation of Planets wants it back and has sent in the Space Marines. The last of 7 linked scenarios involving the Schlegel family as they advance through history and into the future. Players under 13 welcome with a playing adult.