The Battle of Teddysburg, Now Distributed in America!

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

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

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

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

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

My Historicon 2018 Day Trip

Hurrah!  After a long engagement in Fredericksburg, Historicon has returned to Lancaster!  And that is good news for a guy like me who only could only day trip.  The bad news?  It returned to the Lancaster Host, which is still in the midst of it's renovations.  

Regardless it was an excuse to wake up early and travel down for a day with my daughter Maja. 

Required pre-trip selfie....

After decades of cross-country road trips, anything over two hours takes its toll, and Lancaster for us is exactly two (if we obey all traffic laws).  We may or may not have been making fabulous time prior to reaching the outskirts of Manheim, when we were met with a closed road and a detour that only have been been ten minutes, but it felt like ten miles of remote country back roads.  *Spoilers* We made it on time and decided to take 222-->61-->81 on the way back home.

We were greeted at the Host to road cones and men bedecked in "Security" vests, guiding us through the construction zone.  The front entrance is currently covered up and fenced off, and we meandered to the overflow lot... and then to the grass overflow lot after that.

At 9:22 in the morning.  I may have made a little prayer to the air conditioning gods as we parked.

Let's be honest, HMGS was smart enough to send us an email giving us a frank assessment of the place:   Parking spots were still being taken up by containers full of supplies for the remodel, the rooms were finished, but a number of reservations were transferred last-second to a Wyndham hotel a mile away, and there would be no food service on the lower level, replaced with gaming tables.

With that knowledge in hand we walked to the registration area and picked up our badges within 15 seconds.  Safe, secure, and a few complimentary items later, we were on our way to the HAWKS room.

Instead of Maja's regular spot in the Lego Pirates game, I decided to sign us for the Skirmish at Schlegel's Farm Civil War Kid's Game.  Simple rules, fast pace, just bloody enough, but no rules for the chickens.

Despite Maja's general leading a charge down the main road without any troops following her, the Rebels won the day (barely).  Part of the card-based initiative process was a "Civil War Fact" card for each side. If one of the kids could provide a fact about the Civil War, they could give an extra activation to any unit on their side.  Fun concept, except this was Maja's first time learning about the Civil War, so her facts were stretching the rules a bit.  She did warm my bitter heart as we left the room, "Daddy, can we buy a book on the Civil War so I can learn about it."

Big Aliens

From there, we perused Wally's Basement (aka the flea market.  More on that later), and with a hungry child and limited on-site food options, we walked across the street to Golden Corral.

And six buses.

I was pleasantly pleased as punch that the staff moved as quickly as they did and our wait in line to be seated was no more than twenty minutes.

The nine-year old refueled, and Dad happy for a full stomach and competent staff, we walked up and around to the Dealer's Hall.  Even more construction, as the took the road behind the building and saw the Dealer's parking lot dug up.   For mid-day, the temperature inside was great, the lighting was great, and the HMGS volunteers were a bit... enthusiastic.  Rare have I  ever seen a grumpy volunteer (okay, perhaps behind the registration computers in years' past), but the numbers of ridiculously pleasant and outgoing staff... on a Saturday was a fantastic surprise.

Maja was treated like the rock star she is. A talkative kid at a historical wargaming convention is not only new blood for the hobby, but a full 180 degree change compared to the guys I've talked to who started up a conversation with me about Napoleonic era women's undergarments.... I still have no idea who they were.

I picked up the few items I was looking for and we ventured back into the Host for some water and Hobby University.

My Ral-Partha space dude vs Maja's Bricklayer

The Hobby U seminars looked full and the paint-n-take had just enough room to squeeze in.   I'm not one to look a free program for attendees in the mouth, but they either need to push the donation jar again, or HMGS needs to allocate a few more bucks to the project.  I could not find black, white, or any gray in any of the paint tubs. I realized this after Maja's little bricklayer was building a wall with silver mortar.   With this week's heat, we'll get it corrected in the cool confines of the basement.

MBA Middle-East Table

We ran into some old friends, Maja ran off to the Kid's Zone while I zoomed through the flea market again.

I noticed the Crescent Root buildings in the foreground before I saw the dragon.

After hanging with the friends and charging a quickly dying cell battery on the car charger (first time in years I forgot the plug-in version), it was finally time for the Gnome Wars game on the MBA Castle table.  

The German column would never make it to relieve the castle.  

Twenty+ players, hundreds of miniatures, and one large bier truck explosion made it into an extravaganza us regulars simply call "An HMGS Gnome Game."  Of course, Jim "The Gnome Guy" Stanton slyly commandeered me to run the lower half of the table. 

For Maja, the high points of the con involved "Friend of the Blog" Mike Lung.  First was the discovery that he may or may not work for an organization with a panda on their logo.  Second was Mike offering her his Eggyptoos ducks for the battle.

We never decided which Duck Dynasty these troops were from....

Disclaimer:  The ducks are not Brigade Games, so they don't qualify for the ever-popular "Bring Your Own Unit" rule, but Mike did turn the Confederate Nurse into a kick-ass Duck Cleopatra for the unit.  

The Eggyptoos performed admirably, taking up the rear, but breaking through the French line near the end of the game.  

With victory clearly in the enemies hands, I called our side of the table, helped clean up the carnage, and made a Wawa stop before heading home.  I pulled into driveway 1:42am and got Maja just awake enough to get out of the car and up the stairs to bed.  Mission Accomplished.

                                                

THE HOST:  We all knew this was going to trouble before the HMGS e-mail.  I heard nothing but rave reviews about the rooms that were available.  Outside a few rooms that would be stuffy if the doors were left open in the dead of winter, the AC was phenomenal (still brought and used deodorant, because I like most of my fellow attendees).  Outside of the pictures on the blog, I didn't use my phone much, but the battery dropped like a brick.  It did connect to the hotel wi-fi all by it's lonesome and that seems like a illogical reason, but the only one I can think of.

Parking: The only thing that truly got worse from Cold Wars! Containers blocking vital parking spots, construction wiping out even more, and with Historicon's increased attendance, I was happy to see "Security" moving us around and the use of the grass field for overflow.  

Events:  There were grumblings of event cancellations and no-show players, but the Distelfink ballroom and the HAWKS room were packed every time I walked by.   WW2 and Napoleonics rarely interest (hence why there are no pictures), and Maja's newfound Civil War interest did make us stop by a few tables.  

Dealer's Hall:  Temperature was great, lighting was good, and the new and improved balcony was used for more dealer space!  The best part was the slightly shorter walked down the back of the building was partly shaded.  Having survived the Turkey Path at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon this month any hills were more than reasonable, especially with shade!

Happy that we're able to take required Dealers Hall pictures from the balcony again.

Flea Market: Still in the theater, so....

Lighting in the Flea Market

Just kidding, extra lighting had been added, but it was a minor improvement for some tables, although no miner's helmets were required to peruse anyone's wares.

The real flea market with the added "Thousand Points of Insufficient Light"

Plenty of good deals, even if we hit the tail end of each session.  Gotta love some of the more unique items on the tables:

Knowing this exists is half the battle.

THE SWAG:  Historicon even as a day trip wasn't on my schedule until late, and after some money issues in June, it wasn't going to be a shopping trip like Cold Wars is for me.   Pics to follow once I assemble everything.

• Putin on a Bear from Brigade Games was the only mandatory purchase for the con.  Also grabbed a Walter White, and Rambo-Mueller.  
• Two packs of Nazi Guards from Pulp Figures.  I have no use from them yet, but they were too cheap in the flea market to pass up.  
• Darkest Africa: Swazi from Foundry.  Same reason as above.
• Soviet Aircraft Decals from I-94.  
• Reaper Bones Wild West Wizard of Oz minis

Maja's swag:

• An "Outstanding Sportsmanship" medal from the HAWKS game
• Easter Island heads from Windsword.  
• Dice
• A free copy of the Six-Sided Simulations VEX flag card game.  Maja loves it, but Dad is simply gaga over it.  We will be purchasing other decks of cards.
• And the best purchase of the con, the coffee table Ken Burns Civil War book... FOR A BUCK!  Her eyes bugged out when I handed it to her, and she tired out easily carrying it around in her drawstring bag.  It has a prominent place on her desk in her room, and neither father nor daughter could be any happier.  

And, of course, the mandatory pics of the awesome Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago board.

Time to figure out my Fall-In! event!!!

Is Fire and Fury Available in Korean?

As my wife perseverates on the end of the world and giant chickens mock the White House, it's nice to know I'm not the only one who immediately thought of a Civil Wars rules set after a recent quote by the President.

Original Fire and Fury seemed to fit in the middle ground of classic wargaming and the rules light books that would be better suited to HG Wells' Little Wars.  I've lost a lot of good men in Fire and Fury to take a hill with little strategic value.  War is Hell.

18mm ACW Teddy Bears and the Battle of Teddysburg!!!

It appears that 2017 is trying to shrug off the doom and gloom that pervaded 2016. 

The new year kicks off with a beta-test pdf version of The Battle of Teddysburg, available on Wargames Vault. 

When the family goes to sleep and all the lights go out, many people believe that this is the time when bad things come out of the closet or out from under the bed.

Maybe this is true, but what we know is that the Teddys get out and recreate battles. They don’t kill each other, they dress up and re-enact war!

Teddys don’t fight wars. Teddys re-enact.

These rules are basic regimental rules. They are a short, simple set of rules designed to be used to play games with the 18mm Slave 2 Gaming figure range of American Civil Paw Teddy bear figures.

These rules are beta test rules that I hope we can get players to join in and help to create some fun rules.

My plan was to create a set of rules that were not hundreds of pages long, "Keep it simple" was the idea, with the idea for the furure having the game no longer than 25 pages long.

Please join in and help build a fun set of regimental rules.

Waitaminute, 18mm Civil War Teddy Bears????  Why yes, sculpted by Mike Broadbent and made through Slave2 Gaming!!!

A promotional blurb from TMP that made me a bit sad....
Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the 28mm Teddys that Mike used to make are no longer available, but these take their place quite nicely.

The Teddy Bears were always a bit small compared to the Brigade Games Gnomes, making them 3/4 size turns them into over-sized gnomelings. 

Two words of warning, one good, the other not great.  Slave 2 Gaming in an Australian company, so all prices are in Australian Dollars ($1AU = $0.72 US).  That being said, they offer no economy shipping option from Down Under, so checking a preliminary order, S&H was about $16US for one pack of figures or ten.  Each order does come with tracking, so you are paying for shipping halfway around the globe PLUS piece of mind.

Summer Camp Was Never This Fun....

Summer was pretty hum-drum for my family.  Sure, there was a vacation to Vermont or Maine most years, and we usually got to an amusement park at least twice a year (either Dorney or Hershey).    The township did have a summer program that ran twice a week at the park down the street from my house, but that was just a morning of arts and crafts, followed by kickball till lunch.

This is what I wanted from a summer program.  And it gives me ideas of my own... 

Stolen from the Penny Whistle, since none of the kids faces were showing.

The Penny Whistle looks to be a great blog, mentioning everything from 54mm to 1/3000 scale ships and even mentions electronic football!    An early article on making DBA armies with hair curlers and plastic needlepoint grid convinced me to add them to my reading list, and it gets better from there.

Cold Wars 2015 PEL is Up!

Compared to previous years, there was a bit of a delay getting it out, but the Preliminary Event List for Cold Wars 2015 is finally available here.

As a player this time around, I do have the option to look at playing other games, rather than the old standards.  Of course, this doesn't mean you find me anywhere else but the gnome tables, but it's a benefit I don't usually afford myself.

One minor point, before I list the "Games ViscountEric wants to see/play in."    A tiny vocal minority on TMP always harps on the non-historical percentage of games offered at each con and how it should just be eliminated.  I simply implore the reading audience to see just how many non-historical games are listed under a historical monicker (Ancients/Medieval/WW2/etc) and how many games using non-historical figures are recreating an actual battle. 

Apples and oranges, my friend.  In the end, we're all fruits!

T-343 - Siege Swein Forkbeard's Castle

Thurs. 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 players GM: Doug Fisher

Medieval 15mm, Rules: Siege Sweinforkbeard's Castle

An old favorite making a return. Enjoy throwing rocks or insults?   Or possibly the castles famous hot oil bath. Siege or defend the castle whichever you do it is a guaranteed good time. The most fun you will have at Cold Wars!!! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

T-243 - Battle of Qurna ("The Garden of Eden")

Thurs. 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, 7 players  GM: Daniel Erdman and Band of Gamers

Sponsor: Test of Battle, Prize: Gift Certificate WWI 20mm, Rules: Command Decision 4

December 1914 – 50 miles north of Basra, the Turkish 38^th Division took a stand at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates. The 6th (Poona) Indian Division was tasked with capturing Qurna, the “Garden of Eden” in local tradition. Both armies found it to be more like hell than paradise. (Maybe the forbidden fruit was dates, not apples.)

Knowledge of Command Decision useful but not required; children welcome with a supervising adult

I don't know the itinerary of my group this year, but these two games make taking a half-day and driving down Thursday an option.

 

 

F-295 - Battle of Yalu River

Fri. 9:00 AM, 2 hrs, 8 players  GM: Brian DeWitt and NOVAG

19th Century 1:2400, Rules: Age of Dreadnoughts

Naval Battle which occurred on September 17, 1894 and was the largest naval engagement of the First Sino-Japanese War. The Japanese fleet was attempting to disrupt the landing of Chinese troops. The Chinese fleet attacked in an unconventional line-abreast formation. Rules are simple and will be taught.

F-107 - NCAAF: Hawaii vs Boston College

Fri. 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, 12 players

GM: Joe Swartz and NOWS

Prize: Yes Ancients 28mm, Rules: JOEHACK

The Warriors are going against the battle hardened veterans guided by their Eagles, where secure flanks or rear can't be taken granted as the Romans legions once again take on those less civilized. Minors welcome with playing adult, rules taught.

The NOWS seem to like playing with history, or perhaps they just like to play.  It took a reading or two of this to release it's NOT College Football.  Or at least I think it's not College Football.

 

F-330 - A Taste of DBA 3

Fri. 10:00 AM, 2 hrs, 20 players

GM: Bob Beattie

Ancients DBA, Rules: De Bellis Antiquitatis

DBA 3 is Phil Barker's official new version of his classic ancient/medieval game. While building on the basic ideas of the earlier versions, this one has many new concepts and procedures that make it an almost new game. Get an overview of the new rules, play a sample game, ask questions, come and laugh at me for playing DBA 3 ☺

This a demonstration of DBA 3. This event is held in the tournament area of the Lampeter room

My first convention minis game was DBA.  Might be fun to try out the new set and lose every game I play.

F-114 - Zulus vs the Civil War - Theme Game

Fri. 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, 8 players

GM: David Kasper and NOWS

American Civil War 28mm, Rules: LAWS of War

The Zulus, tired of being slaves, decide to attack all foreigners They capture a large fleet of slave vessels and land in South Carolina with a large impi. Slaves and black soldiers swell their ranks. The Confederacy and Union cease all hostilities and unite to repel the onslaught. Sherman and Johnston send in their troops to stop Mpande and the Zulus.

W....   T.....  F.....   This is why I don't mind Battletech and Gnomes at a Historical Convention.

F-143 - Battletech – Grinder 1

Fri. 10:00 AM, 3 hrs, 8 players GM: Dave Yingling

Sponsor: Iron Wind Metals, Prize: Certificate Future 1/285th, Rules: Total Warfare

The Grinder is a free for all Battletech Demo game where new (or returning) players will be taught using the Introductory Rules. You start out with a Light Mech and as you die, you advance up to the next weight class. The winner of this round will get a spot in the Grinder Championship Saturday evening.

All materials, miniatures and dice will be provided. Beginner Friendly & Rules Taught 

Speak of the Devil...  Getting the B'Tech Intro Boxed Set for Christmas has changed my perception of these events.  So long as there's airflow in the room, I may try to jump in a session or two.

F-285 - Plug Uglies vs. Rip Raps: The Baltimore Election Riot of 1856

Fri. 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 players  GM: David Cook

19th Century 28mm, Rules: Home Rules

It's Election Day, November 1856, Elsewhere it is a contest between Democrat and the Republican, but Baltimore supports a third party, the Know-Nothings. Command street gangs and fire companies - the Plug Uglies, Rip Raps, Tigers, and more - to get out the vote and control the ballot boxes. Stones, knives, guns, even artillery are all fair game in this unique moment of American history. 

Let's have a Riot!

F-115 - Zulus vs the Civil War, part 2 - Theme Game

Fri. 4:00 PM, 6 hrs, 8 players

GM: David Kasper and NOWS

American Civil War 28mm, Rules: LAWS of War

The Zulus beat Sherman and Johnston and head into Virginia where Lee and Grant wait for them. The Zulus with help of the freed and armed black slaves attempt to overwhelm the standing opposing forces.

WTF 2 -  Horns of the Electric Buffalo

 

 

F-319 - Aerosan Racing

Fri. 3:00 PM, 2 hrs, 12 players

GM: Jon Lundberg

Sponsor: Brigade Games Inter-War 28mm, Rules: Home

Take either a Finnish or Russian Aerosan and Win! Your opponents and the natural/supernatural world are out to stop you. 

Quick, fun, and with Penguins!

F-257 - The Hoard

Fri. 4:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players 

GM: Michael Moran and ODGWLL

Sponsor: ODGWLLC Fantasy 30mm, Rules: Mein Zombie

Come play and learn Mein Zombie!! Great game for all gamers 12years old and up!! Join a band of survivors as they face a hoard of Zombies. However not all these zombies are your standard zombie. Our heroic band must survive against the hoard and a handful of special zombies with unique abilities. Can you survive the roaming hoards of zombies?

F-148 - Battletech: Poker Run

Fri. 5:00 PM, 5 hrs, 8 players

GM: Scott Davis Sponsor: Iron Wind Metals,

Prize: Certificate Future 1/285th, Rules: Total Warfare

Poker Run is Battletech meets Poker with a bit of a twist. Each player will select a Mech and depending on the BV2, it will determine their G/P Skill. Players can earn and lose cards based on events each turn. Whoever has the best hand at the end of the game will win. All materials, miniatures and dice will be provided. Intermediate to experienced players and no Players under 15 years old.

 

F-137 - Liewenberg, Part 1: Assaulting the South Height! (German South-West Africa, 1904)

Fri. 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 player

GM: Roy Jones  Sponsor: Recreational Conflict

Colonial 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified)

Sailors of the Landungskorps SMS “Habicht” find their advance along the Swakop River Valley blocked by concealed Hereros in elevated, boulder fighting positions. A Herero-occupied hill south of the river dominates the entire battlefield and must be neutralized. The Battle of Liewenberg starts with a struggle for the South Height! From the scenario book "The Herero War". More at www.hererowars.com

F-324 - Martians in the deserts of Texas...

Fri. 7:00 PM, 2 hrs, 4 players GM: Chris Jacques

SciFi 15mm, Rules: All Quiet on the Martian Front

The year is 1914 and an armored convoy of the northern "Yankee Division" has been reassigned to the desert of Texas for reconnaissance duty. As the British Defiant scout cars crest one of the taller dunes, they burst into flame...Take control of the Martian Invasion Force or fight for your life with the Yankee Division andrescue the British crew of the scout cars. All is not quiet in Texas…

Persons under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult; This is an introductory game and rules will be taught.

F-274 - Gnomen mit Panzern

Fri. 8:00 PM, 3 hrs, 7 players

GM: Joe Richards  Fantasy 25mm, Rules: Homemade

Austrian, Franzosich, Schottisch, Englander, Deutsch, und Schweiss gnomen desperately seek treasures while fighting those other dastardly gnomes. Will your gnomes outmaneuver opposing gnomes and win big? Or, will your panzer become a burning hulk? Join us for a fast paced action as gnomes seek fun and treasure.

A non-Stanton Gnome Wars game (let's be honest, Homemade Rules, but 90% chance we're using Gnome Wars figs.)?   The only thing that is sad is that the game is in direct competition with...

F-314 - Gnome Wars: ....just not the slowest.

Fri. 8:00 PM, 3 hrs, 30 players

GM: Steven Stanton and Stout Gnomes

Prize: GNOMES!  Fantasy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

A farm house, a roadside in, and a few hundred of your closest undead friends coming for a late-night feeding. Last time a few survivors made it across the bridge, but blew it up, leaving the rest to face the zombies and cultists. 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 preregister. No one under 14 without a playing adult.

...the Stout Gnomes production.  And it's an event I have yet to play in.

S-306 - Holiday in Zululand

Sat. 10:00 AM, 4 hrs, 6 players

GM: Ed Watts and Monday Night Adventurers

Colonial 15mm, Rules: The Sword and the Flame

A British column pushes inland with the intention of securing the cattle herd and kraal of the king to break the resistance of the Zulu empire. The Zulu players will map out a plan of welcome for their Imperial invaders. The British have more firepower but the Zulus have...well, more Zulus. Introductory rules are family/kids old enough to read charts friendly.

"Old enough to read charts-friendly"   These are the game I want to scope out for when Maja is old enough to come to the conventions.

 

S-185 - Snowmaggedon

Sat. 10:00 AM, 2 hrs, 8 players GM: Jim Reynolds and WNPG

Prize: Dice  Modern 28mm, Rules: Snowball wars

Frosty and his friends have been living in a winter wonderland, but Jack Frost is back. Frosty and friends must battle Jack Frost and his evil snowmen in an epic snowball fight. Kids game

S-286 - Bone Wars! or Fossil Rustlers of the High Plains

Sat. 1:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players  GM: David Cook

Prize: "The Bone Feud" novel by Wynne McLaughlin Western 28mm, Rules: TBD

It's the 1880's and there is a new land rush on to dig up the finest petrified leviathans of antediluvian times. That is to say dinosaurs, young man! Each player takes command of an Eastern professor and a crew of cowboys in a cutthroat race to discover unknown fossils and ship their treasures back east. Just beware the competition - and the Indians, bears, outlaws, and everything!  Adults present with child welcome.

Another great concept game that may not be completely historically accurate at all times. 

S-316 - Gnome Wars: The Battle of West Point - April 16th, 1865 - Theme Game

Sat. 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players GM: Jim Stanton and Stout Gnomes

Prize: GNOMES!  American Civil War 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

Easter Sunday, seven days after the end of the Civil War, news of the surrender had not reached the Confederate or Union soldiers at West Point, GA. The Union forces want to cross the Chattahoochee River near Fort Tyler, an earthwork fort atop a hill in West Point, whose primary purpose is to provide a point to defend the vital railway bridge. A small group of Confederates intend to make a stand.

Anyone bringing a painted 320 point Gnomes at War unit from  Brigade Games does not have to register. Rules taught. No one under 14 without a playing adult.

And I have a great venue for the first public appearance of the California Imperial Guard.

S-317 - Gnome Wars: The Battle of West Point - April 16th, 1865 - Theme Game

Sat. 2:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 players GM: Jim Stanton and Stout Gnomes

Prize: GNOMES! American Civil War 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

Easter Sunday, seven days after the end of the Civil War, news of the surrender had not reached the Confederate or Union soldiers at West Point, GA. The Union forces want to cross the Chattahoochee River near Fort Tyler, an earthwork fort atop a hill in West Point, whose primary purpose is to provide a point to defend the vital railway bridge. A small group of Confederates intend to make a stand.

This is a set piece game - no extra units. Rules taught. No one under 14 without a playing adult

Wha-wha-whaaaaaat!   A parallel game for six players.  Not sure if this is meant for the people who want to play Gnome Wars without the 30 person chaos, or for complete newbies so they don't get overwhelmed.  Or both.. and more.

S-200 - Plastic Pirates aPpearat Party
Sat. 3:00 PM, 3 hrs, 8 players

GM: Geoff Graff and HAWKs Pike and Shot 40mm, Rules: Lego Pirates

Captain Ogel and his men are celebrating their recent voyage of acquisition at the local tavern when other pirates decide they want a share of the treasure. Pirates don’t share! A Pirate tavern brawl with whatever weapons are at hand. Come help us introduce your kid to the fun of miniature gaming! Older gamers welcome with a participating kid.

S-138 - Liewenberg, Part 2: Hitting the Main Line! (German South-West Africa, 1904)

Sat. 7:00 PM, 4 hrs, 6 players  GM: Roy Jones
Sponsor: Recreational Conflict Colonial 25mm, Rules: Sword and the Flame (Modified)
German sailors took a beating in their first assault at Liewenberg. But now the sailors have more men, high morale...and a Revolver cannon! Herero riflemen, however, still hold the high ground. And they fight concealed behind nearly impregnable rock. Somebody - German or Herero - is definitely going to get hurt at Liewenberg. From the scenario book "The Herero War". More at: www.hererowars.com. 

S-315 - Gnome Wars: The Joust

Sat. 8:00 PM, 2 hrs, 30 players
GM: Steven Stanton and Stout Gnomes    Prize: GNOMES!
Fantasy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars Gnome Jousting Tournament.
Rules Taught - quick, easy, FUN! PRIZES!!
No one under 14 without a playing adult. 
Guess I'm staying late this year!   Crazylegs must make an appearance!

S-355 - Midnight Massacre – Last Call - Theme Game

Sat. 11:59:00 PM, 4 hrs, 25 players GM: Scott Landis and Rogues
American Civil War 15mm, Rules: Fire and Fury Brigade Naval: BAPS Ironclads

The late night classic is back for one last time! For over 20 years we have left you hung over for the long drive home and more than a few friends that had to be tucked in for the night. This Last Call for the Social Event at the Con will feature all of the "Madness" you have come to expect from the Rogues including the Georgia Courage Rule, 2 AM sing off, and taunting and abuse from the GM's. Come to enjoy the fun and camaraderie of one of the longest running HMGS events as we retire her for one last time. Pre-reg gets you an Elite Command, as always, 2 drink Minimum. Lots of table space

And THIS makes me ponder staying Saturday night.  The very last Midnight Massacre?  Forever?   Might need to send entire brigades of men to their futile deaths one last time.

(Nostalgia) Historicon 2008 Pics

It may not be Throwback Thursday like the kids on Facebook do, but I found a pile of pics from the old laptop, before we transition to the  new home computer. I don't recall posting these after the fact (I started the blog in the Fall of '09), so here goes...

The Dreadnought game I played Thursday night

The Last Tanga game run before I became a full convert

Death Star Trench

D Day

Some Snazzy Flames of War Terrain

28mm Tanks

And some air support

Against the evil do'ers

A cat game (?)

Battletech

Snowball Fight!

ATKM

The Midnight Massacre game

My command:  I had a LOT of letters to write to their mothers

Prepared to take the hill...

It was almost mutual annihilation, but my attack let a large cavalry column get near the fort unmolested.

FoW Rule:  Don't Shoot the Cows

Gnome Wars Tanga

The Sikhs land

Amusing side story.  If I hadn't gone to Historicon, the next option was going to the bachelor party of a friend of ours.  Three o'clock in the morning, my wife gets a call and thinks that it's the Lancaster cops calling to explain how I didn't make in across 30 to The Continental.   Here it's the wife of one of the guys crying histerically that her husband had knocked somebody out at the bachelor party and the whole group was running from the cops.   When I stumbled back from the Midnight Massacre at four in the morning, my wife wasn't all too happy, but she was grateful my silly hobby kept me out of bars (save the Lancaster Host).