(Gamma World) This is Not a Test #62 - Divide and Conquer

 Our heroes, the De Facto Explorers,  are at the KIA Academy.  They have completed a task by venturing deep within the sub-levels below, and have returned to the surface...

================= 

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.  

Sonny Helianthus: a sentient sunflower artifact examiner with trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.  Very interested in a "Children's Alchemical Laser" he recently acquired.

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble, and finding it often.  Previously "gave birth" to a litter of sentient earthworm babies, but recently has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.

Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend.  He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters.  Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does.  No Name has recently been fitted for a artillery device of the Ancients that chucks spears further than any human.  Looking for trouble in all the right places.  Former jousting champion of Fair-Town and has been awarded... a peacock he has named Chambray.  He's recently been struck by a weapon by a strange race of people and transformed into... something else... multiple times.

RHA-9: A lab assistant piece of "Living Metal" that seems to have befriended the group... for now!  Currently getting repairs done by the Restorationists. Currently safely in their hotel room on KIA Academy Level Zero.

=================

The next day, Sonny, accompanied by his friends went to the KIA Academy security kiosk and picked up his security badge for Level 8.  He was only permitted to stay in the library during Dr Kallax's "Office Hours" so he would need efficient time management.  

When the elevator doors closed, the group separated for the day. 

Squiggles began entertaining the local children with his telekinetic juggling.    He took time to deal with each child.  After his performance, he was motioned to an alley by an adult.  Squiggles decided "what the heck" and followed.  It appeared that the woman, Parker Grunch,  was a parent of one of the children (Marmie)  Squiggles made smile.  Parker and her husband Yeardley were members of the White Hand. (aka the elusive free healers).   Speaking with them, they had no issue healing anyone, so long as they weren't Programmers, the true controllers of all machines.   

They told a story of these Programmers wrecking havoc on the White Hand, when White Hand used to have a formal office in KIA Academy.  The Programmers believe the medkits could heal machines, "We can't even heal plants, and they want to equipment to heal machines?" 

Squiggles also learned that the Parker and Yeardley travelled downriver for most of their supplies.  They stick alongside the river, avoiding the animals across the river, and not venturing into the foothills of the wizards.  

Sonny:  Wait, there's wizards? 

Parker:  Yep, if not wizards, then sorcerers, part of the big three of Dimensional Beings, Wizards, and Living Metal.

The Grunches, secret White Hand healers.

Sneaky Pete had made some connections at KIA and was going about trying to use them, He went back out to Station Petro to recharge their used power cells, and ventured some to sub-level 1-2 to make more inquiries about bird feathers. She healed Squiggles and allowed him to bring his friends, so long as they don't cause any trouble.

Sonny was in heaven, but like most places regarded as mythological paradise, on the first day, he was completely overwhelmed. Expecting hundreds of books, he found thousands, and that was just the tip of the iceberg.  There were many standing units with pull-out drawers for blueprints, schematics, and the like.  

Plus the 8th floor view of the river was breathtaking: 

Sonny was unprepared for this trove of information, not only what it contained, but some simple items he was searching for that WERE NOT there.  He made a list, and would go over it the next day, and return in two days when these "Office Hours" would occur again.  

Next: #63 - The Ribbon Yew

(Kickstarter) #ZineQuest - Mill of the Twelve Dead

 Mauro Longo has launce Mill of the Dead a scenario for characters level 1-3 for Old-School Essentials or your classic B/X fantasy games. 

Although I like the idea of a hefty 48-page adventure, in the theme of the month, I call into question the utility of a pdf option and a print to order hard copy pledge where the only option is hard cover, but that's just me.  

(Kickstarter) #ZineQuest2025 - The Traveling Joust (5e) by Moth Press

I'm a sucker for joust books, although most of them disappoint in multiple ways.  I'm hoping for a better result from Moth Press' The Traveling Joust, a supplement for 5e .

The 'zine contains the following:

• The Traveling Joust: A location and cast of characters led by Leda the Wandering Knight, which you can drop into your games of DnD!
• New Rules: Learn how to set up your own Jousts, Grand Melees, and Tests of Skill!
• Love Poetry Magic: A new way to cast spells using Medieval Love Poetry, featuring new spells!
• The Love Poet Bard Subclass: Utilize Love Poetry to wield your magical power as a bard!
• New Statblocks: New foes for your party to face in the Tournament!
• Adventure: A one-shot introducing you and your players to the Traveling Joust!
• Medieval Art: Featuring art pieces taken from medieval manuscripts, giving the zine a beautiful middle ages look as seen below!

PDF and print versions of the zine will be available.  Only stumble for me is the $20+ cost for pdf and print for an oversees product. The only thing that's been less consistent than a jousting book has been international shipping.  

The Cold Wars Event List Is Up.

The events list for Cold Wars is up, and can be found on TableTop.Events.  To be honest, it was up three weeks ago, but I did want to give the most accurate representation of the events being played at the con.

This is never an exact science.  I simply post the events at the con which catch my eyes.  Many of these events are run multiple times, or have different versions of the games run through the con.  That being said, I may hate Tabletop.Events, but you can pull up and filter GMs, Rules, and Event titles pretty easily.

Thursday

(20) A Bad Day on Rivlen IV

Thursday 7pm, 3hrs, Players 4, GM: Robert Durst; Period: Sci-Fi, Scales: 28mm   Rules: Xenos Rampant 

Sympathetic locals are helping the resistance with supplies and a cache of newer tech. The Republic has landed a strike force to stop the transfer and eliminate resistance forces.

(16) Chaos, Confusion, and Casualties

Thursday 7pm, 4hrs, Players 8, GM: John Michael Priest; Period: ACW;  Scales: 54mm   Rules: Chaos, Confusion, and Casualties

Players command brigades and/or batteries in this unique ACW game. The objective is to break through or flank the opponent’s position. Regiments and guns must have office rs to do anything and may refuse to take commands or rally. Terrain, smoke and other obstacles affect movement and accuracy. A Artillery rounds may not land where desired. Actions may produce reactions. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a playing adult.

(25) Munchkin Brandy Station

Thursday 7pm, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: David Wood; Period: Fantasy , Scales: 28mm  Rules: Wars of Ozz

MI-6 (the six Munchkins who work in Military Intelligence) have determined that the Winkies (and their allies) are going to try a Cavalry raid into their lands, as they will be able to evade/avoid the slower Munchkin combined infantry/cavalry brigades and get into the heartland to sow death and destruction. So, the Munchkins are putting together a few allied cavalry brigades just strong enough to hold the enemy raiding force just long enough for the regular brigades to get there.

(113) Red Thrust: First Clash 1985: An HMGS War College Game

Thursday 7pm, 2hrs, Players 8, GM: Frank Luberti, Jr; Period: Modern; Scale: 15mm  Rules: Trench Wars

The next game in the "Red Thrust" series of games that began with "Russia Invades Ukraine" at Cold Wars 2020. Modern micro armor game set in West Germany in 1985. Canadian 4th Mechanized Brigade Group vs. the Warsaw Pact. Novices, children with adults, rules lawyers and GMs looking for revenge welcome. Parent/Child teams welcome. Kid Friendly Game. Rules will be taught. Scenario inspired by the classic book "First Clash: Combat Closeup in World War Three" by Kenneth Macksey.

(110) Test of Honor - First Night Fun

Thursday 8pm, 3hrs, Players 8, GM: David Hill; Period: Other;  Scales: 28mm   Rules:  Test of Honor

Test of Honour is a fun, fast-paced 28mm samurai skirmish game that I have further streamlined after dozens of convention games and hundreds of players. Don’t be scared by the high player count or the size of the table, as it is divided into smaller 2 or 4 player games that allow for much quicker play (no waiting an hour for your turn!). Quick-play rules taught before hand and everything provided, just bring enthusiasm (and tempered expectations on your dice luck). Start the Con right!

Friday 

(194) Battle of the Rice Cake

Friday 9am, 3hrs, Players 4, GM:John Rigley, Period: Ancients,  Scales: 25mm  Rules: Lion Rampant

Japanese armies have once again invaded China. As the Japanese army is in need of food , foraging party have been sent out to collect what ever they can fine. But the Chinese have not been sitting on their butts. Chinese units have been sent out to guard supply points and ,try to ambush the Japanese .

(32) The Lost Battalion

Friday 9am, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: Duncan Adams; Period: WWI Scales: 28mm  Rules: Combat Patrol

The Germans launch their final attack to finish off the isolated Americans in Argonne Forest

(90) VSF Racing in France

Friday 9am, 3hrs, Players 12, GM: Jon Lundberg,  Period: Pulp, Scales: 28mm   Rules: VSF Races

A race of various Victorian Sci Fi vehicles and contraptions through a town in southern France

(33) Wars of Ozz:  Learn to Play & Bring and Battle

Friday 9am, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: Christopher Palmer; Period: Other, Scales: 28mm  Rules:  Wars of Ozz

Come take part in this battle set in the Horse & Musket Fantasy world of Ozz. Various factions, including Munchkins, WInkies, Prof. Nitpick's Mechanical Men, and others, fight for victory in this fast paced and fun game. Also, players are invited to bring their own painted 25 point brigades of Old Glory's official Warts of Ozz figures to command, any faction; or you can use one of our brigades. Beginners welcome. Rules taught. Players under 13 with a playing adult.

(143) The Crystal Forest of Goratak

Friday 9am, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: Troy Nowak; Period: Sci-Fi , Scales: 25mm  Rules: Star Wars Miniatures Battle 2nd Battle (West End)

An Imperial starship carrying a droid with highly sensitive information about a new rebel starfighter was intercepted by pirates and self-destructed to cover the jettisoning of an escape pod onto the forest world of Goratak III. Command rebel scum, pirates, or heroic Imperial forces during their quests to find the droid and secure the information it contains. No food at the table; teens are welcome with a playing adult.

(198) Hobby University - Down and Dirty 

Friday 10am, 2hrs, Players 6 , Presenter: Dennis Jensen

In this class you will learn all about weathering and how to get a lived in look to your tabletop.

(108) Test of Honour - By Land and Sea

Friday 10am, 3hrs, Players 16 , GM: David Hill; Period: Other , Scales: 28mm  Rules: Test of Honour

Test of Honour is a fun, fast-paced 28mm samurai skirmish game that I have further streamlined after dozens of convention games and hundreds of players. Don’t be scared by the high player count or the size of the table, as it is divided into smaller 2 or 4 player games that allow for much quicker play (no waiting an hour for your turn!). Quick-play rules taught before hand and everything provided, just bring enthusiasm (and tempered expectations on your dice luck).

(102) War of the Worlds

Friday 10am, 4hrs, Players  6, GM: Walter Siko,  Period: Sci-Fi, Scales: 15mm   Rules: All Quiet on the Martian Front

1914 - The second Martian invasion of Earth is underway! The US Army is marshalling their veteran forces to combat this devasting alien menace. The latest in steam powered aviation advancements are being employed to stop the deadly advance of the Martian Tripods! (Teen 13+)

(196) Hobby University - Back to Base-ics

Friday 12pm, 2hrs, Players 8 , GM: Dennis Jensen ; Period: , Scales:   Rules: 

In this lecture class you will learn about simple techniques to make your bases pop!

(89) Shadows Over France

Friday 2pm, 3hrs, Players 10, GM: Jon Lundberg; Period: Pulp,  Scales: 28mm  Rules: Fistful of Lead

Setting: It is the year 1928, in the turbulent period between the two World Wars. The backdrop is a France teetering on the edge of chaos, filled with intrigue, mystery, and the shadowy remnants of its colonial past. Strange and powerful forces have emerged, vying for dominance, hidden knowledge, and priceless artifacts. From secret societies and explorers to cults with dark ambitions, the streets, villages, and ancient ruins of France are about to become a battleground for adventure.

(86) Hobby University - Skintones

Friday 2pm, 2hrs, Players 8, GM: Gregory Zuniga 

Are those naked Celts giving you are hard time? Does your Amazon army need help? Come learn how to paint skin tones – proper color choices will be covered.

(30) The Last Days of Departing Hope... Maybe

Friday 2pm, 4hrs, Players 8 , GM: Eric Turner ; Period: ACW, Scales: 1:600th  Rules: Beer and Pretzels Ironclads

It's early 1865 and Rear Admiral (Definitely Lower Half) SJ Landis has been promised command of a mighty fleet to take the last open seaport of the Confederacy. Carrying the Union Army of the Passaic, RADM Landis has instructions to reduce the forts, sink the ships, and take the port. The usual Rogues rules about naming your own ship and GM mocking are in force.

(97) Seize of Die: Storm at Aob (German South-West Africa, 1905)

Friday 7pm, 4hrs, Players 6 , GM: Roy Jones ; Period: Colonial , Scales: 25mm  Rules:  Sword and the Flame

Nama rifle fire sweeps the battlefield of Aob, and German officers and men are cut down like grass. The Germans have only two choices: fix bayonets and seize the Nama-occupied trench on the ridge to their front, or die out in the open! And for the Nama riflemen facing the German bayonets, the choices: stand and fight defending their trench, or charge out to meet the enemy! From the upcoming scenario book "The Nama Wars". More at: https://www.hererowars.com/new-the-nama-wars-hendrik.html.

(27) Star Schlock: The Last Starfreighter

Friday 7pm, 3hrs, Players 6 , GM:Henry Kyle; Period: Sci-Fi , Scales: 25mm   Rules: Star Schlock

A starfreighter fleeing the Simian Empire's blitzkrieg has crashed on a remote moon. Calls to the mining colony near the crash site have gone unanswered, so an Explorer Corps vessel has been dispatched into the conflict zone to search the wreckage for any survivors or the plans for a superweapon carried by one of the passengers.

(214) Titanic! 

Friday 7pm, 3hrs, Players: 12, GM: Peter Landry, ; Period: Other; Scales: 1:1200th,  Rules: Titanic!

Captain a stately luxury liner crossing the North Atlantic from Southampton hoping to be the first to dock in New York, but beware of ice bergs! If you are not a Captain you are working for Neptune, trying to rid the ocean of these metal monstrous intruders.

Saturday

(67) Alfred's England, Battle of Ashdown

Saturday 8am, 3hrs, Players 8 , GM: Patrick Devine; Period: Dark Ages, Scales: 15mm, Rules: Alfred's England Homebrew

Out of the swamps comes Alfred's reconstituted army. The Great Heathen Army awaits to deliver a crushing blow. Easy homemade rules. Quick play, line up and smash each other.

(74) Defense of Pancenoit

Saturday 9am, 4hrs, Players 8 , GM: Douglas Austin ; Period: Napoleonic , Scales: 28mm, Rules: Rebels and Patriots

Some of the most intense fighting found at the Battle of Waterloo involved the Prussian assault on the village of Plancenoit. Back by popular demand from Historicon and Fall-In. Come enjoy Mark's Game Room -- Can the French hold back the Prussian onslaught or will they be swept aside?

(161) Defense of Rorke's Drift

Saturday 9am, 3hrs, Players 6 , GM: Brian DeWitt ; Period: Colonial, Scales: 15mm , Rules:  Victoria's Cross II

British defend the mission station of Rorke's Drift, under the command of Lieutenants John Chard of the Royal Engineers and Gonville Bromhead, of the 24th Regiment of Foot, against a large contingent of Zulu warriors. Victoria Cross II Board Game rules significantly modified for a miniatures game but keeping the simple and quick game mechanics.

(100) In the Caverns of the Frozen City

Saturday 9am, 4hrs, Players 5 , GM: Cliff Brunken; Period: Fantasy , Scales: 28mm  , Rules: Frostgrave

After being feed a hot meal and a few drinks, a young apprentice let slip the where abouts of a vast cavern complex beneath the frozen City. Too many people over heard and now several adventuring Parties are ready to under take the task. What treasures will be uncovered or what horrors will be discovered. Fortune favors the bold. Beginners welcome and Kid friendly game.

(35) Wars of Ozz: Battle for the Magic Mushrooms & Power Crystals

Saturday 9am, 4hrs, Players 8 , GM: Mark Morin ; Period: Other , Scales:  28mm  , Rules: Wars of Ozz

In Ozz, many talismans & powerful weapons spring up everywhere. A wonderful magical find of a field of Magic Mushrooms near some Crystals of Power – has led to an Ozzian “Gold Rush”. Here, several Ozzian nations are scrambling to take seize & control of them. Factions have teamed up & are ready to fight to get these valuable resources and deny their capture by their enemies, but what will happen? Beginners are welcome. Rules will be taught. Players under 13 only with a playing adult.

(96) Assault on Fort Mercer (Red Bank) - October 22, 1777

Saturday 10am, 4hrs, Players 6 , GM: Thomas Uhl; Period: AWI , Scales: 28mm, Rules: Live Free or Die

Col. Carl Von Donop was intent on redeeming his reputation after the Hessians humiliating loss at the Battle of Trenton. He was away visiting a lady friend when the Americans attacked the Hessian barracks. He now asked for the honor to lead the assault on Ft. Mercer. He declared that “the fort would soon bear his name or he would be dead on the field”. The young Continental Navy would play an important role in the American defense.

(82) Hobby University - Painting for Complete Beginners

Saturday 10am, 2hrs, Players 6, GM: Todd Pressley

This class is about painting techniques and how to create good-looking miniatures. Most beginning painters are faced with the daunting task of figuring out how to start: hundreds of paint colors to choose from, a multitude of brushes, and applying pigment to the miniature. This class will pull back the curtain and reveal how to start building a foundation for intermediate and advanced classes. The student will learn about paint selection to create an interesting painted figure.

(107) Pennsylvania Pete and the Book of the Dead

Saturday 10am, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: Annemarie D'Amato; Period: Pulp, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Audacious Adventures - Home Brew

Pa Pete has learned the whereabouts of the most mystical text of the ancient Egyptian world, The Book of the Dead. Our brave archeologist is hot on the trail but he is not the only one. His usual foes are pitied against him. Can PA Pete claim the book for his museum or will his enemies get the power of Egypt.

(157) Zombie Apocalypse

Saturday 10am, 4hrs, Players 8, GM: Kenny Noe ; Period: Other, Scale:  28mm, Rules: Mein Zombie

Come play and learn Mein Zombie!! Great game for all gamers 8 years old and up!! The Zombie Apocalypse is upon us! Join a band of survivors are they try and reach a safe extraction point. However, to get there they must travel through zombie territory and survive roaming hordes of zombies. The ever-present fear of being eaten alive or bitten and becoming a zombie yourself!

(12) Battle of Wyse Fork

Saturday 11am, 4hrs, Players 8, GM: Bill Molyneaux; Period: ACW , Scale: 54mm  , Rules: Donald Featherstone

The Battle of Wyse Fork in Kinston North Carolina March 7-10th 1865. The Union army is marching on Kinston to capture the vital railroad but Braxton Bragg has a plan of his own to make a Jackson flank March and hit the Yankees on the flank! This will be a huge 54mm game with low complexity rules. Learn about the second largest civil war battle in North Carolina.

(180) War College: US Navy and the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922

Saturday 11am, 3hrs, Tickets: 50, Presenter: Michael W. Harris

To avoid a new naval arms race post-WWI, representatives of the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Italy met in Washington, D.C. in November 1921. The result was a Naval Treaty with construction limits on battleships, battle cruisers, and aircraft carriers and displacement limits on cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. This Admiralty Trilogy seminar will discuss the intent and outcome of the Treaty, as well as impact on US warships and naval strategy if the treaty talks failed.

(46) Res Mechanica: The Battle for the Silk Road, 175 AD

Saturday 1pm, 3hrs, Players 14 , GM: Jeff Wasileski Period: Fantasy, Scales: 28mm, Rules: Dragon Rampant/Xenos Rampant

Archimedes didn’t die, the Library of Alexandria didn’t burn so technology in the Roman Empire grew at unprecedented rates. Following Trajan’s final conquest of Parthia, the Romans expanded into Central Asia, in the footsteps of Alexander the Great, hoping to gain control of the Silk Road. As the Roman land-galleys and steam chariots move against the Bactrian city of Iskandergul, a relief army from the Han Empire approaches with their dread war kites and black powder fire lances.

(68) Haiti 2004

Saturday 2pm, 4hrs, Players 6, GM: Martyn Kelly,  Period: Modern, Scales: 28mm, Rules: Force on Force

The local population has not taken the US overthrow of their leader very well. A US Marine platoon comes under fire when passing through a small Haitian town in 2004. Knowledge of the rules is not required. A fast paced game. No food or drink at the table.

(37) The Desert Wars of Ozz

Saturday 2pm, 4hrs, Players 8, GM: Mark Morin,  Period: Other , Scales: 28mm , Rules: Wars of Ozz

Ozz has vast deserts, but they are not uninhabited. In fact, several races such as the Whim Whim and their mortal enemies the Temujicans vie for supremacy over these sandy tracts. Join this sweeping desert battle to control the deserts of Ozz and their hidden marvels and treasures. Will you be successful and prevail over your enemies – find out! Beginners are welcome. Rules will be taught. Players under 13 only with a playing adult.

(98) War College: Camels in the Kalahari

Saturday 3pm, 3hrs, Tickets: 50, Presenter: Dr Roy Jones.

“The battle had lasted scarcely a minute, when the heroic leader of the [camel] Expeditionary Corps, Hauptmann von Erckert...was mortally struck down by a [Nama] bullet”: German official history. On March 16, 1908, at Seatsub - the last battle of the Nama War - Simon Kopper and his Nama troops clashed with Hauptmann Friedrich von Erckert and his camel-mounted Schutztruppen. This lecture focuses on the organization, armament and tactics of the 700-camel-strong German Expeditionskorps.

(148) Plastic Pirates Plunder Paradise

Saturday 3pm, 2hrs, Players 8 , GM: Geoff Graf; Period: Age of Piracy , Scale: 40mm   , Rules: Plastic Pirates

Here they come again! Once again those Little Lego Looters come to a peaceful island and disrupt things for all. But this island was not really peaceful BEFORE they arrive. Pirates, Soldiers, Townspeople and the local tribal people, what do you expect will happen?

A game for the younger gamers, ages 7 to 14 are perfect, and reading is useful.

(138) Sherlock Holmes Finds a Cure for Insomnia

Saturday 3pm, 3hrs, Players 8 , GM: Sam Fuson Period: Pulp , Scales: 28mm , Rules: GASLIGHT

Holmes and Watson are called upon by the American and British Governments to stop a new chemical agent from falling into German hands. With the aid of unique Law Enforcement Squads, Holmes attempts to solve a mystery, catch or kill the Perps and rescue Chemists from 4 allied nations. Scenario play tests produced a wild flurry of action and interesting situations. Come try your hand with the villains or Law Enforcement.

(61) Hobby University - Painting a Spacescape

Saturday 4pm, 2hrs, Players 6 , GM: Tanya BrewerLook at enough pictures of minis online and you will certainly see some beautiful thing - a cloak, a background, a dragon - that looks like deep space with a nebula and stars. Take this class to learn the basics about how to paint your own spacescape. This is a hands on class. Please bring any magnifiers you want to use.

(151) Ice Station Zebra: Arctic Thriller

Saturday 7pm, 2hrs, Players , GM: Chris King, Period: Modern, Scales: 20mm , Rules:  Rangers Rules!

Wargame/Spy-Game of classic Cold War film & ALISTAIR MACLEAN Suspense Novel. Fight desperate struggle of “Wits-&-Weapons” on a runaway ice-cap, with NUKE-SUB, crash-dives, Spetznatz, Paratroopers, US Marines, MI-6, CIA, KGB, Jet fighters, Bombers, and total “WW3 BRINKSMANSHIP.” You get a team, an assignment & a “SECRET SEALED ENVELOPE” - But, TRUST NO ONE! 20mm figs, 1/144 ships/planes. Using RANGER-RULES! Special Ops & Espionage. SPONSORED BY THE MINIATURE BUILDING AUTHORITY & BRIGADE GAMES.

(155) Mordehim

Saturday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 5  GM: Barry Katz, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 28mm, Rules: Mordehim

Play the classic game, Mordheim. Come grab a warband and explore and desolate fantasy town to claim riches, magic and power. You will be able to level up characters/abilities during the game.

(104) Operation Javelin - Exploding Spaceships

Saturday 7pm, 4hrs, Players 5 , GM:Jessee Scarborough,  Period: Sci-Fi , Scale: Other, Rules: Exploding Spaceships

The war widens as the Browncoat Fleet of the Independent Planets attempts to disrupt a CDU convoy to Dumas. A follow up to the scenarios from Fall-In and Historicon. Squadron action --- space opera starship gaming.

Sunday

(65) Buck Rogers and the Tower of Biab

Sunday 10am, 2hrs, Players  4, GM: Duncan Adams  Period: Sci-Fi, Scales: 54mm  Rules: Blood and Swash

The interplanetary conglomerate Biab, Inc has secretly developed a device that will make them the most powerful entity in the Solar System! But the secret is out and various heroes and villains have set their sights on stopping them or getting it for their own use. Having learned that Biab, Inc is holding the device in Building 17L of their research facility four groups have arrived and intend to be the ones to get it. Under 12 welcome with a playing adult.

(120) Ogres & Trolls & Bugbears, Oh My!

Sunday 10am, 2hrs, Players 8 , GM: Eric Schlegel  Period: Fantasy, Scales: 25mm  Rules: Blood & Swash

Rumors are spreading of a great treasure hidden in an isolated valley to the North and many bands of adventurers are heading that way in search of fame and fortune. Will they be successful or suffer the ignominy of a TPK.

I am happy to report that this is a listing of 44 separate events I show interest in, up from 19 in Fall-In.... and this one doesn't have any of our traditional evens in it.  Sure about 50% are "true historical" games, but between two War College seminars, and the three ACW events I highlighted, this is the most historical interest I have had in years. 

Of course, we're still not going to Cold Wars, for a number of other reasons, and I predict the HAWKS and HAWKS-adjacent events will the packed faster than normal.  

(Kickstarter) #ZineQuest2025 - In the Land of the Sundering Flood

 #ZineQuest is here!   The annual celebration of small-format, indie RPGs takes place through all of February.  

The first offering that tickled my fancy is In the Land of the Sundering FloodA tabletop miniature adventure game from mammoth miniatures, inspired by the fantasy writings of William Morris.

In the land of the sundering flood is a 44 page A5 saddle stich zine format rulebook.
Inside you'll find:

• Simple miniature adventure rules for playing miniature skirmish games in the land of the sundering flood.
• Character profiles for some of the inhabitants of the world - Brave knights, fae enchanters, and fearsome beasts.
• An introduction to the land of the flood, a world of glittering plains, shadowed woods, and deep enchanted waters.
• Each book will also come with a laser cut acrylic movement template. 

In addition to the physical and PDF copies, Mammoth is also offering an option for five resin figures of characters in the zine.  

Mammoth is on the shortlist of publishers I buy sight unseen (see Planet 28/Brutal Quest), although I'll need to check finances before going for the minis I'll toss on to my massive lead pile.

Another Month of Gaming (February 2025)

I've been waiting for Alliance Games' Game Trade Magazine (GTM) to hit issue #300, well, since issue #1 came in my mail at Griffon Games in Wind Gap, Pennsylvania, many many moons ago.  Twenty-five years of a vehicle for a game distributor to solicit new releases in a slick, consistent format still winds me over, even if I'm removed from gaming retail and pre-ordering for over two decades.  

It's bittersweet that Issue #300 comes out just days after the announcement of Alliance's parent company, Dimond, filing for Chapter 11.  I've perused all the other game distributors over the years, and some have better ordering infrastructure, better inventory, but nobody's pre-orders are as comprehensive and consistent over 25 years, and I'd hate for a potential new owner to scrap it.  

And one time I will admit to the Mandela Effect, I swore for years that it was actually Game Trade Monthly, perhaps adding a bit more gravitas to the publication, but in a simply Thank You ad, they do present that first cover, complete with Mage: The Ascension and Fleet Action! 

Issue #300 of Game Trade Magazine can be found in your FLGS, or in pdf form here.

ViscountEric's Want List
Nothing!

ViscountEric's Money-Is-No-Object Want List
DMDAVE Publishing

Just Passing Through: Road Travel Travel Campaigns ....  $15.00

Fanroll

D&D Orb of Possibility - Dice Roller with Silicone d20 ............ $29.99

A battery powered pop-o-matic freakin' bubble!  Plus the lid is removable so you can use your die of choice!

MS Edizioni

Green Oaks RPG .............................................. $18.00

All the adventure/movie tropes centered on a nursing home/elder care community.

The Imaginary Store List (The Pegleg Gnome)

Alley Cat Games

High Rise Penguins ............................................. $17.99

Capstone Games

Beyond the Horizon ............................................. $59.95

Galileo Galilei ...................................................... $59.95

Pagan: Fate of Roanoke - Ancestors .................... $19.95

Tea Garden ........................................................... $59.95

Catalyst Game Labs

Battletech: Aces- Scouring Sands Campaign Box ....... $79.99

Battletech: Battlemats - Grassland/Desert ................... $40.00

Battletech: Battlemats - Lunar/City ............................. $40.00

Battletech: Force Manual - Mercenaries ...................... $39.99

Battletech: Mercenaries Forcepack - Inner Sphere Pursuit Lance ... $30.00

Battletech: Mercenaries Forcepack - Legendary Mechwarriors III.. $40.00

Battletech: Mercenaries Forcepack - House Kurita Ranger Lance .. $29.99

Chaosium

Call of Cthulhu - Cthulhu By Gaslight - Keeper's Guide .... $49.99

Pendragon: Gamemaster's Handbook .................................. $49.99

Runequest RPG: Cults of Runequest - The Gods of Fire and Sky .... $39.99

Cheer Up Games

Swearmints .............................................. $16.00

Swearmints: Spicy NSFW Edition .......... $16.00

Compass Games

Burma 1942-45 ....................................... $55.00

Cubicle 7

Hammer & Anvil (5e) ............................. $44.99

Mortar & Pestle (5e) ............................... $44.99

Warhammer Fantasy RPG: Dwarf Players Guide ....... $39.99

Collector's Edition:  $79.99

Come Martin

Broken Cities RPG ................................. $17.00

Feathered Adventures RPG .................... $23.00

Here & Now RPG .................................. $ 6.00

Meanwhile, in the Subway RPG ............ $17.00

Darrington Press

Daggerheart RPG: Core Set ..................... $59.99

DMDAVE Publishing

Broadsword Guide to Hunting Werebeasts (5e) ......... $25.00

Evil Hat Productions

Stewpot RPG: Tales from a Fantasy Tavern HC ........ $25.00

Exploding Kittens

Horrible Therapist ...................................... $19.99

Survivor: The Tribe Has Spoken ................ $19.99

Throw Throw Burrito:  Zombie Burrito ....  $24.99

You Little Stinker ....................................... $19.99

Why Are You Like This .............................  $19.99

Flying Frog Productions

Shadows of Brimstone: Enemy Pack - Trun Gladiators ............... $24.95

Free League Publishing

Lord of the Rings RPG:  Keepers of the Elven-Rings .................. $39.99

The One Ring RPG: Realms of the Three Kings .......................... $39.99

Iello

Pina Coladice .............................................. $19.99

Joey Games

Busy Beaks .................................................. $35.00

Scirbbly Gum .............................................. $24.00

Keymaster Games

Parks: 2nd Edition ....................................... $49.99

Konami Digital Entertainment

Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG:  Quarter Century Stampede Boosters

La Boite De Jeu

The Architects of Amytis ............................. $24.99

Lumberjacks Studios

Solstis ........................... $15.99

M. Allen Hall

Endling RPG ................................ $24.00

MacGuffin & Company 

A Day at Barracuda Beach ............ $12.00

Pitcrawler RPG .............................. $40.00

Pitcrawler Campaign Journal ......... $ 7.00

Pitcralwer Character Sheet Pad ...... $ 7.00

Adventure Zine - Betrayal at the Hidden Mountain .... $5.00

Adventure Zine - The Midnight Festival of the Sea .... $5.00

Adventure Zine -  Hunt for the Enchanted Isles .......... $5.00

Adventure Zine - Wrath of the Bitter Palace ................ $5.00

Mongoose Publishing

Traveller RPG: Traders and Gunboats ......................... $49.99

Monte Cook Games

Monte Cook's Diamond Throne RPG (Cypher) .................. $74.99

Tidal Blades RPG HC ............................................ $69.99

MS Edizioni

Five Days RPG ......................................... $18.00

Last Resort ................................................ $22.00

Niegredo Press

Cthulhu Bay RPG ..................................... $18.00

Forsaken Scriptures .................................. $20.00

Onyx Path

They Came from RPG:  Classified! ......... $55.00

They Came from RPG:  The Cylop's Cave ..... $55.00

Trinity: Continuum: Anima RPG .................... $55.00

Paizo Publishing

Pathfinder RPG: Adventure - Claws of the Tyrant HC .... $44.99

Special Edition HC ...... $64.99

Pathfinder RPG: AP Shades of Blood 1 of 3 - Thirst for Blood .... $29.99

Pathfinder RPG: Flip- Mat Alchemical Lab ..................... $19.99

Pinnacle Entertainment Group

Savage Worlds RPG: Science Fiction Action Deck .......... $19.99

Savage Worlds RPG: Science Fiction Archetype Card Boxed Set .... $24.99

Savage Worlds RPG:  Science Fiction Companion ........... $49.99

Savage Worlds RPG: Science Fiction Pawn Set 1 ............. $29.99

Savage Worlds RPG: Tales of Science Fiction 1 ................ $29.99

Savage Worlds RPG: Science Fiction Vehicle Cars Set 1 ... $24.99

Palladium Books

TMNT RPG: Black, White & Red Edition ......................... $59.99
TMNT RPG: Redux Edition ............................................... $59.99
TMNT RPG: GM Screen Redux ......................................... $24.99
TMNT RPG: Mutagen Green Dice Set ............................... $59.99

TMNT RPG: Transdimensional Adventures, Black, White & Red Edition .... $59.99

TMNT RPG: Transdimensional Adventures, Redux Edition .......................... $59.99

Ravensburger

Lorcana TCG: Archazia's Island

Starters, Boosters, Card sleeves and Deck Boxes (Cinderella and Ursala), Gift Set, Illumineer's Trove

Lorcana TCG: Playmat, Baymax .................................... $19.99

Lorcana TCG: Playmat, Tigger ....................................... $19.99

Sirius Dice
D&D: Xanthatr's Treasure Blind Boxes 

Steve Jackson Games

Munchkin: Warm Fuzzies Expansion.. ..................... $11.95

Two Little Mice

Adventures in the Household RPG (5e) .................... $60.00

Adventures in the Household RPG Dice Set ............. $18.00

Adventures in the Household RPG Household Guide ....... $50.00

Adventures in the Household RPG Such Small Matters .... $50.00

Ultra Pro International

D&D - Bag of Holding Gamer Book Bag 

D&D - Gazer Gamer Pouch

D&D - Gazer Large Gamer Pouch

Warlord Games

Bolt Action 3E: Armies of Germany Sourcebook ............ $35.00

We Make Games

Teddies vs Monsters ..................................................... $30.00

Wizards of the Coast

Magic: The Gathering - Aetherdrift

Bundles, Collector Booster, Play Booster, Special Edition Bundle, Commander Decks

Wizkids

D&D ICONS OF THE REALMS - ADULT RED DRAGON TYRANT .... $79.99

D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Unpainted - ADULT RED DRAGON TYRANT ... $59.99

Marvel Heroclix  Iconix - Cupid Deadpool ........................... $24.99

Star Trek Ship Pack: Enterprise-D ......................................... $29.99

2025 #CharacterCreationChallenge Review and Index

I can safely say that this year's version of the #CharacterCreationChallenge was a success!  

Unlike last year, where I bailed less than halfway through, I powered through things and completed all 31 days. 

Better yet, it appears the engagement with the community was up this year.  Historically, the blog posts don't get much traffic.  Of all my previous years, a conversion of the GI Joe character, Low-Light  Pew-Pew cracked my October-September annual Top 20 most popular posts for the year.  This time around, four cracked my Top 25 for 2024-25, and at least two (Day 1 - Poptart of Doom and Day 3 - Yin-Yan, Idiot Rodian) might stay on the whole year.

I am relying on the fabulousness which is Blogger data, but old school methods still drove the most traffic to the blog.  

Of all the sites I posted to, the top four sites that sent people to me:

1. RPG.net
2. Twitter
3. Bluesky
4. Facebook

I enjoyed making characters for a number of zines I've acquired through Kickstarter, and a FLGS I frequent when I visit my mom.  Having to actually watch the original Disney cartoons to create a Year One Steamboat Willie was enjoyable as well

One of the original intents of the challenge is to have an activity for the doldrums of winter, although pre-gaming and planning is certainly not vilified.  I have a half-dozen pictures of potential Gamma World characters hiding in my drafts for 2026, and I think my focus might tie with statting out recent minis I'll paint over next Fall.  The end of the year is as crazy with my new job as it was with my old, and worst case, I'll still have a huge pile of West End Star Wars minis that I can work on.  

Links to all my characters: 

Day 1 - The Pop-Tart of Doom!  (Risus)

Day 2 - Zorax the Azure Seer (Brutal Quest) 

Day 3 - Yin-Yan - Idiot Rodian Co-Pilot (Star Wars d6)

Day 4 - Pinkie, Raidant Flamingo (Gamma World)

Day 5 - Gizmo Sparklegarden, Gnome Examiner (Gamma World)

Day 6 - The Goober Sisters (Gamma World)

Day 7 - Zephyr Stormcaller, Keeper of the Traffic and Weather (Gamma World)

Day 8 - Kotter the Otter, Saboteur of Parr (Gamma World)

Day 9 -  Horshack, Mutant Otter Commando (Gamma World)

Day 10 - Suri Draven, Smuggler (Star Wars d6) 

Day 11 - Steamboat Willie (Savage Worlds)

Day 12 - Janine, Teen Security Guard (Mall Kids)

Day 13 - Drona, Viking Cat (9 Lives to Valhalla)

Day 14 - Gouda King Fromage (TOON)

Day 15 - El Guerrero Serano, Mariachi of the Rising Sun (Risus)

Day 16 -  Helene Pilsner, The Key Mistress (D&D 5e)

Day 17 -  Bronte, New Acolyte of Mere (BECMI D&D)

Day 18 -  Thomas Pickle (TOON)

Day 19 -  Eleanor Whitby, Library Scientist (How to Survive Zombies if You're a Zero)

Day 20 -  Ronnie Devereaux, Space Merc Pilot (Star Wars d6)

Day 21  - Drupe the Languid Nap'ricot (In the Heart of Oz) 

Day 22 -  Priscilla Dropwater, Halfling (BECMI D&D)

Day 23 -  Tommy "Tetanus" Mazur  (Punk's Been Dead Since '79)

Day 24 -  Ken-Juan Balboni, Mutant Human Esper (Gamma World) 

Day 25 -  Link and the Seeds of Serenity (D&D 5e)

Day 26 -  Faerona Ravenlight - Elf Ranger (D&D 5e)

Day 27 -  Myron - Toadstool of Chaos (Gamma World)

Day 28 -  Ursus Dreamcatcher - Mutant Brown Bear Esper (Gamma World) 

Day 29 -  Skul Cashew - Mutated Squirrel Enforcer (Gamma World)

Day 30 - Thormot Wode - Cymru Cleric (Hackmaster 4e)

Day 31 -  Kiernan Crebbin - Half-Elf Magic User/Thief (Hackmaster 4e)

Thanks to TardisCaptain for helming another year of the challenge, and I can't wait until January 2026 rolls around!