(Nostalgia) The Simple Gaming Spread, Circa 2019

 Continuing to clean off my e-mail and my phone, and found these little gems from my other friend Brian, in the pre-COVID Days. 

I don't remember the manufacturer of the building, but I had the one-story version, he had the two.  Nothing fancy, although I do believe the floors were accessible and the interiors were finished.

(Gamma World) Not a Test #118 - Residual Glows

Our heroes, the De Facto Explorers, have decided to embark on an epic quest to reach Lathar's long-lost father.  

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

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.   Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust.  Recently married to the now-pregnant Thunnelda Haycock.   Just received a letter from his long-lost father, and has convinced the others to accompany him to the Wildlands.

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.   Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"

Sonny Helianthus: an over 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.   Sonny may have recently detonated an atomic device in the petrified woods... although no one else knows. 

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places,  and finding it often.   He  has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.  Recently gave birth to another pile of baby worms. 

and two new additions....

Poppy and Speedy: Two of Squiggles' offspring from his first... litter(?) They're now teenagers in worm years, old enough to grab diminutive muskets and help their Manchi and his friends on this epic quest. 

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

The party stayed off the main road, using the "Invisible Airlords" camp for their own needs overnight.  Perhaps they would try to come back, or perhaps more extensive searching would net the party a bigger stash of loot....

Sneaky Pete returned from tracking/chasing down the Invisible Airlords as they fled.  The creatures had scattered, many climbing into the trees.  He was still quite amped up and traipsed the surrounding woods for something greater than the small encampment the others had uncovered.  He did find a second, better hidden spot, one that would have been great for treasure, yet from his examination, it was actually the spot they ate in. 

Lathar woke up the next morning.  Sonny was examining all the items they had found, as well as finding in the break of the canopy to absorb some sun.  

Pete... well Pete had decapitated the dead Airlords and mounted them on stakes on the side of the road, as well as using some of the paint they had found to cover up the "Invisible Toll" sign with his own "DO NOT PAY THIEFS."   Farmers and small merchants did pass by, most lauded the weasel for ridding the town of illegal toll-takers.  Pete did buy an intricately woven door mat from a woman with a nearby cottage.  The one thing that further worried the weasel.  Tavren Silkwrick, the weaver, had paid the toll in other woven mats and products.  The party hadn't found anything like that in the stash.  Where did that stuff go?

Tavren Silkwrick, Mutant Weaver

Squiggles' teen-equivalent children shuddered at the brutality... and those worms had watched many of their fifty siblings

Squiggles:  Don't get on Uncle Pete's bad side.... 

He then left with them to spend the morning hunting.  

With no one looking to head off towards Fair-Town, Lathar grabbed No-Name and road the hour or so back to Riverbend, to see his wife and his mother....  

He spent the day back home.  His newlywed pregnant wife, Thunnelda, was still miffed that Lathar was going on some wild goose chase.  His mother supported her daughter-in-law, calling Lathar's father a wanderer for days, a dreamer, certainly a drunk.  

"You're Papa was a rolling stone.  He might not even be where he claimed he was anymore..."

He ate an early dinner with them, before leaving back to his party members.  His mother stood on the porch, waving,  as he rode off on No-Name.  Thunnelda sulked in a darkened corner of the house...

"This is the last time he's getting away with this...."

Sonny spent most of his day sunning himself, and trying to figure out what the use of the glowing rock and rod they had found.  Without his Glow-Badge, lost around the Hopper lair weeks prior, he couldn't ascertain the lethality of the glow of the items, only that he had not fallen ill to them while in his possession for the past day.  

Squiggles and his children reconnoitered the woods, finding very small game, but nothing worth firing a loud musket at.  It was Father-Son (Manchi-Worm) bonding time with two of his eldest children.

Poppy:  So, when you leave with your friends, you just hang out in the woods and eat rations around the fire? 

Squiggles: No, we kill people too.

Speedy: That's cool...

They did get to see some of the river traffic, barges with cargo, a rarity, all heading downriver.

Lathar arrived back at the encampment before dusk and they spent one more night there, with nary a sign of the Invisible Overlords before heading out to Fair-Town the following morning. 

They arrived at Fair-Town and Pete raised a stink that the entourage of Lathar was getting charged while all he had to do was flash a sash for admittance.  

"We have people that need to talk to you Lathar, but everyone else is five..."

Lathar left the group to find the town hall and finally see what his job as a member of the Town Council finally entailed. 

He arrived at the building and caught a lot of side-eyes from staff.  "Master Lathar, you've graced us with your presence, if you're going to be in town for more than a joust, we'll arrange a meeting for noon tomorrow."

The woman behind the counter handed him a bulging ancient binder filled with random papers.  "You've been missing for the last three months.  There's been a few votes than are locked in a tie...  More Kirthoians have appeared, a few river pirates... nothing we couldn't handle by ourselves."

With that, Lathar headed back to the Wrong Celery.  The rest of the crew was already there.  Sonny, sipping a beverage, Squiggles, teaching his children about diversity and a plant-dominant establishment... and Pete negotiating with Duncan the coffee planet barkeep, for another keg of their mead... and delivery within the next month.  

Once Lathar was there, the group moved to their normal inn, the Triple Comfort, where Lathar dumped the binder onto Sonny, and Pete looking over their shoulder.

"I need to make some votes tomorrow morning.  Can you help, influence advise me?"

Sonny worked through this overflowing, disjointed binder the municipal workings.

"There's a couple different items that probably need your vote..."

1. A proposition to send troops to eliminate tolls on the way to Riverbend.  They either want to send 50 or 100 of the Fair-Town militia. 
2. Which merchants and farmers are we using to reallocate winter supplies and resources? 
3. A proposition to give the Kirothians (blue-skinned folk) full rights. 

Sonny: "I think you should offer a reward to eliminate the toll-takers, we'll come back to collect after we visit your dad."

Lathar: "I wonder if I can call on the other council members to talk about this before noon tomorrow." 

Squiggles had none of that bureaucratic appeal the others wanted, so he had taken Speedy and Poppy out on the "big town." They toured the joust ground, he bought the children pet "dragons"  (Mango and Zig-Zag) and wooden swords, trying out the human food with varying degrees of disgust. 

Zig-Zag and Mango, properly mutated

They wandered around the town, full of happy family moments.   Speedy had disappeared for a bit but soon came around a corner, shaking...

"Manchi??"

"What happened?"

The younger worm turns and points... "Is that my mom?"

It was Ubenda, the worm he originally bred with.

Ubenda

"I knew you'd make the better mother, Squiggles."

GM Notes: Fun fact, I thought the addition of a compass to the group would make some revelations as to directions and the maps they have acquired.  In a quick search I realized they've had a compass since episode #65, when they first discovered the Big River didn't flow North-South as all the maps assumed.

In a town where everything is "Ye Olde" the pet lizards were from the plainly named Fair-Town Lizard Rescue.

Next: #119 - Lathar the Parliamentarian

The Mike Lung Gallery #93 - Lego Zombie Napoleonics

 The one thing I love about our online Monday night Gamma World is that a bunch of guys from Boston to Virginia, can not only game, but shoot the shit as well.   And we certainly go on some crazy tangents while we wait for straggling players to waltz in.  

Two weeks ago, our conversation wandered everywhere, like a back country road with a tornado, and I know I casually dropped Napoleonic zombies.  I expected some conversation about Silver Bayonet, or stretching it to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but then friend of the blog, mutant-weasel playing and AWARD-WINNING GM Mike Lung shot these pictures to me.

Like me, Mike has too many rules sets, but I know we weren't going a Silver Bayonet-esque route.  

Now, getting him to put this on at a Historicon, that might be a horror scenario in itself, or another swaggy trophy for his shelf. 

3,000,000 Views!

It took me 15 years to get 1 million views on the blog. 

It took less than two years to get 2 million more. 

Yeah,  the system is broken, definitely not the same one I was working with all these years.  I still trust Blogger stats somewhat with the individual post views, but I know most are bot/engine driven hits to my main page,  (https://gamingwiththegnomies.blogspot.com/ ). 

And it's not just me.  Trusted, and far more popular blogs the have celebrated five, six, or even seven million views in fairly organic ways have mentioned a huge spike in general page views, while their per post views remain the same. 

And I'm certainly not complaining about post views.  I remember 15 years ago when a post got 40 views I did a happy dance.  There isn't enough traffic to justify monetizing the blog (and making 15 cents while pissing of the people that actually enjoy the blog), so I'll just keep trying to stay active everyday for folks. 

Sword in the Stone Announces a Joint Project for Hazleton

It came with big surprise last week when Sword in the Stone Games in the Wyoming Valley Mall announced plans for a new location 25 miles south, in the Laurel Mall in Hazleton for September of this year. 

There is a local comic/game store down there of some sort, but I’ve always had difficulty even trying to find it much less get there for the appropriate hours. Hazelton a fairly large city that needs a gaming presence, because I believe the next store south on I-81 might be a roundabout trip to the The Alchemist's Cove in Orwigsburg.

And it seems like the chain model of game stores seems to be the way to go, in this economy, with the ways the "industry" is going.   Cloud City Games in the Lehigh Valley just opened a fourth location in Kutztown that I need to get down to to review. 

The bigger news that comes attached with that is they are doing it as a joint venture with White Knight's Game Room in Williamsport. I haven’t been able to do formal review of White Knight's, but I have actively been a fan of theirs for the last 20+ years and while I couldn't confirm deep pockets to help with this project, they definitely add very deep resources to the endeavor. 

(Gamma World) Not a Test #117 - The Gormless Trader

Our heroes, the De Facto Explorers, have decided to embark on an epic quest to reach Lathar's long-lost father.  They have many stops along the way, but first they must handle a group of particularly annoying invisible illegal toll takers...

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

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.   Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust.  Recently married to the now-pregnant Thunnelda Haycock.   Just received a letter from his long-lost father, and has convinced the others to accompany him to the Wildlands.

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.   Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"

Sonny Helianthus: an over 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.   Sonny may have recently detonated an atomic device in the petrified woods... although no one else knows. 

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places,  and finding it often.   He  has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.  Recently gave birth to another pile of baby worms. 

and two new additions....

Poppy and Speedy: Two of Squiggles' offspring from his first... litter(?) They're now teenagers in worm years, old enough to grab diminutive muskets and help their Manchi and his friends on this epic quest. 

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

The trap had been set....

The "Invisible Air Lords" who had established their illegal toll between Riverbend and Fair-Town in the spring had done little to change or improve their spot for larceny, an odd bend in the road that cut through a berm.   A large rock and some sticks... and a old stop sign heading upriver with the "Pay the invisible toll or else" had already seen better days.  

Strolling down the road from Riverbend was a certain non-descript 10-foot-tall sunflower, wearing an equally large poncho, attempting to ride a stagon... or at least straddling it.   A chest was strapped to the back of the beast.  He was... singing... like the gormless trader he was portraying.

I'm in the domars...

I'm in the domars...

Can't wait to sell my wares, and get a whole lot more...

Sonny heard a familiar "Halt!"  from the forest.

Sonny: Who? What? Where is that?

You.... you have entered the protective domain of the Air Lords.  Please... pay your toll and go on your way. 

Sonny was still looking around:  Who are you?

It does not pertain who we are, besides we are the Air Lords!  Pay the toll and you can go on your way, and you can be completely safe.  We promise.

Sonny: Okay, what's the toll 

FIVE THOUSAND DOMARS!!! Another voice perked up... "That's too much!"

OKAY, FIFTY DOMARS!  

Sonny:  Okay, I don't have enough domars, but I have this chest.

Sure! 

The sunflower awkwardly dismounted from the stagon, unstrapped the chest and left in out the ground, then continued on his way, unmolested. 

The chest sat along the side of the road for awhile, until it just appeared to magically float up the berm.  No persons or things can be seen carrying it.   The chest came to a rest, barely over the berm....  

And nothing else happened for awhile.

Sonny had spent a extra few days to fit his latest invention, Curry in a Hurry, inside the old chest they had.  He believed he had it jury-rigged to activate the second it was opened.  The true plan?  Give the chest to the Air Lords as a toll, and once the invisible creatures opened the lid, *WOOSH* the cloud of curry envelopes the illegal toll-takers and allowing the group to see them. 

One thing delayed the inevitable:  The thirty domar lock Sonny bought for authenticity. 

The Air Lords simply could NOT pick the lock.  They ultimately resorted to a large rock and multiple attempts.  None of the group could see anything, but everyone heard the repeated thuds, the noises finally terminating into a loud crack.  A few seconds later the device triggered and the yellow powder shot out into the air. 

The second anything even remotely like a shadow could be seen.... Pete opened fire, a laser bolt streaking through the cloud.    Followed by Squiggles' shot, then the young worms charged from their position, Speedy, stopping kneel and shoot his musket.  Poppy was dropping prone, the butt of the musket hitting the ground awkwardly enough for it to go off into the air.  

The cloud swirled as the invisible bodies moved around.  Lathar's shot struck true, the impact visible for a moment as one of the creatures fell down.

Everyone began moving in and firing, even though none of them could get a bead on the swirling and dissipating yellow cloud. 

Sonny had tied No Name to a tree and ran back, brandishing two pistols.  He ran into the faint yellow outlines of a half-dozen smaller primates, with alternating white and black rings on their long tails.   

The Invisible Air Lords... barely revealed. 

Surrounded, the sunflower went full "Death Blossom" with his exploding seed mutation, sending all of them reeling further into the forest.  The sunflower stood there as his weasel and adult worm allies, charged past them in pursuit of the Air Lords.  

They came back later... empty handed, allowing the others enough time to retrieve No Name and find at least a nearby stash

• A compass
• A glowing rod
• A glowing rock
• A box of glowing mushrooms
• a few thousand domars from the tolls.

Maybe they did have a good business model...

Next: #118 - Residual Glows

The Event List for Historicon 2026 is up on Tabletop Events!

It's like Christmas for a wargamer, the event list (formerly known as the PEL to us old-timers) is finally up at Tabletop Events! 

Next Gen (and a full Stout Gnome contingent) are back in their familiar spot!

As always, these are the events that interest ME, and if I wasn't running a full weekend, might ponder registering for.  Many of these events are run multiple times over the weekend.  I'm only listing the one session to that I noticed first.  I did my best to label Mulitple Sessions, but use the search function to find events with multiple runnings over the weekend!  

The Stout Gnomes selections, as always, are listed in red.

Wednesday 

(401) Battle of Saratoga

Wednesday 6pm, 4hrs, Players 6, GM John Drye, Period: AWI, Scale: 15/18mm, Rules: Volley and Bayonet

In October of 1777 Continental General Horatio Gartes defeated General Howe in two battles in New York state and forced his army to surrender. This defeat ended the British plan to split the colonies and convinced France to enter the war. The Volley and Bayonet rules allow the depiction of the battle.  

(278) Stalingrad: Fortress on 9th January Square Session 1

Wednesday 6pm, 4hrs, Players 6, GM Tom Yaudas, Period: WW2, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Modified Bolt Action 3

Autumn 1942. In the ruins of Stalingrad, German assault groups attack Pavlov’s House and 9th January Square while Soviet defenders fight to hold their lifeline to the Volga. A 6-player, 3-session Bolt Action v3 urban battle with named objectives and brutal close combat.

Thursday

(452) A Very British Civil War

Thursday 9am, 3hrs, Players 6, GM Gregory Preibe, Period: Inter-War, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Combat Patrol

England has fractured into a state of chaos as the Anglican league battles the British Union of Fascists for control of a rural village's tone cottages, hedgerows, and simmering grudges. Break out your biscuit tint, put the kettle on and settle in for a lovely morning of alt-history shenanigans! 

(402) BattleTech: Grinder

Thursday, 9am,  3hrs, Players 10, GM Mark Yingling, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 6mm, Rules: Battletech

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. All materials, miniatures and dice will be provided.  MULTIPLE EVENTS

(621) Raid on the Suez Canal

Thursday, 9am,  4hrs, Players 8, GM Bruce Anderson, Period: WW1, Scale: 10mm, Rules: Take Action - Middle East

Prior to the landings at Gallipoli, the Ottoman Empire attempted to cut the lifeline of the British Empire, the Suez Canal, in February 1915. The Canal is defended by the gallant Diggers and Kiwis of the ANZAC. Will the Turks prevail over the greatest empire of the time and shut down the Canal?

(671) They Came For Our Cows!

Thursday, 9am,  3hrs, Players 6, GM Mike Finn, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Fistful of Lead. 

1850 Arizona, Bug Eyed aliens come raiding a small town to meet their needs. What could these monsters from the stars possibly need from a lonely town in the desert? Come relive the front end of a sci-fi thriller double feature from the 50's and thwart the aliens... or do some abducting of your own!

(48) HMGS WAR COLLEGE  Along the Embattled NY-Penna Frontier, 1778-1779

Thursday 10am 1 hr Host: Jeff Schultz

Join us for a brief overview of the role of the Iroquois Confederacy, Loyalists and Patriots along the Pennsylvania - New York frontier during the American Revolution. We will look at this interesting, and often overlooked region, with a focus on NE Pennsylvania and nearby.

(512) HMGS HOBBY U - Beginner Airbrush - Never Failed Class

Thursday, 10am, 2hrs, Tickets: 10 Host: Mark Franke

If you have failed at airbrushing or just want to begin. This is the class for you. We’ll teach you how to be successful every time you pick up an airbrush and learn basic techniques to be successful every single time. Hands-on teaching with an airbrush and compressor

(202) FORT APACHE: JOHN WAYNE CAVALRY TRILOGY #1.

Thursday, 10am, 2hrs, Players: 13, GM: Pete Panzeri, Period: Western Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Crazy Horse.

Join Pete, award winning Little Bighorn author & decorated combat veteran for our wargame of the JOHN WAYNE CAVALRY TRILOGY’s climactic Battle! WHO’LL MAKE IT OUT? WHO’LL NOT? BLOODY fast-paced game. SPONSORED by BRIGADE GAMES & FEATURING their Wild West-FIGURE-LINE. 

(523) HMGS HOBBY U - Painting For Complete Beginners

Thursday, 10am, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6,  Host: Francesco Nesci

This class is for people who haven't painted a miniature and want to know where to start. The class will cover base coating, washing, and dry brushing highlights. Everything you need will be supplied.  MULTIPLE SESSIONS.

(675) Test of Grit - Blazing Saddles and Circled Wagons

Thursday, 10am, 3hrs, Players: 24, GM: David Hill, Period: Western Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: - Test of Grit - Adapted Test of Honour.

Test of Grit is a 28mm Western skirmish game streamlined for convention play. This massive Western table, winner of Best of Show for Cold Wars 2026, is divided into 2-4 player segments, so you will not be waiting to take your turn. Rules taught (quickly) and all materials provided. Saddle up!  MULTIPLE EVENTS

(537) HMGS HOBBY U - Into the Trenches

Thursday 12pm, 2hrs, Tickets: 6, Host: Joseph McGuire

With a little bit of wood, cardboard, left over hobby projects, and a whole lot of hot glue, students will make their own free-standing trench pieces suitable for World War 1 games or popular games like Trench Crusade.  Students will be using sharp implements and hot glue guns, no child under the age of 12 will be admitted without a parent who must assist them.

(622) HMGS HOBBY U - Portable Post-Apoc Raceway

Thursday 12pm, 2hrs, Tickets: 10, Host Don Goddard

Ride along as we discuss techniques for scatter terrain and barricades used to create durable, easily repositioned pieces for Hot Wheels/Matchbox scale racetracks that are cheap, store easily, and are made from commonly available materials.

(690) HMGS Hobby U - What the Hedge? 

Thursday 12pm, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6, Host Dennis Jensen

In this class we will create hedges using household items to give your troops some needed cover.  MULTIPLE SESSIONS

(713) The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Thursday 1pm, 4hrs, Players: 3, GM Tom Ballou, Period: Western Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Pulp Alley

Blondie, Angel Eyes and Tuco meet in a small Mexican village to find the gold. Each has a piece of the map showing where the treasure is located, but they’ll need to get the rest the map from the others. They have brought some friends to help convince the others.

(611) Who is in Control Here? 

Thursday 4pm, 2hrs, Players: 8, GM: Andrew Dickinson, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 6mm, Rules: BattleTech Aces

Play Alphastrike using the Aces automated system, Players take the role of Mercenaries whilst the opposition s controlled by a series of cards that model tactical behavior.

(548) 3 Ranks Deep – Cowpens

Thursday 6pm, 4hr, Players: 8, GM: Geoff Graff, Period: AWI, Scale: 15/18mm, Rules: Home Rules.

Falling back from superior force General Greene split his army into two. The British sent a sent a portion of their army after the smaller force. The battle that resulted became an iconic American victory, but it was a close run event. Can you do as well?

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

Thursday 7pm, 3hrs, Players: 5, GM Tom Uhl, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Live Free or Die

Hessian Colonel Carl Donop was determined to redeem his honor after the embarrassing Hessian defeat at Trenton. Now he would lead the assault on Fort Mercer along the Delaware River. He boldly declared that “either Fort Mercer would soon bear my name or I will be dead on the field!”

(594) Battletech: Sword and Dragon 3152

Thursday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 10, GM: Mark Yingling, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 6mm, Rules: Battletech

The Struggle is real for the Federated Suns as they continue to reclaim lost planets from the Draconis Combine. House Davion has freed New Avalon, but they still have more work to do. Join the fight on either side of this ilClan era battle. All materials, miniatures and dice will be provided.

(683) Blood & Steel: Liberty Firefight

Thursday 7pm, 4hr, Players: 6, GM Edgar Pabon, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Blood & Steel

Blood & Steel is stepping out of its Victorian Era sandbox for a taste of rebellion as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. With a focus on fighting in the skirmish lines, this game will feature some of the more famous/infamous units in the AWI.

(213) Droid Wars - Battle on Dumas

Thursday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Jessee Scarborough, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 10mm, Rules: So Convenient for Hewing

Having driven off the highguard protecting the planet Dumas, the Colonial Development Union (CDU) has landed an expeditionary force, a battle droid combat team, to seize control of the mines. The CDU force first captured the spaceport, and now marches on the mines. The droid force encounters a cadre of troopers from the Alliance of Independent Worlds and battle results. Played using a mod for the rules, “So Convenient for Hewing.”

(36) Iron Reich Rising: The Battle for the Dark Side of the Moon

Thursday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Jeffrey Whitlock, Period: Pulp, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: LUNAR

Set in 1971 at the height of the Cold War the forgotten joint US and Soviet mission to eradicate nazis who have nefarious plans to destroy their enemies from the moon by launching a nuke at Washington DC and Moscow.

(305) Starbase over Rivera Kwai

Thursday 7pm, 5hrs, Players: 6, GM Joe Cato, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 1:2400th, Rules: Federation Commander

Klingon forces have penetrated deep into Federation space but the Klingon drive has paused to construct new bases to support further offensives.. A Federation task force has broken behind Klingon lines to free Fed PoWs working as forced labor to construct a new base station.

(204) CRAZY HORSE ATTACKS at SLIM BUTTES 1876

Thursday 8pm, 2hrs, Players: 13, GM Pete Panzeri, Period: Western Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Crazy Horse

In Sept 1876, CRAZY HORSE once again attacks the US Army, trying to repeat his recent stunning successes at ROSEBUD & LITTLE BIGHORN. But can he? Join our 150th Anniversary wargame of this significant battle.

(329) Gnome Wars: Treasure Island

Thursday 8pm, 3hrs, Players: 10, GM Jim Stanton, Period: Fantasy, Scale 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

Standing in the shade of the palm trees on this uncharted island, looking down at the faded map in his hands, all the treasure hunter feel a tad uneasy . Was the map real? The answer to that questions was just a short feet below his feet. In the distance a volcano starts to rumble and roar...

(265) The Battle of Assunpink Creek

Thursday 9pm, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Mark Zaslavsky, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Black Powder.

Jan 2, 1777, The British commanded by General Cornwallis attack American's at Trenton, N.J. commanded by General Washington. Fight the 2nd Battle of Trenton to resolve the loss from Christmas surprise attack of December 26th, 1776. It will be a hot battle on a bitter cold day.

Friday

(214) Starship Troopers: The Invasion of Klendathu

Friday 8am, 3hrs, Players: 6, GM Christopher Grau, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 6mm, Rules: Starship Troopers - Sector Sweep.
After the unprovoked meteor attack from the Arachnids, the MOBILE INFANTRY stands poised to descend upon the Arachnid homeworld, Klendathu! The FEDERATION needs you to do YOUR PART against the bug menace! SERVICE GUARANTEES CITIZENSHIP! FIELD PROMOTIONS GUARANTEED!

(549) 3 Ranks Deep – Guilford Courthouse

Friday 9am, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Geoff Graff, Period: AWI, Scale: 15/18mm, Rules: Home Rules.
Following Daniel Morgan’s successful defeat of a British force with an unusual tactic, Daniel Greene tried the same. It was not as successful. Can you improve on the result, or change history?

(59) Border War in the Land of Ozz

Friay 9am, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Dave Reiners, Period: ACW, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Wars of Ozz.
A mixed force of Munchkins and Impkins are trying to drive away a mixed army of Harvest and Winkies.

(464) Clash during the Zulu War

Friday 9am, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Dave Wood, Period: 19th Century, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Combat Patrol
Junior leaders on both sides are trying to make a name for themselves by searching for a fight. Which side will win?

(556) Germantown 1777

Friday 9am, 5hrs, Players: 10, GM Bert Carney, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: British are Coming
Washington has been outmaneuvered again and The British have captured Philadelphia. Washington's daring plan is to attack the enemy at dawn. Can the Rebel army defeat the British and their Hessian allies? Can the Patriots overcome the obstacles and secure victory? Join the Rebels or fight the King

(543) HMGS Hobby U - Gearing Up For Gaslands

Friday 10m, 2hrs, Tickets: 6, Host: Joseph McGuire
Come learn how to turn Hot Wheels into glorious machines of death suitable for Osprey Publishing’s hot game Gaslands or other auto dueling rulesets.

(654) HMGS Hobby U Triple-Dog Dare You - pt1

Friday 10am, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6, Host Paul Sekits
3x Miniatures - representing convention Theme. Challenge is to paint all miniatures as well as a base - and enter them in a Painting Competition by noon Saturday. In part 1, we will cover the overall plan - and work to knock out the harder parts first - skin, faces, and eyes.

(522) HMGS Hobby U - Painting for Complete Beginners

Friday 10am, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6 Host: Francesco Nesci
This class is for people who haven't painted a miniature and want to know where to start. The class will cover base coating, washing, and dry brushing highlights. Everything you need will be supplied.

(688) HMGS Hobby U - Tanks a Lot!

Friday 10am, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6 Host: Dennis Jensen
In this class we will be learning how to paint 15mm tanks. While we will be focusing on US armor from WWII these techniques can be used in any period or theater! MULTIPLE EVENTS

(431) Wagon Wars!

Friday 10am, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM Frank Osborn, Period: Western Expansion, Scale 25/28mm, Rules Car Wars 6th Edition.
Grab your revolver and saddle up, partner! The working day is done and it's time for your team of cowpokes to race back to the saloon. First one back gets the luxury bed, last one buys the drinks. Yee-haw!. All rules will be taught.

(319) Gnome Wars: Treasure Island

Friday 1am, 3hrs, Players: 6, GM Maja Jacobson, Period: Fantasy, Scales: 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

Standing in the shade of the palm trees on this uncharted island, looking down at the faded map in his hands, all the rival treasure hunters feel a tad uneasy . Was the map real? The answer to their questions were just a short distance away, somewhere between the fearsome roars and spewing volcano..

(692) The Battle of Cowpens January 17, 1781

Friday 11am, 4hrs, Players: 4, GM Mike Fatovic, Period: AWI, Scale: 54mm, Rules: All the King's Men.
After winning the Battle of Waxhaws No Quarter Tarleton is now attempting to duplicate it at this cow pasture. Will the overconfident Tarleton be able to defeat the Patriots and possibly end the war or will the unconventional Morgan put an end to Tarleton dreams you decide.

(448) Turnip28: The Battle of Ham Hill

Friday 1pm, 3hrs, Players: 8, GM Emma Brower, Period: Napoleonic, Scales 25/28mm, Rules: Turnip28
Marching for days without food, your scouts have just reported a welcome sight: a pig farm on a hill. As your scouts move in to seize the succulent swine, they run into a rival regiment intent on the same objective. Now the pigs have been scattered and you'll have catch them before your rivals do.

(92) Death in the Swamps, 2nd Seminole War

Friday 2pm, 4hrs, Players: 12, GM David Partak, Period: 19th Century, Scale 25/28mm Rules Fistful of Lead.
Major Cooper built a fortification near Lake Holithlikaha. Cooper had a battalion of Georgia Volunteers, a company of US artillery, & one gun. On April 2nd, Osceola and his Seminoles descended upon the fort. Relief would arrive 16 days later. Can the relief column get through to the besieged?

(362) HMGS Board Game Library - Learn to Play Ticket to Ride

Friday 2pm, 1hr, Players: 5
A popular Train Game that is family friendly. Collect trains, build segments, to create route, for points most points wins

(509) The HAWKs Invitational Cross-country Road Rally

Friday 2pm, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Eric Schlegel, Period: PULP, Scale 20mm, Rules: Future Race
Modify your vehicle and race around the course while battling both the other racers and the environment. Bumping is allowed (some say required) and style points will be awarded for the most spectacular wreak.

(612) HMGS Hobby U - Tiny Swamps

Friday 2pm, 2hrs, Tickets: 8, Host: Don Goddard
Learn the basics of poured epoxy water effects for terrain pieces. Using affordable clear hardware store epoxy, students will complete at least one terrain piece featuring a shallow transparent pool. Sharp Cutting Tools/Hot Glue/ or other materials may be used making this class unsuitable for youth.

(430) Trailer Park Warlords of the Apocalypse - The Big Hit

Friday 2pm, 4hrs, Players: 4, GM Brian Peak, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Period: Trailer Park Lords of the Apocalypse.
Your warlord wants a rival gang member taken out—permanently. But surprise! Their warlord wants one of your crew gone too. It’s like a deadly Secret Santa, but with more bullets and fewer cookies. Will your gang deliver the hit and bask in glory, or botch it and suffer the wrath of your warlord?

(54) Zombies in Ohio

Friday 2pm, 4hrs, Players 8, GM Donald Carter, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Mein Zombie
1774 in the Ohio valley There is an uneasy peace between the local Natives and the white man. On night the sky fills with shooting stars. A small number of stones are found by both sides, Unknown these stones carry an illness. Can the survivors reach safety, or will the illness take them.

(320) Gnome Wars: High Seas

Friday 3pm, 4hrs, Players 8+, GM Eric Jacobson, Period: Fantasy, Scale 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars
The landing parties have headed to shore to get the treasure. The members of the crew that stayed on the ship must try to keep it afloat and free from rival crews, natives, pirates, and anything else that floats! Hoist the black flag and load the cannons!

(327) Gnome Wars: Surf and Turf

Friday 3pm, 4hrs, Players: 8+, GM Mike Lung, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars.
Captain Alvarado and his band of pirates are trying to evade the British pirate hunters and sneak onto a deserted island and get their treasure. The Captain best be on his guard for the British Marines are hot on his trail.

It looks like we're missing one of the three gnome games for the Mega-Game!  Stayed tuned for more info.

(192) HMGS WAR COLLEGE The United States Navy Fleet Problems: 1923-1940

Friday 5pm 1 hr Host: Dr Albert A Nofi

Come join Dr. Al Nofi as he discusses the U.S. Navy's Fleet Problems during the Inter-War period. Dr. Nofi is a distinguished author, historian, wargame designer and veteran speaker at the HMGS War College. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the New York Military Affairs Symposium.

(555)  Battletech: Aiming to Misbehave

Friday 6pm, 4hrs, Players: 10, GM Ian Gordon, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 6mm, Rules: Battletech

Captain Murphy, a pirate leader, was living the life of good ol' fashion banditry until he stole from the wrong people; the Word of Blake. Fearing for his life, and the theft of his hard earned ill-gotten goods, Murphy is now hastily trying to evacuate his treasure off planet.

(565) STARBLAZERS – The Action at SAMAR SEVEN

Friday 6pm, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Paul Meyer, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 1:2400th, Rules: NOWS Starblazers

Space battleship Yamato re-creates the action of her historic namesake as she leads a surprise strike on a lightly defended Comet Empire carrier group. Beware Yamato – things didn’t go so well in 1944!

(457) Paul Revere: Werewolf Hunter

Friday 7pm, 3hrs, Players: 6, GM Gregory Priebe, Period: AWI, Scale 25/28mm, Rules: Fistful of Lead

The first shots of the American Revolution are about to be fired, but something far older and more savage stalks the roads outside Boston. Paul Revere and his allies must face British regulars, Hessian troops, and the threat of werewolves lurking in the darkness.  MULTIPLE SESSIONS.

(478)  Tripod Down!

7pm Friday, 3hrs, Players: 7, GM Buck Surdu, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Gaslight.

A scratch group of defenders has managed to destroy a Martian tripod. The Marticans are displeased and launch a force into Midsommer to take revenge and rescue the vehicle crew.

(207)  STAGECOACH - THE WILD WEST QUEST

Friday 8pm, 3hrs, Players: 13, GM Pete Panzeri, Period: Western Expansion, Scale: 25mm, Rules: Crazy Horse

It’s YOU, John Wayne & a Coach “FULL-of-CHARACTERS” to endure a HARROWING & UNPREDICTABLE STAGECOACH JOURNEY & face swarms of APACHE! (Like the MOVIE) [U can BRING TEAM of 2-4 or we’ll assign U] ONE TIME ONLY AT Hcon’26!

(803) Star Trek Adventure 60th Anniversary

Friday 8pm, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Bobby Edoo, Period: Sci-Fi, Scales: Other, Rules: Star Trek Attack Wing

Come and join Star Fleet or one of the other factions in a Star Trek Adventure 60th Anniversary, where you can command a star ship while leading your crew to mission success. The missions will be daring, phasers will be set to kill and the glory timeless.

(318) THE ANNUAL HISTORICON GNOME JOUST!

Friday 8pm, 2hrs, Players: 24, GM Maja Jacobson, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: To Cry a Joust

It's that most-anticipated time of the year! The Joust! Where everyone is equal until the dice bless or curse you! Rules taught. Quick, easy, FUN!

Saturday

(475) Stabby Stabby

Saturday 8am, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Kevin Fischer, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Feudal Patrol

An Orc War Patrol is making their way through the woods; in advance of the bigger war bands. It is up to a group of brave adventurers and some mercenaries to blunt this reconnaissance in force as the town readies itself.

(559) Haiti 2004 

Saturday 9am, 3hrs, Players:4, GM Martyn Kelly, Period: Modern, Scale: 25/28mm, 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. MULTIPLE SESSIONS

(271) Pillage in the time of King John

Saturday 9am, 3hrs, Players 4, GM Tony Marano, Period: Medieval, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Pillage.
During King John's reign rebel Barons & the King's men alike raided & plundered castles, & villages across the Realm. Will you be looting the villagers to gather the King's taxes or to strike a blow against your foemen's demesne? Or will you be defending your peasants from the lawless marauders?

(473) Revolutionary War Meeting Engagement

Saturday 9am, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM: Chris Palmer, Period: AWI, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Wars of Eagles and Empires.

Playtest of a Revolutionary War version of the popular "Wars of Eagles & Empires" game system. British and American forces stumble upon each other unexpectedly on a hot summer's morning.

(613) The Twinkie Heist

Saturday 9am, 4hrs, Players: 8, GM Tu Tran, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Mein Zombie

You overhear the Snowball gang talking about looking for a huge Twinkie cache hidden nearby. It’s time to gear up for The Twinkie Heist! Come join us for some lighthearted, cooperative fun as we venture out to search for these delicious treats.

(32)  HMGS War College   The US Army and Philippine Army in the Philippines 1902-1942

Saturday 10am 1 hr Host: Dr John Gordon

The evolution of the US Army and Philippine Commonwealth Army from 1902-1942 will be discussed, including organization, weapons, and plans. Combat operations of MacArthur's ground forces in the 1941-42 campaign will be reviewed.  

(519) HMGS Hobby U - Quick and Dirty Terrain Painting

Saturday 10m, 75 minutes, Tickets: 6, Host: Matthew Fridirci

This class will take a hands on approach to getting terrain table-ready in quick fashion.

(487) HMGS Hobby U - Stone Walls - They Aren't Always Gray

Saturday 10am, 2hr, Tickets: 6, Host: Tim Peaslee

The color of a stone wall will depend on what area it is built in. From traditional granite of New England to the moss covered sandstone of the Ohio Country, and even down into the dark, damp caverns. Learn to paint walls that break the norm.

(341) Gnome Wars: The Ruins on New Providence

Saturday 11am, 3hrs, Players: 8+, GM Eric Jacobson, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

After the attacks of the Great Gnomish Treasure Hunt on Friday, who will finally gain control of the port of New Providence? And what are those odd drums off in the distance?

(236) HMGS War College -  Lt General John Burgoyne and the 1777 Saratoga Campaign

Saturday 12pm, 1hr, Host: Douglas Cubbison

British Lt General John Burgoyne was one of the most controversial figures of the American Revolution. Burgoyne's own papers, eventually found in government archives, will be examined, as will Burgoyne's thoughts and actions during his service in North America.

(520) HMGS Hobby University - Quick and Dirty Terrain Painting

Saturday 12pm, 75 mins, Tickets: 6 Host: Matthew Fridirici

This class will take a hands on approach to getting terrain table-ready in quick fashion.

(566) Sherlock Holmes: A Serial Killer in London

Saturday 1pm, 3hrs, Players: 8, GM Tim Hartman, Period: 19th Century, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: GASLIGHT

Holmes and Watson are called upon to solve a series of murders by a serial killer. Lots of interesting characters with twists and turns. Play as law enforcement or as a Perp.

(489)  Armies for Kids - American Revolution

Saturday 2pm, 2hrs, Players: 6, GM Eric Schlegel, Period: AWI, Scale 54mm, Rules: Milk & Cookies

Pick an army and fight for independence or to suppress the rebellion. Rules are easy to learn and will be taught by the GM. At the end of the game, players will take home enough troops, terrain and game materials to fight their own battle on the dining room table. Kids under 12 only please.

(658) HMGS Hobby U - Things That Go Bump in the Night - Giant Tentacles

Saturday 2pm, 75 minutes, Tickets: 10, Host: Paul Sekits

Sailors of old and pirates all - greatly feared the bump of tentacles against the ships they sailed. The class walks through how to transform a novelty pen and items found in hardware stores into a giant Octopus/Kraken Tentacle. Majority of time will be spent painting a tentacle to take home...

(428)  Trailer Park Warlords of the Apocalypse - Beer Run

Saturday 2pm, 4hrs, Players: 4, GM Brian Peak, Period, Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Trailer Park Warlords of the Apocalypse

Some scrappy gang stumbled across a glorious stash of beer—liquid gold! But then, boom: ambush. Now the streets are glittering with cans like a frat party exploded in a war zone. It’s yours for the taking… if you can dodge bullets, rival gangs, and your own thirst-induced bad decisions.

(209)  ULTIMATE LITTLE BIGHORN 1876

Saturday 2pm, 3hrs, Players:16, GM: Pete Panzeri, Period: Westward Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Crazy Horse

THE WHOLE BATTLE (of the “GREASY GRASS). Join Pete, award winning Little Bighorn author, & decorated combat vet— for a 150th Anniversary 28mm WARGAME. THIS IS IT! The greatest battle of the WILD WEST 

(481)  Undead versus Hobbits and Allies

Saturday 2pm, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM: David Wood, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Bear Yourself Valiantly

An undead army is invading the Hobbits homeland. But the Hobbit scouts have been tracking the force and some allies have sent reinforcements. Will it be enough to save their homeland?

(81) HMGS War College - China's Northern Expedition 1926-28

Saturday 4pm, 1hr, Host: Ching Chin

China's Northern Expedition 1926-1928 reunited China through the First United Front between the Communists and the Guomindang "Nationalists" and their break-up, setting the stage for World War II, and the post-war Communist victory.

(328)  Gnome Wars: The Raid on New Providence

Saturday 5pm, 4hrs, Players: 8+, GM Jim Stanton, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars

Captain Alvarado and his band of pirates are trying to evade the British pirate hunters and sneak onto a New Providence and get their treasure. The Captain best be on his guard for the British Marines, and anyone else looking to collect the bounty on his head, are hot on his trail.

(534) Plastic Pirates Plunder Paradise

Saturday 6pm, 2hrs, Players: 8, GM Geoff Graf, Period: Age of Sail, Scale:40mm, Rules: Plastic Pirates

They’re Baaaaacck! The Little Lego Looters have returned. And again Paradise Isle has problems. The colonists and the natives are friendly, (or are they?), but when the pirates come everything changes. A game for the young. Reading is helpful.

(454) Doctor Who: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Daleks

Saturday 7pm, 3hrs, Players: 6, GM Gregory Priebe, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Doctor Who Miniatures Game

England, 2007 A.D. The Army of Ghosts and the Cult of Skaro are attacking. The streets are a warzone. How long can you survive? Join us for a laid-back evening of hijinks with the Doctor, Daleks, Cybermen, and Torchwood in this revival of Karl Perrotton's classic Salute 2010 participation game.

(93) Shootout in Chaparral, New Mexico Territory

Saturday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 13, GM David Partak, Period: Westward Expansion, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Gunfighters Ball

Not far from the Mexican border town of Ciudad Juárez lies the sleepy little town of Chaparral. Once made up primarily of Hispanics and adobe buildings, the town is being changed by Americans moving in, and tensions are rising. The tequila, whiskey, and blood will flow in the streets.

(3) The Battle of Long Island August 27, 1776

Saturday 7pm, 4hrs, Players: 6, GM John Mitchell, Period: AWI, Scale: 15/18mm, Rules: Hold the Line. 

On August 22, 1776 the British landed on Long Island. Washington, ordered to defend New York city, positioned his Army on a group of hills North of them with the East River at his back. Easy rules to learn. But the need to make tactical decisions each turn, make this a great convention game!

(510) HMGS Hobby U - Iron Paintbrush

Saturday 8pm, 3hrs, Tickets: 30, Host: Todd Pressley

Teams are given limited time and an unknown bag of components to complete a theme decided by a die roll. Can you say random? The Hobby University crew will throw in a few curve-balls as well. Team are made up of two to four people and test the iron will of the contestants. Theme: 250

(794)  Squad Leader with Miniatures

Saturday 10pm, 3hrs, Players: 5, GM Noor Ampssler, Period: WW2, Scale: 6mm, Rules: Classic Squad Leader.

Hedgehog of Piepsk Scenario: Russian infantry assault a German occupied village. Very large force of Russian infantry versus a small force of German defenders with a serious amount of MG42s, numbers versus firepower. Hidden deployment. Not a game for rules lawyers.

Sunday

(465) Contact

Sunday 8am, 3hrs, Players: 6, GM Kevin Fischer, Period: Sci-Fi, Scale: 1:285, Rules: Starfighter

The Macross must take out a blocking battleship but the enemy won't let them do so. A pitch battle will determine of the Macross can destroy the battleship or will the Zentradi damage or destroy the Macross?

(458) Battle in a Box Chariot Racing

Sunday 10am, 2hrs, Players: 6, GM Buck Surdu, Period: Ancients, Scale: 10mm, Rules: Roman Circus II

Players race 10mm chariots around the track. The whole game folds into a 4L Really Useful Box. Practice reading Roman numerals before the game. The rules are fast and fun -- a great last game for a convention. Don't leave Saturday night. Stay and drive chariots on Sunday.

(508) The Cult of the Red Dragon

Sunday 10am, 2hrs, Players: 8, GM Eric Schlegel, Period: Fantasy, Scale: 25/28mm, Rules: Milk and Cookies. 

Bands of adventurers are exploring a secluded valley in search of fame and fortune, but the valley is controlled by the Cult of the Red Dragon. Who will succeed and who will be dragon kibble?