18th December Games

Greetings


Despite local traffic problems, we were able to run the Christmas Adventures in the Lost Valley game for everyone in attendance. Rob's friend Pete and Phil for the Community Centre crowd were also in attendance for the ensuing mayhem umpired by Steve S, to whom thanks for his efforts.

This was our last meeting for 2019, subject to other off piste games; the next scheduled meeting will be on Wednesday 8/1/20. Decisions on games will be taken nearer to the date.


Best wishes to all for 2019 and may your Christmas be whatever colour the best fits with your domestic décor.


See yer soon


Neil

11th December Games

Greetings


We were able to run two games last night - Rob ran Dark Souls for Andy P, Mark and Dave K, whilst Steve H entertained myself and Steve S with the sci-fi version of Zombicide. I thoroughly enjoyed the latter and I understand the former game was enjoyable too.

Mike was playing a Horus Heresy vintage Warhammer game (his Ultramarines up against the Alpha Legion) and he won!

Next week sees our end of year Lost World game to which all are invited. I've booked two tables with Waylands to ensure we have enough room.


See yer soon


Neil

4th December Games

Greetings


Quiet again but we ran two games last night. Dave K umpired an introductory scenario for Star Wars Imperial Assault for Mark, Rob, Steve S and Andy P, while Steve H and I tried out a DBA based set of rules for ancient naval warfare. The Imperial Assault game was a learning process which it's been pointed our runs better using the app as this will run the game and campaign updates. The De Bellis Navalibus rules played our rather faster than the set we had before and seemed to feel more realistic. Some work will be required but they could prove useful.

Next week, Dave K has agreed to run the Lost Souls boardgame, whilst Steve H has offered to bring the Zombicide Sci-Fi version along. I'll look to bring a back up game just in case.


See yer soon


Neil

27th November Games

Greetings


Numbers were boosted last night with the welcome return of Matt and a visit by Andy H. Dave K ran the planned Mad Dogs game whilst Andy and I ran my planned Viking Age Lion Rampant game for the benefit of Matt and Rob (who had never played Lion Rampant previously)/ The game was notable for the two leader duels, neither of which was decisive, although Rob's warlord was eventually cut down in a glorious last stand before his Norse departed the table. Despite this Rob likes the system and wants to play again.
The Mad Dogs with Guns game was a test of a scenario that I gather went well.

Currently, Dave K has offered to run an Imperial Assault scenario for the Star Wars buffs. I haven't planned anything yet, so suggestions from those who couldn't make it last night would be welcome.


See yer soon


Neil

20th November Games

Greetings


Low attendance again this week, but Steve S ran a Deadlands Wild West Horror game for himself and Dave K, whilst Mike and Steve B were kind enough to invite myself and Steve H to join in an ACW game using the Rebels and Patriots rules. The latter was sufficiently bloody to result in a draw.

Next week, Dave K has arranged a Mad Dogs with Guns gangster game, while I've offered to run a Dark Ages game using Lion Rampant for anyone interested.


See yer soon


Neil

13th November Games

Greetings


A few more members in attendance last night; Mike and Steve B played the Wild West game Dead Man's Hand using Mike's very nice set up, whilst Andy P ran a play test of his sci-fi game for myself, Rob, Mark and Steve S. This proved entertaining and some useful input for the rules was made. Thanks to Steve B for the box files he has kindly provided me - they will be very useful.

We are likely to be low on numbers again next week, so I'll bring the Hobbit boardgame (which can accommodate up to 6 players) and Battle Cry. If anyone else has any ideas, please respond.


See yer soon


Neil

6th November Games

Greetings




This will probably be the last email to the Yahoo group due to the changes proposed; in future I'll post directly to the facebook group SEEMS WARGAMES CLUB, so if you haven't joined the group yet, please do so and I'll approve the application (this won't affect the blog).




We were able to run three games last night - Dave K ran a Mad Dogs with Guns gangster game for Mark, Andy P and Steve S. Rob and Alan played Aeronautica Imperialis (nice models btw), whilst I introduced Paul to my WW1 naval rules together with the Austro-Hungarian and Italian fleets. The game was kept fairly small as a teaching scenario, but suffice to say the Austrian gunnery dice were poor and the Italians were able to more or less cripple one of the Austrian dreadnoughts. I'm, working up the fleet lists for the pre-dreadnought fleets of both sides but this might take a while.

Next week, Andy P wants to run a play test of his sci-fi game, so I'll bring some figures and also bring along a backup game.




See yer soon




Neil

30th October Games

Greetings

Still down on numbers at present. I ran a Battlefleet Gothic game for Matt, Mark and the Steves during which a Chaos cruiser battlegroup took on a similar sized Imperial force in an attempt the bushwhack the latter. A exceptionally viscous affair followed (particularly as we remembered the critical hits this time!) with the Imperial Navy scoring a marginal victory. Sadly no pictures this week as my camera was lost in the warp (left at home by accident).

Next week I'll run an early 20th century (either pre-dreadnought or WW1 vintage) naval game. Nothing else agreed at present but should a decision be made, could this be notified to the group (on the new facebook group?).

See yer soon

Neil

23rd October Games

Greetings

Not very many of us around last night, so just the one game played. Mark ran his SWAT team game which was still in the balance when I had to leave.

Next week, I'll run a Battlefleet Gothic and I believe Andy P is running a Fallout game.

See yer soon

Neil

16th October Games

Greetings

There were enough of us to run a final play test of the Terminator: Genesys game last night and try out some additional ideas before we run the game at SELWG on Sunday. The picture below shows the basic layout of the game proposed, so hopefully it will bring some players during the day. Although we've been moved to the balcony this year to presumably allow sufficient room for larger games in the main hall, this may work in our favour as we're right next to the Bring and Buy and this might allow us to communicate with possible players. Steve H, Graham and I will be onsite as early as possible to set up the table and I hope to see as many of you present on the day (and please remember the lovely badges I got for you . . )

I note that road works on the A13 at the Orsett Cock interchange involving the closure of the main carriageway are planned again for this weekend, so it may be wise to avoid that route.

No firm decisions as to games for next Wednesday were made last night so if you have any ideas let me know.

See yer soon

Neil

9th October Games

Greetings

We ran three games last night, Rob and Andy S played the new Games Workshop air combat game, Aeronautica Imperialis, while Mike, Steve H and I played the tribute game for the anniversary of Hastings, 1066. I still find the Normans a tricky army to use against an infantry heavy army like the Anglo-Saxons, which explains the way the battle unfolded I suppose. This was fought to a draw as both forces reached 50% losses in the same move. Steve S and Mark played a Wild West game but I didn't get to see this.

Next week we'll run the final play test for the Terminator Genesys game planned for the SELWG show om the 20th of this month. As previously advised, this game will be up on the balcony near the Bring and Buy this year, so hopefully we'll have a good turnout and lots of interest.

See yer soon

Neil

2rnd October Games

Greetings

Numbers up this week so we were able to run three games. Dave K ran a play test of the Terminator game prior to it's appearance at the SELWG show on 20/10/19 (we're up on the balcony this year next to the Bring and Buy) which went well, while Andy P and Rob played Rumbleslam. Mike and Steve B played Jaipur.

 

 

Next week, Mike and I will be offering a Normans vs Englisc Lion Rampant game to honour the upcoming anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on the 14th. Should be large enough to accommodate up to 4 players with luck, While Steve S will have his Horror game and Mark with have SWAT.

See yer soon

Neil

25th September Games

Greetings

We were very thin on the ground last night, but were able to run two games.  Steve S and Dave K played Space Hulk, whilst I hosted a trial game of Mortal Gods (the Ancient Greek skirmish game from Footsore) for Mike and Steve B. This proved interesting despite a lack of familiarity with the rules as I haven't had much time to study them due to the domestic situation as you are all aware. Suffice to say we'll play this game again soon.

 

 

Thanks also to Mike for the two model ships from his copy of Wargames Illustrated - I'll pick up my own copy shortly. Any other models would be appreciated but not required.

Next week, we've planned a Terminator game as a test run before we present it at SELWG on 20/10/19.

See yer soon

Neil

18th September Games

Greetings

Firstly, my thanks to all those who expressed sympathy or sent cards following my father's recent demise; this was much appreciated by my family, who have asked me to pass on their thanks.

Nice to get back to some gaming this week. Steve S and Dave K played Doom, whilst Mike and I ran a Lion Rampant game for the Dark Ages  together with Steves H and B. Predictably, my warlord was killed and this put a dampener on the game. . .

 

 

Next week, I'll bring Battle Cry and Battleships Galaxies as we are likely to be low on numbers again.

Finally I note that Wargames Illustrated will be giving away some of the new models for the Warlord Game's Black Sails game in their next issue; if anybody doesn't want their models then I'd like first refusal as they look rather nice and I have an idea for their use. Also 29/9/19 is the Essex Warrior's Open Day at Writtle. I'll be running a Bronze Age Lion Rampant game there but this is always a good day out.

See yer soon

Neil

28th August Games

No Neil but somehow the remnants managed to wrangle up two games. One Kill-Team game Alan's Nids vs Bob's Dark Eldar and Andy's game of GAS (I'm sure it has a better name). Both games looked fun with some nice terrain.

21st August Games

Greetings

Reasonable turnout last night, with a gust all the way from New Zealand: Mark B used to wargame in the Southend area and is visiting family at present. Andy P ran his new sci-fi game for Mark L and Steve S, while I ran the postponed ACW naval game for Steve H and Mark B. Rob and Alan played Kill-Team.
Mark didn't do too well in the ACW game but was able to pick up the rules and I've agreed to send him a copy under a separate cover.

We'll go ahead with the same games next week as there are others waiting to play the ACW naval game.

See yer soon

Neil

14th August Games

Greetings

We were rather split up this week; Mike, Steve B and Gary were playing a card game, and Eamon and Finn were playing Battle Cry in the bar area. Andy P ran his play test for a new sci-fi game (which I gather went well and only requires some minor tweaks to the rules at this stage) whilst Steve H and I were trialling his recently received Triplanes and Tripods game at the opposite end of the main hall.

This last game has been developed from the popular Wings of Glory WW1 and WW2 aerial game to permit the war planes of the period to combat various Martian fighting machines. The base game comes with WW1 aircraft so I took a rocket armed Nieuport 16 (used for observation balloon busting in WW1) against one of the 'smaller' tripods. We got in two games = in the first I was 'crispy crittered' by the heat ray, and took significant damage whilst trying to bring the rockets to bear in the second game. Great fun and I look forward to playing this again.

 

Next week Andy will run a further play test of his new game, and I'll run the ACW naval game which I've held over from this week as Matt couldn't get down.

See yer soon

Neil

7th August Games

Greetings

Numbers down again due to holidays etc but we were able to put on two games this week. Mark ran his Lord of the Rings game with his Rohirrim and Rob's Wildlings (from another more recent TV series involving games and thrones), masquerading as Dunlanders on this occasion. I am unable to report on this game as I was introducing Matt to the joys of World War 1 naval combat, using the Line Ahead rules I found a few years back. My Austro-Hungarian and Italian dreadnought fleets clashed for the first time in a looooong while and it seems the work paid off as Matt enjoyed the game and picked up the rules very quickly. We inflicted damage to each other's fleets but there was no outright victor at close of play, rather like the real thing.

Next week, Andy P has asked if we could play test a set of sci-fi rules he is working on. I've agreed to bring along my 1/600 ACW naval ships for some water-based dodgems mayhem.

See yer soon

Neil

31st July Games

Greetings

Fairly quiet last night - Dave K ran his Batman game for Mark, Rob and Steve S, while I played Battle Cry with Matt. The scenario was First Bull Run/Manassas depending on which side you support. Suffice to say Southern honour was upheld ad the Yankees sent scuttling back to Washington (can you guess which side I was on?).

Next week, Mark will run a  Lord of the Rings game, and I've promised Matt a WW1 period naval game.

See yer soon

Neil

24th July Games

Greetings

A bit down on numbers on a very hot and sticky night; Dave K ran his Batman game for the Steves and Mark, whilst Andy P, Rob and I played Wildlands. This is a search and destroy fantasy game (feel free to disagree, Andy!)  which relies on a card hand specific to the group in question for movement, combat and other actions. Takes a bit of getting used to but an interesting system.

Next week, Dave K will run the Batman game again - I haven't decided what to bring yet, although Memoir 44 or Battle Cry suggest themselves. I'm open to requests from members for specific games.

Also, Steve H and I are running the Fury from the North, Viking raid game as part of an Anglo-Saxon Discovery Day ay the Southend Central Museum this coming Saturday 27/07/19 from 10 until 5. This is a nice tie-in with the opening of the Prittlewell Princely Burial exhibition at the museum and will also feature arts and crafts together with a display by the Temes Vikings re-enactment group, with weapons displays if the weather permits. Please pop in if you have time as the exhibit itself is worth seeing.

See yer soon

Neil

17th July Games

Greetings

Pretty good turnout last night - Mike was playing Battlefleet Gothic with Dan in an Eldar vs Imperial Navy clash and apparently got a hiding, whilst Dave K ran the first test of his new Batman skirmish game for Steve S and H and Mark. I ran another Ludis Gladiatorus game for Andy's P and H and Rob as previously agreed. Another fun, messy game as ever with some discussion concerning the up scaling of the game to 54mm for show purposes, it looks like this might actually go ahead . . .

Next week, Dave K wants to run the Batman game again, while Andy P has offered to run his Wildlands game. I'll bring along something as backup.

See yer soon

Neil

10th July Games

Greetings

Fair turnout last night. Steve S ran a new Viking Raid board game for Mark and Andy P, whilst I ran Ludis Gladiatorus after a very long layoff for Matt, Rob and Paul. We got in two games despite some truly dismal attack dice, but great fun all the same.

Discussion turned to the possibility of running the game on the show circuit using some 54mm plastic figures I've had for some time. The hex mat and the figures aren't a problem, but preparing new character cards and the arena walls have proven something of a stumbling block to date. Rob tells me he could make the walls relatively easily, so I've agreed to rough out a design for consideration. The character cards are more of a matter of design but not insuperable.

I've agreed to run Ludis Gladiatorus again next week to try out some other Gladiator types and I understand Dave K has a new Batman game he wants to try.

See yer soon

Neil