21st May Games

We had two substantial games underway last night; Nigel ran his Swords Weirdos fantasy skirmish for Andy P, Mark and Eddie while Dave C ran the grand finale game for his ACW naval rules. Dave K and I ran the Confederate defenders, while Nick and Steve S were the Union attackers. They were tasked with knocking out the large fort and destroying the defending flotilla while Dave and I only had to stop them........certain ancient mariners present were heard muttering about a 'Kobayashi Maru scenario' prior to the start of play (see Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan for details).

Suffice to say the action was hard fought on both side, but the fort was duly demolished by the Union monitor force, although the Confederate gunboats sank the two Yankee wooden ships in revenge. Great fun even though the South lost - again. 

Next week, Andy is considering a Starship Troopers game, while I've been working to bring the Perry Miniatures Travel Battle game to the table after a lengthy hiatus painting the VERY small figures involved - more anon.

See yer soon,

Neil

16th April Games

We had a selection of games underway last night; Steve H ran a card game which I didn't get the name of for Andy P and Mark, while Nigel and Eddie played Sword Weirdos, which is a fantasy skirmish version of Space Weirdos which Nigel and I have experimented with previously.

I was involved with another of Dave C's Portable ACW Ironclad naval games with Nick, Dave K and Steve S. The scenario we played bore a passing resemblance to the River Plate action in 1939, but with Union ships USS Wabash (commanded by myself as senior officer present), Dave K in USS Watchusett and  Steve S in USS Kearsage, tasked with stopping CSS Stonewall commanded by Nick from escaping off table. Stonewall was a tough nut to crack,  she having rammed the Wabash and escaped the effects of a full broadside at close range (my dice rolls are back to normal), she then took damage from the other Union ships, and finally sank after ramming the Watchusett and taking damage in the process. I gather Dave C is pondering a possible rules amendment to cover this unusual eventuality...... Great fun nevertheless.

Steve H has suggested that I run a trial of the TANKS in Normandy game I'm looking at presenting at the Broadside show in June over in Gillingham. All are welcome to participate and feedback would be welcome; the game runs well but this version needs polishing before the public are let loose on it.

See yer soon,

Neil 

2rnd April Games

We had two decent sized games running last night; Andy P ran Dead Man's Hand Western Gunfight for Mark, Nigel, Steve H and Paul which eventually ran out as a very bloody draw, while Dave C ran a larger test game for his ACW Ironclad rules for myself and Dave K as the Confederacy and Nick and Steve S commanding for the Union. 

The Union were tasked with forcing the passage past Fort Unately into Static Bay (names provided by Dave C....), and the Confederates with preventing this, having the fort and two gunboats, an immobilised ironclad and a smaller ironclad ram to do so.

As commanding officer Confederacy, the initial dispositions of my ships were not of my choosing (blame the umpire as usual), so I put Dave in command of the fort and the immobilised ironclad which was moored directly below it, and I proceeded to launch what could only be called a death ride with the gunboats into the heart of the Union fleet in the hope of inflicting sufficient damage to deter their attack, or by sinking a vessel in the middle of the passage and blocking entry to Static Bay. The fort was able to sink a large Union vessel, and I was able to inflict sufficient damage before one of the gunboats was sunk to decide the action in our favour. It appears my dice have Secesh tendencies as I rolled more 6's than was healthy and much to the dismay of the Yankees! Thanks to Dave for setting things up for a most enjoyable game.

Next week, a further game of Carnevale has been planned. I've something in mind but this will depend on who is available.

See yer soon,

Neil        

12th March Games

We ran two games last night; Steve S ran a Heroquest game for the bulk of those present; this is the recently re-released version of the classic dungeon crawl game from waaaaaay back when. There are substantial differences between the two, and the game was essentially a trial run for a further game which would then hopefully run better.

Dave C, Nick and I played out a further Portable ACW naval game, based on the action in Hampton Roads between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Monitor was tasked with protecting the grounded USS Minnesota (a wooden frigate which had run aground during the Virginia's first sort the previous day). Virginia was tasked with destroying the Minnesota and surviving to exit the table from her point of entry. Nick ran the Union ships, while I (predictably) commanded the Virginia. 

For once, my plan worked, and I was able to destroy the Minnesota and execute a ram on the stern of the Monitor; admittedly the ram was ineffective, but so VERY satisfying! Virginia was adjudged by Dave to have exited the table in time for tea and medals.

Next week, we have a further Heroquest game planned, and I'll bring a couple of games along as backup.

See yer soon,

Neil 

26th February Games

  We ran two very different games last night; most of those present were involved in a variant of Zombiecide I never thought I'd see, based on the TV series of Monty Python's Flying Circus, which included all the best known characters from the Ministry of Silly Walks, the Gumbies and the giant foot! It looked like great fun except for the zombies wanting to nosh on the characters, but that's zombies for you.

   In a slightly saner corner, Dave C, Nick and myself ran the much delayed play test of Dave's Gridded ACW Naval Wargame, using two small forces for the Union and the Confederacy. This was the game's first outing and as such was umpired by Dave. I ran a Confederate squadron with a broadside ironclad ram and a gunboat, while Nick had a shallow draught monitor and a gunboat. I drew first blood, hitting the monitor with fire from the gunboat. This was promptly bracketed by both Union vessels and reduced to matchwood in short order. My ram hit the Union gunboat with closed range gunfire but took damage in return, at which point we ran out of time. In all likelihood, I'd have been outmanoeuvred by the faster Union vessels and pounded into submission, but the point was to test the rules ahead of a much larger game which will be covered in a revised edition of Dave's rules for future publication. Great fun all the same.

No firm decision on next week's games as yet. Flashpoint seems to be one option, others are under consideration.

See yer soon,

Neil

9th November Games

Slightly reduced numbers played The Walking Dead last night; Dave K, Mark, Andy P and Steve S all participated. I bought Battle Cry as previously arranged. Matt and Steve H played the Fredericksburg scenario (which those with knowledge of the ACW will recall involved Union forced advancing across open ground towards an entrenched Confederate position, suffering enormous casualties in the process). As with all Richard Borg games, action is controlled by a hand of action cards, which may or may not allow one to pursue desired plans. The trick is to make the best of the hand and hope it doesn't turn into a foot, or an appendix, or a bowel. You get the picture.

Steve won the first game (Matt hadn't played before and now wants a copy himself!) by attrition on the Confederate right flank, and declining to attack the main position. I then took over the Confederates for a second game. I was doing a reasonably with Steve one victory point up on me when time ran out, but I think I might have held out in the end.

Plans for next week revolve around one of the Zombicide games which I have a yen to try again. Steve S and H have copies which hopefully can located in good time.

See yer soon

Neil

6th April Games

This week we had three games on the go; Andy P ran Dead Man's Hand for Mark, Dave K and Steve S, Rob was playing Warcry as usual, while Steve H and I played Battle Cry. For those unfamiliar with the game, it uses figures as counters with command actions driven by tactical cards defining areas of action etc. Usually, one's hand is not ideal for the plan and last night was no exception for both of us. I just scrapped a win for the Confederacy when the right cards finally came up.

Next week, Andy P has offered to run Dead Man's Hand for Rob and one of his friends, Steve S has a game based on the Firefly TV series and I'll look out something as backup.

See yer soon

Neil 

13th October Games

Greetings

Apologies to Alan and Rob for not picking up their game in the bar area; I hope it went well. Dave K, Mark and Andy P played Mad Dogs With Guns and I ran the ACW naval game originally scheduled for June, but delayed by my injury for Matt, Paul and Steve H. The usual mayhem ensued and I was able to extract some small revenge for last week's defeat by siding with Steve and annihilating the Yankie fleet!

Next week we'll be playing Dead Man's Hand and Mad Dogs With Guns. Steve H, Graham and I are off to SELWG this Sunday where we'll run my Colonial game with scenarios from the Zulu Wars and Sudan. Hopefully we'll see some old friends on the day.

See yer soon

Neil

6th October Games

 Greetings all

A bit thin on the ground again last night. Dave K, Steve S and Mark played Zmobicide (sadly Dave had mislaid his copy of Hordes Of The Things rules which had been the preferred game - but any game is better than none), while I hosted Matt's recently completed 28mm ACW collection, supported by my own growing CSA force to play Rebels and Patriots in a scenario from Neil Thomas' One Hour Wargames book, which I christened the Battle of Bryson's Crossroads in honour of our late member Laurie. I think he would have liked this game.

Due to my usual lousy dice rolling, and my suggestions for the Confederate deployment, the South lost on this occasion. The objective for both sides was to control a hill and the crossroads. Matt had the hill in the Union deployment area and was on the verge of overrunning the crossroads when time was called. I will, of course, be most horribly avenged in due course. . .

Next week, I'll run an ACW naval game using my 1/600 ships, while Dave K will run a Mad Dogs with Guns gangster game.

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

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

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

17th April Games

Greetings

A selection of games last night - Rob and Alan played Kill-Team, Mike and Steve B played another Rebels and Patriots ACW game, whilst I ran a Battlefleet Gothic game for the remainder of those present. My thanks to Matt and Mike for photos as I forgot my camera.

I can only report on my game as I was umpiring but basically it was a chance to use the big beasts - and Emperor class BB and a Desolator class BB - with supporting cruisers and escorts. An exceedingly messy action ensued but the Imperium came out on top (just) due to Chaos losses and damage inflicted. It's been a while since we last played BFG and we were all a bit rusty.

 

 

Next week, Dave K has offered to run a Western Gunfight and I believe Andy P has a couple of board games in mind.

See yer soon

Neil

20th March Games

Greetings

A decent turnout last night, when Steve S and Dave K ran a gangster game for those attending. Nice to see our two most recent recruits Matt and Eamon (whose son Finn was also in attendance) involved. Rob and Andy P played Fallout, whilst Mike C and Steve B played their first game of Rebels and Patriots, using Mike's newly completed ACW collection. Mike tells me the rules work out well and he'll be adding more to the collection, (I need to push my confederates along . . .).

 I've been up to see Ernie Foker today (Thursday) to play test a DBA based set of rules for the Franco-Prussian War. The game played went well considering the amendments hadn't been tested to date, and only a few changes appear to be required. Enie sends his best to all and hopes to see you at Salute on the 6th April.

See yer soon

Neil

22rnd August Games

Greetings

Still quiet but sufficient for the proposed ACW naval game. It's been a while since I last ran this on a club night so we were all a bit rusty, but eventually we played a version of the Battle of Memphis (Tennessee) with nothing heavier than a lightly armoured vessel on both sides; probably more representative of the river war than the armoured vessels. The Union ran out winners on both of the two refights I ran, but this was in keeping with the historical outcome.

Nothing firm was decided for next week, so I'll bring the WW1 Wings of Glory collection along for an outing. I've an idea for an escorted bombing mission which might prove interesting.

See yer soon

Neil

1st August Games

Greetings

The holiday season and the return of the warm weather continues to affect attendance. Andy P ran his Asian skirmish game for a draw, whilst Steve H and I played Battle Cry (the Richard Borg ACW game); by losing First Bull Run for the Confederacy, I may have unwittingly saved thousands of lives . . .

Next week, I've offered to run Space Hulk again for those who missed the last game. No firm decision had been taken as to whether Andy P should run his Asian game or if Mark would offer one of his modern skirmishes; doubtless something will be offered. Rob L has offered to run Necromunda again in a couple of weeks, and I'm making progress with rebasing Mahdists and British for The Men Who Would Be Kings - plenty to come.

A reminder that we've been invited to attend A Writtle Bit of Lard at the Essex Warriors base in Writtle on 30/9/18. No game has been offered at present as this is a Too Fat Lardies special, so it would be an opportunity to try out some of their rules. The organisers have been kind enough to advise that since SEEMs has supported their Open Days for so many years, entry will be free - so wear those new badges!

See yer soon

Neil

8th February Games

Greetings

Reasonable turnout this week;

Steve H and I had a quick ACW naval game while discussing possible amendments to the rules in the event of a future display game.

While Mark ran a further play-test of this fantasy skirmish rules.

Next week I'll run a Lion's Rampant game to christen my recently completed Norman force; Steve S has offered to bring some board games, but another game would be nice . . .

See yer soon

Neil

12th October Games

Greetings

A fair turnout on a rather wet Wednesday:

Andy P ran a further play-test of his Samurai Rules.

Whilst, I put on an ACW naval game for Chris and Josh, which turned out to be particularly messy, only two confederate ships survived out of all those present on both sides at the start.

Next week, Dave K has offered to run a zombie game, whilst Chris has offered to run a Lion Rampant game with his 13th century Anglo-Scottish Collection.

See yer soon

Neil

4th June Games

Thanks to John for running a Rapid Fire early war game last night; it looked very nice. I ran a test ACW naval game for the two Steves prior to Broadside this weekend, which saw the Confederacy lose due to appalling gunnery/dice rolls.

See yer soon,
Neil.

__._,_.___

23rd October Games

Mark, Bob and Andy ran a Warhammer Fantasy game, and I ran the ACW naval game rescheduled from last week. This turned out to be a dour struggle, resulting in a Confederate victory by preventing the Union force from proceeding upriver. No pictures this week as I was busy umpiring....

Next week, Laurie has offered to run a Western Gunfight using the Dead Man's Hand rules; Bob and Andy will run a Malifaux game, while the remainder of us are likely to be engaged in a first game of Star Trek Attack Wing. Mike has played a few games already, and believes it to be a better game than X-wing - praise indeed!

See yer soon,
Neil