9th July Games

 Numbers are down slightly due to holidays and Big Fat Greek Wedding invites (Hi Nick!), but we ran two games last night. The Steves played BattleTech with a couple of light mechs, as the rest of us were playing a Lord of the Rings skirmish game. Paul and I led the Men of Rohan against a force of Goblins and Uruk-Hai (led by Andy P and Mark) that were attempting to pass through a defile which the Rohirrim were tasked with defending. Paul's infantry held the ground against the Goblins, while I led the horsemen of Rohan against the Uruk-Hai. 

I will admit that I'm not especially used to the LoTR rules systems, but it seemed that even with the ground not favouring cavalry I should be able to attrite the Uruk-Hai in melee (mounted against infantry, d'ye see). There was attrition - but involved the Rohirrim being cut to shreds........... three made it out. Paul's infantry were suffering badly as well, so the honours went to the forces of Mordor. In case you were wondering why no cloth was in use, this was due to a logistical error. I have therefore christened the action as the Battle of Bare Boards. 

Next week, another Lord of The Rings game is planned and I've planned to offer another Angels 20 game.

See yer soon,

Neil  

6th March Games

A decent turnout with no less than three games underway last night. Steve H & S were playtesting the Blood and Plunder pirates skirmish game, Alan and Rob ran an Old World Warhammer fantasy battle with Empire and Wood Elves (I think?) forces, while Mark and Andy P ran a Lord of the Rings game for Eddie and I with Rohirrim and Ork forces, the latter assaulting a settlement which I named (for reasons which will become apparent) A-Lam-O. Despite Andy and I putting up a solid defence, we were overrun and..........it just got ugly thereafter. Good fun for all that.

Next week, I’ll bring my Angels 20 collection, featuring either Eastern Front or possibly Pacific scenarios. Steve S has booked a spare table for a board game if this becomes necessary. For those who haven’t been aware, the proposed relocation of the Wayland warehouse to another site is unlikely to affect the games centre.

 

See yer soon,

Neil     

9th August Games

We had a whole row to ourselves this week! Three games were running – Frostgrave with Rob, Alan and a friend, Andy P, Mark and Steve S with a Lord of the Rings inspired assault on a Rohirrim fort (?Helm’s Deep?) by a whole horde of marauding Uruk-Hai, and my play test of my DBA inspired ECW rules for the WoFun figures I acquired a while back. 

I’ll confine myself to comments on the last of these as I was umpiring while Dave K, Steve H, Paul and Eddie commanded the Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. Increased movement and firing ranges were an improvement, but some tweaks concerning the use of cover, effects of disorganised movement through the same, group movement and firing priorities are required before a further game. Casualties were light before the Royalists came to hand strokes with the Parliamentarians, and just edged a win in the last move by forcing the latter to a loss of one third of their forces. The game went well for the most part other than the points mentioned, which is always to be expected in a play test. I’ll make the necessary adjustments and email copies to the players for their comments asap.

Next week, Andy P will run a Samurai game, while I’ve offered to run a WW2 air combat game with Angels 20.  

 

See yer soon,

Neil

19th October Games

   A reduced attendance due to a mix of sickness and holidays still managed to provide a choice of games last night. Mike was re-introducing his brother to the hobby after a long lay off with a Lord of the Rings game. Rob and Alan were involved in a Marvel Crisis Protocol (think I got this right) game and I ran a Napoleonic naval game for Matt and Mark. Matt was fortunate to smash his way to a win with the French against Mark and the British (but don't worry, I won't let this go to his head). I umpired the game, and spent time advertising the Battle of Britain game from SELWG to people who might be interested in taking part in some of our games.

   Mike is running a refight of Agincourt next week (albeit on the day after the anniversary). I hope to be able to take part, but this will depend on how my car's MOT and service progress earlier in the day.

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

13th March Games

Greetings

Nice to see Matt again on a night when we were down on numbers. Mark ran the promised Lord of the Rings game, with an Uruk-Hai force up against a Gondor/Rohirrim alliance. Suffice to say the good guys had a bad evening, and the Uruks had horse steaks for dinner! Rob and Andy played a further game of Fallout, albeit I didn't get to see much of this.

Next week, I've offered to run the ancient naval game I bought this week but postponed die to the lack of numbers last night. Nothing else planned as yet, so I'd appreciate some offers and ideas.

See yer soon

Neil

21st November Games

Greetings

Mark Ran a Lord of the Rings game, featuring his Rohirrim against a band of Uruk-Hai for most of those present.

Whilst Steve H and I tried out a new board game 'Magnificent Flying Machines'. This recreates the air races of the early 20th Century (albeit with one or two anachronistic types) and allows for weather, carrying out tasks etc. For those who remember the film there is a Terry-Thomas character! Didn't get very far but most enjoyable and worth a further try.

Next week, will see a further Mad Dogs With Guns trial game. I haven't decided quite what to bring but have a couple of suitable games in mind; I'll make a decision closer to the time.

See yer soon

Neil

31st January Games

Greetings

Thanks to Mark for running a Lord of the Rings game last night; Men of Rohan with Elvish support tried to hold a position in the face of an all out Uruk-Hai assault, which ended with thoughts of 'last stand' and 'massacre' crossing my mind. A game enjoyed by all nonetheless.

Next week, we plan another Terminator Genisys game; I'd like to offer this as a game for SELWG in October, so if Dave K can bring his zombie apocalypse terrain, I'll bring my figures and we'll see what we can plan.

See yer soon

Neil

13th September Games

Greetings

We ran two games last night; Mark ran a Lord of the Rings skirmish (the orcs won apparently), whilst I put on a Dark Age Lion Rampant game for Chris, Jake, Steve H and myself; this resulted in a victory for the Norse, but Chris has suggested an amendment to the rules reducing missile fire dice to half when a target is over half the firer's range. Given the bulk of casualties were caused by missile fire from the skirmisher units, I am inclined to agree and this amendment will appear on playsheets in the future.

Next week I will run a small scale play test for the Tanks game I intend to run at the Essex Warriors open day and also at SELWG, These shows are to be held on the 24/09/17 in Writtle and on 22/10/17 at Crystal Palace respectively, so please note your diaries accordingly.

See yer soon

Neil

25th January Games

Greetings

Fair turnout on a bitterly cold evening (roll on summer).

Mark ran a game of the Lord of the Rings.

I ran a small game of TANKS for Chris and Steve H, giving me the chance to drive a Tiger 1 against the two Shermans. All vehicles took damage in a game with some manoeuvring - and correct use of the Initiative rules this time! - before close of play.

Next week, Steve S has agreed to run a Wings of War WW1 aerial game. I'm not sure what I'll bring as I have taken delivery of the Osprey submarine game 'They Come Unseen', and may try that out.

See yer soon

Neil

15th April Games

      Thanks to Neil for running a scenario driven game of Star Wars X-Wing last night, much as the rebels tried, the imperial cordon of Hoth was just too good and the first transport was destroyed.

     While Mark ran an ambush game of Lord of the Rings which saw the Uruk-Hai annihilated by the combined forces of good.

      Next week we have Lion's Rampant at Dave's request and possibly Flames of War, plus anything else anyone brings.

     The AGM will be held on Wednesday the 29th of April starting at 8pm prompt, hopefully with enough time for a game afterwards. Any ideas that anyone wants to put forward are more than welcome.

4th February Games

      Another good turn out this week, with Alan and me playing an impromptu game of Saga, while the rest of those present played a big multi player game of LotR put on by Mark.

        

Lotr first turn

Scenery-less saga game

      Next week John is putting on his 15mm WW2 game and there is going to Lion's Rampant for anyone with a force to join in with.

16th July Games

Nice to get down to some gaming again last night, although it was a bit too warm for my taste! I have attached pictures of the Napoleonic naval game I ran for Mike and John at the moment a British 74 exploded, causing mayhem all over the table, and Mark's Lord of the Rings game based on the battle at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring, albeit Legolas got the chop rather than Boromir! A quiet word with the continuity team may be required....

Steve Slater ran a Carcassonne game for Chris and Steve H which they appeared to enjoy. I am told this is a classic game which has held its place as a favourite for a number of years .

Thus far, we hope to run a substantial Hotts Dark Ages game next week; anyone who has figures appropriately based please feel free to bring along whatever you can, and we'll take it from there! Steve S has indicated he will bring along the Carcassonne game again.

See yer soon,
Neil.

9th April Games

Pretty busy last night with three games on the go. Mark and co. ran a Lord of the Rings game, the two Steves were trying out War Machine, and my Ludis Gladiatorius setup made a return as part of the projected upgrade of the game to a 54mm participation game for 2015. 

Next week we have an offer of Mark's SWAT game and I have been requested to run Angels 20 by Mr. Crook who assures me he will be in attendance.

Salute is this Saturday at ExCel, when the Frantic Four will present a 1914 Race to the Sea game. This will be their final game for the club after many years of work, so please turn out to support them if you can.

See you in the queue...
Neil.

11th December Games

A fair turn out last night; Mark,Bob and Andy ran a Lord of the Rings game based on a scenario from The Two Towers. Word is the Uruk-Hai have a couple of halflings to play with as a result; I have checked my copy of Mary Gentle's 'Grunts!', but cannot currently find a receipe for roast hobbit. It's important to use the right sauce you see.... picture attached. Of the game, that is.

Steve Harbron was kind enough to bring along a new board game called 'Euphoria' for a play test. Not being directly involved in this game I wasn't paying close attention to the play, but I gather the game was enjoyed by those involved.

Next week it appears we will be a bit thin on the ground. Steve Slater has therefore offered to run a Valley of the Dinosaurs board game as the Xmas entertainment; I have picked up a board game based on the first of the Hobbit films (via The Works in Southend) which might also be worth a try.

See yer soon,
Neil.

9th October Games

It was certainly 'a dark and stormy night' yesterday, but a few brave souls ventured forth to attend our weekly meeting. Bob and Andy ran a Lord of the Rings game, based (I think) in the Mines of Moria from the first book/film of the trilogy. I ran an ACW naval game - apologies to those playing for the errors and omissions in the playsheet which I have in hand, together with the suggestions made concerning play. That aside the game ran well, with a narrow win for the Union. Pictures of both games are attached.

As you know, the club is presenting a War of Spanish Succession game at SELWG this weekend. We are sited on table E in the main hall, a map of which was sent with last week's email; look for the Caliver Books stand and we are close to that. I expect that I will see more than a few of you on the day for some dedicated retail therapy!

Next week, I will run another ACW naval (with the corrected rule set!). I understand that a Warhammer 40K game is also planned.

See yer soon,
Neil.

7th August Games

Better turnout this week. Steve ran Fury of Dracula for the benefit of Messrs. Hardman and Kightly, Mark and co. ran a Lord of the Rings game (picture attached), and I was able to run the second trial for the Napoleonic naval action - this seems to be OK now and will go on record as a useful game for a small show. A picture of the early stages of the game is also attached.

I am advised that Alan and Chris are planning a DBA/HOTTS game so Alan's Romano-British can have an outing. Steve Slater has agreed to bring a selection of board games; I would be prepared to run either Angels 20 (Malta RAF vs. Italians) or by way of a change Ludis Gladiatorus. I would ask interested parties to advise which game they wish to take part in.

See yer soon,
Neil.

9th January Games

Bit of a flop from my point of view this week; I was feeling absolutely bushed, Dave Crook was unable through no fault of his own to attend club which meant that the pre dreadnought game had to be scrubbed, and I am still trying to get somebody to fix my car!

Karma, neh?

Thanks to Mark and Steve Slater, therefore, who provided games for those attending to participate in. I have attached a picture of Mark's Lord of the Rings game for flavour.

I intend to run the pre dreadnought game this coming week, other commitments and presence of hexed terrain permitting of course.

See yer soon.
Neil

10th October Games

Good turnout last night. Thanks to Chris for running another Bolt Action game - VBCW this time I believe. Also thanks to Mark & co. for the Lord of the Rings game. I am afraid I didn't get a lot of time to check these out as I got a bit busy.

Steve Harbron, Dave Crook and I ended up giving the new Star Wars X Wing game a try; earlier than I had intended if truth be known, as I had only read the rules once! Once past the initial problems, however, these seems to play well. The natural order of the universe soon established itself, and I was shot down...bugger. Certainly I shall be playing this again, and with some new toys to be acquired shortly.

Predictably, this will most likely be at Crystal Palace this Sunday. Dave Kightly's WW2 zombie game is our offering to the visiting public, and I look forward to seeing as many of you on the day.

Next week's games include an Angels 20 for Mr. Crook's benefit - P-40's versus Bf109's which I had planned for this week. I think that Mark is planning a SWAT game, but I would welcome confirmation of this and any other games planned.

See yer soon,
Neil

18th July Games

Since I am currently on holiday for a couple of weeks (back in the slammer Monday week though), I have the opportunity to get the post game report away in good time.

A good turn out this week; Mark and co. ran a large scale Lord of the Rings game, which I sadly didn't get the opportunity to take a look at. Likewise, Chris ran a play test for a set of skirmish rules for the interwar period - I would be interested in any feedback from this, given the Osprey sponsored rules for this period are due for publication soon. My own offering in the Angels 20 format kept the Soviets in the air again, but this time facing the Italians, who of course provided substantial forces on the southern part of the Russian Front. I regret to advise that my part in the game was rather short-lived, as I got well and truly bounced! Dave, the two Steves and Brad continued to make a fight of things right up to close of play, by which time the balance of losses had been redressed but the Italians' remaining aircraft were carrying damage. One to try again I think......

Next week, Chris and I are looking to run a Dark Ages 28mm game using the HoTTs rules. If anybody has figures in scale, based for DBA or HoTTs, let me know the numbers and I will try and work them into the orbats. The nature of the game and scenario are of course still secret (even to me!). We also have an offer of a Malifaux game, and Steve Slater has offered to bring a selection of boardgames to cover any shortfall.

See yer soon,
Neil