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

30th April Games

We were a bit thin on the ground last night. Local traffic conditions prevented some of us getting there, and Nick had asked me to run a pre-dreadnought game which also affected Nigel's proposed Swords Weirdos skirmish game. The Steves, Nigel, Mark and Andy P played Zombiecide as a game they could all join in with, while Nick and I set up a small scale action with my 1/3000 scale Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets (picture attached). Lack of time prevented a full fleet action, but a squadron each of battleships, cruisers and destroyers provide enough to show Nick how the rules worked. Gunnery for both sides could have been better, but Nick made friends with my dice and got the better of some of the firing. Nice to see the ships out again after a long lay off due to our change of venue. Unfortunately there are no pictures of the Zombiecide game as this finished before I could take any. I was able to get a finished version of the encounter table for the Tanks game checked by Steve H, and a couple of corrections noted.

Current plans for next week include Nigel's Sword Weirdos game and a further run out for the Carnevale fantasy skirmish game.

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

5th February Games

Sufficient members attended last night to make it worthwhile using both the rooms we have available at the Iveagh Club; Andy P brought along a friend named Lee, who knew Nick from a previous retail connection! Talk about the hobby having no bounds.

Dave K ran Flash Point for Andy, Lee and Eddy - this is a co-operative Firefighters' game, which there was time to play twice. This was played in the room we haven't used to date, but was greeted with approval for the extra space available. Nick ran a game of medieval naval warfare for Steve S and I, using some beautifully painted models from Essex Miniatures, with crew figures from the Peter Laing medieval range. The French were tasked with convoying two merchant ships off table, while the English were planning  something akin to smash and grab. The English (commanded by myself) were able to capture one of the French warships, but the merchants were able to exit the table. Not sure who won, but I inflicted more damage on the French than they did to me. 

Next week, Dave K will run his Ruthless Old West gunfight game again; hopefully I'll survive this one. 

See yer soon,

Neil  

4th September Games

We ran two games last night; Steve S put on a Terminator game at the request of Andy P for the bulk of those present, whilst I ran a pre-dreadnought naval game for Nigel using the DBA based De Bellis Navalis rules. I haven't used these for some time as different  systems have been under investigation, but as a starter set for the period allowing players to manoeuvre squadrons of warships they have merit. I'd made a few changes to the rules and cleaned up the layout so we could field my Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets for the first time in a while. All ships are Navwar, as produced by the late and much lamented Tony Anderson.

So far as the game went, Humanity had a very thin time of the Terminator game (and need a different script writer) while Nigel and I steered our fleets in a vaguely professional fashion; there was a lot of action with the destroyer flotillas but the big guns had little influence on the game before time was called. I have a couple more ideas about damage inflicted on ships but these are for consideration only.

I won't be down next week, but I gather another Here's Negan campaign game is planned. I've booked a table for a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial game for the following week, so hopefully I'll see more of you then.

See yer soon,

Neil

17th January Games

We had a good turnout last night; Wayland Games was hosting Dave from MiniWargaming and his team (from a YouTube channel) and he was kind enough to drop by and check out our games. Mark, Dave K, Steve S and Eddie were playing a SWAT team game umpired by Mark, Rob, Andy and friends were playing dead Man’s Hand, while I ran a Napoleonic naval game for Mike C, Steve H and Nigel (whose first game this was). We deployed the squadrons on a table edge by dice roll, then decided wind direction – which promptly gave Steve and Nigel as the French the benefit of the weather gauge. This is a bad thing if you are downwind (as Mike and I were), and we were soundly beaten as a result. Nigel managed to damage our ships with some devastating stern rakes which took half the force out in two moves. My flagship received the same benefit from Steve, and should have been destroyed but was in any case forced to strike its colours. That said I was pleased to see the others enjoy themselves, while I await my court martial............. 

 

Next week, I’ll provide figures and a terrain mat for a Dead Man’s Hand game, whilst the Steves will try the Ronin samurai skirmish game.

 

See yer soon,

Neil 

23rd August Games

   A reasonable turnout last night, even if we were scattered around the Wayland Games Centre. Dave K, Steve S, Paul, Andy P, Mark and Eddie were involved in a Walking Dead campaign game in the bar area, Rob and Alan were playing the Stargrave sci-fi rules from Osprey along Steve H and myself. My game brought out the Napoleonic naval collection for a refight of the Battle of San Domingo in 1806, when a French squadron was destroyed in the West Indies. The layout for the game didn’t quite match the reality, and the French under Steve did rather better than was the case in reality. I pulled victory from defeat not by preventing the French squadron from escaping, but  when the British flagship blew up after suffering catastrophic damage, it inflicted so much damage on the surrounding French ships that they couldn’t evade the pursuing British! You take your wins any way you can...............  

 

   I understand a further Walking Dead game is planned for next week. I won’t be down for a couple of weeks, but I’ll see you all in mid September. If someone could update the Facebook page in my absence, I’d be most grateful.  

 

See yer soon,

Neil

29th March Games

A busy evening again for the club. Dave K ran a Bolt Action WW2 game for various members who had no prior experience of the rules which they seemed to enjoy.

Rob and Alan were playing Stargrave in a scenario involving a maglev train which had elements of Firefly and the Han Solo movie in the plot.

Steve H and I tried out a set of WW1 vintage naval rules with my Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets, but sadly these became a dice rolling exercise to see who could roll the highest dice to knock out the opposition. Won't use them again, but I have another set which offer more character, written by my old friend Bob Cordery.

Only game I'm aware of for next week is a further Bolt Action game, which I am tempted to try.

See yer soon

Neil

2rnd November Games

   Attendance was up on recent weeks, with Steve S, Paul, Dave K, Mark and Andy P playing The Walking Dead (the game, nothing Halloween orientated), Alan and Rob involved in what I think was a Necromunda game (I think actually Kill Team - Mike), while I settled to the planned Napoleonic naval game.

   I took my Spanish squadron, which is heavy on ships over 100 guns (bought in prepainted) and I sorted out Steve a British squadron which could handle them. He did this quite effectively; I mis-timed my turn across his bows and ended up with one first rate destroyed by explosion and another struke due to damage before I could bring the rest of the squadron to play. My bad, Steve did a good job to win (curse him!).

I'll bring Battle Cry next week for some ACW action, details of any other games appreciated.

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

15th June Games

 As ever, we were split into distinct groups over the Waylands site last night; Steve S, Mark, Paul, Andy P and Dave K were playing The Walking Dead in the bar area, along with Alan and Rob who were involved in a Necromunda game (I'm tempted to do an Imperial Guard team for this), I ran a WW1 naval game using my Italian and Austro-Hungarian fleets for Steve H and Mike.

The scenario involved the Italians in pursuit of an Austrian squadron which had been engaged in bombardment duties, which were then to be covered by a squadron of Austrian dreadnought battleships. Bear in mind that until 1918 the Austro-Hungarian empire held land at the top of the Adriatic where its navy was based. The bombardment squadron duly escaped and the two battle squadrons were engaged; the Italians lost two battleships in short order to the combined fire of the Austrian battle squadron and a magazine explosion and duly retired. The rules used were a set I found online and translated from Italian a few years back and not having used them for some time I pleased that they worked well.

Next week, Mike is running a 15mm Napoleonic game using Rebels and Patriots, which I am tempted to take part in, and I believer The Walking Dead group are playing Mad Dogs with Guns  and the Necromunda group will continue their deliberations.

See yer soon

Neil

4th May Games

Shortage of players meant that the game of The Things has been rescheduled to next week. Accordingly, Steves S and H and Dave K played Quartermaster General Cold War instead; I'm told that Pravda will publish this as a great victory for the USSR (no further comment).

I'd been trying to meet up with Mike C for a Napoleonic naval game for quite a while; since he was available last night and had two friends looking for a game (both named Steve) we set up a game for our respective British and Dutch forces and set to, using my rules which had been developed over an extended period from a magazine article. It all got predictably messy with a number of ships on both sides sustaining damage, but the Dutch had a ship strike it's colours so might have come off worse overall.

Rob played Necromunda with a staff member due to Alan not being available.

As noted above, plans are afoot to play The Thing boardgame next week; this can handle up to eight players so there should be room for all. I'm running a final test game for the Battle of Britain show game this weekend and I note that the organisers of the Broadside show have given the game a mention on their Facebook page.

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

26th May Games

 Greetings all

First message in a long time - a few of us visited Wayland Games last night to try the facilities available now the gaming centre has reopened. Suffice to say the amount of tables is significantly reduced and it's necessary to book in advance.

I ran a Napoleonic Naval game for Matt and Paul (good to see Matt again after a long absence due to illness) while Mike and Steve B were trialling a Lion Rampant variant for Boudica's revolt using Mike's Romans and Celts - suffice to say I was able to fulfil my objective in the naval game, while Mike has decalred the LR game as a 'practise' (which seems to happen when he loses . . .)

I've booked a table for an ACW naval game next week, so come along and sink something.

See yer soon

Neil

22rnd January Games

Greetings


Very low attendance last night. Steve S and Dave K played S Song of Ice and Fire, whilst Steve H and I played a Napoleonic naval game based on the action off Santo Domingo in 1806. Suffice to say the Starks took another pounding, and I managed to save two ships and a possible third from the pursing British - the scenario would work well with the large ships Warlord are now selling, but they'll have to wait as I have plenty awaiting the brush at present.

I'll run a colonial game using The Men Who Would Be Kings ahead of the Cavalier show on 23/02/20 which we'll be attending with a similar game. More details at http://www/twws.org.uk/


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

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