2rnd July Games

 Considerably more comfortable yesterday evening with a change in the weather; Steve S ran the planned Aliens games for Steve H, Eddie, Nigel, Mark, Paul and Andy P, while I laid on the Napoleonic Travel battle game for Nick. Dave C was invited to join in but had to leave.

I kept an eye on the Aliens game, and can confirm that all of the Sulaco's crew (together with Newt) made it off planet before the Big Bang. For my part, Nick and I swapped sides and he took the British while I ran the French this time. Nick had to depart before a full result could be obtained, but I had been able to knock out most of the British cavalry and threatened their left flank badly. Kapok 'smoke' added for effect.

Next week, plans for a BattleTech game are afoot, and I'll bring the Travel Battle again, hopefully with a completed Prussian force to try out.

See yer soon,

Neil

4th December Games

Numbers were down this week, due to assorted lurgies doing the rounds (get well soon Matt, Paul and Eddie) so we ran a slightly smaller version of Andy P's Corespace game - same basic scenario as last time; rescue persons from cryosleep in a facility overrun by various unpleasant (and dangerous ) lifeforms. Said lifeforms were removed from their troubled existence as expeditiously as possible, and everyone retired for tea and medals.

Next week, Mark has offered to run a dungeon crawl game, plus we'll have a couple of board games as backup.

See yer soon,

Neil 

19th November Games

   Just the one game this week due in no small part to the bitter cold; Andy P ran the Corespace game originally scheduled for last week but delayed due to his absence. The game involves teams of troopers infiltrating a facility which is overrun by mutants which exude a poisonous gas when they are despatched - this can re-animate previously despatched muties, monsters and genetic horrors if it isn't cleared by the use of flamethrowers. Andy ran the greeblies, while Mark, Dave K, Eddie Steve S and I were the troopers. We eventually cleared the site and were able to release the characters held in the room with the cylinders in the pictures attached, but we ran out of time to complete the mission and get the hell out of Dodge. Thanks to Andy for a most entertaining game.

   We might be low on numbers again next week, so I'll bring Ludus Gladiatorus as usual. Details of any options would be appreciated.

See yer soon,

Neil

7th August Games

We were down to two games this week; I ran a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial games for Steve H and Andy P, and Nigel umpired a Space Weirdos game for Steve S, Mark, Dave K and Eddie. Nigel was umpiring a four way skirmish with players not entirely familiar with the rules and therefore liable to 'creative' interpretation thereof. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and I think Nigel will be off the medication by next week with luck........

My game which I set in 1916, pitted two French Nieuport 11 scouts against two German Halberstadt DII scouts. I 'flew' the Nieuports while Andy and Steve took the Halberstadts. This was the first game I'd used the former and I found them to be very nippy and manoeuvrable but less durable than the German fighters. The end result was one aircraft each shot down (soz again Steve!), the remaining aircraft both damaged but mine carrying more damage and therefore heading for home. A good game with lots of manoeuvring, more to come.

Next week Steve H has offered to run a new fantasy car racing game he's just received, and I'll bring some backup for good measure.

See yer soon,

Neil     

5th June Games

We were a bit spread out but busy last night; Dave K ran a further ‘Here’s Negan’ game for Steve S, Mark, Eddie, Andy P and Paul, Rob and Alan were engaged in a Frostgrave game, a welcome appearance by Mike and Steve B with a Warhammer 40K game, while, Nigel, Steve H and myself settled down to a further Space Weirdos game.

This involved three groups (terrorists, mercenaries and a SWAT team) attempting to gain control of an object resembling a sword in a stone (which of course was purely representational), which led to serious amounts of firefights, casualties and general mayhem associated with these simple but very entertaining rules. Steve came out on top in his first game.

Next week, I’ve offered to run an Angels 20 game, Dave K is running another ‘Here’s Negan’ game, and there is some further Frostgrave action.

A reminder that Matt, Steve H and I are running an ACW game at the Broadside show this Saturday at the Medway Park Sports Centre, Mill Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1HF. Hopefully we’ll see some of you on the day at this entertaining event.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

17th April Games

We had four different games running last Wednesday night; Rob and Alan were playing Marvel Crisis Protocol (details of the factions were vague, but I did note the God of Thunder in one part of the table), Andy P ran a Wild West version of Zombiecide for Mark, Eddie and Dave K, Steves S & H were playing Achtung Cthulhu!, while Nigel and I tried out a low level SF skirmish set called Space Weirdos.   
No specific reports on the first three games, other than they were enjoyed by all involved. Nigel had supplied the few figures and stat sheets required, we borrowed some SF buildings from Wayland and I brought a suitable mat from my collection. The rules are pretty simple once you have the sequence of actions clear in your mind, and the game was great ‘cinematic’ fun, with Nigel’s space barbarians attacking my armoured Marine types. Firepower (and a commander with a jet pack!) proved to be the key to success, and Nigel’s command was removed from the gene pool within a relatively short period. I can see a future for these rules once we have some further play tests.

 
Next week, Dave K is running a Dragon Rampant game using his Game of Thrones collection. I’ve been asked to run a Dark Ages Lion Rampant game. I’ll be in touch if I’m unable to attend due to personal health etc.
 
See yer soon,
Neil

21st February Games

A few more of us were present yesterday evening; Alan and Rob were playing Infinity, and I set up a Space Hulk game for Steve H & S, Eddie and Nigel. We ran the Rescue scenario, which involves two Terminator squads retrieving a CAT scanner droid with the details of the hulk’s layout and ensuring it is safely taken to the recovery point. Steve H and Eddie played the Terminators, while Steve S and Nigel ran the genestealers.

The Deathwing took casualties in the course of the game, but the Sons of the Lion achieved a rare victory by getting the CAT off table by some ‘creative’ use of overwatch and some exceptional dice rolling by Eddie when it came to the crunch. Seems as though everyone enjoyed themselves, particularly Eddie and Nigel whose first game it was. 

 

I’ve offered to run an ECW game using my WoFun flats next week, but before then we are running a Franco-Prussian game at the Cavalier show in Tonbridge, Kent this coming Sunday. Thanks to Matt for the loan of his figures for the game, and to those who have offered to assist with the game then.

 

I’d also like to offer my best wishes for a swift recovery to Mark and Dave K from their respective medical issues. Get well soon guys, you’re sorely missed.

 

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 

10th January Games

We had rather more activity this week; Steve S, Mark, Andy P and Dave K were playing a D&D game which developed as the players moved through the dungeon, meeting assorted gribblies on the way, Alan and Rob were playing a further game with the SF skirmish set used last week, while I set up my Anglo-Saxons and Norse collections for a Lion Rampant game which Steve H and Nigel took part in. Nigel’s track record was slightly better than last week’s Men Who Would Be Kings game in that he lost his leader, but was able to withdraw much of his Norsemen off table by game’s end.

 

Next week, Mark wants to run his ever popular SWAT game, Andy has a Dead Man’s Hand game lined up, while I intend to introduce Nigel to the delights of Napoleonic naval warfare.

 

See yer soon,

Neil   

3rd January Games

Good to be back after the festive bacchanal; Steve S, Andy P, Mark and Dave K played Zombiecide (and may have survived), while Rob and friend were playtesting a set of SF skirmish rules he’d found online.

I had set up a Zulu War confrontation for the benefit of Steve H and Nigel, who is making a return to the hobby after a decades’ long layoff. The British column of three infantry and one mounted infantry units were tasked with a punitive raid of a Zulu kraal whose inhabitants had developed an unpleasant habit of ‘borrowing’ other people’s cattle from the British side of the border. The Zulus were unsurprisingly not willing to cooperate; Steve was playing the Zulus using the Mr. Babbage rules from The Men Who Would Be Kings (the rules of choice for this game) which meant their movement and actions were controlled by a roll of dice.

This got very messy, very quickly. The Zulus deployed immediately on three sides of the British force, wiping out three of the four units within three moves. Zulu losses were also high when the British got a chance to shoot, but by game’s end the British were reduced to four figures from the 24^th Regiment (how appropriate!) while the table was ‘littered’ with Zulu casualties. Nigel was grinning all through the game, so despite his losses, I believe he enjoyed the game. 

 

Next week I’ll run a Lion Rampant based Dark Ages game, and I understand that there are board games planned as well.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

1st November Games

Good turnout last night; I ran two Angels 20 games for Steves H & S and Mark set on the Eastern Front, while Andy P ran a Core Space Sci-Fi game for Mark, Rob, Dave K, Eddie and Bob. This was by all accounts a success – I suggested looking at the boards from the Star Saga game I passed on to the club recently for a change of scene.

My first game pitted two Finnish marked Morane 406’s and a Brewster 239 against three Polikarpov I-16’s and a Yak 1 in a Winter War scenario. The Russians were even more outclassed than I had allowed for in this scenario; modesty does not allow me to celebrate three kills in a Morane 406 on this (one) occasion. I redressed the balance by supplied the aggrieved players with Fw190’s while Steve H and I flew La5N’s for the Rodina. We got our arses kicked. ‘Nuff said.

 

Next week I’ve arranged a Lion Rampant game on a Dark Ages theme for various members who haven’t played the new 2^nd edition. Possible issues on attendance on my part due to onsite decorators will be resolved as necessary. There’s also another Walking Dead campaign game arranged for those involved.

 

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

12th April Games

Lower turnout than of late last night; Steve S ran the planned Star Wars: Legion game for myself, Eddie, Mark and Steve H, while Rob and Alan played Infinity elsewhere in the Wayland site. The former game was played over a ruined city area, with various objectives for Imperial and Rebel Alliance forces. Lack of familiarity with the rules on my part as well as some of the other players was instrumental in slowing the game down, which as a result was adjudged to be a draw. 

Next week, I’ve offered to run a Space Hulk game. Can any other planned games be advised to me please?

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

15th March Games

Good to be back after last week's meeting was cancelled due to bad weather and a variety of other reasons.

Busy last night, with three different games on the go. Alan and Rob were playing Stargrave on some spectacular new centre terrain. Dave K and Steve S ran their Mad Dogs with Guns game postponed from last week, while Mike, Steves B & H, Alex and I played Lion Rampant with Mike's and my Saxon and Norse forces. The amusing 'bloodbath' scenario was the basis for the game; as Alex was new to the rules I acted as umpire and technical advise, and he acquitted himself pretty well. No clear winner at the end, but great fun all the same.

Next week, Steve S is running a Firefly based board game, while I will host my much delayed Angels 20 game set on the Russian front.

See yer soon

Neil

7th December Games

A busy evening although unfortunately Paul couldn't run his planned Cthulhu game due to illness; hope you're feeling better soon Paul.

Steve S had brought along Kill Dr. Lucky which someone very quickly did (thereby defeating the object of the game . . ), so I dug out a board game based on the movie Jaws. The 1975 film is well known, as is the theme; the game has two 'acts', the first of which involves players saving swimmers from the shark (played with verve by Steve S) who nevertheless met his initial target of lunching on 9 swimmers; I am unable to confirm whether or not the use of any indigestion remedies were required. The second part took place at sea, when the shark attacks Quin's boat. Despite the boat taking critical damage, the shark was finally dispatched with a baseball bat wielded by Dave K . . .

Other games included using the Osprey Stargrave rules which involved Rob and Alan. Mike and Steve B were playing a cycle game called Flamme Rouge.

Next week, Mike is planning a Lion Rampant game based Romans vs Celts game, other board games are also planned.

See yer soon

Neil

7th September Games

Quiet evening yesterday when Steves H&S, Paul, Matt, Andy P and I played Battlemech. An enjoyable game if a bit chart driven, but then we are learning the rules as we go. Suffice to say they are a lot easier than the original set I recall playing many years ago.

Plans are to run Dead Man's Hand next week for as many players as we can accommodate.

I'm sure the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has not escaped anyone's attention. I will only observe that this sad occasion should be tempered by the knowledge that she devoted her life to the service of this country and we should be grateful for her life and actions.

RIP Ma'am

Neil

17th August Games

We were all in the main hall last night; quite a communal really. Steves H & S, Mark, Andy P and Dave K played Aliens again, I didn't have a lot of time to follow the action as Mike, Steve B, Bob and I were set to try out the Wars of the Roses forces in Lion Rampant prior to a game at my place this weekend. Rob was playing Warcry but I didn't have a chance to see him - sorry Rob.

   The Wars of the Roses game was loosely based on the deployments at Towton on the 28th March 1461; the weather was lousy on the day, hence the snow cloth. Mike was running the Lancastrians with Steve B as Sir Anthony Trollope and Mike as the Duke of Somerset. I ran the Yorkists as Edward IV/Lords Hastings and Howard, and Bob played Viscount Bourchier. This was his first game of LR so the command was small but important, fighting off Mike's flank attack so effectively that Somerset fled the field! I was left to wear down the advancing Lancastrians - difficult as they consisted almost entirely of dismounted men at arms and lesser gentry, who were well protected and played an upgrade that effectively meant they never tested for morale despite taking some casualties. The fight was going reasonably well up until my last move - the dice Gods deserted me for three consecutive morale tests which all rolled a double 1 . . .

That said the game was fun; we were using a mix of the original rules plus some of the new bits from the 2rnd edition which is now available, and in my view, much enhanced. We'll know after Sunday's game.

Next week; I've been asked to run a WW1 aerial game using Wings of Glory.

See yer soon

Neil

10th August Games

We were spread far and wide last night; Bob ran a boardgame based on the Aliens movie for the benefit of Steve S, Andy P, Dave K and Steve H; I believe it didn't go well for the Marines . . . 

Rob and Alan were engaged in Warcry games with varying degrees of success.

I had a chance to join Mike and Steve B in a Lion Rampant game, but using Mike's collection of Late Roman and Goths in a game based loosely on the Battle of Adrianople which the original Roman Commander lost in spectacular style. I was offered command of the Roman forces and discovered that after last week's dice disaster my mojo put in an appearance again. Suffice to say the legions and their auxilia moved forward in impressive style, holding off Gothic cavalry attacks on both wings and pushing their infantry back by the time that time ran out. I was impressed by the way massed 15mm figures on a single base add to the impression of unit size; I'm considering changing my name to Marcus Decimus Meridius in the meantime.

Next week Bob has been asked to run the Aliens game again. Mike and I intend to run a Wars of the Roses game loosely based on Towton 1461 ahead of a weekend game at my place shortly thereafter. I've finished a massive refurbishment of my old collection in advance of this game and am looking forward to seeing them on the table again.

See yer soon

Neil