14th August Games

Reduced numbers this Wednesday still allowed us to run two games; Alan and Rob set up a Star Wars: Legion game with Separatist forces against Republic clone troopers and Mandalorian forces, while Steve H ran a new game called Dungeon Karting for myself, Eddie, Mark and Nigel. As the name implies, players drive karts around a track strewn with hazards - there were a few errors in play due to a first time out, but great fun and the opportunity to do unto others before they do unto you is always enjoyable. Nigel and I have had a chat about some tweaks to Space Weirdos which I'll take a look at asap. 

Next week, Andy P has offered to run an (as yet unspecified) game, and I'll bring Angels 20 as backup.

See yer soon,

Neil  

31st July Games

Another unpleasantly warm evening at Wayland (not their fault, I hasten to add!) but we had two games up and running last night. Rob, Alan and Andy P were playing Star Wars: Legion with a Clone Wars vintage scenario. The clankers/droids took a hammering as usual, and I left Anakin Skywalker and Count Dooku going at it hammer and tongs - Anakin still had both arms at that point.

Steve S ran a Zombiecide derived Marvel game wherein certain of the Avengers and other assorted characters were infected by a 'zombie mosquito' and went forth to satisfy their need for blood and brains. They were opposed by various members of SHIELD, and other superhero types. I wasn't able to play due to the game limitations, but there are lots more photos and it was interesting to watch. 

Next week I'll run a WW1 aerial game, and Nigel has offered a Space Weirdos game as backup.

See yer soon,

Neil  

8th May Games

There weren’t quite enough members in attendance last night to run the Wings of Glory WW1 aerial game I had planned this week in addition to Dave K’s Old West gunfight using the Ruthless rules, so I joined Mark, Andy, Eddie, Nigel and Steve S as part of two gangs trying to rob the same bank and make off with the proceeds. No major withdrawals were made during the game, but a number of members of both gangs ended up n Boot Hill; for a first game with the rules on my part I’m very impressed and they have potential for public games.

Rob ran another Star Wars: Shatterpoint game with a selection of galactic ne’er do wells in action; not sure who won, but I recognised a number of characters from the various Disney+ (tm) series. 

 

Next week, I’ll run the Wings of Glory game postponed from this week, and Steve S has booked a table for board gaming if required.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

1st May Games

We were unable to run Paul’s planned D&D game this week, so Steve H ran a Zombiecide game for myself, Dave K, Eddie, Nigel and Steve S. A slow start led to the body count rising (due to the sheer numbers of undead we had to ‘convert’ to dead!) and at close of play it was decided we’d done enough to live another day. Rob was playing Star Wars Shatterpoint with a new collection of figures; as something of a Star Wars geek, I was able to confirm that the bounty hunter Cade Bane, Close Captain Cody and assorted badmashes took on Anakin Skywalker (appearing before his career change from Jedi Knight to Sith Lord); Anakin appeared to be doing all right despite the disparity in numbers.

 

Next week Dave K has offered to run his ‘Ruthless’ Old West game – nicely painted figures, Dave. Having extended my collection of Wings of Glory WW1 aircraft through the good offices of Dave C, I’ll run another game with a view to trying some of the new types to hand.

 

See yer soon,

Neil

19th July Games

Somewhat reduced attendance this week; Steve S ran a Star Wars Legion training game for Andy P, while I set up a Space Hulk game for Mark and Alan as the only other members present. The Deathwing were tasked with searching for missing Techmarines, with a view to recovery if still alive. I ran the genestealers, who had limited reinforcements each move but no upper limit. Mark and Alan did the Sons of the Lion proud this time, suffering about 30% casualties in the two squads, but bumping off 'stealers left, right and centre and granting their Techmarine brethren an honourable death as they had both been infected with xeno toxins.

Next week it was hoped to run the AWI game previously planned, but there are no tables available in the main hall due to pre-planned gaming events. I've booked two tables in the bar area as an alternative site for the game, but on reflection and discussion with Dave K, it might be best to postpone the AWI game a further week and settle for board games instead. I can run Space Hulk again, but would welcome any other suggestions.

See yer soon,

Neil    

14th June Games

It was good to get along to Hockley yesterday evening after the last two or three weeks' worth of domestic health issues involving my mother. I'm pleased to be able to confirm that she is recovering well, and she has asked me to pass on her thanks for all the good wishes from club members she has received. You are SUCH a bunch of softies...........

Meanwhile, back in the world of gaming, when you play Zombiecide softies end up as lunch! We played the scenario in question three times. The first went literally without a hitch and certain players were heard to mutter 'it was too easy'. Needless to say, the dice gods were listening, and the following two scenarios ended with our characters becoming a zombie hors d'oeuvre. I also found Rob and Alan playing the new Star Wars Shatterpoint game, which is a low level skirmish version of Legion. Pictures of the games are attached.

Next week, I've offered to run a WW1 aerial game using the Wings of War/Glory rules and miniatures. I have an idea for a game, but have yet to decide at what point in the Western Front aerial war to set it. This game will able to handle six players, so book earlier to avoid disappointment/BE2.

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

18th January Games

   Still thin on the ground due to winter lurgy. Steve S ran an expanded game of Star Wars: Legion for himself, Steve H, Mark and Dave K. Dave had invited his friend Eddie to visit us last night; he's been a wargamer in the past but has only rejoined the hobby recently. I chatted with him while he watched the game, and explained some of the other games we play. Nice to speak to him, hopefully, he'll visit us again soon.

The game used more cover than the last one, and both sides struggled to find an advantage. No clear winner at the end of play, but useful experience with the rules nonetheless.

Dave K has offered to run his 16th century Border Rievers game next week, table has been booked.

See yer soon

Neil

11th January Games

Bit thin on the ground last night at Wayland Games for various reasons, which actually helped with the proposed trial game of Star Wars: Legion hosted by Steve S. Steve H, Dave K and myself played as the Rebel Alliance vs The Empire with relatively low troop levels to get the hang of the rules. Given the low amount of cover, casualties were high amongst the storm troopers and rebel infantry, with Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker wreaking havoc and in particular taking out the Rebel walker and both speeder bikes respectively.

Next week, we've decided to have another go at the game, but hopefully with a bit more cover for the troops involved.

See yer soon

Neil

4th March Games

Greetings


Reasonable turnout; two games took place. Dave K ran Star Wars Imperial Assault for Steve S, Mark, Rob and Andy P, while Steve H and I played another Memoir 44 scenario. This time we played Beda Fomm 1940, using the Western Desert boards and additional rules. The Italian forces had to force their way through the British blocking force, and due to poor early dice rolls on my part and the Command card 'issues' they nearly made it. Fortunately for the Brits, the employment of the 'Their Finest Hour' card and much improved dice rolls meant I just squeaked a win. That's a two for two with this game - maybe I should play it more often?

Next week, Andy P has offered to run his Sci-Fi game, and I'm trying to arrange a Rebels and Patriots Napoleonic game with Mike. the game we played at my place a while back worked so well I've been cleaning up my old collection of Peninsular War French, and painting up some new bits pending a complete revision when time permits.


See yer soon


Neil

19th February Games

Greetings


Slightly down on numbers this week, but we ran two board games. Dave K ran a Star Wars Imperial Assault mission for Mark, Andy P and Rob whilst Steve H and I played the Pegasus Bridge scenario from Memoir 44. The Rebels fulfilled their mission, while I was able to score a win for the Germans in Memoir 44 due to a slightly better hand of mission cards, which helped me to operate across the board.

A reminder that the club will be attending Cavalier at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge this coming Sunday. Planned roadworks on the A21 mean a detour en route is required, but full details can be found at www.twws.org.uk. Hope to see some of you then.


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

14th November Games

Greetings

Dave K ran Star Wars: Imperial Assault last night; apparently trying the skirmish rules. Haven't had any feedback on these as yet, but no negative comments either.
Steve H and I ran the Poseidon's Warriors ancient naval rules, with my Demetrian/'Egyptian' fleet attempting a breakout against the Roman fleet commanded by Steve in an echo of the Battle of Actium (think Anthony and Cleopatra - and no I wasn't dressed as Liz Taylor!). Suffice to say that only a small proportion of the fleet escaped, thereby scoring a win for the Romans.

Nice to see Josh, who popped in for a brief visit; good to see you, don't leave it so long in the future.

Next week, Alan and Rob will be playing Infinity, Mark has agreed to run a Lord of the Rings game; Steve H has a new game which is based on the air races in the early 20th century entitled 'Magnificent Flying Machines', which I'd like to try.

See yer soon

Neil

7th November Games

Greetings

Dave K has obtained a copy of Star Wars Imperial Assault which he brought along; he ran a training scenario for most of those present, using the app avaliable to run the Imperial side.

Steve H and I revisted the scenario from The Men Who Would Be Kings we ran last week, but with the Mahdists defending against a British force intent on capturing the Mahdi himself. The game was hard fought to an honourable draw courtesy of the Martini Henry rifle. . . .

Next week, Dave K will run a further Imperial Assault game, while I'll bring the ancient naval stuff for a game of Poseidon's Warriors.


See yer soon

Neil

21st October Games

Greetings

We had a good turnout last night;

     I ran a small X-Wing dogfight in anticipation of the new Star Wars film in a couple of months time, with Steve H, Andy and Mark, which resulted in a close fought imperial win.

      Dave Knightly re-ran his '3.10 to Yuma' scenario using his Old West Gunfight rules and slightly modified sides, which turned into a massacre of townsfolk, but the good guys still couldn't manage to get the 'prisoner' to the train.

 A chunk of the club's Old West scenery collection.

 

 The massacre continues.

 The first annual American/Mexican sleep-off championships.

 

Next week we have a game of 40k and Steve H is bringing his new Thunderbirds board game to try.

See yer soon

Neil

22rnd July Games

Greetings

My thanks to Mark for his Victorian Gothic Horror game which kept all concerned busy up to the last minute. I ran a Star Wars X-Wing game for Bob and Andy, and actually survived the game!

Next week I am offering Wing of War for some WW1 aviation action, while Dave and Steve S have offered board games.

See yer soon

Neil

8th July Games

Greetings

Apologies for the delay in this weeks post; life has rather got in the way recently.

Mark ran a sci-fi game using some really nice scenery;

While Mike, Josh, Andy and I played a particualrly bloodthirsty Lion's Rampant game, which Andy and I lost in convincing style!
       *Amendment* I am informed by Andy that it was a draw at best . . .

This coming Wednesday I believe John will run a WW2 Rapid Fire game in 15mm, whilst I feel the need for a long-delayed Angels 20 game.

Lastly; a picture of the seems game of X-Wing, including some massive ships, at Broadside this year.

See yer soon

Neil

5th December Games

I don't blame those who decided not to attend last night's club meeting - to say it was bitterly cold doesn't even come close! Nice of Andy to bring along some seasonal shortbread, even if I did not partake.

A small Malifaux game took place while I ran a trial X-wing scenario with an attack on a Star Destroyer, primarily to try the expanded weapon and equipment fits for the ships available, and to see if an idea I had for representing the close in weapon systems represented in film and fiction could be replicated. The Rebel attackers achieved their objective of destroying a shield generator but at the cost of their entire force. Whether the 'flak' was too heavy I am not yet sure, and would welcome your thoughts on this matter, since the scenario itself played out OK.

I propose a return to terrestrial air combat next week; Mr. Crook has an idea to pit Zeroes against Hurricanes over the jungle, while I have an urge to run the mammoth Eastern Front scenario again, particularly as the Soviets have had some reinforcements and a bit of a tidy up, which is as good a reason to give them an outing. Any other game offers are, as ever, more than welcome.

See yer soon,
Neil

21st November Games

A little quiet this week; major item of note was that it was also Laurie's birthday! Thanks to Andrew for the cake - a nice gesture I thought.

Gamewise, I ran a larger Star Wars X-wing game than previously, now the rules are a bit clearer, and introduced the TIE Advanced fighter and Y-wing into the mix. A good scrimmage resulted, in which I managed to achieve my first kill (sorry Rob!) - photo attached. Steve Slater ran a board game called Phoenicia, which kept the birthday boy and others busy.

Next week, I shall return to Angels 20 with a rerun of the scenario for P-40 vs. Bf109 F at the request of Mr. Crook, who has successfully managed to miss every other attempt to play the game! Steve has offered to run Phoenicia again, but I would as always welcome any other offers of entertainment .

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