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 February Games

Enough members to hand on Wednesday night to play Dave K's 'Ruthless' Western Gunfight game. Two gangs met to slug it out over two games; I was killed. Twice. (stupid game anyway). Good fun in any case..

Next week, Steve S is organising a game of Carnevale (which is based on the festivities in Venice long ago I believe), while Dave C has invited Nick and myself to a trial game of his ACW period naval rules, prior to a future game with his late 19^th century ironclad fleets currently under construction

We are also attending the Cavalier show at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge on Sunday 23rd February with a Peninsular War game. Hope to see some of you there - details have already been emailed to all interested parties.

See yer soon,

Neil 

22rnd January Games

  Decent turnout last night, although we're still a few people down due to sundry lurgies. Dave K ran a Western gunfight using the Ruthless rules that he's adopted in recent times. They have the benefit of being reasonably simple, but give a decent level of playability as well. The scenario was, I am told, loosely based on the final scene in the film 'Unforgiven' (which I still haven't seen) with several different groups trying to stop various desperadoes escaping from the town, each group also having its own personal objectives.

   Things got ........messy. Very messy. My character succumbed to lead poisoning and numerous bullet holes, and several other characters also started their final journey to Boot Hill. Steve S came out on top with the highest value kills.

   Next week, we'll be playing one of the various Zombicide games; not quite sure what's different about this version, but I'm sure we'll find out. In other news, the Tonbridge Wells Wargames Society have requested we provide a game at their Cavalier show on the 23rd February 2025. I offered the Peninsular War era 'An Affair of Outposts' game we've run at Broadside some time back as it's pretty much ready to go, subject to some paperwork for the scenario (and to see if I can get some more French infantry painted). More details on the event as I receive them.

See yer soon,

Neil

19th June Games

We were down on numbers due to holidays and sickness (best wishes to Steve S) but we still ran two games last night. Alan, Rob and Andy P were playing a new fantasy game called Dark Souls which featured some very nice painting by Rob, while Dave K set up a Ruthless Old West gunfight game for myself, Mark, Steve H and Eddie. Steve and I ran a gang of bank robbers who eventually fought off the forces of law and order as played by Mark and Eddie, although not without casualties.

I’ve offered a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial game for next week, having recently read up on Bloody April 1917; this will bring in some later aircraft than the 1916 models we’ve been playing. Any news on other games would be appreciated.
 
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

27th March Games

Another busy night for us yesterday at the Wayland Game centre in Hockley; Dave K ran another ‘Ruthless’ Old West gunfight game for Mark, Matt and Steve S, Alan and Rob were engaged in another Marvel Protocol game (no tuk-tuks were apparently injured this time!) and I ran a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial game for Nigel and Eddie.

Neither are particularly well acquainted with these rules, so I elected to control a Halberstadt fighter and a Roland two seater on a recce mission with the fighter as escort while Nigel and Eddie flew a Sopwith triplane apiece. We haven’t used the Sopwiths before so it was an interesting couple of games; the first ended early when the Roland took a hit, which I then drew an explosion card for! The second game went better now the Brits had sorted out their planes’ characteristics – the Halberstadt took a fire hit, but mercifully little damage (although I was able to cook a couple of bratwurst in the meantime.......) and eventually I wore down the Sopwiths and disposed of both for a German victory. I was surprised just how effective the Roland was, the Halberstadt is useful, but the Sopwiths are nippy blighters.

Next week, a number of people are engaged in a Walking Dead campaign game, so I’ve offered to run the Wings of Glory game again as a backup.

 

See yer soon,

Neil       

20th March Games

A busy night for us yesterday, with two Western gunfight games and Marvel Protocol mayhem in play. Andy P hosted a Dead Man’s Hand game for myself, Eddie and Nigel, Dave K ran a new set of rules called ‘Ruthless’ for Mark, Matt and Steve S and Rob and Alan played Marvel Protocol with Asgardians vs. unidentified baddies. Bit difficult to keep up with the action, but in my game, Nigel’s gang which included Colonel Mortimer and The Man With No Name was wiped, out; my Mexican bandidos on the other hand bumped off three of the opposition (including their boss), but had to withdraw when they were outnumbered.

 

Next week, Dave K wants to run his Ruthless game again, and I’ll run a Wings of Glory WW1 aerial game.

 

See yer soon,

Neil   

24th January Games

Another good turnout last night; Andy P hosted Alan, Nigel and myself in a Dead Man’s Hand Western gunfight game, while Steves H and S ran a Ronin Japanese skirmish for Dave K, Mark and Eddie. The latter was intended as a trial of a set of rules published by Osprey some time back. I don’t know how it went but given I have already got figures for the period , feedback would be gratefully received.

Meanwhile, Nigel and I ran a team of Mexican bandidos and assorted other ne’er-do-wells against the most recent version of the Magnificent Seven (i.e. no Yul Brynner, but Denzel Washington in his place? Yeah, I know....). Initially, we struggled against Andy and Alan who have played more regularly and knew how best to play the hand of cards they held to frustrate our plans. I eventually got my dice to behave and threw three natural 20’s in succession on a D20, thereby sending three of their men direct to Boot Hill! I have pictures of the dice as proof, as no-one will believe me otherwise. 

 

Next week, the Steves intend to play Strontium Dogs (from the 2000 AD comic universe), and I’ll run some WW2 aerial action for anyone interested.

 

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 

26th July Games

It had been decided that the planned AWI game would not proceed, due to insufficient space and that Dave K wasn't quite ready to proceed - we've put this on hold for a little while. We ended up with Mark, Alan and Andy P playing Dead Man's Hand, while I ran a Ludis Gladiatorus arena fight for Steves H & S, Dave K and myself. We haven't played this for a while so we were a bit rusty, but I took the retiarius for a change, and found him very effective. Dave K had the Lion and spent his game chasing around trying to chomp people! Steve S ran out as winner and last man standing, while Mark and Alan pounded Andy P into submission in the Old West. A fun evening in spite of everything.

Next week, Mark has offered to run his SWAT team game. I'll bring Ludis Gladiatorus again; there's talk of running the game with 54 mm figures as a show game, which I hope to develop further.

See yer soon,

Neil

15th February Games

I was finally able to return to duty yesterday and took the promised Angels 20 game - only to find there weren't enough people available to play it! Dave K had set up his Old West Gunfight game for Steve S, Mark, Eddie and Alex, so I watched and spent time looking in on other games. Not sure who won, but I think it was Mark, Eddie and Alex.

Preparations for the Cavalier show on the 26th are in hand when we'll run an American Civil War game. Hopefully, I'll see some of you then?

Next week, I've offered to run a Battlefleet Gothic game. Steve S has booked another table in case we have sufficient attendees to warrant another game.

See yer soon

Neil

14th September Games

I trust sick notes will be produced next week, as attendance last night was restricted to Andy P, Steve S and myself? We played Dead Man's Hand as planned; Steve's desperados were tasked with holding several buildings, whilst my lawmen had to root them out. My misgivings about the attack to defense ratio were borne out as I lost the Sheriff and the Marshall, a citizen who exited the table at a speed close to light and others basically hunkered down. Suffice to say I 'graciously' conceded defeat.

Hopefully a future trial game will be better supported as Andy is interested in running a campaign, of which more anon.

Next week, I've booked a table and will run an Angels 20 game and Steve S has offered board games.

See yer soon

Neil

13th April Games

 Bit spread out again last night; Andy P and Mark played a couple of Dead Man's Hands games in the main hall, Alan and Rob fought out a Warcry bloodbath for a Cadbury's Crème Egg (TM?) - don't know who got to scoff same - while Steve S hosted a Firefly board game for myself, Steve H and Dave K. This last was a first game with all the usual trials and tribulations, but has some interesting mechanics and a nice feel for what was a very good series at the time of its release. I believe that there may be a reboot of the series in hand but don't have any definite news on this.

Next week, Mark has a brand new dungeon system to christen (probably with buckets of gore if past games are anything to go by!). I'll dust off the figures I have for this in anticipation.

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 

20th October Games

 Greetings

A better turnout this week. Andy P and I played Dead Man's Hand and I used beginner's luck to the max, managed to sneak a win. Good system will play again.

Steves S and H played Kill Team, Mark and Dave K played Mad Dogs With Guns, while Alan and Rob played Warcry again. Welcome visit by Mike, Steve B 1 and Steve B 2 who played Monty Python Fluxx.

So much going on I'll post the bulk of the pictures to Facebook, with a few tasters here.

Next week, I'll run a Lion Rampant Dark Ages game, while Steve S will run a Doctor Who game. I have also been asked to remind members to check in with Wayland staff on arrival to confirm which tables they should use. . .  

See yer soon

Neil

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

13th November Games

Greetings


A few more members in attendance last night; Mike and Steve B played the Wild West game Dead Man's Hand using Mike's very nice set up, whilst Andy P ran a play test of his sci-fi game for myself, Rob, Mark and Steve S. This proved entertaining and some useful input for the rules was made. Thanks to Steve B for the box files he has kindly provided me - they will be very useful.

We are likely to be low on numbers again next week, so I'll bring the Hobbit boardgame (which can accommodate up to 6 players) and Battle Cry. If anyone else has any ideas, please respond.


See yer soon


Neil

9th October Games

Greetings

We ran three games last night, Rob and Andy S played the new Games Workshop air combat game, Aeronautica Imperialis, while Mike, Steve H and I played the tribute game for the anniversary of Hastings, 1066. I still find the Normans a tricky army to use against an infantry heavy army like the Anglo-Saxons, which explains the way the battle unfolded I suppose. This was fought to a draw as both forces reached 50% losses in the same move. Steve S and Mark played a Wild West game but I didn't get to see this.

Next week we'll run the final play test for the Terminator Genesys game planned for the SELWG show om the 20th of this month. As previously advised, this game will be up on the balcony near the Bring and Buy this year, so hopefully we'll have a good turnout and lots of interest.

See yer soon

Neil

24th April Games

Greetings

Dave K hosted a Western Gunfight game last night for myself, Steve S and Mark. Steve and I ran out winners on points but my posse took a pasting from long range rifle fire - being equipped mostly with pistols and shotguns being a disadvantage.

  

Steve H ran his new Hellboy board game for the rest of those present; I understand that no Hershey bars were harmed during the performance.

Next week, Mark has offered to run his Barbarian fantasy game; hopefully the Wayland dungeon board will be available. I'll bring Space Hulk for those who prefer their mayhem with more firepower.

See yer soon

Neil

27th February Games

Greetings

Things are returning to what passes for normal after Cavalier. Rob and Andy P ran a game of Fallout for the benefit of Steve H and Paul, whilst Dave K ran a further Old West hunfight for myself. Visitors included Dave C and Andy H for the first time in a while. This game went better for me after the massacre a couple of weeks ago; with slightly better dice luck I made rather a mess of Dave's posse, Whilst Steve S gained one of the objectives. Not sure who you'd call the winner in that situation.

Next week, Andy P and Rob want to run a further game of Fallout, Steve S has offered boardgames and whilst I've offered to run The Men Who Would Be Kings as a Sudan scenario for anyone who's interested.

See yer soon

Neil