Sunday, July 31, 2016

The Sunday Miscellanea - LEGO Science & Tech

Over on space.com, they tell us "Sally Ride, Mae Jemison Among 'Women of NASA' Proposed as Lego Minifigs" here.


Also, on pinterest, check out all sorts of  fan-made Lego builds here.


Finally, on the nature video YouTube channel, they share a video on a "Lego Antikythera Mechanism."  Enjoy!



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not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Systems Saturday - Glass Road (2013) Revisited

I just posted about Uwe Rosenberg's Glass Road (2013) but it's been seeing the table a lot in quick succession, so let's look more closely at it.  We swiftly got to play another four player game of this gem and it proved out tremendously.  Gameplay was swift even with two new players, it was simple to teach, and scoring turned out to range about the same as the previous game.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Glass Road is a game that commemorates the 700-year-old tradition of glass-making in the Bavarian Forest. (Today the Glass Road is a route through the Bavarian Forest that takes visitors to many of the old glass houses and museums of that region.) You must skillfully manage your glass and brick production in order to build the right structures that help you to keep your business flowing. Cut the forest to keep the fires burning in the ovens, and spread and remove ponds, pits and groves to supply yourself with the items you need. Fifteen specialists are there at your side to carry out your orders...
The game consists of four building periods. Each player has an identical set of fifteen specialist cards, and each specialist comes with two abilities. At the beginning of each building period, each player needs to choose a hand of five specialists. If he then plays a specialist that no other player has remaining in his hand, he may use both abilities of that card; if two or more players play the same specialist, each of them may use only one of the two abilities. Exploiting the abilities of the specialists lets you collect resources, lay out new landscape tiles (e.g., ponds and pits), and build a variety of buildings. There are three types of buildings:
1. Processing buildings 
2. Immediate buildings with a one-time effect 
3. Buildings that provide bonus points at the end of the game for various accomplishments
Mastering the balance of knowing the best specialist card to play and being flexible about when you play it – together with assembling a clever combination of buildings – is the key to this game.

This time around I focused less on developments that gave me set points during end-of-game scoring and more on points for resources at the end.  I also dabbled a bit with the private stock of developments though I used them to fuel a blue-backed action creating a nice private engine.  I might try to do more of this next game as it helped keep me from scrambling during play for certain resources.


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Friday, July 29, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Glass Road (2013)

The Uwe Rosenberg Harvest Series of games have been particularly popular around here, in large part because Tom Wham finds them challenging but mainly because we all find them so.  While he enjoys a good solo game, and says this one works very well in that capacity, Tom loves pressing us to try new games and play the heck out of the ones we all like.  Most recently, Tom added Glass Road (2013) to his collection and we all gave it a go.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Glass Road is a game that commemorates the 700-year-old tradition of glass-making in the Bavarian Forest. (Today the Glass Road is a route through the Bavarian Forest that takes visitors to many of the old glass houses and museums of that region.) You must skillfully manage your glass and brick production in order to build the right structures that help you to keep your business flowing. Cut the forest to keep the fires burning in the ovens, and spread and remove ponds, pits and groves to supply yourself with the items you need. Fifteen specialists are there at your side to carry out your orders...
The game consists of four building periods. Each player has an identical set of fifteen specialist cards, and each specialist comes with two abilities. At the beginning of each building period, each player needs to choose a hand of five specialists. If he then plays a specialist that no other player has remaining in his hand, he may use both abilities of that card; if two or more players play the same specialist, each of them may use only one of the two abilities. Exploiting the abilities of the specialists lets you collect resources, lay out new landscape tiles (e.g., ponds and pits), and build a variety of buildings. There are three types of buildings:
1. Processing buildings2. Immediate buildings with a one-time effect3. Buildings that provide bonus points at the end of the game for various accomplishments
Mastering the balance of knowing the best specialist card to play and being flexible about when you play it – together with assembling a clever combination of buildings – is the key to this game.

The rondels (resource wheels) are used similarly in this game to Ora et Labora but there are two and they each have competing elements.  We immediately were intrigued with how this enhanced gameplay and it took only a little getting used to.  This is one of the quickest of the Rosenberg games but doesn't feel like you only got started when it ends, as I felt with Agricola.  While there is less direct interaction during play, everyone is building from the same pool of land development tiles so it can be competitive.  Timing is key.  Great game.  One of my favorites of his games.

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Nostalgia Thursday - Dungeon! (1975)

It's been over 40 years since Dungeon (1975) was first published by TSR.  I've written a bit about it before but wanted to share some pics of the 1992 version we have on the games library shelves at Lake Geneva Games.


I think this needs to hit the table soon, perhaps later today, when some of the gang shows up for Thursday Open Boardgaming.


Of course, if Ernie is in the house, he might be tough to beat since he probably played it even before it was published.


Focusing on the roots of current tabletop gaming
with an eye toward the last century and before.
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Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Wargaming Wednesday - Chainmail (1971) Revisited

Last Thursday I posted about a game of Chainmail (1971) that happened at Lake Geneva Games recently as a test run for next year's Gary Con IX.  The scenario used was The Battle for the Brown Hills and, being Gary Gygax Day, I thought it might be nifty to look back on a battle report written by Gary on that very scenario.  There have been a few blog posts elsewhere about it, so let's revisit those with the first being "The Battle for the Brown Hills: Chainmail Fantasy Rules" over on the Collector's Trove here.  Tons of pictures there from a recent Gary Con using a sand table and the same types of Elastolin 40mm minis Gary would have used back in the day.


Also, on neuronphaser.com, there's an article from earlier this year discussing "Gygax’s Legendarium: The Battle of Brown Hills" here.


Finally, on Vintage Wargaming from 2012, a full look at "Battle of Brown Hills: early Chainmail Battle Report by Gary Gygax" here.  And from the jazze1 YouTube channel, a video of a re-enactment of the event.  Enjoy!



A closer examination of board and miniatures Wargaming.
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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Terrain Tuesday - Patreon & Terrain Tips

Over on patreon.com a number of terrain tipsters have supplemented what they make building custom terrain by throwing out a virtual tip jar in the form of Patreon sponsorship.  This allows folks who like to view their videos and benefits from their tutorials the chance to pay a little back to these fine creators.  One of my personal favorites, as one can imagine from reading my Terrain Tuesday blog posts, is TerranScapes here.


One of the newer kids on the block is 3T-Studios here.


But one can go to the website and search by Terrain to find all manner of creators worthy of sponsorship here.


For purposes here, the term Terrain is used broadlyto cover
3D tabletop pieces made from foam, felt, and other materials.
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Monday, July 25, 2016

Minis & Modeling Monday - LotR Minis

Over on quendilsworld.blogspot.co.uk, they show us "Saruman addressing his armies" here.


Also, on sodemons.com, they share "Mithril Gold Fellowship Ents & Huorn" here.


Finally, on games-workshop.com, they still have some great LotR and Hobbit minis here.


A look at prepping and painting Miniatures,
crafting buildings and paper Models,
and other non-terrain stuff for the tabletop.
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Sunday, July 24, 2016

The Sunday Miscellanea - Liar's Dice (1987)

Once more unto the breach . . . with a game of Liar's Dice (1987).  This one tends to be at the ready for times when we have more people than games to play and need to squeeze folks in.  However, last Tuesday, when I found myself at Taco Bell around lunchtime, it became the game of choice for Tom, Brian, and I.  Allow me to say up front that what talent I may possess for fibbing falls far short of what these venerable prevaricators can muster.  When the crowd is larger, I can sometimes slip through the web of their deceit but when just the three of us are in attendance, I am the last honest man in Bluffsville.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Liar's Dice is a dice game where each player is given five dice and cup to roll and hide them with. Players make successively higher declarations regarding the results of all the dice remaining in the game, e.g. "there are ten sixes". However, someone can always contest the bid. When that happens, all the dice are revealed and either the bidder or the caller loses dice, depending on who was correct. The last player with dice is the winner.

Okay.  I lied.  I won on this day and did so in grand fashion.  I even crudely Photoshopped the guy out behind Tom's right shoulder in the first picture but left him lurking in the third pic.  Serves you right for reading my blog.  I am a bad man.


Essentially, a clearinghouse for topics on MFWARS.com
not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
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Saturday, July 23, 2016

Systems Saturday - (O)D&D

Over on blog.retroroleplaying.com, Randall let's us know "OD&D PDFS: What Do You Really Need to Play?"  Find out here.


Also, on edthebard.blogspot.com, Ed pens "GM Advice: Want To Try Something New? Try Something Old!"  Learn more here.


Finally, on kaskoid.blogspot.com, (there are those that call him ) Tim Kask tells us "How I helped to pull the rope that tolled the bell for OD&D" here.


A look under the hood of various Games, Rules and Systems.
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Friday, July 22, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Boardgames Abound

The last few years have seen a resurgence in public interest for boardgames and niche games are even seeing mainstream popularity.  Over on time.com, in their business section, they tell us "This Board Game Designer Isn’t Sorry About Taking a Big Risk."  Learn more here.


Also, on cracked.com, they give us "5 Much Better Alternatives To Famous Board Games" here.


Finally, on theplayersaid.com, they share "Best 3 Games with…..Tile Placement/Exploration" here.

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Nostalgia Thursday - Chainmail (1971)

Just last week, the offspring of the authors of Chainmail (1971) got together at Lake Geneva Games to play the classic Battle for the Brown Hills scenario.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
Chainmail is a medieval miniatures wargame created by Gary Gygax and fellow Lake Geneva Tactical Studies Association (LGTSA) member Jeff Perren, a hobby-shop owner with whom Gygax had become friendly. The game was first published in 1971 by Guidon Games. That first edition also included a fantasy supplement, and is one of the oldest sets of rules for fantasy miniature wargaming.

Nathan Lyke (who took the first two photos) ran a Chainmail game last Friday at the Lake Geneva Games store with the Son of Gygax (Ernie) and Daughter of Perren (Victoria) in attendance, along with Tom Wham and some other friends playing. This is the 45th anniversary of the rules being published and what better place to play than Lake Geneva, birthplace of D&D which was guided by these minis rules!


Focusing on the roots of current tabletop gaming
with an eye toward the last century and before.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Wargaming Wednesday - Star Wars: Armada (2015)

There's a bit of an upswing in the playing of Star Wars: Armada (2015) round the store lately, including an event this Saturday, July 23rd, at 1 pm.  For folks who might be curious and who would like to learn more, just stop in at Lake Geneva Games, 918 S Wells St, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147.


If you find X-Wing battles are fun, you'll probably love this next step up to fleet battles.  If you enjoy the strategies and tactics of Rebellion, this is scaled down from that.  It's that in-between stage where combat is king on a grand scale!


If you've played and loved naval combat wargames, you'll find this wargame very familiar as well.  Come check it out!


A closer examination of board and miniatures Wargaming.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Terrain Tuesday - Printable Scenery

Over on printablescenery.com, check out the terrain they suggest you can make with their various templates for your 3D printers here.


In particular, they have some nifty buildings for a hamlet here.


Finally, be sure to see if some of their dungeon sculpts would fit in with your building plans here.


For purposes here, the term Terrain is used broadlyto cover
3D tabletop pieces made from foam, felt, and other materials.
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Monday, July 18, 2016

Minis & Modeling Monday - LGG Painting & Terrain Day

I want to make sure that everyone is aware that the fourth Sunday of each month at Lake Geneva Games is now an afternoon for Miniatures Painting & Terrain Building!


We'll have some of the game space set aside for painting and crafting and all that fun stuff . . .


We can even supply some basic supplies and starter minis for new comers to the process.  And you might even get some tips from others to help you along, if you like!


A look at prepping and painting Miniatures,
crafting buildings and paper Models,
and other non-terrain stuff for the tabletop.
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Sunday, July 17, 2016

The Sunday Miscellanea - Eldritch Moon Prerelease

The Eldritch Moon prerelease weekend at Lake Geneva Games has been going pretty well so far and there is one day left.  I was worried that the Pokemon Go trend would put a damper on it but we've has some good events so far with a couple more taking place today.  The additional game space has served us well for our events the last couple of months.


The 1 pm event is a 2-Headed Giant, which means you play with a partner, one you bring or we can find you a good one on site from among our casual card playing crowd.  Either way, you win just by signing up for $30 per team member ($60 per team), because you get an Eldritch Moon prerelease kit which includes four booster packs of Eldritch Moon, two booster packs of Shadows Over Innistrad, a spindown die with the Eldritch Moon set symbol on it, a two-sided zombie token, and a fine little box (which is very nicely constructed).  Plus, for each round your team wins, should you manage that feat, the team gets two more booster packs of Eldritch Moon.  Win all three rounds and take home a kit plus six extra booster packs.


Finally, at 5:30 pm, we have one final Eldritch Moon sealed event.  It's only $15 and there are two rounds of play.  No additional prizes but, of course, you get your own Eldritch Moon prerelease kit with the aforementioned six booster packs and more.  That's a damned good deal so come on in to Lake Geneva Games today for Eldritch Moon!


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not covered elsewhere or wanting a particular focus.
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Saturday, July 16, 2016

Systems Saturday - Crits & Fumbles

Over on saveversus.wordpress.com, they've got a 5E Critical Hit table here and a 5E Fumble table here.


Also, on paperspencils.com, he's got "Critical Hit and Critical Fumble Charts for Pathfinder" here.


Finally, on the Of Dice and Djinn blog at quibish.blogspot.com, Nick Peterson discusses "Crits and Fumbles" here.


A look under the hood of various Games, Rules and Systems.
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Friday, July 15, 2016

Tabletopper Friday - Core Worlds (2011)

Just last week, John was able to bring out his copy of Core Worlds (2011) for an intense contest had had everyone strategizing deeply.  Everyone at the table said this was a real thinker but truly worth the time and effort it took to get involved and play.  I like this kind of game.


The description from Board Game Geek is as follows:
The ancient Galactic Realm, ruled from the Core Worlds of the galaxy, is waning. Now, the barbaric kingdoms that lie beyond the galactic frontier are amassing their strength, choosing this pivotal moment to strike at the heart of the fading republic, establishing new empires built upon the ashes of decaying civilizations. But these outer systems are not yet strong enough to engage the forces of the Core Worlds directly. The young kingdoms must first gnaw at the edges of the crumbling frontier, developing new types of units and shrewder tactics. They must build up their energy resources to launch magnificent fleets and overwhelming ground forces. Then, when the time is right, they must strike at the galactic core itself, claiming the most exalted planets for themselves. The barbarian kingdom that achieves these goals will carve out the greatest empire in the galaxy.
Object of the Game
Each player controls a barbarian Star Empire represented by many cards. Throughout the game, players will invade Worlds and draft new Units and Tactics into their Empires. Each card lists its Empire Points in the upper right corner. The player whose Empire contains the most Empire Points at the end of the game is the winner! 
Game Terms and Game Play Mechanisms
Core Worlds is a deck-building card game for 2-5 players. The following are the central concepts of Core Worlds:
• Central Zone: Throughout the game, new cards are drawn from the five Galactic Decks and placed face up in the Central Zone, the game's common play area. These cards include new Units and Tactics that the players can draft into their Empires, as well as Worlds that they can invade.
• Empire: Each player represents an Empire that begins with a Home World and a Starting Deck. A player's Empire consists of all of the cards in his hand, draw deck, discard pile, and Warzone (tableau).
• Fleet Strength: Each World possesses a Fleet Strength that represents the starships that defend it from attack. A World's Fleet Strength must be matched in order for that World to be successfully invaded. Many Units possess a Fleet Strength that a player can use to invade a World.
• Ground Strength: Each World possesses a Ground Strength that represents the infantry and other ground forces that defend it from surface assault. A World's Ground Strength must be matched in order for it to be successfully invaded. Many Units possess a Ground Strength that a player can use to invade a World.
• Invasion: In order to add new Worlds to his Empire, a player must launch Invasions. A player performs an Invasion by discarding enough cards from his Warzone to match the Fleet Strength and Ground Strength of the World he is invading.
• Warzone: Each player's Empire includes a Warzone, an area in front of the player where her conquered Worlds are displayed. Players also deploy Units from their hands face up into their Warzones, and later use these Units to invade new Worlds.

I think this game is going to hit the table more often around here though it will require gathering players who have the desire to immerse themselves in a game that requires a lot of thought and a bit of time.

Mostly about card games and board games,
unless they have a decidedly wargamey feel.
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