Today saw one of those days that would ordinarily be difficult to organise - if I was at work that is! This afternoon saw the visit of Bob Cordery for a chat, a game, some more chat, some food (originally planned to be Fish and Chips but for a technical oversight on the part of yours truly!), yet more chat and a cup cake courtesy of my daughter.
It was a great day for me - topped off by the enormity of the bag of booty Bob deposited as a result of his recent clear out/reorganisation. Suffice it to say that my much mooted plan to game elements of Operation Barbarossa has suddenly moved right up the batting order courtesy of a pile of Zvezda 15mm kits for both sides and some PSC plastic figures. Then there was the two 3 ft x 2ft gridded and flocked boards and a gridded cloth - not to mention a book on the Ottoman Turks in WW1 for good measure! I was completely overwhelmed by this gesture and rest assured - it will all be put to very good use!
We talked about war games matters many and varied and Bob shared many wonderful anecdotes about such things as the early evolution of Megablitz, visits to Salute and other shows and plans for the future. A dash of family history ranging from Scotland to Port Royal, Gibraltar and Woolwich also features which was really interesting and capped a splendid afternoon.
As for the game well, the full after action report will follow tomorrow - if only because Bob took all the pictures! - and suffice it to say the result was historical, the action fast and furious, the terrain and blocks looked absolutely fine and above all else, it was fun. The rules work even better against a live opponent (we were using Bob's 'Memoir of Battle' 19th Century rules) and they really hit the sweet spot in terms of the all important 'feel' factor. The Exhaustion Level idea worked very well and I will certainly be incorporating this going forward. They will now be my rules of choice for the period as I can think of little reason to look elsewhere.
In closing this post I would again like to say an enormous thank you to Bob for taking the time out to visit me; for the chance to chat about lots of war games 'stuff' and for the act of incredible generosity with all the assorted goodies.
10 comments:
Time to share Bob around, when can you hire him out?
Hi Martin,
You would have to speak to his agent or with him directly - not sure about the rates though!
All the best,
DC
Food, chit-chat and even a wargame? Can't be bad!
Hi Tim,
All that was missing was the Fish and Chips! Seriously though, it was darned good fun and seeing all the component parts of blocks, Hexon, an opponent and the rules coming together was a real unalloyed pleasure. Bob's Megablitz anecdotes and the two ton of 15mm kit rounded it off nicely!
All the best,
DC
Some days are just good aren't they?
May there be many more.
The pictures on Bob's blog look good.
Sounds like a grand day indeed- I hope we can share a similar one in the not too distant future!
Hey David,
I just started writing another article for Lone Warrior entitled "Breaking the Mould". The article features Kriegsspiel and in particular the utilization of block armies et al. I was wondering if you would be willing to supply a few snaps of your hex set-up with block armies? As always ... full credit goes to you and your Blog as a reference. Please reply to: chorney.jeff@gmail.com if you are willing? ... Jeff
Hi Ross,
I certainly hope so! It is an experience I would happily repeat - a good game, good company and large dose of civilised conversation!
The pictures were all Bob's work and a selection of the same will feature on my blog later today so apologies in advance for the duplication!
All the best,
DC
Hi Paul,
Good to hear from you pal! Does this mean a possible visit to these hallowed shores? If so I may have to set up another Crook's Tour for your entertainment and delight (and doubtless to the detriment of your wallet!).
Good luck next month as well.
All the best,
DC
Hi Jeff,
I will be absolutely delighted to do so! Email me on roguejedi@btinternet.com to let me know what you need and I will get busy.
All the best,
DC
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