Saturday, May 26, 2018

An Actual Gaming Post At Long Last! Live From Enfilade! 2018

Posting this late Saturday night from Olympia, Washington - the second day of the flagship historical gaming convention here in the Pacific Northwest, Enfilade! I was happy to host four Lion Rampant games. Two First St Albans games on Friday (afternoon and evening periods); and two Tewkesbury games on Saturday (morning and afternoon period). Each game had six sign ups filled up before the convention started - I actually was honored to have a seventh player walk on for my last two games - Chris Ward from Cigar Box battle mats. I was even fortunate to get into the new TFL "What a Tanker" game on Saturday night. I liked the rules very much and may be picking up a copy. Without further adieu here are some pictures of just a few of the 124 listed games.
Alyssa Faden's amazing Teutoburg games using modified DBE. Incidentally, she's also the convention director for the first year and did an outstanding job. Check out the cool "Wicker Man" she painted in the distance.
My first First St Albans game on Friday afternoon. The Yorkist got into the town and captured King Henry in both games - but not after being well bloodied.
Longtime NHMGS member and former president, Kevin Smyth's Thunderboats game with his hand-painted boat based on actual race boats from Washington State. Description: Thunderboats is a hydroplane racing game. Players create their own driver and boat characteristics, and press those to the limit. Played with miniatures representing historic hydroplanes from the 1950's and 1960's.
Down the pike to Pottersville. Presented by Victor Pecka. Volley & Bayonet published by Test of Battle Games. Union forces are moving down the pike towards Pottersville where they run into a Confederate blocking force.
Team Yankee presented by Colin Wilson. Team Yankee-Flames of War. Americans stopping a Russian attack. Lots of tanks and helicopters will be involved in the play of this game.
Another shot of Alyssa's Teutoburg game which she ran in several periods and deservedly won Best of Show.
James Sagan's Alps Aflame! Saxon Trap game using modified Black Powder; the table was super long. From the event detail: Tyrolean Rebels under Andreas Hofer are fighting desperately for liberation from Napoleon's tyranny. French General Rouyer leads a Division made up of the armies of numerous small German duchies and principalities. Their mission is to clear the Brenner Pass of rebels. The game will utilize the superb figures from Eureka and Perry Miniatures played out on an extra-long board.
A fantastic Hot Wheels, HMGs, and Human Gangs games by Bruce Smith. Post Apocalyptic Gang Warfare using modified Hotwheels, 1/72 & 20mm miniatures and buildings. Choose one of the six gangs with its vehicles and men to destroy the opposing gangs and gain more control of the ruined city while being very careful to avoid all the other hazards which you may encounter on your quest to victory!!
Survive S-Mart Presented by Reviresco. Headshot Z published by James McEwan. Saturday after noon, Shopping at S-Mart. Look Zombies attacking! But wait this is S-Mart they have just about everything a hardcore zombie killer would ever need to make weapons. Time for you to run to the hardware section or maybe to sporting goods! But no matter what aisle you run to you will have to defend yourself!
Bronze Age Heroes game using 40mm figures by my buddy David (I Live With Cats blog). Advanced. Rules used: Advanced Song of Blades and Heroes
Bruce Meyer of Company B's Java 1942 game using Combat! (which I've never heard of before).
A Ratt and Some Mauses Presented by Greg Moore. Russians driving into Germany in 1945 encounter a very big surprise. All models 3D printed

Chrysler's Farm 1814 Presented by Ronald Oldham. British are Coming (modified)

Battle of Bagradas 253 BC – 10mm Miniatures Presented by Robert Knestrick. Command & Colors Ancients.
A very nice Fornovo game using The Pikeman's Lament rules by Spencer of Portland Little Wars blog.
Another shot of the Hot Wheels game.
Some pics from the Tewkesbury games on Saturday. The Yorkist barely won in both games.
The mounted unit on the right, with a bunch of "dignitaries" including deposed Queen Margaret, was classified as Mounted Yeomen and should've only had 6 figures. I was still a bit "battered" from the two games the day/night before that I didn't realize I had included an extra 2 figures. It was only after the unit received some casualties that the mistake was realized - I ended up removing a stand of 2 figures and all worked out well enough.
Battle of the Ford of the Biscuits presented by David Sullivan. The Pikeman's Lament published by Osprey. 1594 - English forces in Ireland marching to relieve the Blackwater Fort are ambushed by Irish rebel forces. 28mm skirmish game using The Pikeman's Lament rules

"Who Runs Barter Beach" Presented by Neil Marker. Pulp Alley published by Phipps & Daughter. In a post-apocalyptic world, rumors of newly unearthed Old World technology draws many would-be seekers.

Attack the Redoubt Presented by Dale Mickel. All Quiet on the Martian Front published by Ironclad Games. Spoiler attack on the Martian Redoubt. A mixed force of Canadian, British and United States troops attack a small Martian base in British Columbia. The human forces attempt to spoil an upcoming Martian offensive that is pointed at the Frazier Valley.
Start of my very first game of What A Tanker!
I ran a T-34 with exceptionally good dice rolls - nearly taking out a Stug, which was actually finished off by the IS-2.
Berlin Breakout using Bolt Action 2d Ed. It is early Spring of 1945, and the forces of Nazi Germany are all but beaten. As the Red Army closes in on Berlin, German troops make a desperate break to escape the Soviets and surrender to comparatively friendly Americans. Will the Germans escape to the West, or can the Soviets cut them off? Only you can decide in Berlin Breakout.
Battle For Henderson's Gulch - 6mm Homebrew Scenario presented by Andrew J. Knestrick. Classic Battletech published by Catalyst Game Labs. Description: Hungry and stranded on the arid planet of Ostara, a rag tag band of MechWarrior's defend a farming town from an onslaught of bandits seeking to plunder it for their own survival. Outnumbered and outgunned, can the MechWarrior's hope to save the town and their lives? | We'll be using 3D terrain with a little bit of homebrew rules to help speed the game along. 
The Other Great War. Presented by Greg Moore. World War Tesla published by Fat Dragon Games. Alternate history WWI battle with fantastic war machines inspired by Nikola Tesla. All models 3d printed.
Jackson's Night Attack 54mm presented by Nick Stern using The Men Who Would Be Kings.
Thar be pirates 'ere presented by Mark JoHahnson. Blood and Plunder rules.
Lost in Lemuria Again using In Her Majesty's Name. Many are the stories of the Temples of Lemuria, the jungles the natives, the Monster Apes, the uncountable Treasure, the natives.
"Vault of Terrors" Presented by Neil Marker. Pulp Alley published by Phipps & Daughter
EDIT:
Here are some Sunday morning games - I left soon after and there was also an afternoon period. The con has grown from no Sunday period, to a few tables for open gaming, to a few registered games and now two periods. This is very impressive and the afternoon traffic starts to get pretty heavy on Memorial Day Sunday - and we have folks traveling back home to British Columbia, Oregon and Eastern Washington (basically Idaho ways).
Greg Moore's Tesla-inspired game again.
Siege of Castle Miser. Presented by William Clark. Medieval Tactica Siege Rules published by Arty Conliffe.Castle Miser is back sitting on its hill waiting for those with the will to sack it. The rules are quick simple and bloody. Why assault? Your vassals' annual service time runs out today, come the dawn and you owe scutage. Assault now, scutage costs money, the dead cost nothing.
Casablanca, a Pulp Adventure. Presented by Ron Palma. Pulp Alley published by Dave Phipp and Daughter. The year is 1941 in Casablanca. The Vichy French are in control of the city, with the Germans poised to take over; refugees are trying to escape to friendlier territory, gun runners are smuggling guns to freedom fighters, thieves are looking for ancient artifacts to make their fortunes while avoiding artifact protectors. Can you guide your league through adventure and peril to escape Casablanca?
Forcing the Frazier. Presented by NHMGS President Sven Lugar. All Quiet on the Martian Front. This time the combined forces of the Canadians & USA stand forth to repel a large force of Martians sweeping down the Frazier river valley in the North. A train of civilians flees down the Trans-Canadian Rail Road towards Vancouver pursued by Tripods. Can the combined force stop them?
The Martian end of Sven's long table accommodating 10 players.
For whatever reason, I find that I enjoy hosting games more than playing in them. Especially at Enfilade! Maybe, it's because I plan for it so far out and look forward in anticipation to hosting it. Of course, it's always great to see folks I only see once or twice a year and have developed what I would consider a friendship with. Thank you very much for stopping by and best regards to all!

46 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks, Ross! I finally got out of my cave to socialize. It was great! Kind regards, Dean

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  2. Replies
    1. Indeed it was - and with great weather (not that I spent a lot of the time outside though), at a fine venue in beautiful Olympia, WA. Kind regards, Dean

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  3. So many wonderful tables, must have been a fantastic event!

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    1. It truly was, Phil. And I only managed to take these few images that weren't blurred with my shaky hands. Warmest regards, Dean

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  4. Replies
    1. There really were, Michael. I know a few that I believe you would've enjoyed seeing in person and playing in. Kind regards, Dean

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  5. Replies
    1. Thanks, Steven. I did enjoy hosting my game - which turned out to be for 26 folks altogether. They all had kind and appreciative words after (and during) the game - which makes GMing so rewarding. Best, Dean

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  6. Some cracking looking tables and games there!

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    1. There sure were, Simon. In fact, there are still a bunch of games scheduled for today - Sunday. Regards, Dean

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  7. Many good looking games, Dean! Glad to see you are having an enjoyable weekend.

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. It would've been wonderful if you could've made it - with all your travels over here. Kind regards, Dean

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    2. Perhaps, some day! Memorial weekend is a hard one for me to get away.

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    3. Understood - but, per chance... :)

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  8. What a great show! Thank You for a photos!
    warm regards

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    1. My pleasure, Michal! Glad you liked them. Warm regards, Dean

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  9. Great looking show. First Saint Albans is an interesting little battle to fight. Almost a skirmish affair with some great tactical problems, well done.

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    1. Thanks, Robbie. Yes, and I think Lion Rampant works pretty well with this scenario. Warm regards, Dean

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  10. That looks like a great time! Some Memorial Day weekend I should really attend.

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    1. Scott, it would be great to see you here.I'm sure you'd have a great time; not only the games, but the people are awesome. Best regards, Dean

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  11. Replies
    1. They certainly were, Christopher. It's rather enjoyable just walking around and viewing the games. Warmest regards, Dean

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  12. Thanks for the great report 8)

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    1. My pleasure! I enjoy capturing images of these wonderful games. Kind regards, Dean

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  13. Fantastic looking games Dean!

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    1. Thanks, Mike. It was another great experience. Warm regards, Dean

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  14. Some great looking games there, Dean!

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    1. Thank a lot, Aaron. Again, I only managed to take photos of a fraction of the 124 games going on over the three days. Warm regards, Dean

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  15. Wow,great looking con, your games look lovely and it sounds like a ball! Off to check out the Fornova blog..
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain. The great thing was that each of my 4 games had at least one player who knew the rules already. That's how I was able to cruise around and take some pictures during my games Lol! I'd only be asked for rulings on odd/weird stuff which some gamers just have to try! :) Kind regards, Dean

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  16. Great looking games - nice to see you Table-side!

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    1. Thank you very much, Miles! I enjoyed it immensely. Kind regards, Dean

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  17. Thanks for the update. It's been years since I made it to Enfilade and I am happy to see that it is still going strong. Also, welcome back to the fold.

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    1. Thanks, Jake I've been going every since 2006,once I found out about it. It's bigger than ever from what the old timers say. Over 400 attendees and 124 games. Warm regards, Dean

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  18. What a show! One day I'd love to travel to a big and beautiful event like this.

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    1. Thanks, Monty. Although I've never been to other larger one like Historicon, I hear from those who attended both that Enfilade! has a more "family affair" feel to it. Also, the vendors are lined up around the main convention hall and the Bring and Buy right outside with the registration desk. So, basically one-stop shopping. I'm sure you'd have a very enjoyable time - you'd see a bunch of us bloggers here too. Warmest regards, Dean

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  19. Nick Stern here. Thanks for the shout out, but the man you want is Francis Munroe who played in my game www.imperialhobbies.ca

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    1. Sorry about that Nick. My apologies to Francis - yes, I saw him in your game and used your name off the PEL - for some reason when I saw him in your game he looked like he was GMing it :) Lol! Apologies again, Dean

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  20. Dean,

    No problem. Thanks for including a photo of my game. And a good one too!

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    1. My pleasure, your game was a stand out for sure. Kind regards, Dean

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  21. Awesome Dean. Sorry I missed Enfilade this year, but I already have big plans for 2018

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    1. We missed you, Gary. I am also planning for next year, Napoleonics. I'm watching Waterloo right now...Ponsonby's fateful charge as a matter of fact. Kind regards, Dean

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