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Wargaming Recon #91: Aaron Bostian and How Wargamers Can Give Back

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Aaron Bostian blogging at the Fancy Wars.

Aaron shares the many ways that he gives back in his community. Jonathan discusses the 3 mile walk he is doing on May 18, 2013 to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis. You can DONATE HERE.

We also discuss:

Wargaming Recon #87: TotalCon 27

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TotalCon 27.

Fix yourself a snack, sit in a comfy chair, and ready yourself to listen to a mammoth Wargaming Recon episode.

Total Confusion 27 is discussed at length. Jonathan recorded audio live at the con from his hotel room. That audio forms the first hour of this episode. The second hour covers Friday night through Sunday mid-morning of the con. The second half of the show was recorded after the con in the Wargaming Recon studio.

So much happened at the con that it is difficult to recount it all in the show notes. Instead, we hope you will enjoy the episode and read the below thanks.

We’d like to thank:

  • Angelia Parenteau, TotalCon’s Promotional Director, along with Steven Parenteau and the rest of the TotalCon staff for making this year’s event a HUGE success.
  • Industry guest Ben Gerber, and his wife, for a game-filled fun Friday evening with Wayne Moulton, Jr. of the Sages of the RPG. We played some great games, like Tugboat, and talked shop. Ben is the host of Indie Talks and co-host of Growing Geeks with Tristan Tarwater. Both shows can be found on the Troll in the Corner Podcast Network.
  • Industry guest Peter “Blix” Bryant, from Studio187 and the Tri Tac Games Podcast, for running an incredible Cube of Death (listen to Geeks Explicitly #13 Cube of Death for a review). This was Jonathan’s first time playing and it was a blast. Many thanks to Blix’s sponsors who provided the $5 Game Crafter gift certificated and Puerto Rico computer game that was given to Cube of Death players.
  • Industry guest Jay Libby who is the co-owner of Dilly Green Bean Games. He is sending us a review copy of his superhero RPG titled G-Core. Jay is a fun guy who hosts an awesome cocktail hour. Next year Jonathan aims to snag an invite to the epic fun.
  • Vendors Brenden Hill and Jeremy Brown of Crossroad Games in Standish, Maine. They were a joy to hang out with Friday evening. Lots of great conversation and a love of Downton Abbey. Buy lots of games from them when you’re near Portland, Maine.
  • Listener Patrick for making TotalCon 27 my best con memory. Had so much fun playing Zombie Dice, chilling at the GM Social, and chatting until the wee hours of the morning. It was truly a blast!
  • Chad Ellis, owner of Your Move Games in Somerville Mass, for taking the time to explain his game Battleground. He showed us how it works, discussed the benefits of the game, and gave us some great review product. Afterwards he gave listeners Adrian and Cort a demo. We know Battleground will become a new regular game for us to play. Ask your local stores to stock it!
  • Vendor Foam Brain Games for stocking Gloom, We Didn’t Playtest This at All, and Win Lose or Banana. They gave a very enjoyable demo of Win, Lose or Banana. A silly and fun game only costing $1. You can’t beat that!
  • New listener Chris V. aka Boston Greek Geek for being a huge fan of the game Ninja by Ben Gerber. It was a lot of fun talking to Chris about the game and discovering that he lives not far from us and knows a few of our friends.
  • Vendor The Dragon’s Lair for their dedication to protecting the security of their customers. It is rare to find a business, let alone con vendor, to be so concerned for their customer’s welfare. It was greatly appreciated.
  • Listeners Adrian and Cort. You carried a heavy burden for Battle of Freeman’s Farm. You both created beautifully painted models and terrain that shone on the table. The event would not have been a success without you.
  • Blix’s friends Mike and Brian who, along with Blix, welcomed me to their breakfast table on the Sunday at the con. We discussed podcasting and they shared many useful tips. Not to mention they are funny guys! You need to listen to their podcast the Con Men Podcast, which discusses conventions across America.
  • Jonathan’s incredible wife who encouraged him to attend the con, stay over, and is always supportive and understanding of his many hobbies. None of this would be possible without her love and support. Why not check out her cake decorating blog at The Cake Is Not A Lie.

Wargaming Recon #86: Angelia – TotalCon’s Promotional Director

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Angelia Parenteau – TotalCon’s Promotional Director.

Long term listeners may recall Episode 69: Angelia Heroux & TotalCon when I first chatted with Angelia, newly married, about Total Confusion LLC (TotalCon). TotalCon is New England’s largest tabletop gaming convention.

This time we discuss Total Confusion 27. Plenty of great events are happening with a multitude of fantastic industry guests.

Where else can you go elbow to elbow with Frank Mentzer and Tim Kask? This is your chance to buy Gygax Magazine, dive into Mentzer’s newest work, watch Project London, AND play in my Battle of Freeman’s Farm event (please register, it is Saturday 7-11pm M-033).

Also discussed:

  • Learn a bit of TotalCon’s history
  • Angelia discusses her title and name change
  • Industry guests, events, and vendors are highlighted
  • Wargaming Recon is a proud sponsor of TotalCon 27.
  • Book your hotel room
  • PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS FEB 17 (ONLINE)
  • Battle of Freeman’s Farm Saturday Feb 23 7-11pm M-033

CWF Game Cast Episode 52: Neil Shuck & Meeples & Miniatures

Host Tom Barbalet’s records this very special episode featuring one of the most influential and all-around great guy in the world of gaming podcasting. Tom interviews the one, the only, Neil Shuck of Meeples & Miniatures (M&M).

The two adopt a View from the Veranda format. They discuss a myriad of topics. Tom gets answers to all the subjects we’ve been dying to learn about. Neil tells all about his gaming history, how Meeples & Miniatures was born on Jan 2007, how Henry Hyde of Battlegames Magazine and Neil formed their incredible friendship, why the View from the Veranda started, who some of the notable M&M listeners are, and why Neil whispers on his show.

Both Tom and Neil reminisce about the early days of miniatures gaming. Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader, Warhammer Fantasy, the original Space Hulk, and Blood Bowl all receive mentions. Neil lists early gaming podcasts that influenced him such as Solo Wargaming, All About Miniatures, The Dice Tower, Boardgames to Go, and of course It’s Time for Games by Richard Denning who also wrote article(s), which appeared in the old Wargames Illustrated (before Battlefront acquired the magazine).

A little bit of time is spent discussing Warmachine, the early days of the CWF Game Cast (episode 1 debuted 8/17/2006), Neil’s accent, and listener feedback. Neil mentions how listener feedback helps to encourage him to continue podcasting.

The conversation ends and the Music to Game By segment is back with Bailey Records’ “Darkrider Returneth” from Stratos’ album Cybernet Official Roleplaying Soundtrack.

As always we conclude with a message from our sponsor, 12-7-Games.com, contest sponsor Battlegames Magazine, our Creative Commons license and contact information (find us on Facebook and Twitter).

We hope you enjoy this episode of the CWF Game Cast and are eager for your feedback (both positive remarks and constructive criticism). Send it all to cwfgamecast at wargamingforums dot com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Xbox Live with gamertag cwfgamecast.

The intro song is “Downtown” by Matthew Ebel. Please give his other music a listen at www.matthewebel.com.

Pandemic Stop Action Video

We’ve…well, I’ve been pretty obsessed with Pandemic since my friend Kurt recommended the game. Listeners to the podcast will note updates corresponding with the latest attempt to beat the game.

It may be difficult to picture how the game as played. The below stop action video not only is interesting to watch but serves as a good overview for how the game is played. The video won’t replace a good tutorial or read through of the rules. But, it shows events unfurling.

If you like the video be sure to check out the original discussion thread on BoardGameGeek.

CWF Game Cast Episode 45: Hello 2011

Co-hosts Jonathan J. Reinhart and Tom Barbalet catch up after Tom’s absence. Tom discusses the Close Combat computer games and their relation to Flames of War. Jonathan discusses World of Warcraft and Hobbit Houses. He follows up with Zombie Dice and the board game Pandemic as played with his friend Paul Castillo. Both cover their Christmas, highlighting gifts and experiences.

Tom gives his 24 hour impression of the Field of Glory ruleset. Both discuss their plans for 2011 with Tom announcing his belief that this podcast deserves 1,000 listeners. A discussion of podcast promos ensues with many podcasts being mentioned. Jonathan mentions sponsorship options before delving into TotalCon 25. He then announces gaming events for January before mentioning the release of Goblins in the Streets by Imperium Star Games. A discussion of the Xbox 360 occurs along with another on the Name Our Podcast contest.

Listeners are asked to send their suggestions to rename the podcast. All suggestions will be taken under advisement. Please send podcast names to us at cwfgamecast at wargamingforums dot com or post them as a comment on the blog or on our Facebook page.

A promo for the New England Podcasting group is shared along with our promo Tom made for the WWPD: News From the Front podcast.

As always we conclude with a message from our sponsor, 12-7-Games.com, and contact information (find us on Facebook and Twitter).

We hope you enjoy this episode of the CWF Game Cast and are eager for your feedback (both positive remarks and constructive criticism). Send it all to cwfgamecast at wargamingforums dot com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Xbox Live with gamertag cwfgamecast.

Links Referenced
Hobbit House on Youtube
Merry Christmas, Mr. Reinhart
Field of Glory
WWPD: News From the Front
Meeples & Miniatures
Podhammer
40k Radio
New England Podcasting
C.C. Chapman’s Podcasts & Endeavors
Comedy4Cast
Manic Mommies
Matthew Ebel
Voodo Radio
Mind of Men
Metrowest Media Makers
Advertise on CWF Game Cast
Total Con
Adler Hobby
The Whiz
Battleground Games & Hobbies
Battleground Games & Hobbies Facebook Page
Avatar Games
Imperium Star Games

TotalCon 25 Releases Events Listing

TotalCon has released the events listing for TotalCon 25. You can find the complete list of events, by game type (RPG, Board Game, Minis, CCGs, Workshops, etc) on their website. Below you will find the highlights.

If you weren’t planning on going to TotalCon 25 before, then hopefully these events will change your mind.

Highlights:
Frank Mentzer and Tim Kask (some of the orginial remaining TSR, Inc partners with Gary Gygax) coming in to sponsor a special OLD SCHOOL RPG area! Over 25 old school games offered plus a special meet-n-greet with them on Friday afternoon!

INDUSTRY GUESTS: Mark Edwards, Andre Kruppa, Jay Libby, Brad Younie, Jeff Talanian, James “Dregg” Carpio, Ben Gerber, Don Higgins, Rone Barton, Lou Argesta, Peter “Blix” Bryant, Ethan Gilsdorf, Frank Mentzer, Tim Kask, Tom Vasel, Eric Summerer, and Jim Reed

IRON GM SEMI-REGIONAL COMPETITION: GMs and Players get three indregidents to create scenario’s and characters in one hour then settle in for 4 hours of role-playing madness. All participants get chances to win prizes. Players get to judge the GMs and the Winning GM wins a trip to GenCon 2011 to represent New England for the national title!! Space is limited, register early!!

THE DICE TOWER: Nationally known boardgaming podcast with hosts Tom Vasel, Eric Summerer, and Jim Reed will be on hand running events, tournaments, and doing a podcast from TotalCon 25!

GAME PANELS: Learn about game designing, creating scenario’s and more from the best in the industry hosted by Peter Blix Bryant and friends plus SPECIAL Bonus: Come see his LIVE TRIC-TRAC podcast.

FLAMES OF WAR NATIONAL QUALIFIER, GIANT MONSTER SMASH, NE REGIONAL CAR WARS CHAMPIONSHIP, CLASSIC BATTLETECH, TC CIRCVS MAXIMVS AND MORE!

MOVIE PREMIER!! Ninja Zombies from local movie producers :)

NORTH AMERICAN CATAN CHAMPIONSHIP: Win a trip to GenCon 2011 for a 1 of only 32 seats for the North American Catan Championship. Winner of NACC gets a free trip to the Worlds in 2012.

Full RPGA and Pathfinder areas, both with Battle Interactives!

Over 400 events, 17 Industry Guests running events, dealer hall, exhibitors, and more await you. Check it all out www.totalcon.com. Come join the fun!

TotalCon 25 Puffing Billy Board Game Tournament

TotalCon has released the categories for their Puffing Billy tournament. As you can see from the categories, Puffing Billy is a train-themed board game tournament. Trains are very popular and train-themed board games have a large following.

Be sure to get plugged into the Puffing Billy tournament at TotalCon 25!

Here are the new catagories for the Puffing Billy tournament

1 Ticket to Ride – all board game variants
2 Empire Builder – all variants
3 18XX – all variants
4 Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Freight Train, Ticket to Ride Card Game, Station Master,
Hell Rails, On the Underground, Trans America / Trans Europe
5 Settlers of America, Metro, Streetcar, Chicago Express, Steel Driver, Trainsport,
Railway Rivals / Dampfross, Stephenson’s Rocket, Days of Steam,
and all other 2 hour games
6 Railways of the World – all variants, Railroad Tycoon
7 Express, Brass / Age of Industry, and all other 3 hour games
8 Silverton, Steam / Age of Steam
9 Rail Baron, Baltimore and Ohio, and all other 4 hour or longer games

CWF GameCast Episode 39: When Jonathan Met Tom

This is the first of the new conversational style podcasts with Jonathan J. Reinhart and Tom Barbalet co-hosting.

We discuss our previous week in gaming focusing on Tom writing his own RPG based on a novel he’s written. We also discuss my trials and tribulations with Flames of War (this has since been rectified in The Whiz Saves the Day).

We refer to my guest appearance on Stone Ape #19: New England Gaming Vegas with Jonathan Reinhart [October 31, 2010]. Tom and I consider the easiest and most affordable way to get into Flames of War. We share thoughts on the different types of gamer along with experiences of attempted gaming with our spouses.

The conversation winds down with Tom and I declaring the intention to have guests on the podcast. We conclude with a message from our sponsor, 12-7-Games.com, and contact information (find us on Facebook and Twitter).

We hope you enjoy this episode of the CWF GameCast and are eager for your feedback (both positive remarks and constructive criticism). Send it all to cwfgamecast at wargamingforums dot com.

The Whiz Store Roundup


Raven's Avatar

The Whiz Store has been very busy on Twitter and Facebook. They’ve announced so many things we decided it is easier to share them all in a roundup than a bunch of smaller blog posts.

The next “black box” delivery is including Dark Eldar for 40k. The Whiz is looking for skillful painters to help them out by painting up some demo models. The codex, a Raider, some bikers, and a warrior troop are in the box.

The third D&D Heroscape expansion, Moltenclaw’s Invasion, is coming out in November. You can pre-order it at the store.

Groundwerks is making some great bases for Warmachine/Hordes and Wyrd. They have new snow bases in 30mm, 40mm, and 50mm at the store. They are clear inserts molded in the shape of rocks with snow on them. You get to paint the rock faces and drybrush the snow areas white for a great wintery effect.

The rules for Warmachine/Hordes Shattered Grounds have been posted. The new rules are in effect at the store.

You can playtest the new Warmachine/Hordes steamroller rules and find plenty of opponents at the store to help you out.

The board game shelves have been stocked with Dominion: Prosperity, Betrayal on the House on the Hill, and also Arkham Horror.

A great chess set for the beginner is now on the shelves. First Chess includes a vinyl board, triple weighted men, double queens, and a canvas tote. Sounds like a nice package.

They have restocked Ascension after running out due to heavy play and purchasing. If you like deckbuilding games you need to give this a try.

A slew of Flames of War early war products have hit the shelves. Be sure to grab your’s before someone else does. This includes Pak36s, Panzer 38t, and BMW Motorcycles but no Stukas. You can also get some American decals, the GE180 Flammwagen B-2(f) (believe it is the same as the Char B) and the R-35 when it is reprinted in a French blister later this year (the other two are available now).

The Whiz alerted me to Black Library Free eBook Fridays. Be sure to go to Black Library eBooks for more information.

Don’t forget the High Elves Magic tactica for WFB.

Finally, there are two new board games to mention. The first is a new Trivial Pursuit titled Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It. Players bet on getting the right answer. It is possible to win without knowing the answers to all the questions as long as you know the people you’re playing with (like Apples to Apples).

The second is Sneaks and Snitches. The Whiz compares it to Ocean’s 11 or Leverage in that this game has you heading up an elite cadre of thieves picking to make your ill-gotten fortune by stealing gold, artifacts, jewelry, or information. It sounds fun.