Razer RPG System- Wargaming Recon #288

This episode was recorded live at TotalCon 37 on February 25, 2023. Jonathan was joined by Peter Bryant for this live recording. Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games and the game designer behind the new Razer RPG system. Jonathan quizzes Peter on his gaming origins and why this makes him a good game designer.

Getting down to the main portion of the episode, Jonathan and Peter talk about Razor and how it will work as an RPG framework. Peter discusses why the system exists and what it does that other rules systems do not do; as well as what genres of games Peter thinks will work with the rules system.

Peter goes into some deep discussions on some specifics with the Razor system.  He covers character creation and what the gameplay experience for the players should be. He talks about how the unique mechanics and features help to blend player choice and the narrative structure.

Jonathan asks Peter about the challenges and obstacles that were faced while designing the system and how the Razor system will fit into the modern RPG environment.

Since Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games; the pair cover the other projects and Jonathan focuses on Cube of Death and when it is expected to be available for public release.

If you are interested in finding out more about Solarian Games and what Peter is working on; just go to the following links to learn more.

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Pocket Bard Gaming Music – Wargaming Recon #287

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Alex Berner and Chase Harris of Pocket Bard. Alex is the composer and CEO of Pocket Bard. Chase is the Lead Developer and Interactive Audio Lead.

The trio talk about what Pocket Bard is and how it can enhance your own RPG or tabletop gaming experience.

Diving into the origin story for Pocket Bard; Alex and Chase talk about how their app is different from the other apps/software out there and what makes Pocket Bard special. Currently Pocket Bard is in open beta on iOS and Android and Alex and Chase tell you how to get involved and what the next steps are for the app.

Since Alex and Chase are making a music app for RPG’s; one would hope that they play games also. Jonathan questions them on their gaming pedigree.

If you want to know more or want to download a copy of Pocket Bard then you can find them at the following locations:
iOS
Android
Facebook
Discord
YouTube
Instagram
Twitter

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CaptainCon with Andrew Hartland – Wargaming Recon #286

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Andrew Hartland.  Andrew is the Gaming Coordinator for CaptainCon and a NASA engineer.

Andrew talks about what he does as the Gaming Coordinator before talking about CaptainCon itself. CaptainCon is February 3-5, 2023 in Warwick, RI and is full of RPG’s, Miniatures and Board games. Andrew goes into detail on the number of events and attendees and tells us all why we need to add this convention to your convention cycle.

Jonathan and Andrew talk about games they are playing and what they look forward to in games at conventions.

Having a NASA engineer on the podcast; Jonathan has to talk about space and NASA.

DISCLAIMER: CaptainCon is a sponsor of Wargaming Recon, but that does not exert any editorial control.

If you would like to keep up with CaptainCon you can follow them at the following locations online:

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ArmourCon 2022 w/ Dave Valentine – Wargaming Recon #285

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Dave Valentine of Bloody Scotsman Games. Bloody Scotsman Games is the maker of Devil in the Wilderness and the expansion Devil In Sleepy Hollow. (You can even find Jonathan and Adrian in the game as characters.)

Dave had a vendor booth at the New England Tabletop Wargaming Flea Market and at ArmourCon 2022. Jonathan and Dave discuss both events.

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Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames Review

Wargaming Recon recently received a review copy of the new book by Michael Farnworth, titled Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames published by Military Miniature Press. They appear to be a relatively new company and based on the quality of this book, it will be worth seeing what they have releasing in the future.

Overview

This book is broken down into 4 chapters and an Appendix. The book says that it is designed for experienced wargamers and modelers. I may agree, but I found it a good resource for getting into the Vietnam War era of gaming. There are numerous pictures of miniatures on the tabletop and actual photos located throughout the book. Many of the figures pictured have a caption citing the manufacturer and painter. This makes it much easier to find a particular figure if you see one you really like.

One feature of the appendix that stood out are links to all the manufacturers mentioned in the book. The PDF version allows you to click the links and go straight to the website to get hands on specific figures even quicker. The softcover of the book does not have the embedded links, but you can still get the web addresses and contact information for the companies.

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