CWF Game Cast Episode 51 FIXED: Black Powder Explosion

CWF #51 FIXED: Black Powder Explosion Download (1362)

FIXED version of Episode 51. iTunes only shows 1 second of audio. This new entry is the full Episode 51. If you previously downloaded Episode 51 you got the bad version. Please download this version. This only impacts those who download episodes via iTunes. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused.

Co-hosts Jonathan J. Reinhart and Tom Barbalet record together for the first time since Jonathan was sick with the zombie flu (actually, a severe respiratory virus that grossly exacerbated his asthma).

As usual the week in wargaming is discussed. Most of it is focused on Black Powder, which the dynamic duo swiftly transition into. A lively debate is had concerning the minimum, or starting, army size for this rule set. Tom reiterates suggestions he previously gave to Jonathan. Jonathan explains how he is attempting Black Powder. He mentions stellar advice from Henry Hyde.

The two move on to the related issue of Osprey Publishing’s New Vanguard, Campaign, and Men-at-Arms series. Tom and Jonathan, briefly, delve into the history of Massachusetts, while discussing Jonathan’s schooling.

Jonathan mentions his wife and her latest painting project, a Thaniras Elves War Dragon for the Uncharted Seas game. Jonathan jokes that it looks more like a drake but perhaps he is splitting hairs. The painting discussion includes Tom mentioning painting greats Kevin Dallimore, and his fantastic Foundry Miniatures Painting & Modelling Guide, personal friend Golden Demon Winner and former ‘Eavy Metal painter Tammy Haye, and Golden Demon winner Kirill Kanaev.

Tom flexes his mathematical muscles reviewing two dice rolling apps for the iPhone. Simple Dice by Nora Krauss and dynamicDICE are both reviewed. Tom alludes to creating his own dice app. Jonathan interjects with his preference for Dicenomicon.

Jonathan discusses his appearance on Episode 1 of The Gate Stormers (be warned of explicit content) in that show). A whirlwind of topics spin about. Tom reminds listeners to participate in the Field of Chaos Political Compass Contest. An update is given on the Monty & the Fox’s Wargaming Show branding. The editing schedule is briefly mentioned before Tom does a killer Neil Shuck impersonation!

The conversation ends and paves the way for the debut appearance, on this show, of official gaming music from Bailey Records. “Enter Darkrider [Extended Remix]” from Stratos’ album Autumnal Slumber will please your ear drums for 3 minutes and 28 seconds.

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.

CWF Game Cast Episode 50 FIXED: WWPD News From the Front and Steven MacLauchlan

CWF #50 FIXED: WWPD News From the Front and Steven MacLauchlan (3-16-11) Download (1415)

FIXED version of Episode 50. iTunes only shows 1 second of audio. This new entry is the full Episode 50. If you previously downloaded Episode 50 you got the bad version. Please download this version. This only impacts those who download episodes via iTunes. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this has caused.

Host Tom Barbalet’s records this very special 50th episode to cover for Jonathan who was sick with the zombie flu (actually, a severe respiratory virus that grossly exacerbated his asthma). Tom interviews special guest Steven MacLauchlan of WWPD: News From the Front.

As usual the week in wargaming is discussed. Steven discusses Cold Wars 2011 while Tom briefly mentions working on his RPG based on his book Field of Chaos.

The two move on to the interview where Steven bares all. He explains how he got into gaming, how WWPD: News From the Front started, and which podcasts he regularly looks forward to and listens to (yes, we’re one of them). The two discuss the Vietnam War rules from Battlefront Miniatures along with Battlegames Magazine.

Tom explains the Field of Chaos Political Compass Contest to Steven while also poking fun at Jonathan, whom he refers to as “a hard-line communist” based on the Political Compass results. Submit your results directly to Tom at Tom@nobleape.com.

Tom then gives a wrap up of the War at Sea Contest, which is covered in detail by Jonathan at the conclusion of the show in a special segment.

Jonathan makes a brief appearance in a special segment, recorded on 4/3/11, discussing the War at Sea Contest. He reveals the winner, and runner-up, who both receive some prizes. Jonathan thanks everyone who participated, Battleground Games & Hobbies and Axis & Allies ForuMINI for allowing the contest to be promoted on their message boards, and all the prize sponsors:

12-7-Games.com
Battlegames Magazine
TotalCon
Imperium Star Games
Troll in the Corner

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.

CWF Game Cast Episode 51: Black Powder Explosion

CWF #51: Black Powder Explosion Download (1362)

Co-hosts Jonathan J. Reinhart and Tom Barbalet record together for the first time since Jonathan was sick with the zombie flu (actually, a severe respiratory virus that grossly exacerbated his asthma).

As usual the week in wargaming is discussed. Most of it is focused on Black Powder, which the dynamic duo swiftly transition into. A lively debate is had concerning the minimum, or starting, army size for this rule set. Tom reiterates suggestions he previously gave to Jonathan. Jonathan explains how he is attempting Black Powder. He mentions stellar advice from Henry Hyde.

The two move on to the related issue of Osprey Publishing’s New Vanguard, Campaign, and Men-at-Arms series. Tom and Jonathan, briefly, delve into the history of Massachusetts, while discussing Jonathan’s schooling.

Jonathan mentions his wife and her latest painting project, a Thaniras Elves War Dragon for the Uncharted Seas game. Jonathan jokes that it looks more like a drake but perhaps he is splitting hairs. The painting discussion includes Tom mentioning painting greats Kevin Dallimore, and his fantastic Foundry Miniatures Painting & Modelling Guide, personal friend Golden Demon Winner and former ‘Eavy Metal painter Tammy Haye, and Golden Demon winner Kirill Kanaev.

Tom flexes his mathematical muscles reviewing two dice rolling apps for the iPhone. Simple Dice by Nora Krauss and dynamicDICE are both reviewed. Tom alludes to creating his own dice app. Jonathan interjects with his preference for Dicenomicon.

Jonathan discusses his appearance on Episode 1 of The Gate Stormers (be warned of explicit content) in that show). A whirlwind of topics spin about. Tom reminds listeners to participate in the Field of Chaos Political Compass Contest. An update is given on the Monty & the Fox’s Wargaming Show branding. The editing schedule is briefly mentioned before Tom does a killer Neil Shuck impersonation!

The conversation ends and paves the way for the debut appearance, on this show, of official gaming music from Bailey Records. “Enter Darkrider [Extended Remix]” from Stratos’ album Autumnal Slumber will please your ear drums for 3 minutes and 28 seconds.

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.

AWI Decisions and Contest Prizes

Recently, I wrote a post discussing the American Revolution (or American War of Independence as it is called in historical wargaming). In that article I cited Henry Hyde and his multi-decade running campaign The Wars of the Faltenian Succession.

Henry has expanded his campaign with a series of articles on the Battlegames Magazine blog. Acting as umpire, he is mediating a group of gamers who will meet in person for the culmination of their campaign at a weekend get-together near Scarborough.

The likelihood of me participating in a campaign for AWI is slim. My previous article cited other possibilities, which would be covered under a “What if?” theme. Leaping from that spot I have to decided to explore fictionalized accounts of my growing American militia army.

This is intended to be a series of in game world articles written from, or about, the army and its “What if?” inhabitants. Much like Tolkien’s The Hobbit is supposed to be Bilbo’s account of his journey to Lonely Mountain, my writing will serve a “historical” record of my army’s exploits.

Some of my friends have, in the past, adopted this style for gaming projects of their own. John C. runs a bi-annual zombie fight night at Battleground Games & Hobbies. To hype the event he writes in character fluff, or fiction, which he posts onto the store’s internet message board. He does the same with the after action reports.

Another friend, Rick, did the same with his character from one of those zombie night fights. His character climbed to the top of the tallest tower in that part of Necromunda. The rest of the gang fought on with most ultimately perishing. Rick’s character survived, albeit stuck on top of the tower, felling zombies like a lumberjack in the forest. The last anyone heard of him was in a diary page that mysteriously surfaced after his disappearance.

This is a commonly successful device, which is much loved by historical war gamers. It has been said that great writers steal from one another. Whereas I’m merely a sufficient writer, at best, I am delighted to borrow this method.

At some point in your reading, you asked yourself what any of this has to do with contest prizes. After all, I wrote “Contest Prizes” in the article title. As I write this I am listening to several CDs from Bailey Records. Bryan K. Borgman is in charge of that unique music studio. This studio is special because they produce music to game by. They have made the official soundtracks for such games as Warbands and Cybernet. When Mongoose Publishing manufactured the Starship Troopers miniatures game Bryan worked for them.

Now, he’s working on his own game he is calling Kaiju Kaos. He was kind enough to send us a bunch of CDs and his blessing to do with them as we wish. We will review the albums, share his music on our podcast, and offer some of them as contest prizes. There are not a lot of albums because you can digitally purchase his music from CD Baby electronically.

My wife and I are listing to the Warbands album while I write this article on the iPad. She’s chair dancing as she composes a letter, on her Macbook, and I’m absorbing the ambient sounds wafting from the iMac.

These soundtracks are different than what, I’m guessing, is normally found on historical gaming blogs and podcasts. There are no fife and drum corps here. Instead, this rhythmic electronic ear candy is sure to set your foot tapping, your finger drumming, and your head bopping.

Please look for my AWI fiction and bear with me while I find my groove. If you’re reading this you hopefully enjoy my writing style and the subjects I discuss. So, you may enjoy my army’s fluff but writing fiction and non-fiction are very different animals.

You will soon be able to hear Bryan’s music on our podcast. We’ll do our best to include one song per show.

As always feedback is desired, cherished, loved, and read. Constructive criticism, tips, and suggestions for what you want are perfect ways to be heard.

War of American Independence – Black Powder Style

Podcast listeners and blog readers will be familiar with my ramblings, frustration, and discussions of Warlord Games’ Black Powder ruleset. Lately, I’ve heavily blogged on this subject. Black Powder has managed to kick Earth out of its orbit by enticing me to paint miniatures. That is a feat I haven’t accomplished in a long time. Don’t believe me? I wouldn’t either but the proof is in my Perry Miniatures articles.

Collecting and painting some finely sculpted pewter 3D representations of the human form is one thing. Using them in a tabletop wargame is something else entirely. The American Revolution, or War of American Independence as it is known in the historical wargaming field, lends itself to more than random one-off battles. It lends itself to a campaign atmosphere. Henry Hyde discusses, in Battlegames Magazine, his Wars of the Faltenian Succession. Early issues of that insightful periodical explain how Henry created this decade plus long imagined campaign. He explains the reasons for his fictitious conflict in issue 1, describes the role of weather and movement in issue 2, map creation in issue 3, continues that in issue 4, personifies his military commanders in issue 5, and even customizes their uniforms in issue 6.

All of this strongly appeals to me. Allow me to step backward and say that most of what Henry is doing appeals to me. I am not, never have been, and likely never will be a person with artistic talent visually speaking. Henry creates stunning hex maps and amazing uniforms. He comes from a background of a graphic designer, which aides his task. Without any of those skill sets in my repertoire it is nigh impossible for me to create a map. My attempting custom uniforms is less likely than humanity colonizing Mars.

What does all of this have to do with Black Powder and my attempt to create an AWI army? A hope and a goal, of course. A smattering of gamers at my local game store, Battleground Games & Hobbies, have or are collecting armies for Black Powder AWI. This group could gather once a week and play a random game. Lobsterbacks versus heroic colonists. Imported Hessians fighting the French. That would be fun for a time and in due course would, likely, fade away.

To achieve a lasting appeal there needs to be more than randomly created games. Playing a historical AWI campaign becomes difficult. Not only is the outcome known but the battles are mostly concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic states. The battle sizes and composition do not lend themselves to adaptability for the gamers who are, slowly, creating and adding onto their armies. Instead of playing a historical campaign, or historical one off games, how about participating in historical what if situations?

This could take the form of a campaign that operates on a parallel but slightly different track to what led to American independence. Or, it could be what if scenarios that alter location, timing, composition, and strength of forces. Maybe it could be un-related what if one off games. Gamer A has one brigade of 10 infantry and Gamer B has half a brigade of cavalry. Instead of trying to find an engagement this compares to, the gamers instead play a what if battle.

Unless you are an “old school” gamer this will be a foreign concept. It was for me until I began to read Battlegames Magazine. There is a strength in the adaptability of the “old school” mindset. Black Powder espouses versatility throughout its pages. It frequently mentions taking the gentlemanly route instead of behaving like a power-gaming or rules lawyering gamer. A significant purpose is to gather with friends and have fun commanding opposing armies of toy soldiers.

In the coming weeks I will continue to paint my Perry Miniatures AWI models and I will also hone this what if mindset. Using Henry’s experience with the Wars of the Faltenian Succession I have begun to breath life into my commanders. My army will actually start life as a brigade of three infantry regiments. Each regiment will consist of 24 models each. Naming my commanders and creating their character traits is particularly exciting.