Wednesday, 6 November 2019

Gaming and reflecting

On Monday l played an ACW game with my two regular opponents. We were trying out a new set of rules to us “ Charge boys, Charge!” from the Old Glory Uk website, l think by Andy  C. The scenario was based upon Burnside bridge l believe and involved dicing for fords and for confederate arrivals.
 It was great fun and has been left up to finish next week. The rules were four sides of A4, more than enough for me. The death of another wargaming giant this week has made me do a lot of thinking about the hobby, of the part it has played in my life and how it has enriched it.Books ,lead, plastic and dice have been a constant through thick and thin.Also this week l have been tinkering with Nordic Bronze Age rules by a fellow wargamer who has just completed a thousand miles. They were fun, simple and enjoyable too. I contrast that with a how to play video from a mega manufacturer who had done their best to make a complicated system accessible. It was too much for me. Gamey too if you know what I mean.
As time goes on all l want is to play ( with others or solo) are simple ,fun games with rules that don’t exhaust ,bewilder or frustrate me.  Toy soldiers,dice and good company that’s what the hobby is and story ( or scenario led if you prefer) games. Imagineering too as exemplified by the EvE creation of Bluebear Jeff. I have “met” so many super folk through the hobby, kind and sharing folk some who l have had the privilege to meet in person. Let’s cherish our hobby, our blogs each other and our gaming.

Thursday, 31 October 2019

Scandinavian Bronze Age

 The release of the Perry figures coincided with a holiday to Denmark  some years ago as well as seeing the Lur horns for the first time in the bronze, so to speak. I hadn’t visited the National Museum of Denmark’s  collection from that period for many years until the weekend . I was delighted with what l saw, good interpretive panels and a animation of the Sun chariot which begins by plunging the room into darkness then lights it up with moving figures from rock carvings . Words don’t do it justice, go there and press the button, or better still let a child do it and see their wonderment.P.s  outdoor dining photo slipped in by mistake, just ignore it, thanks.





Wednesday, 30 October 2019

Rosenborg Castle





We visited Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen on Sunday. It is a fascinating place ,well worth a visit. The paintings provided really good depictions of 17th century uniforms and the Tapestries in the throne room are full of details of the Scanian wars. Some were depicted as illustrations in books l have but many were new to me. Combined with some incredible parade armour and saddles, not to mention Crown Jewels and lovely gardens a visitor needs to leave plenty time to appreciate it all.


Sunday, 27 October 2019

Books

I bought these today-
The tapestry book was bought at Rosenborg slot. I was really taken by the tapestries in the throne room of Christian V  and his victories in the Scanian War. I took photos of some and the book shows more. I couldn’t resist this new Osprey. Ok I could have got it a wee bit cheaper at home but it was special to have bought it in Denmark. I look forward to looking at these later. Just back from the Tivoli and off for something to eat.

Saturday, 26 October 2019

The Duke of Tradgardland

The Duke was sighted in the Royal Danish Arsenal today-

Thursday, 24 October 2019

In the morning

Off to the Duchy of Tradgardland tomorrow, can’t wait.
Poster ( circa 1932) is from the  Tradgardland Museum  of Transport , Tradgardstadt. 

Monday, 21 October 2019

Scouting in the Village -more play testing.

Been solo play-testing today: in the top two pictures we see Arthur practising for his Observation badge. The coins represent other scouts sneaking up on him using their stealth capability. Some coins are blanks to add confusion. The observation capability is compared with the stealth capability and dice score added. If Arthur has a higher score combined compared to his stealthy opponent he spots them and vice versa. Arthur did well and has passed another test.
In the lower two photos we see a wide game taking place. Each scout has a life ( band of coloured wool around his arm) if he loses it he must return to base ( bigger silver coin) to get another. Mission is to touch the enemy’s patrol flag on their base. When they meet an opponent they try to break the woollen band, each dices and the highest wins. It was a fast and furious game with the Red patrol eventually winning. A useful morning’s gaming and fun too