In thinking through and around the question of critical fails (specifically to model the advantages and risks firearms have compared to bows and crossbows), I’ve started to consider a new approach to the games two core mechanics of the dice pool and initiative tokens. Take a look at this and…
I am deep into the editing and revisioning work on 15XX as I get ready for Playtest 04 (sign up for the closed playtesting here!). I hate the page-by-page editing. I’m a big idea guy, and find work that requires a close attention to details toilsome to get through. But…
Playtest 03 has been in the hands of closed playtesters for blind reviews since January. I’ve gotten some helpful feedback, but – because of COVID-19 – haven’t had a responsible chance to get a game in with another player until this past week. I’ve got most of Playtest 04’s updates…
In theory, I am a narrativist GM who enjoys character arcs and well-developed backstories. In practice, I end up running gag-filled game sessions with my friends that, while not totally full of murder hobos, is more Monty Python than Lord of the Rings. The over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek weird fantasy setting and…
The past months have been full of Very Serious Things. Obligations and personal projects that have a weight of Getting It Right: Settling my mom’s estate after she passed in February (PS: grief & probate is not a fun combo) Getting 15XX revised and into its fourth playtest Ongoing Renaissance…
My gaming focus has been largely with developing and playtesting the Renaissance skirmish rules over the past few months, but with the faintest glimmers of light appearing at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel – and the hope that organizing gaming might return in time, I’ve circled back to a…
Brief update today to showcase the new figures I’ve added to the 15XX collection – as well as some of the design choices I’m working through in preparation for closed playtest #4. Please note that, yeah, these pics look awfully shiny. I hit the figures with a satin spray instead…
The 54mm New France project is slowly moving forward, now with the fine addition of these two Good Bois I purchased in an upscaled size from Cliff at TableTopTradesman on Etsy. They should be an interesting addition to the French marines, the woods-runners, and the Osage. Painting is slowly getting…
Over the course of late 2020, I went on a terrain buying and building spree… and then left everything primed. I’ve taken time after work this week to paint up a few pieces of that terrain. Although I never played Mordheim (either back in the day or in the fan-supported…
When I first began the 15XX Renaissance skirmish wargame project a year ago last March, I originally had plans for a single-based “Character” unit. Officers, clergy, local notables such as burgomeisters or noblewomen caught up in the fray. They’d all grant various bonuses, as you’d imagine. But as the rules…
A new project? Really? Well, consider these points: I am of Osage Native American heritage and proud to be a tribal member. One of my favorite movies, since I was a kid, is 1992’s Last of the Mohicans. I know live in the St. Louis, Missouri, area – steeped in…
Most of my gaming efforts since Thanksgiving have been focused on writing and testing rules for 15XX (which has now gone into closed playtesting – via online playtesters, thanks to COVID-19). I’ve got enough figures based to play around with multiple types of Parties in the game. But the terrain?…
Work’s been continuing on my Renaissance / Pike and Shot skirmish rules! There’s been the rules (and a name), but here are some quick updates on the miniatures side. Strongpoints While I don’t play Age of Sigmar or Warmahordes, I’ve been inspired how they give rules and mechanics to pieces…
Work’s been continuing on the skirmish project in the midst of Covid-enforced social distancing. In addition to terrain and some more work painting and basing figures, I’ve circled back to the rules in the last few weeks. I’ll be having my first playtest game since the pandemic restrictions came about…