Saga tournament!

Yesterday was the day I've been waiting for  - the Saga tournament at Giga-Bites! For the past month, on and off, I have been painting and preparing my Vikings for the big day, and I finally got to take them out and give them a run.

Richard was kind enough to serve as tournament organizer (TO) for the event, and took care of figuring out the match-ups, counting up points, answering rules questions and just over all being in charge. Thanks Richard! I know it was a lot of work, but we all very much appreciate it. I don't think I am giving too much away by saying the players had a terrific time, and it was a great day of Saga-ing!

We showed up right as (or a little before) the store opened, and Richard set the day's events in motion. We had six players show up...

Skip, who came down from far northwestern Georgia, with his Normans:

Alan, also from the far northwest of the state, with his Irish:

Alan also maintains an excellent gaming blog: Sea Kings and Horse Warriors. Check it out!

Wes, who brought his 1/72 Zvezda Vikings:

Brian and his Anglo-Danes:

Sean and his Anglo-Saxon horde:

And myself, with my afore-mentioned Vikings:

The day was organized into four battles, each according to a different scenario from the rulebook. A victory was worth get you three points, a draw was worth one, nothing for a loss. Additionally, there were bonus points that could be won in each scenario for accomplishing specific objectives (such as killing the opposing warlord). And on top of that we kept track of how many victory points of enemy troops we killed in each game.

We played:

1. Clash of Arms

2. Escort

3. Sacred Ground

4. Homeland

When the smoke cleared from all the bloodshed, Alan's Irish were left standing tall. He got the overall Best General prize, scoring 11 points from three wins and a draw. He got to choose from between a store credit at Giga-Bites, or a boxed set of Pagan Rus. Since he already had the Rus, he chose the store credit.

Despite a slow start, I finished in second place overall. Brian and I each had nine points, but I edged him out slightly on victory points. I won two, drew one and lost one, earning me the Pagan Rus that Alan has passed on.

Sean's Anglo-Saxons took the prize for the best-painted army, and he was also awarded store credit.

Skip's Normans earned him the title of Best Warlord, and he took home Roland, the Frankish hero.

Wes won a Wandering Bard blister for best sportsmanship.

I know that I had a blast yesterday, and enjoyed the tournament tremendously. I am pretty sure the others did as well, and we are definitely planning on doing this again.

A very special thanks to Gripping Beast for providing prize support for the tournament!

I hope you enjoy these pictures taken throughout the day:

Congrats to all, and especially to Alan, leader of the mighty Irish! Those lucky Irish green dice really work!

In my next post, I'll give a more detailed account of the battles my Vikings fought.

'Til next time!

Extra Life 2014

I will be participating in Extra Life 2014 in October, to raise funds for Atlanta's Children's Hospital.

Over the years, we've taken our children there for various ailments and injuries (fortunately none of them very serious), and now it is time to give back. The event is a way for members of the gaming community to support the Children's Miracle Network, by playing games for 24 hours straight.

Yes, it is fun. But it is also for a serious cause.

Please consider sponsoring me via my fundraising page. Thanks!

What do I listen to? (and gaming progress)

With the Saga tournament date set for Sept. 13, I now have a deadline to works towards for finishing my Viking warband. Since my arm is now (almost) fully healed, I can make good progress. I have full range of motion back, and just need to keep up the exercises to get full strength back in my left arm.

Currently, I have 5 points painted up, with three more and the Warlord in progress. I think an 8-point band will be plenty:

Warlord
Berserkers (x4) - 1 point
Hearthguard (x12) - 3 points
Warriors (x24) - 3 points
Levy (x12) - 1 point

After that's complete, I will begin my second band. Right now I am leaning towards Irish or Welsh.

I've got a mounted Welsh warlord and four mounted Tealu (Hearthguards) from Gripping Beast, and can use some plastic Wargames Factory cavalry for mounted Priodaur (Warriors).

Welsh mounted warlord stock photo (from Gripping Beast).

Welsh mounted Teulu stock photo (from Gripping Beast).

For the Irish, I have the 4-point starter box set from Gripping Beast:

This is the stock photo of the set (from Gripping Beast).

I do not want to get too far ahead of myself (that way lies madness, and I do not know what other shiny may grab my eye), but I am hoping to have the three bands completed by the end of the year. That will give me a choice when I go to play at Giga-Bites, and if the kids want to play as well, we'd each have a warband to use.

After that, I will likely move on to World War II, using Bolt Action from Warlord Games. I have the rules and some army books (Germany, USA, Japan), and have started to research forces and make some initial purchases (the Perry Miniatures boxed set of plastic Afrika Korps).

I also pledged for the Axis forces on the Dust: Operation Babylon Kickstarter - now I have some Dust Afrika Korps figures en route that I can use to supplement as well. And I have to figure out how to incorporate walkers into Bolt Action!

I am now looking forward to nice long afternoons of Viking painting. One thing I find that helps me relax while painting, is listening to music or podcasts. I know that some people watch movies or videos, but I cannot concentrate on painting if I am visually distracted. Additionally, I have a 45-minute to an hour drive to work, each way, which gives me plenty of time to dedicate to my favorite gaming and history podcasts.

What do I listen to? I'm glad you asked!

There are several very good gaming and history podcasts out there, and I am sure I am missing some. If your particular favorite is not listed, let me know. I am always looking for more listening material.

These are grouped by type (gaming/history) but are in no particular order:

Gaming Podcasts:

Meeples & Miniatures (Neil Schuck)
I've been a fan and a listener of this podcast for years. In fact, this is where I first heard about Saga. I thought at the time that the game seemed interesting, but I was not in a position to get into it right away. Now, years later, that I have finally caught the Saga bug, I realize that Neil's review way back then was spot on - it's a terrific game!

Neil's topics are almost always of interest to me. For example, the last episode discusses the Victorian sci-fi/steampunk ruleset In Her Majesty's Name published by Osprey. I picked these up last year, but due to a variety of circumstances, I was never able to really get into the game. I throughly enjoyed the discussion on M&M, which included talk about the game mechanics, background and expansions (Heroes, Villains and Fiends & Sleeping Dragon, Rising Sun). A very thorough analysis of the game, and one that re-kindled my interest in it. I am looking forward to giving these a go, and add them to my gaming rotation.

In addition, I have stumbled across several quite good podcasts out there for fans of Bolt Action.

Bolt Action Radio and the LRDG
These are two separate podcasts - the BAR is hosted by gamers in the US, while the LRDG is an Australian production - but I am listing them together because (a) they are both hosted on BoltAction.Net, (b) they are rather similar in their approach, and (c) they often cross-reference each other, so that listening to one without the other is not as beneficial. I enjoy both of these quite a bit.  The hosts are engaging, and seem like real characters that I'd love to sit and have a game and a beer with.

They are very much nuts-and-bolts type podcasts, that often digress into long discussions of very specific game mechanics, in addition to the theory of list building. One of the most helpful parts, to me, is when the cast takes an army list and then discusses the pros and cons.

The last episode of the LRDG was different from the regular format, in that it focused on one specific faction (the Hungarians) for Bolt Action. The discussion begin with the history of Hungary's participation in the war, before moving on to a detailed look at the Hungarian army book choices. I really enjoyed this episode - the mixing of history and gaming was brilliant!

One very important caveat: The language used is at times not safe for younger audiences. This is a shame, because I am trying to interest the kids in other miniatures game and expand their gaming horizons. I sometimes listen to podcasts with the kids in the car, and I cannot do that with the BAR and the LRDG. And, in all honesty, the language does not add to the discussion - it would be just as relevant and interesting without the cuss words. Oh well.

Down Order
I just recently began listening to this podcast, and it is relatively new. I am currently on episode three (of five). Like the BAR and LRDG, this podcast takes a detailed look at mechanics and rules. The hosts do mix in some history as well, but it is usually in the context of explaining why the rules reflect the reality. The sound quality on this podcast is not as good as the others, though I am hoping this improves as I listen to more of the series.


History Podcasts:

The first two are by the same author, and are wonderful background for Saga in particular. I very much enjoyed both of these, and would love to hear more from him. 

Norman Centuries (by Lars Brownworth)
This is one of my favorite podcasts. Brownworth takes us through Norman history, beginning with Rollo's arrival in Normandy, through William the Conquerer, and into Italy and the Levant. What I really enjoyed about this was the conversational tone of the 'cast. Brownworth delivers edcuational content, but in an informal manner. Additionally, I learned a lot about the Norman impact on Sicily - an aspect of their history of which I was totally unaware prior to the podcast.

12 Byzantine Rulers (by Lars Brownworth)
This is Brownworth's first podcast series. It focuses on 12 rulers from different eras of Byzantine history. Brownworth purposefully selected some some of the more obscure emperors, and explains their historical significance and importance.

In Our Time with Melvyn Bragg, BBC
This is a very interesting podcast series. Each episode focuses on a completely new topic, though they all follow the same format. Bragg has three guests each week to discuss subject du jour, expressing different sides of whatever that topic may be. The link above takes you to the casts that discuss Dark Ages subjects, since I am currently in Saga mode. There were a couple if particular that appealed to me. The episode on Athelstan was particularly timely, given our re-fight of the historical Battle of Brunanburh at Giga-Bites. And, since I am painting Vikings and have become interested in all aspects of their history and culture, the episode on the Volga Vikings (known in Saga as the Pagan Rus) was very informative. There's also a very good episode on the Sino-Japanese War that sets the stage for Japanese aggression into World War II and talks about the political and cultural backdrop to the Pacific War.

The History of World War II (Ray Harris Jr.)
Speaking of World War II, I have been on the lookout for history podcasts about the war. I came across this one, though to be honest I have not had a chance to listen to any episodes yet. Once I do, I will post an update on what I think.

'Til next time, happy listening!

Saga tournament at Giga-Bites Cafe in Marietta on Sept. 13

Giga-Bites Cafe in Marietta, Ga., USA, is hosting a Saga tournament in their all-new larger facility.

You can sign up by emailing Richard (mariettabrit@gmail.com) or going to the event's Facebook page.

The details are as follows:

Entrance Fee : $10

Location : Giga-Bites Cafe, 1803 Roswell Rd, STE 1851, Marietta, GA, 30062. 770-578-1497.

When : September 13th - 10am start, 9:30am for registration and setup.

Here's a reference to the SAGA rules for tournaments.

What to bring - Bring a 7pt Warband and a roster indicating how you spent the 7pts. On this roster, indicate how the points were spent, and how many figures have equipment options and/or upgrades. You will play with 6 pts only, so will have to choose one of your points to be left out during the deployment. So, players have 7pts on their roster, but only deploy 6 of these points, the choice of the point being left out being determined by the player depending on the scenario and the faction faced.

Scenery - when setting up your terrain, you can bring you own or use the store's terrain.

Notes
- Only warbands from the first 4 books are allowed, no Saracens etc.
- Bards are allowed
- Angry Monks are allowed - because why not!
- Banners / Standards are allowed

Scenarios - Scoring will be from the tournament pkg above.
1- Clash of Warlords - 10am start - 2 hours (this will help newer folks get the hang of the game)
     - Per the suggestion from the TO pkg, death of a warlord does not end the game... carry on playing for points :)

** 1 hour break for lunch - maybe 30 minutes if folks are ok with that...

2- The Escort - 1pm Start - 2 hours to play

3- Sacred Ground - 3:15pm start - 1.5 hours to play

4- Homeland - 5pm start - 1.5 hours to play

** 6:30 - 7pm Awards and Warlord Boasting!

Prizes
1 - Overall winner and top Warlord of the day!
2 - 2nd place Warlord! (depending on turnout and prize pool)
3 - Best Sport - player voted
4 - Best Painted - player voted

If you're interested in attending, please email mariettabrit@gmail.com for any questions about this event. Please also note if you're able to bring some terrain.

What this means for me is to get another couple of points of Vikings painted by then. And, to figure out if the kids want to participate (it's a really long day of gaming, even for adults) and then have them settle on a warband and see about painting those up as well.

(I think I'll be taking paint and minis to the beach for our vacation in order to get it done in time!)

'Til next time!

Saga - Battle of Brunanburh mega-battle!

This past Saturday was the Saga mega-battle at Giga-Bites cafe, organized by Dave Parente. It was a scenario based on the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 between an Anglo-Saxon (and allied) force and an invading Welsh and Norse-Gael army. The battle (and scenario) are described in the Hail Caesar rules from Warlord Games. As an aside, one of the things I love most about historical gaming is the history. This is a battle I knew nothing about prior to this game, and I enjoyed learning about what really happened, almost as much as playing the game itself.

We (the Durand clan) had been looking forward to this for a while. I'd been able to get a couple more points completed for my Vikings, despite my arm injury. and Iya and Lucas both wanted to have a go with Saga and see what the excitement was about. (Iya had a practice game with Richard last weekend, but Lucas had never played before.)

In typical Durand family fashion, we went all in - turning up at Giga-bites in costume:

Papa Viking accompanied by Lucas and Iya.

My daughter crocheted the beard and helmet for me as a Christmas present a few years ago, and is the crafty genius behind all of our costumes. She just finished the tunic I am wearing on the morning of the big game. We did get some strange looks at the McDonald's where we ate after the game!

Dave sets up the field of battle!

In all, seven brave souls showed up with their various Saga armies, ranging from fully painted to unpainted (as you will see in the photos), and divided up as follows:

Aethelstan's Defending Army:

• Richard took the defenders' right flank, with Breton cavalry and a small mercenary Viking force:

Richard's Bretons and their warlord (right rear).

• Brian held the center, with his Anglo-Danish. (Unfortunately my image of Brian's assembled host is blurry, but I have other "action shots" further down.)

•  Sean commanded his Anglo-Saxons on the left.

Sean's Anglo-Saxons, led by Aethelstan.

Total defending forces:
Breton mounted warlord
1 unit of 8 mounted hearthguard
Viking warlord
1 unit of 4 Hearthguard

Anglo-Danish warlord
2 units of 6 Hearthguard
1 unit of 8 warriors
Aethelstan
2 units of  12 warriors

Aethelstan prepares to defend his kingdom against the invaders.

Olaf Guthfrithson's Invaders:

• My daughter Iya took the Strathclyde Welsh cavalry on the right.

• Dave commanded the center with his Norse-Gaels.

• My son Lucas and I each had a force of Vikings on the left.

Lucas' and my Vikings.

Olaf's invaders:
Owen 1, King of Strathclyde
2 units of 4 mounted Hearthguard
2 units of 8 mounted warriors
Norse-Gael warlord
2 units of 8 warriors

Viking warlord (Lucas)
1 unit of 6 Hearthguard
1 unit of 8 warriors

Viking warlord (Henry)
1 unit of 4 bersekrers
1 unit of 6 Hearthguard

The left flank of the invading force.

We chose to use alternating activations, rolling for initiative and then proceeding in order, alternating between the assaulting and defending forces.

The first couple of turns were spent maneuvering, with some rather ineffective javelin-throwing, as the various warlords moved their forces into position.

Brian measures the advance of his Anglo-Danes.

Iya measures her cavalry advance under Dave's watchful gaze.

Vikings charge!

Anglo-Danes (top) advance into the center.

Following the first few turns of maneuvering, the battle devolved into charge and counter-charge, especially in the center as units were sent into the meatgrinder of combat.

Battle is joined as the Anglo-Danes attack the Norse-Gael.

Lucas' Vikings attack (and eliminate) a unit of Anglo-Dane warriors (bottom).

Sean rolls attack dice against Iya's mounted Welsh.

Iya's Welsh cavalry charges the Angl0-Saxons in the center.

Facing the enemy across the field of battle.

Lucas' Vikings hold the center after killing the Anglo-Danish warlord.

On the left flank, my Berserkers charged the traitorous Vikings facing them, managing to wipe out the enemy unit, but being destroyed in turn. The Bretons charged my surviving Viking warlord, and while they did not kill him, they managed to isolate him by killing off some of his remaining Hearthguard. On his turn, he bravely charged the enemy Viking leader, only to be cut down. (Proving the argument that painted figures roll better dice!)

Berserkers advance ahead of their warlord.

Bretons swarm my Viking warlord.

Death of a warlord!

In the end, after all the bloodshed, the victory went to the defenders! We tallied up victory points for enemy troops killed, and the final result was 43 pts for the victors, and 38 pts for the invaders. As the sun set on a very bloody battlefield, Aethelstan's forces held the field as the invaders retreated to lick their wounds and plot revenge!

Observations: One thing that I did not like, is that what is in my opinion one of Saga's strengths was somewhat missing in the multi-player dynamic. Saga's activation mechanic encourages, I'd almost say requires, players to interrupt their opponent's actions to prevent or modify their actions. Being engaged throughout the whole turn, rather than being able to "tune out" during your opponent's activations as in many I-go-you-go games, is one of Saga's best features. In the multi-player game, when the opposing general on the other side of the battle was moving, there was a sense of not being connected to the battle. Also, the turns (with seven players commanding eight forces) seemed to run a little long. I would love to try this again with just four players (two per side) to see if fewer player makes the game more manageable, and more interactive, like the two-player games are.

Having said that, I feel the game was a huge success! Despite the fact that I was the only general to have his troops wiped out to the man (!), I had a blast. The sportsmanship and fellowship exhibited by Dave, Richard, Brian and Sean is second to none, and Giga-bites has a terrific group of Saga gamers developing

Concentrated gamers.

In fact, Richard is organizing a Saga tournament for some time in September, and I am eagerly looking forward to that.

Iya and Lucas both enjoyed themselves tremendously, and we spent much of the ride home discussing what faction each of them would like to collect and play for Saga. Two new converts to the cause! :)

Next time, I'll share some photos of what I have been able to accomplish, in terms of painting some points for my Vikings, while only having one good arm. And hopefully, now that the brace is completely off my pace will accelerate. My goal is to have all 8 points of vikings painted (I currently have five, with my warlord, 12 archers and 16 warriors left to go) by the time of Richard's tournament. I also want to have at least 6 points of a second warband painted (probably Welsh or Anglo-Saxon) for one of the kids to use.

Star Trek: Attack Wing - Tholian Web OP

I ran  the Star Trek:Attack Wing Tholian Web OP at Giga-Bites Cafe this past Saturday. It was great fun to see the players maneuver their fleets as the web closed in on them.

We had a good mix of fleets represented, with a couple of Borg fleets, a Romulan warbird fleet, and a pair of Federation fleets.

Here's the action:

Romulan warbirds close in on a Borg sphere backed up by fighters and a mine-dropper.

 

Federation starships bracket a Borg sphere prior to blasting it into atoms!

What to do, what to do?

Federation strike force.

Borg sphere!

 

Pair of Borg spheres prepare to engage the enemy!

The warbirds de-cloak to attack!

Good sportsmanship and good competition.

Concentration!

I hope that's an evade!

Measuring range.

Another Borg sphere about to bite the dust!

Dueling minefields (the disabled token is just to differentiate ownership).

Hmmm, I think you are just withing range!

Federation strike force moves into a cloaked minefield!

Good fellowship and competition among siblings.

Assigning a target lock.

Federation starships move against a Borg sphere.

That attack is gonna hurt - I think a Defiant class was killed on that roll.

Two Borg spheres vs. a sphere and a Valdore.

Romulan warbirds track down a Borg sphere that has strayed from its escort.

Measuring range before unleashing a barrage!

OK, now where do the web tokens go?

The Tholian Web closes in!

That's gonna be close!

The Enterprise can't quite make the turn and is destroyed by the Web!

It was a close event, with four players ending up 2-1, so the winner was determined on points. The winning fleet combined a strong Borg sphere with cloaked mines and fighters, and finished with 276 points to the second place finisher's 245.

All in all, this was one of my favorite OP scenarios so far. I loved the tension building as the Webs kept shrinking the playing area. The only regret is that since I was running the event, I did not get to play. But that will be remedied Friday when the store runs another event - and this time I get to play!

'Til next time!