GARAGE GAMERS GROUP
ISSUE # 15
JANUARY 2014
SNAKE EYES
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Garage Gamers Group (GGG) Cover Art: F4U Corsairs by Michael Colclough
Editorial Reviews on the Run Gaming Tips The Collector Penny for your thoughts The Extra Review Dog County Range Wars Special FeatureBrush Stroke Member Spotlight
HAPPY NEW YEAR from Garage Gamers Group and Snake Eyes. May the best of your past be the worst of your future. Winner of the Snake Eyes survey prize, which was donated by Warlord Games, was won by Scott Henry. I have heard that he received it 2 days before Christmas so it was great timing. Thanks again to Warlord Games, and to the GGG members that sent in a survey. Your efforts will help guide Snake Eyes to be a better e-mag than it already is. Speaking of the survey, the results showed that most people are happy with the layout and content of Snake Eyes. The main issue raised was about advertising in Snake Eyes and in one case why did we need it, as the magazine is free. When Garage Gamers Group was first created, our ideal was to be there not to be a club, but to represent all gamers. With this as our goal, we agreed to promote not only our gamers and their games, but also local tournaments, gaming clubs, suppliers of these games and even the producers of them. I see this as promoting rather than advertising. After all I don’t get paid to produce this magazine. I do it because I want to. Snake Eyes is the car-
riage to promote all of the great gaming stuff that is out there. If someone were new to the hobby and weren’t aware of who sold what ranges, or where to get it even, then Snake Eyes gives a variety of places to start. I love Games Workshop games and figure range, but they have their own magazine to promote their own goods, not anybody else’s. Hence you won’t see much of GW promoting in Snake Eyes unless it is part of the afore mentioned promotions. The other factors that weigh in are that if you are a member of GGG then you can submit your photos, club info, your own games, favourite gaming store, whatever...send it here and I will promote it for you. It is really that simple. We promote the manufacturers because they provide good selection, and have great miniatures, and we remind you of this every month. Snake Eyes even promotes other magazines, to let you know what is out there so you can enjoy them as well. If you think something should be promoted, that we aren’t at the moment, let us know.
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Lastly, if you want less promotions, then submit your articles, and if we use more pages on articles and photos from you, then we reduce the promotion pages. The solution is in your hands.
Send your submissions in to: garagegamersgroup@ gmail.com and put Editor in the subject line. SEE YOU THERE
GarageGamersGroup-The Games We Play Warhammer 40k Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay BattleCry StarWars X-Wing Old West Zombiecide Axis & Allies Warhammer 40k Roleplay
American Civil War
Mordheim
Apocolypse
Flames of War
AD & D
Pathfinder
Arkham Horror
Napoleonics
Necromunda
Warhammer Fantasy
Dreadfleet
Blood Bowl
Man O War
War Machine
Bolt Action WW2
Infinity
Dystopian Wars
It is the 1870′s, and war rages between the world’s great powers on a scale never before seen! At sea, mighty Battle Groups clash; lines of giant smoke-belching Dreadnoughts and Battleships hammer one another in mortal combat, supported by flotillas of smaller craft. Between the thunderous engagements of massed war fleets are dozens, if not hundreds, of lesser skirmishes. From the war lashed North Sea to the most remote of backwater trade routes, roving packs of cruisers, Destroyers and Submarines hunt down the merchant shipping of the enemy. On ravaged battlefields across the globe, huge armies take to the field, spearheaded by mighty armoured behemoths the size of fortresses. Bristling with cannon, rocket batteries, and even more devastating weapons, packed with battalions of assault troops, these massive juggernauts loom over legions of lesser land ironclads; clashing in massed battle amid raging maelstroms of steel and thunder that shake the very earth itself. In the air, the most extraordinary conflicts of all split the skies over the warring fleets and armies below. Whole wings of aeroplanes swirl and tear at one another like battling swarms of angry hornets, while Medium and Heavy Bombers empty their deadly payloads onto their hapless earthbound targets. But dominating the skies, as their armoured and naval counterparts, are the mightiest of flying engines, packed with cutting-edge technology and awesome firepower, these skygiants are the airborne equal of any naval dreadnought or Land Ship, and sport armaments to match. These are the Dystopian Wars.
REVIEWS ON THE RUN With GGG Member Darian Chase Recently we were contacted by a Game Designer from Black Wasp Games, who had asked us to review a series of Fantasy rules that were soon to be released on kick-starter. Called Warbands, it is a fantasy based skirmish game. I have attached an edited review of the game from GGG member Darian Chase. The game history starts the gamer on the Isle of Bel'Mor and based around 10 primary races: Elves, Pictari, Warg, Dwarf, Draconian, Halfing, Half Orc, Half Elf, Half Giant, and Human. The game starts with building a team of usually 4-8 characters or Mercenaries, that best suit your play styles or strategy. Within this team you can use any of the races named above within the one team. Further team upgrades go as far as giving professions to each individual, arming them and even equipping them with magical trinkets, weapons and armour. You could have identical races, but completely different professions. The game plays out in scenarios. So far there are 10 scenarios to either pick from or roll for giving the game a substantial amount of replayability and allowing character strategies to flourish or fail, making every decision to maximize your teams potential very important. In my opinion I found the game very easy to learn, and quite easy to teach others. It is cheap to play, miniatures wise, as it only requires on average 4-8 characters per team playing. We used Warhammer miniatures to represent, however Black Wasp will be producing their own line of SNAKE
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miniatures specifically for Warbands. Any model would suffice as long as you and your opponent can clearly define who is what. The games that we played through were always enjoyable, never knowing how your enemy had built their team, or how the scenario will effect your choice of characters. Although we found that there are some Warbands that could be built to a point were they were very hard to kill, the scenario options affected the outcome in most of these cases. Black Wasp games acknowledged that the rules is still under construction, but this looks like a game to definitely add to your collection, when it is released. For more information, see Black Wasp Games on Facebook or soon to have website.
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ISSUE
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Old Fashioned Gaming Tips This is a reminder article being the new year and maybe helping some of you get organised. Dice, you get new ones supplied in most games. When you pack up, either throw them back in the box, or what I do is keep them all in the one case. Special dice will still be identified for their uses. Upgrade the box size as your collection grows, and it looks very impressive to noobs. Paint Brushes, extend their life by putting their covers back on or at least store them in an upright container with their bristles upward. When the bristles are no longer useful, use them for dry
brushing or smoothing your glue when you are basing models. Files. These are like socks. They go missing. If not in a special case when you purchase them, once again find a home for them in an upright container that has a lid to keep them secure. Safety point; Needle files are sharp. I have also stored mine upside down into a block of foam. (They did go missing from there however so I recommend the container with lid.) Paints. Ever noticed how fast they dry out if left to the elements, and not stored away.
Purchase a plastic Tool box from your local DIY store, and store your paints in them. Makes them very portable and I keep my new brushes in their as well so I don’t lose them. Templates can all go in the one box. If you don’t have one you can buy these small cartons from the Post Office. Decal sheets. Put them all in the one place using a zippy bag. This will keep them dry and unhandled, but remember to store them flat.
The word is getting to everyone that old miniatures are worth their equivalent weight in gold. That seems to be the way many people are viewing the whole prospect of old figures. As soon as someone says the magic word “out of production” they seem to believe that the item is worth a king’s ransom. Especially if you live on the Lost Continent – Australia. It’s not only old models that seem to demand high second hand prices, even the newer releases are expecting high returns. Some examples I saw
many gaming systems out there...all you have to do is find one that suits you”
From the Collector’s Vault Collectors beware!
“There are
recently was a person selling a Legion Falchion, (Forge World) for $250. Checking the site the model brand new and posted from the UK was roughly $350. So a saving of $100, is it worth it for a model that was already put together?
for second hand figures? Who knows? As the gap between the have and have-nots increases with each passing year it will only get harder and harder to collect your precious old memories.
Another was a Reaver Titan, (Forge World) for which an individual was asking $1200. You could buy a new one for $1080, a savings of $120. Why such a profound “mark up” of second hand goods?
The Collector is a gamer with over 40 years in collectable games and wargaming...
Second hand has always meant, (at least to my generation) half price and less. How long will collectors be made to pay through the nose
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Forward Scout By GGG Member
Glen Taylor
I have been bitten lately with distractions and detours, just in time for the Christmas rush. Its fair to say that at this time of year with buying presents and going to parties it does take its toll. Not to mention busy work times for those who are in industries connected to the merry times. We all know how hard just to juggle normal day to day. Well I can see you thinking here comes a solution, well sorry, I don’t have one. Yes you read that right, I DON’T have any! As much as I try, I can’t get too far without something sending me off in a different direction. Lets forget life’s distractions and focus on war games. Firstly we have current projects that need more painting done or basing. Maybe you have that covered, well how about a shortage of money to add more badly needed troops. A second army or three slowed you down. Lets say again you have all that covered then maybe like me space and storage are the problem? Now what about terrain? Building, painting, buying and storage all apply here again. Maybe you have all of that done? Then well done I say! Wait what about all these new games coming out as well as new models? Kings of war 2 shows the game is growing, Beyond the Gates of Antares is maybe the new 40k? I just don’t want to look! So many new model for Bolt Action is mind blowing. I could go on and on but by now you are depressed or have spotted something new. So I hope your have had a Merry Christmas and that santa left you another distraction. For me, lol, I have re-joined the ranks of tournament players again. Yes a distraction and a detour but as I said, no cure! Glen
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Inside You Will Find: • The history of the battle for the northern Rhine, including the battles of Operation Plunder. • History of the 51st (Highland) and 15th (Scottish) Divisions during Operation Plunder, and the 11th Armoured Division during the breakout. • The option to field a British Rifle Company, Armoured Squadron and the uniquly organised B Squadron, 15th/17th Hussars. • History of the defenders of the Rhine, including 2. MarineInfanteriedivision and Panzerdivision ‘Clausewitz’. • The option to field a Marine-Grenadierkompanie, backed by imposing rail-mounted heavy FlaK guns,Panzerkampfgruppe Wallenberg, equipped with night-fighting Panther tanks and Jagdpanther tank-hunters, andPanzerkampfgruppe von Benningsen, armed with Panther and Panzer IV tanks. • Optional rules for fighting battles at night. • Inspirational colour photos.
Roy Well’s collection boasts another well presented and photographed model. Titled ‘Head South at the Dneiper’, the model is a Dicker Max self propelled gun and crew, and a motorcycle reconnaissance unit, using Tamiya, VP & Dragon kits.
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The Extra Review by GGG Member Peter Toh VS
As most of you are aware, X-Wing is now owned and enjoyed by several members of the GGG, and often appears as one of the games in Pentacon. Some of you may also be aware that WizK!ds have also created a Star Trek Universe based game using the same “Flight Path” movement system. But, which is better? I will be honest. That is a really subjective question, and I will admit to being much more of a Star W ars fan that Star Trek, but even so, let’s have a look. I have introduced a number of friends to X-wing now, and one of them is a Trek fan, so rather than over-do X-wing, he decided to branch out and get Attack Wing instead. I have now played both, and while the basics are very similar (Movement, dice, combat mechanics), there are some subtle but significant differences which will affect gameplay between the two. So where to start? Looks… this mechanically makes no difference to the games, but presentation is something that we can all appreciate. Due I believe to scale more than anything else, the X-Wing ships tend to be far more detailed in finish, and the paint jobs in my opinion are very good for mass produced miniatures. Attack Wing, representing larger ships, tends to lose out on detail which then coupled with what some regard as a comic book palette gives the overall impression of less attention to detail. Still the overall aim of representing the ships is still achieved. Outlay: Both games came out with a 3 ship starter pack, as given below.
Starter
X-Wing
Attack Wing
2 x Tie Fighter (Imperial) 1 x X-Wing (Rebel)
1 x Galaxy Class (Federation) 1 x Vor’cha Class (Klingon) 1 x D’deridex Class (Romulan)
Additional Ships (Forecast till end of 2014)* Total Waves
6
11
Total Unique
26
44
Total Fac-
3
10
* As listed on the official websites – wiki’s may have different information. It is important to realise here that the numbers above can be a bit misleading. With X-Wing, a number of expansions include the same ships as previously released, but with different upgrade or pilot cards, or even a different paint scheme. The 3 factions are Rebel, Imperial, and Scum. With Attack Wing, each expansion is only a single miniature. Not being a Trekkie, I am unsure of exactly what the various factions are, so apart from the easily recognizable ones – with # of ships in () - of Federation(10), Klingon(6), Romulan(6), Breen(7) and Borg (4), there are 6 other factions/races I am not familiar with, which have a total of 9 other ships which may or may not be used in conjunction with the previously listed ones. In either case, you have a lot of ships to choose from. My search of the internet has found at least 2 squadron/fleet builders for each system. I have found without doubt that the X-Wing squadron building system (online) to be the easier of the two to use. Matches / Tournaments – Both systems are based loosely on a 100 point per side guideline for creating squadrons/fleets. Gameplay: Rather than try to outline all the mechanics, I will just highlight some of the differences I encountered with Attack Wing using X-wing as a basis which I assume our readers will be familiar with.
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Ship selection – No real difference here, except that rather than choosing a ship with a pre-designated pilot, you must add a Captain to ship. This allows a greater variety of gameplay for each ship, as you can choose any captain (within reason). Upgrades and modifications work the same. Movement and Dice – Practically the same, just different symbols. Combat – Same in basics, but mechanics of various upgrades is different. This is one of the subtle but significant areas of change. In a lot of cases, when you use a weapon or ability, it is not automatically refreshed or available next turn – you actually have to use your action to re-load, or re-energise. This makes the game more tactical, as you can’t just fire all, rinse and repeat. Also shields and cloaking are quite different - one precludes the other. Additionally, there are many ways in which I saw shields by-passed, or nullified either by attacker or defender actions. Availability and cost – X-wing seems to be far more easily available than Attack wing, though there is at least one store in Brisbane city which stocks Attack wing, and there are always the online options available. The single ship expansions for both systems are similar in price ($15-$25 depending on where you get them), but personally I have found the Attack wing ones to generally be a couple dollars cheaper. Overall, I found that there was a lot more scope for tactical play in Attack Wing, but also it seemed to be a lot easier to confuse yourself if you weren’t sure of your Ship/Upgrade abilities, and how to play them. I found both games equally enjoyable and would honestly like to play more of Attack Wing if I can. Star Wars X-Wing starter set from Fantasy Flight Games
Star Trek Attack Wing starter set from WizK!ds
WarpForged Miniatures Contact Scott For commissions And Sales at
[email protected]
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Dogtown howler
5¢
Edited & Published by Jacob Adams Esq.- Journalist & Photographer - Established 1867 Dogtown County - Member of Professional Newspapermen of N.Y. December 1868
Tumbleweeds
49 Hexes
Hacienda San Martin The GGG The B-B-Q
53 Hexes 17 Hexes
The O’Doney Hacienda 44 Hexes
Deadwood
Hat Creek CC 22 Hexes
24 Hexes 14 Hexes 9 Hexes
Melody Ranch
18 Hexes
43 Hexes
Drymouth Gulch Hexes Lazy A
Double Horn 32 Hexes
0
0 Hexes
26 Hexes
The Pondarosa
10 Hexes
Bugman’s Ranch Old Stump
Lexington
Highlands
50 Hexes
Port Royale
46 Hexes
Benny’s Hills
37 Hexes
The Lucky O The Bar C
27 Hexes
Keenai
30 Hexes
6 Hexes
MacCaroney Ranch
30 Hexes
Old Dry Patch
33 Hexes
The Double W
21 Hexes
Foundry Fortress
21 Hexes
Range scouts for Dog County have reported seeing the start of the great Bison migration. What they don’t know yet is when and where the migration will impact on Dog County. The Scouts have assured us that Ranchers will be the first to know, as mapping of the herd takes place.
The top three Ranches from last month had the top 3 positions moving between ranchers as they had their go. The hexes owned opposite show the results from the end of turn 4. The top three Ranchers for the end of turn 3 are….with the third most owned hexes at 49 and a turn income of $1275, is Tumbleweeds Ranch, owned by Rancher Barnaby Simmonds. Second place, having knocked 2 players out of the lead, with 50 Hexes owned and a turn income of $1525, is The Bar C, owned by Big Frank. Still holding tightly onto first place, with 53 Hexes owned, and a turn income of $1575 is the B-B-Q Ranch, owned by Bob ’Tonic’ Brown, former Dogtown drunk and layabout.
Trading posts in Dog County are finding new wealth as ranch lands expand onto land occupied by said stores. Ranchers have the option of naming the Trading Post when they become part of their land. Any Trading Post can become a Town and will carry that name into it’s future. “As the territory grows, so will the supporting towns spring up around the county, and as the County prospers, so too will Dogtown.” exclaimed Mayor Dumphrey.
Rancher death. Foul play suspected… Ranch owner of the Deadwood Ranch, T.S. Bramblecoat was earlier this week found, deceased at the bottom of a small ravine, on his ranch lands. A cowboy allegedly found him, while looking for stray cattle. The body was in an advanced state of decay, but clothing and belongings identified the dead man as the Deadwood Ranch owner. The cause of death is still unknown. Ranch hands remarked how they had not been paid in some time, and were considering leaving the Ranch for other ventures. This led to the suggestion of maybe a disgruntled worker dealt a death blow to his boss. Until the body is properly examined and the cause of death is known, all that is left is speculation. Not a lot was known about Bramblecoat, as he rarely ventured into Dogtown after the purchase of his lot. His workers only commented that he kept mostly to himself, and were not surprised that he had been missing and unnoticed, for this amount of time. This also leaves Dog County with a possible Ranch for sale, and given the rarity of available lands nowadays, the price of such a sale would be no less than an amount of $2000, according to newspaper sources.
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The was a shoot out in the town saloon last Wednesday. Peace was maintained by the bartender on duty who produced a shotgun from behind the bar. The gunfighter was held for the law to arrive. The deceased, one Edmund Figgot, was new into town. The publican stated that he was looking forward to another saloon opening soon, as they can have some of the violence. Lucas Shelman was referring to the
sale of government buildings coming up for auction in the town shortly, to allow for greater town commerce in Dogtown.
The snows were thin this season compared to previous winters, according to General Store owner Valance Jacobson. Plenty stock was left on the shelves that would normally be gone. However it’s not over yet, with winter still having some bite in the mountain country. If the snows do come, and it may be sudden, the Ranchers may be caught with their pants down...
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The Dog County Range Wars players map, turn 4, allows players in the campaign to gauge their expansion in the new territory as well as have a guess where their opponents might be. The colour coding shows where the real money is, in terms of land and income. Lush Lands that are worked, (that is to say that a Ranch Hand is holding that land at the end of the turn), are worth $100 income to that Ranch. Abundant Lands are worth $75, Grazing Lands are worth $50 and Arid Lands will produce $25 per month if worked. This information will allow players to plan their next expansion to create the most profit, and to defend the more expensive property, avoiding the cheaper lands. The black squares around the map represent Trading Posts, and the big one in the centre is where Dogtown is. The Red Stars are the Ranches. The trees represent timbered hexes which when harvested will become grazing lands. Brown colours are mountain ranges which like the rivers and trading posts, can be named as the players discover them. Silver can be found in the mountains, but it’s risky. You might lose that ranch hand. Red skull and bones show land clashes last turn where battles have occurred. Players can now just send what numbered hex that their Ranch Hands will be going to and through. Blue Stars are the Ranches now owned by someone else. Go to Dogtown group on Facebook for the current map and more details.
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Gauntlet 2014 GGG Member Rod Franze made time to send in the army pictures of his 40k tournament Gauntlet, that ran in November 2014 in Brisbane. The Gauntlet attracts many 40k gamers and the Tournament rules allow for some of the great variety of armies that you will see over the following pages...
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Pictured below is not terrain from the Gauntlet, but instead it was the Christmas trees that retailer Aldi, were selling for $5 AUD a pack. I am yet to create the snow table but I now can have the trees that fit in with that theme. Unfortunately the other tree packs from the manufacturer are only available in Europe and America. With solid moulded plastic bases, and soft modelled branches these are an excellent table sized model...
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Shop Expose’ - Corinda News & Post Office I first went to visit this shop last year to see just what the fuss was all about. I mean I had been to shops that sold gaming stuff and found that there were maybe one small shelf or two of 4 or 5 boxes. This store blew my misgivings away. The entire corner of the building is nearly ceiling height racks of Flames of War, Bolt Action, SAGA, Table gaming M.A.T.S. and more... figures, tanks, paints, and the list goes on. Paul Skuse (see picture) is the man to see here. As shop owner he can give you the right advice on which system could be right for you as a new gamer, and looks after the old gamer as well. If he doesn’t have it, ask him about getting it in for you. Paul is a GGG member which is good news for us, as well as a supporting member of local tournaments, having supplied prizes in a number of them to date. Paul is also the man behind the Ranch called the Pondarosa in Dog County Range Wars (see pages 11 & 12). The other thing about this bloke is that he is a great guy, and easy to deal with. He will give you the time to chat about gaming, and remember this is a Newsagent not a gaming store. Like many of the Shop Expose’ promotions that we will be doing for our local stores, they feature suppliers that are willing to look after the gamers. Paul Skuse’s Corinda News and Post Office is one of those that join the ranks of stores, like Irresistable Force, (featured in a previous issue) and others that will be covered in future issues of Snake Eyes. Corinda News & Post Office is located at 623 Oxley Road Corinda, Queensland, on the left hand side of the road if you’re heading toward Brisbane. Phone orders are welcome; 07 3379 1796
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Feature Story James Collard. You might know him as Brush Stroke on Facebook. I originally saw his work on Facebook a couple of months ago, when he uploaded pictures of Heroquest figures with some of the best painting of them I had seen. Being member to several gaming and painting groups, I noticed James posts on several of them. Outside of the fact that Heroquest is from the old days of gaming, was a game that many gamers I know cut their teeth on. It was an enjoyable entry into the world of Warhammer, as well as other board games such as Advanced Heroquest and Space Crusade and of course, Advanced Space Crusade. It was released around 1990 and is now very hard and expensive to get a good copy of. The point is that any paintwork on figures of this game were usually very basic and a starting practise until we all got better at painting. That’s if they were painted at all. My old figures were painted in Humbrol paints. I remember just for something different I would paint half of my Orcs in green, and the other half in a pink flesh tone. My zombies were blue, my Gargoyle (Bloodthister) was silver armoured, my heroes were lavished with a bit more attention than the rank and file, and in the end I was very impressed with all of my hard work. I was never a fantastic painter but I do know that if I held my old work up against my painting now, the old stuff would go straight into the stripper. This is where James has differed from most of the other people who owned a copy of Heroquest. The figures in the first and subsequent pictures, that James has painted are so well detailed that they look like they have jumped off the cover, with the exception of the chipped stone look that James has done to the bases.
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Heroquest is designed around a base board depicting a series of rooms with the look of a dungeon. Using a scenario booklet, players take control of a set of heroes, and find their way through a dungeon, being wary of traps, secret doors and wandering monsters. As they make their way through the scenario book, the game gets bigger and tougher monsters until they have to defeat the final set of monsters. The heroes consist of a Barbarian, Dwarf, Elf and Human Wizard. The heroes all have certain hero type statistics, that can be used each game. There are twelve magic cards with elemental magic, three of each element. The Wizard character can select two sets or six cards initially. The Elf character can then pick one set, and the Wizard gets the final set, whatever they may be. The Dwarf and Barbarian have their own specialities as well. You can also during the course of the overall storyline in the game, equip your characters with a variety of weapons and armour, and also magic items. Enemies are Goblins, Orcs, Fimir, Chaos Warriors, Mummies, Zombies, and the Gargoyle. With the exception of the Fimir, all races are available in the world of Warhammer...at least until the end times are done. James has painted all of the figures pictured. Even down to the skulls and rats on the book cases. Now what makes James stand out in my view, is that his daughter plays Heroquest, so James decided to make a figure solely for her. This is very unique in my view, and as a Father I wished that I had thought of this when I still owned a copy of the game, and made a figure for each of my children. Every gamer to some degree at some time, has imagined him or herself on the battlefield, rather than just commanding the game but also to have a figure representing them. I do know of some gamers that have achieved this. You only have to look as far as Foundry Miniatures painter, Kevin Dallimore, who has a multitude of miniatures painted and perhaps created to look just like himself. The are used to illustrate his painting guides. 3D printers may change this, allowing gamers to recreate their likeness in miniature, and I look forward to this possibility. When I used to play Space Crusade with my brother in law, I remember how he used to throw everything at me, to stop me achieving my objective. I nearly always played the baddies.
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The game changed when I suggested one day, for him to pick a figure that represented him. He did. I then said for him to pick several others to represent close family members. I then told him that my mission as the enemy was to kill his character. This left him with the dilemma of having to choose which figures of family members were sacrificed to save his own. Rather than wasting our family, he had to play a lot more tactically than just throw troops at my forces. This made the game much more interesting and enjoyable than it already was, as the game was changed dramatically, and from then on we played every game just like that. So when James decided to make a figure just for his lucky daughter, I knew that it was going to forever change the way they played Heroquest at his house. I am curious to know when he played his first game, as he must of by now, against his
daughter, was he reluctant to target her character. So James, after some searching I am sure, managed to acquire a small child like female miniature, and set about painting it as skilfully as the rest of the game pieces.. Once the miniature had been mounted onto a similar style base, James undercoated the figure, and then began to paint it, using colours that his daughter would have liked. In the meantime, character stats would have been created, not too hard with the Heroquest game, for his daughters’ miniature. The thought behind this creation that James has made for his little girl, is something that she will remember always, and, as long as it not lost or falls into the stripper, the miniature will last forever.
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There is nothing of course from stopping any reader of this article to go and produce something like this in your own games. In fact, I would challenge you (if you don’t already do it that is), to pick a miniature from your own collection that you particularly like, and next time you have a game with that system, make that miniature represent you. Change the rules to allow you to be the target, and see how much your game and enjoyment will change. Try it with any and all of the different gaming systems that you play. You won’t regret it. Writing this article makes me miss the games of yesteryear. My original game of Heroquest was lost in the 2011 floods. If you still have a copy, treasure it and any of the other games mentioned. Hopefully James passion will help some of you realise your own. It goes to show that with some imagination, skill and action, James did manage to create something that made the game very special for his daughter and himself. It is a idea that now in reality, looks like it was a part of the game of Heroquest all along, as you only have to look to the bottom picture to see that.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - Jamie Federoff Hi to you all. I would not class myself as a gamer, but it is because of gaming that I am a member of Garage Gamers Group. Outside of board games like Monopoly, Game of Life and various card games, I never played with miniatures. I was introduced to miniature games with a game of cowboys. Four of us played, using painted 28mm figures on a 4 x 4 foot table, using a set of simplified rules that kept the game fun. Around this time I also participated in longer games and more rule orientated games such as Axis & Allies, Fortress America and Shogun. I enjoyed the tactics and strategies that were used while playing these games. At the moment I am playing in Dog County Range Wars. Turn 5 is coming up and I have just grasped what it is that I am doing, although the rules are quite simple once you get used to them. I don’t have any collections of miniatures to speak of, but enjoy using the sets of those that run games that I play. I think it’s the time when people get together for a board game that makes it special for me. We normally have a lot of laughs as we try to out do each other. The best part of playing these games is that they are so similar to normal board games and yet at the same time so different.
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Garage Gamers Group GGG or Garage Gamers Group is a collection of gamers with similar ideals about what makes a game fun and how to have fun with it… Snake Eyes is the GGG magazine, available Phone: 0419 729794
for free to members and selected
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GGG supports a gamers for gamers attitude
Snake Eyes Creators & Contributors Editor: Nick Chase Copy Check: Kellie Chase Monthly Contributors/Columns: Glen Taylor, John McDonnell, Kris McKiernan, Darian Chase, Michael Colclough, Peter Toh This Issue: Roy Wells Brush Strokes Rod Franze
Trademark names in the newsletter have been used without permission & only used for promotional purposes for GGG. They include: Games Workshop & associated trademarks, StarWars X-Wing, Wings of Glory, Zombiecide, AD &D, Army Painter. Eureka miniatures,Warlord Games, Stone Mountain miniatures, Flames of War, Perry Miniatures and RiverHorse are used with permissions. Pictures are the property of Snake Eyes & have been used with the permission of members of the GGG. Other pictures have been used with permission where possible to promote event or products.
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