Hello All,

Sorry about missing last month's competition, the good news is, this month we have a copy of Marvel Heroes to giveaway!

To be in with a chance of winning just create an article over 500 words and submit it to the following forum post or email address marvelheroes@iguk.co.uk.

The article can be a review, commentary, anything really as long as it is about gaming and has not been published any where else. :

The author of the best article will win a copy of Marvel Heroes, and the best articles will be posted on the IGUK Blog.

Good Luck and Happy Gaming, :-)

Steve Wood

 (came to 510 words!)

 

Kind of a Gift a guide for non-gamers couples  to get in to gaming

 

Games for 2 + players

 

1) Kupferkessel Co. 1 to 3 neat little game kind of like walking around a shop trying to beat some one who’s shopping for the same things – that’s probably the worst review I’ve ever done but I do like this, its has wooden parts after all bonus it can go 3 players three player,  there si some use or memory and forward thinking in this game

 

strategy:- try to steal you opponents low score cards (i.e black 1)

try to never land on the corner squares, try to get the 2nd move cards and the explode your opponents cards when he has his main colour on top of his pile)

 

2) Ingenious 1 to 4 - my girlfriend now her own copy her 1st game! wow

nice game its new to me so still getting into it, game involve trying to place tiles to score points, only the lowest score you have counts.

 

 Strategy, apart from don’t push your girlfriend to far and possibly watch your opponents lowest score and keep it low block of that colour mean and cut throat.

 

3) Through the Desert 2-5-6 Actually I  think this might be my top fav game

you play a race of nomads trying to gain area control of the deserts by place 2 camels each turn its gets tricky when your opponents block you with there colours of the same camel

 

strategy:- block your opponent, separate your camels in to attack and defence put 3 your same colour camels next to  your opponents and save 2 for defence away from your opponents, watch the piles for game end, end the game when you choose! go for longest chains! and oasis.  

 

4) Samurai 2-4 Nice game solid 2 player and for more, scales well

an area control game with tiles, your trying to gain control of cities for either Monks, Nobles or peasants,  Some People think the end game score is complicated but it rarely gets that way, the rules just explain every possible draw resolution,

a comparison is this game 4 player chess? I don’t play this game that in-depth yet.

diffcult a deep to try and stratagies here.

 

5) Carcassonne the city 2- 4 I don't own but gave as gift to my brother and I love it much more then normal Carcassone, it has wooden parts! Its very similar to carassone but with added walls to force an end game, the game goes to 4  player very well! its a nail biting game end watching when to score to get your guard on a wall or get towers...

 

6) Cartagena looks basic and childish but its a nasty game deep down play Tortugas version  face up cards to see what I mean. it can accommodate more players but over 3 may be to chaotic, you aim is two get 6 of your pirates too the escape boat but your have to move forwards by some times taking two steps back., strategy move back the smallest gap you can afford to, play so your opponent can not gain ground from your forward pirates.

 

7) San Juan never played the legendry Puerto Rico this games big brother but my games need to be portable and easy so i picked this version, can’t really fault it, good 2 player and good 4 player, your aim to build a small successful set of buildings, several strategys to employ, going for basic building, or going for expensive buildings. to foiling you opponents possible chracter choices each turn.

 

 

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Just showing of my artwork and photos here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcampoillustrator/

Hi, this is a tongue-in-cheek rant about gaming behaviour, it clocks in at 649 words. Hope you enjoy!

The collectible card and board game environment has lead me onto an observation. For those of you out there who have ever played a role playing game you will know that there are no 'winners & losers' as such. If the game goes well, the players win experience points and new gadgets/toys/+12 swords. The Gamesmaster has the satisfaction of a job well done as his players save the princess/kill the dragon/lay dead.

But in a card/board game there has to be a loser. Some take losing well and others... well let's just say they don't like the experience. I have noticed several types of loser behaviour (I of course, use ‘loser’ as an affectionate/accurate term rather than an insult here):

1. "The Excuse-maker" This particular player will say that he made a mistake, he feels tired, he left a particular card out of his deck, the CIA are following him, etc. Basically anything that says to his opponent: "You didn't win due to your superior ability. You won because of events beyond my control." This player believes that if he wasn't handicapped by his excuses he would certainly have beaten you.

2. "Mr I'm-Not-Bothered" The loser who claims that he doesn't care that you beat him in one turn. He's not playing properly anyway, he's just having a laugh, or he simply has no interest in winning the game. This loser is a close relative of The Excuse Maker but instead of bemoaning Cosmic Fate he hides behind a shield of apathy. The heavier the loss the more insistent he becomes about not caring.

3. "The Fantasy Scenario" If he had a particular card in hand you wouldn't have won. All he needed was to play the most complex turn ever devised and instead of losing he would have been a triumphant winner. This loser tries to claim that his opponent was lucky to win. After all if the loser had one more turn he would have won. Oh yes. It's true. He will insist long after the game has finished that he could have won, mumbling to himself like some shell shocked soldier. This loser will rock back and forth gently, claiming that if he had just one more turn...

4. "Mr Angry!!!" This loser will fly into a rage. You beat him on purpose! How dare you play to win?! The angry loser ranges from excuses to verbal abuse all in one fit of loser's tourettes. Imagine playing a 30 year old with the emotional stability of a two year old and you get the idea of the level of childishness involved. Swearing, shouting, threats to quit the game for good, are all the hallmarks of Mr Angry. You could have the closest game ever with this loser; a masterpiece of intelligent play, culminating in a narrow victory for one lucky player - it will mean nothing in the end as Mr Angry DIDN'T WIN!

6. “The Suicidal Loser” – This player doesn’t want to play on anymore as their position has become a losing one. This loser will play badly on purpose in an effort to accelerate the end of the game. Crazy decisions will be made, defences cast aside, maybe even attempts to just skip their turn, all will be used in an effort to end the game as quickly as possible. Sometimes this loser will just walk away from the game mid-turn. This loser is frustrating to play against as they can easily ruin an enthralling contest.

5. "The Graceful Loser" A rare sight but usually the most pleasurable of opponents. They will take their loss well even if they've been trounced or had the closest game of their lives. After the game they will point how well you played or how good the game was. Or they will take their losses with quiet dignity. Kings among men. Sometimes these losers can be rather scarce...

Ok, Here's my effort.

What has the Internet done for us?

 

As gamers we are all aware of the Internet, you must be as you are reading this. The Internet has allowed large numbers of players to meet online and discuss there games, tactics and strategies as well as even play some games online.

 

This article is a brief introduction to some of the internet resources that I have found and used to help me with gaming purchases and just to find other games and gamers.

 

1. Board Game Geek. (http://www.boardgamegeek.com)

 

This is the holy grail of board gaming. I have never found such a wealth of knowledge and opinions on the board gaming world. Every game ever played is available here for you to read up on. Geeks post not only session reviews, images and player aids. But there are also translations, lists and much, much more.

Whenever I am looking at buying a new game I will always have a look at its score on the geek. Usually this will give me enough info on whether or not I will like the game, but also to see what other games like minded players are playing.

 

I cannot emphasis how much information is available here.

 

1. Brettspielwelt (http://www.brettspielwelt.de/BSW/Spiele/)

 

This is a German site that has around sixty games that you can play online. These range from Lost Cities to Caylus. Most of the games are Euro type games and it’s great to have a try at some of the games you have heard about but not played. The players are mainly German, but they seem a friendly bunch and are willing to teach new users games. You can play the games either using a web browser, or by downloading a small Java client.

Don’t worry if you feel a little lost to start with, its not the best designed site, and unless you know a little German is can be a little frustrating. But once you have played your first game you quickly realize that allot of time can be spent here playing games.

 

1. Board Game News (http://www.boardgamenews.com/)

 

Board Game news is the first place to look for new games. The editor has recently changed so expect a few changes, but its still a wealth of information about games from around the world.

 

1. Days of Wonder (http://www.daysofwonder.com/)

 

This producer of games has one of the best sites. Not only can you download extra rules and supplements for some of its games, but you can also play there games online. You will need to either own the game, or pay a small yearly fee but if you can never get enough people over for a game of Ticket to Ride it’s the next best thing.

 

1. IGUK (www.IGUK.co.uk)

 

Finally after all you have read through all the information on games, what’s hot what’s not. Where are you going to get them from?  I have been using IGUK for the last year after stumbling upon them. So far I can’t fault them. There prices are great and delivery can’t be faulted. They are also putting allot of effort into helping us the gamers out. This includes lots of good information and reviews in there blog as well as a new forum that’s beginning to take of.

Plus, they have prizes, and we all know how much we like those.

 

 

 

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Everyone listens to reason......

Snowcrash - Neal Stephenson

Quick question... can you tell us when the closing date for this competition is?  I'm working on an article for it and would like to know how long I've got.

Thanks,

Ian M Butterfield.

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Ian M Butterfield
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Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

Ian,

Sorry an oversight on my part, closing date is 31st December, last day of the year, my god another year bites the dust. :-0

Steve

I thought I'd try something a little different... something seasonal...  I guess it falls into the "anything really as long as it is about gaming" category.  Oh yes... and one other thing... it's in instalments! 

 

A Gamers Carol

Chapter One - Gamers Day

 

Ebenezer Scrooge sat in his office scowling at his clerk.  “I suppose you’ll want the whole day off tomorrow?”. 

“Well, it is Gamers Day, and Mrs Cratchett and I are wanting to spend some time playing with the children”. 

“Games!” Scrooge snorted! “Humbug!”

“We’ve got a new pack of cards this year… they’ve got Spider-Man on them (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/spiderman-playing-cards-3025.aspx).

Scrooge said nothing.

“We got them for Tiny Tim.”

The silence was deafening. Then after a pause Scrooge sneered;  “Very well then… but be in work all the earlier the day after!”  Bob Cratchett thanked Scrooge, put on his coat and left.

 

An hour later Scrooge was walking home, he past two boys sitting on the curb playing with a pack of Top Trumps (http://www.iguk.co.uk/categories/top-trumps-37.aspx), one of them smiled and called to him “’ere Mister, wanna game?”.  “Humbug” Scrooge muttered and continued on his way.  Scrooge tried to block out the voices in the street.  A young couple arms round each other giggling: “Just wait to I get you home, Molly, I’ve got Jenga – Truth or Dare (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/jenga-truth-or-dare-917.aspx)” She giggled and kissed her lover.  On the corner of the street a broad cockney voice called out:  “Gert yer dice ‘ere!  Full set of poly dice.  (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/mini-metal-poly-dice-set-3180.aspx)”  Scrooge put his head down and walked on determined to pay no attention to any of it.

 

Another voice called out: “Uncle!”.  Scrooge ignored the voice.  “Uncle!”  It called again.  “Uncle Ebenezer! – Happy Gamers Day!”. 

Scrooge sighed and turned round to face a young man with broad smile and an armful of packages, all prominently labelled ‘Fantasy Flight Games’ (http://www.iguk.co.uk/publisherView.aspx?publisherid=38) . 

“What cause have you to be so cheerful, Nephew?”

“Tomorrow is Gamers Day Uncle…”

“Humbug!”

“All work and no play, Uncle, makes…”

“…makes me rich.”  Scrooge completed the sentence.

“That’s as may be, Uncle, but you don’t enjoy your riches.  We are having a Gaming Session at our home tomorrow.  Why don’t you come along?”

Scrooge shook his head.  “Gaming… it’s a humbug! A waste time!  Nothing but a waste of time.  What profit is there in gaming?  Eh?”

“Profit?  Hmm… Let me think, uncle. Well, playing Munchkin (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/munchkin-905.aspx) has given me hours of joy, and laughter.  Through RPGs (http://www.iguk.co.uk/categories/roleplaying-games-46.aspx) my friends and I have supported each other through magical adventures and we saved worlds without leaving the comfort of our own homes.  I’ve improved my mind and increased my knowledge by answering Trivial Pursuit questions. (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/trivial-pursuit-genus-ultimate-edition-4035.aspx).  Now all that may not be profit as you count it, but it is profit enough for me!” 

“Poppycock, nothing but poppycock!  Now be off with you and leave me in peace.”

As Scrooge turned and walked away he heard his nephew call after him.  “I’ll still save you a place at the game tomorrow!”

 

Scrooge arrived at the door of his home.  Still muttering curses against every gamer who had ever lived he fumbled in his pocket for his key.  It was then that something caught his attention.  The large lion-shaped door knocker opened it’s mouth and spat out two dice, grinned at Scrooge and proclaimed “Roll double six to enter!!”  (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/speckled-dice-sets-d6-12mm-851.aspx).

 

End of Chapter One.

To be continued….

 

By Ian M Butterfield (based loosly on an idea by Charles Dickens!).

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Ian M Butterfield
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Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

Of all the worlds that have been written, David Gemmell's Drenai world is one that never seems to have made it to the role-playing community.

Legend

Legend, the first book (though not chronologically) of the Drenai Saga, ends (Spoiler warning read skip a line) with Druss dying, as well as lots of other major characters. It was fantastic. Heroes could die!

Gemmell has written 11 books in the Drenai Saga, and sadly since he died earlier this year will write no more. However, is there a more fitting epitaph then to keep his writing alive in realm of role-play.

As such maybe IGUK is the place where the Drenai Saga can be "reborn" into the world.

Firstly we would need a game system, and there are many available here. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, let’s use what is already available. As I am writing this I put forward Mongoose Publishing's RuneQuest game as an option. Other people may have other systems (d20, GURPs, WFRP, Pendragon etc) and all these have a place.

World details can be gleaned from his books, peoples' interpretation of maps can be found on the net (http://members.lycos.co.uk/punchbag/drenaimap.html or http://www.dodgenet.com/~moonblossom/legendof.htm), politics and timelines are readily available (here http://members.lycos.co.uk/punchbag/ or here http://gemmell.suddenlaunch.com/index.cgi or  http://www.dodgenet.com/~moonblossom/Drtime.html.

One thing to remember in a Gemmell story is that though ultimately the good guys win, who the good guys are change from book to book.

The "Iron Code" of Druss

"Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal.
These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong.
And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.
Never back away from an enemy. Either fight or surrender. It is not enough to say I will not be evil. Evil must be fought wherever it is found."

Some of my thoughts and Tips

All adventures in the Gemmell world should feature character death at some level, (even NPC death) to ensure keeping with the Gemmell theme.

Tracking a band of killers is also a recurring theme in his books, and is always a good adventure idea as well.

Moral dilemmas were also big; with most heroes have flaws which must be overcome to do the right thing.

Mass battles are a must. Whatever the story, some form a war is always going on.

Power Levels

To relive a true Gemmell story characters would need to be powerful or specialist. For this reason I would suggest a point’s game over a level game. Mostly as characters can be great archers who can't swing a sword. Or true dancing death sword monsters who can't ride a horse.

Also on a point system you do not usually have an insurmountable amount of hit points.

With level based games the hit points is a problem, also specialisation of warriors is poor in general.

Special Moves

The ultimate mega-gemmell manoeuvre Spinning of heel and elbowing in the face is an ultimate combo move, and any player who achieves this should be given lots of xp/cps.

Lets Get Started Then

All who read this article and love Gemmell’s stories should consider there favourite system and consider Gemmell’s world, then get writing and submit system stats to the Gemmellpedia on IGUK

RuneQuest Rules

Characters

There is not a great deal to do in general here. Common sense should apply, but here are a few thoughts:.

Barbarian, Peasant – peoples of the Drenai, Vagria, Lentria villages.

Townsman – most people from towns in the ventrian states

Noble – Any noble man from any of the states.

Civilised – Chiatze, and possibly Ventria.

Mariner, Peoples from Dros Purdol, Erekban, Lentrum, Marain, Mellicane, Morec, Ulalia, Virins,

Nomad (any) – Nadir, Sathuli, Varnii, plus others I am sure.

Classes would not need to change to much, but any reference to runes (I appreciate the irony) and runecraft should be ignored, see magic below. In general it would be in fashion to mostly restrict some professions, see below:

Appropriate Character Types:

Bard, Blacksmith, Farmer, Fisherman, Herdsman, Hunter, Mercenary, Militiaman, Sailor, Soldier, Thief, Town Guard, Woodsman and Pedlar are the most likely type of adventurers. Most of these can be found anywhere in the world of Druss.

Acrobat, Animal Trainer, Craftsmen, Knight, Lord, Merchant, Miner, Scholar and Scribe are also readily found in the world, but a little thought on how these would play out in the violent world of Druss.

Possible Character Types:

Courtier, Diplomat, Physician, Spy are possible characters, but much thought in there use in the game.

Restricted Character types

Alchemist, Healer, Shaman, Priest, Witch, Wizard are ones I would avoid and relegate to the role of bad guy.

Feel free to add more, either RQ stuff or any other system.

Regards

Pob

Here is the next instalment of my submission....

Click Here for Chapter One

 

A Gamers Carol

Chapter Two – Marley’s Game

 

Scrooge stared at the door knocker.  He knew he had seen it spit out dice and he had heard it talk, but now, the more he looked at it, the more ordinary it appeared.  He looked at the floor there were no dice there.  Had he imagined it?  He must have done… but yet… he knew he hadn’t.  He opened the door, stepped inside and quickly closed it again.  Leaning against the door, he drew several breaths, as he did so he heard the sound of marching feet.  He watched in horror as a ghostly battalion of light armour troupers (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/light-armour-trooper-specials-starship-troopers-tmg-4859.aspx) marched down the staircase in front of him and out through the wall just feet away from him.  Scrooge closed his eyes, opened them again and the room was back to normal.  “Humbug!  It’s just a humbug!”  With this he walked swiftly up the now empty stairs to his room, entered and bolted the door behind himself.

 

Later, Scrooge sat in his arm chair, holding a cup of broth in his hands.  On the table next to him there burned a solitary candle providing the only light to the room.  He looked at the fireplace.  It was cold and empty as usual.  The tiles round it were dusty but through the dust stylised rabbits were drawn in blue against a white background.  He looked at one rabbit intently, for a moment he thought it had winked at him.  He rubbed his eyes and looked at it again.  Now it was waving at him with a gleeful happy smile on it’s face.  Then he realised that the other drawings were moving too, one was walking on its hind legs, front paws held a loft.  Scrooge had never seen such a sinister looking rabbit.  Another was carrying an evil looking Butcher's Cleaver, a third was hurling Chocolate Covered Anti-Matter Raisins at a rabbit that was defending itself with something that appeared to be a magic spatula.  (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/killer-bunnies-blue-starter-2935.aspx).

 

A loud moaning noise drew Scrooge’s attention from the killer bunnies on the fireplace towards the door of his room.  A bright light was shining round it and slowly but surely the bolts were being drawn back.  Suddenly the door flew open and in walked a ghostly apparition.  It was a man bound in chains attached to the chains were Multitude of boxed games (http://www.iguk.co.uk/categories/strategy-34.aspx), card deck cases (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/black-deck-box-487.aspx) and even a large chest. (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/settlers-of-catan-limited-edition-3655.aspx).  The figure let out a loud moan and walked into the room.

 

“Wh… who… are you?” Scrooge managed to stammer.
“Do you not recognise me, Ebeneser?  I am Jacob Marley, your former partner.”
“Humbug!  Jacob has been dead for seven years.”
The apparition let out a loud moan, and rattled his chains.  Scrooge quaked in his chair.
“Suppose, I accept that you are the ghost of my friend Marley.  What do you want with me?”

“I have come to you as a warning.  I spent my whole life working and never allowed myself time to enjoy life… and now I carry this burden as a reminder of the life I wasted.  I am condemned for eternity to carry these games and never play them.  I can only stand and watch and never join in.”
“What has this to do with me, eh?” Scrooge asked.
“When I died, your chain was as long as mine, now after seven more years it is immense.”
“But… but… I played games… when I was a younger man… I often played.”
“But you only played for profit or to win at all costs… never for just for the sake of taking part.”  Again Marley let out a loud moan and whole room shook.
“Wh... wh…what can I do, Jacob?  Is there no hope for me?”
Marely picked up a game that was attached to his chain and held it out to Scrooge.  “I give you two choices…”
Scrooge looked at the game it was a Monopoly set. (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/monopoly-912.aspx) “…choose a Chance card or a Community Chest card”

Scrooge’s hand hovered over the box for while and then plunged in and drew out a chance card.  He held it to his chest scared to read what it said.  Marley rattled his chains and groaned loudly. 

 

Scrooge looked down and read the card: ‘You will be visited by three ghosts.’ 

He gulped.  “Can I change my mind?”
But Marley had gone.

 

End of Chapter Two.

To be continued….

 

By Ian M Butterfield (based loosely on an idea by Charles Dickens!).

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Ian M Butterfield
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Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

Here is the third installment of my submission.... (Sorry for the delay)

Click Here for Chapter One
Click Here for Chapter Two

A Gamers Carol

Chapter Three – The Ghost of Games Past

 

Scrooge couldn’t sleep.  He lay in bed wondering about the message.  Ghosts… he didn’t believe in them so how could he be visited by them.  “Its all a humbug!” he shouted trying to reassure himself.

“Really?” a polite, slightly effeminate voice replied.

Scrooge sat up and peered in to the darkness to see where the voice was coming from.  Soon he could make out a shape.  An ageless figure dressed in a white smock.  On the smock Scrooge could make out designs – yellow tiles with letters on them (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/scrabble-original-915.aspx), black and white dominoes (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/boneyard-dominos-4847.aspx) and multicoloured poker chips (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/professional-poker-chips-100-115g-3159.aspx).  On his head the figure wore a red cone shaped hat, with round top which, had it been smaller, could have be a generic counter for any number of board games.

“I am the Ghost of Games Past”  The figure proclaimed advancing on Scrooge.

“L.. long past?” Scrooge asked nervously.

“No… your past.”  The figure reached out and grabbed the old man’s wrist.  The room dissolved around him and Scrooge found himself standing in what appeared to be an dreary empty classroom.

 

“This is my old school,” he said, looking round the room.  Suddenly his eye fell on a dark corner in which there as a small boy sat hunched over a cross shaped board with 32 pegs in it.

“Do you recognise the boy?” the Spirit asked him.

“I do.  It is me when I was a small boy.”

“And the game?”

“Solitaire (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/family-games-tin-2289.aspx) – it’s the only game I played as boy.  No-one else would play with me.”

“Perhaps that was because you were such a bad looser…?”

 

Scrooge opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything the Ghost had hold of his arm and he stood in a different room.  This room was bright and cheerful and full of people.  The people were in a circle and were playing a word guessing game.  (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/the-big-taboo-4690.aspx).  There was much hilarity as a very jolly plum looking man was trying to describe the word “donkey” without mentioning the words “horse” or “mule” Several other people tried different words some were more successful than others but the result was always the same:  general laughter and merriment.  After a while the plum man handing a box of cards to a thin, young man.  “Come on, Ebeneezer… your go!”

The Ghost turned to Scrooge.  “Do you know where you are?  And who those men are?”

“This is Fezzywig’s – it is where I served as an apprentice, and the young man is me the other person is none other than old Fezzywig himself.  Now there was a man who know how to play games.”

“Even though he was never any good at any of them?” the spirit asked.

“It never mattered to him… it was the taking part.  Win or lose he just enjoyed.”

The Ghost turned his attention back to the scene.  “Shame the same couldn’t be said for everyone else…”

The younger version of Scrooge looked at the card.  He had a very annoyed expression on his face, then after a while he spoke.  “It’s a… er… an emotion… and it’s a good feeling…”

“You not allowed to say ‘feeling’.” A voice butted in.

The young Scrooge continued “You smile when you…”

“You can’t say that either!”  The other voice said laughing.

“I’ve had enough of this… it’s a stupid game…what’s the point of it anyhow?”

The young man strode from the room throwing the card on the floor.

 

“Take me home, Spirit” the older Scrooge said.  “I’ve seen enough.”

“Very well” the Ghost took his arm and as the room dissolved around them Scrooge saw the word on the card that his younger self had so much difficulty describing.  The word was “Happiness.”

End of Chapter There.

To be continued….

 

By Ian M Butterfield (based loosely on an idea by Charles Dickens!).

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Ian M Butterfield
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Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

Continuing the epic here is Part Four....

 

A Gamers Carol

Chapter Four – The Ghost of Games Present

 

The spirit had indeed taken Scrooge back home, but he hardly recognised the room.  It was bright and colourful.  Empty shelves now had amusing figures on them (http://www.iguk.co.uk/categories/miniature-figures-353.aspx), there was what appeared to be a figure of a rabbit wearing a green knitted jumper and another of a dog measuring the size of a marrow and yet another of a strange man with a toothy grin wearing overalls.  Scrooge’s dining table was set for eight guests, sumptuous food had been severed just waiting for people to arrive… each place had a name plate and invite which rather bizarrely read:  “You are invited to a murder” (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/how-to-host-a-murder-chicago-caper-1947.aspx). In the corner of the room, sat on the top of a huge pile of boxed games, was a giant of a man, dressed in a large red t-shirt with a skull emblazoned on it (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/vampire-the-requiem-skull-tshirt-2842.aspx).  In his hand the man held a burning torch, which Scrooge now realised was the source of the light in the room.

 

“Who are you?” Scrooge asked, “and what are you doing in my home?”

“I am the Ghost of Games Present” the figure said in a booming voice, “And I am here to show you the error of your ways.  Take my hand and I will show you what you are missing.”

Terrified Scrooge took hold of the giant's hand and found himself floating above the ground towards the ceiling, but instead of banging his head he and the Spirit floated through the ceiling out above the city.  As they floated, Scrooge could see sparks falling from the torch the Ghost was holding.  Some of the sparks would turn into cards and float un-noticed into the hands of people playing games (http://www.iguk.co.uk/categories/collectable-card-games-45.aspx).  Other sparks would fall in to the hand of cards held by other players and Scrooge saw cards change into foil variants or in to rare cards. 

“I see you’ve noticed my torch.”  The Ghost said after a while.  “It is called the joy of collectable card games.  See how much those players enjoy seeing the rare cards.  It doesn’t matter to them whether they win or lose.  Their pleasure is from playing the games.”

 

The Spirit led scrooge to a large house where they descended.  As before, they passed through the roof and ceiling and found themselves standing in a room.  Scrooge recognised the home as that of his Nephew, Fred.  Fred, his wife and some of their friends were seated at a table.  They were playing “Carcassonne” (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/carcassonne-the-big-box-4853.aspx).  Fred was howling with laughter as his wife was moving a small carved wooden dragon and removing an opponent’s counter from the map.  “That is one fried meeple!  I told you that you should have moved the fairy, Topper!”

“My turn to move the dragon now.”  Topper replied, “and what’s this… oh dear, Fred it looks like the dragon is going to have to eat one of your counters now.” 

The game continued for almost an hour with Scrooge, invisible to the guests, shouting unheard advice to everyone in turn.  “No, no… don’t place the tile there!” or “yes,  well done complete that city.”  Scrooge got so involved he quite forgot no-one could see or hear him.  As the game came to an end the Ghost took Scrooge's hand and they floated out of the building. 

 

“I have to take you to another home now” the Spirit told him, and soon they were standing in a very spartan lounge.  A thin man that Scrooge recognised as his clerk Bob Crattchet was playing chess (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/wooden-chess-in-a-tin-3623.aspx) with his daughter.  This was a well used game, the board was worn out, and one of the knights was missing and has been replaced by a bunch of used matches held together with an elastic band.

A small sickly looking boy with a crutch entered.  “Dad, can we open our new game now?” he asked.

Two more of Cratchett’s son’s added their agreement to this idea.

“Alright, then let’s!” Cratchett replied. “Tiny Tim, you can do the honours.”  Cratchett took a small package wrapped in newspaper out of his pocket and handed it to the boy.  As he opened it Tim’s face lit up with delight as took out a deck of Spider-Man playing cards (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/spiderman-playing-cards-3025.aspx).

 

Scrooge watched the family playing different card games for well over an hour.  Occasionally the games would be stopped for a few moments as Tiny Tim coughed or became short of breath.  Eventually Scrooge  turned back to the Ghost.  “I have two questions.  How can this family enjoy these games so much.  It’s just a pack of cards there’s nothing special about it.”

“You still do not understand do you?” the spirit replied.  “It’s not the cards that’s special or even the game they play with them.  It’s the people who play the game that make it special.  Now what is your second question?”

“The boy, Tiny Tim, he looks so ill.  Will he live?”

The Spirit said nothing, instead he took Scrooge’s hand and two of them floated away in to the night.

“I demand to know,”  Scrooge shouted as they floated high above the city.  “What will happen to the boy?”

“I cannot say.  I only know of what is, not what will be.  But there is one who can show you.”  With that the Ghost let go of Scrooges hand and he began to fall.

 

End of Chapter Four.

To be continued….

 

By Ian M Butterfield (based loosely on an idea by Charles Dickens!).

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Ian M Butterfield
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Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

All Hail The Mothership!

 

Somewhere we all have a list.  Mine was to get a job, get married, have children and fly the Millennium Falcon.  Of those, and what an achievement it is, I now have kids!

 

For Christmas, my wife and children gave me the Star Wars miniatures Star Ship battles set.  The excitement nearly got to me.  Sure I knew what the boxes were; I just wanted to know what ships they contained.

 

Disappointedly, I did not get the Falcon, but for once in my life I can say that I owned the other really cool ship from the original trilogy – the Imperial Star Destroyer.  An incredible behemoth that, unlike the Millennium Falcon, I cannot land in the fields behind my parent’s house.  Although if the computer space simulation games are to believed, the larger ships are complete dogs to fly.  The A-Wing is a complete beauty to fly so why it is comparable to the Y-Wing is beyond me.

 

But perhaps it was the love of the Imperial Star Destroyer that let me exclude it from my first game against the older of my sons.  That and it was the only class 2 ship... A huge tactical error: my Super Star Destroyer missed very badly and within two turns was a burning hulk courtesy of the Star Defender Viscount.  My fleet was very quickly annihilated shortly after.  194 points down the pan with only three enemy fighters destroyed.

 

Whilst reflecting on the spirited last stand of the star fighters a gentle comparison with children emerged:

 

Babies are like tie-fighters, very limited in offensive and defensive capabilities and have a very limited range before returning to their mother ship.  Toddlers are slightly more advanced, but will forever be frustrated with their set boundaries and rules of engagement.  Still, as all good carriers should, we strive to constantly communicate with them and provide them with all the information we can to help them navigate those dust clouds and we carry them through the asteroid storms.  Gradually they become more independent and are free to venture further afield (whilst maintaining comms).  Eventually they become capitol ships all of their own and whilst free to make their own mistakes, the flagship will always be there to provide assistance in times of need.

 

The Star Wars Star Ship miniatures game is a great starting place for my son.  He has recently become interested in the films and the game is so easy to play.  Generally I am hoping that at a later date he will progress to Babylon 5 “A Call to Arms” where the ships have more unique and there are simple rules to tackle inertia and space phenomena.  But generally I have discovered that he learns best when he wants to do something, not when I want him to and certainly not if I am doing all the flying for him.

 

Word Count: 481

The penultimate chapter....

 

A Gamers Carol

Chapter Five – The Ghost of Games Yet-To-Come

 

Scrooge fell.  The world growing darker as fell.  He closed his eyes and awaited the impact.  It never came.  He opened first one eye then the other He found himself kneeling on the ground looking up at a tall thin figure clothed from head to foot in a black cowl.  “Are you the Ghost of Games Yet-To-Come?”  Scrooge asked?  The figure nodded slowly.  “Then show me what you must.  But first tell me what will happen to Tiny Tim?”

 

The Spirit waved his arm and Scrooge found himself standing in a graveyard.  Approaching him were two funeral processions.  The first consisted of a poor man carrying a simple child’s coffin.  Behind came a large crowd of people crying and offering their condolences.  Scrooge recognised the family of Bob Cratchet the man with the coffin was Bob himself.  “Is that…?”  Scrooge said.  The Spirit nodded.  As the procession when past him Scrooge noticed lying on top of the coffin a pack of Marvel Top-Trumps (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/marvel-comics-3-fantastic-four-top-trumps-3154.aspx), the cards were still in their wrapper.  When one of the mourners asked about them.  Bob simply answered: “I bought them for Tim but he was too ill to ever play with them.”

 

The second procession now approached.  This was quite different.  An ornate coffin on a horse drawn hearse.  There were no crowds following just one professional mourner and the clergy-man who would perform the internment.  Scrooge heard them comment as they went by: “He died as he lived… rich and without friends.”

“Who is this man?” Scrooge asked.  The Ghost  remained silent.  “Why do you show this to me?”

 

With a wave of his hand the Spirit took Scrooge to a new location.  It was a bedroom.  On the bed was body covered with a sheet.  Round the bed stood three people they were removing all the items of value from round the bed and from the corpse.  “Ooh don’t touch the body” one said.

“Too right.” Came the reply.

“’Ere, look what I got.  I got his pocket watch.”

Scrooge watched the three systematically rob the dead man of his belongings.  For some reason it reminded him of a very bizarre version of the game Operation (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/operation-3409.aspx) Each person trying to remove items without touching the body.

 

“I understand!  I understand.”  Scrooge cried to the Ghost.  “This man’s fate could be like my own.  I see now that I need to change.  But tell me spirit who is the man on the bed?”

 

Again the spirit waved his hand and they were back in the grave yard.  Scrooge stood in front of a tombstone.   He dreaded what he would read on it.  At last he looked down.  His worst fears were revealed:

“Ebenezer Scrooge.  Game Over”.

End of Chapter Five.

To be continued….

By Ian M Butterfield (based loosely on an idea by Charles Dickens!).

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Ian M Butterfield
-----------------------
Photographer
http://potd.imb.biz (Photo Blog)

At long last the final chapter....

A Gamers Carol

Chapter Six – A New Game Begins

 

Scrooge looked at the epitaph on the tomb: “Ebenezer Scrooge – Game Over” and collapsed to his knees and sobbed.  The tears blurring his vision.  “I will change, Spirit, I will… I will.”  He didn’t know how long he sat there crying but when eventually his vision cleared he realised he was no longer in the graveyard.  Instead he was on the floor of his own bedroom.  The sun was shining through the window.

 

Scrooge ran to the window and opened it.  He drew in to his lungs several deep breaths of cold air before looking down at a small boy sitting on the kerb playing with a game of Hungry Hippos (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/hungry-hippos-3410.aspx).  Scrooge smiled at the boy and called down to him: “Boy, boy… what day is it?”

A little bemused the lad looked up and called back.  “It’s Gamers Day – of course!”

“Gamers Day… it’s Gamers Day!” Scrooge shouted his voice full of joy.  “What a splendid boy!  Boy… boy… do you know the Games shop at the end of Bankfield Road?”

“D’you mean Infinity Games, Sir?”

“Yes, yes, that’s the one.  Do they still have that Marvel Heroes Game (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/marvel-heroes-4940.aspx ) for sale?”

“I believe so, sir”

“Well then, here’s some money… I want you to go and buy it!  And have it delivered to my clerk Bob Cratchet.  Tell him it’s for Tiny Tim, but don’t them who it is from.  Oh and yes, I nearly forgot… keep the change!”

The boy picked up the money and ran off towards the shop.

 

Scrooge quickly dressed and rushed out into the street.  He had never been happier in his whole life.  As went down the street he played hopscotch with some children.  The he disappeared into a shop to buy a who case of HeroClix figures (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/armor-wars-booster-case-48-packs-marvel-heroclix-3604.aspx) which he the proceeded to open and give out to everyone he met.  At another shop he purchased a copy of “Scene It” (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/scene-it-2168.aspx) and then ran all the way to his nephew’s home.

 

When Fred opened the door and saw Scrooge standing there he didn’t know what to say.  Nor for that matter did Ebenezer.  For a while the two men just looked at each other, until rather clumsily Scrooge thrust the game at Fred and said simply: “I’ve been a complete fool all these years, can you ever forgive me?”

“Of course, Uncle, come in… come in… you will spend the day with us won’t you?”

And Scrooge did.  He played Settlers of Catan (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/settlers-of-catan-847.aspx) and lost.  He played Cluedo (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/cluedo-nostalgia-edition-1655.aspx) and lost.  He even played Chicken Cha Cha Cha (http://www.iguk.co.uk/products/chicken-cha-cha-cha-4440.aspx) and lost.  But he didn’t mind one little bit.  For the first time in his life he played games for the shear enjoyment of playing.

 

In the early evening Scrooge excused himself from his Nephew’s, explaining that he has an important visit to make.  Scrooge took himself round to the Cratchet home and knocked on the door.  Scrooge struggled to put on as stern a face as possible and when Bob open the door he scowled at him:  “Cratchet!  Why were you not in the office today?”

“But sir…”, Cratchet stumbled over his words.  “it’s Gamers’ Day.  You said I could have the day off.”

“Poppycock!” replied Scrooge.  “This is intolerable.  You leave me no choice but to….”,  Scrooge started to laugh,  “…no choice but… to… quadruple your salary!  Happy Gamers’ Day, Bob!