This article could have been one of two different types. It could have been a very edited and half as long stream-of-consciousness article dealing with several wargame figures and Origins I. Instead it is a lengthy, uneven in information, slightly edited version of my journal that I kept while traveling with Larry Hoffman, a 31-year old veteran wargamer, from July 10 to August 3rd. Between those two dates we traveled from one Coast to the other and back. The advantage of the approach I adopted was that the most amount of raw information could be delivered to its readers, while the corresponding disadvantage lies in its being largely unedited and a lack of comments to give it continuity.

There is one aspect of continuity, however. That aspect is that I asked, roughly, the same questions to all sorts of wargamers and wargame "Gods" and "Priests". Most answer some questions always in the same way, while some questions get widely different answers. The reader should find himself comparing previous thoughts and ideas to other thoughts and ideas on the same subject that appear within these pages.

One final thought, I have tried where ever possible to not take comments out of context and I have endeavored to be as accurate in my note taking as possible, Enjoy the space ride.

WE BEGIN

"Why, wargaming is one of the biggest underground trips going. "

Evening of the 11th, we're outside Austin, Nevada, 7,484 feet, saw my parents yesterday and was stopped by three highway patrol cars as Larry's car was not registered.

My Tarot reading for July predicted this and I had told Larry before we left that we would be hassled by cops on this trip, but otherwise everything would be "good". Hope to hear from Andrew Smith, visiting from England and going to Origins 1, when we get to Game Designers' Workshop in Illinois. Plan to meet him in New York..

While visiting my parents we stopped down to my brother's bar where we ran into some People from Tonga. Well, it so happens that Larry spent two years on Tonga "You know we'll get drunk" (Larry). And we did.

Evening of the 12th. Grand Junction Green River, Friendly Utah, lightning and rain, Lehman Caves, a pleasant but long drive, Larry and I spend the day swapping lies about our travels.

Evening of the 15th. Lincoln, Nebraska and we stay at Joe Carberry's and friends. Several good games of Wooden Ships & Iron Men (including one where my Bonhomme Richard was boarded and taken in 6 turns by the Serapis). Played a game of Ardennes Campaign, losing as the allies in record time. Joe made some interesting points. He felt the hobby needed more exposure (T.V. etc.) before it would really take off. Joe feels that the hobby is not immature, but it has elements of immaturity best expressed by those who are constantly involved with rule hassles and "whinism" (otherwise known as the churchill disease" Andrew Smith) e.g. "I've got to win" syndrome. Joe feels that SPI makes the best simulations on the market and that Avalon Hill is not as innovative ...

More Cathedrals

Cathedrals of Wargaming: Introduction
Cathedrals of Wargaming: Game Designers' Workshop
Cathedrals of Wargaming: Avalon Hill
Cathedrals of Wargaming: SPI
Cathedrals of Wargaming: On the Road to Origins
Cathedrals of Wargaming: Joe Seliga and Steve Peek
Cathedrals of Wargaming: Taurus Games
Cathedrals of Wargaming: Postscript