The world is full of .. well, interesting people. I'd like to share with you a note we received in the mail recently.

I don't think mainstream wargames include Cybernaut computer trash, space exploration, climbing mts or Doing post office games I might pickup #12 But not Foxone card garbage maybe Peace in our time I am quite sure this mag will die on the vine in I more year." (sic passim)

The note was unsigned, sent to us on our own busines's reply card. The only thing we know is that this person lives in or around Lafayette, Indiana.

I never quite know how to react to communications like this one. It's one thing to just try to ignore them and go on, but the truth is they always bother me. Usually, when I read unconstructive criticism of our work here at CE, I just go outside and smoke a cigar; or, if it really gets to me, I take a five?mile walk. This particular letter had a completely different effect: I laughed my ass off.

Little does this fellow know, but he has become the hurt of many jokes around the office; and, what's more, we've given him a name: Little Richard.

Now you can infer as many double meanings from that name as you want-?it has several, and we mean every one of them. Little Richard is obviously unaware that wargamers as a group are rapidly becoming the most poorly regarded and laughed at group of gainers around, and he is the epitome of the reason. I don't want to imply that all wargamers are like Little Rich. I'm a wargamer myself, and I know and deal with many others every day who have responsible jobs, go out with attractive women, and have nice cars. They're good people.

But I am also a gamer. In other words, I just plain like to play games. Any games. Poor Little Richard obviously doesn't. He wants hexes and Counters, ranks and infantry, combat and movement factors, and nothing else will suffice. And if Little Richard doesn't get it, he sends illiterate letters at other people's expense. Little Richard is a sad case indeed. I hope that he's not related to the Unabomber.

Unfortunately, he's not unique. I know several people right here in my home town who have a very similar attitude. They regard people who play any other kind of game (than the ones they like), especially role playing games, as some sort of lower lifeform.

That's a true statement, and I don't think a sadder one can be made. These poor fellows don't get to play much. No one wants to be around them. By building themselves a false sense of superiority, they've alienated themselves from the greater gaming Population. They get no respect for what might be a formidable skill at gaming; instead they become the butt of a never-ending stream of jokes.

The truth is, Little Richard needs help. Perhaps a visit to the doctor, a new hobby, or even a first sexual experience may help.

Although this editorial is likely to get me a "Little Mac Award," I in no way want to discourage Little Richard from buying more copies of CE and sending along his thoughts?-no matter how few he may have or how illiterately he may express them. After all, as long as he's buying the magazine (and therefore sending us money), he can say anything he wants to me. I'll even pay the postage.

BATTLECHROME: FIRE & STEEL

The design for BF&S was created with special criteria in mind. The game had to function entirely on the counters. We wanted a game that people could take to the park once they knew the rules, and just play with only the map and counters between them. That was a challenge indeed. What we ended up with is, in our view, a successful attainment of the design goal. Once players memorize what each symbol represents, they'll be able to play the game anywhere with a minimum of effort.

DER KESSEL

Der Kessel is a solitaire game of the German Sixth Army's struggle to escape from Stalingrad. The game takes a novel approach to the situation, and should reward players amply for their time.