Courier Dispatch

Dogs of War Run Wild
at HAVOC XVII

By Pete English

On April 28th and 29th, Battlegroup Boston sponsored its 17th annual historical miniatures game convention, HAVOC. The show was held at the former Fort Devens in Ayer, MA. Over 260 gamers attended the convention, coming from as far away as Maryland. 10 dealers were on site, with several tournaments and over 100 games played over a 2-day period. The Courier staff, game clubs from all over New England and New York came to give support by running events. There was even media coverage with a reporter and photographer from a local newspaper.

All historical periods were played from ancients to a near future Russian Federation civil war game. Several sci-fi and fantasy games were also seen, including Warhammer and Warhammer 40k tournaments. One of my favorites was a WWII Battlefront game by Mark Brown, “Breakthrough at Kursk”, with a hand carved Soviet trench system. A 25mm Samurai skirmish game by Peter Mancini and an Indian Mutiny game were also a pleasure to view.

Battlegroup Boston awards a best of show award each year, “The Dave”. It is for the game that brings out all the best aspects of miniature wargaming. This year’s award went to Bob Rodgers and Don Miller of The Northern Conspiracy; a New Hampshire based gaming club, for “The Epic Siege of Alesia”. Played on a 12’ by 12’ table with over 2,000 15mm figures. One GM was in a hole the center of the table, while the other assisted players on the outside of the siege works. This game combined both visually striking scenery and a good set of rules; keeping the players excited and engaged. All these factors made the re-fight for the control of Gaul in 58BC, the winner for this year.

If a convention’s success can be measured by the number of smiles on people’s faces as the left, HAVOC XVII was a great convention. I would like to thank all of those who helped with staffing, running games, dealers and attendees. Without all of you, we wouldn’t have a convention. As one person said “This is so much fun, let’s do it again next year”. HAVOC XVIII will be held in April 2002, look to The Courier for information.

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