FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE FiGHTs-SORDID TALES OF STRANGE PEOPLE DOING BIZARRE THINGS, OBTUSE ABERRANT BEHAVIOR, MEN IN THE SHEETS, INFIDELITY, STARVING, STARVING CHILDREN, COMPULSIVE COLLECTING AND OTHER SAD DOINGS, LEAD POISONING, WASTED LIVES, AND WORSE--THE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF HOW IT ALL BEGAN.
It all started when they shelled my coach. This was the original EE&L group that played with Jean's old 30mms. This was also when my collection was at the high point of my big armies. I had completed the entire 1812 Westphalian corps in 25mm Minifigs at 20 to 1 (95% of those little metal guys have since gone on permanent vacation in Florida). Following the trend of the gamers I'd first started playing with when I still lived in upstate NY, I had developed my gaming persona of der Konig Westphalia (or "the Merry Monarch," as it seemed to match me and I had a fondness for that army in general. The uniforms were neat, they were fairly enlightened, and had a decent reputation).
Minifigs had a great touring coach with the top down, nice standing and sitting generals, a table with wine bottles, etc., and some chairs. Well, I was soon set to go after some quick painting (I had a lot more free time then-sigh). Jerome was seen everywhere, on foot, on charger, in the carriage, and having a good time at the table--inspiring all by his noble and fearless bearing (or maybe just by his capacity for partying).
At this time, the 30s led one to a certain manner of playing that at its worse was represented by the Old rules of Column, Line, and Square (or "Column, Line, and Slaughter" as it was familiarly known). As historically accurate rules were barely in their infancy, these formations used were the ones in the title. Artillery was allowed to sight anywhere and the CIC had the vision and knowledge of an Olympian god.
I don't remember which weasel did it but all of a sudden a howitzer pattern appeared over the table I had just vacated and it went up with a roar, luckily the wine bottle was empty. The howitzer followed me as I rode out of range. This happened quite frequently after that.
I started doing the cartoons that became Friday Might in response to that traumatic bit of treachery. The hand that draws controls the flow of Truth (as I see it). Friday night came about from a group vote. "Hey, we gotta get a life, and gaming on Saturday night just doesn't make it. After all, our wives have enough reasons to beat us already." Due to to his behavior and natural inclinations, Marc became the King of the Huns--the White Menace and his lackeys. I needed some supportive staff, so I imported my sidekick, the Baron, who is the remote ancestor of a famous comic cat. Of course, you should know that I pride myself on sticking with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth as I see it, and, bearing that in mind, you can always feel assured that Friday Night at the Fights only illustrates the realities of the EE&L gaming experience.
Yes, an Austrian charge will always stop if a flock of sheep is in the way, and if the wind is blowing in your direction you can smell the schnapps and the Plum Slivowitz (or whatever) for a least a couple of miles. And whatever else you root for, remember my rallying cry: Restore der Konig Westphalia!
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