Once again this coming year there will be a HOT (Historicals at Origins Team) program at Origins, July 5-8, 2001 in Columbus. I'm acting as event coordinator and want to get the word out to as many gamemasters and HMGS members as possible. So, please, pass this along to any who might be interested!

HOT is a cooperative program between Origins and HMGS to increase the number of historical miniatures games and players. Over the years, Origins has ceased to be a "pure" wargaming convention. However, a lot of wargaming still takes place, and the convention is a prime time for recruitment. There are a lot of people there who are already in the mood to try new games and are already a part of the gaming culture. In other words, they are our target market. Plus, the convention is a lot of fun for veterans. I think a lot of HMGS members are like me, they like to play Historicals, but they also enjoy other types of games. Heck, I even own a couple Magic decks (ducks to avoid the mud flinging). Origins is a great place to revel in gaming as a united hobby!

HOT provides several benefits to HMGS members beyond its value as a recruiting tool. Gamemasters are treated generously by Origins concerning admission, we are provided with a booth on the miniatures floor which makes for a fine "gathering point" and headquarters for HMGS members, a HOT ribbon is available to allow one to play in all HOT games, and we have a established a "no canceled games" policy. If a gamemaster, Lord forbid, is a no show, we will have a back-up gamemaster and scenario ready to go, waiting in the wings, so that no one who registers for a HOT game goes away without having a chance to play.

HOT Game Masters can get some or all of their admission to the convention by choosing from one of several options :

1. One Day GM - Run one Event = Free One-day Origins badge*
2. Multiple Day GM - Run two events plus two hours at HOT desk = Free 4-day badge.
3. Three Event GM - Free 4-day badge and a HOT Ribbon (unlimited HOT gaming).
4. Multitude Event GM - Certain GMs may qualify for a Free Hotel room for multiple large events.

NOTE: Events are defined as "24 player-hours" (6 player/4 hour, or 4 player/6 hour minimum each, etc.) Appropriate badges will be set aside for designated HOT GMs who preregister. New HOT GMs and prior "no-show" GMs will need to pay in advance and receive a refund after they have completed their events.

Gamemasters may run any system or game they want provided it is a miniatures game with a historical context. For Origins, we are a little looser in definitions then for many HMGS games. Because we are trying to entice new players from other parts of the gaming hobby, some flexibility is possible here. Don't be afraid to be creative! Of course, we would like as wide a variety of time periods and styles as possible.

The ORIGINS 2001 deadline for event submission is Dec. 15, 2000. To register your event, e-mail me at: westermeyer.3@osu.edu. Or you can send it to: Paul Westermeyer, 6819 Gafford Dr., Columbus, OH 43229. For mail-in submissions, please get them to me by Dec. 10 to insure you beat the deadline. It is easier to cancel an event than it is to enter one after the book is printed.