This year, Origins will be better than ever for those who enjoy historical miniatures -- especially so for HMGS Great Lakes members. This year, GL members can take advantage of a special club discount to enjoy the more than 300 historical games scheduled so far (plus more historical dealers than ever).

The highlights of Great Lakes' special club deal:

• PRE-REGISTER for a 5-day badge for only $20!
• No waiting in line to pick up your badge -- just come to the Miniatures Headquarters to pick it up.
• 10% off all Origins merchandise.
• Meet convention special guests at a "Clubs only" reception.

The $20 pre-registration deal is special for Great Lakes (and NASAMW) only -- the other clubs all have to pay the full $45 up front and get reimbursed at the show. In recognition of the effort GL game masters and members put forth to support Origins, we pay only $20 on pre-registration. You have to follow the steps below, though, to get this deal.

• 1. Go to: www.originsgames.com/Miscfiles/Attendee/Attendee_Pre-reg_Form.pdf and print off the form (or use the one on page 11).
• 2. Mark it "HMGS Club Rate," fill it out, and mail it in BY May 25 (if you don't preregister by then, you will have to pay the full $45 -- no discount).
• 3. Inform either me or Mike Demana that you have done this, so we can have your name on the official Great Lakes list. If you receive a reply from Origins with your badge number, please send us this, as well. Contact me at 29715 Carolina Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516. (574) 295-9962, or e-mail: sven_46516@msn.com.
• 4. Come to the Miniatures Headquarters to pick up your badge, and while there, why not sign up to help us at the desk for two hours?

That's it!

Origins is the biggest gaming convention on the planet, and with the number of historical games this year, one of the biggest gatherings of historical games and players on the planet, too! And it's right in our back yard! Since HMGS Great Lakes is the "Host Organization" for the historical miniatures events area, we have an opportunity to show the gaming world what a first class outfit Great Lakes really is. With around 300 members in the area, we should have no problem having the largest club presence there.

This show is good for our chapter -- it's a great recruiting platform. With the extra benefits we're getting, it's a great deal for our members, too (just another benefit that goes along with being a member). So, make your plans to attend now, and get your info in to us as soon as you can! If you have any questions, send a line to Mike or myself. And don't forget to get a HOT Ribbon when you register! See you at Origins!

Origins 2004: Why You Want to Attend

by Mike Demana

To start with, I can think of 35 great reasons you should come to Origins this summer and play in its excellent slate of historical miniatures events. Thirty-five is the number of Great Lakes members running games there. That's right...so far, 35 of your fellow members are hosting events at Origins, June 24-27, in the spacious Columbus Convention Center.

Want a flavor of what will be offered up (for a mere $20)?

• Enough naval games to, well, sink a ship! Starting with Ancient galley battles from Terry Hollern and Jack Shaw, up through Medieval cannons and crossbows from Rich Smethurst and Mike Czar, blowing through the Age of Sail with Gregg Pittenger and Phillip Allar, clanking along with ironclads and Todd Smith to a huge variety of WW II Naval with Tom Bryant and Dennis Schroder.
• Ancient Tournaments to hone your competitive edge! There are three DBA tournaments from Jim Williams, Terry Hollern and Mike Demana, a two-day DBM one from Rich Hartley, and even a HOTT one from Steve Sattler. For non-tourney sword play, join Victor Hiris and Jeff Russ in Medieval Europe.
• An intricate pattern of "Lace Wars" and "Horse & Musket" events! Join Marlborough in Europe with Pat Condray, or Frederick the Great with Jim Williams or David Doty's & Rich Masse's massive Leuthen game. Creep through Indian-haunted forests with Tusk Stevens or order charges on the Napoleonic battlefields of John Scoville, Brad Ruppel and Ted Bender.
• A Cracking array of Rifle Wars games to make you duck! Whether its Brother Against Brother from John Pittenger, or the Sikh War ferocity of Ray Garbee, or the take-no-prisoners Colonials of Derek Johns, Nick Gillispie and the West's Eric Adamaszek, you'll hear plenty of lead flying.
• Of course, a Tank-full of WW II and modern events! GL's biggest WW II fan, Mike Reese, will be joined by George Koncar and Curtis Ashley presenting the total warfare of the 20th Century, while James Morrison takes you to Vietnam and its own horrors.
• A fanfare of aerial games to get your spirit soaring! Beginning with the canvas and wood of WW I, you can fly loops with Rich Schirtzinger and George Koncar, or dogfight through WW II with James Morrison.
• Plus, famous authors presenting their own games! Phil Viverito of "Hack" rules will stage the Siege of Troy, Frank Chadwick will set up Guagemela, Chris Palmer will present GASLIGHT, Larry Bond will fire off Harpoon games and Richard Borg, hex-based Command & Colours. Of course, Pete Panzeri will stage his own specatcles of the Alamo, Little Big Horn and Iraq's "Ghazlani."

Form