As I was reading the LW 100 (nostalgia time) I suddenly became curious. Who are all the Lone Warriors out there? What are they like and why are they members of SWA. I had visions of scores of strange reclusive figures hunched over sand tables, only lowering the drawbridges to their castles after dark, and shuffling off to the post box with more orders for figures and books. But then I thought "Hang about, does that include me?" So I decided to reveal my case history to you and see how that compares to the rest of you LWs out there.
I wargame using figures, either plastics (I still have my Airfix Romans, Arabs and Ancient Britons), cast your own 25mm metal or 6mm. I prefer the nice simple rules, such as DBA. I am pleased to read that members are using them. How about letting others know about any local variants you use. I also like the various "Rule boxes" produced by Irregular Miniatures. I have found this firm very helpful, friendly and efficient with a vast range of figures, both in 6mm and other scales. The main problem is the temptation to start yet another period, after all it'll only cost a tenner won't it?
I run a couple of role playing games, one a very free form science fiction campaign, the other based on "Space 1889". Unfortunately this game is now out of production, but it now if your are interested. There are two board games and two sets of wargames rules, with loads of campaign ideas all useable separately but with the same background and useable with the role playing game. Well worth a look. I happily include board games as another aspect of the gaming scene, both board wargames and more general board games. An old pocket game of starship combat called "Starfire" is a perennial favourite. I don't suppose anyone has a copy of the second edition they would like to dispose of? I've been trying to get hold of a copy for years.
Computer games get a look in too both strategy games and the occasional arcade game for light relief. I have also done some work on using my computer for game assistance, e.g. random terrain generation, book keeping etc. I haven't tried any of the commercial computer rules packages, but I don't think any are available for my computer.
I love actually visiting historical sites, castles, battlefields and the like. I haven't gone so far as getting involved in the re-enactment societies or the like though. I also enjoy the various wargames conventions, although as you might guess I prefer the small friendly ones. The demonstration games inspire me to try something else and there is a rare opportunity to actually see things before buying them. Incidentally are there any shops selling wargames goods outside London, other than those selling roleplaying material? "Fisticuffs" in Weymouth is a convention I can combine with a visit to family and is the home of Peter Pig so it is at the top of my list. It has the obligatory competition games too but they are safely hidden in a separate room.
So does all this prove anything about Lone Warriors? I'll play most types of games in most types of format, but only if they are fun. Presumably most people play for fun, it's just peoples measurement of fun differs, I don't play solo exclusively or even for the majority of the time. If I am playing a live opponent I like to win but the enjoyment is the important thing. That's probably why I don't belong to either of the relatively local clubs.
The last time I had much to do with them they were competitively orientated. There were a number of accepted periods, rules and figures. I found it very difficult to break into any of the cliques or advance any of my own ideas. Overall then I think the keywords for me are simplicity, variety, innovation and good company. The last seems a little strange for an LW. Perhaps its just the title that misleading. After all a title like "Independent Wargamers Association" or "Society for Enjoyment of Wargames" is a little pretentious n'est pas? When it comes down to it the game not the name is important.
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