Our gaming group voted to go to LITTLE WARS in 1996 as our annual "boys weekend out." We also have annual "boys movie and BBQ nights", "boys paintball pounding day" and numerous other excuses for happy comradeship. But that's another topic. Back to LITTLE WARS '96!

In November, we committed to attend LITTLE WARS, and two of us contact Jeff Hammerlund with offers to run events. I would run Edgehill ECW and Dick Hurchanik would run FIRE & FURY ACW. We dully got GM forms, filled them out, and returned them. The dates were posted in my basement wall where we meet.

January and February came and go, and we have heard nothing from LITTLE WARS staff. Meanwhile, the comrades have each received a program for COLD WARS, attended the previous year, and are getting nervous. "Haven't you called?" Yes, three times and left messages." "What should we expect?" "To have fun and roll with the punches." "This could be a big mistake" - if so, we'll go to COLD WARS in '97.

So with some misgivings over the lack of convention size and content, five of our gaming group left for Chicago early that Friday morning. We had lost Tim Olson to family illness and Dick Hurchanik, along with his excellent ACW scenario, to civil unrest on the domestic front.

Questions? What Questions?

All questions about LITTLE WARS were forgotten as we chatted our way to the Ramada O'Hara and checked into the hotel and LITTLE WARS Convention. We felt the hotel was even better than the Lancaster Resort, and that's saying a lot. The convention registration was much easier and our fears of delays, confusion, and frustration, quickly faded as we had a friendly checking and nay questions answered. Jeff Hammerlund and Harold Johnson were there to address any problems. The blue program book was more than helpful. It confirmed that we had made a good choice.

From there we started gaming. That afternoon and evening, we played in Heartbreaker's "Warzone", then a tractor factory fight in Stalingrad using ASL rules, and a Western Gunfight. During free moments, we stepped into the adjacent room to purchase "goodies" from the dealers, then back into the fray we stepped.

Saturday I ran Edgehill, while others played in WWII SPEARHEAD events and a bit of role-playing with Spring Revel, also offered that weekend. I managed to find a good home for some 25mm figures I brought along to sell. May George have as much fun with them as I did. My ECW events went well, and I finished the night in a Necromunda game. My street gang endured a deadly gang crossfire to seize "loot~, enhancing our prestige. I ask you, is this fantasy?

After church on Sunday morning, we found ourselves in the Russian Civil War. Greg Novak and Frank Chadwick hosted this colorful scenario using COMMAND DECISION III rules. The single fire phase really impacts the effect of firepower in contrast to the earlier accumulating damage of several fire phases. Resolved, never assault unpinned troops across open terrain unless you are willing to sacrifice said assault troops. One of a number of clever twists in this scenario called for some variable troop ratings. The red women's battalion defending "Gettysgrad" turned out to be the only "elite" formation on the reds side. These Marxist women with guns proceed to beat off assaults and shoot and kick the stuffings out of the "whites."

The cossack commander also had fun pillaging in the background. All who played CDIII really liked the changes and encouraged Greg and Frank in their efforts to streamline the game mechanics.

By the 2:30pm end of this game, the convention was clearly winding down with many dealers packing up and empty game tables appearing for the first time. We said our goodbyes and loaded our van for the trip home. We all enjoyed LITTLE WARS convention and were satisfied that there was far more offered than we could possibly play in. There was a friendly, relaxed atmosphere throughout. The gamers in every event I was in, or ran, were good sports there to have fun.

The events were many and varied. A few were simple layouts. Most were visually great, showing hard work in the event planning. There was a large DBM tournament, numerous naval and aerial games. I regret not finding time to play in a beautiful HOSTILE AIRCRAFT WWI dogfight. Surely I am forgetting someone's efforts. Sorry, but as I said, there was more offered than one could take in.

I heard that the dealer's room is already filled for LITTLE WARS '97 next April 3-6th, 1997. On the down side, there was talk that no fantasy or Science Fiction games would be allowed next year. I hope this was false. The opportunity to try something different, to see another gamer's hard efforts, or play in a favored setting should all be offered, if possible. This hobby isn't big enough for exclusion. Closing out gaming categories doesn't serve the gamer.

Our group will probably vote to return to LITTLE WARS '97. I expect we will bring more gamers with us and run more events. This may be the best way to say thanks to Jeff, Howard, and staff for a great job and convention. Thanks!

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