At Fall-In, I had the distinct pleasure of spending the better part of an hour or so talking to the Guest of Honor: Stuart Asquith, editor in chief of the UK-based magazines, Practical Wargamer and Regiment, and author of more than a few books. He had crossed the pond to take in a view of US wargaming and deliver a few seminars. No doubt we'll see some of his impressions in Practical Wargamer. Oddly enough, he had been in the US a few weeks before the Fall-In convention doing some rounds of Marine Corp bases for Regiment magazine.
We chatted about his trip with the Marines, he offered several witty observations about the similarities and differences of conventions and, of course, of wargamers, spoke upon a variety of sightseeing in and out of Gettysburg, talked about electronic media and connections, and exchanged few odds and ends about historical periods. It was obvious: Stuart-mania had come to the US! And, for me, it was all by fortunate chance. I was wandering through the gaming hall in the main building, and just happened to catch sight of his nametag. He was watching a DB battle his friend was fighting (and ultimately winning), so I introduced myself. All in all, just a relaxed and pleasant conversation between a couple of wargamers.
And that is the remarkable aspect about meeting a wargamer for the first time--a sort of gentlemanly comradery. Or maybe it should be the least remarkable aspect. Sure, you'll occasionally run into a self-absorbed know-it-all, but by and large, I find the vast majority of wargamers to be bright, personable, and interesting to talk to. For example, Stephen Finley came to the show all the way from Australia and we spent an enjoyable 10-15 minutes chatting about the hobby.
And this continues into the pages of magazines and newsletters as well, especially in something like a letters section. How many times have you seen a short letter asking for uniform colors, unit numbers, or other research help, and then an issue or two later, find an answering letter with all or part of the information, or at least a reference to a book, magazine, or other resource?
It happens quite a bit because of the wide variety of reader knowledge and the willingness to assist a fellow wargamer. And letters, unlike articles, are less formal and can be written fairly quickly in a conversational tone. Sure, you'll get an occasional rant and rave, or perhaps a picked nit that's turned into a snit. But pull out the last few issues of MWAN or any other magazine and read back over the letters. I believe you'll find more information than invective.
So if you read a letter asking for information, or need info yourself, or just want to provide some feedback to an article, put pen to paper--or more likely electrons to screen--and send your favorite magazine or newsletter a letter-to-the-editor.
Other convention notes:
Lest you think I've completely succumbed to Stuart-mania, I spoke to several other publishers who are as amiable in real life as they are in their publications.
I spoke to Richard Brooks of the Heliograph--he's doing well and expanded the page amount to include a commendable number of Spanish-American War photos. His e-mail is: brooks@saludasc.com for more information. let me assure you Richard is
Ivor Janci was showing the upcoming Zouave. It's been a while between #1 and this new #2 issue under Ivor, but do see what a professional graphics/designer can do with color and layout. I also met Franci, who was attending her first Fall-In.
I spoke to Jerry Daub of the Imperial German Military Collectors Assn, who is trying to promote Kaiserzeit, which looks to be a World War I era quarterly journal. Consider this a plug: ($15 per year US, IGMCA, 82 Atlantic St. Keyport, NJ 07735).
Bob Jones and Jeff Valent of Piquet Dispatch continue the successful run of Piquet. The piles of Piquet product sure looked depleted by the time I got there. They're having a real good year. A sci-fi and fantasy version is coming soon.
I picked up a number of back issues of magazines at the flea market, primarily for MagWeb archives. One of the best purchases I made was a collection of 42 old Volume I Empires Eagles and Lions (some reprints). The oldest one was #7 from 1976. Jean Lochet and his group of history buff/gamers produced these on a typewriter, and if they are real hard to read, they also contain considerable information. These early issues are completely unscannable, and so will have to be retyped.
As a followup to the last Wargame Magazine Review, the article about MagWeb appeared in the Courier News (NJ) newspaper and I was very pleased with it. The reporter had taken the time and effort to explain the company's goals in uniting and promoting a coalition of military history and gaming magazines as well as boosting interest in military history. I was even pleased with the photo. This broadening of the reach of military history in general, and history and gaming publications in specific can only help expand the base of the hobby and bring in those new recruits that we so often talk about.
And finally, I'd like to thank Hal for his kind words in MWAN #95 editorial (p.8) about my magazine ratings scheme and its impact. If it has helped readers find a particular magazine, or inspired a publisher to add a little more, then the column's done its job and will continue to do so.
As always, if you need to reach me: 161 Lambertville-HQ Rd., Stockton, NJ 08559, ph: 609-397-4265, e-mail: lockwood@magweb.com, Web site: http://www.magweb.com
As before, each rating: PQ (Physical Quality of layout, print quality, and use of graphics), WR (Wit Rating or quality of writing and sustainable interest level), and IR (Inspiration Rating or creativity of ideas and reference value) comes with a grade (A, B, C, D, F). And now, onto the magazines...
Abanderado -- Vol. 3 No. 4; 24pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ B, WR A, IR A; Rolfe Hedges, 32 Linnet Mews, Balham, London SW12 8JE, E-mail: Rolfscw@aol.com; 5 British pounds per year (UK), 6.50 pounds (Europe), 8.5 pounds (rest of world); quarterly. This well-received UK publication covers the Spanish Civil War with aplomb. Articles in v3n4 include: Ship Colours of the Major Powers, SCW Naval Wargaming Part 2, Carlist Military Organization, Soluthurn 20mm Anti-Tank Rifle, Italian CV3/33 Photos of Flame Thrower Tank,
Basing Wargame Figures for the SCW Tips and techniques for creating realistic terrain on the bases, Review of 15mm/20mm model trees from Realistic Modelling Service, Spanish Civil War News,
SCW Books on the Internet, 15mm Model News, letters, and other information.
Age of Napoleon -- #27,28; 48pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ 08525; $36 per year, bimonthly. Congratulations to Partizan Press for putting out several issues in a row on time and with extra colour pizazz--in part because they are reaching into newstands and bookstores. Here, here!
#27: This has an Irish taste to it. 1798 Irish Rebellion, Sea Fencibles, irish in Scots Regts., Robert Craufurd and the Irish Problem, and also Lines of Torres Vedras, reviews, and more.
#28: Battle of Peschiera 1796, Storming of Badajoz, nifty Sharpe's Weapons in colour, Quatre Bras 1815, Liberation of Malta re-enactment, 1798 French invasion of British Isles, reviews, and more.
Clash of Empires -- #3/4; 48pgs.; 8.5x5.5"; PQ B, WR A, IR A; Keith Frye, 33 Ridge Rd., Bloomingdale, NJ 07403, $12 per year, quarterly ($14.50 Canada). The improved CoE has articles on: Prussian infantry 1870-71, History of the French Army 1816-1848, Paris 1848 (Revolution), Roman Republican Army 1849 OOB, French Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 1849 OOB, Part II, Kingdom of Naples Uniform Guide.
The Courier -- #74; 64pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; PO Box 1878, Brockton, MA 02403; $19 quarterly ($34 for 2 years, $45 for 3 years). Well, it was almost a year between issues as Dick Bryant switched publishing companies, reorganized DTP software, and put the Courier house in order, but it was well worth the wait. William "Valmy to Waterloo" Keyser is doing the photography now as well. Articles include: Introduction to WWI Air Gaming in Miniature, Three Scenarios for Flanders 1303-1304, painting Jacobite Armies, Beer&Pretzel Napoleonic Rules, and a clever little piece on awarding a medal (unit citation, etc) to a unit that did particularly well on the tabletop battlefield. Plus the usual extensive reviews and news.
Cry Havoc -- #23 24pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; David W. Tschanz, 7862 W. Irlo Bronson Hwy. #188, Kissimmee, FL 34747. Quarterly, $25 per year hard copy, $10 in electronic PDF form. cryhavoc@iname.com That's right. If you want the printed version of the magazine, it's $25, but a PDF version is $10. Excellent magazine. #23 includes articles on Benedict Arnold: The Traitor that Saved America biography continued with sidebars: Viper in the Nest: Benjamin Church, and the Cannons of Ticonderoga and Crown Point; A Visit to Fort Ticonderoga Circa 1840; The Mongol Empire Population Change in Medieval Eurasia by James Dunnigan; The Bonus Army of 1932 MacArthur Rescues Hoover, Smallpox and the American Revolution as George Washington confronts the disease;
and news from around the world.
El Dorado; Vol. VIII #3; 54pgs.; 8.5x5.5"; PQ B, WR A, IR A; South and Central American Military Historians Society, 27 Hallgate, Cottingham, E. Yorkshire HU16 4DN, UK (US: Paul Walsh, 3412 Huey Ave., Drexel Hill, PA 19026); 6.75 pounds (UK), 7.50 pounds (Europe), $25 (US) per year, quarterly. Latin American Navies 1936, Royalist Troops in America 1814-1817, Imperial Brazilian Uniforms During the War of the Triple Alliance Part 6 of C.A. Norman's excellent series examinations of circa 1865-1870 Brazilian uniforms, Bolivian-Brazilian Acre War 1895-1903, Profile of San Domingo's naval gunboats. Dominican Coast Guard WWII TO&E, Paraguayan Naval Action 1810, Tiwinza 1995 Cenepa River Valley War between Ecuador and Peru, Italian Legion of Argentina 1852-53,
27th September 1821, Army of the Three Guarantees OOB, Colt Thompson Submachine Gun Exports to Latin America, US Troops Stationed Along Mexican Border Part 2, Stephen Austins' Plan to Capture Mexico City, Virreynato del Rio de la Plata 1801-1807 Uniform Guide, Batallon Florida 1866, and other articles are included.
English Civil War Times -- #54; 40pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ 08525; $42 per year, bimonthly. Another superb issue: Flags of infantry regts, Sir Thomas Fairfax, Battle of Sherburn 1645, Irish troops for the Rotalists, Philip Skippon, maneuvers prior to Marston Moor, re-enctor's Musket Drill, and more.
First Empire -- #42, #43; 40pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ 08525; $42 per year, bimonthly. Another couple excellent Napoleonic issues.
#43: Superb "Unfortunate General Thierry" about an Austrian Brigade Commander at the Battle of Abensberg April 1809, Battle of La Rothiere (1 February 1814), Prussian Campaign in Belgium 1815
Part I, Monument to Lord Hill, profile of Marshal Nicolas Jean De Dieu Soult, "Oh No! Not Another Terrain Construction Feature" -- 14-step terrain building program, nift debate on
"Did Wellington Really Deceive the Prussians at Brye on 16th June 1815?" plu sthe usual mix of reviers, news, and other interesting tidbits.
#42: The Siege of Ciudad Rodrigo part 3, Battle of Pultusk 1806, Siege of Kufstein (Tyrolean fortress) 1809, Black Watch at Corunna, Battle of Saalfeld (10 October 1806), tabletop Battle of Durnstein (11 November 1805), Friendly Fire at Waterloo, profile of Marshal Grouchy, profile of Jan Sczulz (Polish Lancer's record from cadet to captaincy), Memoirs of British Napoleonic Soldiers, Instructions for Prussian Officers Truce of 1813 delivered by King Frederick William, and reviews, news, and other articles.
Frontline -- Vol. 1 No. 1; 24pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ B, WR A, IR A; Rolfe Hedges, 32 Linnet Mews, Balham, London SW12 8JE, E-mail: Rolfscw@aol.com; 5 British pounds per year (UK), 7 pounds (Europe), 9 pounds (rest of world); 3 times a year. This is a new magazine from the UK designed to tackle all periods of history and gaming. Articles include Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias The Cubans in Angola, profile of The Chindits Allied guerrilla force in WWII Burma Part One, Picture Gallery of 1940 British Tanks, Greek Units 1940 Infantry, Cavalry, and Motorized division TO&E, Basing Wargame Figures Tips and techniques for making stands come alive, Clear Day in a Central Eurasian Republic Hypothetical Ultra Modern Wargame scenario, Promise, El Dorado A Wild West Campaign. Part One, Operational Art of War Computer Game Review, 1/72 Plastics Figure Review, The Bulletin Hobby News, and other articles.
The Gauntlet--#13; 100pgs; 5.5x8.5"; PQ B, WR B, IR A; Craig Martelle, 1203 English Bluff Ct., Brandon, FL 33511; $20 (4 issues), $30 for overseas customers (U.S. military FPO excluded); quarterly. Loads of miniature wargaming articles include Renaissance Mini campaign, Wargamer's Guide to the Korean war, Northern Russia 1919 scenario, Von Flashman IV, battle of Carency 1915, Volkhov Bridgehead 1941, Vietnam Solo Rules, and much much more.
The General--Vol. 32 #3; 64 pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A/D; Avalon Hill, 4517 Harford Rd., Baltimore, MD 21214; $18 per year (2 years $29)
#3: Talk about Prophetic...The headline to the editorial (AH Philosophy) asks: "Who Needs a Game Company?" Evidently, not Hasbro. Who knows what will happen to The General. Looks like curtains...but before it goes, this issue features a US Civil War theme with the usual mix of AH game strategy articles. ZOC is in this issue with several reviews: Rossyia 1917, Sam Grant, Leuthen (Battle from the Age of Reason).
Greenhill Military Book News -- 32 pgs.; 5.5"x8.5"; PQ C, WR C, IR A/C; Greenhill Books/Lionel Leventhal Ltd Park House, 1 Russell Gardens London NW11 9NN United Kingdom e-mail: LionelLeventhal@compuserve.com; $9 per year, published about 7 times a year #86 and #87 feature the usual Greenhill Book News covering the release of military history books on a wide array of topics, and sometimes the magazine include excerpts.
The Heliograph #108; 48pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ B, WR B, IR A; Richard Brooks, Rte 6 Box 771, Saluda, SC 29138, USA, E-mail: brooks@saludasc.com ; $12 per 6 issues ($15 Canada, 15 pounds for Europe) Some tips for those who want to write rules for Darkest Africa; Darkest Africa A Brief Wargames Guide; a pair of Swazi Photographs; MagWeb Reaches 50-Magazine Milestone; Constructing a Sidewheeler Ship Plans and Instructions for do-it-yourselfers; French Colonial Ships a trio of illustrations, Gunboat Illustrations: Seven illustrations of gunboats and ship actions; and River Vessal Rules for Soldier's Companion Miniatures rules for colonial-era river actions.
HMGS Dispatch -- Sept 1998, Oct 1998; 40pgs.; 5.5x8.5"; PQ C, WR B, IR A; HMGS Mid-South, 101 Taylor Rd., Estill Springs, TN 37330; $10 per year (US) monthly. Oct 1998: The newsletter offers scenarios, news, reviews of things miniature and historical. This issue include a CD3 scenario/battle report, The Characteristics of Scale Differentation, Saving Private Ryan essay, reviews of Old Glory and other miniatures, regional news, letters, and more.
Sept 1998: Historicon 1998 Convention report, Historicon 1998 and Buck's Vacation, Another and a Nashcon 1998 Convention photo report. Plus news, letters, and more.
The Journal -- #29; 90pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ B, WR B, IR A; Jim Webster, Sect., Page bank, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA13 0QT : In US Canada : Chris Scruton 1225 la Salle Ave., Apt 701, Minneapolis, MN 55043; $50 US per year for 5 issues.
The Society of 20th Century Wargamers just patched up the US distribution, so readers on this side of the pond can start to receive the issues regularly. As the name says, this is all 20th century information, with a number of review of model kits and 20mm figures. Good article on Operation SeaLion German assault craft, Spearhead org for Hungarian 1st Armoured Div 1943, the British Home Guard of WWII, Anzio 1944 scenario, RAF Typhoons profile, missile boats in Arab Israeli wars, just about everyting you wanted to know about M4 Sherman designs, German Army 1995 small unit organization, and more.
Knights Round Table -- #3; 12pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ C, WR B, IR A; Chris Parker, editor All About Games, PO Box 1201, Plaistow, NH 03865 USA, E-mail: ceparker@javanet.com.
Special 1st Crusades Day of Battle Section includes historical Overview of the 1st Crusade, 1st Crusade Introduction, Day Of Battle Rules Modifications, New rules for DOB, 1st Crusade Unit Charts, and Terrain Chart.
Lone Warrior -- #123, #124 (North American edition); 40pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR B, IR A; Solo Wargamers Assn., 1707 Ridge Rd., Levenworth, KS 66048; $20 per year (US), $25 (Canada), quarterly. #124: The always enlightening magazine specializing in Solo Gaming has articles covering: Solo Campaigns, San Juan Hill scenario, solo Samurai, a Featherstone article on Commandos, the final report on the Volci campaign, Colonial baggage trains, computer and book reviews, and more.
#123: Spanish American War Battle of Manila Bay Naval Rules, Realistic Wargames with Tanks by Don Featherstone, Guns of Navarone ("Be David Niven for an Evening" [Now, there's a cool title to an article]}, Commission of Array feudal age rules, King Pyrrhos at Sparta 272BC Scenario, Train Your Army rules for British recruiting in India during the 19th century, Kingmaker PBEM, Zulu Army 1800-1850 Parts 4-6, Shenandoah Play By Mail Report about ACW developments in the Valley, Computer game reviews, letters, and more.
Napoleon -- #12; 64 pages; 8.5"x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; The Emperor's HQ, 5744 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60634; $33 per year (US), $35 (Canada), $38 (all other countries via surface mail), bimonthly. The magazine goes quarterly with issue #13. Articles in #12 include: Britain's Royal Horse Artillery (RHA), Interview with Prof. Owen "Mike" Connelly, Napoleon and the Jews, profile of Fort Nelson Artillery Museum (UK), Game Review of Napoleon's Eagles Card Game, plus a variety of book reviews.
The Naval Sitrep -- #15 (October 1998); 32 pages; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR B, IR A; Clash of Arms, Byrne Building #205, Lincoln and Morgan Streets, Phoenixville, PA 19460; $15 per year, quarterly. Another good issue has WWII Japanese Minesweepers, Graf Zeppelin aircraft carrier, Battle of Pala Passage (based on movie In Harm's Way), modern naval news, the US Navy Chief's Reading List of books, Command at Sea and Harpoon rules charts for Yamato, Brooklyn, and other ships and aircraft, and more.
The Nugget -- #129, #130, and #131; 32 pages; 5.5x8.5"; PQ B, WR B, IR A; Wargames Developments, 84 Eglinton Hill, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3DY warden@dircon.co.uk; 9x a year, 15 British pounds
This UK newsletter contains a variety of game ideas, history pieces, scenarios, reviews, rules, and news. These are rather short, but at times sweet. I've been following excellent The Invasion Earth series of articles/scenario/recap. Although sci-fi in nature, the applications to other types of historical scenarios is impressive, harkening back to Chris Engle's matrix games. Drama Theory was lost on me, I liked the DEA Blues role-playing scenario idea even if I'd never play it, and rather enjoyed the Sands of New Standhill in #130 and Scenario Building in #131. I ended up bumping the IR to an "A" because of the "Alien" potential.
Odyssey -- #5; 70pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A/F; On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ 08525; $42 per year, bimonthly.
A magazine of sci-fi and fantasy stories, with book and video reviews, author interviews, and other news tossed in as well. Slick and interesting for such fans. If you like sci-fi and fantasy, it's worth picking up a copy for a look see.
Operations -- #30; 32 pages; 8.5"x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A/D; The Gamers, 500 W 4th St., Homer, IL 61849; $16 per year (US), $24 (overseas), quarterly. The usual mix of articles about The Gamers' boardgames including part 2 of the intersting Guderian's Blitzkrieg--comparing History with the game. Also Air Combat Maneuver Game introduction, optional command rules for Civil War series, errata for various games, news, and more.
The Penny Whistle -- #38; 16 pages; 8.5"x11"; PQ B, WR B, IR B; The Penny Whistle, 1205 Allendale Dr., Greenwood, MO 64034; $12 per year, bimonthly. A couple scenarios: Battle of LaFiere Causeway 1944 and Massacre in Oldfield that can be adapted for other system. Also Full Sail Campaign Maritime News. I raised the IR this issue.
Perfidious Albion -- #97, 48 pgs.; 5.5x8.5"; PQ B, WR A, IR B; 75 Richmond Park Rd., East Sheen, London, SW14 8JY UK; 2.10 pounds (UK), 2.9 pounds (airmail to US); published "irregular in frequency" Board game review nirvana: The Sun Never Sets, Battle of Mons, The Schlieffen Plan, Svea Rike,
Hohenlinden 1800, Bouvines 1214, For The People, Vikingatid, Les Croisades, Rommel at the Meuse, plus many mini reviews and book reviews.
Piquet Dispatch -- Vol. 1 Issue 3; 16pgs; 5.5x8.5"; PQ C, WR B, IR A; 165 Charles St., Vestal, NY 13850. imac100@aol.com; $14 for four issues.
If you use Piquet, here's the official newsletter to go with the rules. Articles include: Status Markers, Reading the Battlefield, Variable Reinforcement Availability, and "Really Weird Stuff."
Practical Wargamer -- Vol. 12 #4, #5, #6; 56 pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; Wise Owl Worldwide Services, 4314 W. 238th St., Torrance, CA 90505; $26 US (14.40 pounds UK, 17.90 pounds Europe) per year, bimonthly.
#4: Wurtemburg Foot Artillery 1812, a Charles Dickenian "Escape from the Hulks" Napoleonic prison break, 1798 Irish Rebellion, Castagnaro 1387, fighting in urban areas, WW2 tanks vs. planes, simple sci-fi rules, plus news, book and game reviews, and other ideas.
#5: Battles of MacPherson's Ridge ACW 1863, Sekigahara 1600 samurai, solo Indian mutiny, Battles for Wales, Forced Marching rates and rules, horse and musket rules, Byzantine power struggles, and a wonderful article: The Six Elements of Wargaming. The last is somewhat preaching to the faithful, but would make an excellent introductory handout. Kudos to author Clive Lane.
#6: Sort of a 19th century theme. Battles of Gaeta 1860 and Montebello 1859, Irregulars of the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71, 19th century skirmish rules, Tactical Rules for 1859, and an overview of the weapons and uniforms of the 19th century. Also intro to ancient Warring States of China 482-210BC, terrain tips, reviews, and news.
The Reiter--Vol. XVIII #3; 18 pgs; 8.5x11"; PQ B, WR B, IR B; USP&SS, Clif Castle, 1146 Harvard Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95405; ?; $? Quarterly? E-mail for new members: clif_castle@sr.hp.com
The US Pike & Shot Society's newsletter has improved its presentation, so I bumped up the PQ rating to a B--bringing it more in line with other DTPed newsletters. This covers a variety of society games and events, army variations in a variety of rule sets, convention reports, DBR-related army lists and rules discussions, and other news and reviews. Some Great Northern War bibliography is really interesting, and there's a Historicon tabletop refight, Piccaetto 1550, of a Piquet game that carries interest as well.
Note that the March 1998 (Vol. XIV issue 1) issue was 34 pgs was labeled and the June 1998 issue (Vol. XIV issue 2) was 44pgs. Not quite sure why Sept 1998 was Vol. XVIII issue 3, probably just a typo. If you're a Pike and Shot gamer, this is an excellent starting place to find good information.
The Rebel Yell -- #11; 44pgs; 5.5x8.5"; PQ B, WR B, IR B; HMGS South, 1203 English Bluffs Ct., Beandon, FL 33511; $10 per year, bimonthly. This is the first issue under new editor Bryan Stroup and he continues the success of the 10 earlier issues. Crossfire Scenario Thiersville 1944, review of Saving Private Ryan, arecap of Clontarf tabletop battle, the Hurricon convention events listing, and a couple other HMGS matters.
Saga -- #66; 40pgs, 48pgs; 5.5x8.5"; PQ B, WR A, IR A; SAGA, 890 Janes Rd., Rochester, NY 14612; $25 per year ($30 Canada, $35 elsewhere), bimonthly. Seleucid Army Part 7 Continuing Series covers Antiochus vs. Coele Syria.; Another Interpretation of Kadesh? 1286BC battle; Playing Through a Game of Medieval Warfare Rules Tutorial; Review: Warhammer Ancient Battles The UK rules import from fantasyland; Descriptions of Dark Age and Medieval Armies Part 3 brings the total to 25 armies; Optional Medieval Warfare Rules Of Mongols and Charging; Tmima Stratiotikon Plirophorion 10th Century Armies and Tactics; Historicon 1998 Convention Report; Early Medieval Polish Army List 11th to 14th centuries; In the Witengemot: Tournament Rules; DBR High Gothic Army Lists 1475-1490 English, French, and Burgundian.
Shadis -- #49; 80pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; AEG, 4045 Guasti Rd, Ontario, CA 91761, $20 per year, 10x year
This excellent role-playing magazine will give you ideas aplenty on sci-fi and fantasy topics. This particular issue is devoted to war, and includes a hex-based wargame, Scotland the Brave 1297-98, including real cardboard counters, by Avalanche Press (Can you say, "Braveheart?"); a miniatures-based "mass combat" system akin to DBA (what a surprise--the guy who wrote it plays miniatures with us. Corruption exists Valkyrie -- #17; 70 pgs.; 8.5x12"; PQ A, WR A, IR A/F; On Military Matters, 55 Taylor Terr., Hopewell, NJ 08525; $42 per year, bimonthly.
If you like science fiction and fantasy roleplaying gaming, this UK import blankets the industry with news, lots of reviews, adventure modules and scenarios, advice for running games smoothly, analysis of game systems and monsters, and even some fiction. In #17, Legacy of the Ming in China circa 1850 adveture for Feng Shui, an interesting news item on a class-action lawsuit against Origin System because players got fed up with bugs in Ultima Online, a trio of Flintloque (Orcs 'n' Elves circa Napoleonic times) miniatures scenarios, Elric RPG adventure, Terminator adventure (ala movie) for Mage: The Ascension, and more.
White Dwarf -- #224 et al -- 100pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR B, IR B/F; Games Workshop, $40 per year, monthly
The usual GW game "strategy," news, replays, rules, and hype showcasing GW products. Warhammer Siege ($25 rule book, of which over half is rehashed painting tips, army lists, generic game play, etc) makes its slightly underwhelming debut. Always colorful, you have to admire the skill of full-time painters on those expensive bits of plastic and lead (up to $5.99 per 28mm figure--admittedly some of the nicest figures around).
White Knight -- #9 --24 pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ B, WR B, IR B; Bill Brierton Pegasus-Unicorn Productions 12420 Old Colony Dr. Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-5000 kheled@juno.com; $8 year, quarterly. The usual mix of sci-fi and fantasy news, some fiction, and the occasional opinion.
The Zouave -- ? 1998 -- 40 pgs.; 8.5x11"; PQ A, WR A, IR A; Marek/Janci Design, 725 Ranch Rd., Wheaton, IL 60187. mjdesign@eagle.ais.net; $24 per year ($28 Canada, $32 Overseas) As mentioned above, the "alpha" copy of #2 was partially at the Fall-In show. Superb looking as usual...
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© Copyright 1999 Hal Thinglum
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