Shortly after Dean and Russ finished packing up and shipping out The Gamers inventory and equipment following the sale to MMP, the Gamers hut filled up again, this time with wargamers. The village of Homer's tourist industry enjoyed (if that's the right word) its annual shot in the arm as seventy-six wargamers flocked to the annual Gamers retreat.

News of the company's sale to Multi-Man Publishing was only a few weeks old. Many of the loyal customers were still feeling shaken, and a few assumed (wrongly) that they were attending the last of these retreats. Then the jolt people felt at the news that Dean had sold his (and in a sense their) company paled to triviality as we all felt the shock of September 11th. Still, the mood at HomerCon was, as usual, upbeat and rather manic.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of games by various publishers, from Guderian's Blitzkrieg II to Ebola Monkey Hunt (from the sublime to the ridiculous). Along with an assortment of published titles, playtest versions of A Fearful Slaughter, Screaming Eagles in Holland, The Forgotten War (two copies in play), and Beyond the Rhine were on the tables.

Among the more unusual spectacles were Air Combat Maneuver, Dean's three-dimensional computer-driven dogfight game and a hybrid Great War at Sea with the combatants (Dan Cicero and a gang of nautical warriors) resolving tactical engagements on the floor with Shipbase III, another computer game for miniaturists.

Also notable was the campaign game of This Terrible Sound with Dave Powell, John Reed, Zack Waltz, and Max Workman. Like the game of This Hallowed Ground that John initiated a few years ago at Origins (and that we've covered in this magazine), this is a "continuing campaign" with sessions occurring when the participants can travel and meet. (The following session was held in February in Rosecrans's HQ on the Chickamauga battlefield.)

Guderian's Blitzkrieg II, then The Gamers most recent release, attracted a large number of players to two separate games. Other OCS titles getting a workout included Sicily, Hube's Pocket and Tunisia. From the SCS, Fallshirmjaeger was, not surprisingly, popular. Likewise, it was no shock to see The Seven Days in play. This CWB mega-game has shown up in its sprawling glory at every gaming event I've attended (Origins, HomerCon) since Malvern Hill was published.

The retreat did have a little tension in the air because of the sale to MMP, and Russ jokingly anticipated daggers in the back. In the end what little tension existed did not crimp anyone's enjoyment. Assuming MMP is well into business as usual with The Gamers brand, HomerCon 2002 should be even more fun.

Along with the photos, here are a few remarks, and the games they refer to, overheard during HomerCon to give you a sense of being there.

"What do you expect for 17,500 Lire?" Dan Cicero (1860-The Thousand)

"I think it's time to consider-gulp-a defense." Max Workman (This Terrible Sound)

"Did I mention I kicked Will Volny's ass?" Jim Daniels aka Hoyt Burass (to anyone who would listen)

"We can always regroup in the dead pile." Max Workman (This Terrible Sound)

"Well, that's probably the end of that counteroffensive." Morris Hadley (turn 1 of GBII)

"I'm attacking." Maurice Buttazoni (after throwing in 7 more Tank Corps on turn 2)

"Siberia ... or Death?" Dave Powell (Kremlin)

"I'd rather be investigated than purged." John Reed (Kremlin)

"Which one of you sons of bitches shot me?" Tom DeFranco (Ebola Monkey Hunt)

"Do your worst. Not your best, your worst!" Roger Hyman (Sicily)

"We were doing great--right until Dean so horribly botched that attack." Russ Bunten (The Forgotten War)





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