Hello everyone! It has been some time since I had the honor of heading up the PW. Many thanks and kudos go out to our publisher in residence, Ken Van Pelt, for his continued diligence in responding to the call for deadlines. As of this writing we have been ranked very high in the list of often read material on the wargamers internet site, MAGWEB. This could not have been accomplished without Ken's input to the Penny Whistle. Thanks buddy!

Speaking of MAGWEB, it is a great place for gamers to get a feel for what other gamers are up to around the globe. Almost every facet of gaming is covered under the MAGWEB envelope. To reach the site, simply go to www.magweb.com.

Some of the stuff Lion's Den is working on include an easy to play World War II system based on a D6 rules set. The game has been playtested with forces up to regimental size, however you could add or subtract pieces. There is a points system to keep things relatively fair. We started off using 20mm scale, but have plans to branch off into 1/285th scale. Keep an eye out for this one.

This past July 4th, we got together at seven in the morning to play FIGHTER COMMAND in Ken's backyard. Since we have affectionately dubbed this the "Dawn Patrol", I thought it was fitting to fly P-40's of the AVG against the A6M3's of the Rising Sun. In preparing for this event I whipped up some new control sheets for the Warhawk and Zero. It is the plan to produce at least two control sheets for every issue of the PW.

I want to thank the "pilots" that came over and spent their morning on the game field; Alex Bergman, Brad Bergman, Mark Cooper, Carl Lathrop and Ken Van Pelt (well, it was Ken's backyard). It is fun to game with a group that gets involved with the atmosphere of the scenario.

On the Theatre of operations front, we have been working on a second edition set of the rules. It will include some new ideas we have been testing which will lend some "flavor". Also, I have started a campaign scenario that will take place within the 2nd SS Panzer Division "Das Reich". It will begin with the players entering the war for the battles in the Balkans and continuing through up to the last days of the war. I typed up a specific time line to follow the events of the period with a special emphasis on the actions around Das Reich. The game leans more toward roleplay, but is based heavily on the Theatre of Operations rules. Players have created their characters through a new system designed for this campaign. A character history has been designed for each player to add some fun to the game. The character sheets are a "hoot!" Once this is underway we'll include the rules so you can enjoy this new twist.

This issue introduces you to a naval campaign set in the late 1700's. FULL SAIL! follows the antics of the Leeward Isles squadron and their attempts to rid the waters of French and American ships around the southeastern coast of America. Outnumbered and far from their home port, the squadron has the task of intercepting and engaging any enemy ships in their sector. As Rear-Admiral of the Red Squadron, I have found that the job of overseeing this theater is not forgiving! In our last two outings, I have lost two frigates and have several ship of the line vessels heavily damaged. Thank goodness those ships were attacked close to their port! Those French have become very bold! Players are to keep a "ship's log" for the game. Writing in the log from the eyes of a ship's captain has been a blast, it lends some personal quality to each scenario.

On two personal notes, I was asked recently to head up a bowling team to raise money for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. When I started to call around for participants, I thought of our regular gaming group. I was delighted to find that the guys would give up a regular game night to go participate in a worthy cause. Thanks to Mark Cooper, John Cordry, Carl Lathrop and Doug Martin for their time and effort. By the way Carl, if you can fire a broadside in FULL SAIL! like you fire a strike, the French don't have a chance!

Personal note number two revolves around a new recruit to the Haworth camp. Ms. Jessica Leigh Haworth joined our ranks back in January and to this point she has done extremely well in basic training. Corp. Jared (big brother) has done a fine job in overseeing part of Jessie's daily routine. I think he is as proud of her as we are; one of a kind kid he is.

Lion's Den always looks forward to seeing you in the future. Take care and good luck with the dice!