Having made it through the Holiday Season (I'm in retailing, so it's my busiest and most hectic time of year), it is with a sense of great relief that I can again look at my dusty armies, unused for the last few months and plan their future campaigns. Recently, I acquired Dave Ottney's 25mm Viking army and, together with my own figures, this has enabled me to field virtually any Dark Ages European army circa 900-1200 A.D. The scope of this is evidenced in the fact that a 2000 point army, for team play or scenario use, can now be utilized. It's amazing how much room 400 25mm figures takes up on my 5'x8' table!

In any event, there are a few scenarios which I will be trying out with these new recruits ... and the scenarios will be set up for not only WRG 7th, but ARMATI, DBM and DBA as well ... which might even inspire me to get back to work on another Wargamer's Guide booklet. Only time will tell.

The last few weeks have also been chaotic insofar as I had to get the final first draft of THE NEGLECTED HEROES in to my editor at Greenwood Press. The manuscript actually ran to just under 35( pages with almost 20 pages of charts. There may or may not be any actual photos or artwork, depending an availability and price from different Museum$. In any event, I am well satisfied with the result and look forward to getting my copyedited manuscript back for revision.

Already I've had an enquiry into writing a book about leadership and wars of the Roman Empire, a project which fascinates me, to say the least.

Chris Damour should be congratulated on the first three issues of SPEARPOINT, not only are they coming out on time, but NASAMW has finally decided to bite the bullet and go with 1st class postage! No more month long delays or throw away issues. Also, Clif Castle is doing a good job with THE REITER, an article from which appears in this issue of SAGA. The Renaissance period, always fairly popular, is well served by the journal.

With SIMCON coming up the week of March 24, I wish to invite any of you who can make it to attend. This year will feature an open WRG 7.5 15mm NASAMW Nationals qualifying heat, 1600 point armies from any WRG book and NASAMW/SAGA lists, two variations and three rounds of play guaranteed to all. Hopefully, Scott Holder will be able to attend this year and we will have the numbers to qualify 2-3 players. Call me at (716) 227-4813 if you need any further details.

What with all the choices we have for rules nowadays, there seems to be a definite solidifying of allegiances behind one or another. I continue to prefer 7th, but play ARMATI an occasion for a change of pace (besides, Dave Ottney will only play ARMATI now, though I'll keep at him to give me a game of 7th for I old times sake'). It should be interesting this year at HISTORICON, with so many different systems going. My reservations are made, so see you there.