Bruce and I have been spending most of our free time playtesting Ancient Warfare lately. To tell you the truth, I haven't had this much fun in a very long time. It has been a learning experience all the way for both of us. Besides the fact that my library has been in dire need of upgrading insofar as the pre-1st century A.D. goes, and working on the rules and army lists is a perfect excuse to purchase a few good books.

One problem I have run into in the past has been providing good bases for my figures. Usually, I would simply cut out thick card stock, glue the figures on and flock it. With most of my armies, I would then glue a magnetic strip on the bottom and make movement stands out of more card stock and attach more magnetic material to this. Not very attractive, I'm afraid.

Then, out of the blue, Jay Wirth of Renaissance Ink sent me some bases he has for sale. These are available in 13 different sizes and in eight different materials! I will definitely be ordering some of his wooden bases with magnetic bottoms and some sheets of 'paper steel' to make movement bases with. These should really make life easier for my anticipated 25mm Galatian and Roman armies.

I must ask for you guys to please send me some articles! I am completely out. Without some fresh input, I'll have to write the entire issue myself, not a pleasant thought for me or you! Battle reports, army list designs, humorous experiences (wargaming only, please!), frustrations, grand tactics that worked, and those that did not, terrain ideas, impressions of conventions, new product reviews, etc., are welcome.

Recently, the local Lechmere store has been having a going out of business sale. Videos were 40% off, so I have added to my collection of great war movies. The Fall of the Roman Empire, Quo Vadis, Stalingrad (unfortunately the latter two are in EP recording mode), Glory, and the Alamo (the TV miniseries) were all available. Eventualiy, I hope to have a fairly comprehensive video library, for my latter years (read retirement).

Not much in the way of painting the last month or so, what with over 200 ACW 25mm figures staring at me, l have a tough time justifying the purchase of the Galatian and Roman armies. Yet, I am certainly attracted to the scope of the endeavor (over 400 25mm figures for each army) and will eventually get to the point where these figures will show up (mysteriously?) in my basement. Hal Thinglum thinks like I do, in respect to this aspect of the hobby. Each time we start a new period, it is whole hog, 100%. To my mind, if you're going to do something, do it right. Untill next time....