Just returned from Cold Wars with the following impressions (this was the first time I had attended). Much more low key, laid back and less crowded than HISTORICON. There was plenty of room to set up pick up games in the main ballroom and it seemed much less frenzied that the larger summer convention.

Talk about a poor showing! My generalship left a lot to be desired. I had an attack planned out well. Two wedges of Normans supported and screened by skirmish cavalry and a unit of archers with skirmish infantry for added firepower. What happens? The cavalry get overly excited and forget their intended orders, instead going frenzied and charging full-tilt into the Byzantine cavalry to their front. This worked as the Byzantine's broke and ran, but my own cavalry were soon far far away, out of command control and sitting ducks in the midst of the Byzantine army! So much for that.

We had a great time, though. Dave Bonk's impressive MW scenario knocked out more than one observer, commenting on how great the 25's looked on a terrific looking table. Phil Viverito put on his impressive Hack game. There was a remarkable Medieval Tactica siege game with hundreds of 25mm figures attacking a huge wall area 10 feet long! Another interesting game was a Chipco scenario with Gallic types taking on a Roman camp. Very nice.

Of course, the DBM, WRG, ARMATI, and WHAB tourneys were in full force. Again, 25's were making a comeback! The number of 25mm armies looked to be up again this year over last.

Sunday morning found a huge DBA tournament running. It seemed everyone was having a good time. I hope to have some photos ready for the next issue, as we took a number of them, but not developed yet. Now we are looking ahead to HISTORICON!