Bruce and I have just returned from Cold Wars, the first time either of us has been able to attend, and we will be sure not to miss another. It is always a pleasure to see old friends and this was no exception. We put on two MW demos, and played a 'fun' game Saturday night. Needless to say, the rules author was heartily embarrassed by his lack of foresight in planning his attacks! My hapless Normans…alas.

Medieval Warfare is in its final Foundry edit phase. We are privileged to have Ian Heath doing our cover and Peter Dennis doing the line artwork. Herb Gundt of H.G. Walls is providing buildings as well as terrain and many of the color photos as well. I am busily working on scenarios and finalizing the 25 army lists, which will be included in the main rules booklet (the other 70 lists will be provided for in a subsequent, low cost supplement). The sheer size of the rules book precludes their inclusion. This project has managed to take on a life of its own and I will be extremely happy to have it finished…then I can go right back to work…on Ancient Warfare!

While at the convention, I picked up the Montfert publication Justinian's Wars; this period featured one of my favorite and most tragic military figures, Belisarius. I read Robert Graves' novel, Count Belisarius several years ago and have been fascinated by this complex, brilliant, and fatally loyal commander of Byzantium's early armies. Highly recommended and available from On Military Matters.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Phil Barker, Phil Viverito and Jervis Johnson for all of their encouragement and help in getting these rules finalized. It is rare, in this day and age, to have competitors who are so willing to help get a rival product up and running. This says a lot for the character of those who are involved in this hobby, and I am proud to call all of them my friends.

At the ripe old age of 52, I'm starting to go through some life evaluations and changes. This is not an easy thing, but necessary. Healthier eating habits and a thorough mental and emotional self-examination finds me feeling a bit lost, occasionally. It is at times like these that I am truly thankful for this hobby and all of you who I have been able to get to know these last dozen or so years. The cathartic ability to lose oneself in a relaxing 'game' is appreciated and to those of you with whom I regularly 'converse' through the written word or over the internet, thanks for keeping in touch. I do appreciate it.

Check out our new SAGA rules support website (listed above).

Dave Armer has rejoined the SAGA staff as webmeister and we will be continue to improve the site as we go forward.