As winter keeps its grip on us up here in the north country, there is plenty of time to write and reflect on what lies ahead for this year. One thing I should mention up front is that SAGA will be having its first price increase in almost a decade. Due to rising printing costs and postage - thanks in part to me wanting to expand SAGA to over 48 pages, and that means paying for the extra ounce for postage - I will be raising the subscription price to $30.00 starting with this issue. Those of you paid up through future issues don't have to worry until such time as your subscription needs renewal, but anyone with a '78' on their address label is now due for renewal.

The next big news is that we have been working on a set of Fast Play Medieval Warfare rules! These are half the size of the normal rules and play out in about an hour or two per game. There is only one general and armies are limited to 200 points. We don't use any special formations, there is no Strategic Movement, no optional rules are included and missile as well as close combat tables are simplified. You continue to use the regular MW army lists, only divide all minimums and maximums by three.

After these are finished, I'll return to working on the first MW scenario booklet. Perry Gray is working on a similar one dealing with armies and enemies of the Byzantine Empire, Mark Bloom is likewise doing one on the Arthurian Wars and Jeff Ball is working on the Wars of the Roses booklet. The scenario booklets will make it easy for players to put on games for clubs or conventions as well as for fun at home. Each booklet has the battles, maps, MW armies and guidelines on putting your armies together.

We are in the process of reworking the army lists for Ancient Warfare. These will be very nice once finished. Perry has been in charge of the army lists and has done a fantastic job in researching and clarifying each list. Many of our players have also submitted lists for approval as well. Thank you all.

Finally, I will be going back to the university in the fall, not to study this time but to teach. It will be interesting! I've always wanted to introduce the military dynamic in a college setting, and will now have that chance. See you at Cold Wars!

Rules Discussion Group http://www.egroups.com/group/GoreAMwar