News from England

Dear Terry,

SAGA and your Historicon report arrived the same day. I posted my last letter to you. I sent a package of books last week (or was it the week before? Time flies) containing the first four of my reprints and the next draft of your booklet. There are still a few gaps to be filled with illustrations and adverts.

Thank you for the front-cover billing on SAGA, I shall now start counting name-checks - once an ago starts getting inflated... (it also means I will try getting another newsletter into the next issue).

Your Historicon report went straight into Slingshot. I had a couple of days off last week (no, the week before -- time is flying) and typed It up the day after It arrived. (The fact I had a gap and it filled it exactly is irrelevant.) I was worn out (which is why I had that time off) and I needed something to cheer me up -- your report was, I think, the most enjoyable article I've typed for Slingshot. It was full of enthusiasm and a feeling that you well enjoying yourself wargaming.

Quite a lot of people put on a dull, serious tons when writing about wargaming, as it they were embarrassed by It (wargaming, that is) or by adults to enjoying themselves. I think the Courier might suffer from this an well--our Puritan heritage? There is a review of SAGA accompanying the report (I kept forgetting or running out of space in my previous issues) When I comment on the concept of people enjoying themselves playing wargames as being primarily an American trait, at least, as far an writing about it goes. I hope this triggers off some corresponds in Slingshot, or gets people to admit to playing figure games. The new editor (who to American) has stated his view that wargaming is, or should be, central to the Society's activities, and he wants to promote "authenticity" in our gaming (more relevance to history as opposed to abstract gaming - kitchen-chair chariots my be on the way out), but, Inevitably, people will got to read whatever people are prepared to write - it no-one is prepared to admit to enjoying playing figure games, and write about It, then nothing will happen.

There is a second American on the committee this year, by the name of Steve Roper, whom I have not and spoken with a number of times at various shows, and a Soot, David Ronaldson, who I met last year in Germany at a convention. Those are all the newcomers. Had I known they were all going to be on, I might have stayed on myself (though not as editor). It you include the Welsh and Scot as foreigners, then the English are in the minority on the committee this year - an International society at last?

Your 7th edition walk through has fired me up to having another go with then. I had a row game when they first came out, but when the 7.1/2th edition cam out soon after I decided I wasn't going to buy another met lust because someone hadn't playtested properly and gave up an them. since I disliked 6th edition Intensely, and refused to use them, there wasn't anything else In use at my club In the way or ancients rules - Newbury were only used for the Newbury competition at ARMAGEDDON once a year, and only one other person used SHOCK OF IMPACT, that was it. I did have a go with the Newbury Fast-Play ancients rules when they came out, and liked them a lot, there just wasn't much interest in anything other than compeition-practice games at the club. Those friends of mine who weren't interested in competition play had scattered across Europa (well, Holland), I moved to Tonbridge, and we all began playing a medieval campaign using LANCE. Several of us experimented with our own sets but they never came to anything. Since ancients were not my main period (for figure-gaming) that's too much. Than DBA case along and ancients became fun again, and off we went. I might even buy a copy of 7.1/2th now that I've had time to calm down.

In your editorial in SAGA you mention you have two more booklets "ready to go" If this means they are written, then it you are happy with the look of the current one, send them over and I'll start the layout - If we can launch two or three together, then they'll make a bigger splash. I'm still shopping around for a cheaper printer for the first one.

With regard to my reprint books, because I ended up using a more expensive printer than the one I had planned, the prices for them have to go up. The retail price will be £ 4.95, but there will be a special offer price to the Pike & Shot Society and the SoA, which SAGA subscribers can take advantage or, which in £ 4 per volume, post-free. Air mail - £ 1 extra per volume. Payments most be in sterling since conversion charges are horrendous on dollar cheques.

I printed 50 copies of each booklet to begin with, since it was all I could afford until the next pay-day, and have sold 75% of them just to a few traders I know without any trouble. An the sales (hopefully) came in from Arquebusier and Slingshot (and SAGA) subscribers I can just wander across the road and gat another 50 run off. The turnaround at the printer was a week, so I can easily keep abreast of the orders (I hope). The fifth volume, of Fairfax** memoirs, should be ready to print In a weak or so, once I've done the maps. Mapmaking in not my forte. I hope to do a couple of three-volume works next, lives of Sir John Hawkwood and Wallenstain, and the autobiography of air James Turner, who served in the 30YW and the ECK, and wrote PALLAS ARMATA, a book of military assays, from where I took my imprint title. I may run off a few other smaller works as well, depending what mood I'm In. Planning? Never heard of-it.

On the subject of Turner's PALLAS ARMATA, there was a reprint of it from Greenwood Press, Westport, Conn. I have tried to get a copy from Partisan Press, but they tell me it's now out of print. Could you see if it's still available In the U.S. It was selling over here for about £ 40, though with the dollar as it is, I don't know what it will be now.

A scheme for next year is subscription editions of larger works that I probably couldn't afford to risk printing on spec, such as Phillips' THE CIVIL WAR IN WALES AND THE MARCHES or Dodge's GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS (The art of war in the 17th century), both of which are 800 pages on long. They would have to be published in 8 volumes each since the printer can onl manage a few pages over the hundred on his stapling and cutting shipment. People would send in their money by a specified deadline, and I print only as many as the orders, possibly a few extra copies if I have enough money and think the demand warrants it. I have a couple of four and five volume works as well, a life of Alexander Leslie, Earl of Levan, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and a book on the Vero brothers, a few chapters of which you will have seen in Arquebusier. I am also awaiting the loan of an original copy of Vera's memoirs to check my serialisation in Arquebusier against before I publish a new edition. That reminds me - George Gush has agreed to write a new version of his RENAISSANCE ARMIES book to be publish" by the Pike and Shot Society (eventually).

I'm not sure if I have complemented you yet on the quality of the first booklet. I wasn't sure what to expect (MILITARY HISTORY has a poor reputation over here, but it seems to be improving according to the reviews I have seen), and when your manuscript arrived I started to mpsed-read it on the train to work. when I read the opening paragraphs I was worried - "He's gone purple" (as in prose), but I got over it as soon as I realized it was scene-setting. My speed-reading soon slowed and I concentrated at normal speed, and I became impressed at the quality of the writing. I know how hard it in to produce readable prose that doesn't look "amateur" -- I've edited enough of the latter -- and I took forward to seeing more of yours.

--Gareth Simon

Simtac Ad

Dear Terry,

We have been running the same ad in SAGA since the June Issue. I didn't realize this because I hadn't really seen an issue. If the ad rate does not include a 'proof of insertion copy', would you please send me your ad rates. Don't got me wrong, I realize that you folks who do those small magazines are operating on a shoestring budget, I just want to see the magazine. It will hopefully jar my memory to send a new ad occasionally. Who knows? If I really got ambitious I might even write an article.

Our entire range of 15mm Jacobite Ancient* are now available. The 15mm Jacobite Foudal will be available by the and of November. Both ranges are in Blister patka.

I'm now doing this (making miniatures) full time. I was a mechanical engineer, but I got laid off from the defense contractor I worked for. Now to see if I can really make this work. Take care.

Sincerely,
--Steve Dinsmore, SIMTAC, Inc.

ED.- I wish Steve the best in his endeavor. Frankly, we should support our fellow-wargamers who also try to eek a living in the hobby, as long as they put out a quality product, such as Steve does. Only by this type of dedication and desire will the quality of figures, rules and resource materials continue to grow.--TG

SOA Rep

Dear Terry:

I wanted to let you know that I'm still the UK SOA representative for America and Canada. There has been some trouble lately getting the forms and monies to our English cousins and I wished to express my apologies to any American members that have had troubles this year.

If they have would they please contact me with details and a SASE. I will try to sort it out. Even though I am not a fan of Tactics, I do believe an obvious negativism towards them was a bit dramatic. You are after all a celebrity and you must conduct business as such. I know it's not easy sometimes but try to remember which side of your bread the butter is on.

Good luck and please keep up the good work.

--Christopher Parker

Ed.- Too dramatic? 0h come now. [Unfortunately, the only way to got some people to sit up and take notice in our television-f*d culture is to make your point as strongly as possible. I felt that in order to stir the waters a bit as far as TACTICA was concerned, there couldn't be any ambiguities as far as my review went. It's done and I don't regret what I had to say or how I said it. Perhaps we can get some reviews of Scotty Bowden's ANCIENT EMPIRE and Alliance's IRON LANCES in the near future, two rules systems I have play-tested and feel have a lot to offer.--TG

Henry the VIII

An you can see from the above address, I have moved from Syracuse to Florida to finish of my Reuter's (Ph.D?) work-at the University of Southern Florida. I expect to be here an long on they'll have me or I complete my post-grad work, which ever comes first.

Could you please start sending me the SAGA newsletter down here? As I still want to remain in touch with the goings on there. And with any luck, I'll be able to get you a couple of new subscribers.

Now on to something serious. I have been interested in the army of Henry VIII and I have assembled the miniatures for it. What I am locking to on army list. I have absolutely no idea of how to write one, and I know you have written many in the past. Could I entice you into writing one for me?

I would happily pay you for your efforts, or if not, could you give me some advice on writing one? Now you decide the quantities and ranges, otc. (i.e.t 8HK, L/Sh 12-48).

I have spent years reading about Henry Vitt and his army fits nicely into WRG 7th. With the addition of Landeknechts, all the troop types are available In the War of the Roses list. I'm just not sure how to assign quantities, variances, etc.

--From Terry Brigge

Ed.- Terry is not the first person to approach me with the proposition of doing up an army list. The cost and effort for a result which way or may not be accepted by an umpire at a regional tournament is considerable. I as certainly willing to do the necessary work on an individual basis, cost determined by time, of course. but I prefer to direct the inquirer to some useful volumes which will lead to further study.--TG

Computer Programs From I am interested in finding out If there have been any computer programs directed and designed to amaint In miniature wargamen (I am most interested in Ancient 15m) using WHO rule@. Have you heard of anything along these lines?

--Josh Kyle

Ed.- Dave Ottney, anything you cna help us with here? Mitch Abrams, to there anything you're aware of? If so, send the Information to me, and I'll print it up for our subscribers.--TG

Dear Terry

Thanks for your offer to review my new ancients rules, Might of Arms. I would be very glad to have you review them and playtest them. Even if you don't like them, there is no such thing as bad publicity!

I have not attempted marketing them yet, except for selling a few copies at conventions, partly because I'm still tinkering. MoA compares favorably with anyone's home-produced rules in maturity and presentation, but they are not I the form which I want to market. To cut my rambling short, I want to do one more revision and change the format somewhat. I'll send you a copy of the revised rules if you are interested in trying them out. The revision will take two or three months. I would be very interested in getting your feedback before the final version for national marketing.

I plan to do some games at Cold Wars and Historicon. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to Historicon this year. I ran at Origins, with a total of 22 players, only 2 who played it before. One of the players was Phil Bardocki, who I noticed in Spearpoint was the 25mm singles finalist at Historicon. About 10 WRG competition players have played the rules, and none of them threw up that I know of.

The best way to examine the rules is to play them in a demo game. The text currently is 70 pages long, about half of which has to do with actual play. Despite this, the rules are fast-paced and easy to learn. I hope you can come to Cold Wars and participate in a game.

My dream is to develop a mode of ancients gaming that is similar to the multi-player, scenario-based approach you see in the Napoleonic and American Civil War period. Admittedly, the approach to warfare is different, so there are problems to be overcome. However, this approach is fun and is likely to appeal to gamers who would like to play some ancients but who do not want to commit themselves to the demands of WRG or competition gaming.

I read with great interest your article in the last SAGA newsletter on light infantry. I have found the role of light infantry to be the most challenging of any troop type in developing MoA. Despite one's interpretation of their actual role historically, there is still the problem of achieving balance in a game. I could go on for pages, but I see by my handy-dandy word processor I'm at the end of the page, and that's enough. Would enjoy talking to you.

Sincerely
--Bob Bryant

More Letters: Graphical only (extremely slow: 314K) Note: These did not scan and are presented in graphical format.--RL