435 replies to this topic

[simanton]

That's the thing...in WWI, few if any DD/torpedo-boat is sporting anything like two rotating quadruple mounts. Some have just a pair of single mounts, and some of those are only effective on one side. Unless you have vast numbers of torpedo-boats, you're not blackening the sea with fish. That and the shorter torpedo ranges seems to sharply reduce the effectiveness.

 

Then again, maybe I'm playing it wrong...

Sounds to me like you are playing it right!

[W. Clark]

You are not wrong. But when you add 140 plus destroyers to the mix as well as 30 plus light cruisers you get a fair number of torps. I'll admit that division ship cards and mounting your DDs in divisions or half flotillas divides what you are moving and plotting by roughly 4. But that is still (considering both sides in mid 1916) about 50 more ships or divisions (or half flotillas) to move and plot for. It can be a bit overwhelming for a novice and heaping the remainder on your few experienced players at a con threatens to slow the game play. So, I decided to error on the side of caution, and the end result made me glad that I did. If there had been more than 1 or 2 experienced players per side, then that might change. But I was taking potluck as far as players went and expected (and got) mostly novices. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed putting the game on would have reprised it if Covid had not intervened. 

 

WMC

[healey36]

I'd certainly agree with that...getting upwards of 100+ DDs on the table makes it nearly mandatory to use the division/flotilla plotting regimen. There's just too much time sopped up otherwise. I need to reread the rules for managing ships tracked this way; it's always been a bit unclear to me how incremental damage affects the flotilla (i.e. if the lead DD in the flotilla suffers a couple hull-box hits, or worse, a jammed rudder, how does one track the effects of that on the table?). It's been awhile; gotta get the book out and have a look.

 

The implosion of the local game group has resulted in little-to-no table time here. There's a local gaming venue that might be open to hosting a few old guys playing some historical games; I need to reach out and find out. I think most, if not all, of the folks in there are playing Warhammer-type stuff, or card games. Maybe with some exposure, one could cultivate some interest. Might try to stop in there this weekend. 

[simanton]

You are not wrong. But when you add 140 plus destroyers to the mix as well as 30 plus light cruisers you get a fair number of torps. I'll admit that division ship cards and mounting your DDs in divisions or half flotillas divides what you are moving and plotting by roughly 4. But that is still (considering both sides in mid 1916) about 50 more ships or divisions (or half flotillas) to move and plot for. It can be a bit overwhelming for a novice and heaping the remainder on your few experienced players at a con threatens to slow the game play. So, I decided to error on the side of caution, and the end result made me glad that I did. If there had been more than 1 or 2 experienced players per side, then that might change. But I was taking potluck as far as players went and expected (and got) mostly novices. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed putting the game on would have reprised it if Covid had not intervened. 

 

WMC

 

 

You are not wrong. But when you add 140 plus destroyers to the mix as well as 30 plus light cruisers you get a fair number of torps. I'll admit that division ship cards and mounting your DDs in divisions or half flotillas divides what you are moving and plotting by roughly 4. But that is still (considering both sides in mid 1916) about 50 more ships or divisions (or half flotillas) to move and plot for. It can be a bit overwhelming for a novice and heaping the remainder on your few experienced players at a con threatens to slow the game play. So, I decided to error on the side of caution, and the end result made me glad that I did. If there had been more than 1 or 2 experienced players per side, then that might change. But I was taking potluck as far as players went and expected (and got) mostly novices. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed putting the game on would have reprised it if Covid had not intervened. 

 

WMC

Totally agree!

[simanton]

I'd certainly agree with that...getting upwards of 100+ DDs on the table makes it nearly mandatory to use the division/flotilla plotting regimen. There's just too much time sopped up otherwise. I need to reread the rules for managing ships tracked this way; it's always been a bit unclear to me how incremental damage affects the flotilla (i.e. if the lead DD in the flotilla suffers a couple hull-box hits, or worse, a jammed rudder, how does one track the effects of that on the table?). It's been awhile; gotta get the book out and have a look.

 

The implosion of the local game group has resulted in little-to-no table time here. There's a local gaming venue that might be open to hosting a few old guys playing some historical games; I need to reach out and find out. I think most, if not all, of the folks in there are playing Warhammer-type stuff, or card games. Maybe with some exposure, one could cultivate some interest. Might try to stop in there this weekend. 

It IS frustrating!  Hopefully you can get things rolling again!

[W. Clark]

I went through that about 2019 and now it's just down to me and 2 other guys (the pick of the litter IMHO). But we are all getting older (by the day) and life is intervening for at least 2 of us so getting together is a once or twice year thing now. I tried working my way into a gaming group in a hobby store that was mostly into card games and RPG. As long as I put on 25mm medieval siege games I had takers. When I tried to expand into naval or ancients then interest dried up fast. 

 

WMC

[healey36]

I reached out to the local gaming venue and they said we'd be welcome to swing by. They said the large tables there are 5'x8', so a bit tight for anything large caliber. They suggested I call ahead before coming in, as they run tournaments there on weekends at least once or twice each month. Also, their hours are pretty limited, closed two days a week, opening at 1400 three days a week, and open all day Saturday/Sunday. Probably similar to most venues...

 

So now it's a matter of rounding up 3-4 players. Maybe they have a board that one could post an invite on.

 

I do agree that card games and RPG seem to rule the roost at these places, which is fine. We'll see how it goes. 

[W. Clark]

I wish you better luck than I had.

 

WMC

[simanton]

I went through that about 2019 and now it's just down to me and 2 other guys (the pick of the litter IMHO). But we are all getting older (by the day) and life is intervening for at least 2 of us so getting together is a once or twice year thing now. I tried working my way into a gaming group in a hobby store that was mostly into card games and RPG. As long as I put on 25mm medieval siege games I had takers. When I tried to expand into naval or ancients then interest dried up fast. 

 

WMC

I know what you mean.

[healey36]

Was reading through an issue of The Illustrated War News, saw this, dated November 4, 1914:

It should be noted that it was just 42 days later that two of the HSF's Scouting Groups gave Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby a good thrashing, albeit somewhat ineptly executed, then escaped untouched. Not the Royal Navy's finest hour.

 

The table and the yards here have been quiet. No action of any kind and nothing down the ways. I could offer a hundred excuses, but they, much like the Royal Navy response that December 1914 day, would be considered inept. More lead and 3D prints came in, but nothing saw a paintbrush. 

 

That said, a massive backlog is faced come the New Year. Hoping to seriously dent it, while getting the table back into action. Good plan...let's see how it shakes out.

 

Hope all here have a terrific Christmas and a good 2026, filled with many favorable die-rolls. 

 

[simanton]

I wish the same for you!

 

John Simanton

[healey36]

They eat well at Christmas:

 

I recall reading Raiders of the Deep when I was a boy...turned me into a great fan of marmalade. My mother couldn't keep it stocked. Nothing better than fried bread, marmalade and coffee.

 

 

[simanton]

There's always Tommy Atkins' favorite from the First World War, Plum and Apple Jam.

[healey36]

There's always Tommy Atkins' favorite from the First World War, Plum and Apple Jam.

One can't find any of that anymore...only recipes to make your own.

[simanton]

Pity!

[healey36]

I was reading Garrison Keillor's Christmas column this morning and I was struck by his comment:

 

"I am a contented man. No gifts for me, please, and thank you very much. A piece of toasted sourdough with orange marmalade would be almost too much. A cup of black coffee is just fine."

 

Terrific sentiments going into this holiday week. 

 

My son is on his way down from Upstate New York this AM, slogging through the mountains in a driving rain. He flipped me a note before he hit the road that PQ-17 is in deep trouble and Tirpitz is on the move. "Get a couple tables out so we can get this sorted." 

 

It'll be good to roll some dice.