Hey There ‘25

Happy belated New Year one and all,

I hope your respective side of the internet is treating you well. We are just shy of the 3rd week of January with a pending Polar Vortex coming our way…on the heals of a +1 Celsius day tomorrow…so that will be fun. I’m actually looking forward to it, apparently we will be seeing some snow before the cool temps hit…so while we’ve had hints of winter, we haven’t had the real big snow falls that I like, and we’re about to get a shot of REAL winter.

Anywho, onto the mandatory rehashing of the gaming year that was…

I tried to keep my goals pretty basic last year, nothing too in-depth, but enough specificity to guide the years activities. Reviewing my list from almost this exact time 12 months ago…

1. Work on a proper Red/Northern Dawn scenario, ideally 2 of them, and that includes the terrain to get it to the table. So, I would like to work through the VDV starter box, and fill out my Cdn Abn Regt; this one didn’t age well…while the scenario development and Cdn Abn died on the vine, I did finish the VDV starter box…so yeah, me. I did however get a chance to do a recce of southern Alberta this past year, and that will help guide scenario development as well as any terrain building that I need to do. I’ll keep this at the edge of the table.

2. Work on a 15mm scenario inspired by some of the Bush War actions, I think this will be a good kickstart for me to push som progress on the greater Afropia idea - and really work on some of the wider mechanics and construct of that verse; this is another idea that didn’t get too far. I did however start penning the initial build-up to an Afropian scenario/campaign. I have the initial die-rolls, but just need to get some of the actual gaming complete and then work on some of the higher level elements. 

3. I’d like to get some moderns to the table, so thinking of either Danger Close, Spectre Ops, or Force on Force, but moreso a limited small action scenario; I’m going to call this one a big success. I was able to get a few games in, paint a few figs, make some terrain, and get a game for CanGames. The game was a mixed success, but I’m going to chalk this up as a win regardless.. and

4. Continue with MCP played a couple of games, finally painted up Cap’n Sam America. I have a backlog that really needs some love…and get my Hoth force for Star Wars Legion moving. Wow! SW Legion did not get any love from me this year…I did get a few figures as gifts, but my Hoth intentions ran rather Coldth…

One this that I did not forecast last year, but ended up making a heap of progress with was my dive back into 15mm. Thanks to my VDV work, I was able to pull ahead by a few hundred figures, most of them 15mm, and had been sitting in the lead/plastic pile for years. I finished the US Parachute Company for FoW and Force on Force…So yeah, victory!

So the question stands…what will the painting gods bring us over the next year?

1. I want to get moving…somewhat slowly with Afropia. I have the bones of a mash up between Petoriastan and Aponwana. And it gives me the chance to try a few different game types, as well as some game mechanics that I’ve been checking out. So I am actually getting exciting with the idea…again.

2. Stemming from my 15mm US Parachute Company painting…I want to get a similar number of German infantry on the table, mix of basing for FoW and FoF, so that I can run a game at CanGames this year. I think it will be a FoF game, with Market Garden as the inspiration. More to follow on that.

3. Recycle some of the ideas about Red/Northern Dawn and get some Cdn Abn painted, as well as the framework of some scenarios and some small town Alberta terrain done.

4. Misc…SW Legion of course, MCP as well…and whatever floats the ole boat. Of course, I think it’s time I did a big clean of the basement area and get an appreciation for what I actually have and thin some of the not so achievable. More to follow on that one, lol

That’s it folks. Thanks for tuning in…take care of yourselves and all the best in the new year.

Cheers.

Hello There 20-24

Hey everyone,

Winter is finally upon us…we made it until the second week of January before we saw any snow to follow-up our original snowfall back in mid November. Depending on where you are in Canada right now you are potentially feeling some -40 to -50 Celsius weather, and in some areas that very rarely get any subzero temps…so stay warm Canada.

So, with the dawning of the new year, I guess its time for the mandatory review and some forward thought…last year, my plan was fairly straight forward (I think): paint up more figures, focus on 15mm, get some more gaming in, try some new games, and work through the pile of lead (shame). By year’s end, I was sitting around 133 x 15mm figs painted (vehicle and troops) and 62 x 28mm figs…not my best output, and certainly not my worst output. I worked through a bunch of moderns and Team Yankee figs and I was happy that I started to get into some old starter/expansion boxes that I had laying about.

I didn’t game as much as I wanted to, but I was really happy that I got to give Marvel Crisis Protocol a shot and really enjoyed the game and mechanics. It was pretty cool, finally seeing some figs on the table. 

I had intended on working towards some set projects, but admittedly, I just couldn’t muster the focus. I put plenty of thought towards Afropia, but most of it stayed in the brain pan…although, I did work through some 15mm Team Yankee Red Dawn Insurgents/Militia that will fit in nicely. Funny enough, in the last week before end-year, I ended up looking through some of my terrain collection, put some thoughts towards potential actions, and am thinking that I may need to do a re-think and sync on the project.

So, that leads into the soothsaying and what will the next year hold. Painting more is an ongoing objective, I have plenty in the pile to work through, and some great looking MCP characters to bring to life. So that will continue to be a thing. With the release of NATO Forces, I have some Canadian Airborne Regiment and Special Service Force troops to put together for a continental Canada force. I had started a Cold War scenario some time ago, so I will continue developing that. I have been painting up a good amount of moderns over the last 2 years, so I would like to see them get to the table.

I think I will try to focus my efforts around the following projects and see how it goes:

1. Work on a proper Red/Northern Dawn scenario, ideally 2 of them, and that includes the terrain to get it to the table. So, I would like to work through the VDV starter box, and fill out my Cdn Abn Regt;

2. Work on a 15mm scenario inspired by some of the Bush War actions, I think this will be a good kickstart for me to push som progress on the greater Afropia idea - and really work on some of the wider mechanics and construct of that verse; 

3. I’d like to get some moderns to the table, so thinking of either Danger Close, Spectre Ops, or Force on Force, but moreso a limited small action scenario; and

4. Continue with MCP…and get my Hoth force for Star Wars Legion moving.

I think that covers enough variance over genre…and approaches more of the lead pile. So, we’ll see how we go over the next few months and start getting onto the verse’s.

Take care folks.

Yup, Afropia is still alive!!

Hey folks,

Just thought I’d drop a quick post…it’s been a pretty distracting and busy past month or so. While I’ve been able to keep getting some painting done, I just haven’t been able to get any posts in. In between those two, I’ve continued to put thought on how my Imagi-nation will shape up. I have a few ideas on back story, mostly focusing on Petoriastan, but am working out how I can randomize the evolutions of the country.

One of the key things I’ve had on my to-do list was a usable map…I do have a regional map of the countries, but would really like to break each nation down to the national level and give some representation to countryscape. 

At least Petoriastan has a flag. Long live...

Take care…

2022...Oh What a Year

 Howdy folks,

I hope the new year has found you healthy, happy, and perhaps a little wise(r)...I could definitely use some of that...wise(r) or Wiser's, either would work. I have to say it is always a little surprising when the calendar rolls over, it comes too soon and at times has certainly taken too long to get here. 

In terms of painting and gaming, it was a journey...some models seemed to paint themselves and others took a disproportionate amount of time which in itself can be quite frustrating as it slowed progress. However, out of that I can say that I am very happy with the results of the painting, even if I had hoped for higher volumes, I am happy with the quality of the paintjob.

Compared to my thoughts just over 12 months ago, last post of 2021, I am happy to say that I chipped away at a portion of lead mountain and some of its plastic shrubbery. I didn't make any records in terms of outputs, but I am happy to see I had some consistency over the past couple of years which was an overall increase compared to a low-point I had prior to the pandemic (2019 was not a stellar year for output or gaming).

I think the biggest difference between past years was the dramatic increase in the record-keeping of my painting and blog posting - at 36 posts for this year, it is my most productive in about the last 5-6, so huge success. I don't think I was able to get more games in, but I had roughly the same output with more posts...so you got to see some of my more random thoughts and more pics...so happy about that. I didn't get as much done, so I need to get better with my main objectives, however I did get a considerable amount of 28mm and 28mm+ done.

Whats on tap for next year? 

Definitely more gaming...I'd like to see some Fallout, Legion, and give Marvel Crisis Protocol a try. 

In terms of painting...I'd like to get more output, obviously; but I'd like to chip away through more of my 15mm lead mountain AND through my collection of starter and expansion boxes for Team Yankee, The Walking Dead, and some of the bigger models for MCP.

In terms of projects...RED f'ing DAWN baby...this book has brought me back to Team Yankee and I'd like to get some of that accomplished and maybe see how I can work towards an extended campaign or psuedo-Firestorm. I’ve got the weather data, so you know, let’s see what that could give us. As well, I'd like to get the Nam Infantry Aces off the deck, and of course I'd really like to get some actual movement on my Afropia imagi-nations (this will compliment my 15mm painting objective nicely).

All that to say, Happy New Year to all...all the best in 2023!

Take care folks!!

A few notables from the year…

The Green Goblin, Marvel Crisis Protocol

Cable and Domino, Marvel Crisis Protocol

A couple of operatives, Spectre Miniatures

The Mysterious Stranger, Modiphius - Fallout Wasteland Warfare

Afropia...Wasn't That a Thing?

Hey Folks,

So yeah...Afropia...looking for some posting love...kinda feeling like this right now:

So yeah, I was getting pretty pumped and excited with this fictional region, and while it certainly hasn't died, I have to be honest and admit it has at best stalled. I have a lot of great ideas swirling in the brainpan and for Petoriastan I actually have about 100+ years of history loosely mapped out but with enough flex to be able to do some free-gaming throughout their history. But I haven’t gotten past that brainstorm setting.

Being honest, I think it is as a fairly small snag that just sapped my momentum and kept me from moving forward. It sounds super silly, but collided hard with the OCD...and I think it comes down to not having the ability to create a digital map to suit my vision. I have a map of the region in mind, and from that I started a narrative description of Petoriastan, and from there I wanted to translate that into a functional map.

So really, the next step that I need to commit to is getting a map out...whether it is a hand-draulically created one or I find an app (this hasn't worked yet, sigh/lol) or I jury-rig powerpoint or something like that. And maybe most importantly, K-I-S-S…keeping it simple.

All of this to say, I have some great ideas for Petoriastan, their rocky relationship with Aponwana and Alarus...so yes, Bueller is present, thank you for asking Ben Stein. Did I mention, I have a flag?!?

Have a great new year folks...stay safe, and all the best.

 

Hikers Guide to the Afropian Verse: Petoriastan

-- Hitchhiker astronaut with travel suitcase, by Dreamstime --

 

Welcome travelers!

 

From north to south, Petoriastan is a country that some have said that it simply has it all. The truth of that can certainly be debated, but there is no denying the beauty and variance in the country's topography. Comprising three provinces, the country has picturesque mountain peaks in the north, rolling foothills and grasslands in its midlands, and the south is punctuated by plains and shrub-lands. All in all, a little bit of something for any nature lover.

 

The Province of Stanistan

 

The northern province of Stanistan featuring the Crag Bluff mountain range is often considered to be the ancestral birthplace of Petoriastan and until the early 1920's was home to the nations capital. The rugged mountains of the Crag, part of the Afropian Highlands that stretch throughout the region, are a point of pride for the province and for many in the country. Rich in deposits, natural resources, and majestic mountain springs and streams, the province is an interesting compromise and at times competing mix of industrialization desires and ecological stewardship. The province's architecture certainly reflects its history; its landscape dotted with the traditional family and clan compounds, familiar throughout Petoriastan, however with greater representation in Stanistan. That is not to say that the province is void of contemporary or more modern architecture, the larger cities of the province as well as new infrastructure are reflective of international influences and tastes that have made their way to the country and this northern province.

 

The countries capital until the 1920's, the city of Natsoytic serves as the provincial capital and has since boasted a fairly robust tourism trade focused around the Crag and also as a showcase to the country's historical roots - architecture, markets, and a piece to Petoriastan's tribal and clan past, being home to Chieftain's Palace - often referred to as the 'Palace' or 'Castle'.

The Province of Middlepet

Defined by the Oria River, the province of Middlepet has hints of the Crag Bluff range on its western edge, but it is largely known for the foothills and grasslands that roll out from the range north of the Oria. The lands to the east roll towards the border with Mikaroon and neighbors the region often referred to as the French Basin. The rolling foothills continue south and transform into grasslands and wide open spaces. While the province of Stanistan is also known for its traditional family livestock farms and ranches, Middlepet is home to more modern and larger farming operations that include both livestock and crop-based ventures, not to mention its fishing communities along the nations coastline. Home to such diversity within the country, the farming tradition with the industrialist spirit along with the fisherman's love of the sea, the province seemingly is a land of many faces and identities.

Home to the nation's capital, the city of Constanara can trace its birth to the movement of the countries government centre to the province. Still met with disdain in some parts of the country, the movement of capital cities sparked a wider period of development for the province of Middlepet and is really the catalyst for Constanara's modern development and embrace with the modern world.

The Province of Salzland

Picking up where Middlepet's grasslands leave off, the province of Salzland features these same grasslands boasting rich farmland and transitions to plains and shrublands highlighted by low valleys and basin with regions that are a mix of wet and dry throughout the year. Noted for its water-work and irrigation projects, the province is perhaps the least populated and developed of the three. Although a look at the coastline communities and you might forget the harshness of Salzland's shrubland climate.

 

Come to Petoriastan - experience it for yourself - tell a friend

 

A few more Afropia thoughts...

Hello everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and as the weather starts to turn to shades of Spring and Summer...I hope you get some time and relaxation outside.

As soon as I finalized my last post on Afropia thoughts, I had a few more come to mind over the next day or so...as well, I had the chance to see an older post from Rabbits In My Basement on his imagi-nation experience and that got me further thinking on my initial 'hot takes' on my Afropian nations. You can check out his post via the link, but with post-colonial elements in my country overview, I wanted to be sure that I am not just re-hashing what has already been or worse minimizing significant histories for countries that have lived the worst of best and wrong intentions. There's alot of these histories that are horrendously depressing, and in the end I want to make sure that I'm focusing on the gaming aspect and not being locked into specific historic lines.

Not to mention, my main objective is to get miniatures on the table and not necessarily focusing on strict historical accuracy. So I guess I'll maintain the idea of 'post-colonial' in terms of working towards a model for size of the countries (i.e. populace and military forces). And like the name I've chosen, there will be elements from each of these continents.

 

I think my next steps that I identified earlier still stand...all I need to do is refine, and I will probably stick to 1-2 country profiles per post.

All in all, just a tracking of my random thoughts

What kind of place is this Afropia?

Howdy folks,

I hope you are all well and good…a quick thought popped into my mind after my last post; I have mentioned Afropia in a few posts now and I guess at some point I have to give a little more thought and definition to this Imagi-nation. Initially my thought was to have only a single country as the primary setting, but quickly I realized this needed to expand to include at least one potential rival/belligerent…and then this quickly expanded to considering some additional options.

So, I now have the Afropian region to ponder.

At this point I have an idea on countries, some initial concepts on their political leanings, sponsor state in a case or two, and general geography. In total, the region is composed of 6 countries…1 country in the ‘centre’ with 4 others surrounding it with some degree of shared border + one island nation (blame Farcry 6 for this latest addition).

Petoriastan - thank you Family Guy, lol…although I don’t think it is a dictator state. Mountains to the north, plains/prairie-like region in the centre, plains and grasslands to the south. No solid thoughts on sponsor, but some colonial history…maybe British…

Mikaroon - to the north and east of Petoriastan…hills in the northern and western region, plains in the central and eastern, with coastline as its south border. My initial thoughts are former French/European colonial…

Federation of Alarus - shares the northwester border of Petoriastan. Federation had a nice sound to it, Marxist-Leninist for its politics; as such seems a classic Soviet satellite inspired state. Mountains and hills in its east and south-east region…hills pretty much everywhere else.

West Chartoria - again thank you Family Guy and my wife (who is worthy of her own nation-state) for the name inspiration. It falls on the western border of Petoriastan and that border also extends to share the western border of Aponwana. Hills in the north, mountains/hills in the west, shared savannah in the south east with both Petoriastan and Aponwana. Right now I’m thinking a more modern day take on South Africa, perhaps some former British colonialism history as well.

Aponwana - fully along the southern border of Petoriastan with their western border shared with West Chartoria. Savannah and grasslands throughout, I am picturing this as being more in line with a classic failed state vibe…former Soviet protectorate or something to that effect.

And finally, Yara or Tropico or something…not sure on the name yet, but heavily inspired by Caribbean or Latin America setting. Regardless, it is an island nation, to the east of Petoriastan or Aponwana.

That is where things stand at the moment. Next steps will be to review/focus the geopolitics of the countries…get them a flag, something to identify with.

Take care. Until next time…

Afropia, Imagi-nations and what gaming dreams are...

...made of, I guess, or some sh%t like that...basically just trying to keep an idea going that started out as inspiration and getting minis on the table that now encompasses trying to get my historical themed gaming/painting mojo back in action...

 

Howdy folks, I hope all is well on your side, I suspect that the tides of fortune and highs vs. lows certainly is keeping many of us/you on our collective toes. I have to admit, since the first reports of the balloon going up, sh%t getting real, and Ukraine-Russia going hot I have had read a few blog posts on how this is challenging the historical and modern gaming hobby. And I gotta say, I feel some of that challenge...now, before anyone gets heavy or torqued in any reaction, I gotta say, I think I've been here before.

There was a time when I had zero interest in gaming current, modern, or even 'relatively' recent conflicts in any theatre and geographical location. Be it Africa, Middle East, or Europe, my flavour of historical gaming was fairly restrictive to the [not so] Great War and WW2. Given some of my experiences in the green..or blue suit, I guess...I wasn't too keen on modern and Africa was waaaaayyyyy out of the question. Having experienced 2nd hand some of the impacts/effects of the 90's conflicts, I couldn't see how I could approach these various battlespaces with less than solemn reverence. It took the effort of dealing with some of my inner demons, recognize my PTSD symptoms, and just try gaming with good folks...also having folks to game with that had gone through similar avoidance was beneficial. I have to recognize and acknowledge that it was Peter Pig and their AK-47 ruleset that helped me break that wall...and if you read my last Afropia post, I didn't even get to game it, but I did read the ruleset and that helped to reframe my reality with the gaming environment and still respect the non-fictional context around the various conflicts and regions.

 

And to be honest, I'm still not overly cool with current events, it really does depend on the ruleset, context, and treatment around the conflict

So I guess what I'm saying with the current conflict/war...I've been here before, and I can move forward again...it just takes some time and some good folks to game with. I have had Afropia on my mind quite a bit this past week and I do enjoy creating scenarios. So I will have to revisit some of my original thoughts from January and try to get moving on settings and scenario creation. We'll see how the progress goes.

If you're in a position to help out those affected by this war, good on you and good luck; if you're affected by this war, all the best to you and yours.

Cheers.