If you have been checking out the sister site MiniWarZone.com you have probably noticed I managed to make it to Gen Con Indy 2008.  I played in a range of games from WWII miniature wargames to a MMRPG (’BlackMoor‘).  With all the range of vendors and all the activity I’d have to say there was not a whole lot of gladiator action.

Yes there were gladiator events, however the closest buzz to a gladiator feast was the BattleTech ‘Grinder’ that I played in.  This year I also did not compete in the painting contests (beyond Speed Painting), so I wasn’t able to throw my contribution up for the gaming world to see some kick-*ss gladiators.  (I’m being a little generous with my description.. I’m not horrible at painting.. just probably not realistically kick-*ss :-)  Hopefully I will be able to complete some of my miniatures by the next Gen Con 2009.  If not, then I better just dump this domain name and duck for cover from the fan base (wait.. who are you?).

Which this brings up I want some feedback people. 

Do you play any gladiator games?

Do you have any gladiator minis painted?

Have you made a lovely gladiator arena for your games?

Yep.. the Arena.. That is another project I’d like to start on soon.  There is nothing quite like having scenery pieces that really fit the mood.  I actually have come across some styrofoam pieces that I really think will make it easier to construct.  I have four pieces that make up the complete circle, however instead of finishing up an entire circle I’ll build a quarter sample to get a better idea of how I want it to come out.  Then take another of the quarters and modify it with oil-based clay and balsa wood to make a version that can be simply molded in a latex mold and plaster mother-mold.  Once I’m happy with that then it’s plaster casting time for arena fun!

Molds & Scenery? 
There were all kinds of lovely scenery dealers at Gen Con.  In fact I’m sure some of you noticed the molds that were being sold so you could make your own plaster casts.  One of the sad facts in the gaming world is the miniature collector is typically taking on all the hats and becomes the scenery person for your gaming group as well.  Truly, a lot of other people could get into scenery, as there are simply a lot of tricks to painting scenery that do not require the skill of miniature painting.  One of the simplest tricks is to use pastel chalk with a fluid/vehicle agent.  Then use a spray fixative to make sure the pastels stay were you want them.  We used this technique in school when building models and movie set scenery.  Remember variation in color and surface texture can typically help to improve the perseption of scale.  Everybody knows the original Star Wars models pulled of some pretty amazing effects for being typically kit-bashed models.  Part of how they acheived this is through making sure very little looked perfectly clean.. If you give it the variation that an object would have given it’s history.. You’ll have a lot more convencing model.

If you don’t believe me.. then fine… But I’m telling you.. when I finally finish on my house, basement, landscaping, barn, fields, etc.. I’ll show you some fine scenery..

While at GenCon 2007, I played a couple TMG games that were far different then my normal.  There were som Aerial Miniature Combat Systems that really caught my attention.  There were two games that I looked at, and one that I was able to play.  I’m horrible about remembering names, but one of them was “Canvas Eagles.”  The other which seemed a little simpler started with “Aces” and the rest I can not remember. The intersting part about the way they handled each turn was that they split the turn into multiple phases that you pre-planned out at the begginning of the turn.  As an example below are the steps of each turn.

1. Planning - Plan Phase A-C
2. Perform Phase A (Perform Movement & Combat that was already set in the Planning stage)
3. Perform Phase B
4. Perform Phase C

What this simluated was the anticipation of an enemies actions and what actions you will peform based on those anticipations.  It  made for a really spiffy method of simulating the way dogfights work.  The very first time I sat down to play I was stuck on the rookie team verses some guys that had been playing for a while.  Needless to say the rookies (including me) were fireballs before we ran out of ammunition.  The next game my wingmen and I  managed to teach them that we’re quick learners shooting down three of them to none of us.  Back to the concept though.  I  had mainly been thinking I could develop a campaign system for the Gladiator TMG.  Now, I’m thinking it could be pretty impressive to add a layer of planned phases to the combat turn that would simulate how in a melee you will perform a sequence of moves in attacking or defending.  The trouble is I have to make sure it takes into effect the characters skill and perception as well as the players.  The idea is intriguing and most likely will come into play…

Indianapolis may have one of the worse Public Transit systems in the United States.  But if you have a car and made it to GenCon it has some value beyond being a race track.  I made it down to GenCon for four days of trying to figure out what to do.   It was a lot of fun and inspiring.  However, I do have to admit if you are going to GenCon it might be best to be going to it with a friend or two.

The number one rule I learned was.. Register for the events super early.  The generic tickets are almost worthless unless you want to hit up all the events that apparently there is little interest in.  I did manage to have fun hitting up an available game here and there, but I think my phobia of lines needs to be forgotten when going to GenCon.

There certainly were a lot of interesting games that are interesting just to think of how they attempt to simulate aerial combat, naval, Napoleon Wars, etc.  There were even some gladiator like games, but none quite like what I am wanting to develop. 

The miniatures competition was not as deep as I wished it would of been.  It just seems like there are usually a couple key top painters and then very few other entries.  Mine came up short this year.. which for being my first attempt.. to be expected.  Sadly, I’ve really only finished probably twenty or so miniatures in my life.. Yes, I sadly have hundreds started.. just moved on without finishing.. My wife encouraged me to finish them and submit them even if I know they will not win.  Truly, since I haven’t been gaming in years I really think it was the right first step. 

Now, do not think I’m giving up.. I have reason to get my game up now.  Marike Reimer entered some stunning miniatures and was of course on location open for chatting.  Her style is lovely and she truly loves what she does.  I did not manage to get myself to let myself drop any on her pre-soldout classes.. Next year, I better be on the ball and willing to drop the $16 or whatever it was.  (Sadly, I’m building a house right now so I’m trying to be skimpy on my hobbies) =-). 

I really wasn’t expecting her Jade Dancing Girl to win when I was behind some people unable to see the miniature so well in the case.  When I managed to finally get a closer view I was just stunned by the fabric patterns and lighting.  Wow… There were some other really sweet entries though.  It made my unit and large monster certainly look like a tabletop miniature, instead a of gallery pieces..  It’s a start though.. For being somewhere around the first finished in years.. and of a few number I’m starting.. I just better finish painting a lot more to get my skills up..

Lunch is almost over.. so for now.. Enjoy.. Paint..and just be patient about the Gladiator stuffs….