York historical and conflict simulation boardgame meetup
An opportunity to meet fellow boardgamers to play historical boardgames, conflict simulations and other strategy games.
“Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard.”
― Genghis Khan
For the third Eboracon, Heslington was unavailable, so we moved to the lovely village of Low Catton, near Stamford Bridge.
There was a smaller turnout, as some of our regulars were on holiday. As before, there was a range of two-player and multi-player games. There was also good conversation throughout, including in the compact but comprehensive kitchen. I think we all fitted in at one point!
As there’s a pub and not much else in Low Catton. I arranged lunch with The Gold Cup pub, a stones throw from the hall.
We’ll meet again at Eboracon IV on Saturday 13 September at Stamford Bridge Village Hall.
Games played
This is, I’m afraid, an incomplete list as I was engrossed in my game, and had to take a short break to ferry my wife home.
Congress of Vienna
By the end of 2025, I will have played CoV to death. But it is a fantastic game. Built upon Mark Herman’s Churchill, it’s a game of influence, area control and combat in the last Napoleonic years – that is, the years leading to the Congress of Vienna that redrew the map of Europe much as Versailles did over a century later.
We played the Napoleon Resurgent scenario from early 1813, where Napoleon seeks to rebuild the Grand Armee after defeat in Russia. It was the first play for three of the four, so a good learning experience.
Did you know, that William Huskisson, who’s card is pictured here, was the first railway fatality. A local MP, he inadvertently walked into the path of a train during celebrations of the first inter-city passenger railway, between Liverpool and Manchester in 1830. He lost both legs but survived a few grisly hours.
Top, top game. Good experience around the table. I’m playing it again in a couple of weeks.
Pax Penning
Such a beautifully produced game, Pax Penning made an appearance. I know Jim has also taught Pax Pamir at our local club. And, I think he taught another game here but I somehow missed what was going on.
Must play this at some stage.
UBOOT: The Board Game
Wow! Well, I have heard about this game and it’s complicated aiming mechanism but never seen it on the table. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture with it all set out. But, you’ll have to take my word that it’s quite a sight.
This was tabled as a co-operative game though it can be played solo. A bit more complex than my favourite U-Boat solo game, The Hunters. A couple of others mentioned Wolfpack as a good option. Must check that out.
Ian had the aiming mechanism on his laptop. And, there are, if you’re so minded, sound effects.
Star Trek: Into The Unknown – Federation vs. Dominion Core Set
I think this is the right game.
My phone was on charge and I was chin-wagging in the kitchen so didn’t get a chance to get a picture.
It looked very involved but apparently you can re-create Star Trek episodes if you like. Errand of Mercy, perhaps.
Invaders from Dimension X!
Another one, I missed photographing.
Ian had taken delivery of this Herman Luttmann design recently, so was pushing it around.
I haven’t played any of Luttmann’s sci-fi games but they are supposed to be engaging. Maybe, I’ll give one a go soon.
Atlantic Chase: The Kriegsmarine Against the Home Fleet 1939-1942
Another WWII North Atlantic themed game, Cal giving a teach to Andrew.
This has been very popular at all the cons I’ve been to over the last couple of years. Unique system and very good rules; not had the pleasure as yet.