Eboracon VI

York historical and conflict simulation boardgame meetup

The new year started in a new (for us) venue, St Lawrence Church Hall, very near Walmgate Bar in York city centre.

Thirteen souls braved whatever elements and illnesses the English climate can throw at a person. They came from near and afar, including Northants, East Sussex and Kent. A1 be damned!

On the table? Some Pax, hex, COIN and Nappy. In the kitchen? No hot water but tea, coffee and chat.

More of this at St Aelred’s on Tang Hall on 11 April, then three days of Battle Flat at Catton in September. Beyond those, it’s probably St Lawrence as a semi-permanent home.

Pax Pamir: Second Edition

Becoming a favourite at out little event, but I’ve yet to play it. Thanks to Jim for teaching newbies.

China’s War 1937-1941

The latest COIN effort, designed by Brian Train who authored Colonial Twilight and co-authored A Distant Plain.

A different spin on some familiar mechanics. This is not a typical insurgency and the conflict is on a much larger scale. In the style of Fire in the Lake, the Japanese can outmuscle the other factions but have to watch that “Commitment” doesn’t evaporate. The Nationalists and Warlords have a messy symboitic relationships, while the Commies just do their Commie thing (especially if it’s free!).

We tried the shorter 1938 scenario with sudden Propaganda. Gordon took victory as the Warlords. The Japanese, under Nicholas’s watchful command, looked like running away with it but got pegged back at the last. David, a COIN newbie, handled the Nationalists well. My Commies got bogged down by the Japanese hogging the Lines of Communication.

Across The Narva: The Soviet Assault on Estonia, February 1944

Some traditional hex-and-counter in the form of this excellent looking Revolution title.

Richard and Mark battled it out. I don’t know the outcome but tweezers and plexi were involved, so it was serious stuff.

4. The Guns of Gettysburg

This is a super looking game on the table, beautiful map and lovely components.

Scott and Michael played this in the morning. Again, I don’t know the outcome but I’m intrigued by this style of tactical game.

Napoleon’s Triumph

Speaking of block games, here’s another one from Bowen Simmons that Michael and Scott played in the afternoon.

Again, it’s stunning on the table. Interested to hear some comments…

The British Way: Counterinsurgency at the End of Empire

A total COIN day for Nicholas and me, as we raced through the Kenya scenario in this two-player mini-game.

This is probably my favourite in the series, not just from a gaming point-of-view. It’s got me very interested in the history, and I’m glad to hear that Nicholas is going to the Imperial War Museum exhibition that covers this topic.

I got hosed as the British. Couldn’t shift the Mau-Mau out of Nairobi until first Propaganda, which meant clearing the reserve provinces was delayed. (I’ve got Palestine planned for Unfurl in a few weeks.)

Commands & Colors: Ancients

More familiar tactical warfare and a con favourite, Gordon taught David this classic.

I don’t believe elephants were involved, which is a disappointment.