TankLarp

A friend and I have been working on the rules for a new LARP when he decided to throw a curveball at me.


It's inspired by this - TankLarp

If you watch the video, you'll see that TankLarp is a curious mash-up of medieval and modern. And they do have armored vehicles (armored personnel carriers actually). We wouldn't do that.

My friend's initial idea was a LARP using World War I level technology. That has us off and running. Here is a quick backstory I ginned up.

Many years ago, the inhabitants of the northern continent of the planet developed advanced machine age technology. However, two great alliances formed – the free states and the evil empire. War broke out. In the bitter conflict, the evil empire was defeated, but the entire continent was devastated. 

The few survivors took the remnants of their technology, fled to, and settled the southern continent. There, they encountered an array of cultures, predominantly of a medieval technological stage of development. With limited access to materials necessary for machines, a hybrid society developed where modern firearms supported rather than supplanted old-fashioned hand-to-hand combat. 

But as this new society stabilized, a new threat emerged. A reborn evil empire has arisen in the east and is slowly conquering its neighbors. The evil empire has sent agents into its opponents’ nations to foster discontent, stir up conflict between nations, and foment armed insurrection.

This gives us an excuse to mix medieval and firearms. I'm now on a steampunk / dieselpunk kick. I added firearms (i.e. Nerf blasters) to the combat rules and am researching garb. I think early 20th century (especially Boer War and Boxer Rebellion) uniforms would work well for muggy Florida. Stay tuned for more developments.

Summer Doldrums

Looks like they're here - the dreaded summer doldrums.

I'm so lazy during the doldrums that I keep re-using this picture.

It seems fairly typical for my wargaming productivity to drop off in the summer. So what's my excuse this year?

Too Hot!
I have a bit of painting to do but have been reluctant to work on it. It's probably because my painting area is in my garage, which gets very hot and muggy in the South Florida summer months.

Video Games
I've gone on a bit of a video game kick lately. I mentioned the Untitled Goose Game. Recently, I started up a new game of Skyrim. 

Yes, I've beaten it before, multiple times. It's an old one but still a good one. It's satisfying my fantasy itch that I can't scratch with LARPing (thanks COVID).

LARPing
While I can't LARP right now, I can still make preparations. My friend and I have had our fill of Amtgard, so we decided to create our own system. We're going to call our new kingdom Elzwehr (a take on Elder Scrolls' Elswehr).

The heraldry of Elzwehr

Right now, I've been working on a draft rules system, which not only includes combat rules but the in-game social hierarchy and eventually a simplified class system.

Untitled Goose Game

While this blog focuses on miniature and role playing games, I do enjoy video games and occasionally like to post about them. Recently I've been playing one that I just have to write about.

It's literally titled Untitled Goose Game.

It's a very simple game, but it is an absolute blast to play. You are a mischievous goose running amok in an otherwise quiet village. You have various tasks to perform, but you need to figure out how to complete them when opposed by irate residents. It's a masterpiece of a puzzle game.

UGG is available on the major consoles as well as for the computer (I played on the Nintendo Switch). Highly recommended!

Assault on Fort Havacoolwun

It is becoming a tradition that I celebrate American Independence Day with a Revolutionary War battle. Rather than recreate a historical event, I decided to start a fictional campaign set in my home state of Florida. This is now the 3rd battle (spread over the past 3 years).

EAST FLORIDA 1777

Empowered by the Georgia legislature, Col. James Endicott invaded East Florida, intent on capturing St. Augustine. His initial confrontation with British troops ended in defeat, but he reclaimed the initiative with a victory at Alligator Creek.

Now, Endicott continues his advance toward St. Augustine. As he approaches the native village of Havacoolwun, scouts report that the British had fortified and garrisoned the settlement. Endicott orders an attack.

The American forces (in blue), consisting of 3 companies of militia, a squadron of dragoons, an artillery battery, and a company of Overmountain men (light infantry), advance.

The dragoons attack British rangers on the hill. The rangers make effective use of the wooded terrain and hold off the attack while British dragoons ride to the rescue.

What should have been an easy victory for the American horse turns into a bloody scrum.

Coming to the aid of the American horse, the Georgia militia blast the British dragoons to smithereens.

But the British annihilate one of the militia companies.

FINALLY! The American horse overruns the rangers. The Overmountain Men advance and start shooting at the British artillery in the fort.

The Georgians swarm against the British infantry, but another company of militia routs.

At this point, the light is fading. Endicott realizes that he cannot take Havacoolwun before dark. He orders his troops to disengage back to the hill. The fort will have to wait for another day.

Notes
Col. Endicott is now 1-2 in the campaign. He needs to break through and attack St. Augustine soon, or else the campaign will be for naught. Stay tuned for Part 4 next July 4th.

Fortunately, the real American cause did not rely on Endicott, and the American forces were victorious. Feel free to read my reflections on the 4th on my Paladin's Path blog. Have a great weekend everyone!