Review of 2017

   Well, it's that time of year again. For those of you still following, if you haven't noticed a distinct downward trend over the past year or two, I'm surprised. Still, while 2017 was not the best year I've ever had in regards to my Victorian Science Fiction gaming, there was a bright spot.

   The biggest thing for me this year was running a convention game. I did this once at Historicon, several years ago, in 15mm using the Battles by GASLIGHT rules. That was an okay experience, but not a rousing success. I do recall that a few of my minis went missing afterwards as well, and several pieces of terrain were damaged in shipping. Both of these incidents soured me somewhat on running a convention game. But, I decided to try once more, this time at a much more local convention, MillenniumCon, back in November. I used the In Her Majesty's Name rules, and cards for the individual model types. It went well, and I got some very useful feedback on the game for possible future conventions. Plus, I finally got the Quadcycle on the table!

   I'm a bit perturbed at what's happening with Dystopian Wars, as well. I played in two games of DW at Historicon back in July, and had a good time. And then the bombshell: Spartan Games went out of business. I know a new company has picked up the IP, but from what I see heading out of their shop... well, I'm not as excited about it as I would like to be. Time will tell. 

   On the painting front, virtually nil in VSF, and little enough in other genres. I can't recall painting a single figure that was specifically for a VSF game. I did manage work on one of the pair of very nice Martian Skiffs I got from Red Vectors. Just needs a bit of finishing work to be done.

   The only terrain pieces I worked on were some nice desert building bits for SAGA that I used for the convention game. They were already colored, all I had to do was assemble and paint the white foam edges. Took a day. The latter third of the year was eaten up by a hurricane, of course (darn you, Harvey!), but still, that level of lack of progress is daunting. Granted, I am working on a few other projects now, most especially some forces for a Bolt Action ruled Very British Civil War.

   So, what about this new year, eh? Well, if we get moved into the new house by end of February, I hope to have my stuff sorted. That would let me work on a few projects that are currently packed away in boxes. I think blog-wise, that I would like to post at least six polls this year, something I haven't done in ages. In fact, I think I will post one today, just to get the ball rolling. So please vote on it.

   Anyway, thanks to any and all who still follow this blog. It's not totally moribund. I just have moved the significant focus of my gaming away from VSF for now. If you want to see a bit more of my wit (the half I have) and wisdom (or lack thereof), I post more frequently on my general gaming blog, The Scattergun Gamer.

Cheers, and happy New Year!

Today is Camerone Day

   Today is Camerone Day, the anniversary of the Battle of Camerone. On this day in 1863, three officers and sixty-two men of the French Foreign Legion exemplified stoic determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

   Surrounded by as many as two thousand Mexican troops, the Legionnaires under Captain Jean Danjou made a stand in an old hacienda. When called up on to surrender, Captain Danjou replied, "We have munitions. We will not surrender." In the ensuing battle, nearly all of the Legionnaires, including Captain Danjou, were killed. When the last five unwounded men ran out of ammunition, under the command of Lieutenant Maudet, they loaded their last round, fixed bayonets, and charged the enemy.

   Inevitably, they were surrounded and captured (although not without a fight). The last remaining NCO, Corporal Maine, insisted that the wounded be treated, the survivors be sent with their arms back to France, and that the body of Captain Danjou be escorted for a proper military burial. The Mexican commander, a Colonel Milan, reportedly said "Que podré negar a cierto hombres? No, estos no son hombres, son demonios." (What can I refuse to such men? No, these are not men, they are devils.)

Back to the UK this summer!

Hurrah!

My family and I will be returning to the UK again this summer. Booked airfare last night. Our itnerary is less focused than usual, as yet.

We will be in London on July 11-12. My son has a tour of a college campus (University of East London) that he is interested in attending.

We will be in Edinburgh from the 13-17 July. After that, Momma heads back to the US and the boys and I go... somewhere. Considering a day or two in Weymouth again, as it was lovely, and I'd like to see the Goddards again and stay in that lovely little hotel from last time. The owners were wonderful.

Also considering a visit to northern cities. Any suggestions?

Finally, I would love to meet any gamers in the areas in which we visit. Just give a shout!

Guy Fawkes Day

Remember, remember

The Fifth of November

The Gunpowder Treason and plot!

I know of no reason

Why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Or, as I like to call it, Mexican Import Beer Day!

Great cartoon, though I prefer Dos Equis myself.

   Figures from Shadowking's Blog, shamelessly stolen and ported here just for today. He did a really nice job on these, however. You might be interested in taking a look over there. This is a Mexican/French Adventuring Company for In Her Majesty's Name.

Resolutions for 2015

Yes, it is that time again, when we try to resolve ourselves to work ofr a better new year. The 2015 edition, for myself, includes the following:

1. Lose weight. I badly need to lose about 40 pounds.
2. Get a 'full time' job. While my hours are full time, I'm technically an adjunct professor, and therefore a part time employee.
3. Get my son's '74 Dart on the road and out of my garage.
4. Improve relations with my parents. This one will be hard.
5. Three issues of The Aethergraph.
6. Complete two 6mm VSF forces. British and either Germans or Canal Martians.
7. Play more games.
8. Spend less than $250 on new minis and terrain this year. I have a massive backlog of stuff that needs to be tackled before I spend more money on ooh shiny. I predict this will be broken by mid-year.
9. Paint 100 15mm minis.
10. Paint 100 25mm minis.
11. At least one post per week here and on The Scattergun Gamer.
12. Participate in the Lead Adventure Forum's painting contest.

That's a lot of gaming goals, I know. But, besides work and family, it's what I do.

Merry Christmas to All!

Annual Barbecue at the Texas Legation Tonight

   In honor of the day the Republic of Texas declared itself independent from Mexico, the Texican Legate and his wife will host a traditional Texas-style picnic meal. On the menu are a variety of hot smoked beef cuts with a savory sweet 'barbecue' sauce, chili con carne, cornbread, a cold potato salad, stuffed cabbages, and something called 'tamales'. Dessert will be pecan pie. Of course, beer and whiskey will be available to drink, as will punch or iced tea for teetotallers and young children.

   A solemn ceremony of remembrance will take place at noon, with bugler playing retreat and a rifle salute to the Texican fallen - 186 shots in total, one for each man who fell at the Alamo siege. Food will be served beginning at 4:00 in the afternoon, until it all runs out. Last year, this was near midnight. Fireworks will be shot skyward immediately after dark. The best view of the fireworks will be on the eastern edge of Victoria Landing, opposite the downport.

Happy New Year!

   The title pretty much says it all. Best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2014!

Merry Christmas!

   May the Joy of the Season fill your heart.

   May your family be healthy and happy.

   May your future be bright and secure.

   May you get lots of toys.

   Not necessarily in that order.

Traveling to the Coast

   Not Brighton, old boy - Mexico! Actually, the memsahib and I are off on a vacation, just the pair of us. To be honest, I believe it is the first 'just us' vacation we've been on in almost 18 years. So, the boys off to grandmothers' houses and us on a bloody big ship, headed to the south.

  So you won't be lonely and bored whilst I am away, I have scheduled a post or two. Enjoy, and see you all next week.

Texas Independence Day

Today is Texas Independence Day.

God Bless Texas

Lest We Forget...

Texas Independence Day

ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

Texicans Declare Republic on This Date, 48 Years Ago

  In 1836, a group of brave men met secretly in the small town of Washington-on-the-Brazos in what is now the Houston Province of the Republic of Texas. They signed a document which meant their deaths if captured by the Mexican Army, but liberty for their entire nation if their rebellion, like that of the American colonies before them, was successful.

  Fellow residents of Victoria's Landing, please extend your congratulations to Texicans you meet today. In celebration, the Texican Consulate will be providing free 'barbecue' beef and beer to all residents of the city. His Excellency the Viceroy will be hosting a dinner and formal ball for the Texican Consul, Mister Andrew Jackson Houston, at Government House tonight.

  Also, please do not be overly concerned by the sound of numerous gunshots coming from the Texican Quarter tonight. They are most likely the result of a few Texicans partaking a bit too heavily of the local spirits and celebrating their independence by firing revolvers into the air. Residents of the city are, therefore, encouraged to remain indoors after dark, to avoid accidental injury from falling bullets. Last year, two people and three Martians were injured by the 'lead rain.'

[Editor's Note: In our reality, this event did occur on March 2, 1836, at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas. Today is Texas' 176th birthday. Still the only independent nation to willingly join the Union, and probably the only one that ever will be. Oh, and the bit about people being injured by falling bullets? That happens every year on the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. Happy Birthday, Texas!]

Taffys Celebrating Today

   I hope you like leeks, as a good number of them will be served across the Empire today. Naturally, this is in honor of the Feast of Saint David, patron saint of Wales. The Welsh members of Her Majesty's valiant forces on guard here on the Red Planet will be hosting their fellows tonight in the mess.

   Have a great Saint David's Day!

Bonfire Night!

Remember, remember the Fifth of November,

The Powder, the Treason, the Plot!

I know of no Reason

The Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be Forgot!

  Today is Guy Fawkes' Day, or Bonfire Night, if you prefer. In celebration of the survival of His Majesty King James I against a plot to assassinate him by blowing up the House of Lords, light a bonfire tonight!

  Official celebrations shall, as is customary, be held in Government House Square here in Victoria's Landing. The Viceroy shall give a speech at sundown, to be followed by fireworks and a torchlight parade through the streets, and culminating in the lighting of the bonfire in front of Government House.

American Independence Celebration

   As many of you are no doubt aware, the Americans celebrate the anniversary of the signing of their Declaration of Independence today. While we rather enjoy the traiditional pyrotechnic celebrations, it is still a bit surprising to Her Majesty's loyal subjects that the Americans have managed so well in the years since their departure from the fold. Mean to say, I know old George III was a bit, well, peculiar, but fighting a war of rebellion over a few eccentricities? Well, water under the bridge now, as they say. Just so long as they remember they are the junior partner in the English-speaking nations of the world, well, I suppose all will be well.

  See you at the American Legation celebration. I hear they are having some of those odd German style sausages on a bun, cooked over an open flame, of all things. And washing it down with beer that has been chilled. Dashed odd, Cousin Jonathan.

Royal Nuptials

  Anyone who follows this blog has probably figured out that I am an unapologetic Anglophile. Perhaps it should be a Britophile, as I do not reserve my affection solely for the English, but include Irish, Scots and Welsh as well.

  However, as a latter-day Loyalist, I wish to express my happiness at the wedding of HRH Prince William and HRH Princess Catherine. May they share many years of wedded bliss.

Happy Easter!

   Christ is risen!

   Family, friends, food, fun... I hope your Easter includes these all. but always remember the reason for the joy: our Lord and Savior has conquered death and sin for us.

   We'll see you tomorrow!

Battle of San Jacinto

Texicans Celebrate

  Today is the 49th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, in which the valiant Texican army, outnumbered and ill-equipped, surprised and defeated the invading Mexican Army, led by the despot Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. In a mere eighteen minutes, spurred by their anger over the massacres at Goliad and the Alamo, the Texicans swept the Mexicans from the field.

  Later that day, General Santa Anna was captured and signed the Treaties of Velasco, recognizing (in his capacity as President of Mexico) the independence of the Republic of Texas.

  Expect a large crowd outside the Texas Legation here in Victoria Landing, enjoying a feast of traditional Texican foods, such as barbecued beef, beans, chilis, and of course, large quantities of beer, whiskey and cider. Fireworks will follow after sunset.