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.

Fan Boy Gushing Moment

  I was just checking out Frank Chadwick's Space: 1889 blog, and noticed that Victoria's Boys in Red is mentioned in his links.

   Yes, I think it is cool that the guy who wrote the game that got me interested in VSF in the first place oh so many moons ago knows about my little blog.

   I know, it's kinda sad. But in a cool way.

A Really Great Charity

   A friend of mine, an officer in the US Army, just let me know about this small scale charity that is looking for some funding. It is to help returning soldiers deal with PTSD by building models.

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/98618

   Please click on the link and go check it out. If you feel so inclined, please donate.

Bit of Housekeeping

   Just been doing a bit of cleanup around here. Deleting old links, adding a few nifty features, that sort of thing. I'll be trying to post something new every other day or so for the next few weeks, at least on average.

   Things that have me busy right now:

• Editing Airpirates!
• Finishing Aethergraph Vol. 2, Issue 1. Send me submissions for the next issue so I can get it out sooner!
• Writing paper for grad school admission.
• Getting ready for new school year.
• Playing Victoria II and Hearts of Iron.
• Painting minis.
• Blogging.
• Taxi service for the kids.

   So not so bad, after all.

Speaking of Old Things...

well, we weren't but now we are.

My grandmother is 100 years old today.

Weird.

Shutting Down the Blog

   Well, folks, it's been fun, but as of today, I will no longer be supporting this blog. Only 37 followers after what, three and a half years? Time to call it quits. I'll leave it open for those that care to check out the archives.

See you on TMP and I See Lead People.









Have a good First of April...

What is Victorian Science Fiction?

   My friend Dan asked this question on TMP. I think it an excellent one, bringing a lot of thought, at least on my part. Once upon a time, I used to fuss about with a science fiction roleplaying game called Traveller. One of the things I liked about it was the way everyone who played it had a slightly different version of their universe. They even had - I suppose it still exists, though I haven't had an interest in years - an acronym for the concept: IMTU, or "In My Traveller Universe." I think the same concept can be carried easily across into Victorian Science Fiction as "IMVSF". And so, these are the things that I think define the genre, and my own personal takes on them.

   First, the time period. Obviously, the mere name of the genre's inclusion of the term 'Victorian' gives you a range. It's quite a large one: more than sixty years. Personally, I prefer the last half of the era, from the 1860s onward to the turn of the 20th century.

  Technologically speaking, I believe that you absolutley must have three things: steam, brass and airships. Add all the rest of it as you like, but these must be included. Of course, I throw in a good many extras. I like steamtanks, for one thing. And large walkers. And automatons. Science runs amok, with mechanickal devices and even a new threat on Venus which I am slowly developing. This may even be an original idea that I have fabricated. However, I have spoken of it elsewhere and am considering using it as a professionally produced setting, so I don't want to elaborate any further upon it at this time.

  Geographically, the skies are certainly not the limit. Many of the VSF gamers I know are heavily influenced by the groundbreaking roleplaying game Space 1889. This brings in the idea of the luminiferous aether (a not totally discredited though quite unpopular theory, it turns out), and interplanetary travel with steam powered ships. Colonial imperialism spreads to Mars and Venus. Another strong influence has been Edgar Rice Burroughs's novels, especially regarding Barsoom.

   Politically, it seems a very straightforward European-dominated genre. Few players are without British troops, and Germans seem to follow immediately behind. One thing I do find interesting is the profusion of alternate nations. My own Republic of Texas, for example, or Fenian Republics, the Empire of California, and so on. Another common variance to our actual history is in the American Civil War. It is frequently either ongoing or a reversal of outcome. Other real nations are sometimes brought in as well. France, the Ottoman Turks, Russia and even Japan are not uncommonly encountered in many VSF settings. And then there are the Martian native states as well, usually modeled somewhat on the Princely States of the Raj.

   Well, those are my thoughts on the matter. As you can see, I have a very broad scope for my ideas IMVSF. Consider that I am also working on four different scales, and the enormity of my VSF projects is dimly glimpsed. Even I am not sure what will eventually be included, but I do know that I have not yet begun to paint all the figures, vehicles and terrain that I need to see it to completion.

   Let me know what you think.

Looking back to 2010

   This time of year, it is common practice to look back over the previous annum, and consider how one could have done a better job at, well, whatever it is you do. For me, that means a few things: Husband, daddy, teacher, gamer. As far as the first three go, I do a great job. In my not so humble opinion.

   Regarding gaming, however, it was a very hit-or-miss kind of year. I started off fairly strong with painting, really through until about April or May. Since then, virtually no painting of consequence has been accomplished. For wargaming, I went to Historicon, and got in a good half dozen games or so. One big convention, one small one (OwlCon, here in Houston). Made several monthly games with my local group, though not one VSF game. They lean rather strongly towards historicals, especially Ancients, lately. Writing wise, I did no real writing, but I have made some strong contributions to a new line of wargames rules as editor for The ArmChair General. Plus, I did get out two issues of The Aethergraph. And for the last major category of my gaming hobby, we come to roleplaying. Which we finished off the year fairly strongly, with a new D&D 3.5 campaing underway since September.

   So, looking forward for 2011, what are my goals? I think it's important to set goals, as guidelines for a scope of work if nothing else. So, what are they?

• Painting (VSF only): Finish Automaton army in both 15 and 25 mm. Finish British infantry in 25mm.
• Writing: Write at least one chapter a month in the book, and edit at least three projects with ACG.
• Publishing: Get out three issues of The Aethergraph.
• Gaming: Make at least one convention, plus 8 monthly meetings.
• RPG: Get players to the Isle of Dread so they can get eaten by dinosaurs.
• Blog: At least one post per week for each of my two blogs.

   I think these are realistic and achieveable goals. Only time will tell. Stick around, and see where we go, or check things out at The Scattergun Gamer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, been a real busy few weeks.

1. Took the GRE. Did well.
2. Son had his twelfth birthday yesterday! That was awesome.
3. Turkey Day today! Yummy!
4. Aggie football tonight - BTHO t.u.!
5. Even did a little painting!

To everyone who still checks in here from time to time, Happy Thanksgiving!

All Gave Some, Some Gave All.

Mere words can not adequately express the debt we owe our veterans.

Wounded Warrior Project

Fisher House Project

Go now, and donate to one of these (or any of the many other) worthy veterans' charities. Really, it's the least we can do for those who have done so much for us.

For our British friends, today is Remembrance Day as well.

News from the Front!

The news is this... no news to report, sir!

I have done absolutely zero work on anything VSF-related in weeks. I think I am trying to clear out the clogged filters between my ears or something.

However, there is a bit of stuff perhaps on the horizon. Perhaps. I would like to get a few minor projects finished... stuff that is just cluttering my painting table. Now that football season is coming to an end, I think maybe I will have a bit more time in the evenings and afternoons to do something about it.

Convention Coming...

Historicon, I am there!

Didn't think I was gonna get to go this year, but my wonderful bride essentially said: "Just buy the damned tickets and stop asking if we can afford it, already! You're making me nuts!" Or something to that effect.

I love my wife.

I'll be in at least one VSF game, as well, on Saturday night, 8PM, with Bob Charette. He's running his Skyrunners game, which just released a couple of months back. I love the photos of the ships, and want to see them in action!

Even though my spending money's less than I would want it to be for the convention, I'm looking forward to the games! Plus, there's the flea market. Love that. And I can still window shop the convention booths to order stuff later - I like to see something before I buy it online. I'm odd that way.

Also, I'll be going by myself, so no kids wanting to drag me away from interesting booths, games, or whatever so they can eat or something... pfah! Wimps.

Anyway, look me up. I'll be the slightly overweight short guy with no hair and a goatee. No, not that one. No, not that one either. Hint: I shower regularly and change clothes everyday. Does that help? :D

New Resin Awesomeness

So there I was, innocently browsing through my dashboard, checking out posts on the many blogs that I follow. And what do I see? A little bit from Colonel Gravis talking about how he has a guy selling castings of his parts in the US through Bartertwon. "Cool," thinks I. Click on link. Find following awesomeness:

One of the things I have wanted for a bit was a set of rider legs and all to make Praetorian/British VSF riders. Now all I gotta do is buy them, get some gashants, and assemble and paint them. Somewhere around 2030 ought to be the appropriate time table. But how cool is it?!?! Way cool is the answer, my friends. Way cool.

And then I saw this:

Remember Epic? Remember the Imperial Knights, kinda like miniature Titans? This is a resin Knight Paladin done in 28mm scale. Fracking huge, and I have no idea how much it costs. But this would be the kickest-ass major bad mojo for Doctor Maton EVER. Big time OOOO Shiny moments going on here.

And I swore I wouldn't buy anything more until Historicon. Must. Resist.

You can find more info about these here: Bartertown Link

Progress on The Aethergraph

Progress has been slow. Hope to have the first issue out by the end of the month now. As far as a schedule for releases... well, think more bimonthly or quarterly than weekly.

What's going to be in it? Well, the first issue will have several things.

• Fluff stories - background material that I hope will give you ideas for your VSF universe. Reginald's Regiments of Renown, the Royal Xenological Society, Clive's Register, etc.
• New Rules - My updated, revamped, and convention tested Automaton Rules for GASLIGHT, plus stats for some fantastic weapons for VSF troops
• Art - mostly photos at this point
• Upcoming Products - Various small articles showcasing new stuff that is available, or just old stuff that is new to me
• And much, much more (well, not really, but it sounds better that way, don't you think?)

I hope it turns out the way I think that it will. Time will tell.

Oh, and if any of you have any artwork or fluff pieces (or fiction) or rules that you like for your games, please let me know. You can email submission ideas to me at aethergraph@gmail.com.

Calling all 15mm VSF gamers

How much interest is there in some 15mm flying Martians, both on foot and in flight? This is a project I and a few others would like to see happen. I could go as many as 200 eventually, though probably start with a more modest 100 or so, split 50/50 flying and on foot.

Let's hear it for the high flying Martians!

A Foolish Question

Okay, so I guess I have to ask... what is the consensus on my painting skills. Constructive criticism is the only way to improve, right?

So please vote on the poll, and be honest. If you have comment, please make them here.

Personally, I think I fall in the 5 to 6 range, with occassional flashes of 7.

Coming to the Wire...

...on the monthly goal. And I am doing well. If I can get the last few highlights done on the British infantry and get them based and clear coated by Wednesday night, I should make my VSF goals for the month.

One more thing. I would like to promote my new blog here for a second. If you like my VSF stuff here on Victoria's Boys in Red, a lot of it will be reproduced there, but I am also including all of my other gaming interests. This means Old West, BattleTech, Car Wars, Warhammer, VSF, terrain building, RPGs... pretty much anything and everything I do gaming related. The blog is The Scattergun Gamer, which pretty well sums up my inability to focus and tendency to spread a little bit here, a little bit there, a little pretty well everywhere.

I'll try to get a few photos snapped as soon as I finish the British. They look pretty nice, but I am a little disappointed in my painting on them. I am not sure my brush skills are quite up to the level of these figures. All in all, though, I am pretty happy with them. I think I need to get a few more packs so I can practice up on them...

Game it Forward!

My good buddy Eli, who runs the excellent gaming blog I See Lead People, brought up an idea a while back he called "Game it Forward."

The basic idea is like the movie Pay it Forward, where instead of giving something in return to someone who helps you out, you give something in return to someone else in need. Paying forward, rather than back. Now apply the principle to gaming.

I think we have most all of us gotten some kind of little gift from our fellow gamers over the years to help us out. I know I have, and recently, too. So I thought I would try to organize myself a little bit to pay things forward. I am adding a section to the bottom of my blogs where I am going to list items I no longer need, extra bits and pieces, that sort of thing. If I put any price next to them, it's because the shipping will cost me something. Small items I can just drop in the mail, or if you live near enough to come and get the bigger things, no charge at all.

First come, first served. Come and get it.

The Accidental Martian Terrain Mat, Pt. 1

I have been busy working on a couple of terrain projects over the last week or so, and thought I would share with you my progress.

The main project began last Monday. I took a day off from work, it being the day after my birthday (38 now) and a mental health day being well overdue. My days "off" usually include a long list of projects to keep me hopping about, and this one was no exception. I did find myself at Hobby Lobby, and wandered into the fabric area. I have been wanting to make a canvas gaming mat or three for quite a while now, being slightly dissatisfied with my current felt mats. I just don't like the fuzzy factor.

So I picked out a bolt of nice cotton canvas. I also picked some liquid RIT dyes, and was looking at various tapes and glues to hold the edges of my fabric together. I asked a lady nearby her opinion, and she offered to serge and hem the edges of the cloth for me (she was a professional seamstress). So, with about $18 in the cloth (3 yards, 60" width), and another $12 for having it professionally hemmed to avoid fraying, I proceeded to color the mat.

My first mistake: I didn't wash the fabric before trying to dye it. The cloth has a sizing agent on it whe new, and this kept the dye from penetrating into the fibers properly.

My second mistake: Washing the fabric after dying it. Instead of mottled greens and browns, I ended up with a nice, uniform olive drab. Great for a WWII-era GI tent, but not so good for gaming.

So I ended up bleaching it back out, and now have a terracotta colored piece of canvas. Instant change of plans: no longer an Earthly vista, this glorious series of errors had produced the basis for a new Martian landscape!

I wonder, should I go ahead and just draw in the canal on the cloth? What do you fellows think? I smell a poll question!

Birthday Swag

Well, today is the start of my 39th annual orbit of the sun. For the record, that makes me 38 years old. Right about the time I am typing this, actually. So here I sit, early on Sunday, nobody else awake in the house (yet!), sipping coffee, and thinking about... all the goodies I got! To heck with the solemn remembering of past years, etc. Let's talk toys!

First up is the really awesome totally cool super neat minis storage/travel case I got form my wife and sons. It was purchased fro Dave's Baggage Train. It's aluminum, and has a whole lot of trays in it. The case itself is pretty sweet. I think I mostly prefer the plastic trays to the wood and vinyl ones, though, as the vinyl has peeled on a couple of htem. I will contact the Baggage Train to see if I can get more sent to me. Overall, very happy. This one is the 24" tall, and I am afraid I can't use it as carry-on! Yikes! May have to get a smaller case for air travel. But the trays will fit either, so that is good.

The next set of pictures is of some really beautiful terrain boards I received (gratis!) from a fellow TMPer, sculptor, Houston area gamer, and all around great fellow named Dan Martinez, aka Cacique Caribe on TMP. Dan recently surrendered his game room to his wife for her office, and no longer has room to use or even store these beautiful boards. Rather than toss them out, Dan offered them to me. As I was going to be in his neck of the woods to see my daddy for my birthday yesterday anyway, I gratefully accepted. And boy, am I glad that I did!

This last photo is a castle that Dan also gave over. It has currently been dubbed "Fortreth of the Thugar Plum Fairieth" thanks to its pink foam construction. But it shall soon receive a coating of black paint and then texturing, etc., to become a grim fortress for the Empire. Or whoever seems in need of a grim fortress at the time. Dan also gave me a hoard of littler bits, some cliffs, hills and other really cool stuff. If you want to see it all, go check out the photos on my Photobucket account (left margin somewhere).

In addition, I also received a box of the Marksmen of Miragliano from my sister, and a check from each of my parental units, plus a few other goodies. Even coconut cream pie! All that can make this birthday one of my best ever is if the US beats Canada in hockey. Guess what I am doing at 1400 local? You bet! Painting minis and watching hockey! GO USA!

Finally, I want to mention one thing. I am seriously considering changing this blog again. I'll post a short poll on the subject to see what my followers (makes me sound like a cult leader - cool!) think about it, but one friend has pointed out to me that it can be difficult to sort through all my projects and stuff when I have it spread across three blogs. So let me know what you think. A good chunk of the reason I blog is to entertain others as well as myself, and to bask in the glow of peer approval (ha!) or to shamelessly steal ideas from those foolish enough to share them with me (that's more like it). If I do it, expect to see the list of labels/tags seriously modified. Its too long as it is, and adding more would make it worse.