"Need some guidance - would this be appropriate?" Topic

Treading carefully here, before posting a "what rules would you use" type question, given the possible sensitivity of other members to the subject….

Prompted by the announcement of a new range of 15mm "civil disorder" rioters/police figures, is it OK to post on the modern board asking what rules/figures would be appropriate to game the current troubles in Missouri?

Serious question – if not 2014, would it be OK to discuss gaming the Watts riots, or those in Los Angeles in '92? If so, what's the difference?

I also note that our Editor has just posted a question on the Modern board about 'biker' games which is in the same ball park.

In the past, I've played games based on the London Poll Tax riots, and the '99 battle of Seattle, as well as several fictional South American civil disorder games inspired by 'Junta'. I'm familiar with the Irregular Miniatures 'Riot' rules and those by Jim Webster, was wondering if there were others available.

So, are "riot" games off-limits for discussion right now, and if so, why?

Seeing what the Editor has posted and started I see no problem.

But WHY would you wish to game Ferguson???

Prompted by the announcement of a new range of 15mm "civil disorder" rioters/police figures, is it OK to post on the modern board asking what rules/figures would be appropriate to game the current troubles in Missouri?

On the Ultramodern (2004-2014) board, yes, possibly.
TMP link

Certainly not anywhere else …

I also note that our Editor has just posted a question on the Modern board about 'biker' games which is in the same ball park.

The Editor's thread on Biker Games set in the 60s so no, not the same thing at all. There is a ban on anything within the last 10 years except on the Ultrmodern board.

So, are "riot" games off-limits for discussion right now, and if so, why?

Can't say I'd noticed such games being off-limits. I've played (and designed) a few riot games in my time.

I could see the need for that type of rules. Lower intensity conflict would be the norm in what I picture as the opening stages of the post-apocalyptic genre. Think of a slow demise of normal life situation: Normal everyday to a Watts/Ferguson-style situation. Then on to a more military oriented response. And finally devolving to a true post-apocalyptic setting.

Conflict involving peaceful protest to sway opinion, gain support/followers and impede normal day-to-day life. It could devolve into conflict with rock, bottle, firebombs on one side with police style response with their arms/equipment.

The OP refers to a new range of "civil disorder" figures. I also saw the new range of firefighters that could go with them.

I don't know how in-depth you want the rules to be but would something like GASLIGHT work for you? As mentioned in the Editor's other motorcycle gang related thread, more "fist-fighting" (melee) and less guns (ranged fire) is what would be called for.

Edit: I could see the rules as being more of a RPG affair to gain influence and control over the situation or area rather than be a fight to take over a specific area or destroy an opponent.

Hi ZoC, where did you see the firefighters? I want to do something in 15mm, know about the rebel minis figures and was wondering what else was available these days.

But I'll await some input from Bill and other members before switching the question to the ultra modern board as suggested

The firemen are rebel minis as well. Just featured here not long ago.

Link: link

I like the Riot rules put out by Irregular. They address a number of interesting strategic questions, not unlike other wargaming rules.

There are some at freewargamerules called, I think, Civil Disorder that look interesting. And Battle for Seattle.

There's Friday Night by No-Go Zone, and Offensive Miniatures makes a nice range of miniatures, as does Victory Games.

So there is an obvious interest.

Also B'hoys for an earlier look at riots, as well as Gangland by Wessex Games.

I think that, like any other period, some will find interest and some will not.

If it's about a game modelling events in Ferguson, I think it is a question better left unasked.

You may yourself wish to tread carefully, as you put it, but there is a strong possibility that those who join in the discussion will rush in screaming, kicking over dustbins and yelling epithets.

Wouldn't it be better to relate this to a fictional scenario instead?

I think I've got copies of both B'hoys and Gangland, bought when "Gangs of New York" prompted some suitable figure ranges

There is a ban on anything within the last 10 years except on the Ultrmodern board.

There is a ban on discussing politics from the last ten years. The problem is that most events have political dimensions, so an adequate discussion of the full context of such a recent event (even for the purposes of providing the context to wargame the event) risks violating the "no politics (10 years)" rule.

treat the civilians as if they were zombies.
then use Dead Walk Again
or Red Ops 5
or ATZ!

treat the civilians as if they were zombies.

But with the addition of Molotov cocktails, the occasional firearm, and a susceptibility to CS gas…

…is it OK to post on the modern board asking what rules/figures would be appropriate to game the current troubles in Missouri?

Only on the Ultramodern board

If you have doubts wouldn't it be better to ask Bill directly rather than open a potential can of worms (with the attendant angst and hurt feelings)?

As above, riots have been standard gaming fodder for decades. That particular riot is Ultramodern though, as per Bills pointer.

No further discussion here required then, feel free to lock or nuke the thread if necessary, especially as there have already been useful pointers on rules etc

Thank you, all of you, for maintaining such a pleasant discussion of a topic that could have easily exploded into total horribleness. I appreciate everyone responding in such a mature and helpful manner. It makes reading topics much better.