"Featherstone Was Right" Topic

Do we need more wargames in the Featherstone tradition?

* yes
* no, that is outmoded now

* Yes

Which Featherstone tradition?

Volley groups?

Percentage dice on an interaction grid?

Yes

We need to do what we each enjoy. In the late 1970s and early 1980s I rejected Featherstone as too simple. I was wrong, but I don't advocate a return to "vintage" gaming except as an occasional diversion.

I've never stopped playing Featherstone style games.

Bit late to change now after more than 40 years.

I do play more recent rules too.

We should definitely go back to wearing ties and smoking pipes while playing.

Featherstone simplicity – yes, perhaps if only occasionally to remind us how the hobby – sorry industry started
Featherstone plasticine hills,never

Ah, yes … the days of ties and pipes …

I have several Featherstone books on my shelves, and I even take them off it to read the odd chapter on occasion but, for me, games have moved on.

Some might say that games went from 'old school' simple to 'realistic' complex, and now are going back to 'old school' simple.

I disagree with both of the above statements. Complex games were not more realistic they were just more complex, and the simpler games we play now have far more nuanced and elegant mechanisms than most things in the 'old school' back catalogue.

I'm glad for the changes.

I do agree that jackets and ties wouldn't go amiss – T-shirts riding up over beer bellies is not a good look (IMHO).

I think games have always varied with time – right now with Saga, Osprey and others the focus in on small units to play a game in a reasonable period of time with mechanics focused more on game play versus a simulation.

I think each has there place

With a group I game with on a regular basis I like both fuller sets of rules as well as quick pickup type games

I like both replaying a major battle over 3-4 hours as well as a quick pick up game to explore a new period

With a group I dont game with often – prefer the game play versus the simulation – as it is more about learning the rules and having fun for me –

What I find is recently some of the featherstone mechanics are nice to go back to – or even something like Gygax with some of his early rules

If there's an interest, someone will write it.

They are probably doing so right now, actually :)

(as for what "featherstone tradition" is, I imagine shall remain as undefined as "old school" or "quick play" :) )

Yes.

Definitely

Yes, not exact copies but rules that capture the spirit.

And another vote--if this was an election--for actually "dressing up" for at least public/convention games.

Not necessarily coat and tie, but how about shirt and tie? Or, even just a shirt w/collar, not just T-shirts? Long pants, or at least jeans?

It's not that I'm suggesting a formal (and unenforceable) dress code for gaming, but I am calling attention to the fact that as people show more respect for themselves and others at public events by not dressing as they would at home, they also tend to behave with a bit more decorum--even "dignity."

It's so much easier to be rude, ugly, disrespectful to GM's and other players, and do the public image of the hobby more harm, when not caring about one's dress/personal hygiene beyond a selfish claim to "comfort."

Rules mechanics aside, the "Featherstone Tradition" is that of adult Gentlemen playing with toy soldiers without descending into the associated childishness in attitude, manners, or appearance.

Those who will not rise above that level will never be missed at my table or, if the truth be told, that of anyone else, either.

TVAG

I have to admit to having a soft spot for the suit and tie era myself. Very well put, TVAG, couldn't agree more. The only gamers I see that are consistently well turned out are the Italians and the French. Well done to them, I say!

As for the OP, I agree with Fusilier Dan: the Featherstone ideas of simplicity and "not sweating the small stuff" are definitely attractive, but there's no need to try and bring it all back. I do, however, like toy soldiers glossy, though that might be more Wells than Featherstone.

Oh yes. And especially dress. Why is it that I see legions of sweat pants, shorts (pasty legs), T shirt with some passed convention from 11 years ago and crocks. Oh, and goofy 🎩 hats. Yes we get that we are all military history dorks, however, do we need to accentuate that? Come on, we can do better. At lest wear pants, slacks, dockers, jeans with some shape to them. A shirt with a collar, golf shirt, (no kilts!). . Look good feel good – feel good act good.

I've always appreciated Featherstone's tradition of playing and enjoying games with friends. I get far more satisfaction from this approach than the competitive gaming one. Took over fifteen years of tournament gaming to realise that!

YES

Wait, if a Sepultura shirt is no longer proper gaming attire, then I'm going to take up D&D instead.

Besides, every dictator in recent history wore pants.
Do your part for anti-fascist victory – wear shorts or kilts.

The misses at historicon – on historicon – 2016/. " oh my god "

Kilts are cool, shorts are fine, tee shirts are fine, going to a game is not going to church. You don't like the way I dress, don't invite me to your games. Sheesh.

Featherstone is the basis for my home brewed Boney rules. Just added some command control rules.

A couple of years ago, Dick Bryant and I put on the ACW game from "war games". These rules are not very tightly written but are fun to play if you're willing to be flexible. I have also done the ancient game from that same book with flats. Again difficult to play because of the holes But fun if you can fill them in. I have not seen any other Don Featherstone games at the Big East conventions, what other ones have people done?

By the way, I suspect those old-timers only put on the coats and ties when the photographers were around 😀

Yes.

Let the games begin!

Featherstone started me off with War Games. I realise now they were poor mechanics and ill thought out. Thankfully there are new games, better simulation and less complex. He was a man of his time, long since outdated except for the rosy pink glasses of hindsight of what never really was. However there were some insights. The hex terrain shown has now been turned into a stunning reality with modern technology. Bit like the Wright Brothers great in there time but not realy relevant now.

As a practical matter a coat (and an unclipped tie) would interfere with tabletop features while one moves figures around.

I appreciate the sentiment, but it's a barmy requirement. A gentleman is a gentleman regardless of his attire.

I don't suppose we could agree on what precisely Featherstone was right about?

Coats/Ties…had to wear that apparel for about 42
years, working life and service time combined.

Gaming is for relaxation, and I want to be comfortable
when I play or GM.

'Nuff said….

It's not that I'm suggesting a formal (and unenforceable) dress code for gaming, but I am calling attention to the fact that as people show more respect for themselves and others at public events by not dressing as they would at home, they also tend to behave with a bit more decorum--even "dignity."

Not that I disagree with your point, but I should point out that the games of the Featherstone era were not gentlemanly affairs. DF had a temper and showed it at times. Brig Peter Young was a massive cheat. Tables got upended and tempers flared. It wasn't all good manners and fair play.

I liked the simplicity of the WW2 and ACW rules in *War Games* which along with *Advanced War Games* were my go-to rules books (all that I had) during college.

It would be interesting to re-visit those rules with command control and morale effects developed, but I don't know that I'll ever have the time to do so.

More likely, I'll just revel in the nostalgia and keep on playing Johnny Reb II and Command Decision 4.

As for attire and presentation, I have no opinion except that decent coverage and good hygiene be observed.

Appearance is one thing, decorum is another. And personal hygiene should not be sacrificed. So all those who say "sheesh" or the equivalent – just make sure you don't smell. If you do, then you are not getting an invite.

Respect other people – and hygiene is a big part of that

Interesting to read about Brig Young being a massive cheat. And upturned tables? I thought that only happened in the back room of the Compleat Stategist