"Space 1889: City State Spearmen on Gisby's Blog" Topic

This unit is made up of ex-Grenadier High Elven spearmen, from Forlorn Hope Games. There are several styles in the range, and I chose the one with the upswept shield because it resembles a shield in the RAFM Martian Legion.

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No pictures and nothing earth shaking, just some ideas to help game masters in the future. Take a read, what do you think?

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Sorry, hit by the bug

A familiar story. I suspect the game worked fine at home where everyone knew the rules and he only had half as many players. Activation systems are a frequent source of complaints in convention games.
In future--well, go to GMs with a good reputation when you can. Look for things like "rules provided" or "rules will be taught" and for shorter game lengths.But don't be discouraged. Plenty of good games at the major conventions, and plenty of things to do which are not games.

I've had some really good convention game experiences and some really bad ones. The x-factor for me has been the GM; I've played dirt simple rules GM'd by poor game managers and more complicated rules systems (relative to a convention) GM'd by someone who knew how to run an event. I've found simple rules run by someone who can explain the rules and can usher along the pace are the ideal experience for me. 2 pages of rules or quick reference sheets are right where you want to be.

Played a game this year that I preregistered for. Showed up at the game and we had to wait to start because the GM had saved spots for his friends and they weren't there yet (slightly irritating). Then when they did show up they were given their first choice of units (getting more irritated). Then when my generic unit opened up with a devastating volley on one of them that almost wiped out the unit, was told, "Oh I forgot your unit starts the game unloaded, you have to load first", which I would have done on any of the three previous turns where I was just sittig there. First time in my life I just walked away from a game.

Gisby: Something I only JUST thought of. To make them more Barsoomian, might have a radium pistol at their sides. Otherwise, simply lovely.

Jozis: Playtesting is key, of course, but you sometimes do take a game to playtest AT a con. 'Worked fine at home' means you pretty much have to do that.

Of course, it's best to work your way up to as big a venue as Historicon. Smaller cons are often crying for games, and great places to learn your chops.

I really take exception when it's the same level of prep and understanding in con after con.

Doug

Doug: They AREN'T Barsoomian. They are SPACE 1889, a different setting.

*blush* Fairly said; been following you to too many threads.

Doug