07/16/15

Birth of the Federation, an AAR, Part 12

Chapter XII:  NO SNAPPY SUBTITLE

So let’s take a look at the intergalactic love-fest that is the human race. It’s been a while since the last update, and so that means as President of the…uh…Federation…something, it’s my duty to carry on the time-honored traditions of world leaders going off on vacation for weeks at a time, to play golf or something. I hate golf, unless it involves putting creds into stripper’s zero-G-thongs. (Hey – don’t judge. At least I’m honest, unlike most politicians.)

 

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Here’s the Galactic Map, showing our slice o’ the universe as of our last outing. We haven’t even explored a quarter of this vast, wide galaxy, and we’re 160 turns into this game!

I KNEW I should have stuck with the small map…

In any case, it is what it is.

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07/11/15

GrogHeads Reviews DVG’s Hornet Leader

Does Hornet Leader take flight?  Michael buzzes in to let us know.

Michael Eckenfels, 11 July 2015

In Hornet Leader (this version is the recent remake), the player controls a squadron of either U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aircraft through one of several campaigns, which include both real-world historical events and hypothetical ones (more hypothetical, though, than real-world). There’s tons of cards and counters you use to record, fight, and try to keep your squadron alive long enough to earn enough victory points to get a good enough rating for your campaign.

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07/10/15

GrogHeads Advanced Research on Projects Advisory #72

Hey, it’s still Friday somewhere.  Here’s GARPA, just a little late

Spearpoint 1943 Eastern Front Heavy Weapons Expansion (Collins Epic Wargames)
$1900 of $500, ends 17 July 2015

Bringing some new toys to the East Front action of the Spearpoint 1943, this expansion lets you add new vehicles, and even some bombers, to your deck before launching death and destruction toward your opponent.  We discussed the game in GrogCast 16, and if you didn’t listen – WHY NOT?!  One of the pledge levels nets you the base game with the expansion, and another also stages the other expansions for you, so you’ve really go no reason to avoid this game.  It’s fast, furious fun with a cinematic flair and a perfect lightweight wargame when you lack time for a big game, or lack opponents willing to take the plunge on something more hex-y.  Rumble over to the Kickstarter page and check out all the toys you get.

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07/9/15

Prosciutto – Hamming it up with the di Parmas, Part 34

In Part 33 we saw Benvenuto consolidate his power in Sicily, view the task ahead to create a united Italy under one crown, become aware of his impotence against the HRE and finally succumb to dementia. In this part, funerals, marshals, vile nepotism and a Holy war.

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Slight administration error on the picture taking. Behind Oberto’s clearly distraught message about how rich he has become is the notice of his father’s passing. It is with genuine sadness that Benvenuto goes to a better place. However, he lasted long enough for me not to be able to control a few things with Oberto and my first concern is his two sons. Despite being King of Sicily, Oberto must bend to the will of the HRE’s laws until independent. This means we still can’t introduce the law of Primogenture and hand the whole lot over to the eldest son – the realm will be split on Oberto’s death – I need to rectify this somehow

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Oberto not only inherited his father’s stubborn refusal to be involved in diplomacy, he also inherited his prowess on the battlefield – almost immediately the Emperor comes knocking for a new Martial.

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