Just a handful of observations and even less commentary than usual. I brought number 2 with me again and together we had a good time walking around, chatting with folks, looking at miniatures, photographing games.
I was a little alarmed and how empty things were looking for a Saturday. More than one game master invited us to join them, as apparently, there were more games than attendees could fill. By the time we got over the Dealer Hall, there were easily more staff than customers. It's possible that Wally's had drawn everyone off for the morning session, but I was a little concerned about the low attendance.
The spectacle of the thing was pretty low-key at this time, too. I took shots of the best of it while we were there, so you be the judge. Lots of good teddy-bear fur tables. Consider also that I was there for a limited window, and I also wasn't as concerned this year with hunting down every room like normal.
I'm not ever sure how to rate my experience. Listen to the folks who were there throughout the whole thing.
To me, the economy seems apprehensive and that has to play a role; my guess is that many manufacturers are profitable, but are chasing a shrinking consumer base. When I post up 15mm Horse and Musket stuff, I feel like I'm no longer one of a jillion others, but maybe one of a just a few. Captain Obvious says that when the hobby lit up for me, there were far fewer distractions to contend with. I can't imagine the kids wanting to clean up and prime, then paint a dozen 30-man 15mm Union regiments like I'm going to do soon.
Perhaps a plus? Mayne a negative? I didn't see a lot of sci-fi/fantasy activity going on, so the threat from that corner seemed to be at a minimum.
On to the pics!
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| I think I have an "English" mindset when it comes down to what I want to game. Americans naturally are drawn to conflicts feature Americans: AWI, ACW, WW2. Sure, Ancients gets some attention but Medieval and Dark Ages less so. This is a table for Pillage, a Dark Age raid skirmish game. All the algorithms point me to it and all the games hot in the UK and Europe - a lot of medieval stuff - Baron's Wars, Billhook, Pillage. I expected a ton of these games but this is the only one I saw. |
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| I love little fenced in areas - this is for my own reference. |
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| Even the chariots have been taken over by "big Eastern syndicates." ha |
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| Not my scale, but there are some lovely pieces here. |
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| This is the kind of thing I'm working on, but in 15mm! |
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| Great big 40mm Sharpe's centerpiece! Very nice! |
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| I love a good modeled vineyard! |
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| I'm sure we've seen this mat before. Nonetheless, it is a beaut! |
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| I like these Seussian warped fantasy buildings. Lovely painting. |
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| More fur! |
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| Silver Bayonet - but in Korea! Fun! |
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| Civilians are essential components to my idea of good gaming. |
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| Two back-to-back battles of Bunker Hill! Both lovely. |
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| Even more fur! |
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| Nice jungle! |
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| HAWKS does a great job of getting kids into the hobby. That said, I didn't see any in here when we were there. I didn't see a lot of kids in general on this Saturday morning. |
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| True, you don't have to paint them. |
So, how was Fall In from your perspective? Were the conditions I identified persistent throughout the whole weekend?
As always, thanks for looking - questions, comments and followers are welcome and encouraged! I'm doing more and more on Facebook so follow my page there too! https://www.facebook.com/One-of-My-Men-Became-Restless-100659928063858
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