January 2024
Dispatches
of The
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
Volume 6 Issue #01 (January 2024)
The New Year is upon us and it looks to be filled
with some great gaming!
featuring our
January Game Day on
Saturday 01/06/24 11am
at
Miniature Market Retail Superstore
13380 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Let’s take a Look!
The Battle of Asculum
Pyrrhus and his mercenaries have been sacking Roman cities in the spring of 279 BC. A Roman consular army has been raised to meet them. After the armies have watched each other for several days with their camps divided by a river the Romans have forded the river to engage their enemy. The fight will continue until one side is broken.
COMPLEXITY: Movement, Combat, & Morale are simple & intuitive. An example is available on youtube/Little Wars TV.
2-6 Players
Tim Lalk GM
Plains Indian Wars
3D Version of GMTs recently released board game detailing the settling of the Western United States.
2-6 Players
Pat Lewis GM
Stepanivka Crossroads – Conflict Donbas – August 2014
A Ukrainian Conflict game inspired by an action fought over a road junction outside of the town of Stepanivka, which is situated on the eastern edge of the Doneskt Oblast, and involved fighting there in the summer of 2014.
2-6 Players
Dave Schaffner GM
The Battle of The Little Big Horn
Command and Colors rules will take us back to this historic action of the Old West as Colonel Custer & the 7th Cavalry facing off against the Native Americans.
2-6 Players
Chris Ketcherside GM
Wings of Glory WWI
It’s action over the trenches in this game of
World War One Air to Air Combat.
2-6 Players
Kevin Fitzpatrick GM
Have you checked out our website?
Editorial
by Kevin Fitzpatrick
As we begin this new year of 2024 we note that several of our
gaming community are facing some significant health challenges.
We ask that you keep them in your thoughts this year as we wish
good outcomes for them all.
DecemberAfterActionReports
AARs & pics were posted to the Facebook Page and website, but for those who may have missed them here we go…
Semi Regular Retirees Game 11/30/23 The War of 1812.
by Kevin Fitzpatrick
It was a great day for gaming and Pat Lewis treated us to his jumbo 1812 game at Miniature Market Retail Superstore on Manchester Road. Chris Ketcherside (US Regulars) and Kurt Linke (US Militia) teamed up against Steve Lowry (British Regulars), Steve Treatman (Canadian Militia) and Kevin Fitzpatrick (British Native Allies) in a short but tense game of this classic.
The war swung back and forth as both sides attacked and counter attacked to gain or hold territory. Battles were taking place across the North American Continent with exchanges in the East and West proving to be side shows to the main battle near Niagara in the center of the boards.
Kurt & Chris coordinated well and forced an early end to the game which was to their benefit as they ended up holding one more territory than the British side. Steve Lowry & Steve Treatman made some major pushes throughout the game and my Indians did what they could to befuddle our esteemed opponents by sneaking around behind them when possible.
Overall a fun afternoon and our Thanks to Pat for running this one
Wednesday Night Gaming 12/06/23 Action Under Sail
By Steve Lowry
On 12/6/2023, at the Fantasy shop in O’Fallon IL we fought the Battle of Sadras 2/17/1782 off of India using Action Under SaiL rules. The British fleet (9 ships-of-the line) had gotten between the French fleet (9 ships-of-the-line) and the French troop convoy, so the French were trying to get past the British to link up with their convoy.
The French started in a straight line headed for their convoy while the British set-up in a staggered line across their path. The French headed for the up-wind trailing portion of the British line. The British did not get up-wind in time allowing the French to pummel the rear three British ships and get past the British fleet.
Semi Regular Retirees Game 12/07/23 And One For All!
by Kevin Fitzpatrick
It was a rough and tumble day on the field of honor as the brave King’s Musketeers (Steve T) and Cardinal’s Guard (Pat L) attempted to set upon the Rogue Bandit’s (Mark) and take back the ransom money that had been paid for the King’s favorite Lady in Waiting (who we recall was not recovered but the ransom was made off with by the ner do wells) in our last episode in the town of St. Francois.
The ransom was being held in a small roadside shed guarded by 12 alert bandits as the Cardinals Guard approached. Insults were hurled, shots were fired and swords drawn as the battle was joined. The Musketeers coming in from the opposite direction of the Red Guard made some progress as Planchet was able to get into the shed and grab a bag of the loot only to be set upon by one of the dastardly fellows. Wounded and fighting for his continued presence on the planet he bravely held out until D’Artagnan arrived to assist. We saw more and more Rogues run to protect their ill gotten gains and the Cardinal’s Guard joined in to where we had 6 in the shed wielding swords, insults, straw, dirt and general mayhem.
Later in the game, a Lady Rogue of questionable character insulted the Cardinal who was there to lead his Guard to victory. We are certain that there is not enough treasure in the world to buy her enough indulgences to offset this blasphemy.
The day ended after the sides all severely reduced in strength fell back from the fray. The Musketeers and Cardinal’s Guard return empty handed to the disapproval of His Majesty, but word comes through some covert sources that the Lady in Waiting and the treasure are headed to a not too distant port. Will it be possible to recover both and please the King? Will there be Pirates there as well as Rogues? Can the Musketeers recover their standing with the Crown? Will the Cardinal hatch a plot to undo it all? Stay tuned for the next exciting episode in our continuing drama.
December Game Day 12/10/23 Warlord Learn to Play!
Our December Game Day featured four different Warlord Games to engage our players and give them a chance to try out different rule sets in some hotly contested action on the table tops of Miniature Market Retail Superstore and the players turned out in force for the day.
First up was Hunt the Wounded Bear an age of sail game using “Black Seas” and Chris Coffelt reports,…..”We set the game up with the 3 American frigates advancing in a line abreast. The British took a formation with the HMS Africa in the center being towed a 5th rate frigate and being escorted by 2 other frigates. At the last moment an unknown force captained by no else but the infamous Pirate Pat with 2 brigs and a gunboat squadron. The first two turns were spent jockeying for position. In turn 3 main protagonists joined battle. The Constitution broke the tow line between the Africa and her towing Frigate, and delivered massive damage as she raked both ships. Unfortunately the Constitution became the focus of the British fleet and slipped beneath the waves. Lots of ships struck their colors, the Africa was taken and a marginal Yankee win ensued.“
Next up was a D-Day game of Bolt Action with Dave Schaffner at the helm as GM providing another of his superb presentations wrapped up in a historical scenario and we will let Dave tell the story….“This month’s Warlord-featured rules gaming went well I thought, with a nice mix of periods presented. The game I contributed was a D-Day Bolt Action scenario, based on a hot firefight fought outside the small hamlet of Nueville-au-Plain, NW of Saint-Mere-Eglise, on the morning of the Invasion. The guys had a great time with it, and I thoroughly enjoyed putting it on for them. Mike, Pete, and Bob skillfully handled the deployment of two German infantry platoons from the 91st Luftlande Division, as these deployed off of road march. John V., who commanded 3rd Platoon, D Company, of the 505th Parachute Rgt., had a tall order on hand – maximum delay with minimal forces at hand to do it..The pressure of two enemy platoons pushing hard, on a eventually, crumbling American flank, would not be denied. John was able to extract his remaining troopers from contact, and skedaddled back south back towards Saint-Mere-Eglise, but the German attack would roll well forward, as the small roadblock gave way – without much delay.”
The English Black Prince had been raiding Villages and needed to get the loot to port before the French Army closed in recapturing the ill gotten gains. Randy Higgenbotham treated his players this setting in the Hundred Years War using Hail Caesar rules and 15mm miniatures. Randy has sent in this report from the field…..“The game’s time period was a fictional battle during the 100 Years War. Six brave souls joined us to play the Hail Caesar rules in 15mm scale. The English victory conditions required them to successfully exit their treasure hoard in wagons off the board. They were escorting the loot to the coast for transport home and they expected reinforcements. The French were determined to stop the English from withdrawing to the coast and needed to capture the wagons. ‘
“The French pressed hard and sent their larger calvary wing up against the English rear guard. The rear guard supported with knights and longbows stopped the attack on the rear. The rest of the English captains formed blocking lines to defend the road and permit the safe transport of the wagons. The French Center pressed hard but culminated and could not break the center. The French captain on the right flank made a desperate charge into the English. They sent troops through the woods to cut off the road. But this last desperate thrust was halted by English dismounted knights that were guarding the exit site. The French left and center commands began to withdraw, finding themselves below half strength. The English claimed a major victory by achieving two objects. Successfully transporting the wagons off the table and forcing two French armies to withdraw due to heavy losses.”
Through the use of Bolt Action our players had a chance to look into early WWII in his Bridge Too Far Poland 1939 scenario, John Nozka transformed a table top into the terrain of Poland in the opening stages of the conflict. The objective was the bridge for both parties. Capture it for the team in German Gray or blow it up for the Home Team.
Semi Regulare Retirees Game 12/14/23 The Battle of Trenton
By Kevin Fitzpatrick
Steve Lowry treated us to a Fist Full of Lead Bigger Battles game using 54mm miniatures recreating a portion of the Battle of Trenton from the American War of Independence. Pat, Harry & Steve S. took up the American cause and prepared their assault on the sleepy hamlet while Keith, Kevin & Mark’s forces lay asleep with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads on this cold Winter’s night. A heavy snow had covered the town in a white blanket during the hours of darkness and all was peaceful.
The Hessians nearest to the advance of the Continentals gave a good account of themselves engaging a cannon crew and the advancing infantry. Their luck was short-lived as the cards were not in their favor on turn two and this unit was eliminated with withering fire from the advancing blue clad horde.
In the end a majority of the Hessian forces were able to escape the grips of the Continentals with four of the units left behind as a blocking force to extract what they could in both time and hits upon the Americans. The town fell to the upstart colonists, but there will be another day!
Semi Regular Retirees Game 12/21/23 The Great Turkey Hunt
by Kevin Fitzpatrick
What is more appropriate for the Holidays than a turkey? So it is off into the woods to find one for the officer’s mess in this One Hour Skirmish Wargame scenario based in the French & Indian Wars. A reprise scenario from Command Con Lite where we had a good time! Chris (Coureur Du Bois), Mark (Woodland Indians), Steve & Rich (Rogers Rangers) all were out hunting and all seemed to enjoy the riches of what seemed to be turkeys falling from the sky in our eight games. Mark was the first to bag a turkey due to the superior hunting skills of the natives (and a good card pull). Steve being a bit of a rascal did manage to swipe a turkey that Rich had secured and tried to grab one from Mark. He was later rewarded for his mischievousness by an encounter with the “super wolf” who depleted his hunting party by 3/5ths. Rich became known as “wolfman” early on, for his numerous encounters with the critters, but later dispatched a Yeti with a single shot. Chris had a little trouble getting traction early on, but did finally find a bird before the rest of the hungry trappers were about to pounce on his group. In our eight games played everyone got at least one bird, a few troopers found tangling with the wolves to not be the best idea and the bears once found popped up with a great regularity.
Obituaries
We extend out condolences to the family and friends of,
Thomas Reed who was prominent in the Central Illinois gaming community passed away this Autumn
Tom Barnes passed away on 12/20/23 at age 67. He was well known and a frequent at many gaming activities in our area for decades. Tom will be sorely missed. Visitation will be 4-8pm Thursday January 11, 2024 at Baue Funeral Home 3950 West Clay, St. Charles, MO 63301.
Official Notice
The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
Posts The Following Official Notice
Membership Donation Drive 2024
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance (BMHGA)
The officers of the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance are asking for your help in supporting the continued financial health of Big Muddy, and the continuation of our convention schedule through 2024.
We wish to offer you the following Donation Levels for your financial support.
STANDARD – $30.00
$30.00 donation provides the following:
- Paid registration for Barracks Battles 2024.
- Receipt of all Big Muddy communications including “Dispatches” our monthly E-Newsletter, participation in our Facebook Group and other channels as they evolve.
- Full voting membership for officers and any other items forwarded by the Board of Directors.
- Entitled to serve as a board member or officer.
- Entitled to free monthly text style classified ad (up to three paragraphs) in Big Muddy E- Newsletter.
STUDENTS – $20.00: The membership level is for young people who are in school. To acquire this membership, the donor will need to show a current student ID.
$20.00 donation provides the following:
- Paid registration for Barracks Battles 2024.
- Receipt of all Big Muddy communications including our monthly E-Newsletter, participation in our Facebook Group and other channels as they evolve.
- Full voting membership for officers and any other items forwarded by the Board of Directors.
- Entitled to serve as a board member or officer.
- Entitled to free monthly text style classified ad (up to three paragraphs) in Big Muddy E- Newsletter.
COMMUNICATING MEMBER – $10.00
A $10.00 donation provides the following:
- Pre-registration rate charged at the door for Barrack Battles 2024.
- Receipt of all Big Muddy Communicating including our monthly E-Newsletter, participation in our Facebook Group and other channels as they evolve.
- Full Voting Membership for officers and any other items forwarded by the Board of Directors.
- Entitled to serve as a board member or officer.
- Entitled to Free monthly text style classified ad (up to three paragraphs) in Big Muddy E- Newsletter.
If you wish to support Big Muddy by participating in any of the plans listed above, please complete the donor contact section below and send your check or money order made payable to Big Muddy to our Treasurer:
William Doelling
1410 Mohican Trail
St. Charles, MO 63304.
Thank you for your support,
David Paul Harrison
President BMHGA
312-636-3836
Donor Contact Information
Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________________________
E-mail: __________________________________________________________
Donation Level: _____________________________________Date_________________
A Tip of the Hat
The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the following members who have already submitted their membership donations for 2024.
Warren Burris, Robert Clark, Ray Gluck,
Will Hodgens, James Kantor, Jon Bancroft,
Harry Borchart, William Doelling, Kevin Fitzpatrick,
Mark Johnson, Edward Menefee, John Nozka,
David Schaffner, Keith Stuckmeyer, John Voelker,
Glen Wilson, Kevin Weber, Pat Connaughton, Jerry Merrill,
Bob Roby, & Les Hostetler
Our Group’s New Email Box
Info@bmhga.com
Covid and Flu Season
Just a reminder that the seasonal flu shots are available and that taking care of yourself and family is always a good idea. The new variant of Covid has also affected several of our community.
Classified Ads
For Classified Ads, be sure to check the Quartermaster page on our website at bmhga.com
Big Muddy Game Days 2024
A Big Thank You to the GMs that have stepped forward to offer us a fine selection of gaming opportunities in 2023 and we are receiving submissions for 2024.
In the first quarter of the new year look for Armada – fantasy fleet actions, 25mm American Revolutionary War, Wings of Glory, Bolt Action, The Battle of Asculum 15mm ancients, Stepanivak Crossroads- Ukraine 2014, All Quiet on The Martian Front, In Her Majesty’s Name and much more!
If you are thinking of running a game please let us know as soon as you can do so in order to get the date(s) you prefer. email: Director@bmhga.com
Big Muddy Game Days 2023
Here is a look at what is coming for the rest of this year……
Reindeer Wars 11am to 3pm each day
Tuesday 12/26
Table One LaSalle – Kurt Linke
Table Two The Great Turkey Hunt – Kevin Fitzpatrick
Wednesday 12/27
Table One Conflict Donbas – Dave Schaffner
Table Two Wings of Glory WWI – Kevin Fitzpatrick
Thursday 12/28
Table One Trenton 54mm Fistful of Lead – Steve Lowry
Table Two A Bridge Too Far Poland 1939 – John Nozka
Friday 12/29
Table One Battle of New Orleans ACW – Steve Lowry
Table Two Wings of Glory WWI – Kevin Fitzpatrick
And Coming Next Year!
Big Muddy Game Days 2024
January 6, 2024
The Battle of Asculum
Stepahivka Crossroads
Battle of The Little Big Horn
Plains Indian Wars
Wings of Glory WWI
Feburary 3, 2024
Armada
American War of Independence
WWII Air to Air
Star Wars Legion
And One For All!
March 2, 2024
All Quiet on the Martian Front
In Her Majesty’s Name
Sicily 1943
Table Four Assigned TBA
Wings of Glory WW1
April 6, 2024
Table One Assigned TBA
Table Two Unassigned
Table Three Unassigned
Table Four Unassigned
Table Five Overflow Unassigned.
May 4, 2024
Table One Unassigned
Table Two Unassigned
Table Three Unassigned
Table Four Unassigned
Table Five Overflow Unassigned
Tables for our monthly game days are going fast with January – March filled at this time. We have slots for April & May and a bit of flexibility for the earlier months.
Contact director@bmhga.com to submit a game.
Regional Convention News:
Conventions that will see participation by Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance -St. Louis are listed in bold.
Winter War: 2024, Champaign, IL winterwar.org
Gamicon: 2024, Cedar Rapids, IA https://tabletop.events/conventions/gamicon-germanium
CincyCon: 2024, Hamilton, OH cincycon.org
AdeptiCon: 2024 Schaumberg, IL https://www.adepticon.org
March to Victory: 2024 Blue Springs, MO https://www.marchtovictory.net/
Little Wars 2024 Naperville, IL hmgsmidewest.com
CODCON XXVII: 2024, Glen Ely, IL https://www.codcon.com
Heroicon: 2024 Decatur, IL https://tabletop.events/conventions/heroicon-2023
Border Wars: 2024 , Overland Park, KS http://www.hahmgs.org/
DieCon 2024: Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, IL https://www.diecon.com
Origins: 2024 Columbus, OH https://www.originsgamefair.com/
Twisted Lords Con:, 2024 Midwest City, OK http://www.twistedlordscon.com/
Gen Con 2024: Indianapolis, IN https://www.gencon.com/indy
HistoriKC Fest Kansas City: Overland Park, KS .https://historikcfest.com/faq/
Nashcon: 2024 Nashville, TN https://www.nashcon.org
Autumn Wars 2024 //tabletop.events/conventions/autumn-wars-2023
Archon 47: Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville, Illinois http://www.archonstl.org/
Advance the Colors: 2024, Columbus, OH https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors
Siege of Vicksburg 2024: Vicksburg, TN siegeofvicksburg.org
Advance the Colors: October 2024, Columbus, OH https://www.hmgsgl.org/advance-the-colors
Siege of Vicksburg: Vicksburg, TN siegeofvicksburg.org
Rock-Con: Rockford, IL https://www.rock-con.com
Command Con Lite: Miniature Market Retail Superstore 13380 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Local Gaming Events Calendar:
This information is also available on our website just use the Calendar of Events button on the right hand side.
Remember to be inviting to passers-by at public events. Let’s share our hobby with those who might find it of interest.
December
12/25: ChristmasDay
12/26: Reindeer Wars: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
12/27: Reindeer Wars: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
12/27: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
12/27: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
12/28: Reindeer Wars: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
12/29: Reindeer Wars: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
12/31: NewYear’sEve!
And Beyond……
01/01: New Year’s Day!
01/03: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
01/03: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
01/04: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
01/06: Big Muddy Game Day: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
01/10: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
01/10: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
01/11: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
01/17: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
01/17: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
01/18: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
01/24: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
01/24: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
01/25: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
01/31: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
01/31: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
02/01: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
02/03: Big Muddy Game Day: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
02/07: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
02/07: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
02/08: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
02/14: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
02/14: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
02/15: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
02/21: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
02/21: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
02/22: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
02/28: Wednesday Night Gaming: Fantasy Books & Games 6pm
02/29: Gaslands: Miniature Market St. Peter’s 5:30pm
02/29: Semi Regular Retirees: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
03/02: Big Muddy Game Day: Miniature Market on Manchester 11am
For all of the above events listed remember that you do not need to bring along anything to play as all items necessary will be on the table and ready to go.
Suggestions/Ideas/Articles?
If you have any suggestions for
Dispatches of The Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
our Facebook Page, Website or know of someone who would like to be included in our email listings please feel free to let us know. The contact information is at the end of this newsletter.
To have your event listed please email
Info@bmhga.com
no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event.
While we strive to be as accurate as is possible all events listed are subject to last minute changes, substitutions and/or cancellations.
Website & Facebook Page
Are the places to check for the latest updates & news in our area.
Have you checked out our website?
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis (BMHGA) strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby in the St. Louis Metro Area “By demonstration, presentations at conventions, schools. libraries, and other events, where the theme includes military or gaming.
For further information email: info@bmhga.com
