September Game Day West Sunday 09/15/24

Once again Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance held two monthly games days simultaneously on Sunday 09/15/24. Game Day West at Miniature Market – Cave Springs kicked off at 10am with game set up, a few donuts and stories being shared among the GMs as we all caught up with one another.

Kevin Helenthal presented an intro game of Star Wars Legion that pitted two factions against one another as we learned the game.

Using a card activation and chit pull system which forced the players to make choices as to how to manage their forces added some degree of challenge to the play. Here we see Mark W moving his forces forward to take advantage of some available cover.

Kevin brought some great looking miniatures to the table for his game adding to the experience for the players.

In the end after playing an extended game, we found out that drones do not melee well against this fellow and the day was not a good one for Obi Wan Kenobi as he made a few too many bad choices.

Thanks to Kevin for presenting this interesting system and joining the ranks of Big Muddy GMs! We look forward to seeing your efforts on the table again soon!

Dave Schaffner brought The Battle at Le Petit Fort for a run through in preparation for our upcoming October 19 Game Day at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum.

This historical battle took place on the southern shores of Lake Michigan after the Cahokia battle. Involving a small group on both sides as the British traders attempted to recover some of the property that the raiders from Cahokia had preciously “acquired.”

The “Fort” which was little more than a traders cabin and a falling down stockade became the scene of the action as the British caught up to the party from Cahokia.

Bob, Bryson, Pete & Bill are all engaged in the tabletop action.

Two run throughs of the game gave Dave some valuable feedback, which will serve to improve the October event for those attending. Thanks to Dave and all the players offering their assistance.

John Nozka presented another in his WWII Invasion of Poland Anniversary games with The Battle of Westerplatte using Bolt Action rules by Warlord Games that wea well received by the players.

John reported that the game went well and although the German forces were chewed up on the approach by the Polish defenders, they were able to force the border.

Following the Star Wars games and with plenty of time left we did a critique/run through of Cahokia Farmstead in preparation for the museum event.

Shifting rules to Fistful of Lead Horse & Musket by Wiley Games of our fair state of Missouri and a few tweaks seemed to have given us a more balanced game with more meat on the bone for the players.

The card activation system combined with rules that make the Chippewa a bit less enthusiastic about a pitched battle against a semi fortified position serve to make the game more balanced and more historical in nature.

The farm did fall in this game, but it was no walk over for the Chippewa as even with their superior numbers it was a tough battle.

Thanks to all the GMs, players and the staff at Miniature Market Cave Springs for making our September Game Day West successful!