A most successful day of gaming for our group with a combined Game Day East & Reindeer Wars at Impact Game Center in Fairview Heights saw two packed games filled with interesting table top puzzles to solve for our crew.
First up was Steve King presenting the American Civil War Battle of Brawner’s Farm in 15mm using “Fire & Fury” Rules. This prelude to the Second Battle of Bull Run offered the players some great opportunities and great challenges as the boys in blue marched out to meet the boys in gray.
Highlights of the game included the Union Commander falling to a lucky Rebel shot and things going rapidly downhill from there for the Northern side.
Some of Steve’s superbly painted miniatures on his spectacular terrain.
We were pleased to have Ron join us and for the game and look forward to him playing in the future.
The game ended in a Rebel Victory but one that saw the units in gray running short of ammunition so they might not be able to follow through with the upcoming fight.
Steve was in full Christmas fashion in the spirt of Reindeer Wars.
One our second table we visited the frozen North as things were not as they seemed at Ice Station Zebra as presented by Ray Gluck using “Fistful of Lead” Rules.
It was a cold weather game during the Cold War that saw a Soviet Submarine, a US Submarine, and the staff of the Ice Station.
Add to the mix what were certainly some rather unwelcome visitors in a race against time to achieve their goals. The first of those being simple survival in a bitter, hostile climate.
Ray pulled out all the stops in creating a superb looking table presentation for the players and the numerous passersby who marveled at the game.
Included were exceptionally well done figures.
This event marked the official introduction of Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis “Mulligan” Chips. Players could purchase “Mulligan“s“ to allow for a dice re-roll at what they felt were critical junctures in the game. Proceeds from the sale of “Mulligans” are sent to the Wounded Warrior Project with our efforts today collecting $55.00. The use of “Mulligans” will be at the discretion of individual GMs for any game, but those purchased and not used are able to get you that saving dice roll in the future at games where they are accepted.
Although Steffan and Craig came out on top point wise for the afternoon. All the players who had an opportunity to play were the real winners.
As an example of how Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis prepares for events. Our third game Arctic Thunder by Les Hosteteler was set up and ready to go to serve extra players should the need arise. We make every effort to accommodate our event attendance and be prepared for additional players as we simply do not want to turn anyone away.
Thanks to Ray, Steve and Les for presenting their games for our combined Game Day East and Reindeer Wars Celebration of Gaming 2025. A Thank You to all our players who had the opportunity to join in the fun and challenges of the day. Our Appreciation to Impact Game Center for their continued support of our Game Day East and Reindeer Wars.
Those are some excellent looking games – great job by the Big Muddy-Eastside GMs and gamers!
I saw Mike H. viewing the table action too, and hope we see more of him in the New Year ahead.