Did you miss recent Big Muddy events or want to check on some of the games played?
After Action Reports
Our After Action Reports are now being posted on our website:
WWW.BMHGA.COM
Check there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.
🎲
Barracks Battles Returns at DieCon 2026
One of the signature experiences of DieCon is back. Barracks Battles returns for 2026, bringing fast-paced action, competitive play, and plenty of memorable tabletop moments. Whether you are here to test your skills or just jump into the action, this is where the energy of the convention comes alive.
When & Where
Join us June 5–7, 2026 at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. With a spacious venue and a packed weekend of events, DieCon provides the perfect backdrop for nonstop gaming.
What Is Barracks Battles?
Barracks Battles are designed for convention play at its best: easy to learn, quick to start, and exciting from beginning to end. Each session features focused scenarios, tactical challenges, and dynamic matchups that fit neatly into scheduled time blocks.
You might find yourself leading a desperate assault, managing a tight defensive line, or solving a fast-moving tactical puzzle. Every session is built to deliver a complete and satisfying game experience.
And an impressive array of gaming vendors including Ares Games, Warlord Games, Firelock Games, Phalanx Games, Things from The Basement and more.
Terrain Painting Workshop
Flea Market
Silent Auction
Built for Everyone
Barracks Battles are open to all experience levels:
- New players can jump in with minimal preparation
- Experienced players will find meaningful tactical challenges
- Spectators can easily follow the action and enjoy the atmosphere
The format keeps games moving, making it easy to play multiple sessions across the weekend.
Compete, Conquer, Connect
Beyond competition, Barracks Battles are about shared experiences:
- Friendly but competitive play
- Creative scenarios run by skilled Game Masters
- Opportunities to meet new players
- Stories that will outlast the weekend
Select sessions may include light tracking of results, achievements, or informal bragging rights.
A Weekend Highlight
Barracks Battles capture the spirit of DieCon: variety, excitement, and community. Whether you play one game or many, it is one of the best ways to experience the convention.
Event Schedule
Table One
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — Knife Fight at Planet HendersonSession Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — Battle of BritainSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — Battle of HeraculeaSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — UnassignedSession Five: Saturday 7pm–11pm — Battle of AsculumSession Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — Last One for Hutch?Session Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Undaunted
Table Two
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — Battle of GrenadaSession Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — Battle of HalifaxSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — American JutlandSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — WesterplatteSession Five: Saturday 7pm–11pm — Congress Wins!Session Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — UnassignedSession Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Birth of the U.S. Navy
Table Three
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — Welcome to KharkovSession Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — A Change of OrdersSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — Battle of TrentonSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — A New DawnSession Five: Saturday 7pm–11pm — Fall of Berlin!Session Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — Push to BerlinSession Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Imperial Power Projection
Table Four
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — UnassignedSession Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — Convoy RaidSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — UnassignedSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — The Battle of White PlainsSession Five: Saturday 7pm–11pm — UnassignedSession Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — UnassignedSession Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Imperial Power Projection
Table Five
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — Battle of Trebia 218 BC (Cancelled)Session Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — Your Buddy Has Your BackSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — Destroy Them on the GroundSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — First Blood at Bull RunSession Five: Saturday 7pm–11pm — UnassignedSession Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — UnassignedSession Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Imperial Power Projection
Table Six
Session One: Friday 2pm–6pm — UnassignedSession Two: Friday 7pm–11pm — Confrontation at AcquacknonkSession Three: Saturday 9am–1pm — UnassignedSession Four: Saturday 2pm–6pm — Village EvacuationSession Six: Sunday 9am–1pm — OverdriveSession Seven: Sunday 2pm–6pm — Unassigned
American War of Independence 250!
Special Event!
An Underappreciated Victory Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779
Saturday, July 25, 2026⋅1:00 – 3:00pm
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine School House
1 Rue Saint Francois St,
Florissant, Saint Louis, MO 63031-5126
An Underappreciated Victory
Meet Author Steve Kling as he introduces his new book about the American War of Independence in the West.
Bernardo de Gálvez’s Mississippi River Campaign Against the British in 1779
By Stephen L. Kling, Jr and Kristine L. Sjostrom
Gálvez’s Mississippi River campaign in 1779 during the American Revolutionary War is truly an unappreciated victory today. While brief, it was tremendously impactful. Not only did it secure the Spanish rear and permit the free flow of aid up the Mississippi River to the Americans, but it also paved the way for the Gulf of Mexico operations against Mobile and Pensacola. It has been largely overshadowed by the more spectacular sieges of Mobile and Pensacola where Gálvez had abundant military resources. However, considering the difficult circumstances and limited military resources for the Mississippi River campaign, it is much more impressive. Gálvez overcame terrain and weather difficulties, logistical challenges and British fortified positions, all with the knowledge that he had to strike swiftly and secretly before British superior forces converged on New Orleans. The almost negligible number of casualties weighed against the capture of several forts and posts and hundreds of prisoners in such a short period is as shocking today as it was to the British high command. Every military campaign needs a little luck, but Gálvez took a huge risk against considerable odds and ended victorious. The close examination of the campaign in this book reveals its brilliance.
In collaboration with The Historical Game Company, Historic Florissant Inc, The Florissant Valley Historical Society, Friends of The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, The Reverend John Clark Chapter DAR and Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis.
This event is Free and Open to the Public but reservations are necessary. You may make a reservation by emailing info@bmhga.com
🛍️ Support Your Local Game Stores
Local game stores are the backbone of our hobby. They’re more than just places to buy games—they’re gathering spaces where friendships are formed, new players are welcomed, and communities like the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance come to life.
From hosting weekly events to providing tables, terrain, and knowledgeable staff, these stores invest in us every time we walk through the door.
🎲 Why It Matters
When you support your local game store, you help:
- Keep gaming spaces open and accessible
- Grow the local player community
- Encourage events, demos, and organized play
- Ensure new gamers have a place to discover the hobby
These stores take a chance on hosting events, often dedicating valuable space and time so we can play.
🤝 How You Can Help
Supporting your local store doesn’t have to be complicated:
- Purchase games, supplies, or hobby materials locally when you can
- Participate in store events and game nights
- Invite friends and help grow attendance
- Be respectful of the space and staff
- Spread the word about upcoming events
Even small actions make a big difference.
🌟 A Shared Community
In the St. Louis area, we’re fortunate to have stores that actively support gaming groups and events. Their partnership helps make everything we do possible—from casual weeknight games to large-scale game days.
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance Name Tags
We have received the test run of our new group name badges and they look very good. Those interested in ordering one contact info@bmhga.com You can estimate the price to be around $15.00 each. If we get a discount on the order it will be passed along.
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance pitches in to help High School History Student
The on Thursday April 30th we received a request from a Parkway North Junior named Sophie. She and her student partner were working on a project for her history class and that involved interviewing “experts” asking the question. “How did the technological advancements in the second World War affect current history?”
Wanting to help in any way we can to further history education we suggested that she come to our May Game Day where we would have numerous individuals able to share their thoughts on the topic. We alerted the Game Day GMs letting them know that it was possible that there might be a need to briefly interrupt their games and we also contacted our Education Working Group and asked them to contribute to the conversation.
Special Thanks to BMHGA President David Harrison and to Chris Ketcherside of our Education Working Group who were there and ready to help, but previous commitments required them to depart prior to the students arrival.
We are happy to report that everyone pitched in as they could to help the students meet their class requirements and as a bit of a fun we are going to share the answers we received.
Again the Question….
“How did the technological advancements in the second World War affect current history?”
From Mark Williams of our Education Working Group who was unable to attend but sent in this response.
1. Nuclear weapons- proliferation of these weapons has made the world a more dangerous place; also led to nuclear power plants providing electricity
2. Radar and electronic navigation and electronic warfare – revolutionized warfare but also provided the basis of modern air traffic control system.
3. Jet engines – made global jet air transportation system feasible
4. Ballistic missiles – immediate delivery of nuclear weapons, and also led to rockets capable of putting satellites and people into space.
5. Cruise missiles- low cost warfare
6. Early “computers” developed to crack German codes supported subsequent development of digital computers.
From Dave Schaffner who had prepared a nice list to discuss with Sophie at the Game Day.
“What I interpreted from this classroom assignment’s goal, was to tie in legacy technologies from the WWII-era, to what might still be useful for weapons development employed to today’s evolving battlefields. This brought up the current topic of precision munitions and loitering FPV drone technology, and how helicopter flight, and electronic-guidance systems of the earlier conflict are still being applied to new weaponry. Operational examples of this legacy technology were the United States Sikorsky, and the German Focke-Achgelis helicopters, and for the tie -in to precision/electronic guiding systems, the ASM-N-2 Bat (U.S.), and the Frtiz-X glide and guided bombs. The German Goliath tracked-demolition vehicle was also illustrative of cable-guidance technology that is still being employed for FPV drone, and robotic ground vehicle control today.”
Dave
From Tom Vielott of our Education Working Group and Organizers Working Group. Tom took time to do a recorded interview with the students.
I focused a lot on the interconnected nature of the technologies and how they work together to shape our modern life.
For example:
The internet and the global communications network is enabled by ww2 advances in:
– Radio (key for the airwave/antenna network that transmits internet signals, the same work also produced modern Radar and microwaves for heating up food because they all work on the electromagnetic spectrum)
– Sonar (required for undersea bed mapping which enabled the cross-continental high speed cables which support much of our internet traffic)
– Computers (your phone is one, the internet runs on it)
– Rocketry (to put up satellites that allow you to get internet in a lot of places)
– Cryptography (for e.g. password security that allows you to actually do business or maintain and identity on the internet)
– Atomic energy (for electricity, among other things)
Though all of these fields predate ww2, the war created the pressure for breakthroughs. Some examples include:
– Radio relays (to enable mobile radio comms at long distances)
– Low Frequency Sonar (developed as a possible communication tool, but great at searching deep depths)
– ENIAC (the first general-purpose reprogrammable computer, developed for codebreaking, though it was not completed till the war’s end)
– The V2 rocket (originally for propelling bombs, it is the predecessor of our modern space program. Its primary creator, Werner von Braun, was scooped up in “operation paperclip”; he and other former Nazi scientists were integral to NASA’s early successes)
– Bletchley park and the cracking of the ENIGMA code (Alan Turing is rightly considered a father of modern computing and computer security for his work there)
– Manhattan Project and the nuclear bombs (the same principles power nuclear power plants)
Similarly, the mental space the internet occupies, particularly with regard to misinformation and deception, was also first pioneered in ww2.
Radio and film enabled sound and moving pictures to be distributed widely in the first mass media for either genre (the newspaper and perhaps major religious texts were the only things with similar reach).
The propaganda campaigns of ww2 appear today to be comically heavy handed, but that goes mostly to show the ways in which the form has evolved; both our ability to detect lies and propaganda and the ability of propagandists to use subtler and less easily detected propaganda have improved in a perpetual arms race that could be said to have started in the lead up to ww2
From Pat Lewis from our Education Working Group who was able to email in his answers
So here are top items from WW2 that changed the world significantly even to today. These are bullet points the students can take to next level on their research
Nuclear power, both the bad side and good side. Shaped the worlds thinking about diplomacy, military power, science, energy, philosophy and religion
Aeronautics: huge developments from biplanes in 39 to jets and rockets by 1945. Set the stage for the space race
Colonialisms end: Britain, France, Belgium Japan all lost colonial shortly after war due to changes the imperial powers decline of resources and will to hold the colonies
Rise of US international power: prior to 39 we were content to keep out of foreign intrigues. Afterward, the power vacuum we filled
Medicine: tremendous developments of treatments for any number of diseases. The triage method of emergency care were refined to an art by wars end, leading to far lower death rates that applied the methods started in WW1
Manufacturing: producing 40k airplanes in 3 years, the US learned how to mass produce which in-turn created the consumer society we have worldwide. Principals of manufacturing led to huge jumps in consumer products being plentiful and cheap… cars, appliances etc
World reset:
Japan, France, US, Germany, s Africa, china, russia, All changed dramatically from the effects the war on societal attitudes
Mideast, ww2 set the stage for the tremendous frictions
Several colonies became independent
From Kevin Fitzpatrick Director BMHGA responses emailed.
1). Interstate (National Defense) Highway System. While concrete
itselfis hardly a new technology in this case the application of it has
changed our American society. The development of our Interstate
HighwaySystem based upon General Eisenhower’s impression of the GermanAutobahnhas improved our ability to move people and goods across our country. Itcan be argued that not all of this is for the better as the systemstarted in the 1950’s did in many cases disrupt the urban core ofourcities and the environmental impact is also a cause for concern by many.
2). The development of the Jet Engine. While again not necessarily
newtechnology the jet engine was developed enough during WWII to seeservice where it previously had been confined to drawing boards. As more development and improvements came into being it has allowed forfaster and more efficient international travel. This of course comes withthe drawbacks of environmental impacts which are a concern to many.
3). The development of rocket and missile technology. Again not new
asrockets had been used for centuries. The use of rockets and at least
semi guided missiles lead to us being able to travel to the moon,put
people and equipment into space to study both our planet and the
stars.
4). Cell phones and WiFi are at least in part a development of the
work by film celebrity Hedy Lamar who patented the frequency hoppingtechnology during her work to create a guided naval torpedo duringWWII.It can be argued that we have her to thank for the ability to reachintoour pocket and have the world’s accumulated knowledge at ourfingertips. It can also be argued that screen time and social media are creatingissues within our society.
5). Radar is of course a technology better refined during WWII that
allowed at least in part the UK to survive the Battle of Britain by
allowing early warning of approaching Luftwaffe attacks. It of
coursecontinued to developed both as a defensive system, but also to allowforthe guidance of aircraft in our Air Traffic Controls system, our
National Weather Service and for guidance systems.
How would YOU answer the question?
Weekly Gaming E-Update
To receive the weekly gaming update email info@bmhga.com.
Public events may be submitted for inclusion.
Central Illinois TableTop Warriors
A long-standing group meeting in Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington, and Champaign, IL. Their events are included in the calendar below.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/435910586619700
2026 Gaming Calendar
05/26: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
05/27: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
05/28: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Sprints – 11am
June 2026
06/02: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/03: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/04: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
06/05: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL
06/06: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL
06/07: Barracks Battles @ Diecon 2026 Gateway Convention Center Collinsville IL
06/09: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/10: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/11: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
06/16: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/17: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/18: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
06/21: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm
06/23: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
06/24: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm
06/25: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am
06/30: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm
July 202607/01: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm07/02: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am07/07: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm07/08: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm07/09: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am07/11: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am07/14: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm07/15: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm07/16: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill– 11am07/19: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm07/21: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm07/22: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm07/23: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Can Springs – 11am07/25: Author Event – St. Ferdinand Shrine School – 1pm07/28: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm07/29: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm07/30: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am
August 2026
08/01: Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10am
08/04: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/05: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/06: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am08/11: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/12: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/13: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11am08/16: Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12pm08/18: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/19: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/20: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11am08/25: Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6pm08/26: Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6pm08/27: Semi Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 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 Reddit Page, Facebook Page, Website or know of someone who would like to be included in our email listings please feel free to let us know.Just email info@bmhga.com
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.
Big Muddy Historical Gaming
Alliance – St. Louis
***OFFICIAL NOTICES***
💰 Support Big Muddy – 2026 Donation Campaign
As we continue into a new fiscal year, the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance is asking for your support to help sustain and grow our community.
Our current fiscal year began on November 1, 2025, and with your help, we can ensure the financial stability of the organization while continuing to host and expand our full schedule of gaming events through 2026 and beyond.
🎲 Why Your Donation Matters
Big Muddy thrives because of its members. Your donation directly supports:
- Convention and event programming
- Venue partnerships and game days
- Community initiatives and special projects
- The continued growth of historical gaming in our area
Your contribution helps us keep the tables full, the dice rolling, and the community strong.
🗳️ Member Benefits
By making a donation for 2026, you become an active supporting member of Big Muddy and gain the ability to:
- Vote in officer elections (November 2026)
- Run for board positions
- Participate in organizational votes and initiatives throughout the year
The 2026 donation period runs through June 1, 2026, so be sure to participate and make your voice heard.
🤝 Built by the Community
Big Muddy exists because of the dedication and generosity of its members. Whether you contribute financially, volunteer your time, or participate in events, you are what makes this organization possible.
We are grateful for every level of support and remain committed to providing a welcoming and active gaming community.
🎩 A Tip of the Hat
The Board of Directors would like to recognize and thank the following members who have already contributed their 2026 donations:
Les Hostetler, Britt Eubanks, Dale Wentz, William Doelling,, Steve King , Patrick Connanghton, Mark Johnson, John Voelker, Les Hostetler, Jon Bancoft, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Mark Luechkenhoff, Eddie Mosley, Pete Palmer, Curtis Turner, Gregg Dieckhaus, Alex Gluck, Ray Gluck, Steffen Gluck, Keith Struckmeyer, Warren Burris, John Nozka, Ed Menefee, Richard Schumecher, Jim Broshot, Burt Campbell, Dave Harrison, Adam Jones, Tim Lalk, Edward Menefee, Benjamin Ash, Daniel Carter, Cliff Mudd, Jay Clendenny
Board Elections 2026
Four-Year Terms
- Vice President – James Kantor (Incumbent)
- Treasurer – Bill Doelling (Incumbent)
Two-Year Term
- Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)
Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to Director@bmhga.com
###
After Action Reports
Our After Action Reports are now be posted at our Website: WWW.BMHGA.ComCheck there for some great photos of the games you played in and the ones you might have missed.
We are now on Reddit at
r/BigMuddyHGA
Website, Facebook Page & Reddit
Are the places to check for the latest updates & news in our area.
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
