Members: Please see the Official Notices at the end of this newsletter.
Share Your Games with the Big Muddy Community!
Every game has a story—and we’d love to help you tell yours! Big Muddy invites game masters and players to send in game reports and photos for our website. Whether you hosted a convention game, a weekly gathering, or one of our monthly game days, your adventures deserve a place in our community’s story.
Give Others a Seat at Your Table
You don’t have to write a detailed turn-by-turn account. A short paragraph or two can introduce the game, capture a memorable moment, and give readers a sense of the fun. Tell us about the desperate last stand, the plan that actually worked, the unexpected alliance, or the dice roll everyone will remember.
Not sure where to start? Include a few simple details:
- What did you play? Give the game’s name, rules system, and scenario or setting.
- Where did the action happen? Mention the event or gathering.
- What made it memorable? Share a highlight, a surprise, or a particularly entertaining moment.
- What would you tell a newcomer? Explain what made the game enjoyable and whether beginners could easily join in.
Game masters can share the inspiration behind a scenario or celebrate the players who brought it to life. Players can describe the action from their side of the table. Both perspectives are welcome!
Let the Pictures Tell Part of the Story
Photos give readers a chance to see the tables, terrain, miniatures, boards, and people that make our gatherings special. Send a few clear images with brief captions explaining what’s happening. A wide shot of the table and a close-up of a memorable moment make a great combination.
Please make sure anyone identifiable in your photos is comfortable with having their image published. For photos featuring children, obtain permission from a parent or guardian before submitting them.
Help Our Community Grow
Our goal is to make the website a place where members can celebrate past games and newcomers can picture themselves joining the next one. Your reports can introduce an unfamiliar game, recognize a game master’s preparation, and show prospective players that there’s a welcoming seat at the table.
You don’t need a polished article or professional photographs—just a game you enjoyed and a willingness to share it. Send your reports and photos to the Big Muddy website team, and help us tell the story of our gaming community, one table at a time!
Building a Stronger Big Muddy: Committees, Website Security, and Membership Updates
Big Muddy’s organizing team took several steps toward strengthening the organization’s operations at a recent executive committee meeting, approving committee appointments, financial arrangements, and measures to support the group’s website. The actions focused on accountability, transparency, redundancy, shared responsibility, and a clearer understanding of how membership supports the community.Committees Take Shape
The group approved the re-establishment of standing committees for activities and membership, with Patrick Connaughton serving as activities chair and Ray Gluck as vice chair. Those roles are reversed for the membership committee, with Ray serving as chair and Patrick as vice chair. All members of the current organizing working group were appointed to both committees..
Committee work will remain closely coordinated with the Executive Committee. David Harrison noted that the bylaws make the president a voting member of all standing committees. Committees will also include the Executive Committee in meeting communications and reports to support administrative oversight and participation. It is anticipated that the Joint Committee will follow the current Organizers Working Group format and conduct meetings prior to Game Day East on the Third Sunday of each month. Check the website calendar for time and location. Members who have ideas, suggestions or concerns but are unable to attend the meetings are invited to contact either Patrick, Ray or send an email to info@bmhga.com.
Two additional committees received approval:
- A parliamentarian committee consisting of Adam Jones and Mark Johnson. This committee will assist with interpretation of any by-laws questions that may arise by the standing committees or the Executive Committee.
- As it was recognized that the by-laws were written in a different era. An advisory bylaws update committee charged with reviewing outdated provisions and recommending revisions.
The group also unanimously approved a resolution addressing bylaw compliance and moving forward. That resolution will be presented at the membership meeting.
Financial Responsibilities and Website Protection
Steve Lowry was appointed co-treasurer and granted banking authority, adding support for the organization’s financial administration.
Website security was another important topic. Les Hostetler reported attempts by malicious actors to exploit website plugins, create unauthorized administrator accounts, and misuse the site for malicious activity. In response, he purchased a security software subscription, approximately doubling website expenses.
The committee unanimously approved website expense reimbursement standards to accommodate the increased security costs. Les will provide a detailed accounting of website-related expenses and indicated that the approved reimbursement limit is more than sufficient.
During the financial discussion, Bill Doelling reported on the current treasury providing context for the group’s ability to support its planned expenses.
Clarifying What Membership Supports
Discussion also focused on making the purpose of membership dues clearer. David Harrison and Ray Gluck emphasized that dues support Big Muddy’s ongoing community operations—including website maintenance and monthly gaming calendars—rather than serving as convention admission fees.
To improve record keeping, Ray will prepare an updated membership form consistent with the organization’s charter and bylaws. A temporary form is also being coordinated to help document memberships and donations while that work proceeds. Bill Doelling plans to bring a receipt book to the upcoming meeting on the seventh.
Members who were attending also expressed interest in helping with scheduling, planning, and after-action reporting, highlighting opportunities to share the work of organizing and evaluating activities.
Moving Forward
The meeting’s decisions put additional structure behind Big Muddy’s ongoing work: clearer committee responsibilities, coordinated oversight, stronger website protection, and improved membership documentation. Together, these steps support the organization’s ability to maintain its community resources and plan future activities.
COMMAND CON-LITE RETURNS NOVEMBER 7!
Game Day West / Command Con-Lite
Saturday, November 7 • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
Command Con-Lite returns to Big Muddy Game Day West on Saturday, November 7, with a great selection of historical, science-fiction, naval, and strategic games.
Session One:
10:00 AM – Setup
10:30 AM – Gaming Begins
With multiple games running simultaneously, there should be something for just about every type of gamer. Pick a table, grab some dice, and prepare for battle!
SESSION ONE
Table One – Gettysburg Morning
GM: Dave Schaffner
Warlord Epic 13.5mm Miniatures
4 Players
Heth’s Confederate Division has deployed for battle astride the Chambersburg Pike, having pushed Union cavalry back beyond a ridge just ahead.
Now the fight for Herbst’s Woods and McPherson’s Ridge begins!
Players will recreate this iconic opening action of the Battle of Gettysburg on a new, custom-made game mat featuring the important fences, roads, woods, and other battlefield features that shaped the original engagement.
Using Warlord’s Epic 13.5mm miniatures, this game puts players in command as the battle develops around Gettysburg.
Can the Confederates seize the high ground and drive the Union forces from the field, or can the Union troops hold long enough for reinforcements to arrive?
Four players will take part in this visually impressive recreation of the opening of Gettysburg.
Table Three – Ironclads: Hampton Roads 2.0
GM: Gregg Dieckhaus
Home-Brew Rules
1/900 Scale
Up to 6 Players
The Union attempts to move a force up the James River toward Richmond, and the Confederates must stop them.
And this time, the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia get a rematch!
This home-brew naval game brings the dramatic ironclad warfare of the American Civil War to the tabletop in 1/900 scale.
Players will command their vessels as Union and Confederate forces clash on the waterways leading toward Richmond.
Will the Union fleet break through, or can Confederate ironclads once again halt the advance?
Six players can take part in this naval battle.
Table Four – Invasion of Sicily
GM: Mark Lueckenhoff
George Knapp Games – Highly Modified and Expanded
2–5 Players
This is a double-blind variant of George Knapp’s strategic Sicily game.
Players represent the air, land, and naval forces of Italy, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. Each side operates on its own three-dimensional map of Sicily, hidden from the opposing players.
The two maps, courtesy of Pat Lewis, create a fog-of-war environment in which players must make decisions without knowing exactly where their opponents are or what they are planning.
Each playing piece generally represents a brigade, while each turn represents approximately four days of combat.
Players must balance several competing demands. They will need to:
- Defeat or delay enemy forces.
- Keep their own units supplied.
- Protect and disrupt road networks.
- Cut enemy supply lines.
- Gather intelligence through combat.
- Coordinate with their allies while competing for their own objectives.
Information about enemy units is limited. Players generally won’t discover exactly what they’re facing until opposing forces actually join battle.
The Axis forces must inflict as much damage as possible while conducting a strategic retreat toward Messina, with the ultimate goal of evacuation.
The Allies must prevent that evacuation by cutting off Axis forces and capturing Messina.
The campaign is yours to fight—but the enemy is never quite where you think they are.
Available if needed
Table Five — Chariot Race: Enlarged and Enhanced
GM: Kevin Fitzpatrick
Take the reins for a two-lap race through an ancient Roman arena! Balance speed against the condition of your chariot, change lanes, and decide when to press your luck.
Earn Fortuna’s favor, repair damage, and contend with rivals armed with javelins and caltrops. Crossing the finish line first is the goal—but keeping your chariot together may be the real challenge!
Session Break:
Join us for a chili luncheon by the SoupHouse.org
and a very brief Annual Membership Meeting.
SESSION TWO
Conflict at Culloden
GM: Burt Campbell
Claymore & Cannon – Home-Brew Rules
18mm Wofun Miniatures
2–8 Players
The fate of the Jacobite Rising will be decided on the tabletop.
At Culloden, Government Redcoats and artillery prepare to hold their line against the desperate charge of the Highland army.
Using Claymore & Cannon, an original ruleset designed specifically for 18th-century warfare, players will take command of the opposing forces in this historically researched scenario.
The Highlanders must close with the Government line and overcome its disciplined infantry and artillery.
The Government forces must maintain their formation, withstand the Highland charge, and prevent the Jacobite army from breaking through.
With room for 2–8 players, this is an opportunity to step into one of the most famous battles of the Jacobite Rising and determine whether history will repeat itself—or take a very different turn.
The Highlanders are coming. Can you hold the line?
COME PLAY!
Command Con-Lite is designed to give Big Muddy members and guests a chance to experience a variety of games in one location.
Historical battles, science fiction, naval combat, strategic warfare, and tactical action will all be represented.
Come for one game. Stay for the day.
And if you have never played one of these games before, don’t worry—ask the Game Master. That’s what we’re here for.
Game Day West / Command Con-Lite
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
GAME ON!
14 Game Days a Month!
Did you know that the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis averages 14 game days every month?
Between our regular Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday gaming and our monthly Game Days West and East, there are plenty of opportunities to get some figures on the table.
Whether you prefer historical battles, fantasy, science fiction, naval games, board games, skirmishes, or something that defies reasonable classification, there is probably a table waiting for you.
Check the calendar, grab some dice, and come join us!
REINDEER WARS 2026 IS COMING!
Is it a game day?
Is it a shop crawl?
Is it a convention?
Yes.
And possibly a few other things we haven’t figured out yet.
Reindeer Wars 2026 returns as Big Muddy’s annual between-the-holidays celebration—a great opportunity to get together, see your gaming friends, visit some gaming establishments, and celebrate the season.
We’re looking for Game Masters to pitch in with old favorites, new scenarios, bizarre experiments, and anything else that sounds like a good way to spend a winter day rolling dice.
Reindeer Wars 2026 Schedule
Saturday, December 26
Reindeer Wars – Game Nite
Bolt Action Tournament
Sunday, December 27
Reindeer Wars – Impact Gaming Center
Combined with Game Day East
Monday, December 28
Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Rock Hill
Tuesday, December 29
Reindeer Wars – Game Nite
Combined with Tuesday Night Gaming
Wednesday, December 30
Reindeer Wars – Fantasy Books & Games
Combined with Wednesday Night Gaming
Thursday, December 31
Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Cave Springs
Combined with Semi-Regular Retirees Gaming
Expect some old holiday favorites, some new scenarios, and quite possibly a few things that should never have been allowed on a gaming table.
Gaming Calendar
NOVEMBER 2026
11/03 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/04 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/05 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
11/07 – Big Muddy Game Day West / Command Con-Lite Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10AM
11/10 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/11 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/12 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
11/15 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
11/17 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/18 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/19 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
11/24 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
11/25 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
11/26 – Thanksgiving Day – No Regular Gaming Listed
DECEMBER 2026
12/01 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/02 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/03 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
12/08 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/09 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/10 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
12/15 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/16 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/17 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
12/20 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
12/22 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
12/23 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
12/24 – Christmas Eve
12/25 – Christmas Day
REINDEER WARS 2026
12/26 – Reindeer Wars – Game Nite – Bolt Action Tournament
12/27 – Reindeer Wars – Impact Gaming Center / Game Day East
12/28 – Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Cave Springs
12/29 – Reindeer Wars – Game Nite / Tuesday Night Gaming
12/30 – Reindeer Wars – Fantasy Books & Games
12/31 – Reindeer Wars – Miniature Market Rock Hill / Semi-Regular Retirees
JANUARY 2027
01/02 – Big Muddy Game Day West – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 10:00 AM
01/05 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
01/06 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
01/07 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
01/12 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
01/13 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
01/14 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
01/17 – Big Muddy Game Day East – Impact Gaming Center – 12:00 PM
01/19 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
01/20 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
01/21 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Cave Springs – 11:00 AM
01/26 – Tuesday Night Gaming – Game Nite – 6:00 PM
01/27 – Wednesday Night Gaming – Fantasy Books & Games – 6:00 PM
01/28 – Semi-Regular Retirees – Miniature Market Rock Hill – 11:00 AM
OFFICIAL NOTICES
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
The Annual Membership Meeting of the Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance will be held:
Saturday, November 7, 2026
In conjunction with November Game Day West and Command Con-Lite
Miniature Market – Rock Hill
9755 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63119
3:30PM
Agenda
- Proof of Notice
- Reading of Minutes
- Receiving and Circulation of Communications
- Officers’ Reports, as appropriate
- Committee Chair Reports, as appropriate
- Old Business
- Election of Officers
- New Business
- Adjournment
Election of Officers
The following offices are scheduled for election:and the individuals running for those offices
Vice President – Tom Vielott
Treasurer – Bill Doelling, Incumbent
Member at Large / Director – Kevin Fitzpatrick, Incumbent
Members in good standing interested in serving are encouraged to submit their name to:
Members unable to attend the Annual Membership Meeting may issue proxies for voting on resolutions submitted for consideration and for the election of officers. For information about submitting a proxy, contact director@bmhga.com.
STAY CONNECTED
The latest Big Muddy news and updates can be found through:
- Website: BMHGA.com
- Reddit: r/BigMuddyHGA
- Weekly Gaming Update
- Dispatches E-Newsletter
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis strives to support and build the historical gaming hobby throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area through demonstrations and presentations at conventions, schools, libraries, and other events where the theme includes military history or gaming.
HAVE AN IDEA?
Have a suggestion, article, photograph, event, or gaming story for Dispatches?
Know someone who would like to be added to our email listings?
Send it to:
To have an event listed in the Weekly Gaming Update or newsletter, please submit it no later than the 20th of the month preceding the event.
We strive to keep the calendar as accurate as possible, but all events remain subject to last-minute changes, substitutions, and cancellations.
See you around the gaming table!
Big Muddy Historical Gaming Alliance – St. Louis
