Monthly Archives: February 2012

The Blues Addicts 1970

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It has been said to me that my taste is music is rather ‘special’, indeed my good lady does not often allow my tunes to be played while we are driving for fear of upsetting the children!  But what does she know eh…I know I have fine taste.  With that in mind here is the first of my little reviews of music from an age before the internet, the CD, the tape when vinyl was king!  A Vinyl from my collection now though converted to mp3 format for easier listening on the move.

The Blues Addicts put out one album, one only, it was in 1970 and bore the same name as the band.  I do not know much about these fine fellows but what I do know is that album is from Danish psychedelic blues-rockers. Similar in feel to early Blue Cheer, Hendrix or Cream this album is heavy. Killer acid guitar riffs power this beast as demonstrated on the stunning ten minute ‘Hailow’. Psycadellic blues from the flower-power age. Lead figure is vocalist and guitarist Ivan Horn. He later joined C.V. Jorgensen amongst many other “big” Danish bands. Freak Emporium & Karma.

I adore fuzz guitar and blues and this album has both of these.  Its not kind on your ears at a high volume but track ‘Ba-Ba-Dar’ is awesome with rending lyrics and soaring axe work.  You just don’t hear music like this live any more.  There are a few links for video and you can see Ba-Ba-Dar on YouTube.

This album is not easy to find but its well worth seeking out if only you can find it.  Versions exist on CD these are easier to get.  Possibly around 20.00GBP or more.

GBS

What about a Renaissance Era in 15mm?

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It might not be the flash and bang of the second world war or the steady ranks of a Greek phalanx but there is great wargaming potential in the period often referred to as ‘the Renaissance’.  While you can study the period for yourself, the Renaissance, has been the subject of many sets of rules along with many ranges of miniatures since in the 1970’s.   Its not the most popular period but it has many charms not the least of which being the infamous Landsknecht’s of the Germanic states and the Swiss cantonments along with the varied forces of the Italian City States including the jewel in that crown; Florence.

I have had a number of emails and messages from USE ME players who think that a version of the engine suited to quick play massed formations in the setting of the 15th to 17th century Europe is more than possible when the likes of USE ME American Civil War and USE ME Fantasy already exist.  I have to agreed.  Formations of pike, of great swords, plate armoured cavarly, archers, crossbow and more led by lords carrying mighty banners are very appealing.

15mm.co.uk has a great many 15mm scale miniatures in the Altuous range from this period.  I have some images too of a tiny number of these, see below.  From the top MR6 Swiss Light Pike in full then close up, MR9 Swiss Crossbow and then MR11 English Billman.  All super stuff and painted by David Sheppard.

MR6MR9MR11

I have decided that there is most certainly scope for a ‘USE ME Renaissance’ title in the range.  As to what it will contain…who can say at this time but with my project deadlines tied up until this summer any work on this would have to be after that.  As always if anyone reading has notions for what to include then do contact me here or at 15mm.co.uk.

GBS

USE ME Fantasy AAR

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My good friend Bob Minadeo over in the USA has kindly taken the time out of his hectic schedule to write an ‘After Action Report’ or AAR on my title UM002 USE ME 15mm Fantasy.

USE ME 15mm Fantasy

The UM002 set of rules has been out for more than a year now and it plays really well in skirmish and full blown battle (yes, I would say that but it does!).  Head on over to Bob’s blog and read the AAR to see for yourself.

MC Monkey Dew AAR of UM002

GBS

An Alien Safari

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For those who know and who do not a few years ago I created a gaming series of titles called USE ME which stands for ‘Ultra Simple Engine for Miniature Engagements’.  This series now has nine titles written by four authors including myself and a couple of its titles are now in their second print runs as well as being in download format too.  More on the latest titles elsewhere but here I want to fill you in a little on my idea for another USE ME.

I have told the trade and several gamers who are friends that there will be three more USE ME releases in April 2012 in time for Salute 2012 in London.  I am committed to penning one of these titles.

So left to my own devices (I have a total free hand this time to create a title that I want to see out there) I thought and thought…what to do.  It came to me that solo gaming is more popular now that it ever has been and that though the USE ME range has many war settings it has no speciality settings.  So it would be solo and it would be special.  I have always liked the notion of hunters and dangerous prey plus when you add in science fiction another of my personal favourites it took me to something great:  Alien Safari.

Artwork for AS*

This USE ME title will therefore concern itself with several facets of being a human being or an advanced alien on an dangerous world. Firstly the notion of a Death World where the planet itself will try to kill your characters by use of its own flora and fauna. The second is an Alien Safari where a group of hunters will attempt to flush out and capture or kill alien creatures for a reward or sport. These combine into a rules set that focuses upon a small group of characters who enter a gaming area that is Unknown containing threats that act Solo according to a developed engine of mechanics.  Take your party onto an alien world full of mystery and peril. Walk the surface not knowing what the next step will bring. Death or Fame. Compete for fame, bring back trophies by collecting them in play.

I have had a lot of feedback on this so far as an idea (thanks to Bob, Omer, James, Craig, Rob etc) and intend to begin work on the manuscript for it really soon.

So keep ’em peeled for more information on this website.  If you have input let me know too, my virtual door is always open.

GBS

* This piece of art was created by Edward Jackson based on a chat about this idea.  I like it so much it will be the cover art for the title!

New HOTT 24AP Army soon at 15mm.co.uk

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This one snuck up on me with not a lot of warning.  I was asked to design another Hordes of the Things (HOTT) 24AP army for 15mm.co.uk.  These 15mm scale armies, each one self contained with all the miniatures and element bases required for play are very popular with wargamers and this new one is the first one for a couple of years.  I actually forgot I had created the army listing as I was wrapped up with USE ME developments so the photo of it today took me by surprise..thanks Alex!

HOTT1018 Empyre Army

This army pack will be out on 15mm.co.uk on or around the 3rd February 2012.  Pricing will be about 15.00GBP and it should also be available painted and based.  There will be a full listing of contents upon release but it includes a Fire Giant, mounted Knights, a cannon with gunners, foot soldiers with two handed swords and with handgunnes too.  I do not play HOTT any more so I most likely will not be getting this pack for myself but I know that there are a huge number of players out there especially with HOTT now being a free download so I wish them victory!

HOTT1018 takes miniatures from the Tabletop range and the Altuos range too.  I think it look lovely and that it should not have much trouble kicking Elvish butt!

GBS

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Update!

The pack is now out!  Get along to the HOTT page for full details.

Eye Candy for the Ion Age

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The Ion Age setting for Alternative Armies games such as ‘Firefight 2.0‘ and ‘Moth‘ has many fans and is supported by a large range of 28mm scale white metal wargaming miniatures.  It was my privilege to receive some images from a very talented fellow by the name of Samuel Croes and I would like to share them with you.  They depict his own Ion Age miniatures in the paint schemes of his Castella barony.  Enjoy!

Knights of Castella by Sam Croes

Champion of Castella

Female Champion of Castella

Mr Croes has a wonderful eye for colour so please take a moment to look over these images.  Luvverly!

Those wanting to see these miniatures for their own collections visit the Ion Age now.

GBS

 

Certified a Clever Lad

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Well done to my son for earning his five star certificate at school.  Though at a tender age, not yet in double digits, the lad worked hard for this piece of paper which was presented to him in front of his whole school during the weekly assembly.   Each of these lurid orange in colour certificates takes several months to earn through a process of gaining ‘stars’ for good behaviour, for doing additional tasks and for looking after members of his class who require some extra help in activity’s such as visiting the bathroom.

Known to the family as ‘The Thinker‘ he is often buried in a book but always has time to aid those around him and to all he is a wonderfully polite and talented boy. I would like to claim credit for his demeanour but those in the know say its down to his mother!

I know you like your iPod so you if you are reading this…well done I am proud of you.

GBS

Welcome to my Blog!

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Hello Everyone,

In this, the first post on my blog, I would like to take the chance to say welcome to everyone that passes this way and who take some time to read what they find here.

My name is Gavin B Syme and this blog is the end result of many hundreds of requests by customers of my employer (Alternative Armies & 15mm.co.uk) for a place where they could follow what I get up to in my role as Creative Manager of the company.  I hope that I will make all of these people happy…I will do my best!  I also personally wanted a place online that was mine.  In this age of instant communication and friendships across the world I wanted to share my thoughts, opinions and hopefully insight into those subjects that interested me both inside and outside of my normal work.

So please take a moment to dig around and enjoy yourself.  I welcome comment and emails do drop me a line!

See you out there in the cyber froth. 

Gavin B Syme. – GBS