Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Bernard Cornwell interview

Many of you know I'm the Web editor for the Weider History Group's magazines. I try not to use this HMGS site to shill for my employer, but sometimes we post articles I know would be of interest, so I feel like I ought to tell you about them.

Case in point: On our GreatHistory.com site (we have three sites, which explains why I don't get to game as much anymore) I just published the last segment of an exclusive, 3-part interview with Bernard Cornwell about his Sharpe series, and I know he's a favorite with many of you. If you'd like to read the interview, this link will take you directly to all the postings of the interview's author, Paul Davis.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Cast a Mini Shadow


March roared into Middle Tennessee like a lion, and it looked like snow would cancel the scheduled game at Bob Duncan's mancave on March 1. But then the ghost of Napoleon whispered to us, "You call this snow? Let me tell you about Russia." Thus inspired, we gathered, and the battle was on. We even had Richard Ellis, a son of Great Britain, recently transplanted to Tennessee, who came all the way from Jonesboro, and whom you can expect to meet at Nashcon. Unfortunately for Richard, he drew a French chit for his command.

The scenario was the Napoleonic clash at Talavera in the Iberian Penninsula, 1806, fought this day with 6mm figures. And there were a passel of 'em. Bob filled the table from one end to the other with little guys toting itsy-bitsy muskets. The French fought bravely as they overran advanced batteries, crossed the river and threatened the British center, but Bryant Williams' Spanish troops denied Nappy's horsemen admission to the town. The Spaniards wavered but held, and signed a lucrative contract with Alpo following the battle to get rid of all the dead French horseflesh.

Here are some photos from the day's battle.