Oldhammer Day at Wargames Foundry

weazil

Moderator
Hi all

Okay, so its official - Wargames Foundry has been booked out for the weekend of the 31st of August/1st September for Oldhammer.

Marcus and his team are very flexible and want to do as much to accommodate us as possible. In a curious twist of fate, the Ansells have become the perfect hosts - managing businesses in the miniature industry and catering.

Opening times:
Foundry are very flexible. They are happy to stay open late on Friday (30th August) to allow any organisers to set anything they want to up.
I am proposing that we start at 10:00 on each day, to allow travelling time, breakfast time, etc. They will remain open late on Saturday night to accommodate us, but I would suggest that 20:00 is a good time to bring Saturday evening to a close (for gaming, at any rate).

So - Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 (proposed)
Sunday 10:00 - 17:00 (proposed). The final stage will be to discuss this, but I suspect that many people will want to be on their way before this as they will have a long drive ahead of them...

Security:
Foundry is very secure. They have also offered to have one of their staff stay overnight to protect anything that is left overnight (especially demo games or large in-progress games that might span both days).

Gaming:
The venue can (and has before) accommodate 36 8' x 4' gaming tables. They will endeavour to supply scenery, but have asked us to bring scenery to support this. I did note Erny raising a challenge regarding Realms of Chaos scenery. They will provide as much as possible.

They do have a few specialist tables, but I think these should be offered to demo games first, and thereafter taken up as players want.

Catering:
The Ansells are a dream family. Half of them operate a miniatures factory, the other half operate a catering company. Mother Ansell is also a license holder, so if we create a union of these three facts, we find that we'll be fed hot food and be able to have a pint whilst we play. Of course, the food and drink will be charged for, but this will be no different to pub rates.

Art:
The aspect I've explored the least for the moment, but they have space upon which to put art. They are planning to bring their own original works, together with some smaller pieces - these can be replaced by any other exhibitors as they are confirmed.

Commerce:
One of the things that Marcus mentioned is that they will be separating out the blisters they cast from the Citadel moulds so that they are easily identifiable and these (together with the rest of their range) will be available on the day to buy. Marcus will even look at some extra discount on the Citadel figures, but we'll only know that closer to the time (no doubt based on the number of attendees).

As an aside, they will also separate out the Citadel moulds at Salute, so you can get 'em there too.

They are also happy to allow us a 'bring-and-buy' section, so we can trade other figures. Please keep this to 2nd hand figures -

Entry
At this stage, no costs are envisioned and entry and participation will be free. As mentioned in Catering, food and drink will be charged for (tea and coffee will be covered, I believe). Given that this is not a tournament and that Foundry are very kindly supplying the venue, I can see no reason to charge (as the money usually pays for the prizes and facility hire). This might change if a reason to charge comes up, but certainly, the intention is not to charge if possible.

Next Steps
The next step would be to now get an idea of who would be coming to the event, so we can determine numbers to help Foundry understand how to cater for us. I know people have already been posting their attendance plans, but I will arrange an 'official' confirmation - most likely some sort of form to be emailed to me.

Although the even will be open (i.e. there is no booking required), I would really rather you 'booked', so that we can tell the numbers. I will create a form that you can download and email to me. Don't worry - you'll see when the 'booking line' is open - please don't mail your attendance desires to me now!

So - how does that sound for everyone?
 
One thing - Treps (or Phreed, perhaps?) - can we create a sub-forum/folder (Oldhammer Day 2013) for all the Oldhammer threads here - this subforum is for all wargames shows, after all, but it is cluttering up with polls and whatnot.

Thanks
 
Its been a strange year.

Twelve months ago I sent Gaj a gushing email about his blog and his work with 3rd edition. We discussed many things during those first emails, and it was with some amazement that I watched him try and set up a players register for 3rd edition fans.

He said to me, '...I don't expect it to explode with interest..'

Now, we have an event. Hosted at the Foundry and by the man who guided Citadel Miniatures, and later Games Workshop, through the most iconic and celebrated period in British gaming history.

I'm sorry Gaj... but you were wrong... It has exploded. I would like to thank Gaj (or weazil as he is known here) for the stirling work he has done in organizing this.

Now where do I sign up?
 
weazil":ft9qbbxq said:
One thing - Treps (or Phreed, perhaps?) - can we create a sub-forum/folder (Oldhammer Day 2013) for all the Oldhammer threads here - this subforum is for all wargames shows, after all, but it is cluttering up with polls and whatnot.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Aye, I'll set it up tomorrow. She who must be obeyed is expecting my presence this instance!
 
Wow - great job Gaj, thanks for putting in all the legwork to arrange this.

So the Ansells are providing an amazind venue, 36 gaming tables, food, beer, over-night security, late opening, possible discount on the old citadel minis they still produce and an art gallery!!! :grin:

Time for a few glowing blog posts singing their praises me thinks.

On a slightly related note, am I ok to assume that Orc's Drift is definitely a go-er and get publicising it on the blog. Might even have the pdf versions of the original reports done at some point so those of you who mentioned a coffee book... ;)

Good idea about the booking form by the way.
 
About bloody time with the coffee book :grin:

On a slightly related note does anyone know what airports are close to Nottingham?
 
Consider stuff moved! =) I had to make myself global moderator. I'll maintain that status until Treps shows up again and says I can't.
 
I've got the promotional wheels turning with a post on my blog and thread on Warseer. I think that other esteemed members of this community should do the same and get the news out.

On a second, and more serious note.

I was wondering if we should support a charity with the event? Something appropriate and worthwhile, like Help for Heroes?
 
It sounds absolutely bloody fantastic! :grin:

And now to be a pain.. I realise that this is the least of the current concerns at such an early stage but what sort of points limits/restrictions will be employed for the battles. I realise it's not a tournament (I'm not a tournament player) and I want to game for fun but if I come along and end up spending my time watching a level 25 vampire with a frostblade zipping about in a chariot eat my army I won't be best pleased. Would it be wrong to suggest a cap on characters with level 15 being the maximum and possibly limit magic to level 2? I take it armies will be from Warhammer Armies using the WD errata? Oh and how many points for an army? 1000 to 1500?

I guess the reason for asking is that I need to sort out a fun list and painting some of my models (yes I know it's months away but I'm a cronically slow painter when it comes to WHFB).

Also having it as a Help the Heros charity event gets a big thumbs up from me. :)
 
Unless I die in the meantime then I shall be there. Even that might not stop me. I'll certainly be down for the Saturday, available funds may dictate whether I can stay over for the Sunday as well.
 
And now to be a pain.. I realise that this is the least of the current concerns at such an early stage but what sort of points limits/restrictions will be employed for the battles. I realise it's not a tournament (I'm not a tournament player) and I want to game for fun but if I come along and end up spending my time watching a level 25 vampire with a frostblade zipping about in a chariot eat my army I won't be best pleased. Would it be wrong to suggest a cap on characters with level 15 being the maximum and possibly limit magic to level 2? I take it armies will be from Warhammer Armies using the WD errata? Oh and how many points for an army? 1000 to 1500?

I guess the reason for asking is that I need to sort out a fun list and painting some of my models (yes I know it's months away but I'm a cronically slow painter when it comes to WHFB).
Click to expand...

Hi Bug

This is actually what the How do we organise games on Oldhammer day poll is about.

There are really two options - let us organise the game for you (by dictating size, scenario, possibly even opponent, etc) or allow players to arrange games to suit themselves. This second one is a little harder, because it requires specific coordination between the players themselves and what they want to do, but its one of those 'you get out what you put in' options.

My suggestion would be to aim for the second option. Lets take an example:

Lets say that I really want to use a level 25 vampire with frostblade to lead my unit of greater daemons riding manticores. I would create a thread on the forum (on a side note, I will get a thread or folder created for this purpose once the poll above is completed) saying that I want to bring a powerful character and unit and I'm looking for challengers. Then I would try and construct some sort of compelling reason (read: narrative) that this OTT character is out there, to allow a challenger to 'hook' onto. It might not be the final narrative, but what you're doing is flagging to other players that you want to play a very tough game. I'd hope that the challengers would then negotiate with you to say something like "I'll take you on, but you'll have to lose the manticores" or perhaps "I'll take you on, but then I'm bringing a castle and it becomes a seige game" or "okay, I'll take you on, but I want to create a custom RoC character that looks like <whatever> so that its a fair fight" etc.

Another option is to call for GM's to set up a scenario for you. For instance - just ask for a scenario writer. Once someone comes forward, send your list of figures (or planned figures) and allow him to create your scenario and army list for you (you get to collaborate - tell the guy what sort of army you'd like to bring). He'll do the same for your potential opponent and then email you the details. From there you're on your own - you play the game according to the scenario.

I'll have more details of how I think this can work because I'm working on some narrative for a campaign myself and Andre are planning to run (not on the day - this is something we've been on about for a while) - the narrative features a special character and will describe the reason he is who he is. Once you have a narrative context, I think more people would be willing to take on the challenge, because they're seeing the story (Chris Huhne, Cool +10, Movement +10, Mezmerising gaze), as opposed to the entity (level 25 vampire, Cool +10, Movement +10, Mezmerising gaze).

I know the answer is a bit 'well, the ball is in your court', but that is what the poll is about. We can do it for you, if you want, but the narrative options are extremely limited.

As a final note, post your ideas for narrative and games. These can be used outside of oldhammer day for anyones games. Thantsants has provided some excellent examples of scenarios that anyone can use, as an example. Perhaps your idea will inspire someone else?

What sort of game did you want to play?
 
Can I ask about 'roles and responsibilities? I can see who is involved in planning this but ... Who is doing what?
 
Gaj is doing most of the leg work communicating with the Foundry about the Weekender itself, though most of that is now in place as I understand it.

I, Orlygg, am organising the Realm of Chaos Narrative Battle (aided and abetted by Dan) and GMing/playing during the event - depending on player numbers.

Thantsants is bringing Orc's Drift with a view of running games or doing an exhibition.

Andy Craig is hoping to run a painting demo, explaining old school and contemporary paint techniques, pretty much like he used to do in the 80s. He is also willing to help run and judge a Golden Goblin style painting competition on the day, and contribute prizes, but this is all up in the air.

The Ansells are doing everything else; the venue, security, food, refreshments etcs. Marcus is even creating a B&B/Hotel lists based on local knowledge for gamers to book early.

That's my understanding at the moment. Anyone know anymore?
 
From the phone call we had I didn't realise the warband thing was gong to be a narrative battle organised by anyone, I just thought it was a bring your warband and fight for your side!

If people have to sign up to become part of the narrative it may exclude people just showing up with their warband on the day.
 
No, the narrative is designed to include anyone and everyone, including warbands from other gods. Its basically a pitched battle with all the Khorne warbands on one side and the Slaaneshi on the other, with event cards and secret 'missions from the gods' for certain players.

Its designed so you can just turn up with a warband, join the table, or tables, at any time and play.

All will be explained.
 
Well if we are going down that route, which I didn't think we were, you may find other people have ideas they would like to throw in the mixing pot. Everyone is hopefully putting a lot of effort into their warbands and the game belongs to everyone.

Of course it maybe that everyone would love you to GM the game but it is worth asking first.

Personally, back in the day when we played big multi warband games, my friends and I found there was quite enough chaos, ulterior motives and masses of rules without complicating things further. I belive if we wait and see the games people come out with in the lead up to the main event a series of narratives and motives will show themselves.
 
In regards this event I am planning on bringing my Chaos army with me. With the figures I have painted it will be around 1500 to 2000 points worth. Don't expect much old lead in this particular collection... I think there is only one miniature from the 80's in my army, the rest being mostly miniatures from the Mordheim range. I am going to give the ROC warband creation a go and see what I can put together. It will be either undivided or possibly Nurgle as this is what my army is themed around.

I think that it would be better to have guidelines or suggestions rather than strict rules for the event. It would be better to be informal in order that everyone feels welcome. Even if they have no Chaos forces at all and are fielding a halfling field kitchen as their army.
 
Don't worry, there will be guidelines, not strict rules. I'll put a post together this week outlining what they are and people can air their views. Hopefully, we can all agree on something in the next few weeks so that interested parties know exactly what is going on.

Gaj was organising some kind of booking system for those wanting to play games. Perhaps you could have the choice of joining a big Warbands multi force table or pre-arranging a small scale skirmish. The trouble is, the more options like this we suggest, the more complicated it is going to become. Hence why I thought that an 'open table' Khorne vs Slaanesh bring and battle warband approach might be the simplest option.
 
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