Rebel Fury

Saw a recommendation on YouTube the other day and bought it tonight. Rebel Fury is a hex-map ACW game by GMT Games designed by Mark Herman. Game lists several famous campaigns like Fredricksburg, Chancellorville, The Wilderness and so on. 

Will give it a run just for fun sake. 

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So play the Frederickburg solo game today. Only option is to play Union; the Confederates are static and do not move or attack. The scenario lasts for three turns. Victory condition for the Union player (me) is that it must be a Strategic victory which means capturing at least four hexes from a selection of seven of which all but one are held by the strongly fortified Confederates. Limited resources are allocated the Union forces with three off-the-map reserve units (one cavalry and two infantry) besides what's already on the game board. 

Game One: Learning the game so it was easily won by the Rebs. 

Game Two: Still learning the game play mechanics. Attacked on the Sunken road position but even with artillery support my forces were easily. Another win for Johnny Reb. And it was by a big margin.

Game Three: Getting the hang of it now but decided to ignore the Sunken road position and attack Hoods isolated position to the south. Managed to break through (using artillery fire spt and HQ spt) but then the game ended. Another CS victory. 

Verdict: Interesting. Going to play solo Fredericksburg again tonight.

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Another round of this interesting online board game by GMT Games. This time with screenshots...!

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Turn 1. Initial deployment. Same solo scenario from earlier today. Limited pieces on the map board for both sides. Confederates are static: they cannot move from their positions or counterattack although they are allowed to defend if attacked. As Union player you have to capture at least four of objective hexes - the seven red stars. Not sure why the remaining deployment is shown given the objectives are clustered around the Sunken road. 

Every action brings up the dialog box explaining the action which can be annoying after a while. 

The scenario gives the Union player a set amount of movement actions, in this case, it's always nineteen. HQ and detachments are moved first, then units. In this scenario, artillery is static too for some reason.

If outside an enemy ZOC and ZOI, the unit counter can move its maximum movement allowance (usually double on roads and in march formation). Proximity to an enemy will trigger a change of formation (automatic) from march to battle line.

Above shows movement ranges when a unit counter is activated. 

Turn 2: Whenever two opposing unit counters are adjacent at any time, movement ceases and the attack phase takes over (see below). Modifiers are applied (artillery support and HQ support - if within command range of 5 hexes). Die rolls are conducted by the game with the results given at the end of the attack (as shown above). 

Attack resolution is mandatory; you cannot proceed until they're all resolved. Cracking the Confederate position of Marye's Heights is a real tough nut to crack. But if you attack Ransom's position you can affect a breakthrough. But be mindful that Lee's HQ is right behind McLaws position and his presence will inspire the Rebs above and beyond. 

As seen above, I manged to break into the northern end of the Marye's Height position. However I made some poor decision when trying to follow through. Came close but no prize. 

The solitary point won was for holding one hex at the end of the game. Normally, the Confederates have a default 7 points lead at the start of the scenario. Worst loss was 13 - zip. Best result from tonight's effort was losing 4 - 1. 

Off-map movements was odd tonight. Pleasanton's cav detachment appeared at entry point I which is to the rear of the northern end of Confederate defensive line. All he had to worry about was Stuart's cavalry guarding that rear area. But I was unable to affect movement with the Union cavalry; he just sat at the entry point twiddling his sabre. The problem did not occur when I moved the two Union units through entry points J and K. May be a glitch perhaps? Or I haven't yet read through the PDF manual. 

Will play through a couple more times before tackling the major battles of this game. Cheers. 

May 2025 - Part 2

Art

Some pencil sketches of my grandson Kato done off photos a few years back.

He's doing fine so far in the States. Losing his baby fat from a recent photo taken while getting a haircut.

Vietnam War solo scenario

Further development of my next solo game saw me drag out my 15mm Vietnam War collection earlier today. Well, most of it - figures, vehicles, terrain, buildings. All for one item - this Buddhist statuette I found by accident at Pet Barn in their fish section last week. Removed the hose at the back, and voila!

It will form the centrepiece for this new scenario. As for the temple complex? Well, that may or may not happen depending upon further research and my very dubious hobby crafting skills. It will be challenging, but that's something I need right now to shake me from my mental lethargy and depression. 

I could go all out and devise something a bit more substantial and complex such as the plan view shown below (while keeping the ornamentation bare-basic simple):

Or I could go even more "rustic" and simply have the item as a lost statue from a forgotten time. Maybe it's even a cursed statue (unlikely). Any number of likely possibilities abound with this scenario and, in particular, the use and placement of the centrepiece. 

As for the area map, I've come up with something simple. The main objective (in Red) is the main district town - Vuon Nuoc Hoa. It's English translation lends it to the name of this clearing operation - Operation Perfume Gardens. 

Backstory: Used to do morning runs not from our home barracks in Singapore through a particular "fragrant" leafy area that we affectionately called Perfume Gardens. Reminiscent of the Anchorman scene with the eau de cologne, Sex Panther by Odion. Smelt like Bigfoot's Dick all right. Certainly woke you up. 

An Overview Briefing by General Headquarters

...The strong Special forces team will be dropped off just east of the hamlet of Lang Phia Bac and set up ambushes covering the roads therein as part of their mission. At the same time they will report on all enemy movement in and out of their area of operations by conducting several scouting patrol due east of Vuon Nuoc Hoa. 

An air cav deployment will deploy while the main operation is happening and centre itself on the small hamlet of Ap Xa Phia Bach with the aim of cutting all escape routes north by road or water. They will have the support of a river force consisting of a single Tango boat transporting a platoon of infantry plus heavy weapons and engineers escorted by a Monitor. Once the ground troops are deploy, the helos will provide air support for the remainder of the operation. 

The main clearing force will make for Vuon Nuoc Hoa approaching from the south by air, river and land. In support will be a troop of M60 Bulldog tanks and APCs (reserve). 

Operations HQ (on the ground) will be quartered at Lang Dong Nam once it is taken and cleared by A company ANZAC battalion with C company in APCs in support. Artillery and air support will be provided for the taking of Lang Dong Nam which will be Stage 1 of the offensive.

Stage 2 will be the taking of Vuon Nuoc Hoa. For this a second riverine force consisting of D company ANZAC mounted in Tango boats supported by Monitors will capture the docks with part of the company moving on to capture the district village to the west, Lang Huen Tay Bac.

The main clearing operation will be conducted by D company ANZAC battalion with the 2/54 South Vietnamese "Tiger" battalion. D company will land by river and secure the northern road exit. The 2nd battalion of the 54th will drive in from Lang Dong Nam and move through Ap Mo and approach Vuon Nuoc Hoa from the south. D company 2/54 will demount and swing south and secure the river crossing from Ap Suoi Trang. Air and tank support will be given but the timeframe will be brief however as that support will then switch to the main clearing operations to be conducted by the remaining three infantry companies of 2/54th. Their goal will be toward the Golden Temple complex situated on the northern outskirts of the town. A and B companies move east of the northern road through town with C company in reserve. D company, once achieving their task, will move up the northern road and clear the western side of town up to the templex complex.

Overhead, a flight of gun helos will provide air cover coordinated by an Early Bird helo who can call on a flight of F4 Phantoms should things really heat up and local forces provide resistance.

The surrounding terrain is relatively flat and open with an abundance of wet rice paddy fields. Small stands of trees dot the landscape. Further north the terrain climbs into the surrounding foothills. The rivers are slow and often shallow in many parts facilitating crossings without too much trouble or reliance on the road bridges which are of good construction. The single main road runs from south-east to north-west and junctures with a newer road that connects from the north-east. Running south from Lang Huyen Tay Bac is an old colonial post road that is usable but in various stages of neglect. All other roads are merely dirt and gravel roads cleared, usable, but should be treated with some degree of care and caution. 

A large triangular-shaped forest exists due east from the objective and encompasses a fairly large area. We suspect this may be the base for the VC and NVA operating within this area but we need further confirmation this is so. Hence the Special forces team's presence. They will scout the area carefully to verify our suspicions. Nevertheless the area is quite dense underfoot and sparsely populated. The hamlet of Ap Song is known to us but intel on the place requires updating. 

Anti-vehicle mines are expected. Anti-personnel mines (the trip variety) are expected also so exercise caution when entered such areas. Engineers will accompany the companies. 

The local population are neutral, so Intel reminds us. But it's apparent they are also  "quietly" hostile toward our aims of pacification and integration into the policies of the legimate South Vietnamese government. The authorities therefore are having a difficult time trying to win them over. Hearts and minds, gentlemen. We must be mindful that this operation is for their own benefit and must be pressed with utmost force if necessary. Are there any questions?....

End of briefing...

The main problem now concern the rules for use. CDS is okay but there are elements I'm not happy with such as the Big Guy concept. It does lend itself to solo play and someone did a solo version shortly after the release. Having played a few solo games however I am not a real fan of CDS. It needs tweaking to suit my play style. So this scenario will help identify those sore points and offer clues on how to modify it more to my tastes. Cheers.

May 2025: Part 1

World of Warships

Grinding the Dockyard event for the Blucher finished today. Took her out for her maiden voyage and kept her back as recommended instead of charging in guns blazing. Recommendation confirmed: she's not as strong as expected. Nothing remarkable given she's a dockyard ship - usually they have some gimmick of sorts to justify her status as a reward. Especially when spending valuable doubloons (the two starter packs) to progress through the phases along with the silly grinding.

Not interested in the Unbreakable Line mode. When they make it permanent, then I will play it. Remember the earlier brawl modes from years back and it was always fun to play so am not suprised UL has been lauded as it has. 

Yesterday spent credit to obtain the supership Jacksonville. Not taken her out of port yet but may soon do so just to confirm the hype that it's as OP as stated. Currently does not have a commander (none spare in Reserve) but will plonk a 21-point captain on it and take it out for a lark. 

Tried to shift a few commanders around tonight; been meaning to do so for a while but never got round to it. Usually you can do so without expending doubloons and/or elite commander XP as many times you want. But tonight could only do so once before it costs. Monetization everywhere.

Contemplated going the Research Bureau route. Resetting and regrinding a tech tree line will allow me eventual access to other ships but I am hesitant. Saw Lord Zath's take on resetting the RB way but remain unconvinced. And despite Clyde Plays excellent RB guide to resetting, I am reluctant to travel down this path. Not sure why, but some instinct prevents me from embracing this legitimate approach to accessing more new ships. Happy, for now, to slow-grow my Research Bureau points. So excellent OP ships like the Paolo Emilio or Vampire II will have to wait long-term before obtaining. I do have one, the Ohio. But am in no immediate rush to go after others. Current priority - and a long way off - is the Slava. 

Playing the Tokachi has been fun. Aside from helping me to finish my Dockyard grind, it has been performing well when played actively in Co-Op mode. Past few games has seen the ship score at least 3-4 kills on average regardless of the map. Be it on the Two Brothers map through the middle or on any approach lane in Haven, she performs very well, especially when confronting superior numbers. Armour may be non-existent but her torp salvoes against battleships are lethal. And her HE is a good firestarter. 

Counterstrike 

Reviewing YT videos of old and removed CS maps no longer active that past few days. A big trip down memory lane when I watched some YT vidz on the topic. Forgot how much I used to play Counterstrike a lot in 1999 - 2001. Much loved game. Played Counterstrike, CS 1.6, CS: Condition Zero quite a bit back in the day. Began to wane when CS Source was released. 

Old maps like fy_iceworld were always on rotation and the internet cafe was always full of young (and old), mostly Asian. Late night sessions often extending overnight into the next morning.

FY-SNOW was a variation of FY-ICEWORLD which was a straight shoot-out whereby weapons were laid out and you spawned on to them. The map above is version 9. 

ICEWORLD was extremely popular and the server was often full when on rotation. It was the one I played a lot. Of course, you had the wall hacks and aimbots happening or getting booted instantly, but it was so much fun you often ignored those negative aspects.

By the time CS: Global Offensive appeared I had already moved on to other games. And even though I have both CS:GO and CS2 in my Steam library, I have no interest apart from spectating the pro teams and their amazing skills. 

I have returned for some Condition Zero action because it has a narrative (of sorts) for some nostalgia some years back. And still miss those internet cafe fun times. But I have WOWS nowadays to fill that void. Poorly though, I might add.

Canvas Eagles - Solo adaption

Many years ago (around 2018) I wrote up a solo adaptation of Canvas Eagles. While perfect for solo gladiatorial combat, it was also handy for multi-plane actions. Plus I wanted to explore King Kong atop Empire State building situations with fantastic beasts. Hence why I named it Canvas Eagles - Beast Warz.

Tweaking a few changes and/or options seems in order when I pulled out the original typed up adaptation today. 

Command Zones

In the original, I've got the top two skilled pilots (designated A and B pilots) having a Command Zone radius of 2 and 1 hex respectively. What these Command Zones represent is the influence the pilot exerts on any other friendly aircraft (usually wingman) within that zone. 

This zone only applies to C- and D-class pilots (Pilot and Novice respectively) who are normally wingman to the more experienced A- or B-class pilot. If the wingman is an A- or B-class pilot the command zone cancels out between both. 

Looking at it now I might expand the range of the A-class pilot Command Zone from 2 to 3 hexes, B-class from 1 to 2 hexes and C-class is now 1 hex while D-class pilots have no Command Zone.

Rewording needed: "...If either move outside that command zone, for whatever reason, then they immediately revert to their own movement procedure (see below)..." This applies specifically to wingman in a pairing. And applies especially to D-class pilots which is expanded upon in the next paragraph.

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A Vietnam War scenario

The Temple of Light Scenario - a Vietnam War scenario

Characters: All characters and unit designations are fictional.

Scale: 15mm

Mode: Solo

Ruleset: Charlie Don't Surf (Too Fat Lardies)

Date/Time: 28 April

Background: A divisional sweep has been ordered by the area commander, Major General "Big Joe" Malkolski (USA). For A Company, 6th ANZAC battalion, their mission is to clear the Temple of Light complex at Anh Loh by the 17th May. The region is rumoured to be home to the 53rd VC battle group commanded by a Colonel Nguyen van Noong.

A Company is a composite company, as is the 6th ANZAC battalion itself, comprising two platoons from the 33 RAR (Royal Australian Regiment) and two platoons from the 17th RNZIR (Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment). 

Leading the sweep will be 1 Platoon (AUS) supported by 2 Platoon (AUS) and 4 Platoon (NZ) in arrowhead or inverted V formation. The infantry will be supported by Coy HQ and 3 Platoon (NZ) mounted in APC. A troop of tanks (AUS) will also provide inf-arm support along with helo air cover spt provided by the 17th Air Cav (US) unit. 

Major Leigh Porter (AUS) also has on-call artillery support from both the local artillery unit (NZ's 163 bty) and F-4 air strike capabilities from the USS Abilene carrier group should things really heat up.

Deep and to the rear of the temple complex a NZSAS team led by Captain Mike Heely (NZ) are in place to both verify and set up ambushes of likely escape routes. 

The VC battlegroup is about 300-strong, so intelligence reports. The enemy is a veteran unit and will be tough to deal with but Major Porter is confident his company will fulfil their mission successfully. Just in case things go pear-shape however, the battalion commander Lt-Col Angus Kildaire (AUS) has ordered C Company on standby as backup along with a second troop of tanks. 

Map above is rough. Green areas show habitation as in villages or hamlets. Red square is the temple complex. Blue lines are known streams and rivers. Grey lines are the main transit routes that vary in quality from proper highways to dirt tracks or trails used by the locals only. 

Allied forces start from the bottom of the map. Deployment to be diced for. 

Allied forces: 

• four Platoons infantry
• one SAS team
• Section mortars (x4)
• APCs (two troops worth)
• Tanks (x2)
• F4 (x2)
• Hueys (x4)

VC forces:

• equivalent of 300 troops including fire spt teams

==============================

April 2025 - Part 3

World of Warships

Rumour mill in action: Russian government has been having words with Lesta. Rumour currently floating is its assets are under close scrutiny. No firm news on the causes or veracity of the rumour but no doubt when your government takes a keen interest in your activities, it probably has something to do with taxes. Or something more conspiratory.

Sacrilegous news that Weegee are finally adding a new map - designed from community feedback - is the latest scuttlebutt. Not rumour but actual news. Confirmed in their latest in-game news section. Do I care? Not really. It's welcomed by those wanting this repeatedly over the years. I guess with many defecting to Lesta, the powers-that-be at Weegee finally decided to do something to appease the peasants. *Sigh*

Finished the grind yesterday to earn the ANZAC Day rewards - the Dardanelles commemorative flag, the Gallipoli patch (what I was really after), and the Remembrance permanent camo. Was upskilling one of my legendary commanders (Auboyneau) doing it the slow plodding way (suffer over 18 million potential damage to earn the rewards). 

Could have done it more quicker by simply playing nine matches in Randoms or Ranked but I cannot stand the toxicity and common play style from both modes preferring to remain and play exclusively in Co-Op. 

Main faults such as island hugging and sniping from long range, running en masse to some corner without due regard to the tactical situation, failing to push when needed, failing to support or back up team mates simply fulfilling their roles (spotting and/or capping) and thus leaving them out to dry, failing to set up useful cross fire lanes, failing to flank properly, failing to even do their alloted role (spot or cap), in-game trolling of their own teammates, complaining about their team mates for dying early on. And a definitive lack of a game plan.

And a multitude of other quality of play sins serve to disqualify both modes from my involvement. 

Give me the mind-numbing peace and tranquility of Co-Op. Even if it's only against BOTS. From the recent play style of others I've witnessed of late though, the BOTS often out-performs my so-called team mates.  

Perhaps the greatest compliment one might get (getting under the skin of your teammates) is being shot at by your own teammates (alive that is)...while playing a slow battleship...with its main guns in the front...and out-performing your own team (kills)...while still on full health...because you played aggressively...!!

At times I get caught out, but generally it's more successful than a miss tactic for me - push in, bow-in, variable speeds, aim at the known weak points, use your assets (HE/AP, heal, damage control, fast reloads, funny buttons, hydro, etc.) to the max, keep one close eye on the mini map always, plan your approach route, have a contingency opt-out route, timing, know your enemy target (strengths and weaknesses). 

It's been a slow development from simply YOLO-ing in and dying toute suite!, and it has made a difference now as I continue to follow my main aim this year of upskilling all my special commanders. 

New ships? If and when the opportunity arises, I will go after them. But the price nowadays for new ships is often extravagant and thus priced me out of the range even if, in the past, I was a jovial whale. Now, the whole enticement is to be avoided. Being more careful and selective on what I do spend upon. But any new ships tend to be copy-and-paste clones of existing ships. 

Clans? Had several invites since I left my last, but I've declined them all. Not good in a clan environment so I've learned of myself. You immediately relinquish your freedom and independence as soon you band with others. And I really have a hard time dealing with that for some reason. 

Quote of note: Arthur Miller is quoted as saying that "...Betrayal is the only truth that sticks..."

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April 2025 - Part 2

English Civil War

Finished off the baggage train...

Then the cannons...

Next the cavalry...

Trimming and filing and repairing a common theme with this group. Not happy with some of the models (bent legs on the horses, excesses flash and trim as well). 

King's Lifeguards before their issue of new uniforms. Making them 3 per stand to give them weight. Know nothing regarding their battle history and/or performance yet still giving them a stronger complement as opposed to the Northern Horse below who are 2 per stand. May increase the number of stands though to twelve for the unit. Lots of trimming excess flash and mould lines.

Then finish with the commanders.

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Terrain Build 2025

Next month I am planning to make a start on a desert-style village for a future game. For now, I have sketched a planned layout (subject to change, of course). Given it an imaginary name. This oasis is a small cluster of building sitting atop a small knoll consisting of a merchant, headman, blacksmith and several villagers. Eventually I will add a few more building clustered around the village itself.

It will join the Beau Geste-style Foreign Legion fort I created long ago but never quite finished. Imagining it as a service centre for the fort and its garrison. Nearest civilised town is several days march so the village is fairly important. More so since it has a deep freshwater spring-well that had been a mecca for miles around. 

Based the plan on several existing Middle Eastern/North African style buildings that are available commercially. 

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World of Warships

ANZAC Day was yesterday. Weegee, to my surprised, introduced an ANZAC Day-themed event within it's Common Mission mode. The naming is a bit misleading as the landing at Gallipoli was just one small part of the broader Dardanelles campaign that involved other landings and naval engagements up the Dardanelle straits. And they have a Dardanelle campaign flag as one of the reward items along with a patch. 

There were multiple landing by Allied troops over the two years of this fruitless failure; it was not just the ANZAC Corps (not "corpse" as one local tv journo broadcast nationally) who beach landed. Admirable effort by Weegee but it would have been better to name it the 1915-17 Dardanelle campaign event instead. 

ANZAC Day is specifically attributed to both Australia and New Zealand, and has greater significance to both nations than anywhere else in the world. There were however televised dawn services broadcasts in other countries like PNG and Thailand as well as serving locations. And of course Gallipoli. 

The day itself has now shifted from celebrating the service of those from WW1 where all the vets are now all gone to commemorating the service of those from WW2 and on to more recent wars. In ten years time the focus will shift on to the Korean War and then Vietnam. And so on. 

Australia and New Zealand also celebrate Remembrance Day (November 11), another throwback to World War I. But the significance of ANZAC Day (so we are told) is greater to both nations than any other commemoration because of the heavy losses suffered and the identity forged in war together by both young Dominion nations. 

On the gaming front, I managed to upskill my Italian legendary commander, Sansonetti, to 21 point last week. Currently grinding Auboyneau and Honore, using premiums - Strasbourg (battleship) and Toulon (cruiser) respectively. Also got Tier VIII versions (Picardie and Bayard) if I get tired of the Tier VIIs. About halfway through Auboyneau's journey to 21 point. Honore is on 18 point. 

As forewarned, am skipping the insane offer to purchase the overpriced ships. And the crates-within-a-crates event (name forgotten).

The Battle Pass event (second stage) kicked off a couple of days ago. The Agincourt is the only ship reward. I have it already. 

Paid for the unnamed sequential bundle event in the faint hope of a rare ship but was rewarded with none. However my low resources were boosted so I wasn't complaining. And for just over AUD40 it was worthwhile. Like I said above, I was able to fast track Sansonetti's rise to 21 points as a result. 

Weegee announcing a new map competition is both welcomed but maybe too late. Subs and carriers are still OP. More and more I'm watching favourite YT streamers and their adventures on Lesta (Russian) servers. They certainly are having more fun. 

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BrisCon 2025

Attending this annual convention. Will post attendance report and hopefully some pictures. Cheers.

=========================

April 2025 - Part 1

1April 2025

World of Warships

Got the Oregon and ran it just to earn the rewards associated with it. Not a permanent port ship however. The Metz, Vyazma, and the Oregon will be permanently removed from your port after Update 14.7. But the aim of the experiment was to test a new ship mode that will no doubt be introduced later in the year.

Next dockyard event rewards with the German Tier IX Hipper-class cruiser Blucher. Reviews from most YT streamers is that it's not that good. Halfway reward is a new ship, a Tier VII Commonwealth cruiser Gambia. It served first in the British navy before being transferred to the NZ navy and finished out the war. Usual early start packs - two-pack and six-pack. Total cost is around ten thousand dubs. But you can just grind for free although it will take longer. However, the last few progressions will cost more doubloons than if you purchased the starter packs early on. Given that Blucher is not rated great anyway (being nerfed so many claim), I'm not bothered as it will be another addition to my port fleet. More interested in the Gambia from its Kiwi historical connection.

There are also some new ships coming with the next Update. New Italian ship (steel) and another split in the US destroyer tech tree line (future Updates). 

The problem of the new signup notification still persists from time to time. But as Flambass pointed recently, why are they insisting players signup again with new accounts simply to link them into the one overarching account. He's fine as he's going great guns over at Lesta. 

Tried following the steps to link my Steam and Weegee account initially (several times) but the new signup notification still rears its ugly head and cause some strife ingame as I get connected, often at the most intense moments.

Steam community isn't exactly forthcoming with useful information regarding linking apart from stating that you need to manually link them together. How though? Steam automatically updates; no need to interfere. And what am I meant to manually update? 

The community says once linked you can change it ingame in your profile. The notification disruption popping up periodically however means I'm still not linked, and will continue to experience this situation until resolved. Not in a rush however as I am adapting to the "new" situation. I still get to play without too many bootings.

And the new events are no longer enticing costing too much and most are just clones of existing ships anyway with tweaks here and there. CVs are still OP as heck and becoming more prominent as capital ships. And submarines define the secret mentality of the creators with their fantastic creations existing and redefining naval battles (online at least) to the extent that surface ships are just one big turkey shoot. 

Yes, 2025 is fast becoming the year of indifference and disgruntlement.   

==================

3 April 2025

World of Warships

New events began today - Battle Pass (split into two sub events - second one is the Daruma crates), the Blucher Dockyard, Star Kitakaze (AUD 140.11) and Edinburgh (AUD 90.58). New steel ship Barbiano (or whatever it's called). 

Partook of the Dockyard event and got the Gambia after straight up paying for the 8 phases, as advertised. Figured the value was worth it given I will be getting two new ships (grinding for the Blucher though). Both ships interest me because they are historical, not imaginary like some of the more recent additions to the game. 

Experimental ships new mission also began today which explained why I was seeing so many Metz whilst grinding in my Nelson. These new missions reward with coal and apply to all three experimentals which I now have in my port - Metz, Vyazma, and Oregon. 

Still need to play the Soviet sub S-1 to gain the last mission reward. And then convert the accumulated tokens into credits. 

Odd thing most noticeable is that there have been no signup notifications or connection issues. The days before I was getting notifications daily, and thereby disconnections happening. But today, no sight of them. Everything was hunky dory; and I was on all afternoon and most of tonight. Expecting it to return to normal eventually after the initial enthusiasm of the new Update has died down and Weegee see no more moneys from me.

===================

5 April 2025

New family member

Drove over an hour to pick up a new family member - a fourteen week old Shi Tzu Maltese cross male puppy. 

Meet Miles aka Milo, newest companion to Sally and Sam and Oliver and Albert. So tiny. A fluff ball. He will be loved of course. 

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8 April 2025

Medieval Balkans

Finished Chapter 5 while in hospital. New realisation is that there is a great many engagements not recorded, or the records were lost or doctored to favour one side (usually victor) is exciting. Those records/accounts that do survive are filled with holes that can only be speculated upon. Which is interesting because it's now possible to simply define the combatants and let them at it whether it be a single battle or a campaign. And there are many many conflicts that ran rampant during the early part of the fourteenth century throughout Byzantium, Serbia, Bosnia, and Bulgaria. Not to forget the various Grecian states - Moria, Epirus, Thessalay, Macedonia, Thrace, and others - as well as the independent cities like Durazzo, Dubrovnik, Belograd, Thessaloniki and so on. 

So let's take the example of the Battle of Kephissos (Halmyros) in March 1311 when the Catalans surprised and defeated the Latin forces of the Duchy of Athens. To the victors went the spoils - the duchy itself and the many widows of the fallen defeated knights.  

This would make an interesting game. It's well known and can be played. But more interesting (to me at least) are those engagements for whom no record exists such as the Hungarian campaign fighting againsts disloyal vassals with the assistance of Bosnian troops in 1340. There's hardly any published information to digest by Western readers in English. 

Or there is an account of a battle fought in 1302 between Kotroman, a ruler of Bosnian territory and the Subici, a powerful Slavic family seeking to extend their territory at the expense of Kotroman. The outcome of these fought engagements are not known or there are no records (reliable or otherwise) but the subsequent outcomes are known. Excellent fodder for a skirmish or speculated engagement.

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11 April 2025

Grandson

Photos from grandson's visit to USC with his cousin. Relos are happy to host Kato at their home in Utah over the summer break. Should be an experience and a half.

Boys (above) standing next to some of the Heismann trophies on display. Heismann, in case you don't know, is the epitome of college football. Sort of like the John Eales medal (rugby) or rugby league's Dally M. USC Heismann winners include Marcus Allen (RB), O J Simpson (RB), Matt Leinart (QB), Reggie Bush (RB), and others.

The boys got to sit in on the O line training room over the weekend. Hopefully, the work ethic will impress Kato and further instill both self-discipline and focus.  

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12 April 2025

YT streaming and finishing games

Watching such popular YouTubers like Jingles and Flambass made me realise that at times watching them play games can often save both time and money in evaluating the game's value or worth. And spare you bothering with the game in the first place. 

Which is why I am not following Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 as closely as I should. Why? Because I actually want to purchase and play the game. So I've skipped the beginning apart from the time the two (knight and our main protagonist) end up in the village and get into a fight and end up in the stocks before separating and going their own ways.

Spoilers ruin the experience, so I've learned.

I recall being keen to try Pacific Drive when it came out last year but after watching several streamers play through, I ended up not bothering. Or I would get enthused enough to buy the game, start it, but then quickly lost interest and moved on. Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth Wukong, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marines 2, Project Zomboid, are among those that suffered this fate. Even Counter-Strike 2 no longer holds any appeal.  

Games like Strange Horticulture, Cloud Climber, Chants of Sennaar, The Planet Crafter, Little Kitty Big City, Dredge, Dave the Diver, Stardew Valley get more love and playtime instead. More often to completion. 

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