(What to expect: Static table, with the camera occasionally panning across the table to show what I'm talking about, when I remember, and a commentary that doesn't start as soon as I thought and occasionally disappears. Apparently I can walk and chew gum but panning and talking are sometimes a struggle).
There is a lot of learning and growing for me to do, but that's good for keeping the little grey cells alive and active. Better equipment would be nice but that's one of those compromises that came with very early retirement and I still consider that a good trade off and one of the best life decisions that I've ever made. Learning how to make better use of my current equipment and available software will be a good first step anyway.
Meanwhile, during the first half of the game I've been able retest each of the various rules approaches that I've tried over the last decade, on or off grid. To my relief, the approach I had finally settled on for my grid is also the best approach for the kind of off grid ACW games I want to play.
"...butterNet?" (1:25)
ReplyDeleteI think that's "budda'nut." [Editor: Everyone's a critic.]
You're in danger of becoming a Warblogging Fool! I daresay you may be on the cusp of being out - of - control.
Seriously, great post. You come across "well-focused." Realtively large game, too. Johnny Reb looks like 'e has 'is work cut out for 'im at this point for an actual win.
Personally, I've always enjoyed a tableful of white smoke from blackpowder. (Oxymoron?)
Black powder/white smoke, its like night and day, ying and yang.
DeleteYah, I don't know what my mouth was doing, I heard the 'nut' come out as 'nyet' and almost stopped the recording.
(Black Powder & White Smoke & Mirrors? A future Warlord Miniatures rules supplement cashgrab for Black Powder?)
DeleteNice job on the video Ross. That is exactly the size and scope of game that hits my sweet spot. Your rule tweaks seem to be giving a good ACW narrative.
ReplyDeleteThanks Norm. Its taken a while to be satisfied that I'm in the right spot for me.
DeleteRoss, that was brilliant!
ReplyDeleteAnd playing "Hell On The Wabash" in the background scratches the itch for me both as a wargamer and as an ACW re-enactor. If that song doesn't get your blood up, nothing will.
Looking forward to seeing how this game plays out and what rules bit shake out of the AAR.
Eric
Thanks, Nothing like the right music to set the mood.
DeleteGreat stuff Ross…
ReplyDeleteAll the best. Aly
Thanks Aly
DeleteVery cool: you realize, of course, that you're breaking new ground, creating a hybrid blog/vlog. Agree that the background music is a very nice touch. Was that dubbed in somehow or was that actually playing in the background in the room?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteNew ground? Well, my first blog video of a game was in 2012 ( Stony Creek Surprise )but they have been scarce and technology has moved on. Videos of games seems to be "a thing" these days and its good for the brain to learn new skills so I figured "Why not!"
The music was playing in the background. I still haven't found a video editor that will work for me on my chromebook so these are all raw videos. I'm on the trail though.
Another lovely table, Ross. I will check out the video later whilst painting. Something to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteWatch while painting? Sounds dangerous!
DeleteLove the vlog, Ross! The music in the background really steps it up. I hope we'll see more of these!
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling you will. I've been looking at free video editing apps for Chromebooks.
DeleteThat’s already a great improvement over the Gathering of Hosts improv video. Did you write out your talking points in advance this time?
ReplyDeleteNope. But it was like being a GM at a con giving a pregame blurb, just with remembering to move the camera to match what I was saying, so just walking and public speaking level of difficulty.
DeleteWith the attempt at a stop motion story about a battle, without a script or at least a planned series of shots, so somewhat like juggling while riding a unicycle for the first time and reciting Shakespeare.
Still, if the editing software I had allowed to actually edit instead of just sticking little cartoons onto a video, even that would have been much much better. At least I've found some proper editing software to explore.