Privateer Press held their first official event this weekend. I was actually going to skip it as I still had not invested in a full army. Well, that changed. My dear wife said go and gave me money for a pass, so I went! I figured, even without models, I could hit some panels, watch some games, talk to people. Should be fun anyway! Saturday morning rolls around and I get there just after open registration for anyone who did not pre-register. Very VERY few people did not pre-register. Asked about panels and could not get a straight answer. Finally gave up and got in line for the PP store on site and flexed my credit to get myself into a reasonable facsimile of an army (and my wife a Warcaster!). Then, went back into the main hall and proceeded to the open Q&A with several sculptors and painters from PP. Had a LONG conversation with Brian Dugas about sculpting basics and technique. Also had a nice conversation with one of the terrain guys whose name I do not know. The crowd was VERY friendly and cordial (amazing!) and I stopped and chatted with many people throughout the day. Spent Saturday night putting together my new (and some old) purchases so I could get some games in since you get prizes just for playing casual games. I rolled in REALLY late as I had not got much sleep the previous night, but still managed a one-on-one match with my cobbled together army. Then did a two-on-two match where we played 'Jack boccie. Managed to get enough playing in, though, to get a tier 2 prize. They were out of water bottles (meh) so I got the PP branded tape measurer! Nothing spectacular but a nice keepsake. Also got a button for participating.

For a full rundown, check out . I actually appear on page 4 from a pic taken during my talk with Brian.

I know that Beasts of War seems to think that PP is watching GW's recent mistakes with hungry eyes....

I haven't played any WARMACHINE in over a year, my Thornwood Garrison is gathering dust.

There is just something about the new rules that isn't engaging me, and I am not at all certain what that something is - in every way except one I think that the new rules are superior, and my group has no problem ignoring the LoS rule that I dislike.

So, if I think that it is a better game, then why don't I have any urge to play? If I knew then I could do something about it.

by , on Flickr

The Auld Grump