Wargaming Recon

This week Jonathan is joined by Kos, the CEO of W.R.K.S. Games. W.R.K.S Games is the publisher of Jordenheim, and now Katana-Ra.

The pair jump right in to talking about their new game Katana-Ra and what it is; and the development behind it.  Katana-Ra is a Japanese inspired cyberpunk RPG and Kos talks about the inspiration and how it is different from other games in the genre like Cyberpunk and Shadowrun. Kos talks about the different formats available once the game is released and where to find it.

W.R.K.S Games also creates accompanying video games to their games. Kos talks about the status of BloodBond Into the Shroud for Jordenheim and where you can get a copy. He them moves over to talking about the game Shinobi Rising, and how it will be associated with Katana-Ra. This game is not our yet; but you get a sneak peak from Kos.

Kos and Jonathan get involved in quite the talk about AI art and how it is being used currently and how W.R.K.S. is using it, as opposed to traditional art assets. Kos and Jonathan do talk about controversy around AI created art.

If you would like to follow W.R.K.S. Games you can find them at the following places online:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Discord 

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Peter Saloom. Peter helped found a gaming community at Redemption Rock Brewing in Worchester, Massachusetts; and he is also the president of a 2nd generation family business.

Peter talks about his gaming origins and how it has led him to building his local gaming community.

The pair talk about community building and why it can mean different things to different people. They also talk about why it is important and how it can benefit the everyday gamer. One of the obstacles encountered is gatekeeping. Gatekeeping can exist in any aspect of gaming and it can be imposing and can feel impenetrable. Peter gives his advice on how to prevent the formation of; and how to dismantle any existing gatekeeping.

New players are the lifeblood of any group. Jonathan and Peter discuss the real or imagined barriers that exist when trying to join a gaming community. Jonathan recalls Jonathan's experience with the fact that many gamers may view new social experiences as challenging and what can be done to make the community more accessible to new players.

Even though a group may be very welcoming and open for new players; the location still has a massive impact on how the group functions. Peter and Jonathan discuss what places are great for finding or building a gaming community. And why the list goes beyond the game store.

In an effort to help out Peter's local gaming community, there is Redemption Convention at Redemption Rock Brewing Company. Peter goes over the all the details and tells you why you should attend.

If you want to stay up to with Peter, his club and Redemption Con you can find out more at the links below:

Facebook

Redemption Rock Brewing Company

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

This is the second of two live episodes recorded at TotalCon 2023. In this episode Jonathan is joined by Joerg Bender. Joerg is the owner of Things From the Basement; the company that makes beautiful MDF tabletop wargaming terrain.

The Plan

Joerg is given the $5,000 extreme gaming makeover challenge. He has $5,000 pretend dollars to spend on a makeover.  He cannot go over the $5,000 and it has to be used to enhance or makeover his gaming experience.

Jonathan and Joerg talk about the general plan for the makeover, and what aspects Joerg wants to improve. Joerg goes into detail about what he likes to play and and what he wants to keep with his current gaming situation.

The Gear:

Joerg's plan is to upgrade his play space with the Jasper board game table with many of the accessories. Joerg finds that the accessories really make the table for him. The topper helps him leave a game set up allows him to pause for dinner. The wine glass and cup holders keep the drinks off the table during play; and preventing the dreaded spillage. Joerg is also going to add even more accessories to his table, but you will have to listen to hear about even more addons. This is all part of a beautiful dark walnut colored wooden table. The table starts at $959USD and after the extras and shipping, the table costs an impressive $1,842USD.

Even though Joerg makes MDF terrain, he still likes having resin terrain around. This is the next part of his makeover.  Joerg is planning on getting the Altburg range of terrain from Tabletop World. The terrain is high quality resin terrain for 28-32mm gaming.

 

If you want to know more about the items on Joerg's list then see the below links:

Jasper Boardgame Table

Tabletop World

If you want to stay up to date with The happenings of Things From the Basement

Facebook

Website

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

This episode was recorded live at TotalCon 37 on February 25, 2023. Jonathan was joined by Peter Bryant for this live recording. Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games and the game designer behind the new Razer RPG system. Jonathan quizzes Peter on his gaming origins and why this makes him a good game designer.

Getting down to the main portion of the episode, Jonathan and Peter talk about Razor and how it will work as an RPG framework. Peter discusses why the system exists and what it does that other rules systems do not do; as well as what genres of games Peter thinks will work with the rules system.

Peter goes into some deep discussions on some specifics with the Razor system.  He covers character creation and what the gameplay experience for the players should be. He talks about how the unique mechanics and features help to blend player choice and the narrative structure.

Jonathan asks Peter about the challenges and obstacles that were faced while designing the system and how the Razor system will fit into the modern RPG environment.

Since Peter is the co-owner of Solarian Games; the pair cover the other projects and Jonathan focuses on Cube of Death and when it is expected to be available for public release.

If you are interested in finding out more about Solarian Games and what Peter is working on; just go to the following links to learn more.

Facebook

Twitter

Website

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Alex Berner and Chase Harris of Pocket Bard. Alex is the composer and CEO of Pocket Bard. Chase is the Lead Developer and Interactive Audio Lead.

The trio talk about what Pocket Bard is and how it can enhance your own RPG or tabletop gaming experience.

Diving into the origin story for Pocket Bard; Alex and Chase talk about how their app is different from the other apps/software out there and what makes Pocket Bard special. Currently Pocket Bard is in open beta on iOS and Android and Alex and Chase tell you how to get involved and what the next steps are for the app.

Since Alex and Chase are making a music app for RPG's; one would hope that they play games also. Jonathan questions them on their gaming pedigree.

If you want to know more or want to download a copy of Pocket Bard then you can find them at the following locations:

iOS

Android

Facebook

Discord

YouTube

Instagram

Twitter

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Andrew Hartland.  Andrew is the Gaming Coordinator for CaptainCon and a NASA engineer.

Andrew talks about what he does as the Gaming Coordinator before talking about CaptainCon itself. CaptainCon is February 3-5, 2023 in Warwick, RI and is full of RPG's, Miniatures and Board games. Andrew goes into detail on the number of events and attendees and tells us all why we need to add this convention to your convention cycle.

Jonathan and Andrew talk about games they are playing and what they look forward to in games at conventions.

Having a NASA engineer on the podcast; Jonathan has to talk about space and NASA.

DISCLAIMER: CaptainCon is a sponsor of Wargaming Recon, but that does not exert any editorial control.

If you would like to keep up with CaptainCon you can follow them at the following locations online:

Facebook

Website

Instagram

Twitter

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

In this episode Jonathan is joined by Dave Valentine of Bloody Scotsman Games. Bloody Scotsman Games is the maker of Devil in the Wilderness and the expansion Devil In Sleepy Hollow. (You can even find Jonathan and Adrian in the game as characters.)

Dave had a vendor booth at the New England Tabletop Wargaming Flea Market and at ArmourCon 2022. Jonathan and Dave discuss both events.

Flea Market/ Games Day:

The pair discuss the flea market. They talk everything from attendance, to games played and how the sales were from the event.

ArmourCon 2022

This convention was held at the Best Western in Marlboro, MA on October 14-16 2022. ArmourCon describes itself as a "medieval themed convention that brings together the hobby of gaming and the joy of a Ren Faire." The con started in 2019 and has run each year since then.. They collaborate with Handsome Dan's Rescue to help find home for pit bull type dogs. The con is spearheaded by Ami & Daniel Barboza who are the owners of The Armoury Wargames store located in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Dave and Jonathan chat about the con.

Closing

In closing Dave talks about what is next for Bloody Scotsman Games. Do you want to stay current with Bloody Scotsman Games you can find them in the following locations:

Website

Facebook

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

This week Jonathan is joined by Peter Bryant. Peter is a Co-Owner of Solarian Games.  He is a gamer designer who created Cube of Death.

Jonathan gets Peter to go through what his personal extreme gaming makeover would entail. The idea behind the Extreme Gaming Makeover is to see how people would improve their gaming experience if they had a budget of $5,000 USD. Peter discusses the theme of his upgrade and how it will makeover his gaming life.  He has a regular group playing roleplaying games (RPGs).  This makeover will enhance his RPG experience for his group.

The real big thing that Peter would upgrade is his gaming table. He would custom build a table that would house an 85" TV under a sheet of plexi-glass; this would allow him to use the TV as a battle map for either RPG's or Wargaming. He could just display the mat on the TV and be ready to use it for anything. With a new table, new ergonomic chairs would be needed because everyone want to come over and play games.

With all these people coming over the next thing needed would be beverage refrigerator to keep drinks cool and a small multipurpose air fryer/ microwave/ toaster oven. Surely, with all the great goodies in Peter's new gaming room there will still be times that people will not be able to make it and would have to play remote. To offset this, he would get a conference webcam and a 43" Smart TV.

Now that Peter has designed his new space; the pair cover the usage of the space and what was the inspiration for such an awesome room.

If you are interested in learning more about the products Peter and Jonathan talk about then here is a list of the specific items (Some maybe Affiliate links) :

85" TV Screen: Sony 85 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series

McMahon Ergonomic Executive Chair - 8

HomeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler (holds 120 cans per fridge) - 2

Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave

Nuroum Conference Webcam

VIZIO - 43" Class V-Series 4K LED HDR Smart TV

Would you like to stay current with Peter, Solarian Games or Cube of Death? You can find them in the following locations:

Website

Facebook

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

In this episode we are joined by Cory Ring.  He is the co-owner, content manager, editor, and gamer guru for Cigar Box Battle.

If you are not aware Cigar Box Battle has 143 different designs for their tabletop gaming mats. 24 of them are 36"x36". Two of them are massive at 6ft 6inches x 15ft; and the last 117 are in a standard 4x6. They also offer double-sided 4x6 mats and also a satin fleece option.

Cory and Jonathan talk about the mats available and how they improve the gaming played on them. They also go over what makes Cigar Box Battle mats stand out.  Cory covers the changes to the products.  He goes deep covering how the fabric differs from the plush and satin that was previously used (the satin is still used on the double-sided mats)

Cory gives a peek at the brand new Cigar Box Battle Kickstarter

If you wish to find Cigar Box Battle online you can find them in the following places:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

Cigar Box Battle Website

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.

This week Jonathan is joined by the esteemed Henry Hyde. Henry is the best-selling author of Wargaming Campaigns (affiliate link) and The Wargaming Compendium (affiliate link)  books.  Many consider The Wargaming Compendium to be the definitive wargaming tome of our generation.

Jonathan and Henry discuss why Henry decided to take on this topic when there are other books already on the topic.  They talk about some of the other books that discuss wargaming campaigns.  Some of the books include Featherstone's  War Game Campaigns;  The War Game by Charles Grant; The Sole Wargaming Guide by Precis Intermedia; and Henry's own Wargaming Compendium.

Henry talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the writing of the book and what his process for writing was like.

If you are interested in getting a copy of any of Henry's books you can find them with the following links:

Wargaming Campaigns (affiliate link)

The Wargaming Compendium (affiliate link)

 

You can contact Wargaming Recon using the following:

Facebook

Twitter

Email

Support Wargaming Recon through Patreon. It costs as little as $1 per per month. That is less than a cup of coffee.

Credits

“Downtown” by Matthew Ebel is our theme song.  Peter Bryant designed our podcast logo.  Joshua Shoobridge edited the audio.  Robert Dunn wrote the show notes for this episode.

This recording is licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license.

Disclosure

This post may contain links to products or services with which I have an affiliate relationship. I may receive commissions or bonuses from your actions on such links.

Wargaming Recon is dedicated to the memory of long time listener Andrew who helped to give the show its name. I ask all listeners to join me in a moment of silence in Andrew’s honor.

Wargaming Recon is mourning the loss of long time co-host Adrian. Please take a moment of silence for Adrian.