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Nick Avtges
United States
Bridgewater
Massachusetts
CONCEALED -3
Brrrrrr!!!
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This is for those who don't know. The rest will nod and understand.
Gaming means getting in touch with an old friend and remembering the old times.
Gaming means teaching your son (or daughter!) something new and having a blast doing it.
Gaming means understanding the past and coming together to celebrate the sacrifices of those who got us to where we are now.
Gaming means reaching out to a total stranger, knowing there is common ground, and smiling.
Gaming means doing your best and shaking hands when you lose.
Gaming means getting together with old friends and new and just having some fun.
Gaming means there's something good going on.
Gaming means alot.
My son has been studying ancient history in school. When he mentioned he had been studying the Second Punic War, my eyes lit up. I've got just the game for that, I said. I pulled out Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage and he excitedly began setting up the pieces. I thought that I could explain what I remembered of the rules as we set things up, but before I knew it, we were playing. It was a fantastic experience. For the gamers out there, this is a fantastic game and one I'm sure we will be playing again and again. For the rest, this was not only an educational bonanza, but a bonding experience neither of my sons are going to forget any time soon. It was fabulous, but not without tears. In what can only be described as a monumental catastrophe, my oldest son lost a battle in which Hannibal was killed. He had 10 CU with him, against Marcellus, who had a large amount of troops (forgive me as I forget the exact number). Hannibal had the advantage. But, as can happen, the battle swung back and forth and eventually Marcellus was victorious. Then true disaster struck. Through bad rolls on the attrition and retreat tables and a poor retreat path, Hannibal's large army was utterly destroyed, along with Hannibal. What else could result but tears.
The only remedy was for me and my youngest (who were together controlling the Romans) to cross to the other side of the table and give the Carthaginians a hug.
It was a moment I will never forget.
But that isn't the only reason I'm writing this.
I host a wargaming group. We have had many people come and go. There's a strong core group and I'm grateful to them all. There are also many who have only been once or twice. I'm happy to have played with them as well. In our next session, I'll be hosting two new members, one a brand new friend and one I've known for a long time. But both share a common interest in Fortress America. Both are excited at the chance to play this old favorite and I can only smile at what gaming means.
Gaming means alot.
I hope to write more about that here in the future. I hope you enjoy it.
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but seems a common trouble), with an old friend and with a brand new one... gaming is a good way to have a good time!
