So if I am going to get into BoB.... (Newb Warning :P)

[adamish]

First off - apologies for bothering you with another newb post. I did scroll through all the posts before seeing if i could find the answers I needed but alas.

After reading this months wargames illustrated, was blown away by the BoB article. the level of creativity and immersion is what I have been after and would really like to join in on this action. My gaming group also are really interested and have dully appointed me to lead this foray into the BoB. I have ordered my copy of Peter Hopkirk's Setting the East Ablaze. And am hoping to grab the rule set at Salute

So the questions....

1) Is there any sites that can give a introduction to the period? On a wargaming front?
2) I noticed in some games there is monsters and mechs - is this deemed acceptable to genre? As when our group joins in we wish to bounce off other groups games in a kind of VBCW fashion.
3) Is there a general "do's" and "don't's" like things that I can do but is not quite cricket.

Thanks for your time
Adam

[blacksoilbill]

I'm far from an expert - just looking at getting into the period and setting myself.

For resources, have you seen Pygmy Wars? http://pygmy-wars.50megs.com/ It deals more with the Russian/Eastern European end of things, but is an interesting read. Mark Copplestone used to have some information up on his site,but I think it disappeared in one of the updates.

For the fantastical elements, I reckon that differs from group to group. Some will be happy with them, others will prefer to stick closer to what at least might have happened in the real world.

Looking forward to hearing how your project develops.

[giles the zog]

1) Is there any sites that can give a introduction to the period? On a wargaming front?
2) I noticed in some games there is monsters and mechs - is this deemed acceptable to genre? As when our group joins in we wish to bounce off other groups games in a kind of VBCW fashion.
3) Is there a general "do's" and "don't's" like things that I can do but is not quite cricket.

Thanks for your time
Adam

It's pretty much a free for all, this forum being one of the better sites toi get answers.
BoB varies from pure RCW, through to full on Pulp.
I also game the AVBCW, and many of us are also into BoB. In fact I am trying to organise (or re-organise) a Big Game during late April/May in Hereford (UK).

Giles.

[88D]

I'd keep away from mechs, But monsters such as yetis or other crytids may be ok depending on the game.

[adamish]

Thanks guys - really appreciate the guidance - that site was a big help. The question concerning more fantastical elements is cause I am a big fan of the Crimson Skies setting which is more a aerial based diesel-punk thing. So was considering scratch-building some airships and "pusher" aircaft.

[Atheling]

I'm thinking of buying a copy of Setting the East Ablaze and the scenario book as I have heard nothing but good things about it.

The rules would probably do for larger games on the NWF?

I do have a question to those in the know.... is Setting the East Ablaze the same set that was available free for a while a but of time ago?

Sorry, i seem to have asked more questions than i have answered  .

Darrell.

[duc de limbourg]

They are still free on internet

[Mark Plant]

Mechs in BoB terms are the tanks, planes etc that were feasibly possible but actually almost entirely absent.

I tend to think that if you get yes to "would if fit in an Indiana Jones movie?" then no-one will mind it being on the table.

In terms of sites and literature, you have to distinguish between the historical, which is poorly documented in English (but entirely unnecessary for playing BoB anyway) and the a-historical which is anything you want it to be. I can throw some historical reading your way, but it isn't stuff you can pick up off library shelves.

[Atheling]

They are still free on internet

Is it the same ruleset or has the commercial version been built upon?

Do you have a link please?

Darrell.

[adamish]

I tend to think that if you get yes to "would if fit in an Indiana Jones movie?" then no-one will mind it being on the table.

Now that is something I can work with Cheers - just the excuse I need to watch them again

[Ignatieff]

If they are still 'free' on the internet, then they shouldnt be.  The commercial set is much improved on.  These were beta copies circulated to LAF'ers.  And they arent very expensive either.

[Atheling]

If they are still 'free' on the internet, then they shouldnt be.  The commercial set is much improved on.  These were beta copies circulated to LAF'ers.  And they arent very expensive either.

Thanks. It's Caliver that carries them in the UK?

Darrell.

[Ignatieff]

Thanks. It's Caliver that carries them in the UK?

Darrell.

yes

[Atheling]

yes

Nice one. I'll order a copy now.

Darrell.

[coggon]

Nice one. I'll order a copy now.

Darrell.

The commercial set is an upgrade over what was circulating, but honestly, it's worth it just for the pictures