SARA MENS of Architecture

Sunday, 15 March 2020

THE EISENKERN GRAV-STUG KICKSTARTER IS NOW LIVE!

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Italian Wars Campaigning

An interesting question came up on the Twitters whilst I was chatting about my review of the Furioso rule set, what about a Campaign System ? You know each player is a Condottiero building his forces and manoeuvring for position, fortune and fame in late 15th Century Italy, that sort of thing.

Well sit back, I think I have found it.

I present Dell'arte Del La Guerra from a Company who are new too me Real Time Wargames. I found them during a random search on the Googles, I couldn't find much information or reviews about them on the tinterwebnet so I took a punt.

The book has a Campaign System for up to 6 players to take the role of a Condottiero in the late 15th Century in the years leading up to the French Invasion in 1495 (or invitation depending on your viewpoint), everything I mentioned in my opening paragraph.

They are avaliable as a PDF for around £10 from Wargames Vault (you would need to print and mount the game cards this way) or direct from the company as a printed version complete with gaming aids for £20 (link below)

https://www.realtimewargames.com/product-page/dell-arte-della-guerra

I bought the printed version and if it's your thing I would go for that version as will become plain during the review.

The Contents

First thing to say is that the book also has some tabletop rules within them, this review does not cover that part of the publication, I am happy with Furioso at the moment. 1st off a video covering the physical content of the book.

For those who don't do the Utube here are some stills of content. The use of the cards becomes clearer when watched in conjunction with the game play video.

Above are the game mats included in the printed version, we have,

A fast play sheet for the tabletop rules
A chart for recording current financial details of the players and the City States involved.
A campaign chart for army movement.
A Chart for recording passage of time during the Campaign

A set of Unit Cards for each of the Condottiero, defining two units from that army, they are printed on decent card and are good quality. Each of the 6 players have 10 cards each.

Next up are three sets of cards, one each for the two schools of warfare in the game. These are specifically for the tabletop rules and are used to influence game play, however I don't think they would be too difficult to adapt to whatever rule set you use.

The third deck are objective cards, these are drawn at random each game year and provide a focus for the campaign.

Above is a picture of the remaining cards in the set, there a unit cards for the City States (50 cards) plus a number of cards representing the French Invaders.

The rest of the cards are for use on the Campaign Charts shown above, things like markers for money on the finance chart, army position markers, debt markers for money owed etc

In fact everything you need, bar a few dice and a deck of playing cards. There are hundreds of cards here and for me, well worth the extra 10 quid.

Campaign Game Play

The next section covers an example of the set up and workings of the Campaign, I have done this solely on the Utubes as it's much easier to present that way.

Hopefully that will have given you an idea of the rule set and how they might work for you. Don't forget they include a tabletop rule set as well.

The movement map for the armies is very straight forward and some may miss a more traditional map based system but it's a nice simple way of working out Army Movement and we will definitely be giving it a go.

I'm off to raise (ok paint) some more troops for his Holiness, "Viva il Papa"

Puzzle, Short Film, Review And Interview

We all pretty much know what is supposed to be in our home. When we find something that doesn't fit, we start thinking about the different possibilities of how that piece got there. When more pieces start to show up, maybe it is more than a coincidence.

I saw Puzzle at the 2019 FilmQuest film festival (website). It won for Best Micro Short.

Puzzle is a wonderfully crafted short film. In just a few minutes Vincenzo Aiello shows the story written by Damien Mazza with a stunning impact. Not much more can be said without describing too much of what they were able to bring together with their star of the piece, Marie Wyler.

Synopsis: A young woman finds a strange piece of puzzle in her apartment.

Vincenzo Aiello was kind enough to share some insights to the inspiration for Puzzle, for him going into film making and a little more about himself.

What was the inspiration for Puzzle?

When Damien Mazza (screenwriter) came to me with this idea of a woman trapped in his apartment doing a strange puzzle, I thought about my childhood. Actually, when I was a child, I used to go on vacation in Sicily with my family. I'm originally from a little town there and when we were there, we were staying in a house almost in the middle of nowhere. In my room, during the night, I was scared about what could watch me from outside, in the dark. I remember watching the window and hearing wild dog's shout coming from outside too.

In Puzzle, I wanted to make people feel the same kind of fear that I felt at this time.

What project(s) do you have coming up you're excited about?

I'm working on a Sci-Fi drama speaking about an android who is feeling emotions, but society denies it.

What was your early inspiration for pursuing a career in film?

Actually, for long time, I've thought that making movies was something unreachable for me. I've always be passioned about movies, since I'm child, but I've never thought that I could do it.

When I was 26, I've started a job in Swiss Red Cross. I helped teenagers. There, I've held some small movies project with them. It was like a revelation for me. Then, I started film school and everything starts from there…

What would be your dream project?

I don't really have ONE big project in my mind but I have many ideas that I want to work on.

What are some of your favorite pastimes when not working on a movie?

I'm also a boxing coach so when I have time, I like boxing.

I also travel in backpack. Doing that, I can refill my head with new ideas.

What is one of your favorite movies and why?

It's difficult to me to answer this question because I love so many movies… but if I have to pick one, I would say Rocky. Actually, I really like the way the characters are made. You can really feel that this movie was made with heart. I really like the feeling that you got in this movie and sometime, when I'm feeling a little down, I like to watch Rocky.

You can find out more about Puzzle on IMDb (link).

And, watch Puzzle on YouTube (link).

I'm working at keeping my material free of subscription charges by supplementing costs by being an Amazon Associate and having advertising appear. I earn a fee when people make purchases of qualified products from Amazon when they enter the site from a link on Guild Master Gaming and when people click on an ad. If you do either, thank you.

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

I have articles being published by others and you can find most of them on Guild Master Gaming on Facebookand Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).

TWO NEW RELEASES & A CRAZY GOOD MEMORIAL DAY SALE!

I am pleased to announce two new releases.

The limited edition 54mm (1:28 scale) Valkir Assault Trooper display model.

If you are a painter or a collector, this limited edition display model is for you.

Standing nearly 3" tall on the base, it will provide a wonderful canvas for you to showcase your skills.

This model is 1:28 (56mm) Scale

This kit includes a single Valkir Assault Trooper; a round 60mm base and two weapon choices. You can equip the trooper with an assault pistol or grenade launcher.

MSRP $25.00

and the

15mm (1:100) scale Leviathan Capacitor Cooler.

This kit is NOT hot swap, you must choose to use this accessory at the time that you build the main kit.

15mm (1/100) scale Leviathan accessory, the Capacitor Cooler replaces the oil stacks on the back of the Leviathan Mortis and Crusader, allowing the machines a steadier flow of power but sacrificing the ability to overcharge the reactor.

MSRP $9.00

We also had a major restock on the 15mm scale Leviathan weapon arms....

Now on to the sale- Now until May 31st, select kits are up to 50% off!

I know... cray-cray right!?

When we took over distribution in October we took over the existing inventory for WGF, we were low on stock on some items and overstock on others. I have decided to equalize my stock levels and turn some of that into liquidity. Best way to do that is to move the overstock and pass a great deal to my customers.

I hope you enjoy the new releases and have a wonderful holiday!

Wednesday, 4 March 2020

50% Off Cha'alt

I'm going on vacation in a bit, and my birthday is coming up (November 25th)... so, why not give a little to get a little?

Slashing prices while thrusting deep into the bowels of magenta slimed terrors from beyond time and space. Who wouldn't want to adventure in a mutant wasteland of alien weirdness and ultra-telluric monstrosities?

Yes, my eldritch, gonzo, science-fantasy, post-apocalyptic campaign setting + megadungeon Cha'alt is only $10, now through 11/25!!!

Or, if you prefer to buy the hardcover and get the PDF for free... that's also a wise choice.

If I don't get back to you right away, it's because I'm on vacation.

Cha'alt is 218 pages of O5R sandbox lollipop-flavored doom and irreverent exploitation gloom. You'll love it, especially The Black Pyramid. ;)

This just in - Grim Jim Desborough just uploaded a review of Cha'alt. I haven't watched it yet, but will later this afternoon. Here it is...

Let him know you enjoyed his video with a like, comment, and subscription!

VS

p.s. Please leave a review and talk about Cha'alt on social media if you want to keep seeing more from Kort'thalis Publishing.

How A Private Club Affiliates To Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA).

Old Edwardian Mind Sports Club is the oldest club, with continuous membership, affiliated to MSSA.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.

MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each affiliated club may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote in its club. Some clubs will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.

The choice is ultimately up to the member club.

The various mind sports offer unique opportunities to many South Africans. Many Souuth Africans have been able to earn Regional, Provincial, and National Colours which have allowed them to earn bursaries and obtain first-class educations.

MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports.

All selected have found being part of the national team to be an education in itself..

All clubs must be legal bodies, as well as being non-profit organizations. Thus each club needs to have a founding document. Associations may use the draft constitution provided below.

It is the club that is the member of MSSA, while the players are affiliated to the club.

Any applicant needs to be aware of the following:

MSSA's Constitution,
MSSA's General Regulations,
Proforma Constitution - this is a draft constitution that is used by many clubs affiliated to MSSA,
An Application for Affiliation form,
Registration Forms for all players – including the administrators and any/all coaches,
The fee note form – please note that the fees for private clubs are R104.00 affiliation fee and R110.00 per player per annum,
The Letter of Undertaking, and
A brochure about MSSA.

In order to affiliate, the completed Application for affiliation Form must be submitted to the MSSA.

Once the Board has approved a club's affiliation, the club then needs to complete the Google Registration Page allocated to the club for the players and make payment.

All club members may participate in all events for which it qualifies. Such events include meetings, championships, courses, and so forth.

Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club:

There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:

Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
Being able to get assistance from your local government
Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.

MSSA's Constitution

The Constitution forms the foundation of the MSSA. It guarantees members rights and governs the way that the MSSA operates. It can only be amended by a two-thirds majority at a Council Meeting. Please remember that Associations only have two (2) votes each, whereas member clubs have a representational vote, being: normal clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and school clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.

MSSA's General Regulations

The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.

MSSA's Discipline Specific Regulations

The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.

Application for Affiliation form

When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.

Fee note for 2020

The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.

Player Registration Form

The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.

MSSA's Letter of Undertaking

The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.

Social Media

The MSSA makes use of the following:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindsportssa
South African Schools' Esports Group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1676447775912809/
Twitter: @mindsportssa
Intstagram: @mindsportssouthafrica
Blog page: https://esportscommentator.blogspot.com/

Should you have any queries whatsoever, please contact mindsportscorrespondence@gmail.com.

Monday, 24 February 2020

The Lossen, Short Film, Review And Interview

In wanting to write something about The Lossen I feel like if I go more than what is in the synopsis I will be giving too much away about this insightful short film. I will just leave it that this is a film that can be enjoyed by everyone as I think every adult can find some level of being able to relate to the story.

The Lossen was screened at the 2019 FilmQuest film festival (website). It was nominated for Best Fantasy Short and Best Actor (Sean Knopp).

Synopsis

In the dead of night another-worldly visitor drags its hulking, hooded mass to the front door of 70-year-old successful businesswoman, Sylvia Cappleman, but this mythical Grim Reaper is not all it seems and so appears The Lossen, the Reaper's agent of death. In the final moments of her life The Lossen discovers a complication with Sylvia's passing, she cannot be taken by death because she has not fulfilled her dream. In order to rectify the problem, The Lossen takes Sylvia on a journey to confront her lost dream and the secrets of her past.

The director, Colin Skevington, provided some additional information about the film and their personal journey into film making.

The Lossen won the Grand Prize for Best Fantasy Short at the 2018 Rhode Island International Film Festival, a Gold Remi Award at WorldFest 2019 in Houston and Best Art Direction at the Vienna Independent Film Festival 2019.

What was the inspiration for The Lossen

The inspiration for The Lossen came whilst I was researching a documentary about the differences in attitudes towards death in the East and West. Sadly, in the West death is still a taboo subject and most people want to avoid any thought of the inevitable. The opening scene of the The Lossen came to me as a daydream. I could see the imposing figure of the Grim Reaper, scythe in hand, walking down the path of an impressive, old country house. It raps on the door awakening Sylvia, a woman in her 70s and in the final moments of her life, but this Reaper is not what we expect. This dramatic opening scene gave me the perfect opportunity to write a script that would begin a journey to turn our view of death on its head and show us a possibility of what could be, but in an entertaining and gripping way. It reflects one of the key themes of the film; that death is not what we think it is.

What project(s) do you have coming up you're excited about?

The plan is to produce more Lossen films. I am working on the script for the next one. It follows on straight after this one. There's a little insight at the end of The Lossen. I also have a screenplay which is an epic tale with a supernatural undertone, of course. We will be working towards getting that into production and hopefully The Lossen and the follow ups will lead the way.

What was your early inspiration for pursuing a career in film?

I've always been fascinated by how things work. As a child I was always breaking open toys to see what was inside them and made them work. The first film I saw at the cinema was Snow White. I just wanted to know how it got on to the screen and films have fascinated me ever since. As I got older, I realised that film making is all about storytelling and how it's one of the most powerful ways for us to reflect on our own lives.

What would be your dream project?

To direct a movie of the screenplay I have written. A supernatural tale set in different times and will lead the audience to question where they come from and why they are here.

What are some of your favorite pastimes when not working on a movie?

For me the greatest thing is tending the garden. It's a place to shut off and escape. I could say I'm a snowboarder and light aircraft pilot but that would be a lie.

What is one of your favorite movies and why?

Pan's Labyrinth. It's the most stunning and engaging film to watch. Magic realism is one of my favourite genres and for me the idea of the natural world and supernatural world co-habiting and influencing each other is inspiring.

You can find more about The Lossen on the on the following sites.

IMDb (link)

Website: www.thelossen.com

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=51&v=Ga3Ya4TKxEI

Facebook: @thelossen

Twitter: @TheLossen

Instagram: @thelossen

If you have a comment, suggestion, or critique please leave a comment here or send an email to guildmastergaming@gmail.com.

I have articles being published by others and you can find most of them on Guild Master Gaming on Facebookand Twitter(@GuildMstrGmng).