How to Play Basic Impetus Video Series

Welcome to Thomo_the_Lost as a new follower to the blog.  Go check out his site, Thomos Hole (I've not been there yet, but the name alone makes me want to check it out.)

Kurtus over on YouTube has created 10, so far, videos on how to play Basic Impetus.  Basic Impetus covers every era from ancient to 17th century warfare.  It was one of the sets I considered as I thought about Samurai.  I played it a few times solo and it was easy enough, enjoyable, and seemed to have the ability to incorporate enough strategy.  If I were to pursue it further I would definitely get the full set because it gets into more depth on command and control and morale.

But the basic can give a quick game in a small space and is free.

You can download Basic Impetus here at Dadi & Piombo's website.  There are tons of historical and fantasy lists available around the web as well.

Here's Kurtus' videos:

Litko Bases Arrive - Quick Preview

Received the wooden Litko bases yesterday. This wood feels like I could snap it, but it also feels sturdier than balsa wood. The surface is also very smooth. The edges appear to be burnt.

They are 1.6mm thick (They also make a 3mm version). I bought 4 sizes and realized just a few minutes ago as I was measuring up the ships to them that one of the sizes, 60mm x 30mm, isn't for the ships. I got these if I decide to try painting up some 6mm samurai for Impetus.

Where I Meet timmy! and Fly a Spitfire

timmy!, who's contributed some input for the blog with is Modern Force on Force! armies had a few people over to play in some Wings of War (Now Wings of Glory), WWI air combat, and some Angels 20, WWII air combat. Angels 20 is the new Axis and Allies miniature game.

clockwise (l) - (black shirt) timmy!, Ed, Dave, Jerry, Doug, Rich, Will, Pat

I got there pretty late and played one game, as a British pilot, against 4 Germans in their 109s.  Dave S was actually putting the game on and of course had washed the planes a bit to dull down the plastic look, as well as, printed out a map from Google to make the game looka real nice-a. (forgive the bad Italian accent.)

I had the first kill as I shot down a 109 with a devastating roll of 7 hits - which took it out. I also assisted in another kill when Ed and I surrounded a 109. I gave him one point of damage, but then Ed had like 6 hits. - destroyed.

 
I believe this was Dave's first game as a GM and was using the simple rules. Pretty straight forward rules and it sounds like the advanced rules would help it a bit to add some nuance. To me it's a great convention game. Can learn the basics pretty quickly, and once engaged it goes quickly.

Dave does a great job of playing/gming the miniature/boardgame combos. I'll have to do more of a post about some of his conversions.

In addition, it was good to meet timmy! in person and to see his stuff and work area in person.

I like all the lamps and the paint/photo booth.

He has a variety of stuff and has a collection that is, in Dave's words, "era agnostic". Very true. ACW, ECW, WWII, Napoleon, Modern, Battletech, Air, Future, 15mm, 20mm, 18mm, 6mm, ... I will get more into his collection in future posts. I've been tempted to try some Cold War Commander - maybe I could rent some kit from him.

Airbrushed Digital Camo with the cutest little stencils...CRAZY - but looks good.

 Also, I believe Basic Impetus covers ECW(?)...yes, they do if you use their Basic Impetus ECW supplement (FREE) and their ECW list.

Also, he's made some progress on his Recruit's Somalis. I will have to go to Recruits one year with this group.

Dry Dock paining - some completed ships

Lutzow

Lutzow

Started painting ships for Naval Thunder. These are the 1/3000 ships I found for a $1.00 each at Miniature Market.

This is harder than I thought.

And I will paint my destroyers from here on out with a grey paint and a couple touch ups like black on the stacks and perhaps some dry-brushing. I painted the HMS South Hampton and Arethusa. Yeah, this is not pretty. But I want to keep them the way they are to hopefully see how I improve.

The South Hampton I could find only had two stacks and I couldn't find anything about retrofits. Mine has 3 stacks - maybe I can say it's extra fast! Just kidding purists!

The Graf Spee and Lutzow however, were fun to paint.

And yes, I've reached new levels of Nerdaton with my attempt at painting a swastika flag on the bow of the Lutzow. Yes, using a filament off an old toothbrush. Better luck next time.

Graf Spee

It's fascinating the paint schemes they used on ships in WWII. Some of them are quite effective making the ship look different than it  is. You can imagine at sea and dusk that it would be hard to get a good spot while targeting.

I've been thinking of basing and was going to get some Litko But I'm really trying to not spend money. I'm either going to try cutting some plexiglass I have (though I hear it's challenging) or perhaps using a heavy letraset. Like a heavy cardstock. With the latter I'm concerned for warping.

On another note: tried playing Basic Impetus again with the paper representing Samurai and Korea. And not so much interest this time. Impetus is a good set. I like the rules. Nice and easy to get, like Naval Thunder. However, I just wasn't interested in finishing out my test. And, when I was looking over the rules to clarify a few things, I found myself forcing the issue. It's my hobby and have other things I would like to try. I'll put thoughts of this era aside for awhile. When I get around to reading the books I bought for the era my interest may be rekindled.

On yet another note: watched the original True Grit and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I'm leaning toward the new one as my favorite. I was impressed with the 1969 iteration though.

Here are a few of the sites I'm using as guidelines for painting and books for inspiration:
http://www.bismarck-class.dk/index.html
http://steelnavy.com/gallery_cruisers.htm
http://www.modelshipgallery.com/index1.html
http://uboat.net/index.html 
 

From Amazon

From Amazon

From Amazon

You Guessed It, From Amazon

And My Favorite, From Amazon