Yesterday, we gathered in The Cotswolds at The Bell Inn (in Moreton in Marsh) which is reputed to be Tolkien's inspiration for The Prancing Pony Inn at Bree.
Now, I know that, as historical wargamers, many readers will be pretending not to know what I'm talking about, ahem, but I thought some may be interested in the odd photo.
The inevitable blue plaque photots...
above: yours truly
below: Steve.
The most noticeable Tolkien reference is the large wall map in the room we sat in for lunch:
A couple of photos hanging on the walls also allude to the Tolkien connection...
...and of course, I had to have a picture of the bar. I can just see Pippin excitedly rushing up to get a 'pint'!!
We had a very enjoyable lunch (not booked under the name "Underhill"... although I was tempted), and a three hour chat about all things wargaming.
I'm not sure what the barman, or the other patrons thought of us sitting with notebook, paper and pen, and talking about ideas for our hobby.
But who cares!
Most importantly, we emerged with what I'm calling Battle-plan 2020.
The proliferation of rule sets and 'systems' allowing quick games with around 40-50 figures per side has not gone unnoticed by these Fencibles, and it was agreed that every now and again, a painting blitz might be used to produce something game-able very quickly, allowing us to tame the butterflies rather than always fighting them off.
Already I'm looking forward to getting more table time in 2020.
And that will spur the painting on too.
Bring it on...
Sounds like a most productive luncheon date.
ReplyDeleteI hope you manage to sort yourselves out & get a few more games in next year, remember what the British Army say about planning...
Best wishes,
Jeremy
It certainly was productive Jeremy. Planning is important, I find, but action is essential! Best rgds. Phil
DeleteNo wonder Tolkein was inspired when they've got a map on the wall ;). Hope that the beer helped the creative juices flow so we can see more goodies from you in the future.
ReplyDeleteHaha Paul. Yes, the map must have stirred his imagination!! Hopefully it will do the same for us. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteWhat a great pub...and what a place to plot future games, Phil. Now just save up the "shekels" and travel to The Green Dragon pub at Hobbiton...that's well worth the trip to New Zealand! :-) Cheers, Rohan.
ReplyDeleteCheers Rohan. One day I will get to NZ, and Hobbiton... I'm making a promise to myself. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteWhat a great looking pub with tons of character
ReplyDeleteJim
It's a very pleasant venue, in a very lovely part of England Jim. When you're next over, I'll buy you a traditional punt again! Best rgds. Phil.
DeleteEating, drinking and talking wargaming. Some people get all the luck. I will have to check the pub out as it's just down the road.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough life Neil... The pub is definitely worth a visit as you're in the area. Best rgds. Phil
DeleteTolkien and historicalw argamers definitely go together. I'm in a Tolkien reading club, composed of nothing else but historical wargamers ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Phil. Like you, I am a middle earth fan, as are many historical wargamers, I suspect. I think a dark age based, minimal magic, fantasy setting can provide a good game too... Watch this space! Best rgds. Phil
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