I Used To Be A Wargamer!

There's been something nagging me for quite some time.  It's about my hobby.  It's so troubling that I've written this post at least three times.

I enjoy painting toy soldiers.  To be specific I like painting 15 mm figures for the ancient & medieval periods.  It relaxes me and I like to think that, after years of practise and hundreds of figures, I've become proficient.

So what's the problem?  It's this: all this painting has to have a purpose.  I don't want to be a collector.  I'd like to think that the units I've painted will see service on a table (one day).  But as this year has gone on, I've become less and less certain this will happen.

Regular readers will have seen my posts about the new version of Art de la Guerre (ADLG). In recent weeks I have:

• Bought a copy of the new rulebook.  It's been split and spiral bound so it's easier to use during a game.
• Written tools to help me write and search the new lists.
• Read the rules from cover to cover and last weekend I updated my two page Game Setup QRS for the new rules.
• Listened to the Madaxeman's podcast to keep up my interest in ADLG and to pass the time during Lockdown.

My twitter followers will have noticed that I have even sorted my scenery.  I have repainted my collection of hills and made new foam bases for fields & various sized villages.  I've even checked all the sizes and everything is now "ADLG compliant".  I have lots of new figures to play with too.  During Lockdown I've painted far more figures than I would have otherwise.

I have certainly kept myself busy and from all these preparations you might conclude that I'm keen to start playing ADLG as soon as possible.  As it's turned out I am both keen (see above) and not keen (see below) at the same time.

This was brought home to me recently when I had an opportunity to play my first games of ADLG V4, albeit in a two day competition.  To my surprise I felt less than enthusiastic.  At first I thought this was because I didn't fancy the period; the travel & booking accomodation; the venue; the Covid 19 restrictions; you name it!  On reflection it wasn't any of these.  I just didn't fancy it at all: I'm not ready.

Partly, my reluctance is due to the changes brought about during Lockdown.  Like everyone else my social life changed radically during the last eighteen months.  I'm now essentially home based and more importantly I've got used to it.  Using the car has been a rare event.  A weekend away, or even a long day trip, would be a big step.

From a wargaming perspective, I'd prefer to ease myself into things by a series of local games followed by a competition later in the year once ADLG has sunk in (again).  I know I'm a slow learner.  Having learnt DBM, DBR, DBMM, FOG AM & R, and ADLG V3 (almost), I know from experience I only become comfortable with a set of rules by playing regularly.  However, I don't think this is very likely.

Sadly, my playing options are limited.  I have always struggled to find opponents in and around Warrington.  Therefore I've always had to travel to get a game.  I used to have a regular opponent but he had to give up due to ill health.  Since then I've struggled to find a local club with members who play ADLG.

If this wasn't enough I have not played in a very long time.  I ended 2018 dissatisfied with my progress as an ADLG player and more than a bit fed up with wargaming in general.  So in 2019 I took a break from playing with the intention of starting afresh in 2020.  We all know how that turned out!  The end result is I'm now completely out of the wargaming habit.  I haven't played an ADLG game since November 2018 and a Field of Glory Renaissance (FOGR) game since October 2017!

So, I find myself in a bit of a bind.  The big question is how to change things when the UK Lockdown ends in July.  Answers on a postcard please.