Winter Is Coming..

Not sure why I got it into my head to start recollecting ASOIAF minis again after cashing out a while back. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the game, but rather it suffered this fate for the same reason as so many others like it do; I couldn't find anyone to play the game with. And I confess that's a fault that lies with me moreso than a statement about the game's player-base.

So my recollection initially started off with the starter boxes for the Night's Watch and House Stark; the two factions I was most-interested in playing. Me being me and wanting more options for myself and prospective opponents, I quickly added the Lannister and Baratheon starters too. Then I decided a ranged unit would be a welcome addition for each of the armies. And having more hero and NCU (non-combat unit, those off-the-field who help support their troops through guile and other forms of battlefield manipulation) options would make army building a tad easier, when it comes to filling out point cost. Last, the other day Amazon had a sale so I picked up a few Greyjoy boxes as well. I don't see myself playing aggressively much, but when the mood were to strike, I understand this house lends itself to that style.

One of the draws for my games is figuring out efficient ways of organizing them. As with most of these type wargames, your collection can and will (for those who have at least a middling interest in their games) quickly outgrow the capacity core/starter box, so finding optimal solutions for storage and transport can present a challenge, even to more seasoned players, depending on the game.

A concept I recently started trying out was magnetizing my minis. For certain games such as MESBG where models can have optional gear, like shields and such, I have done this, so I don't have to go and buy or keep separate minis based on their loadout. For MESBG and now ASOIAF, I discovered a fine carrying case with metallic trays. While the minis do not slide around terribly much as long as a measure of care is observed when transporting, I've found using even tiny magnets helps prevent this, though naturally, larger ones are needed for the bigger cavalry and banner-wielding minis. Tend to use Gorilla Glue for the adhesion, though it seems this leaves a white film after drying, so leaving these minis upside down for a day or two after as to not make a mess on the trays.

Another recent venture of mine is delving into 3d printing. After years of spending a small fortune on purchasing terrain and tokens and a plethora of other accessories for my games, I finally wised up and bought a printer to make these items for a fraction of the cost. While I am no designer nor CAD engineer, I'm beginning to find my way around the apps to manipulate the models so that they might print more efficiently (or print at all). Above is an STL I purchased off Etsy to replace the cardboard terrain that came in the starter set. That is another thing I'm big on; I go for immersion in my games, and I think many will agree that these little upgrades go a long way to helping the battlefield come more alive and make the game that much more fun to play.

More updates to follow once I'm done with this initial setup. Sure I'll be painting these guys up at some point, so be on the lookout for a post for that as well. Until then, happy rolling all!