On an Ever Spinning Wheel
And how to actually run a wargame campaign.
This Week’s post looks at a potential structure for Intergalactic Bastionland.
The Wheel
Starship crew refer to the reliably repetitive pattern of ship life as a rotating wheel with three handles.
Transit, Dock, Layover, Transit, Dock, Layover, and so on forever.
1 - Transit: The Captain summons his Officers to discuss the ship’s next destination, often in lively debate. Once underway, the crew carry out their on board duties, get in each other’s way, and hope for an uneventful journey. Even when the work is quiet, crafty crew members will find ways to get ahead on the ship.
2 - Dock: The crew carry out ship business at their destination, usually a job assigned by their Officer or passed down from the Captain themselves. Common activities are trade, repair, refitting, recruitment, information gathering, and general exploitation of the locals, who are usually trying to do the same back to the crew.
3 - Layover: Custom dictates that Officers must take shore leave while the ship is at dock and portside business is closed. Usually an Officer takes their Table out into port, or even planetside, to conduct their personal business or just let off some steam while the ship’s drive is in cooldown. You don’t want to work on this ship forever, right? Now’s the time for your side hustle.
Elsewhere
Amanda Lee Franck joins me on the latest podcast, talking about three games that are important to her.
Roll Wi It Podcast kindly invited me for a chat recently, if you can stomach any more of my voice.
Sam Pearson talks about meaningful player choice in a wargame campaign, with some fantastic insights.
Coming Soon
Over on Patreon I do the worst kind of reflecting, self-reflecting.
I wonder how many games I need to make before I stop feeling shame at the very thought of talking about my creative process.
Today is not that day, but let’s push through together.
Expect the full post here and on the blog next week.
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