January 14, 2024: Hnefatafl
When people think of Vikings, they usually picture boats, swords, raids, and (occasionally)
70s rock anthems. But perhaps it's time for more people to consider another facet of this legendary culture. Because in between raiding monastaries and establishing settlements in the British Isles, these warriors spent a good amount of time playing tabletop games. One of their favorites was
Hnefatafl, a board game in which the defender must get their king piece to safety while facing off against the attacker. The defender has fewer pieces than the attacker, making for an exciting challenge.
I've had a passing interest in historic games since trying my hand at
Senet during 2020's virtual Gen Con, but I didn't become aware of
Hnefatafl until I read
Thud!, the Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett. I was surprised to learn that the in-universe game
Hnaflbaflsniflwhifltafl was based on an ancient . . .
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January 13, 2024: And Then There's The "Save" Icon . . .
I saw a conversation online recently (part of the "discourse," as they say) about someone asking if phone booths were real things, or just plot contrivances made up for movies. The thread had lots of helpful people – with photos and anecdotes – explaining how they were, indeed, real. It was a surprisingly sweet thread.
It got me thinking about how many elements of life and gaming are just . . . history. We were playing Artbox recently with the extended family, and I "drew" a classical (pre-cellular) phone: box, cradle-line across the top, cups on the ends of the receiver. All the adults knew what it was; the kiddos did not. Which makes sense; a "pick up the receiver and push mechanical buttons on a box attached to a wall"-style phone doesn't exist to them.
It's curious what other aspects of gaming and geeky life are like this, and – perhaps – what elements I don't . . . [more]
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January 12, 2024: Munchkin Madness Taking Your Game To The Next Level
You've killed the monsters. You've stolen the treasure. You've stabbed your buddies. Now it's time to elevate your Munchkin experience.
Did you know that on our online store,
Warehouse 23, there are over 35 different
Munchkin games and countless expansions? Whatever you like: zombies, outer space, kittens, Wonderland, Cthulhu, the Wild West, superheroes
– there's a version for you! Expansions and stand-alone games are not the only way to enjoy this mega-hit game, either. On
Warehouse 23 you'll also find some amazing accessories and enhancements.
Keep your drink from . . .
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