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Sunday, 9 May 2021

Is it worth publishing a simple terrain generator booklet?

Since I published my simple terrain generator as part of THE PORTABLE COLONIAL WARGAME book, I have had several requests for just that section of the book. I am therefore thinking about publishing that section of the book as a separate booklet so that non-Colonial wargamers can have access to it.

Doing this would take very little time and effort and would seemingly meet a need. I’m not currently rushed off my feet with other projects (my Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War project is progressing slowly but surely), and I could easily fit it in quite literally whilst I am waiting for the paint to dry!

20 comments:

  1. Hi Bob,
    This sounds like a good plan for you to expand your published books. At present I'm in a bit of a state of flux- not fully prepared to commit to any Project - stalled! It all depends upon the funds that may be available. I need to be sensible about my choice of Project as I fully understand that at present I can only choose one Project. Hope you are well there in London. Regards. KEV.

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    1. Kev Robertson (Kev),

      It is certainly a short publishing project that I could slip into my schedule without too much trouble ... and it might even sell a few copies.

      I have enough stuff sitting in my storage boxes to keep me going for years, so financing my current projects is no problem. That said, I haven’t considered taking on a new project for some years ... but having seen the price of some manufacturer’s figures, I know that it would be expensive to do so.

      Keep safe and keep well,

      Bob

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  2. Hi Bob. If I had any control over your activities, I would request a book on portable wargames WW2 at various levels, including operational (Hexblitz with clearer supply rules and covering air support?) - ie something similar to your Napoleonic Portable wargame.

    Cheers

    Simon

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    Replies
    1. Simon,

      It is on my list of potential future books ... and my Eastern Front/Great Patriotic War project is part of the preparation for it.

      All the best,

      Bob

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    2. I would agree with Simon. Hexblitz as a set of combat rules was good, but the "operational" aspect (air, recon, logistics and engineering) were lacking. Perhaps if you included them in the Patriotic War project (perhaps with some organisational guides for the " minor counties" ?
      Hope you're keeping well,
      Take Care,
      Tony.

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    3. Unknown (Tony),

      That is an interesting idea, and one that I will look into. Thanks for the suggestion ... and also for asking after my health, which is currently as good as I would expect it to be for someone of my age.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  3. I think a terrain generator booklet is a great idea. Also, anything with simple historical scenarios.

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    1. Axeminster,

      Thanks for your feedback ... and I’ll certainly give the scenario idea some thought.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  4. How about a compilation of terrain generation methods? For various climates and periods?

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    1. Phf,

      Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see if I can incorporate it into the book.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  5. Yes Bob, I think it is, this is a topic not covered much these days and it would be useful to have several methods in a single volume. Regards. Paul.

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    1. PDL,

      The feedback I have received indicates that publishing my simple terrain generator would make sense, especially if I can add stuff that wasn’t in THE PORTABLE COLONIAL WARGAME.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  6. Bob, I think that's an excellent idea. I have your colonial rules but would also buy the standalone terrain generator, especially if it had some extras in it!

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    1. Anthony Morton,

      Thanks for your very supportive comment, especially your suggestion to include a few ‘extras’. It has been duly noted!

      All the best,

      Bob

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  7. Hi Bob -
    I think it's a pretty good idea, but it might be worthwhile looking into how the system might be expanded into different sizes and shapes of gridded tables. I made some adaptations for my 10x10 square grid, and I'm thinking of doing something of the sort for the upcoming battle in the 'm'Butuland Expedition', on my 15x11.5 hex table. I haven't yet settled upon how it will work...
    Cheers,
    Ion

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    Replies
    1. Archduke Piccolo (Ion),

      I think that expanding the scope of the book to incorporate examples of how the system can be used for larger grids is a good one. It will also be a greater justification for publishing the system as a separate book. Any idea that you have will be more than welcome.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  8. I think it's a great idea. And I second the suggestion to include terrain generators for different sized grids/hex layouts. Also incorporating generic (or geographically/historically tailored) scenario generators along the lines of those seen in Restless Natives would no doubt be handy for folks. Though it may have wider appeal, the more generic it is. If there's useful content in it, that didn't already feature in the Portable Colonial Wargame, then it would be an instant purchase for me.

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    1. Donjondo,

      Thanks very much for the suggestions, which I will certainly consider in some detail. Adding some form of scenario generator would certainly increase the book’s overall appeal.

      All the best,

      Bob

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  9. I don’t think it’s worth it by itself but how about with a portable scenario book?

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    Replies
    1. Michael Taylor,

      Funnily enough, it is one development that I am giving serious thought to.

      All the best,

      Bob

      Delete

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