Week 10: Master of Two Worlds

And so, the first term of the year draws to a close, leaving memories of glory behind, and the promise for fine adventures in the future...

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Saturday 13:00 - Free-for-all Wargames in W/035E + W/035F

Once again, social will not be occurring.

For any Changeling: The Lost players, the next session will be occurring on Saturday 12th December, after the term has finished. It will be hosted in the usual Wentworth rooms: W/301, W/304, W/306, and W/307.  

D&D 5e game seeking players

So I’m running a new DnD campaign, and some more players are needed, so I thought I’d appeal to all the lovely people of SF&F. It’ll start hopefully with an introductory session in the last week of term, before starting properly next term, if I can get everyone together by then, or just after Christmas if I can’t. Here’s a bit of info about it:

Game Name: Theo’s 5e DnD Game

GM Name: Theo Adams

GM email/forum handle: tja524

System: 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons

Tone: Set in a somewhat classic fantasy setting, it will be a plot-driven game, but hopefully a light-hearted atmosphere - not dark and gritty.

Number of Players: One already confirmed, but three more are needed!

When: Either a Tuesday or Thursday night (depending on when people are available), 7 till late.

Brief Description: This will be quite a classic Dungeons and Dragons game, although hopefully one that is a little more complex than the cliche. We’ll be using the standard 5th edition rules, starting at level one, but it’ll be set in a homebrew world (Poorly made and unfinished map included), with all the races having different histories (although similar characteristics) than they do in the Player’s Handbook.

When the game begins the party members will all have responded to a plea by one of the larger towns (Tailsteer, if you’re following along with the map) in the Dragonborn Empire of Arkhosia for some adventurers to come and help them stop the frequent Orc raids that the town and surrounding villages have been hit with recently. The town mayor will have sent them, along with a captain of the town guards, on the road to one of the neighbouring Human kingdoms (Lawden). This kingdom has often dealt with Orc raids over the recent decades, and the mission the mayor has sent the party members on is to try and find some information about how they can be stopped. Hijinks, political intrigue, and some serious Orc-slaying ensue. This is a campaign where your actions will have consequence, and shape the world around you.

The 5e Basic Rules are available online, and I have a Player’s Handbook, so you won’t need to provide anything (although a set of dice is always nice!). Although I ran a 4th edition campaign for a couple of years, this is my first time running 5e, and beginners, either to 5e, DnD, or tabletop roleplaying as a whole, are welcome and encouraged. I also put a post about this on the forums, although it’s just all the same info as above.
    
I also added to the google doc, so hopefully I should get some emails soon!
Many thanks,

Theo

Week 9: Refusal of Return

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Saturday 13:00 - Free-for-all Wargames in W/035E + W/035F
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

News and Announcements

• This week, social will not be occurring due to low attendance and lack of general interest.
• Wargames may be starting on an official level again after Christmas. Until the end of term, the rooms booked on Saturday may be used by any who wish to play their own wargames.

Week 8: The Ultimate Boon

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

News and Announcements

NPCs are required for the next Changeling: The Lost session! The game will be hosted on the 12th December and your role will involve running a stall for the IC Christmas Market. If you are interested, please email Ayesha at yorkchangelingst@gmail.com ASAP!

As usual, there are no official Wargames running but the rooms W/035E and W/035F have been booked. Come along and use them for free-for-all Wargames if you wish.

Week 7: In the Belly of the Whale

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Tabletop Day in G/001, G/002, G/010, G/013, and G/020
Saturday 18:00 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306, and W/307
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

Tabletop Roleplay Day

The first term Tabletop Roleplay Day will be happening this Saturday (14th Nov) in G/001, G/002, G/010, G/013, and G/020 from 13:00

This is primarily an opportunity for people interested in Tabletop Roleplay to have a chance to give it a go with one-off games designed as an introduction to the hobby.  And of course those with more experience are more than welcome to join in the fun!

If you are interested in running a game, then please email a blurb for your game or post it on the forums!  (Due to time restrictions we advise pre-gened characters or ones very quick to make.)

Vague Structure of the day:

1. Assemble at 13:00 in G/001, players choose/squeeze into games and first set of games run. until around 6ish
2. Pizza and other food after the first lot of games.
3. Then a second set in the evening if people are happy to keep going

Other Stuff

A reminder that if you have not yet emailed the Pantheon refs about the Aspects you ended up with, please do so as soon as possible! 

Once again, W/035E and W/035F have been booked for Wargames purposes on Saturday from 11 onwards, but there is nothing officially running. Feel free to come along and play your own Wargames if you wish


Finally, for those who may interested, here is an advertisement for a board/tabletop game app:

Hello there,

I was playing a game of Monopoly (the Here & Now edition) nearly a year
ago now when – not for the first time – I got slightly frustrated with
the electronic banking unit, and how it makes the banker a real point
of contention.

This gave me the idea for a smartphone app for exchanging currency that
would support all board games. So you could – for example – use it to
play Power Grid instead.

I went ahead and made the idea reality, and after a few months of
development, I quietly published it last month.

You can go ahead and download it/read more about it/view screenshots at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dhpcs.liquidity. I believe Liquidity is a world first in that it's the only app that lets each player hold and control their money on their own phone.

(The Google Play listing screenshots and text hopefully make it clear
what it does and how to use it, so I won't repeat them here).

I've not really promoted it at all yet (hence the lack of reviews
etc.), which brings me to the reason I'm emailing you:

Before I make any significant effort to promote it, I thought it would
be a good idea to first seek the feedback of other board game
enthusiasts to see if there are any changes you think I could/should
make.

So, if you like, please do give it a go during one of your sessions and
let me know what you think. And if you like it, spreading the word
can't hurt either!

(in case the Google Play listing isn't clear, you don't need everyone
playing to have an Android phone; two or more players can share one
phone, simply swiping to change accounts – 'identities' – during play).

I'm looking for all types of feedback, so even if you think the idea is
terrible and that smartphones shouldn't be part of board games, I want
to know! Or it might be that you think the Google Play listing isn't
very clear and that I should rewrite it. It's all good!

Thanks for your time reading this. If Liquidity isn't of interest, I
can only apologise.

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

David Piggott

(If you're curious who I am, you can read a little at
https://www.dhpiggott.net/).

Week 6: The Sky is the Limit

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 9:00 - Watch the Skies in Dewent Bar
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006
 

News and Announcements

One week remains to sign up for Watch the Skies, a Megagame of Alien Terror. Players are desperately required, so sign up if you are interested:

Join sixty other players as world leaders responding to a mysterious alien menace.

Become a Diplomat, General, or Scientist working to protect their country, and the world, from the threat. Or play as one of the other roles in the game. Be a member of the press or one of the mysterious invading aliens.

The game will run from 9am on Saturday, Week 6 (7th November). There are only sixty player slots available, so  contact us to book your place at either: http://wts.goblinoid.co.uk/ or by emailing WTSYorkUni@gmail.com. Player bookings for York Uni Freshers will be prioritised, so let us know if you are one.

Tickets will cost £5, or £3 if you are a paid up member.

Facebook event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/899916173428741/

If you would like a taste of the game, there's an amazing video review here:

http://www.shutupandsitdown.com/videos/v/susd-play-megagame/


Mordheim will not be occurring this coming Saturday, however the rooms W/035E and W/035F have been booked. Feel free to turn up and use them for general 'free for all' wargames starting from 1pm onwards.

Week 5: Fear the Fish God!

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Mordheim in W/035E + W/035F
Saturday: 14:00 - Pantheon in W/301, W/304, W/306 + W/307
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

News and Announcements

Watch the Skies is still seeking players! For those who do not know, this is a megagame running in week 6 involving 60 people. Play as a nation or an alien with world domination in sight! To sign up or for more information, please email WTSYorkUni@gmail.com.

On Saturday, we are proud to present the first of an exciting three part LARP called Pantheon. This will be run indoors as a non-combat game and will involve various Gods with different agendas working together to assert influence over a blank world. We have a players guide on the forums. There is still time to create characters, so to do so, please email Yorkpantheon@gmail.com

Wargame's Mordheim Campaign 15-16 starting this Saturday (31st) at 1pm in Wentworth.  Mordheim is a skirmish game based of Warhammer Fantasy, starring all your favorite races in a turf war to control the titular city.  No experience necessary, and we have plenty of Warbands to lend out for people who lack models.  See the forums for more information.

This Wednesday, a weapons practice will be held on the usual LARP field (past the library and near Alcuin) in the afternoon. Feel free to come along to hone your skills. 

Week 4: A Road of Trials and Daring Deeds Ahead!

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in G/001 and G/002
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - War Games in W/035E + W/035F
Saturday 11:00 - Final Fortress LARP in W/304, W/306 + W/307
Saturday: 18:00 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306 + W/307
Sunday 12:00 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

After recent questions from new members, this information has been double checked, and we can confirm that the rooms stated above are the ones which are officially booked at that time and in that place and for that purpose. If anyone hosts a reoccurring event which is held in a different room, not booked through the society, please let us know as soon as possible in order to avoid future confusion.

News and Announcements

As mentioned in a previous email, in week 6, we are hosting a megagame called Watch the Skies which will involve 60 people. Please email WTSYorkUni@gmail.com for more info and signing up.

This Saturday, we are hosting Final Fortress; a bi-termly LARP set in a midst of a war with the undead. If you still wish to gen a character, email finalfortresslarp@gmail.com for more details.

In Week 5, we are hosting a new once-per-term indoors LARP called Pantheon. Players take on the role of a God of one or more different aspects where the objective is to assert your influence on an undefined world. Sound easy enough? Not while collaborating, competing, and debating with other Gods it isn't! For more information, or if you wish to gen a character and have not yet done so, please email yorkpantheon@gmail.com.

Do you play War Games? There is currently a vote on which weekly system to use, between Mordheim or WH40k using Kill Team/Combat Patrol rules. Head over to this forum thread to cast your vote.

Not yet on the forums? Head over and sign up for all the latest information.

GeekFest 2015

So as you may know we are taking part in GeekFest 2015, a massive event celebrating geek culture at the University of York. This will be happening on the 17th and 18th October with many events such as workshops, a cosplay masquerade and different films showing throughout the event, alongside loads more things. It would be awesome to see as many of you there as physically possible.

Tickets are available from here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geekfest-tickets-17980259440 and are free!!!

Here is the Facebook event https://www.facebook.com/events/765161660259826/

and the webpage for more details http://geekfestyork.co.uk/

We'll see you there!

Week 3: The Call to Adventure

Greetings all. Hope you are recovering sufficiently from Convention and are ready to participate in another week of games and activities. 

Week 3 Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in G/001 and G/002
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 11:00 - War Games in W/035E + W/035F
Sunday 12:00 - Impact in D/L/002 + D/L/006

News and Announcements

If you did not get a chance to pay for membership during Convention and wish to do so, please get in contact with our treasurer, Rosie Cook.

In weeks 4 and 9, there is Final Fortress; a new twice-termly Saturday LARP set in a midst of a war with the undead. Email finalfortresslarp@gmail.com for more details, or if you wish to gen a character.

In week 6, we are hosting a game called Watch the Skies. This is a megagame involving 60 people, in which players can decide whether to run a country or invade the Earth. Please email for more details.

GeekFest

GeekFest is a brand new initiative, the University of York's very first convention!

Led by student societies, GeekFest is a completely free convention that aims to promote all aspects of Geek Culture from Art and Game Design to LARP and Manga. It also aims to let you try new experiences or perhaps pick up old hobbies again — and, of course, to let everyone have an amazing time.
What's happening at GeekFest?

We've already got a loads of events lined up, here are just a few:

• "Who's the Biggest Geek?" Quiz
• Q&A Panels with Comic Creators, Game Devs and LARPers
• Try out Quiddich!
• Battle Reenactment
• LAN Gaming Room

...and these really are just the tip of the iceberg! With loads of stuff already on our timetable and even more to come, like our Facebook page to be the first to find out when we get new stuff!

Where is GeekFest?

GeekFest will be in the Exhibition Centre at the University of York on the weekend of 17–18 October 2015.

That's the tall building on the south side of the lake, also home to the physics and electronics departments.

Tabletop

For those interested in getting involved in Tabletop Roleplaying games, please note the information below, brought to you by our Tabletop Representative, Tom Parker:

So how do you get involved?

Tabletop roleplay games are characterised by strange, many-sided dice and the occasional spine-shattering rulebook.

But the most important part of tabletop games are the other people you're playing with, and this is where the society comes in, to help get gamers together.

The primary ways to recruit players or find a game:

1) Google documents

We have two Google documents for those interested in joining or running roleplay games, feel free to write an entry for yourself if you're looking to join a game or recruit players.

There is of course no requirement or obligation to join games you are invited to or invite every player who shows interest.

*Links to the Google Docs can be found in the email version of this news, or from sfandf@yusu.org.

2) Society Forums

Feel free to post a thread if you're looking for a game to join or you want to get players for a game you want to run.

3) Society Email

The secretary normally sends out at least one email a week with details of society activities. If you want to get to a slightly wider audience, then email sfandf@yusu.org with a blurb so we can advertise your game or interest in joining one.

4) Socials

We have regular socials on Thursdays, usually in Derwent Bar from 8PM. The society email will specify if we are aware of Derwent Bar being used.

5) Conventions

We have a termly society convention where people are free to gather and play tabletop roleplay games, live roleplay games, board games, watch movies and suffer sleep deprivation in the pursuit of the aforementioned activities. The First Term Convention is happening 9th-11th October.

6) Tabletop days

We also have a termly Tabletop Day.
The first term's tabletop day is geared towards introductory games and should be running Saturday of Week 7 (14th November)

Room Bookings

As a university society SF&F can book out rooms on campus for it's members to have a quiet location dedicated to their game for an evening or afternoon. To do this email sfandf@yusu.org with the days and time you wish a room to be used.

We have a very good reputation with the porters, so please do your utmost to leave the rooms in a clean and tidy state, even if some of the mess was caused by previous users.

Convention!

Greetings all.

As mentioned in the previous email, we have a SciFi and Fantasy Convention running from Friday to Sunday in Wentworth. The specific rooms are W/035E, W/035F, W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307 (apologies for the mistake in the last email; W/305E and F are, in fact, nonexistent). We would love for as many people as possible to attend, especially Freshers and Newbies. If anyone has not yet paid for society membership, convention is also a great opportunity to do so.

We now have a timetable of exciting activities which are running, as well as information about a few of the games and who is running them.

Activities running

All the time

• Boardgames and bad movies

Time TBD

• D&D 5th Newbie Games - Katrina Goldman
• Big trouble in little china (Feng Shui 2) - Max Standring
• Warhammer 40k pick up games, armies provided.

Friday

• Cosmic Patrol (3-6 players, newbies welcome, rules-light pulp SF) - Jon Fry
• Into Dark Places (5 players, newbies  welcome, D&D3.5//PF) - Thomas Irving
• Garme Inn (6 players, newbies welcome, D&D 5th) - Max Standring
• Baron Munchausen (9-12pm) - Luke & Toph:

“Greetings, Ladies, Gentlemen and Others. You are cordially invited to an evening of tall tales of ADVENTURE! Naturally, you cannot be expected to recall all of your fine deeds, so one of the other guests shall request you regale us with only one of your stories. If some contradiction in one of your fellows tale, then feel free to raise it, so they might enlighten us, how, for example, they were dealing with the Nile having a drought at the time.”

Saturday

• Kiss of the Frog God (6 players, newbies  welcome, LotFP) - Thomas Irving
• Fiasco (3-5 players, 2-4pm, Fiasco) - William Thomas-Sam
• Retrofuture (2 lots of 3-4 players) - Liam & Will:

The game's setting will be retrofuturist, with humans and mutants eking out a barbaric existence in a world long abandoned by its technological masters.

• BrikWars (1pm start, games at 3pm & 5pm) - Zoe
• Changeling LARP Newbie Event (6pm onwards, in W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307):

'Changeling: the Lost' is an indoor LARP running once a month. It explores the largely forgotten darker side of fairytales and folklore with a modern, urban fantasy theme. No prior experience is needed, so please feel free to come along and try it out! Small snacks will be provided.

Sunday

• Impact LARP Newbie Event - 3pm (With an ‘Adventurer’s Mart’ beforehand in W/035E):

"The Fall and Rise of Impact Ref Team will be running an introductory adventure for new players on Sunday at 15:00. If you're new to LARP or just new to the system we'd love to meet you and have you along! The Impact Refs will be at the convention from 10:00 on Saturday to do chat to people and do character generation. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

We'll also be doing an "Adventurer's Mart" for new players, so if any of our old players have kit or weapons they'd be happy to lend out that would be great."

• Into Dark Places (5 players, newbies  welcome, D&D3.5//PF) - Thomas Irving

Week 2: New Game, Press Start

Greetings to new freshers and returning members alike!

Week 2 Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in G/001 and G/002
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003 + D/L/006
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Friday 18:00 - Sunday 23:59 - CONVENTION!!! in Wentworth: W/305F, W/305E, W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307

SF&F Forums

Information for new Freshers: we have a forum! Sign up for more details on the things we do, and it is the best place to get to know each other, find out who shares your interests, and set up events and activities.

Convention

All weekend in the Wentworth block, there will be boardgames, card games, tabletop games and two different LARPs going on in the Wentworth block. For newbies, this is the perfect opportunity to try something out and get to know new people! Feel free to drop in at any time! (Note: There will be another email coming out later this week with information about the specific games at convention and the times at which they are occurring.)

Want to run a game at convention and not yet got in touch? Please drop us an email before Wednesday with details to let us know, and we'll put it on our schedule.

If you have any questions, need a room booking or anything publicised in a email, please do get in touch.

Elly Brine
SFandF Secretary

Week 10: One Last Charge!

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/306
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in W/035E and W/035F
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in V/120, V/123, V/139
Thursday - Society Meal
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  

If you have already signed up for the society meal and don't know where/when it is, we will be sending out separate emails soon to clarify these details.

Over the summer, most lecture and seminar rooms at the University are used for conferences. If anybody requires a room for SF and F purposes in this time, please ensure to email the society two weeks in advance. Bear in mind that it may still be impossible to get the room of your choice.

A reminder that the society 'design a logo' competition is still ongoing. Ideally, the new logo should be kept somewhat in line to the former society logo, but other than that, let your imagination run free! Deadline for entry is at the end of August.

Committee Meeting Minutes

Committee Meeting 04/06/15

In Attendance: Tegwen Hammersley, Max Brown, Rosie Cook, Thomas Irving, Tom Parker, Patrick Clarke-Williams, Elly Brine.

1. Are we going to do GIAG again? If so, when and what?

• Tegwen’s proposal: have it during the second week of term.
• There will be Impact, Changeling and boardgame sessions.
• The application has already been sent off.

2. Fresher’s Fair. Where will it be, and who will be there?

• It will be in the James Dining Room.
• Various people will be on shifts to run the stall. Tegwen, Rosie, Max, Elly (globophobia allowing), and Thomas are all willing to take these shifts.

3. First Convention. Should we have a more structured layout of events with a timetable? Activities for newbies? Should times of games be announced beforehand with an online sign-up? Should there be boardgames of Sunday when LARP is going on?

• We ask people at socials and via email if they would like to run something, then put a timetable together based on that. 
• There will be cardgames and LARP sessions for newbies. 
• There will be an online sign-up with priority for newbies. Some spaces will be left free. 
• Boardgames will be on Sunday.

4. When will tabletop day and the WTS megagame be next term?

• Tabletop day will be the Saturday of Week 7.
• The WTS megagame will be Saturday of Week 6.

5. Are there still things running over the summer? If so, what?

• There is a summer LARP. Anything else (tabletop games etc) will have to contact if they require room bookings).

   
6. Missing boardgames. What are we going to do about it? Should we report it as a crime?

• Cannot report as a crime as it is now too late and would lead to inconveniences.
• Missing boardgames will be replaced as soon as we are given a budget from YUSU.
• In future, we will create a system for borrowing boardgames at convention involving a sign-out list and a responsible person.

7. Movie nights. Should we have these? If so, when?

• Potential plan to run these once a month with three ‘taster sessions’ to gauge interest.

8. Socials. At the moment, ours are relatively low-key. How can we make them more popular?

• The first few socials for next term will be ‘Fresher Friendly’ with lots of encouragement for newbies to return.

9. GM workshop. Will we have one? If so, what will be involved?

• We will ask people if they are interested in the idea of GM buddies to help new GMs find their feet when it comes to running games.
• Games where half of the players are Freshers and half are non-Freshers will be encouraged.

10. Logo competition?

• Yes!
• Funding has already been requested.
• New logo should be kept somewhat in-line with the old one.
• Merchandise could then be made from the new logo.
• Deadline will be the end of August.

11. Facebook page?

• Yes!

Week 9: Tabletop extravaganza incoming!

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in W/035E and W/035F
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002 and D/L/003
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Friday 18:00 - Tabletop Double-Day W/301, W/304, W/306, W/307, W/035E, W/035F
Saturday 12:00 - Tabletop Double-Day W/301, W/304, W/306, W/307, W/035E, W/035F
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Saturday 19:00 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/116

Tabletop Day

Tabletop day this term will be spread out over the course of Friday evening and Saturday. Due to time clashes on Saturday, people will have to leave the upstairs Wentworth rooms (W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307) at roughly 18:30 so that the Changeling session can be run. However, anyone is free to continue using the downstairs Wentworth rooms (W/035E and W/035F) for tabletop games if they so choose. Please ensure that all items including rubbish are taken out of the upstairs rooms before 18:30 on Saturday.

Society Meal

The society meal will be running on Thursday of Week 10 and will be at Wagamamas. Please contact the society as soon as possible if you want to come so that we can book.

New Logo Competition

Fancy yourself as a bit of an artist? Why not enter the competition to design a society logo! Ideally, this should be kept somewhat in line to the former society logo, but other than that, let your imagination run free! Deadline for entry is at the end of August.

Week 8: For Songs Hereafter and for Glory

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in G/010
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/243
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in V/120, V/123, V/139
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 10:00 - Multiverse on the field (rooms W/304, W/306 and W/222 booked as a back-up)
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/116

The Multiverse session on Saturday is the final one of the year, and the plan is to have it taking place entirely on the LARP field. If anyone would like to crew for this, please let the refs know in advance and it would be much appreciated.

A new Facebook page has been set up to make it easier to find a tabletop game in York!

Interested in Game Development? More information from Dev Soc below:

Dear Science Fiction and Fantasy Society,

As your society's pursuits fall under one of the many interests and disciplines of the video game development industry, DevSoc would like to offer members of SF&F the opportunity to attend a free Introduction to Game Development course: "The DevSoc Beginner's Boot Camp".

We will be taking a back-to-basics approach meaning that we will be introducing participants to all the tools and skills necessary for them to build a game from the ground up. We will also be on hand during open development time to answer any additional questions that attendees may have.

The boot camp will be run during the afternoon on the Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of Weeks 9 and 10 in the Ron Cooke Hub on Heslington East.

If any of your members are interested, they can join the Facebook group for the event here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/456008664578136/

Any questions or queries that your members may have can either be posted in the Facebook group or directed to us by e-mail to devsoc@yusu.org.

Finally, those who do want to sign up can do so here (spaces are limited):

http://goo.gl/forms/xeHijWh0YI

Participation in the event is free for all students and membership with DevSoc is not required.

Week 7: Onwards We March!

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in G/002
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/243
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in V/120, V/123, V/139
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/047

Nerd East

This coming Saturday (May 30th) there is a Roleplaying and Gaming convention taking place in Durham. There will be traders selling LARP kit, games, talks and plenty of other activities. More information can be found on their Facebook page or on the society forums:

HorrorCon UK 2015

Furthermore, Yorkshire is hosting the first ever Horror Convention on 11 and 12 July in Rotherham. £15 day ticket, £27 weekend ticket

Confirmed Guests:

• Gunnar Hansen (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
• Dacre Stoker (Great-grand-nephew of Bram Stoker)
• Mike Peel (Special Effects)
• Caroline Munro (Hammer Horror)
• Martine Beswick (Hammer Horror)
• David J Howe (Author - Dr Who non-fiction books)
• Sam Stone (Author - Killing Kiss)
• Paul Kane (Author - The Arrowhead Trilogy)
• Marie O’Regan (Author - Mirror Mere)
• More to be announced

Week 6: Over the Halfway Mark!

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/307
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/304
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in V/120, V/123, V/139
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in D/L/116

Since there were a few people who initially went to the wrong rooms last week despite email notifications (including me), it is worth pointing out that, as noted above, the rooms for Impact on Wednesday have once again changed due to exams.

Another note about boardgames:

After asking around, it seems that we are still missing a considerable number of boardgames since convention. Specifically, these are:

• Alhambra
• Castle Panic
• Civilization
• Galaxy Truckers
• Ghost Stories
• Munchkin
• Stone age
• Ticket to Ride
• Zombie Flux

If anyone happens to know the whereabouts of any of the above, please do get in contact.

Week 5: Exams Will Come But There's Still Time For Fun

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/306
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/304
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in G/020, G/013, G/010, G/002
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002 
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/116

Note that many of the above may have changed due to exams.

An urgent announcement about boardgames:

After convention, it was noted in the society email that several of the boardgames had gone missing. Since then, they have not reappeared, nor have still not been given any information on there whereabouts. Furthermore, it has been noted that the society boardgames seem to have depleted as of late; it is estimated that we now have a quarter of the numbers we once did. If anyone has boardgames at home which once belonged to the society, it is incredibly important that you let us know so that we can arrange a way for these to be brought to conventions in future.

An announcement from Paul Donovan about a potential game:

Watch the Skies is a megagame: a fast-paced, 8-hour game of international relations, conflict, high-level diplomacy and alien invasions designed for upwards of 40 people.

There's an awesome video review of the first one here (60 players): http://www.shutupandsitdown.com/videos/v/susd-play-megagame/

And another for the second game (300 players): http://www.shutupandsitdown.com/blog/post/susd-play-watch-skies-2-pt-1/ ;http://www.shutupandsitdown.com/videos/v/watch-skies-2-pt-2/

I'd very much like to support one here in York, and think there is definitely space to run a game on campus some weekend.

The game would require:

• Somewhere between 5-7 referees for the smallest game (40ish), up to around 35 for the largest (300ish).
• A hall large enough for all the players, with a separate space nearby for the aliens to form their secret plams.
• A large projector screen would be useful.
• Large laminated world maps; pieces for the military commanders; a printed rulebook for each player; a printed guide for each referee; various other bits, pieces and gubbins I don't even know about yet (all at a cost).
• The purchase of the game itself (£20).

I'd be proposing to run this some time in the first term next year, with priority booking for first-years. My suggestion would be to have a small entry fee (reduced if already a society member).

If you are interested in getting involved, please send an email to the society.

Week 4 Won't Be a Bore! (unless you're revising...)

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/234
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/008, D/L/003 and D/L/002 
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 10:00 - Multiverse in W/304, W/306 and W/222
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Saturday 19:00 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306 and W/307
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/116

A few non-Society events...

On Saturday 9th May, from 16:30 onwards, a sci-fi and fantasy pub meet is taking place in the Brigantes Bar in York.

In association with the British Fantasy Society (BFS) and the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA), we are pleased to announce another open pubmeet event for the Yorkshire region. Our guest authors for the evening, reading from their own work and fielding questions about their careers and writing in general, are Mark Morris and K T Davies, and we'll also have Lee Harris running a bonus 'Ask the Editor' spot for all your editorial queries and advice.

More details can be found on their website.

And there is an announcement and invitation from the University of York Linguistics Society:

On Wednesday, 5th May, the Linguistics Society has an interesting public lecture from a research student here at York on speech technology. We would, therefore, like to cordially invite your society and its members to the talk at a discounted rate. We will be starting at 18:30 in V/045.

Week 3: Is the Warm Weather Here to Stay?

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/307
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/008, D/L/003 and D/L/002 
Thursday 18:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Mordheim in G/002  
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/037

Post-Convention Notices

Unfortunately, a few of the boardgames which were brought to convention have gone missing, including Eclipse (and expansions), Castle of Burgundy and Munchkin. If you have accidentally picked up any of these or others, please return them as soon as possible.

It has also come to our attention that some people were drinking alcohol in one of the downstairs rooms of Wentworth during convention (and leaving bottles in the room). Please note that this is not allowed and, if this continues to happen, we may be asked to stop using the rooms in future.

Week 2: Convention

Timetable 

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in W/035E and W/035F
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/008, D/L/003 and D/L/002 
Thursday 18:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Friday 18:00 - Convention in W/301, W/304, W/306, W/307, W/035E and W/035F
Saturday 7:00 - Convention in W/301, W/304, W/306, W/307, W/035E and W/035F
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002  
Sunday 7:00 - Convention in W/301, W/304, W/306, W/307, W/035E and W/035F
Sunday 12:30- Impact in D/L/037 

Convention

As noted above, convention is on this weekend in the Wentworth rooms. There is no formalised timetable or structure for the events on during convention, so if you want to play boardgames or run a one-off tabletop game, please come along and there will be a room free.

Week 1: Welcome Back

*waves* Hello everyone! Hope you all had a relaxing holiday and that you're all ready to get back to some term-time sfandf related fun.

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in W/243
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/306 and W/307
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact outside on the LARP field of dreams (weather permitting). Back up rooms in W/301 and W/307
Thursday 18:00 - Social in Derwent Bar 
Saturday 13:00 - Mordheim in G/002
Saturday 18:30 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306 + W/307
Sunday 12:30 - Impact in V/045 Lecture Theatre

Please note that some of the above rooms are different from usual.

Not yet on the society forums? Sign up today for all the latest updates.

Not yet a fully payed member of the society? Please get in contact with our Treasurer, Rosie Cook.

Glory?

GLORY!

Farewell,

Elly/CT
Secretary

Minutes from the AGM

SF&F AGM Minutes

(1) Attendance

• 17 people in attendance

(2) Library

• Library officer Brandon gave a report on the status of the library and the plan to consolidate it:
• He has collected what he thought was the whole library, but Lemon Press have confirmed the presence of more books in their offices
• Brandon is asking for help from someone with a car to transfer the books from campus to his house (please email sfandf@yusu.org if you can help)
• The plan is still to produce a spreadsheet, and collect ticks for each book, planning to keep/sell/charity shop the books depending on popularity.  This will hopefully leave us with a more consolidated and useable library

   

(3) Renaming

• Jon proposed renaming the society to something that better reflects the activities of the society
• It was discussed, and decided that doing so would restrict our options in the future

   

(4)  Film Screenings

• It was suggested that we should restart film screenings, which would also help support the SF&F name
• Having a new Abnormal Member for films was suggested, but concluded that it would be better to see if they start first
• If anyone wants to help organise screenings, or have suggestions for films they want to see, please email us.

(5) Constitution

• We examined the YUSU template constitution, and suggested some aims and objectives for the constitution
• We did not have quorum present, so changes will be proposed, and arguments given for/against in email, leading to an online and in person vote held at an EGM held by the new committee
• In the new constitution we will acknowledge the other 'similar' societies such as Anime or Hacksoc, and explain our differences

   

(6) Vampire Isles of Darkness LARP

• Do you take part in this LARP, or plan to take part in it (see weekly email)?  Please let us know if this is the case

(7) Hustings and Elections for the 2015-2016 committee

The following were elected:

• Chairbeing - Wug
• President - Tegwen Hammersley
• Treasurer - Rosie Cook
• Secretary - Elly Brine
• Kit Officer - Issac Grief
• Webmaster - David Gundry
• Librarian - Brandon Keane
• Abnormal Member for Boardgames - Patrick Clarke-Williams
• Abnormal Member for Cardgames - Will Arnup
• Abnormal Member for LARP - Max Brown
• Abnormal Member for Tabletop Games - Tom Parker
• Abnormal Member for Wargames - Thomas Irving

Week 10: The End Approaches

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 19:00 -  Society Meal at Wagamama in York
Saturday 12:00 - Wargames in G/002
Saturday 18:30 - Changeling in W/301, W/304, W/306 + W/307

Attention anyone living on Campus: There will be a walking bus on Thursday to go to Wagamama. Please arrive in the Vanbrugh Stalls at 18:30 for its departure.

Week 9: It's time for Week Nine!

Hi everyone,

This is your newly elected secretary, Elly Brine speaking. Thank you all for voting for me instead of RON. I've never met him personally but he seems pretty fully of himself so I'm glad he didn't get the job. Also, this is my first time doing this and I'm trying really hard not to mess up. If I do, I'm very sorry.

So, onwards to glory!

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/002, D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 18:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Thursday 21:00 -  Committee Handover in D/L/006
Saturday 13:00 - Wargames in G/002
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

Election Results

Congratulations to the new committee:
Chairbeing - Wug

President - Tegwen Hammersley
Treasurer - Rosie Cook
Secretary - Elly Brine

Kit Officer - Issac Grief
Webmaster - David Gundry
Librarian - Brandon Keane
Abnormal Member for Boardgames - Patrick Clarke-Williams
Abnormal Member for Cardgames - Will Arnup
Abnormal Member for LARP - Max Brown
Abnormal Member for Tabletop Games - Tom Parker
Abnormal Member for Wargames - Thomas Irving

Minutes of the AGM to follow.

Notices

Isles of Darkness - York (From Hannah Bridgeman)

We are a national New World of Darkness roleplaying society, with shared continuity across all games in all cities. As of March/April a new chronicle is starting, and York will be running Vampire: the Requiem and Changeling: the Lost as part of this. The society also holds national games every six months, and periodic weekend games which are over 2-3 days (Requiem has one scheduled in York next spring). If anyone is interested in joining either game could they please email Hannah Bridgeman at York.Requiem.LST [at] islesofdarkness [dot] com

Vampire

This has been running a few months in the new chronicle already. Vampire is a fairly political game also containing other elements, centred around the city of York, with some plots taking place around the region, in Hull and Bradford. Current plots include investigations into a Masquerade breach, finding adoptive sires for young and naive vampires, and implementing the treaty signed in Glasgow last weekend. Manchester also run a monthly Requiem game and there is definite crossover between the two, with the York game getting visitors every month.

Changeling

This is slated to start in the next couple of months. It will be a game of setting up a Barony to start with, as in the National Setting the Freehold of the North covers the entire region, and is divided into Baronies with elected Baron and possible council. As some players are new to the game, it will start off with fairly light plot, which should allow the exploration of the local Hedge and meeting with some local NPCs. Doncaster are starting a Lost game around the same time as us, with a 'Steampunk' styling behind it, and we are told to expect visitors from there.

A Message from the Candidates...

Wug (Chairbeing)

The Wug stands for the natural pluralisation of people - in their coming together and their being in the same place, they pluralise themselves, and what can be better but to be among your own kind?

If elected, The Wug promises to promote the acceptance of all non-standard forms of pluralisation, and to build a giant spaceship for all of SF&F to hang out in.

The Wug loves everyone equally, for no form of being is incorrect, if done by a native be-er. As we are all native be-ers, we are all correct, however non-standard. (And really, the non-standard ways of being are clearly more fun.)

The Wug's qualifications are that it is a be-er, and also super nerdy. (The Wug's hobbies include playing watching Mythbusters, being a test for internalisation of English Pluralisation, and watching. Just. Watching.) 

Nathan van Doorn (Treasurer)

Hello, I'm Nathan van Doorn, a second-year student of Maths and Computer Science, and I am running for Treasurer. I would like to be treasurer for SF&F, and I think I am the right chap for the job because I have experience being a treasurer for a YUSU society in my role as Treasurer for HackSoc, and I am enthusiastic about the Sci Fi and Fantasy society. Vote for me, I guess, unless you think another candidate is a better choice.

Rosie Cook (Treasurer)

Hi! My name is Rosie, I'm a second year law student and I am running for treasurer.

Actual skills I possess: A-levels in Maths and Further Maths (so basically I can show my working and use a calculator), I can use Excel, I can do paperwork and actual adult emails and vaguely worded threats if people don’t give me money. Like a certain house from a certain popular TV show, I always pay my debts. 

Experience: I have budgeted the costume department for three pantomimes, all of them running way under budget and saving a whole load of money for the society. I also budgeted the entirety of my first year. I know. I don’t know how. I do law, so I’m familiar with rules and regulations and having to angrily email people who aren’t doing what they’re supposed to be doing. I also know that theft, fraud, embezzlement, and a variety of other criminal offences and economic torts are MORALLY WRONG.

Also, I'm not on the committee for any other society, so the position will have my full, undivided attention!

So basically, vote for me, and I’ll keep us on the right side of the law/YUSU/morality chart (delete as appropriate). At least, as far as the money’s concerned…

Even if you’re not going to vote for me, thanks for taking the time to read it!

Patrick Clarke-Williams (Abnormal Member for Board Games)

I want to be board games rep because my social life is greatly enhanced by sitting in a room with nerds and interacting as designated by pre-assigned rules and regulations. As board games rep I will turn up to get the key from James porters every Monday, or inform the relevant people if I cannot, and I will acquire a portion of the society's funds to buy more classic kids' games to amuse us. In conclusion, vote for Paddy because you know deep down in your heart that while you could play Battlestar Galactica, you'd rather play Mousetrap.

Week 8: Election fever

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 18:00 - AGM in W/307 followed by Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 10:30 - Multiverse in W/222, W/304, W/306 + W/307
Saturday 13:00 - Wargames in G/002
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

AGM

Committee nominations are now closed. Voting will take place by email (open from now till Thursday 26th 18:00) or in person at the AGM.

The AGM will be held in W/307 at 18:00 on the 26th Feb, with drinks in D bar to welcome in the new committee afterwards. Please be there if you can make it. We need 25% of the society (~26 people) to amend the constitution.

Agenda

1. Renaming the society to better reflect our activities
2. Changes to the YUSU Society Constitution to better serve the society
3. Library - status report and appeal for help with transport
4. Elections - Speeches from/questions to candidates
5. Elections - Paper ballot
6. Elections - Results

• If you are standing for a position and cannot make the AGM, please send us a statement to be read on your behalf.
• If you have anything else you want to be discussed at the AGM, please let us know.

Elections

To vote by email, send the society an email indicating the person you wish to hold each position, or if we should reopen nominations (RON).  You do not need to vote in every category if you do not wish to.

Candidates with an asterisk (*) after their names are standing for re-election in their current position.

Chairbeing

• A Chairbeing
• The Lake
• Wug
• RON

President

• Tegwen Hammersley
• RON

Secretary

• Elly Brine
• RON

Treasurer

• Jake Beckford
• Nathan van Doorn
• Rosie Cook
• RON

Librarian

• Brandon Keane*
• RON

Kit Officer

• Issac Grief
• RON

Webmaster

• David Gundry*
• RON

Abnormal Member for Boardgames

• Patrick Clarke-Williams
• RON

Abnormal Member for Cardgames

• Will Arnup*
• RON

Abnormal Member for LARP

• Max Brown
• RON

Abnormal Member for Tabletop Games

• Max Standring
• Tom Parker*
• RON

Abnormal Member for Wargames

• Thomas Irving
• RON

Week 7: Last chance to run

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Mordheim in G/002
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

AGM and Committee Elections

AGM & committee elections will be held in week 8.  Nominations will close on Sunday of this week, and email voting will be open from Monday week 8 till the AGM.

If you want to stand for a position, or want more information on what the role of a particular committee, please email us.  We still don't have anyone running for Boardgames.  If you are a boardgames regular, please consider running for the positions so we can continue to offer these weekly events.  If you want to do anything else, please run as well, the more contested positions we have the better.

The AGM will be held in W/307 at 18:30 on the 26th Feb.  Please be there if you can make it

Committee Positions:

• Chairbeing
• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Librarian
• Kit Officer
• Webmaster
• Abnormal Member for Boardgames
• Abnormal Member for Cardgames
• Abnormal Member for LARP
• Abnormal Member for Tabletop Games
• Abnormal Member for Wargames

Week 6: Great Expectations

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Warhammer in G/002
Saturday 18:30 - Changling in W/30x rooms
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

Notices

Looking for Co-GM

I (Luke) am presently potentially looking for someone to co-GM a tabletop game with me. The game will focus heavily on mysteries and puzzles. I am especially looking for people who have played/read Umineko no Naku Koro Ni and the Zero Escape series (999 and Virtue's Last Reward).

If you are interested, the methods of contacting me and a bit more information on the game is contained in the following SF&F forum thread.

Week 5: Its a long way home...

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Tabletop Day in W/035E, W/035F, W/301, W/304 + W/306
Saturday 13:00 - Warhammer in G/002
Saturday 17:00 - Vampire IoD LARP in D/L/036 + D/L/037
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

Tabletop Day

The Second Term Tabletop Roleplay Day will be happening on Saturday Week 5; 7th February, in Wentworth W/035E, 035F, 301, 304 & 306 from 13:00

This is open for people entirely new to tabletop roleplay and experienced players alike

Vague Structure of the day:

• Assemble at 13:00 in W035E, first set of games run. until around 6ish
• Pizza and other food after the first lot of games.
• Then a second set in the evening if people are happy to keep going!

If you are interested in running a game, then please email to the society account with a blurb for your game or post on the forums.

Due to time restrictions I'd advise pre-gened characters or ones very quick to make.

Week 4: All the colours

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Tuesday 20:00 - DougSoc Boardgames in Vambrugh Bar
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 10:00 - Multiverse in W/304, W/306 + W/307
Saturday 12:00 - Mordheim in W/035E
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

Notices

DougSoc have invited us to their boardgame night in V-bar on Tuesday.

AGM & committee elections will be held in week 8.  Nominations will close on Sunday of week 7, and email voting will be open from Monday week 8 till the AGM. If you want to stand for a position, or want more information on what the role of a committee member is, please email us.

Board Game Review: Wizard's Quest

James Lees is our Abnormal Member for Board Games. Today he reviews one of the games from his own collection: Wizard's Quest.

---

Wizard's Quest! A name that strikes fear in the heart of even the most veteran board game player. Wizard's quest is actually a board game from my own collection but it has gained such infamy I feel it deserves to be spoken about.

I bought Wizard's quest on a charity shop market stall for about £4 because I fell in love with it's generic name and generic box art. The rules say that what I purchased the Third Edition (1980) making it a fairly old game. The age of the game is shown not only in it's (what we would now consider genericness) but also in a quaint little box on page 4 of the rules. The box details the address of The Avalon Hill Games Company and the information that if you post them a stamped self-addressed envelope their design department would be happy to take the time to answer queries regarding play.

But getting into the game itself. The rules are mammoth, 6 A4 sides covered in some of the smallest writing known to man. They begin with a lovely bit of lore. The gist of it is that there were some people fighting over some land there was so much bloodshed that the great Wizard Peacemaker decided to step in. By giving each of the warlords powerful treasures and getting the other warlords to scatter them across the lands and telling them that whomever can butcher their way across the land and reclaim all their treasures first will be crowned ruler. It is for this reason (and also the fact that he makes works multiply like nobodies business) that he soon lost the name Peacemaker and gained a name that I shall not share but that rhymed with Bankstick.

The set up is relatively simple. Everyone chooses a starting castle (which has it's own territory) and then Orks are placed throughout the board using dicerolls and then you fill the rest of your territory using warrior tokens Then you place your enemies treasure tokens on the board (preferably as far away from them as possible).

From there it works very much like risk with attacking, moving and gaining men. However there are also the Orks to contend with as more are placed each turn automatically attacking anything nearby and if left unchecked they can 'frenzy' which let's just say isn't fun. But not only this each turn you must also face the dragon. The dragon hops around the board as determined by dice rolling chomping everything it lands on until it lands on some troops then contented with its meal settles down. Now this sounds great as in theory as it could wipe the board of Orks but it never does! It almost always drops straight onto your troops. And there is also our old friend Wizard Bankstick who turns up and just multiplies all the Orks and stops you from fighting.

The odds are really against you at the start and it always feels like a miracle when you manage to pull through. But eventually most of the Orks lie dead and the game moves into the second phase where you try to carve your way through the island to your treasures through the people that used to be your freinds, praying that the dragon didn't land on the bulk of your army. Also woe betide you if you decide to attack a castle because you will lose everything.

Anyway the game will end suddenly when somebody manages to get a boat (don't ask me how I can't remember) and then they will zip around and get all their treasures almost instantly.

Wizard's Quest will take about 3-5 hours but it will be over in a matter of minutes. If you've got the time I recommend  playing it because it's certainly an experience and its fun but whether its good or not is a different question entirely.

Week 3: SF&F Needs You (to stand for the committee)

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 13:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/035E
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 13:00 - Mordheim in G/002
Sunday 12:30 -  Impact in D/L/037

AGM

AGM and committee elections will be held in week 8. Nominations will close on Sunday of week 7, and email voting will be open from Monday week 8 till the AGM.

If you want to stand for a position, or want more information on what the role of a particular committee, please email us.

Committee Positions:

• President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Librarian
• Abnormal Member for Boardgames
• Abnormal Member for Cardgames
• Abnormal Member for LARP
• Abnormal Member for Tabletop Games
• Abnormal Member for Wargames
• Webmaster
• Equipment Officer

Notices

Tabletop Day will be on Saturday 7th Feb. If you're going to run a game, please let us know.

Mordheim is a fantasy skirmish level game from Games Workshop.  New players welcome, no experience or models needed. Mordheim runs every other Saturday, alternating with other WH40k/WHFB games.

Bitermly LARP dates

31st Jan - Multiverse
7th Feb - Vampire IoD
28th Feb - Multiverse


During convention there was an entire package of A4 paper spread around the 3rd floor common area. Not saying it was anyone from Con, but can people remember to keep everything tidy, and to take off muddy shoes before going into the carpeted areas. Thanks.

Week 2: Convention

Timetable

Monday 19:00 - Magic the Gathering in the Peter Lee Dining Room, Wentworth
Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in James SCR
Wednesday 16:00 - Yu-Gi-Oh in W/304
Wednesday 19:00 - Impact in D/L/003, D/L/006 + D/L/007
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Friday 19:00 - Sunday 24:00 Convention in Wentworth (based in W/035)

Convention

• Grimdark Racing - Friday
• Testing a new cardgame - Friday
• Spectral Slueths LARP - Saturday 2pm
• LARP Traders - Sunday 11am
• Impact LARP - Sunday 12am

The Wargaming scenery will be around on Friday and Saturday, and all the society boardgames will be there all weekend.

LARP Traders

Traders will be doing their trading thing from 11-2 on Sunday, in D/L/036+037! Taking your moneys will be:

• Darkblade
• Gem's Clothing Store
• Ceolred Monger
• Character Kit
• Runic Rose

(There could be others selling stuff, and I may bring some society lost property for people to reclaim/buy.)

Gem's have a whole load of stock, so have asked that people email them if they have anything specific they want. Some traders may not be equipped to take cards too, so cash may be useful.

IMPORTANT: Due to recent events on campus involving replica-weapons and such, YUSU have asked that people try to bring some manner of wrapping, to cover any weapons they buy as they leave (just a coat will do really.)

Finally, if anyone would like to help set up (please please please), try to get to the rooms for 9am.

Spectral Sleuths [aka Ghost Cluedo]

In the British Museum, a new body has been uncovered - and this one's not an exhibit. The Ghosts of the Museum find themselves the only ones who can solve the mystery.

Happening on the Saturday of Convention, Spectral Sleuths: Adventure of the Silenced Scholar will follow the adventures of a group of ghosts tied to the museum as they try to solve a murder.

The players are all Ghosts at the Museum, tied to their bodies or possessions or fond memories, and attracted to the scene of the crime for their own varied reasons.

Week 1: Exams :(

Not too much on this week as its undergrad exam time.  However, rooms have been booked for boardgames and wargaming if people want to turn up.

Timetable

Monday 20:00 - Boardgames in W/243
Thursday 20:00 - Social in Derwent Bar
Saturday 12:00 - Warhammer in G/020
Saturday 19:00 - Changeling  in V/044 & V/045

Notices

Convention will be 16-18th Jan in W/035 & W/30x rooms.  There'll be plenty of boardgames as normal, and David is bringing all the wargaming scenery and is setting up some Grimdark Racing for Friday evening, so just bring along a tank/bike/monster etc.  If anyone else wants to advertise something before hand, please get in touch with me and I'll add it to next weeks email.

Mordhiem BTB starts up again on Sat 24th.  Still plenty of time to get involved if you didn't last term.

The timetable for the term will be:

Monday - MtG and Boardgames
Wednesday - YuGiOh and Impact
Thursday - Social
Saturday - Mordheim (odd weeks) and Wargames (even weeks), sometimes Vampire IoD or Changeling
Sunday - Impact

Got any other events you want to start, have rooms booked for, or to advertise?  Get it touch, and I'll add them to the emails.  As always, the forums are a great place to find people interested in the same stuff as you.

Thomas Irving
SF&F Secretary