Flagship Issue
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Issue 104 Flagship THE MAGAZINE FOR GAMERS Supernova III Austerlitz Bean Trader Clansmen Lord of the Rings CCG Lords of the Earth Monsters Pirates of the Caribbean The Globalisation of PBM The Online Revolution Wasteland of Flint plus ... Board & Card Games, Computer Games, Roleplaying, Conventions and Zine Scene ... ... and all the gaming news, views & reviews! Report from FLAGSHIP the Bridge #104, Sept / Oct 2003 Fun Times IN THIS ISSUE ... SO DID YOUR summer holidays pass well? - we hope so, as many of you have been away enjoying the sunshine. I could pretend that instead of lounging FEATURES in deckchairs we’ve spent the whole summer working News away to bring you this issue, but that’s maybe a slight Newsdesk ........................................................................................................................... 4 exaggeration. Our office has remained open, Meets & Conventions ....................................................................................................... 50 however, despite the tempting weather, and we’re Reviews proud to present you with a Flagship 104 that’s full Supernova III .................................................................................................................... 10 of good things. Our thanks to all those who’ve stayed Bean Trader ...................................................................................................................... 14 cool and sober for long enough to contribute. Wasteland of Flint ............................................................................................................ 17 We’re covering all sorts of games here, as usual, and we’ve some lively writers to describe them. It’s Clansmen .......................................................................................................................... 18 good to see that you seem to be enjoying their Lord of the Rings CCG: Ents of Fangorn ........................................................................ 20 contributions. No-one likes every game that’s out Pirates of the Caribbean ................................................................................................... 21 there, so we do believe that a personal approach gives Strategy us all the best way to see what games are like to Austerlitz Nations: Russia ................................................................................................ 16 play. You can judge what a writer likes and whether Game Diaries what he’s describing suits you. Lords of the Earth 42: part 2 ........................................................................................... 22 One innovative feature for this issue is that we’re Featured Articles proud to present the special offer of a free game of Three New Boardgames and a Sourcebook ..................................................................... 24 Total Conquest for our readers. We’ll be thrilled if Designer's Angst ............................................................................................................... 26 you let us know how you get on when you take this Open Gaming Licence ...................................................................................................... 28 offer up: it’s not compulsory, but it’s a way to repay Monsters: The History of Monsters ................................................................................. 30 the moderators for their generosity and it will show Memoir of a Cyborg ......................................................................................................... 32 us all a variety of approaches to the game. The Online Revolution ..................................................................................................... 34 We also have a competition with signed books Retroscope: The Paper Time Machine ............................................................................. 35 by Thomas Harlan as stunning prizes. Zine Scene: Zines for Teens ............................................................................................. 36 Not bad as opportunities, eh? Along with lots of On Screen ......................................................................................................................... 37 reviews, news, players’ comments and tempting Roleplaying Politics.......................................................................................................... 39 advertisements, there’s plenty here to whet your The Globalisation of PBM ............................................................................................... 40 appetites for a fun time ahead. Pevans: Games nominated at Spiel .................................................................................. 41 One of the joys of editing Flagship is that it’s possible to see how games firms are preparing to attract players for the weeks to come, and to learn that games launched earlier in the year are growing REGULAR DEPARTMENTS as they maintain their popularity. Older games, too, Report from the Bridge (Editorial) .......................................................................................... 3 are supported with enthusiasm, as they should be. Subscription details ................................................................................................................ 13 Games firms are run by creative people wishing to The Mighty Pen (Letters) ....................................................................................................... 42 provide us all with fun: they’re inspiring to cover in Rumours from the Front (Your opinions on games) .............................................................. 44 these pages. Hall of Fame (Game winners) ................................................................................................ 46 Above all, it’s your reactions to the games you Feedback (Your views on Flagship) ...................................................................................... 47 play that matter. We know that we reflect these here, Games Shop listings ............................................................................................................... 47 and again it’s always fascinating to receive your Galactic View (PBM/PBeMgame listings) .............................................................................. 48 comments. We’ve some controversial articles and comments Founding Editors Contributors too, of course: where would Flagship be without an Nicholas Palmer MP & Chris Harvey House Artist: Larry Deyell element of controversy? It’s not my job to print only Cover Art: ©Jean Tay the views that I agree with, but to reflect the concerns Editorial Team Illustrations: Kenji Takabayashi (p11), Layanna S. of an intelligent readership. If you disagree with Editor: Carol Mulholland [email protected] (p28), Antony Dunks (p30, 31 bottom left), SK Loke (p31 anything here or want to raise a new subject, write Consultant Editors: Nick Palmer, Mo Holkar top right), David Nasstrom (p32), Mythic Entertainment Assistant Editor: Colin Forbes [email protected] (p34), Vilhelm Vinje (p35), Sony Computer Ent. America with your own opinions: we’ll be glad to include Regular Correspondents: Paul Evans, Tom Fyfe, Inc (p37), Mikel Erdakos (p39), Harlequin Games (p40) them. 'Globetrotter', John Harrington, Eric Ridley Articles & Reviews: Phil Bates, Sean M Boomer, Antony Finally, a concern about something that may Webmaster: Tom Fyfe [email protected] Dunks, Colin Forbes, Lisa Fordham, Alex Harris, never happen. After running late with issue 103 Advertising Manager: Colin Forbes [email protected] Martin Helsdon, Mark Hygate, Carol Mulholland, Dave because I broke my wrist, we’re well on schedule Panchyk, Sam Roads, Wayne. with issue 104. At least, we are at the time of writing. Printed by: Excel Printing: 351 Lichfield Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 7ST However, talk of a postal strike causes some anxiety. Copyright © 2003 TimePatterns PBM Games. Articles SUBS, QUERIES & CONTRIBUTIONS While most of your PBM game turns won’t be submitted to Flagship will be assumed to grant copyright Flagship, 14 The Hollows, Exmouth, affected because so many of you play by email, we’re for first publication and non-exclusive republication by Devon, EX8 1QT hoping that your copies of Flagship won’t be delayed Flagship, unless otherwise agreed. The views expressed (01395) 276632 (9am-6pm) by contributors do not necessarily represent the views of en route. [email protected] www.pbmgames.com Have a fun time! Flagship, TimePatterns PBM Games or any of the ADVERTISING: 2A Guinea St, Exeter, EX1 1BS editorial staff. Tel: 01392 420582 [email protected] Contributions welcomed for Flagship 105. By October 9th, please. 4 NEWSDESK PBM WE HOPE you’ve all had a fun summer This gives you the chance to compete holiday. These news columns are being put Fantasy against fellow Flagship readers who will together as the sun beats down. No doubt also be new to the game, rather than Total the weather will have changed by the time Conquest veterans. We’d love to run an this issue lands on your doormat. Time to Wargames ongoing account about how your individual think of improving your game-playing rather On October 1st 2003 positions are getting along, so if you’re than keeping cool? the fantasy war PBeM willing to join in this then send your reports A brief word about our policy in Total Conquest will on the game to Flagship’s office address. assembling Newsdesk. As is our habit with be celebrating its