Something for the to do list...
Perhaps it was ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
jenaflynn's suggestion of having a "Baking and Board Game" night, but my brain has swung back to the realm of abstract strategy games, more specifically the dozen or so I have invented.
In the past I've created animations to demonstrate how my games are played. Now that I have the skillzzz with 3D modeling/animation, I'm now pondering modeling virtual prototypes for my games and perhaps creating animations of sample games being played out.
Of course, when I will find the time to do this, is an entirely different matter.
I'm really proud of my games and know that I will see all of them materialize. I always figured I'd get around to actually making physical versions of them when I'm too old to do anything but whittle.
I want very much to start crafting board games. For a while I had thought I would try and create some simple, easy to mass produce style games, but creating them didn't not produce any sort of creative pleasure. A big part of my love for board games is the sculpture aspect of it all. I like crafted wood boards, and weighty pieces. So I've largely decided to investing my energy in creating one-of-a-kind boards to hopefully sell one day.
However, the most serious piece of wood working equipment I own is a Dremel. :\ I'd at least need a miter saw to cut up the various pieces. So I've been in the market for a good miter saw. Not somethign I oculd afford at the moment.
I was at my mother's house yesturday to celebrate the Fourth (also my sister's birthday) and I mentioned the need for a miter saw. My mother responded, "I got one right downstairs!"
*GASP!*
I have no idea what my mother was doing with a miter saw (actually, she's quite the handy woman, so this shouldn't have been a surprise) but the thing is practically brand new! And since my mother is trying to get rid of stuff (she's moving) she gave it too me!!
So now I have one more tool to pursue another creative end. But unfortunately, I will not be able to get to it until klemrev and I move. A monumental event that had put me in a bit of a holding pattern, creatively speaking.
I was testing my recently fashioned go board when I realized that many of the abstract strategy board games I've created can be played on a go board (often with slight variation/simplification of the rules.) So it naturally occured to me that it might be wise to invest some energy in formulating a collection of go variants.
This is another one of those posts where I just throw a random idea out in hopes that if I ever forget to start working on it, someone will kick me in the arse.
STEP 1 Invent go variants.
STEP 2 ???
STEP 3 World domination.
Oh! Wanna see one of a thousand creations I begin and will likely never finish?
Of course you do!
Now that I am finding more people in my area that play (or are interested in learning) go, my passion for the game has reached new heights. I found myself quite annoyed that I did not have a decent board to play on (actually, I didn't have a board AT ALL...) so I decided to fashion my own out of stuff I had lying around -- with a bit of gothic flavor...
The board is coated with a high gloss black and the lines and hoshi are done in chrome paint (which were a pain in the ass to paint on, by the way). I used clear and red glass stones. I searched around for chrome bowls to house the stones, but could not find exactly what I was looking for. In my search I found these vietnamese ceramic covered bowls that were PERFECT. Except for the fact that they have these ugly goldfish painted on the top. But I figure I can always paint over what was very likely the handiwork of a sweatshop child laborer.
I'm trying to urge the creation of a "Goth Go Club" here in Maine.
Currently, udonman and I have been playing a ruckus game of correspondence chess through the site chessworld.net. Unfortunately this site only allows for chess games, and I miss playing go. So I signed up for brainking.com because they have a crap load of different chess variants as well as go on three different board sizes.
If anyone would like to challenge me to a game, let me know, email me (thelemurgod at gmail dot com) and I'll send you a game invite. It will require you to sign up for the site (I'll likely go through Brain King, as they seem to have more games) but it takes but a minute.
I particularly interested in playing some go, so if you ever wanted to learn the game that Ethan and Arron are always playing in the comic, let me know!
Remember, I'm not necessarily great at games, so fear not my powers!!
Now imagine if all the world's conflicts were settled with a game of go instead of war...
Working on my own abstract strategy boardgames has re-sparked my passion for chess. Unfortunately, I can only trick klemrev to play me so many times before she comes to her senses. Amongst other things, I regret not having taken advantage of Ambrose living in my proximity -- he greatly enjoyed a game of chess or go. I should hunt down others nearby to challenge. There must be SOMEONE in southern Maine who plays!
I'm not the greatest player, however, and pretty much assume my defeat upon entering a game. I'm get a little too preoccupied with my pawn placement and am perhaps a little too kamikaze for my own good. I recently memorized a series of opening moves that I believe have helped me to establish good conditions for my midgame.
There is just something about chess, and other such abstract strategy games (especially go), that is so delightful. The anticipation of awaiting your opponent's move and the tension of the competition. The tactile sensation of a quality board -- the weight of the piece and the satisfying click when it is set down. And the way your brain grinds trying to see 20 steps into the future and process all the information. Chess is were logic and beauty intersect -- its truly a ballet. A chess set is also like functional scultpure that demands interaction.
It is that latter thought that has driven me to explore crafting chess (and other board game) sets out of whatever object I find lying around. I bought new metal cutting attachments for my Dremel for just such a pursuit. I have a closet full of junked computer cases that are just begging to be reborn.
Functional sculpture.
Yeah, baby.
I've finished the rulebook, printable board/pieces, and a little Flash testplaying application for one of my games: Retrograde. klemrev and I have testplayed this game and I will just say that it can liquify the brain. The movement of the pieces is fairly straightforward, but what makes it such a mind bender is that where/how exactly a piece can move changes significantly depending on its starting position. This combined with a number of movement options can make gameplay somewhat unintuitive and hard to foresee far into future moves.
This rulebook was finished while I was half asleep, and I will admit that everything might not be entirely clear (not to mention extreme typos). I post it now mostly to test the publishing process out. If you can actually figure it out, and can bring ourself to play, I'd love feedback (here or email me: thelemurgod at gmail dot com). Or if you just wish to read things over, I'll gladly take suggestions and questions on making this better.
I have about 20 games in my head, but this is my first attempt to write it all down in a clear manner that other humans can try and absorb.