It struck me recently that my hobby output has been in stark decline; this is partly due to an increase in workload, at work, with all the accompanying physical and mental tiredness that brings, but also because, I think, of a lack of focus. Fortunately, on-line accomplices (Martin Smith, Mark Cordone and Geoff Barker) have kindly propped up my blog output by taking part in my Collaborative Campaign, set in the imaginary world of Autrearth. Their reports actually helped to increase the number of postings from the P&P blog to dizzy new heights in 2025, and are keeping me royally entertained! I'm hoping that the increased daylight hours, from the longer evenings that we are now enjoying, will also help.
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| Some Jonathan Freitag style Stats! |
(The point of this ramble is slowly being reached). Musing upon the fate of my gaming efforts (or lack there of) an image of a ruined city, constructed of Toy Bricks (blocks) came to mind, hence the title of this piece (*paraphrased from the song by Siouxsie and the Banshees). Now I have no artistic ability, so wishing to bring my thought to life I turned to AI for help. For a first attempt, the free AI service DeeVid AI, did a pretty good job. I don't intend to use AI a great deal for illustrations - the environmental impact of data centres is a worry - however, for occasional pieces, it certainly makes up for my lack of talent. If only it could paint figures....
"They say a city in the desert lies, the vanity of an ancient king, but the city lies in broken pieces, where the wind howls and the vultures sing.." (from Mad about You by Sting).
Thanks very much for the invitation to participate in your collaborative campaign, I'm having alot of fun with it. It does take a fair amount of (,enjoyable) time to do the posts. For my battles and reports it takes around an hour and a half to set up, photograph, play the game and then write the report. Sometimes, unfortunately, life doesn't allow for that big of A chunk of time for hobbies.
ReplyDeleteI find the reporting takes longer than the game, especially with the Dominion of.. rules!
DeleteYes, but it's fun in its own way.
DeleteTrue.
DeleteAgreed, it takes time…👍, but I find that, retrospectively, it’s time very well spent. It’s all part of a creative process which keeps the brain engaged. The collaborative campaign is a brilliant idea and has generated a whole new world of nations and the interactions between them. I’ve enjoyed it all very much. Yes, it takes me time to play and photograph/write up a game but it’s also a good prompt to get a game on the table. As it says on your homepage, (or to paraphrase) in a quote from Conrad Kinch, “any game that makes it to the table is better than one just talked about” 🙃. You’ve really helped me get my act together and get some games done, using different ideas I’ve wanted to try for solo games. I can’t thank you enough. 🙏🏾
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Martin - I am of course simply standing on the shoulders of giants, but it's always good to know that one has encouraged another, as I have been encouraged to try out different approaches to the hobby!
DeleteSometimes real life catches up, and we don't have that much time for our hobbies. That's challenging when one have too many hobbies already. A heads up; A.I. can be very addictive and turn into another rabbit hole itself. I've used it a lot for wargaming creating scenarios, being used as an opponent and for images. Now I've asked for a smaller campaign..
ReplyDeleteI can see how AI would become addictive Roger, endlessly tweaking ones AI "creation".
DeleteI hear you re: the impact of increased workload on hobby time / motivation / energy. Great the collaborative campaign is still going so well.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
A
Thanks Aaron. Yes the Campaign rumbles on!
DeleteI retired just over 2 years ago and I now wonder how on Earth I ever found time for work plus all the domestic stuff, let alone hobbies too.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed contributing to your campaign. My little 2mm armies may not be especially photogenic, but they do allow me to fight battles on a very small battlefield (with the Dominion of the Spear rules and my 2mm forces the battlefield was just A5 sized).
Cheers,
Geoff
Geoff - thanks, and yes the domestic duties are also a factor!
DeleteWhen the dice are favourable, I'd like to see your 2mm barbarians back in the action.
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ReplyDeleteMaudlin Jack -
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have determined NOT to go down the 'Dominion of' track, I still find the battle reports and the collaborative campaign interesting and entertaining to follow. I'll have to go back some time and reread (if I can) the whole campaign as a continuous narrative. Your collaborators have certainly entered into the spirit of the thing!
This campaign has induced me to place on my agenda another 3x3 campaign - a sequel to the 'Roman Civil War' that ended at the beginning of 2025, under the working title 'The Hunt for Sextus Pompey'. Again this will feature naval (especially to begin with) and land warfare.
But the 3x3 gig was what led me to my 6x6 and 10x10 'Byzantiad' - a whole opposite direction! Sometimes one never really knows just where a concept will lead. I might be forced to build some dromons...
Cheers,
Ion
Ion, Dromons spraying "Greek Fire" would be a formidable unit, and another of your Roman mini campaigns would be a great read.
DeleteWhen I get time (ha, ha) I intend to do a one-post summary of events, partly to refresh my memory as so much has happened.
This resonated with me on so many levels. Great writing and even better content. Keep it up!
ReplyDelete