Open fire! Our 300th issue ‘opens fi re’ with an article from our colleagues at Battlefront, announcing, and showcasing, their forthcoming Flames Of War boxed game - Open Fire! Crimson & Bronze First-time contributors to Wargames Illustrated, Ben Johns (an avid student of history) and Tim Toolen (an enthusiastic modeller and painter) present their thoughts about the warriors at the heart of the most enduring ‘Last Stand’ myth - the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. The last stand of Spartacus An enduring legend himself, Howard Whitehouse returns to the pages of WI with this tale of the “gladiator-turned-general” Spartacus, who led an impressive slave revolt in the waning years of the Roman Republic. we’ve come a long, Long way together David Bickley has been around the wargaming block a few times, and in this reflective article he talks about how our hobby came to be where it is at today, presenting personal and shared experiences along the way. The invasion of Mona, 60 A.D Wargaming generalissimo, and prolific tea drinker, Rick Priestley chose a classic encounter between the Romans and the Ancient Britons for his ‘Last Stand’ – the Invasion of Mona, AKA Anglesey in Wales. We had some great looking figures on a great looking table, and a very interesting result! Y gododdin This is the stuff legends are made off! Eight gamers, a 16' x 5' table, over 1,000 figures and a Dark Age poem are the ingredients for this epic wargame, in which author, umpire and WI favourite James Morris presents his ‘Last Stand’ article which pits the flower of Celtic chivalry against the invading Saxon hordes. Creating the art of military history As wargamers, we are all interested in finding out how the soldiers our miniatures represent actually looked on the battlefields of their day. We were lucky enough to chat with two of our favorite artists who specialize in military history. During a visit to their studios we were able to talk to Keith Rocco and Mark Churms about how they create their masterpieces. The battle of Karbala 680AD/61ah Warhammer Ancient Battles II author Martin Gibbins turns his talented hand to SAGA presenting a new Battleboard for the Arabs and a scenario for a refight of the most famous ‘Last Stand’ in Islamic history. “He who holds the door” WI regular Chris Peers takes Dark Age wargaming inspiration from a casket in the British Museum.... Alfred’s last battle Prof. Ryan Lavelle makes a welcome return to the pages of WI with a ‘Last Stand’ introducing gamers to Dark Age naval warfare - Vikings against Saxons. England’s greatest battle Following an interesting discussion with
