Thomas Brandstetter
@thomasbrandstetter.bsky.social
Miniature wargames, role-playing games, boardgames, game studies, game design, history. He/Him.
Battletech Alpha Strike with @battlebrushstudios.bsky.social and @cgoepa.bsky.social at a friend's house yesterday. Maybe I found the Battletech game I actually enjoy playing. Classic Battletech is far too procedural and slow for my taste. Alpha Strike gives a fast, furious and fun game.
November 10, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Battletech Alpha Strike with @battlebrushstudios.bsky.social and @cgoepa.bsky.social at a friend's house yesterday. Maybe I found the Battletech game I actually enjoy playing. Classic Battletech is far too procedural and slow for my taste. Alpha Strike gives a fast, furious and fun game.
2 German S-boats use the Hearty Knoll light vessel as cover to approach an East Coast convoy. I've just finished my convoy mini-campaign with mixed results: Of 12 freighters, 4 were sunk by the E-boats and one by a mine. One of the freighters was an easy target because she had run aground... 1/3
October 26, 2025 at 9:23 AM
2 German S-boats use the Hearty Knoll light vessel as cover to approach an East Coast convoy. I've just finished my convoy mini-campaign with mixed results: Of 12 freighters, 4 were sunk by the E-boats and one by a mine. One of the freighters was an easy target because she had run aground... 1/3
Mayhem on the East Coast! A southbound convoy is attacked by E-boats off Cromer. I'm trying out a mini-campaign/scenario generator for Torpedoes and Tides. Will I be able to safely escort the sluggish merchantmen through E-boat Alley? 1/2
October 25, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Mayhem on the East Coast! A southbound convoy is attacked by E-boats off Cromer. I'm trying out a mini-campaign/scenario generator for Torpedoes and Tides. Will I be able to safely escort the sluggish merchantmen through E-boat Alley? 1/2
Look what I found at my parents' house. We didn't play either much, to be honest. I must have been 13 when I bought D&D on a holiday trip to England. Didn't find people to play it with though. Two or three years later, I had found some and we played GURPS instead.
October 17, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Look what I found at my parents' house. We didn't play either much, to be honest. I must have been 13 when I bought D&D on a holiday trip to England. Didn't find people to play it with though. Two or three years later, I had found some and we played GURPS instead.
A small and quick scenario for Torpedoes and Tides: In the night of 17 July 1943, Italian cruiser Scipione Africano encountered four British MTBs while through the Straits of Messina. In a high speed encounter that lasted three minutes, she sank one MTB and heavily damaged another.
October 11, 2025 at 8:33 AM
A small and quick scenario for Torpedoes and Tides: In the night of 17 July 1943, Italian cruiser Scipione Africano encountered four British MTBs while through the Straits of Messina. In a high speed encounter that lasted three minutes, she sank one MTB and heavily damaged another.
Some of my students were involved in this huge charity bundle for legal aid in the US. Lots of stuff in there, from indie RPGs to video games: itch.io/b/3276/hello...
HELLO//GOODBYE Charity Bundle for Legal Aid by swanandravenstudio and 114 others
HELLO//GOODBYE Charity Bundle for Legal Aid: 203 items for $12.00
itch.io
October 7, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Some of my students were involved in this huge charity bundle for legal aid in the US. Lots of stuff in there, from indie RPGs to video games: itch.io/b/3276/hello...
Some East Coast Colliers and a tanker. Scratch built in 1/1250 out of cardboard, balsa wood and plastic, as I'm working on a short campaign (or series of linked scenarios) about East Coast convoys for Torpedoes and Tides. I'm especially interested in exploring the escort's side. #navalwargaming
October 5, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Some East Coast Colliers and a tanker. Scratch built in 1/1250 out of cardboard, balsa wood and plastic, as I'm working on a short campaign (or series of linked scenarios) about East Coast convoys for Torpedoes and Tides. I'm especially interested in exploring the escort's side. #navalwargaming
The next installation of @kaptainkobold.bsky.social's coastal forces sage is here! Lt. Harvey Knight is doing well indeed: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-... #navalwargaming #torpedoesandtides
The Adventures Of Harvey Knight - 6
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
October 4, 2025 at 1:29 PM
The next installation of @kaptainkobold.bsky.social's coastal forces sage is here! Lt. Harvey Knight is doing well indeed: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-... #navalwargaming #torpedoesandtides
Very interesting thoughts on game design by Avery Alder: bsky.app/profile/half...
At @qgcon.bsky.social for like one whole hour this weekend and managed to catch this amazingly titled @lackingceremony.bsky.social talk which unlike her I am 100% certain also applies to boardgames (and 45% sure for digital experiences)
September 28, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Very interesting thoughts on game design by Avery Alder: bsky.app/profile/half...
This #Torpedoes&Tides scenario was based on a historical action: in the early morning of 19 June 1942, three Steam Gun Boats of the 1st SGB flotilla, reinforced by the Hunt-class destroyer HMS Albrighton, attacked a German convoy. In our game, the first torpedo attack by SGB 8 missed the freighter!
September 26, 2025 at 6:10 PM
This #Torpedoes&Tides scenario was based on a historical action: in the early morning of 19 June 1942, three Steam Gun Boats of the 1st SGB flotilla, reinforced by the Hunt-class destroyer HMS Albrighton, attacked a German convoy. In our game, the first torpedo attack by SGB 8 missed the freighter!
Just finished scratch-building two French CH-5 class sub chasers in 1/1250. The proportions are off, but the things are tiny - only 3cm long. Commerical models are available, but I need them for a game on Friday, so no time for ordering. Tomorrow I'll paint them and then off we go. #navalwargaming
September 24, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Just finished scratch-building two French CH-5 class sub chasers in 1/1250. The proportions are off, but the things are tiny - only 3cm long. Commerical models are available, but I need them for a game on Friday, so no time for ordering. Tomorrow I'll paint them and then off we go. #navalwargaming
A S-boat is covering two battered comrades with smoke while British MTBs are closing in for the kill. Playtest of the "Hunting the Hunters" scenario for Torpedoes & Tides - one of four generic scenarios to be included in the book. I'm approaching the finishing line! #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
September 13, 2025 at 8:24 PM
A S-boat is covering two battered comrades with smoke while British MTBs are closing in for the kill. Playtest of the "Hunting the Hunters" scenario for Torpedoes & Tides - one of four generic scenarios to be included in the book. I'm approaching the finishing line! #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
Yesterday, we played Mythic Bastionland for the first time. I admit that I was a little sceptical (although I suggested & ran the game), but it worked quite well. I had some difficulties merging the mechanical and the narrative levels of the game, but I'm sure it will be better next time. #rpg
September 9, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Yesterday, we played Mythic Bastionland for the first time. I admit that I was a little sceptical (although I suggested & ran the game), but it worked quite well. I had some difficulties merging the mechanical and the narrative levels of the game, but I'm sure it will be better next time. #rpg
Those are incredible! Honestly, there are commerical models that look worse.
Some more 1/1200th coastal forces vessels, scratchbuilt from lolly-sticks, matchsticks, card and wire. First are some Siebel ferries (three transport and an AA variant) and then a German destroyer.
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings #navalwargaming
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings #navalwargaming
August 31, 2025 at 6:28 AM
Those are incredible! Honestly, there are commerical models that look worse.
Campaign mania! Last week, I also started a Torpedoes & Tides campaign. Three games in, I finally achieved success and increased my character's reputation! Read all about it here: wargamingraft.wordpress.com/2025/08/30/t... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
Torpedoes & Tides: The Campaign System
Torpedoes & Tides will also include campaign rules. Alan Saunders is already busy playtesting them (you can read all about it on his blog), and I have also started my own campaign. Mine is insp…
wargamingraft.wordpress.com
August 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Campaign mania! Last week, I also started a Torpedoes & Tides campaign. Three games in, I finally achieved success and increased my character's reputation! Read all about it here: wargamingraft.wordpress.com/2025/08/30/t... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
The saga of Lt Cdr Harvey Knight continues with another Torpedoes & Tides campaign game played by @kaptainkobold.bsky.social: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
The Adventures Of Harvey Knight - 2
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 30, 2025 at 6:26 AM
The saga of Lt Cdr Harvey Knight continues with another Torpedoes & Tides campaign game played by @kaptainkobold.bsky.social: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
The gallant @kaptainkobold.bsky.social has begun to playtest the campaign rules for the upcoming coastal forces rules Torpedoes & Tides. Read all about the exploits of Lt. Cdr. Harvey Knight and his flotilla of MTBs and MGBs on his blog: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-... #navalwargaming
The Adventures Of Harvey Knight - 1
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 26, 2025 at 7:42 AM
The gallant @kaptainkobold.bsky.social has begun to playtest the campaign rules for the upcoming coastal forces rules Torpedoes & Tides. Read all about the exploits of Lt. Cdr. Harvey Knight and his flotilla of MTBs and MGBs on his blog: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-... #navalwargaming
Another great Torpedoes & Tides AAR from the good Kaptain!
Another playtest game of Torpedoes & Tides, with three S-boats attacking a British convoy off the east coat of England.
#wargames #wargaming #NavalWargaming
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/anot...
#wargames #wargaming #NavalWargaming
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/anot...
Another Convoy Attack
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 23, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Another great Torpedoes & Tides AAR from the good Kaptain!
Great tutorial on how to make coastal forces model out of household material by @kaptainkobold.bsky.social: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/maki... #navalwargaming
Making Coastal Forces
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 20, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Great tutorial on how to make coastal forces model out of household material by @kaptainkobold.bsky.social: hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/maki... #navalwargaming
Another fantastic AAR of Torpedoes & Tides!
Another game of 'Torpedoes & Tides' - British motor launches go to the aid of a downed bomber crew, but the Germans have other ideas.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/resc...
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/resc...
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
Rescue!
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 17, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Another fantastic AAR of Torpedoes & Tides!
Reposted by Thomas Brandstetter
Playtesting 'Torpedoes & Tides' - fast-play rules for WW2 coastal actions based on Galleys & Galleons
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/torp...
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/torp...
Torpedoes & Tides
A blog about wargames. Mostly miniature wargames. Focusing on 'Hordes of the Things'.
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com
August 16, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Playtesting 'Torpedoes & Tides' - fast-play rules for WW2 coastal actions based on Galleys & Galleons
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/torp...
#wargames #wargaming #nerdlings
hordesofthethings.blogspot.com/2025/08/torp...
We had an absolutely fantastic gaming event yesterday. With four games it was almost like a mini-con! @cgoepa.bsky.social presented a spectacular Guards of Traitor's Toll table, Martin game-mastered Sellswords & Spellslingers, I did an ancient Roman gang fight with Song of Shadows and Dust 1/2
August 17, 2025 at 10:54 AM
We had an absolutely fantastic gaming event yesterday. With four games it was almost like a mini-con! @cgoepa.bsky.social presented a spectacular Guards of Traitor's Toll table, Martin game-mastered Sellswords & Spellslingers, I did an ancient Roman gang fight with Song of Shadows and Dust 1/2
Despite the heat I had an excellent 4-player game of Torpedoes & Tides today. It was a large scenario from Pat Hreachmack's Clear the Coast! book set in the Mediterranean, with dog boats attacking a convoy and stumbling across some surprises... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
August 15, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Despite the heat I had an excellent 4-player game of Torpedoes & Tides today. It was a large scenario from Pat Hreachmack's Clear the Coast! book set in the Mediterranean, with dog boats attacking a convoy and stumbling across some surprises... #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
Playtesting the Search & Rescue scenario for Torpedoes & Tides. The question marks represent potential locations of the Carley raft. The cotton wool is a fog patch. Blinds indicate vessels that haven't been spotted yet. 1/3 #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
August 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Playtesting the Search & Rescue scenario for Torpedoes & Tides. The question marks represent potential locations of the Carley raft. The cotton wool is a fog patch. Blinds indicate vessels that haven't been spotted yet. 1/3 #torpedoes&tides #navalwargaming
If you want to print your own Mulberry Harbour breakwater, I've put the stl file up on wargaming3d. It's free! I've printed it in 1/1250, but it should work fine in other scales too. www.wargaming3d.com/product/tbra... #navalwargaming #d-day
Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Breakwater by The Raft Miniatures
This Mulberry Harbour Phoenix Breakwater model is sold by The Raft Miniatures. This is the Phoenix caisson designed as a breakwater for the Mulberry Harbours that were constructed at the Normandy land...
www.wargaming3d.com
August 8, 2025 at 6:02 PM
If you want to print your own Mulberry Harbour breakwater, I've put the stl file up on wargaming3d. It's free! I've printed it in 1/1250, but it should work fine in other scales too. www.wargaming3d.com/product/tbra... #navalwargaming #d-day