Markers

[Bankinista]

Is it just me or does there seem to be a move towards more markers on the table? At its most extreme I've seen games where the (beautifully painted) figures were all but buried under chits. Personally I hate paper chits, movement intention arrows etc. I am big on the aesthetics of a game but accept the need for some markers. However, I feel that these should blend in with the game. Casualty figures, figures loading, piles of ammunition crates/cannonballs are fine.

I've even been know to impose a morale test on an army whose CinC obviously doesn't care for his men as demonstrated by his leaving his rule-book or dice on the table. Am I being picky or do others feel the same way?

Derek

[Colonel Kilgore]

I too have a dislike for scraps of card or paper littering the table.

Peter Pig of course produces an extensive range of markers for most RFCM rule sets

Simon

[martin goddard]

Historically many games copied the  WRG 6x4.
Trouble is that a 6x4 takes up the whole game surface for most folk.

Some early PP games used a massive 7x5 table for the 1 foot grids. Conquerors and Kings, Square Bashing and Lincoln's war.

When PP introduced the smaller table size of 5x3 (2005) and 4x4 (first PBI 1999) it was intended directly to allow for "normal" tables with an allowance for game junk.
Many other games have followed this lead.

PP were also able to create markers that "blend in" because we make figures, scenery and rules.

PP still uses off table record sheets for HI and Pieces of eight.


martin

[Leman (Andy)]

I dislike markers as well and try as much as possible to use markers of a scenic nature. If a written marker is needed I tend to use the services of War Bases.

[Stewart 46A]

The PP markers are all figures, adds to the unit and easy for your opponent to see the status or your unit


Stewart

[Sean Clark]

Agreed. Where possible I will use scenic items or figures to denote unit status etc on table. For solo games, it's less of an issue.

[Leman (Andy)]

The PP markers are not all figures, and in some instances a figure marker may well be less helpful. I am thinking specifically of Square Bashing where winning the fight etc carry pluses or minuses. It would be quite difficult to remember this information without a written marker. Consequently I use mdf markers made by WarBases as they blend in better than acrylic coloured ones. eg:

[Colonel Kilgore]

Andy. I use Warbases's clear acrylic markers for both Vietnam and Square Bashing.

They are visually less intrusive than the MDF ones, but can at times be a little hard to find or read!

Simon

[Spartacus]

@ Andy---------Nice slippers-

[Sean Clark]

For some reason I went with green acrylic thinking they'd blend in but actually don't and are quite obtrusive.

If I go that route again, I'll go plain MDF or clear acrylic.

[Leman (Andy)]

You've hit the nail on the head re. why I don't even use clear acrylic markers. Slippers courtesy of Hema, Amsterdam.

[martin goddard]

They are good slippers.  Nice game  too, by the way.


martin

[Spartacus]

I have some Warbase casualty bases on the way. I will rebase my PP casualties with them.