A Knight’s Tale

As one, the line of spears and tall helms thundered across the Plain of Battle. Smashing through the brittle ranks of skeletal warriors, the Empire Knights realized, too late, that they had, too easily, taken the bait. As bloodcurdling snarls snapped at their heels, the flying column broke its ranks and fled before the Dire Wolves.

Mounted high across a hill, the Blood Dragon Vampire surveyed the carnage and gave a silent command. His minions, the Black Knights, raised their naked blades and, with a piercing cry, advanced. Fear went before them.

The Empire Soldiers faltered and, for a moment, forgot their cannons. Desperately, the Empire guns blazed, cutting a swathe across the Undead army but to no avail; for every corpse cut down, a dozen more were raised.

Rallying his battalion, the Elector Count charged through enemy lines, the surviving Empire Knights close behind him. Eyeing the enemy leader, he levelled his sword and–

"Roll to see if you hit," chides Ferdie Yu, a 33-year old technical manager for a German pharmaceutical firm. Bobby Pedeglorio, an engineer in Robinsons Galleria, sits poker-faced. Taking up the gauntlet (and the dice), Bobby throws.

This exchange is quite common in a quaint, unassuming café on the fourth level of the Festival Supermall in Alabang. Bobby and Sunny are regulars of Hobby Café–a haven for Warhammer enthusiasts.

Conceptualized 30 to 40 years ago, Warhammer has been in play in the Philippines for about five to 20 years. In the miniature strategy game–which involves troop movements, magic casting, shooting tactics, and hand-to-hand combat-points ranging from a total of 18,000 to 20,000 are awarded for sportsmanship, modelling skill, and, of course, annihilating the enemy. People who enjoy chess, checkers, and winning will enjoy the game. To begin play, one needs a rulebook, figurines, an army book (which contains the statistics and background of the figurines), and cold hard cash. A start-up kit would cost about P4,000 to P6,000.

Along with Ferdie’s brother, Sunny, and friends Ron de los Santos, Larry Imatani and Peter Juachan, the guys are busy gearing up for the Game Fest 2001 at the Carousel Court on Dec. 16. Aside from Warhammer, the Game Fest will also host tournaments for Warhammer 40K and Mage Knight, a collectible miniature game which offers easier play with its dial base, as well as tourneys for collectible card games such as Magic the Gathering, WWF Raw Deal, and Legend of the Five Rings. The event is projected to attract around 300-plus players from all over Metro Manila.

In addition to the tourneys, a Warhammer exhibit of the best painted miniatures will be on display. Also, demonstration tables will be set up for each game for onlookers to learn about the game.

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As Bobby’s Elector Count brings his blade crashing into the ribcage of the Blood Dragon Vampire, the onlookers let out "oooh’s" and "ahhh’s"; some even cheer. And, the point of all this? Just pure and simple fun.

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Send e-mail to erwin_romulo@hotmail.com and dafort@hotmail.com.