And suddenly, 2024 was over and another basement scenario pack was ready to release. This year's pack is number 8. It wasn't my best year for scenarios. Looking back on them...I'm just not as pleased with them as in previous years. Razz'n Sasquatch is actually my own personal favorite of the pack and born of an idea presented to me by Dan Best. I was at a loss as to what to do for this year's Halloween Scenario. And it was Dan, that suggested something with Sasquatch. And in a couple of days it just all came together. It's even been played now with a fun AAR on Gamesquad. Euphrates Iron Bridge and Kunikov's Schoolhouse are my other favorites. Both played out very well and were actually pretty fun.
There were of course some missteps. In my Finnish scenario I had an OB error around ATR's that a reader pointed out and required a rewrite. And another was external as someone questioned the title of one of my scenarios. It really bothered me (I have a very thin skin.) and I literally checked out of the Facebook ASL group where it had been criticized. The criticism was unfounded as the title name came directly from an Osprey book used as the reference. That kind of pernicious criticism is difficult to take and was honestly completely unnecessary. My reaction to it was probably excessive...but I'm who I am and tend to withdraw when I feel poked and prodded for less than good reasons.
Yep, I need to let things roll off my back.
Criticisms not withstanding, I still enjoyed putting out this year's scenarios and will keep on going into 2025. While it is a lot of work each month, I still really enjoy the process of taking something from a book and putting into the ASL world. Certainly, I am not much more than a journeyman scenario creator, but it gives me a lot satisfaction to keep the Grumble Jones scenarios rolling out the door.
2025 may see a couple hypothetical scenarios...I realize not everyone is fan of such scenarios, but I've got a SGT. Rock idea that I want to flesh out and put into a scenario. I may even do a Haunted Tank scenario down the road (the Stuart Tank version). Those two comics were a huge early influence back in the day when Marx Americans and Germans were my main wargame activity. Lincoln log bunkers vs. Panther tanks made for some great memories.
The SGT. Rock scenario will come out of this issue. Russ Heath illustrated this one and he is by far one the best illustrators to work on Sgt. Rock. So, we shall see how this one pans out. I'm thinking about it for January...so be prepared...
Well, listed below if the compilation of this year's scenarios. As always, my thanks to my readers for indulging my scenario whims each month. I appreciate the time you choose to spend at Grumble Jones.
As always, these monthly "Basement Quality" Scenarios are offered for fun only and as a thank you to the readers of this blog.
Remember to open pictures in a new window in order to maximize the size.
All Grumble Jones scenarios are available from the ASL Archive website.
(Just search on Grumble Jones)
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