The title certainly did cause me a moments hesitation. The film it brought to mind was not Gladiator but Cabaret .... "Tomorrow belongs, tomorrow belongs , tomorrow belongs to me!"

Not that I assumed anyone connected to the projects was in any way fascist or Nazi, simply that it was an odd choice.

If I were ever to write a set of Imperial Roman Era rules I think I'd want to call them "Cedo Alteram."

As to the project itself, I find myself increasingly drawn to the idea.

Watched the latest video on it, still covering the forces for the demo game but looking forward to the next few getting into the rules proper. They did mention that while the initial rules are aimed at late Republic and early Imperial Rome there are plans to expand into other periods, particularly the successors and polybian legions. Could make for some epic looking Macedonian pike blocks. 

Some marketing thoughts from somebody who has never marketed anything.

I think the subtitle and cover art make it clear that Strength and Honour is set in the world of the Romans.

It's hardly Caesar's biggest problem that three of the worst Europeans of the 1930s decided to trade on his imagery.
I've faced a similar problem delving into the Migrating German tribes: Plenty of good online sources, but any n00b posting on a forum attracts approaches from some unsavoury Blood and Soil types.

These people have decided to park their tanks near our lawn.
That entails explaining ourselves a little more often than I'd wish, but also not offering them the slightest hint of support or "fellow enthusiast" camaraderie.



The rules include some bold innovations in battle size, figure scale and the gridded table.

I think the battle size is the big selling point: It reaches the battles that appear in the history books (and hopefully allows a conclusion in an evening).

The other two points may deter a few potential customers.

Small figures: Some people will fall into the "They're too small" or the "I don't want to buy Romans in another scale" camps.
I think  it's important to repeat the "Designed for little soldiers, but works with any" mantra.
Some years back, the ancients world got excited about "Impetus bases", they looked good and had a nice set of associated rules.
A few pictures of people using their bigger figures on Impetus bases or WRG bases and movement trays would help dispel the myth of "It's 2mm all the way down".

Grids: There's a small but vocal bunch on forums who'll unthinkingly regurgitate their "Grids mean it's just a boardgame" mantra. These aren't your customers. I also get the feeling they are a small noisy group.
My adventures in wargaming have les me to the conclusion that the bigger the battle, the more scope for grids.
Grids are hardly revolutionary, Peter Pig had them as a core mechanism for at least 20 years, More recently To the Strongest  burst onto the ancients competition scene with some success.
I think the way to sell the grid is to play on the "Established yet innovative" and "Well suited to big battles".


I've hesitated on purchase.
Back in the day I was a "Buy all the rules" guy, but rules cost between 2 quid and a lady Godiva.
It's a bigger decision when the book costs a pony.

On the other hand, Lardies rules are always a good thought provoking read.
I've also just emerged from an unexpected hospital visit, and expect to have limited mobility for a couple of months.
So I won't be splashing out on bicycle accessories for a bit.

So expect an order soon, I will enjoy the read.
And if the title frightens off any cold calling JW evangelists, I'll consider that a win.

Quote from: Gwydion on 06 April 2022, 04:36:01 PMHowever...
The name does have just a smidge of that turn of phrase beloved of what shall we say - robust Aryan collectivism? 

Only if you want it to, by the look of things.

Given fascism draws much of its inspiration from an idealised version of ancient Rome (right down to using the name of the old symbol of office, the fasces) I imagine any references to the time period run such a risk for someone who is really looking for it. I imagine most people are sensible enough to understand the context. Just maybe don't take a copy of the rules onto any school grounds lest an oversensitive soul call the police on you for radicalisation...

Quote from: mmcv on 07 April 2022, 11:07:30 AMGiven fascism draws much of its inspiration from an idealised version of ancient Rome (right down to using the name of the old symbol of office, the fasces) I imagine any references to the time period run such a risk for someone who is really looking for it. I imagine most people are sensible enough to understand the context. Just maybe don't take a copy of the rules onto any school grounds lest an oversensitive soul call the police on you for radicalisation...

Heavens, a genuine subjunctive, Carruthers. I thought they were extinct in this part of the 'net!

Quote

QuoteHowever...
The name does have just a smidge of that turn of phrase beloved of what shall we say - robust Aryan collectivism? 

Only if you want it to, by the look of things.

Or have eyes to read.

Pre-ordered.

Now I just need to stop myself buying more additions to the lead mountain from Warbases.

"I can resist anything except temptation"

QuoteWatched the latest video on it, still covering the forces for the demo game but looking forward to the next few getting into the rules proper. They did mention that while the initial rules are aimed at late Republic and early Imperial Rome there are plans to expand into other periods, particularly the successors and polybian legions. Could make for some epic looking Macedonian pike blocks.

Yes 2mm seems ideal for conveying the mass look of pike blocks.

Even Irregular's groups of 30 look quite imposing at that scale.

QuoteSome marketing thoughts from somebody who has never marketed anything.
...
I've also just emerged from an unexpected hospital visit, and expect to have limited mobility for a couple of months.
...

All thoughts well made

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and plenty of enjoyable reading

I've just read this lot. It looks as if I should delay publication of my Living Room Campaigns rules for a while.

QuoteI've just read this lot. It looks as if I should delay publication of my Living Room Campaigns rules for a while.

It took a few seconds before it finally sunk in...   

Living room?  Careful - too many connotations to right-wing postmodernism. 

QuoteI've just read this lot. It looks as if I should delay publication of my Living Room Campaigns rules for a while.

Where can you find these rules ?