He is a member of the Legion of Honor and has received the prestigious Scruby Award from HMGS, and the coveted Hall of Fame “Callie” from Origins (Adventure Gaming Arts and Design); these and numerous other awards attest to the fact that Uncle Duke – as he is affectionately known to every wargamer – is one of the major pioneers and contributors to the success and growth of our hobby.
He was the driving force in several firms in the early pioneering days:
Der Kriegspielers, Custom Cast and Heritage USA. Where he was the first miniatures manufacturer to create licensed gaming figures from The Lord of the Rings, John Carter of Mars and Star Trek!
He then joined friends at TSR as EVP and was responsible for getting the blue and red box D&D into mass-market book stores like Waldenbooks and B-Daltons.
His “EXTRAVAGANZAS” have often been the headliner at Origins, HISTORICON and GenCon, as well as at countless other shows. His mixing of fantasy and historical into Adventure Gaming (his phrase) created an entirely new class of game, and his massive, stunning dioramas and detailed figurines set the standard for convention presentation. Playing in an Uncle Duke game is considered the highlight of a convention for many attendees.
Game: El Cid – EL CID is depicted at the Battle of Cuarte fought in 1094 before the walls of Valencia (which feature an impressive modeling job). Cid has decided to meet the attacking Almoravid Berbers of Ben Yusef (surrounded by his infamous “Black Guard” and the Hasham “Black” (heavy) Cavalry before the city rather than defending from within because his army is primarily mounted. The beginnings of “Knights” are depicted in the Caballeros Hidalgo with help from cheaper militia types armed as the Hidalgos but without any armor and not mounted on massive warhorses. They are called Caballeros Villanos. Support in the form of javelin slinging light cavalry is found in the richer Spanish fighting in their accustomed style as the Caballeros Nobles. The traditional Spanish light cavalry known as Jinetes and some Andalusian Allies mounted bowmen on their well-trained horses complete Cid’s mounted units. A small number of Infantry in the form, of Aqueros (archers), militia crossbowmen, skirmishing slingers and javelineers are backed up by a sizeable unit of Peones spearmen with archers in the rear ranks being led by a Bishop. El Cid’s personal retinue of well-trained, armored crossbowmen complete the army; other than a few militia formations left behind to defend the walls.
The Almoravid Berbers are high-quality spearmen and archers supported by small numbers of light cavalry and camel bowmen. Mercenary units of high-quality Ghuzz horse archers, well-mounted, and some Sudanese spearmen serve as well. Ben Yusef’s Guards are of maximum quality and are really difficult to deal with! The somber colors of these fanatics (the Al Queada of that day) contrast greatly with the bright hues of the Spanish. We have played six games with them at this time with three wins each…so it is a very well-balanced game with the outcome dependent upon you.
Come join us for a game with beautiful scenics and well-painted soldiers set upon the plains of Spain. I shall give you an exciting game!
Uncle Duke
Using Warhammer Ancient Battles rules. Will run on Friday evening at the KC gamefair.
Game: The Black Gates!
A coalition of Gondor and Rohan made up of the survivors of the Pelennor Fields battle assaults the Gates of the Morannon to deflect Sauron’s attention away from the Ringbearer on his critical mission of destroying The One Ring by casting it into the fires within Mount Doom. March 25 TA 3019 Battle of the Morannon.
A set up to be seen to be believed! Only run twice before! once at Historicon and once at Gen-Con!
The Black Gates will be A lavish diorama constructed by Duke. A 14 x 12 1/2′ diorama including a massive Mount Doom, the Tower of Barad Dur and the defences of the Morannan built into the rocky mountains of shadow. The game will be played with a cast of 1200 25mm figurines drawn fron Heritage’s Fantastiques of the early 70′s combined with the LOTR line Duke designed for the Ralph Baskshi movie some years later.
GOODLY FORCES:
Gandalf
Sons of Elrond
Imrahil
Aaragorn
Capt of the Guard
Eomer
Grimbold
EVIL FORCES:
Mouth of Sauron
Gothmog, Lieutenant of the Tower of Minas Morgul Nazgul #4 Nazgul #5 Nazgul #6 Harad Vizier Rhun General
Will be run at the KCgamefair on Saturday, 2pm
