Greetings everyone! I just wanted to take a quick moment to introduce myself and explain why I’m posting.  

My name is Ryan, and you can find me at the store every Friday evening and most Saturday afternoons. I began my ascent in the hallowed halls of gaming with the deceptively simple game of Heroclix. After a couple years off and on with that game, I was looking for something a bit more in depth and my artistic side was searching for an outlet.

Standard tabletop wargames began calling out to me, and I eventually sold off most of my more valuable Heroclix figures and bought into a relatively newer game at the time named “Warmachine” manufactured by Privateer Press. The idea of spell-slinging skirmishes amid giant hulking steam-powered robot killing machines in the Iron Kingdoms steampunk setting was all too tempting. That was several years ago and since then I’ve collected an embarrassing amount of miniatures for that game and it’s companion game, “Hordes”.

More recently my application was accepted (thanks to Bruce!) to become a Pressganger (Privateer Press’ volunteer representative) for our local area. The opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Armoury Games and Privateer Press to promote not only a game I love, but a venue that is a “home away from home” for many of us is really exciting. With that being said, it is my intent to begin hosting events soon! To give you an idea of what I have planned, here are some thoughts bouncing around in my head:

• Game Demos! – I’ve overheard a lot of people express interest Warmachine and Hordes while visiting the store. Now you will have the opportunity to try it out for yourself. In as little as 10 to 15 minutes of your time, you can learn the basics of the game!
• Tournaments! – Compete for your faction! Earn Prizes!
• Slow-Grow Leagues! – Looking to get into the game but don’t have a lot of cash? For approximately $45 you can pick up a faction battlebox, some six-sided dice, and start playing. From there, we would slowly add to the point values every month until each player ended up with a standard sized army!
• Painting Workshops! – I personally love to paint miniatures, and I enjoy exchanging tips and tricks with fellow enthusiasts. Even if you don’t play Warmachine or Hordes but you like to paint, bring in your minis and share your ideas!

Well, there you have it. If you are interested in any of these ideas, or have any questions about the games/ideas of your own, please feel free to talk to myself or Bruce. Once I begin scheduling events, you will be able to find them on the Armoury Games forums and posted on the in-store bulletin board. So like I said above, if you find yourself near the store on Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons, feel free to stop by and introduce yourself!

-Ryan a.k.a. Snapshot_Superhero

Some have already heard, but the culprits responsible for the break-in and theft at Armoury Games have been exposed. At least one will be looking at some serious consequenses. Many thanks to the Pickerington detectives and all the law enforcement forces that acted so swiftly in catching them.

My family and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone out there who stepped up to offer their support both in thought and deed. I had no idea that there would be so many concerned members in our community and it makes my grinchy heart swell three times its size to know it. You all helped us through a very difficult time and directly helped to avert a holiday disaster by saving Christmas for 2 young children – and our whole family as well.

I love the Armoury Games “family” and I hope to be here for many years providing a great environment for gamers to come and play. And with members like you supporting us, we can continue to support you as well.

Merry Christmas (or holiday of your choice) to all!

Sincerely.

Bruce and Family

As some of you know, I was a victim of theft.  Last Saturday night, someone broke into Armoury Games and stole all of our Games Workshop stock and our Saturday cash deposit. To say it was a sizable loss is a bit of an understatement (those who have seen the bare walls know my meaning). And while I say that I am the victim here, that is not quite accurate – I should instead say that we are the victims. You see, Armoury Games is not a big corporation with deep pockets, it is a small family who is trying to make a living (which is no easy task in our country’s current economic state).  It is me and my wife, my 5 year old daughter and my 2 year old son, and my older kids. Stealing my income and taking my most popular selling product at Christmas time has jeopardized my children’s holiday.

And while we’re talking about family, I would like to say that Armoury Games is also a bigger family – it is all of you who come to the store.  Some are very active in our community and some of you are in only from time to time, but you are our family and you are all affected as well. Already many people seeking Games Workshop items, whether for themselves or for loved ones for the holiday, have left the store empty handed. That’s not to say that they can’t find what they’re looking for somewhere else, but every lost sale hurts the community as a whole as it affects our ability to stay in business and threatens the future of your community.

I would like to thank all of those people who have expressed their sympathy (or rage – or both) and support during this stressful time. I’m not one to ask for help, and although I may be in need of a George Bailey moment (look it up if you don’t know), it really doesn’t work if you have to ask for it. So I will say that if you would like to help, just shop where you play. We have plenty of other games in stock and we are trying to get some Games Workshop back in before the holiday (but it will be close). And don’t forget, we do have gift certificates.

As always, we appreciate all of you who have supported us over the years and we are happy you have helped to make the Armoury Games community what it is.

Sincerely,

Bruce & Family

Here I am, making a long overdue post about current events at Armoury Games.  Point of fact. . . I have been trying to update the website for about a week now, but a corrupt plug in kept me from being able access the admin panel.  I have skirted the issue temporarliy, though, and here I am.

The Ohio renaissance Festival was very good to us.  Not only was it a good time, but it helped us through our normal slow period here at the store.  We had such a good time we will be returning next year, so everyone should set aside a day to attend, there really is a lot to see and do.

Now having said that, I feel I must mention that it was a LOT of work.  Trying to keep the store going, my booth at the fair and helping my wife with her shop at the fair as well as looking after the kids was exhausting.  I couldn’t have done it without the help of the great group of staff and freinds that really stepped up to keep this ship afloat.  A special thanks to a certain someone for the hundreds of biscuits donated to the cause and my good friend with a box truck - he took the day off from his new business to help us get all of our junk home from the fair when our pre-arranged delivery system fell apart.  There are so many others to thank as well, but I hear the band cueing me get on with it.

A lot of new and interesting things came in during the time I was absent here – Primal Power for D&D, the Pathfinder Bestiary, the Rogue Trader 40k RPG, Space Wolves, Retribution for WarMachine, and Blood Bag Energy Drinks just to name a few.  And we’ve seen a good bit of activity here at the store as well, including Pathfinder Society RPG (every other Tuesday and open to everyone), a Warmachine/Hordes tournament, Warhammer 40k and Fantasy play and every Thursday there is a great crew playing the Legends of the Five Rings ccg.

we have a greatly expanded selection of board games currently and a BRAND NEW product – latex/foam replica weaponry suitable for sparring.  Come in and see it for yourself!  The staff has been testing these out for weeks now, and I can tell you, they are a lot of fun.

So, to finish up, I have to say I am happy to be back, but I am also looking forward to Saturday - my first day off since late July.

Bruce (tired but not defeated)

This past weekend (June 25th – 28th), Armoury Games had its first booth at Origins, and what a great time we had!  We saw many of our old friends and made a lot of new ones. We had a lot of gaming stock on hand (and some crazy cool dice earrings) and more than a few people walked away happy.  We can’t wait for next year. 

We also helped sponsor an official Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader Tournament put on by the guys from 40K Origins.  Head on over to their website for a rundown on the action.

What a great thing it is to have a full blown gaming convention like this right in our own backyard.  I encourage everyone to come out next year and join in the fun and support the show. Because just like your friendly local games stores, if you don’t support it, it’ll go away and that would be a darn shame.  And everyboy can afford it; with the $3 day pass you can take advantage of the exhibit hall, demo games and the art show for next to nothing.  If you want to join in some exciting games or tournaments, a full show pass will make you eligible for everything the show has to offer.  So make sure to schedule time next year to come and see us at Origins 2010!