Hello, everyone. This is RetroBeliever. If you were not aware, I already run a blog called RetroBeliever, which is where I discuss board games, retro video games, and Christian topics. I also had a blog on the side called Boardgameness, which was where I dumped my book ideas. However, I have recently been focusing a lot on the X-Wing Miniatures Game, so I've decided to accomplish two things simultaneously: refresh the Boardgameness site AND start a blog that focuses on X-Wing. That's why the Step on Snek Squadron was born.
Where did we get the name of the squadron, you ask? Well, several months back, my youngest son was perusing airsoft gear online and happened upon velcro patches that players use to adorn their airsoft gear and MOLLE pouches. He found a No Step on Snek patch, which (of course) is a lampoon of/homage to Don't Tread on Me. Immediately taken by the patch, my son asked me to order several of them to give to friends. After I purchased the patches, I made sure to retain one for myself.
Fast-forward to June 2019. My two sons and I participated in a local X-Wing Hyperspace Trial tournament, which is basically a qualifier tournament for X-Wing players who want to earn an invitation to the World Championships. During registration for the event, I told the event marshal that our squadron's name was "No Step on Snek Squadron," which prevented my boys and me from being paired up at least for the opening rounds.
Of course, considering how busy we are and how many other board games I play, we all did poorly at the tournament. In fact, I was 1-5 with my only victory coming at the expense of a very young player... and that was because time expired. My two sons didn't fare much better, and after an exhausting 10-hour-day at a rather cerebrally taxing event, we returned home.
The next day, my youngest son and I were standing in our kitchen and I quipped how we weren't the "No Step on Snek Squadron," but we were actually the "Step on Snek Squadron," especially considering our collective performance. He laughed unexpected and mused that that name would have been more appropriate. Thus, the No Step on Snek Squadron emerged from the ashes of our tournament debacle.
The intent of this blog is simple: in a landscape where there are numerous enthusiast groups (squadrons) that play multiple times per week and eat, drink, and breathe X-Wing, I wanted to start a blog for the parents, kids, and other players who are a bit more than casual (at least in our minds), but a lot less than competitive. This is the perspective from which these blog entries shall be written, and I hope that you will find value, whether it's informative or humorous, in these postings.
Now, if you happen to be one of those enthusiasts who actually places highly in tournaments AND wants to lend your expertise (or get a good laugh), please feel free to comment! We can all learn from you. Personally, I am a big fan of the Mynock Squadron podcast and I also enjoy the Birmingham Barons and Back to Dials podcasts, so I strongly recommend those groups if you want insight into competitive X-Wing. However, if you want to commiserate or gain a bit more insight to elevate yourself beyond casual player, stick around -- you are welcome to Step on the Snek!
No comments:
Post a Comment