dalmer

Hello there,

Update as of 03-09-2014.

Mr. Williams is planning on removing the 2 tiny tables near the front glass since no one uses them.  Going to go with a different shelving system so products can be grouped in similar areas (i.e. all the 40k stuff HERE, all the WarmaHordes stuff THERE, etc.).  Moving (2) tabletop gaming tables to the main area so 40k and such can be on display near the product.

There will be a small 4'x4' table attached near the price register so employees can game from behind the counter and still be readily identifiable to non-regulars as employees.  The glass case to the right of the register (looking at the register) will be moved to the right to accommodate this table.

With regards to the gaming room, Mr. Williams was quite emphatic that there was never any thought in changing the space and not having it as a gaming area.  If you enter the gaming room, the tables to the right are going to be changed up into more-useable stuff rather than tables no one uses.

Keeping stock levels of gaming stuff on par with what sells and perhaps will do something like 10% off for stuff they have to order for the customer.

Some of this is occurring tonight after his shift, the other stuff is going to occur over the next month or two.  Seemed pretty straight forward.  I told him that it's his business and he should run it as such in order to keep in business. 

I ordered the Sentinels of Terra codex and the Crimson Slaughter codex from him.  On a related note my son and I visited Mugu Games today down in Everett and they have all GW products at 20% off, so there's gotta be some wiggle room on pricing unless Mugu Games moves a TON of product.  Which, judging by the stocks maybe they do (/shrug).

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Just tossing out a reminder post that the handgun safety class that y'all requested will be held on Saturday, March 22nd.

I will finalize the time but unless there is huge opposition let's plan on noon at the Bellingham Police Department's training room, which is accessed off of C Street.  I'll keep the gate open with a "police training" sign.

No equipment needed.  Kids, spouses, significant others, whatever are welcome.  If you have questions, comments or concerns please look on the Bellingham Warhamsters forums for the thread titled "firearm safety classes offered" from a while back.

Stay safe,

don

P.S.  If everyone for some reason is gonna bail, please let me know so I don't have to get all the gear squared away, the location, etc. etc.

Hello there,

I don't want to sound like a jerk but it'll probably type out that way.

It's not "show FRIENDS," it's "show BUSINESS."  I get that Mr. Williams, a businessman, has economic interests that he needs to tend to.  Totally supportive of that and do my best to purchase kits, paints, supplies and all the codices and such from Dark Tower Games.  Would support the gaming room for local 40k gamers as well, because obviously having the business survive is a necessary component to having the game room.

However, business comes to the other side of the table, too.  If I can get $ 1000 worth of models off of Ebay for $ 300, I'm sorry but no amount of "you should spend money local" is going to change me pulling the trigger on saving $ 700.  Every.  Single.  Time.  I think the world of Dark Tower Games and would like to think that Mr. Williams and I have never had beef or problems... and thus, I concertedly try my best to support the shop. 

But again, his economics aren't the only ones in play here.

Mr. Williams has a core group that are willing to help out in various ways, as these posts attests.  If he takes suggestions or assistance and can keep the gaming room going, wonderful.  If not, that's his right and folks will have to adapt.

Stay safe,

don

Very nice sir!

Hello there,

A liquor license is a HUGE undertaking that requires a ton of commitment from the vendor, FYI:

In order to sell alcoholic beverages at an eating or drinking establishment or at a special occasion within the City of Bellingham, a State liquor license is required.  The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) issues the license only after receiving input from the City, and each application is investigated individually. To apply for a license, see the Applicant FAQ's on the WSLCB website.  The process typically requires 45 days from date of application (up to 60 days if applying in an Alcohol Impact Area).

Following is a general outline of the process followed once a Liquor License application is received at the City of Bellingham:

1. Review by Bellingham Police, Building Services, Finance and Fire Departments.  Review includes checking business license and registration, background check, permitting, fire safety and occupancy.
2. Review by Whatcom County Health Department
3. Approval by the Mayor's Office following all other reviews and approvals.
4. Application is returned to the WSLCB for issuance of license. 

If a department needs additional time to accomplish their investigation, the City is able to request a “commitment term” from the WSCLB that requires the applicant to fulfill outstanding obligations to the City of Bellingham before they are able to obtain approval for their liquor license. All investigations within the City happen concurrently with the WSCLB’s license review process.  See Applicant FAQ's for more information on that process.

Hello there,

Shooter's choice, plain and simple.  Play the game how you wanna play it and you'll be fine.

If I play against someone that pulls out a cheesy, uberpowered list then oh well.  I'll hopefully learn something from the experience.  Not too often that you know exactly what's coming anyhow, so what the the heck... the vagaries of war and all.

The game, just like the player base, will evolve in ever-expanding paths.  Some folks will go for power playing.  Some folks for narrative.  Some folks... you get the picture.

It's YOUR hobby, do it how YOU want.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Thanks for the information on the plastic rods, it's appreciated.

Dark Trainer, I'm up in the Bellingham area. 

Hello there,

I've checked other places but have thus far come up short.  Wondering if anyone in the local gaming scene has any information.

Looking for the following Necron Monolith bits and/or suggestions on where I could look for them other than ebay:

*  monolith crystal thingie on the top... I only have one half of one

*  one of the large rods that plug into the side

*  the swirly-looking disc that goes on the back, similar in material to the portal and crystal

Any thoughts/assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks and stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Good thread to read.

My two cents, which is probably worth less than two cents considering how little I play in the local scene, is:

It's always good to have options.  I personally like a rule set that is broad and encompassing, allowing gamers to make the specifics, so to speak.  40k has lots of rules / codices / supplements / etc. but it seems to me that y'all have hit the proverbial nail on the head by doing it YOUR way.

Folks wanna run gaming sessions wherein rule sets x and y aren't allowed?  So be it.  At least folks know.  A tournament that allows d-weapons and gi-hugic thingiemabobbers?  Cool if that's what you wanna play.

The analogy to me is RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons / Pathfinder.  Sure there's a rule set and in some cases it's pretty fleshed-out and specific.  But for the most part the player base has a ton of options and can play it their way.

And options are better than being forced to play a certain way.  Back in the tournament days for me everywhere I went it was basically the same thing:  folks trying to get the best list with the best rules flexing / exploits / loopholes and duking it out.  Those of us that wanted thematics, storylines, etc. just ended up making our own gaming groups and playing it our way.

I've got a pretty good inkling in my head that if I ever wanna game down at Dark Tower Games with y'all I'm going to get this:  players that are helpful and friendly and who are interested in having a fun game with some kind of thematic storyline element.  Which is precisely how I wanna play, so thank goodness y'all exist.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

I'm assuming Kickstarter is notifying account holders via email, but just in case:

Hackers hit crowd-funding site Kickstarter and made off with user information, the site said Saturday.

Though no credit card info was taken, the site said, attackers made off with usernames, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and encrypted passwords.

"Actual passwords were not revealed, however it is possible for a malicious person with enough computing power to guess and crack an encrypted password, particularly a weak or obvious one," the site said in a blog post, adding that "as a precaution, we strongly recommend that you create a new password for your Kickstarter account, and other accounts where you use this password."

The site said law enforcement told Kickstarter of the breach on Wednesday night and that the company "immediately closed the security breach and began strengthening security measures throughout the Kickstarter system." The site also said "no credit card data of any kind was accessed by hackers" and that "there is no evidence of unauthorized activity of any kind on all but two Kickstarter user accounts."

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

I've put (23) scything talons into a sandwich baggie with a note marked "WICCUS" in it and will put it behind the counter at Dark Tower Games today (Saturday the 15th).

I'll probably be there around 1300 hours.

Please take what you need and just cross out your name, put "DON ALMER" on the card and I'll know to pick it up.  Or whatever similar easy way you have of returning what you don't need.

I put each limb up against a carnifex and a tyranid warrior... they all obviously fit on the former and look incredibly out of place on the latter, so I'm under the assumption that the ones I've bagged are the ones you're looking for.  My sincerest apologies if I've got it wrong.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Thanks for posting the schedule AND points values, sir... really helps out.

I just got back from a training course but plan on stopping by and watching.

The March, September, October, November and December tournaments are looking like they are work-schedule compatible so I am going to make an army list these days off and stop my painting rotation and concentrate on the ol' army list!

Thanks again!

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Sorry for the late post, I've been away.

If you need tyranid MC-sized scything talons still, please let me know as I have a bunch in my bits box.

Stay safe,

don

Thank you so much for posting the dates ahead of time, along with the point values.

I realize that seeing me game is akin to seeing a leprechaun riding a unicorn over a rainbow bridge leading from the Shire to Narnia in order to meet Han Solo and Chewbacca for some zany adventures in the World of Greyhawk, but this helps planning immensely.

Appreciate it!

Stay safe,

don

donotletmysonseethisdonotletmysonseethisdonotletmysonseethis

Oh Internet gods, please oh please

Hello there,

Have fun, that's why you're doing all of this.

Learn from the experience so you can do it again and more to your liking.

Be thankful for such a wonderful opportunity!  Have a great time and be safe!

don

Hello there,

Gunbroker.com has em all over the board... nice ones over $ 1k, other ones way less.  What HeroZero suggested is good... might even get decent trade stuff?

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Looks like a 101 select to me.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

It sounds like Saturday, March 22nd will be the day.  You are being given ample time to schedule so hopefully that helps.

Please plan on a start time of noon.  Easy for me to remember as well as not being too early / too late for folks.

I will supply the location and materials and will update as the day approaches.

All are welcome to attend provided that you read the very first post and agree with what I typed out.  Wives, girlfriends, significant others, buddies, kids, etc.  I've instructed ages from 8 to 70, so not a problem.

You will not need to bring anything other than yourselves, note-taking materials if you're into that (I'll also have a sign-in sheet where I can email you a copy of the PowerPoint we go over) and a positive attitude.  Don't worry about eye protection, hearing protection or any of that because we will not be shooting anything.

This will be a BASIC, HANDS-ON HANDGUN SAFETY / ORIENTATION class.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Thanks for the interest responses, makes it way easier for me.  I totally get scheduling gremlins, thus tend to try and set stuff in the future so folks can actually clear time to attend.

huggies01 - Plantation Rifle Range is another local shooting range.  It's south on Samish Way down by the Lake Whatcom area.  They can accommodate handgun, rifle and shotgun.  Should have a schedule online and it's run by Whatcom County Parks and Recreation. 

I would be willing to do this on a weekend if that's what work's best for folks, no problem. 

How does either Saturday, March 22nd or Sunday, March 23rd work for people?  Again, I could do the first class as a 2 to 3 hour introduction class and we would have breaks, etc.  Very, very basic stuff to start with and I will supply the location, firearms and course material.

This gives folks with scheduling issues time to plan.  You folks just figure out what day works best.  And if both of those days are equally crappy, let's figure out another one.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

So far only 3-4 interested parties.  Hmmm....

Hello there,

This is the new topic promised from the other posting.  I'll hit the high points:

*  State certified firearms instructor (handgun, rifle, shotgun)

*  Current police officer with 18 years of service, 10+ being in SWAT

*  Have instructed tons of folks prior... kids, teens, women and men

*  Willing to do this for free as a favor to the Warhamster community

I will supply a location 99.9% of the time that's well lit, warm and safe (i.e. the police department)

I will supply non-lethal firearms for instructional purposes for the first classes

I will supply training materials for you to take home and review

I will give you good foundational skills and hone existing ones

I will treat folks with respect and patience

I will give my personal opinion on whatever topics when asked

I will not tolerate BS or unsafe actions... I've been shot at by suspects on two occasions and don't need more

I will not engage in a battle of egos... be a student or don't show

I will not put up with disparaging anti-police views... we're here to help this community and this is an example of that

The first class I would wish to instruct is a BASIC, foundational handgun operator's course.  You will learn how to safely clear a handgun, how to safely load and charge a handgun and some basic, foundational shooting skills.  You will learn and be expected to adhere to the universal firearms safety laws.  Lots of civilians have taken this and given me positive feedback.

The class would be expected to digest and train this information for a period of time.

Class two would be talking about what I feel are important foundational shooting skills and "dry firing" over and over and over in a safe environment. 

The class would be expected to digest and train this information for a period of time.

Class three would be "live fire" and going to a range and going over some BASIC shooting drills.  These three classes would provide a nice foundational starting point for most folks and give them the skills needed to operate a handgun safely.

I could do the same thing with rifles and shotguns if you'd like.  And when I say "rifles" I usually mean AR- platforms, as that is what most folks want instruction in. 

After basic classes we could talk about branching into self-defense / retention / etc. stuff, but only after folks demonstrate safe and proficient skill sets of instructional material covered thus far. 

If folks want to skip this and go to a local and reputable course where you pay money, let me know too as I can refer you to quality folks and not fly-by-night "ninja awesome death gun" BS.

The offer is out, you folks just have to organize who wants it and how many folks there will be, etc.

My son at 10 years old was running my duty Glock and SWAT AR- just fine... the shotgun gave him trouble due to his size.  He's 13 now and will be happy to attend so folks with similar aged-kids can feel comfy.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

I would like to help in a logistical / support role if you need someone to help.

I'm handy with power tools, have some community contacts, love the hobby, can fight/use weapon systems...

I know my schedule prohibits me from being around a ton, but they don't call them "behind the scenes helpers" for nothing!

Oh, and I have a really big pole barn for fun stuff / storage.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

Making a new topic thread.

Hopefully I'm not offending anyone or making them grumpy... just offering services.

Stay safe,

don

Hello there,

I just got some Army Painter Wargamer brushes, the triangular ones, for Christmas.

Very happy with them so far.

Prior to these I was using Citadel ones (splitting) and the Privateer Press ones (for some reason the bristles were positively disintegrating).

Not too pricey, either.

Stay safe,

don