As my co-designer, Dr. Jeremy (Jerry) White has stated in these pages, our project to create a board game on the development of the submarine in the 19th Century began some five years ago. At the start of the project, I decided that if we were going to do this properly, our submarine game needed […]
Full Circle: a Re-visit to the “Hunley” at Charleston’s Lasch Conservation Center Read Post »
Designer Blogs
Five and a half years ago… With Infernal Machine: The Dawn of Submarine Warfare at the printer, the designers found themselves in a nostalgic and contemplative mood. Their first meeting was via private messaging on BoardGameGeek (BGG) back during the pandemic. They now offer their initial (somewhat uncanny or just curious) exchange to InsideGMT, as
The Origins of Infernal Machine Read Post »
Designer Blogs
As our play testing of “Infernal Machine” continues apace, it is interesting to see how our teaching scenarios can be tinkered with to make sure they are providing much-needed information on game play and hints on strategy, as well as have some fun with the game system. Scenario Ten has the Player fill the shoes
The Tale of the “Spectre” – “Infernal Machine’s” Scenario Ten from a ‘Northern Aspect’ Read Post »
Designer Blogs
by Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) My young friend, it is good to see you. How can I be of service to you this fine day? You’ve doubts about the usefulness of what you are doing? Yes, I’ve heard of the project Simeon Bourgeois has undertaken. The French Navy is not as close-mouthed
While a Confederate privateer can use his Letter of Marque to, so to speak, “play pirate,” the United States Navy takes a dim view of civilians captaining an armed vessel during war time, or any time for that matter. In the game “Infernal Machine: Dawn of Submarine Warfare,” the “Navy Way” begins with the vessel’s
Infernal Machine: Commissions, Purchase Orders and Promotions – Their Use and Benefits Read Post »
Designer Blogsby Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Oh, there you are, my young Inventor friend. What brings you to this tavern, at this hour of the evening? You are wondering if your fishboat idea will ultimately be successful. You are also wondering if what you are building will perhaps “change the rules” of naval
by Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Hello, my young friend, it is good to see you once again. I note that you have a bandage on your left arm. Is something amiss at your machine shop? I see, so your associate purchased a lower grade of bituminous coal for your forge. And some
By Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Again, I bid you a good day, my young prodigy. Thank you for meeting me in this out-of-the-way location. Our talk today requires restraint and privacy between colleagues. We will speak of shifting loyalties. As you may have gathered, the life of a Confederate Inventor and Entrepreneur
By Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Young Inventor! It is good to see you once again. Have you been applying what the two of us discussed in our last conversation? Well done. I am pleased with your diligence, both in study and application of what you are learning. Today, our topic involves one
By Ed Ostermeyer (Master Engineer – Grade 2) Ah, good day to you once more, young Inventor. I am happy to see you once again. And you have brought your copy of the Inventor’s Vade Mecum with you. May I see it, please? Hmmm, I notice it is now a very worn and much-thumbed work.
