Blood Bowl at SHO
Today I chat with Nathan ‘Ratt’ Gall about Blood Bowl at SHO. I am sure you are sick of me saying it but Southern Hemisphere Open is just a heartbeat away, in fact, this time in three weeks time we will be right in the thick of it. As we get more and more excited for the big events I am chatting with our TOs to share some of their thoughts on their system of choice and the event as a whole.
What is the system you will be running at SHO?
Blood Bowl, by Games Workshop
Tell me a bit about yourself?
Well, my name is Nathan Gall, aka Ratt. In fact more people would know me as Ratt than would know me as Nathan. One time springs to mind of GW Morley calling me to inform of a release being available to pick up, and failing to recognise the name until I said it was Ratt. I’ve been in Perth for nearly 14 years now, and playing games since ’97. Until the start of this year, my life revolved around gaming, playing events, running events, playing campaigns and pick-up games at clubs, but life changed earlier this year when I got engaged, and have started to take on a parenting role. I’ve learned how rewarding life can be outside of gaming when you have something to do with your time.
What is your gaming history?
I started playing in 1997 and have played almost everything GW has released. Blood Bowl was a natural selection as I enjoy the concept of improvements like you get in league play, as it helps to evolve your team into something that you get attached to, as opposed to “Random General X with standard loadout defeated the enemy again”. I mean, the other games have been fun, but the progression just appeals to my preferences.
Tell me about this system, I’ve only played Blood Bowl once, almost 20 years ago (oh my goodness that makes me feel and sound so old!) and I beat M so he wouldn’t play with me again!
I usually describe Blood Bowl as the NFL (American Football) in a Fantasy World (Fantasy with Elves and Goblins, not whips and chains) [we just had to pause for a minute while I almost choked and laughed out loud at that!] which is played on a board representing the field. It’s usually enough to get through, but for those who have knowledge of Warhammer – it’s basically the Warhammer Races playing Gridiron instead of fighting wars. And like all things Warhammer – there are weapons… although they are not technically allowed by the rules… but rules were meant to be broken, right? So there ARE whips and chains? Just chain swords!
What is this systems history in WA?
I can only speak for the last 14 years, but since I have been in Perth, there has been at least one league being played. It started of with the BRAWL League, with the gents organising the Sandgroper Cup – which was an impressive event that attracted interstate and I believe Overseas players at some point. Then the Rock’N’Rumble League started, which focused on the players at TGA. Numbers dwindled a little, and the leagues decided to have a chat about the future, and decided that we would combine forces, and set up the WAFFL – Western Australian Fantasy Football League. The WAFFL now has its own site that facilitates the WCL (West Coast League) the KBBL (KRAGS Blood Bowl League) and the HBL (Herd Bowl League).
How is the game supported in WA
Well, the WAFFL helps to facilitate leagues run at KRAGS (Kwinana Rockingham Armchair Generals) and the PNH (Perth Nerd Herd). The WCL runs with a Coaches with Borders attitude, but for this season we are giving back by awarding an extra MVP for games played at the I’d Crit That club, KRAGS and PNH. I am also aware of several other leagues run at independent games stores such as Good Games, and I believe that GW has hosted their own leagues – although I haven’t yet had the opportunity to take part. We (the WAFFL) would always be interested in hearing from new Coaches, and we would be happy to help out in the facilitation of more games, and leagues if needed.
What is the history at SHO?
Blood Bowl featured as a one day event last year, run by Lee Stark. The best bet for single day events are a resurrection style event, which is what we’ll be running this year, but in the future I do hope we can stretch out to a progression event.
How are you associated with the game?
I’ve been playing Blood Bowl for more years than I care to remember, and have participated in 8 out of the 9 Sandgroper Cups, I’ve travelled East to Play Blood Bowl events including the EucBowl, Southern Shrike Bowl and Ausbowl – having represented my adopted WA twice. Locally I am the Head Commissioner of the WAFFL and current web site organise-y guy. I was the Head Commissioner of the Rock’N’Rumble prior to it becoming part of the WAFFL. I’ve run several events for Blood Bowl, plus my own take on the Blood Bowl 7’s rules.
What is unique/exciting about this event at SHO?
This year, aside from the standard resurrection format, we’ve incorporated a special rule called the “SHO Off” – One player on your roster is given the Fan Favourite Skill, and then after the first two games, we will ‘burden’ them with a new skill in addition. It should be a lot of fun, and we’ll advise of the skill at the start of the next game. Ohhhh I love this! I want a SHO Off shirt!!! (With an Elf with whips and chains – I’m not letting this go!)
Why should people come and play this event at SHO?
I would encourage people to come along and play Blood Bowl at the SHO because it’s a wonderful environment – a massive hall that is filled with gaming, a late start due to the easy schedule, and a licensed venue. What other reason – apart from Blood Bowl is awesome – would you need? Even if there is not another game you’re interested in, the people playing in other events probably like to “Nerd it up” just like you, so fun filled conversations can be had with practically everyone there.
The formal Blood Bowl event is being held on Monday 24th September and there will be intro and demo games running over all three days. The players pack for the event is available on the website and tickets are available via Humanitix.