Hobbies: an introduction to tabletop miniature games

If you've ever been interested in role playing, plastic or pewter modeling, dice games or art, the world of tabletop gaming may be for you. Tabletop miniature games have been around for upwards of 20 years, but relatively few people are aware of them. Often games of this nature are unfairly labeled as something only "nerds" play, but in reality nearly anybody can find some form of enjoyment in them. Gamers are often friendly people, willing to help new players out as they learn. Those who play these games are often close-knot groups of friends who enjoy spending a weekend afternoon or evening doing something fun together. Organized games such as Warhammer, Warhammer 40k, Heroclix, Age of Battles and many more allow people to escape into another world to command armies or fleets of space ships. People from all walks of life play tabletop games, like electricians, students, and even housewives. As time goes by, they are becoming more and more widespread and more people are becoming interested. Tabletop miniatures games are something of a cross between a board game and a pen and paper role playing game. They are played using a surface customized with trees, buildings or other structures, small figurines made of plastic or pewter (known collectively as the "miniatures"), dice and other role playing elements. All of the varieties of tabletop miniatures games that exist have the same fundamental aspects - they require two or more players and each player controls anywhere from a single miniature up to and including entire armies. Each miniature has its own set of rules representing its speed, power, weapons, and whatever other abilities or characteristics the designers attributed to it. The rules range from simple to spectacularly complex. In the genre of tabletop games there is something out there for nearly anybody: whether you prefer fantasy battles between noble elves and brute orks, futuristic conflicts of aliens versus genetically engineered super human warriors, the decimation of worlds using massive tanks, or exploring hidden dungeons with an entourage of characters, there is sure to be something out there to interest you. Even famous movies are being made into tabletop miniatures games, allowing people to recreate scenes with their miniatures. A key point to note about tabletop miniature games is that such a hobby will actually be multiple hobbies. There is the obvious fun in playing the game itself, but the miniatures allow for much more. Those who love assembling models will enjoy putting their miniatures together. Furthermore, the player may choose to convert the models, using pieces from differing miniatures such as swapping one head for another, or even trying their hands at sculpting miniatures themselves. One can spend hours modeling unique details into their collection, making their army, warriors, or whatever they collect into something truly their own. Use a modeling knife to cut dings and scratches into a tank's armored hull, or a bit of epoxy putty and a sculpting tool to give a bald man flowing hair. A gamer can create almost anything their imagination can come up with. Past the assembly and potential conversion of a miniature, a player must also consider painting his or her collection. Adding color to these sometimes miniscule figures can be quite daunting, but it is ultimately rewarding; creating artwork on a three dimensional canvas. Tabletop miniatures games also appeal to those who love to collect. Assembling a collection of miniatures can be very enjoyable, and unlike many other collections, a hobby such as this allows you to interact with many people who have similar interests. You can find more information here: http://www.tradingideas4you.com/fun-entertainment/hobbies/hobbies .html