Equinox 2012 Report: Results and Winners by Steve Chambers Equinox is the annual autumn event held by the Auckland City Guard club which happened on the weekend of 17-18 March 2012. This year the tournament was quite a large affair hosting many gaming systems and filling the Mt. Eden War Memorial hall (where Battlefront holds its grand tournaments) to the point of overflowing. The Flames Of War event itself was a Mid-war 1500 point tournament that attracted fourteen players who faced off over six games over the course of the weekend. The City Guard club are promoting Flames Of War actively and a couple of the players were new or recent starters from the club, the club welcome all new Flame Of War players at their regular Sunday meetings.

The tournament was fun to run and had some stand-out features in addition to hosting new players; these keen folk had the opportunity to play against several of New Zealand’s top players, somewhat of a baptism of fire. We were proud that the terrain was all sourced from players as Battlefront is a generous supporter of the hobby locally and as often as not provide all the scenery for Auckland events. This time they helped with only the flat boards used on two tables, and we were privileged to have scenery from the club and players covering all tables, showing that there is a strong hobby movement and not only wargamers here.

The most salient feature of the weekends play was the third edition Flames Of War rules. I had deliberately made the tournament second edition with players having the option to use third edition rules if both parties agreed, so players could play second edition if they felt more comfortable. However even our newest player, Greg, who picked up the third edition rules for the first time in game one, as well as all others, played only decided to play only third edition rules therefore making this event New Zealand’s first 100% third edition tournament Third Edition rules had been used at the Early-war at Battlecry the previous month, (any other event where third edition was optional) but this weekend had no second edition hold-outs. The rules were very easy to interpret and use and I had no more rules enquiries than I had experienced in the past from an event of similar size.

The winners received prizes provided by Battlefront, thanks to their generous support of the hobby once again. Best Overall was Battlefront staff member Mike Haycock, Best General (2nd place) went to Dan Maguire, Best Army was owned by Kit Goldsbury and Best Sport was awarded to Scott Lindsay. Thanks to all the players and Battlefront for their support and to the City Guard for hosting. Our upcoming events are Can Opener (charity event) and the North Island Convention (NICON) at Queens Birthday weekend, both of which feature Flames Of War competitions so get involved with Flames Of War in Auckland! ~ Steve.
Equinox 2012 Final Standings Name Victory Points Generalship (70%) Army (15%) Sport (15%) Total Score Awards Mike Haycock 28 70 15 11.72 96.72 Best Overall Dan Maguire 26 65 7.5 10.78 83.28 Best General Lee Rygate 24 60 10.9 12.19 83.09   Kit Goldsbury 22 55 12.95 13.59 81.54 Best Army Gavin van Rossum 23 57.7 8.18 13.59 79.47   Steve Eyles 23 57.5 6.14 10.78 74.42   Jason Farley 22 55 8.18 10.78 73.96   Andrew Duncan 23 57.7 3.41 10.78 71.69   Scott Lindsay 17 42.5 10.9 15 68.4 Best Sport Greg Hagg 16 40 6.81 12.19 59   Francis Kim 18 45 2.05 10.78 57.83   Ian Cameron 16 40 5.45 12.19 57.64   Daniel Linder 15 37.5 7.5 12.19 57.19   Jeffery Webb 11 27.5 2.73 12.19 42.42