What Price is Too High

Well, I work currently in an industry where I am aware of the price of metal, especially since I have scrap that I can dispose of readily. However, I did not think in any way that this metal surge would translate to the geekiness of tabletop gaming.

Even my favorite folks, at http://www.privateerpress.com/, have also duly noted their struggles with keeping their prices competitive, as metal pricing soars. Resin perhaps could be the wave of the future, or plastic could be in the mix (ewww!).

No I am in no means able to spend money, ( yes I am married), willy-nilly on things my wife deems too frivolous and or nerdy. And since I am only gaming it seems every other groundhog/flag day she is monitoring me suspiciously during the holiday season. Although her shoe collection far outweighs and numbers my miniature collection, she usually wins the arguments with "I at least use/wear the shoes."

And my painting skills do not rival Picasso. I am more of the Jackson Pollack of mini painting. But look at the Dire Troll above, and note the humany guy for scale/lunch. I would pay as much as I paid for my first motorcycle for the likes of him. Well, maybe if someone else painted him.

Am I not a man? Who else out there spends money on things they never/rarely use?

I would love to buy this Khador Battle Group, to incorporate into my campaign, and wow my characters with the shading and vivid color. My good friend Mike spends alot of his disposable income, (and some non) on books, minis, toys and the like, (no kids), and his wife does lecture him on the "use" of his piles that became bookcases, that begat rooms full of nerdy fare, from Mars Attacks toys to genuine Star Trek Phaser replicas, and yes complete with sound effects. I can confirm there is no setting that is "to annoy" on the Phaser.

Our hobby is farely cheap. There are no dues, or fees, green or otherwise. We need no equipment really, and sometimes our manuals are also unnecessary. We never get rained out, postponed, or have injuries. These circumstances should be applauded.

I know one guy that only bought a bag of dice, and one mini in the 15 years he played. He would buy the Troll. Even if he does not play much anymore. Just because it's cool.