Wargaming ASKEW: Through the Eyes of Grimlock
Often us gamers think the great generals of humanity can teach us something about being better players or generals. If I were forced to think of one leader that has affected the way I play it would be Grimlock – leader of the Dinobots.
His determination and single-mindedness are examples of great leadership and strategy. His success at thwarting the Decepticons and arriving at the nick of time to turn the tide of battle (even saving the Universe) are legendary. Luckily many of his teachings and thoughts continue. Not only do they teach, but they help us understand the creature under all that metal. Let us examine Grimlock’s words and what they can say about Wargaming.
“Me Grimock not feel sorry, me Grimlock laugh.”
In war there is no time to feel sorry. There is though enough time to find humor especially in the suffering of your opponents. For Grimlock humor is what keeps him focused. There is no time for introspection in War it can only distract you from the task at hand. Also demeaning humor can demoralise you opponent something that shouldn’t be overlooked when you have your opponent on the ropes.
“Me Grimlock not kisser! Me Grimlock king!”
Know who you are. Grimlock never loses sight of who he is. In any conflict always remember who you are. Grimlock is the King of the Dinobots! Know what type of general you are and use that to your advantage and do not let anything distract you from battle at hand. Remember kissing is for the weak!
“Yes, but not alone! Me Grimlock smart! Inspire dumb dinosaurs fight, too!”
Know all your options. Grimlock always knows what resources he can bring to bear. Often as a general we focus on just one part of the battlefield or one unit. Grimlock is always aware of what resources he has to defeat his enemies.
“Good, Megatron. We LOVE stupid enemies!”
Have no pity. Grimlock never pities anyone he relishes in his opponents mistakes and takes full advantage of them. Always exploit your opponent when they make a mistake, especially if they are just being dumb.
“Brains? Grimlock know how to BASH brains. Maybe bash yours!”
Never let your opponent distract you. Often your opponent will distract you with words and boring conversation. Grimlock never gets distracted and speaks or acts always from positions of strength. Grimlock always looks for the simplest way to turn an opponents better skills into a weaknesses.
“The Dinobots do have weaknesses! Grimlock is arrogant, Slag is hostile, and Sludge…stupid!”
Know your limitations. All armies real and imaged have weaknesses, but for Grimlock he always plays his forces to their strenghts. Grimlock also knows that certain weaknesses can be made into an advantage. Know your army make sure not to let them do jobs they are not capable of even if you feel like you have to.
“Me Grimlock like shooting when can’t miss!”
Take the sure way to victory. Grimlock always takes the most direct route to victory. Don’t get caught up in all the little things– keep your eye on the prize!
Here in video form you find Grimlock at his best and teaches every general a valuable lesson about war…
It is also important to notice how Grimlock carries himself. Rarely do we see great leaders of history living and breathing, but that is not the case with Grimlock. We see Grimlock entering triumphantly showing his general superority. When you line up against your opponent in a wargame don’t slouch, stand up straight, tilt your head upward, even stomp around to make your point, and call them childish names. All these things help to demonstrate to your opponent that you are not one to be trifled with and puts them in their place.
As you can see applying some of Grimlock’s simple principles you can better yourself on the tabletop. Remember this is about YOU getting better, concern for your opponent should really never enter the equation. Always remember Grimlock and what he has done for the way we wage war and think…What would Grimlock do?
Can real world warfare, tactics, and leaders really teach us how to be better players on the tabletop? What else can you learn from Grimlock? Remember you are always welcome at Blood of Kittens so please visit and comment.
