From KristoferD: Mission Accomplished

Well that was an eventful three months to say the least. Thank you for this amazing experience, Curt and Sanders in particular, but also all the rest of you who have contributed in some way or form.

As we were getting close to the end of February I was very confindent in meeting my target and then as usual, life happened. Workload, a 1:1 painting project in one of the childrens' rooms and other topics conspired to keep me away from the brushes. Such plans I had for Cossacks and terrain, but it had to go in favour of finishing the Swedes for the Krakow tournament. Despite having started in December I was still doing bases last Thursday night before getting on the plane in the morning. I had intended to make a final post, since I managed to finish a few more pieces to a reasonable standard (some bases still need dandelions), but then I realized that I hadn't planned how to pack everything and that stole away the last moments of time I had before leaving. In the end everything worked out very well, and I could simply put the miniatures back in the original packaging. Excellent work there Wargamer Poland!

The tournament was an absolute blast! And I say this despite the fact that I finished third to last. I was placed just over two players who lost all their games since I at least managed one draw. I have much to learn, but I will point out that I took out a unit of Winged Hussars by charging them in the flank in one game, so at least there is that. You have to take the small victories when you get them. My opponent advised me that it would have been better to withdraw a unit later in the game to preserve it, and then added: "But you're [clearly] a cossack." I will bear that as a badge of honour coming from a Pole.

The game has a very vibrant scene in Poland, and everybody I talked to was extremely friendly and welcoming. The terrain was amazing and the support from sponsors and the community is mindblowing. Everybody in attendance got a fan list for Polish volunteers with historical background and rules. It looks like it plays great. I had more luck than in my games in the raffle at end of it and won unit of Musketeers. If you ever have the chance to go to Poland and play By Fire and Sword, take it! 10 out of 10 kopis.

One of the friends I travelled with has family in the area so we spent a lazy Monday strolling around Krakow and getting showed the sites including Wavel Castle with a beautiful collection of weapons and armour from the appropriate period. A perfect ending to a perfect trip. Sadly most of my pictures are zoomed in on details for later reference or contain people whose consent I don't have to post online, but here is at least a picture of the city gate in Krakow. I hope I made sure the driver is not identifiable by blacking out them and the plates.

So, onto achievements. Below you'll find a group picture of my official tally. It might be slightly of the mark, but I'm still very happy with the achievement, safe in the knowledge that it still worked out to go to Poland. It's been a wild ride to partake in the challenge and try to have something to show every week until I got derailed, but the end result is definitely worth it.

I also realize that I forgot to mention my charity contribution. I have made monthly contributions to Oxfam to help them with their work to fight world hunger. With that being said I think we have covered it all and I will leave you with a picture of my semi-completed stuff and a solemn promise that they'll have flowers added so they're finished imminently. There's a unit of Swedish National cavalry, a unit of National infantry with a regimental gun, and a new command stand featuring field marshal Douglas, a Scotsman in Swedish service. I hope to be back for more in the future. Until next time, thanks for reading.