One of the driving forces behind the NSDM at the Origins War College every year during Origins, Merle took a few minutes to answer our interrogations...
If my plaque was to go in the Wargaming Hall of Fame next week, the 2-sentence bio on it would say this about me:
His work with the National Security Decision Making Game helped advance our understanding of the world by exposing us to the possibilities in other ways of thinking.
You would know me from my work in this corner of the wargaming world:
The National Security Decision Making Game (NSDMG) since 1996. Real old timers might also remember me as one of the operators of two Cincinnati Ohio gaming conventions (Tri-con and Fall-Con) from 1976-1984.
I'm currently working on:
Updating the NSDMG model to simulate modern Iran.
What was the first wargame you designed? Did it ever see the light of day?
A variant game of Diplomacy for Medieval Europe. Got some local play.
What current events are you following closely? Which ones are you just vaguely aware of?
I follow most international news with an emphasis on third world states that can significantly impact events (India, Pakistan, Turkey, Brazil, Indonesia).
What is one historical outcome you'd change to make a compelling alt-history game/scenario?
French Revolutionary General Louis Lazare Hoche survived to become a rival of Napoleon’s (see http://www.virtualarc.com/officers/hoche/). The game would cover the revolution and directory periods and be over control of France and defeat of the coalition.
Tell us about your first game convention…
Xavier University Armory - 1974. They had 1/76 scale re-creation of the 1973 war in the Golan. A Seven Days in May micro-armor game (attempted military Coup in Washington) and a prototype game on the development/growth of ancient civilizations.
What's the craziest thing someone ever tried to pull in the NSDM? How'd it turn out?
A liberal democratic player assigned control by the government of Pakistani of the national media, blew up his own broadcasting stations. He then ran public and international fund-raisers to finance a private army of thugs to oppose the government. Mind you this was the liberal democrat!
What's a major world event that seemed like it would be in the NSDM for a long time, but ended up fizzling out?
The possibility of a third World War in Europe.
Pick one game whose graphics you really dig, and tell us about them
Arkam Horror by Fantasy Flight Games. Gorgeous board that supports the theme and tenor of the game. Lots of attention to detail on a tremendous number of pieces (but don’t dare lose one!).
What kind of wargame do you never see yourself playing?
Dystopian RPGs with no humor.
Favorite current TV show? All-time favorite TV show?
Burn Notice (USA); Babylon Five
What's on your car stereo right now?
WEB Griffin’s book “Under Fire”
The coolest uniforms in history belonged to…
The Zoaves.
What actor would you like to see play you in a movie?
Drew Carey
What's the last good history book you read?
Hitler’s Willing Executioners by Daniel Jonah Goldagen
What military award through history would you most like to have been awarded?
The one provided Publius Horatius Cocles for bravery - having defended Rome at the Sublician bridge. One man against an Army is pretty impressive.
By: Brant
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