There are games which come and go. There are ones which become classics. And there are also those special titles which get great reputation but are not so easy to bring to the table. This is exactly the case of Here I Stand and where the conventions come with help and their dedicated time for plays. And as we had such recently in Poland, I did not hesitate to join the full, 6-player game of this wonderful title.
STRATEGOS Convention
STRATEGOS is a Polish convention dedicated primarily to historical and wargaming board games, organized in Warsaw and aimed at both experienced players and newcomers. Its main goal is to promote historically themed games and provide a space where enthusiasts can meet, play, and exchange experiences in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere.
The event typically takes place over a full weekend and features a wide range of strategy and war games, often with opportunities to try new titles, organize sessions in advance, and interact with other hobbyists.
Over the years, STRATEGOS has grown into a recurring gathering for the Polish wargaming community, combining gameplay, social interaction, and education through history-focused gaming. This year we already had the 11th edition and looking how popular it was, I am sure it will continue into the future!
Now, let us get to the meat of this article and focus on the actual play!
Classical set-up of 1517 scenario. Here I Stand at its best!
Let the reformation begin – Protestant attacks north, with pretty good success. Later on he will manage to get all electorates in time, before Schmalkaldic Leaguehits.
My Papacy made a bold move for Modena – that one additional key was crucial as it gave me permanently one more card. Then usual stuff followed, like building Basilica, debating the heretics and once proper pope appeared – starting counter-reformation!
Turks decided to take Belgrade and then… focused entirely on the Naval affairs, investing also heavily in Piracy. That resulted in some very significant clashes on Mediterranean – like one above.
If you think that was it, you are wrong; the huge naval affairs followed one after another; honestly, they were much more numerous and large in size than most of land affairs in our game.
Here it comes – Schmalkaldic League! That gave the Protestants political entity and… a big headache as Charles not bothered by the Turkish attack on Hungary, could hit decisively into southern Germany!
France and England is separate topic. First of all our English player was enormously lucky – he conquered Scotland in Turn 1, got Edward on first possible pregnancy roll – Turn 3 and was happy to be in Alliance with France for most of the game! French player on the other hand attacked Hapsburgs (Antwerp), Metz, built Chateau. However, finally that was too much and both sides jumped to each other throats! We really applauded it!
Paul III was a true saving grace for me – it is during his reign I was winning all draws in counter-reformation attempts, burned two British heretics (Tyndale and Latimer), completely eradicated reformation from England. He lived up to his reputation!
The final results of our game with stunning position of Papacy, different tactics than usually by Turks, stable ascent of Protestants, good – although nerfed – score for England, France constantly moving up and Hapsburgs having fun from play but no chance for win.
Five players musing over Here I Stand; sixth is somewhere lost 🙂
Summary
With great group of people – mandatory for this game – we spent wonderful 8 hours. Everybody got his moment of glory and the stunning winner in the end was Papacy! I really appreciate how deep and interesting that game gets each time. And what is more, we are already planning 1532 scenario!
