The Role Playing Public Radio Forums
General Category => General Chaos => : Tadanori Oyama November 29, 2013, 03:08:56 PM
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It's not even time to think about getting pre-badge purchases yet but when has that stopped me thinking out the next GenCon?
Last year's meet-up was alot of fun for me and I only spent an hour or two there because of my schedule.
As a celebration of Base Raiders being release I had an idea for a possible event to do at the meet-up in 2014: giant murder base death trap. Much like the death matches past, except in a huge, pre-designed base filled with powers sources, implements of murder, and traps.
Thoughts? Objections?
EDIT: Thursday night, at the Hyatt is the plan - try to get there around 6 pm. We will then go to the Delta Green panel at 8 pm http://gencon.highprogrammer.com/gencon-indy-2014.cgi/event/SEM1459823 and then hang out after the panel
There is a GroupMe thing set up for RPPR listeners: https://groupme.com/join_group/9334088/kIcxoS
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This sounds fantastic, I can't wait to participate on my one any only GenCon!
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Lookin' forward to having you. I figure that since it's the 5th meet-up we should try to do something bigger than we've done previously and that puts minimals strain on the RPPR crew, by which I mostly mean Ross.
Don't worry, we're gonna make this a GenCon you won't forget.
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I approve of this deathtrap base game idea. We could do a mini-tourney thing: Tad, Caleb, and I can each run a 1 hour game using Fate Accelerated (to speed things up) and then the survivors meet for a single game in the end. Anyone who dies in the first round becomes a zombie who tries to kill the remaining players. Or something like that. I don't know.
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Anyone who dies in the first round becomes a zombie who tries to kill the remaining players. Or something like that. I don't know.
I don't know as that really did not work out for me the last time.....
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I like the idea of doing enclosed areas that are actually connected and then for the championship round all the doors are thrown open. Like, we have a map for each game and then for the final we put them all on the same table so they connect, allowing the survivors to go between areas and letting the zombified PCs act.
If we only give the zombies one action (you can move or you can do something simple) and they all have to act at the same time than we can actually turn them into an honest to god zombie horde.
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I am in favor of the idea. I just like to know if we'd also be playing some card games like we did last year while we are waiting for more people to show up?
Channel A was really fun before and after some of us acquired "spirits" power-ups.
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General GenCon events alert: badge pre-registration starts in two weeks on January 26th.
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Looking forward to it.
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Things are looking shaky now, financially I can go but my wingman isn't looking so great. I'd go by myself but it's a big step to fly across the world from the UK by myself and I'm not the worldly wise traveller Ross is. It may have to wait a year for my buddy to save up again... One cold horrible slow year.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
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The game sounds fun to me. I didn't make the meet up last year due to some scheduling issues. I won't make that mistake this year.
I did have the pleasure to meet Tad though. He was running a Better Angels game next to a Reign game I was playing in. Everyone at your table was in stitches laughing Tad, it sounded like an awesome game.
Marik
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Looking forward to having you at the meet-up Marik.
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I wanna go to GenCon so very badly this year. However, being a working schlub prevents me from doing it.
We need some video and pictures of the RPPR meetup this year, if only to satisfy the vicarious whims of those of us not sensible (or crazy) enough to show up this year!
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I can assure you that more pictures and videos will be available this year as both myself and my brother will be bringing cameras.
Besides, this is the 5th Meet-Up; time to get serious about.
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I can assure you that more pictures and videos will be available this year as both myself and my brother will be bringing cameras.
Besides, this is the 5th Meet-Up; time to get serious about.
Awesome sauce! ;D
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I wish school didn't start back so early, I'd love to catch GenCon.
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My attendance still depends on whether I can find a teaching job or not (GenCon really sucks at scheduling around schools and has for years), but I've submitted a bunch of events anyway. Opportunities look pretty bleak on the employment front, so in all likelihood I'll have the free time to attend.
So far I'm going to be running Bryson Springs and The Fall Without End in CoC and ToC, respectively. I'll also be running a Better Angels game called Think of the Children (it's the evolved version of the Spared and Spoiled game recently posted). Finally, in anticipation of Red Markets, I'm going to be doing a panel with Rob Boyle and Ross about using economic theory in games called "Money is the Root of all Fun."
We might be doing a RPPR's Game Designer's Workshop panel as well. I've just got to get some ad copy and scheduling hammered out with Ross Payton's China-loving ass first :-)
Any other suggestions for panels, other than me screaming BUY MY BOOK at every passerby in the hallways.
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I can't wait for Gen Con again this year, its such a blast and getting to meet the RPPR guys last year was great! Gen Con is also the time of year where I can actually hear my wallet scream at me in pain, its a little frightening.
Can't wait for those panels, Caleb, and hopefully I'll be fast enough on the draw to get a ticket into at least one of your games. Were you and Ross going to get a booth for your games or have something up at the IGDN booth so we can BUY YOUR BOOK, or will you be walking around like one of those waitresses in a casino with the trays full of cigarettes and gum, but with books of Great Depression era horror from beyond Human reasoning instead?
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I can't really afford the IGDN rates, and we DEFINITELY can't afford a booth all to ourselves, but the ArcDream guys have been nice enough to offer me a spot on their table, which I'm pretty sure is how Ross is selling too.
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Oh, awesome! That's good to hear, and I'll be sure to spread the word anyway I can for you guys!
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My attendance still depends on whether I can find a teaching job or not (GenCon really sucks at scheduling around schools and has for years), but I've submitted a bunch of events anyway. Opportunities look pretty bleak on the employment front, so in all likelihood I'll have the free time to attend.
So far I'm going to be running Bryson Springs and The Fall Without End in CoC and ToC, respectively. I'll also be running a Better Angels game called Think of the Children (it's the evolved version of the Spared and Spoiled game recently posted). Finally, in anticipation of Red Markets, I'm going to be doing a panel with Rob Boyle and Ross about using economic theory in games called "Money is the Root of all Fun."
We might be doing a RPPR's Game Designer's Workshop panel as well. I've just got to get some ad copy and scheduling hammered out with Ross Payton's China-loving ass first :-)
Any other suggestions for panels, other than me screaming BUY MY BOOK at every passerby in the hallways.
Caleb is going to GenCon!? Damn! Now I'm really kicking myself for not being able to attend. That's the crappy part about living in SoCal: The rent is too damn high!
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me screaming BUY MY BOOK at every passerby in the hallways.
If you do that around the time of the panel or at a booth, for however many books you can hold in your hands, I will hand you cash right then and there. I'll even film it to quiet naysayers.
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Hotel prices are up. I will be staying at the Hilton. There's several Hilton's on the list, I'm in the cheapest one. Any RPPR fans in the same area are I'd be up for a game in the lobby or bar.
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I don't know where Tom is booking us this year, but wherever we stay I'm sure we'll be close enough to drop in and say "Hi." It will be in walking distance of the convention.
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Glad to hear it. Looking forward to seeing everybody.
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Just in case somebody doesn't know where to find it, here is the hotel list. They did a great job of putting everything together on this list this year:
http://www.gencon.com/attend/hotelamenities
My personal suggestion is the Hilton Indianapolis for combination of proximity and value. It's few frills but it's right next to the local CVS so you can get basic supplies quickly.
ADDITION:
Remember, registration opens tomorrow, Tuesday 1/28/2014 at 12:00pm EST. That's 9am PST for west coasters like myself. Things tend to book up in just a few hours so be ready to go first thing.
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Badge and housing code acquired. Now to get a room tomorrow. Little annoying that all of the close hotels seem to charge for in room wifi but a captive audience I suppose.
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Yeah, they know that they have you. Not much to be done. Other than hit up the Starbucks and other places that'll let you access WiFi.
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Took three tries but I got my room booked.
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I am seething with rage. More as the situation updates.
Continued: Something happened during registration and I didn't get anything close to what I wanted. Took me awhile to get in but then while I was making my selections I got to the information section and got a little notice that the rooms I wanted were no longer available. Needless to say that was annoying.
Anyway, cut to about forty minutes of going from hotel to hotel and discovering that the dates shown as open weren't open and having to back out and try another one and the same situation repeating itself. I made a reservation at one of the off site places just to have something.
I'm getting signed up for the wait list to try and get something downtown.
I can honestly say that that was the worst experience registering with GenCon that I've ever had.
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Good luck man. Hope it works out.
It was a bit of cluster. I ended up getting to entering in my payment device once and got timed out. Then a second time I got into the queue to get to the site and after five minutes that timed out. The third time I got through the whole thing, at least I got a confirmation email. We shall see if I actually have a room or not.
I shutter to check my credit card to see if if I got two auths on it from the first attempt but I will leave that for a different day.
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Thanks; I'm sure it'll be fine. Got six months for people to cancel and what not. Worst case I just have to shuttle in each day from the hotel.
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You would have thought that the people behind GenCon would have looked over the number of attendees last year and planned for more rooms then before.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the registration goes through. Last thing I want to do is take the shuttle to the Con in a giant foam suit of armor. Maybe the weather will be the same as last year making it bearable to walk around outside.
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Hey Guys,
I have an extra room attached to the conference center for the duration of Gencon. It's booked outside of the block and quite pricey. This was my back up room if I couldn't get one through the block. Luckily I snagged a room at the Hyatt through the housing block. So now I have a room at the downtown Marriott that I don't need. I can cancel it at no cost to me but if someone wants a room close I'd be willing to transfer the room to them.
I figured I'd make the offer here before I offer it up at the Gencon forums.
Reply or PM me for details.
Marik
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I am going but unfortunately I'm staying at one of the outlying hotels. Even factoring in paying for parking, my Hilton discount was too good to pass up. Hope to see you guys there, in any case!
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I'm going again as well, I missed the meet up last year.
The perks of my wife being a travel agent ... avoiding the GenCon housing block.
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The list of Gen Con events goes up tomorrow night (Friday the 9th) at 9pm eastern! Can we still expect games from Ross and Caleb at the show?
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I don't remember this constant tweeking of games from last time; possibily because I had somebody else enter them last time. I've gotten like two dozen e-mails about "updates" on my games. Apparently there is a difference between 'Approved' and 'AA Aproved'.
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At least it is not constant twerking of the games.
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Sunday is event registration day.
Do we have a tentative day and time for the meet up? I'd rather not schedule something over lapping this year.
Thanks,
Marik
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The usual meet-up day has been Thursday around 6:00 p.m. (Though last year we did movie it to Friday because of scheduling conflicts).
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Me and my brother will be at the meet-up location early with a marker of some kind so folks can find the gathering.
We used to do the lobby/bar at the Embassy but that got really crowded. Last year's plan of meeting at the bar of the Hyatt and them moving to a conference room worked great.
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Will there be punch and pie?
I apologize but someone had to say it.
I believe this was covered last year but unsure if it ever got resolved in the thread. What is the policy on drinkables? I presume as long as you buy from the hotel bar they are Ok. I also seem to remember Caleb saying he was going to drown himself in cheap domestic that I would imagine he brought himself so unsure of the policy. I have no allusions to attempt to match a professional writer such as Caleb in any form of drinking contest but I could see a beer or two or possibly a mixed drink in my future as policy allows.
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We don't generally stay at the bar, we just meet there. So you can bring drinks with you the bar just prefers you not drink then in the bar. The bar is right next to the lobby so you don't have to actually come into the bar at all, you can stay in the lobby until we're ready to go elsewhere.
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Reviewing the schedule of events I see that "Delta Green: The Roleplaying Game" panel is going to be 8:00pm on Thursday night, right in the middle of the meet up. Worse, it's in the Crowne Plaza which is on the far side fo the convention from were we normally meet for the get together.
Are we gonna do like we've done in the past when the timing of these events has cross over and go to the panel as a group? (ID: SEM1459823 for those who want to sign up, and please do sign up: they count the tickets to figure future spacing). Or maybe we could do a dinner break in the mid-point; take like an hour and a half and whoever wants to can go to the presentation and everyone else can do whatever and we meet back someplace again? That would give us more options for food than the weird pizza place in the Hyatt.
Also, I have several games up this year:
Two instances of my Livewell Institute scenario:
RPG1460968
RPG1460969
And a new one called "File Duty" which steals some concepts from Lover in the Ice:
RPG1460970
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For convenience purposes here's a list of RPPR games:
Caleb's:
Games-
Better Angel's: RPG1454026
Seminars- (Also starring Ross Payton)
Economics in games: SEM1454021
RPPR Game Design: SEM1455039
NOTE- These seminars are nearly back to back so you'll need a 3 hours block of time to do both
That ended up being alot short than I thought it might be. Oh well. Anyone I forgot?
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:'(
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Caleb also has two No Security games during the Con, Bryson Springs (RPG1454022) and The Fall Without End (RPG1454027).
Ross has Base Raiders: Transit (RPG1459357), Elder Godlike: Operation Auger (RPG1459362), and Kerberos Club: The Grandfather Paradox (RPG1459358).
Its gonna be a mad dash to get into any games, let alone these, but hopefully I'll manage to get into at least one. Best of luck to everybody!
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Apparently keyword searchs for words in the description, not the GM's name. Ha. Oops. Sorry Ross.
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As much as I would like to be in a Caleb game I feel having read the source material and run Bryson Spring it would be disservice to other attendees if I got lucky and got in on that game.
May throw my name into the hat for the golden ticket for the Ross Kerboros Club game.
Hope to see many of you there are the meet up.
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This is quite tough. So many things overlap. I guess I will put in my list tomorrow and see what happens.
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Yeah, it was difficult for me as well. I'm running some D&D games for Baldman Games and unfortunately most of the RPPR guys' games overlapped with times I'm running games.
Edit: Bummer, couldn't get into the two that I could possibly play in. Ah well.
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HOORAY! I got both of the Ross and Caleb games I was hoping for! This is gonna be awesome! :D
This is the best birthday ever!
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Well I got into Ross's Operation AUGUR game so expect to die horribly as well as a nights black agent game and a Timewatch game so pretty happy.
Had a conflict with the live Ken and Robin talk about stuff but it was my backup.
Going to troll for some seminars and maybe a delta green game or CoC game to round out the weekend.
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Also even though she will not see this need to give some serious props to my wife who actually submitted my wish list and purchased my tickets at the opening time since I was unable to be near a computer at the time. Not sure what I did to deserve it but I will take it.
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Just checked my games and everyting is sold out. Everything Delta Green is sold out actually. I think I recognize a few names (one I know I recognize) which is pretty cool.
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Haven't managed to buy into a single game yet.
On the bright side, if i do nothing except hit panel discussions, see celebrities, and wander the con with a camera in hand it'll still be fun; getting to meet up with all of you'll just be the icing ^_^
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For people who have been before do games sort of open up at all? I know they say you can buy day of event tickets and pop into games that are missing players but how real is that?
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I've found that the easiest thing to do is buy Generic Tickets and show up to the game you want to get into. I've had several games where either a player didn't show up or the GM had enough pregen characters to add people. I know the Posthuman guys are pretty good about extra players in games since they have tons of pregen characters in the books. Just be prepared to have to swap out if the player with the actual ticket shows up.
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What Kamen says. Go for generics and wait for people not to show.
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Also from my experience players will buy into games and then find they have conflicts with other games they've purchased tickets for. It happened a couple of times when I was running games.
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The system seemed to stop me from buy direct conflicts although of course it does not track non events.
I will go ahead and buy a fist full of generic tickets and use my guile and charm and bottles of booze to get my way into some extra games.
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It generally takes 2 tickets it get into a game (there are some exceptions). Consider that before you purchase them. I recommend 4-8 generics if you plan to go game hoping, you aren't likely to need more unless you are also slipping into pay events around the hall, like crafting projects and such.
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Yeah, like Tad said, Generics are like $2 each, so check the listings for the games you're interested in for their cost and budget out your tickets accordingly. Most games run from $4-8 a spot, so $10-20 in Generics will get you through the Con. Plus, anything you don't use you can return for a slight fee and add to the next Gen Con.
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But if I buy all the tickets then no one else can play any games and I can have my pick of them.
Oh ... how much is that going to cost ... ok I will just by 8 tickets.
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As we come closer to GenCon this is a good time to discuss some of the less commonly explored elements of the convention; the kinds of things you tend to pick up after a few years.
Here's some things to consider:
- If you are staying in an off-site hotel you will likely be spending between five and twelve hours in the convention hall and surrounding areas. Consider this when making purchases. If you buy something large at the beginning of the day you'll have to carry it around. This is unpleasant in generally but also increases the chances of something happening to your purchase or it being misplaced or stolen. Consider saving large or delicate purchases until near the time you plan to return to your hotel.
- Farther, if you are going to be at the hall for a long period (again, between five and twelve hours sometimes) you need to consider dress. Indianapolis tends to be hot in the summer and while the hall itself is conditioned it can still get very hot due to the mass of human presense. Outside will nearly always be hot and you will have to pass through non-air conditioned hallways even if you avoid the streets. Consider loose fitting, light clothing, favoring shorts and t-shirts or other cool clothes and remember to hydrate often either from the fountains, your own supply, or the provided ice water many of the attatched hotels provide.
- Related to the above tendency to sweat in the heat know this: you will begin to smell after a few hours as will the area around you. Be considerate to yourself and others by taking a break to clean up. If you are staying close by consider returning to your room to change undergarments and/or reapply deodorant and/or shower. Showering is preferable, especially if the weather is currently dry, it will help you rehydrate. If you are staying in an outlaying hotel than consider what I referr to as a "Con Shower" (more often known at the "Hooker Shower"). This is simple: use one of the restroom stalls at the convention hall and either with moist papertowels from the restroom or with wipes you have brought (many brands are available in small packs of three to five such as baby wipes) to briefly clean under the arms, the crotch, and any other heavily perspiring areas and reapplying deodorant.
- Mentioned this a few times but to restate: seriously, you cannot have too much deodorant: it will keep you more pleasant and help fight the smell of others around you who might not be so considerate. Note that I'm assuming you use unscented deodorant. Products with powerful smells can make things just as bad (ie. too much Axe 'body spray').
- Remember to eat during the day. Try to do two meals and a few snacks over the day if you can. Snacks can be purchases from vendors at the convention hall but are fairly expensive and of low quality. Exterior vendors, such as foodtrucks, are good for meals on site and many great resturants are in the area. You can also go to the nearby mall's food court for quicker, cheaper food. Possibly the best option is to go to a market near your hotel (off site) or the CVS near the convention center and pick up a few things such as snack bars or beef jerky, something you can easily carry with you.
- Pace yourself. The convention hall is huge. Crossing the exhibition hall alone is more than a city block to say nothing of walking to connecting facilities. You might walk several miles over the course of a day and not all nerds are up for that. Take things slow and do not think you can rush from one event to another: plan to take fifteen or twenty minutes at least for transit.
- Speaking of transit: if you are staying at an outer hotel make sure to check shuttle services. Many of the hotels have a shuttle that runs to the convention center. Grab a copy of that schedule to keep on your person or write down the times for departures from both your hotel and the convention center. It's between five and ten miles for the outer places; if you miss a shuttle ride and have to take a cab then it can run you twenty to thirty dollars. If you're with a group you can break that up a little though.
Changing subjects slightly, let's discuss main hall things:
- The hall doesn't open until around 10am. On the first day there will be a HUGE crowd waiting to get in. Be willing to either wait in a large crowd or come at 10:15am, when everyone will have filtered in.
By the same token don't try to pass through the main hallway around 10am, it's virtually impassable due to the crowd. - As stated, the main hall to freakin' huge. But it's pathways are varying sizes. There are only three or four "main" roads which are wide enough to allow four or five people to walk abreast. The "normal" paths let two or three people walk comfortably. This becomes complicated due to the nature of the convention: people will stop infront of you, sometimes extremely abruptly, in order to look at something at a booth.
Avoid doing this yourself if at all possible. Slow to a stop and move as close to the booth as you are able or step into it's browsing area, which many of them have. - As a courtesy: do not cut through booths unless you have to. Some booths are open on multiple sides and can be walked through, allowing you to cut corners. Out fo respect for the people running the booth and anyone using it don't cut across unless traffic is literally blocked (which can happen).
- When you stop to look at a booth, try to be aware of traffic around you. If you have a backpack on or are carrying something long, try to put them down at your feet so that they do no protrude out behind you. This will make it a little easier for people to pass you without compressing the passage way too much.
- Treat the walk-ways like you would the road: keep to the right; turn into the nearest possible lane; yield to pedastrians (i.e. small children, strollers, handicapped individuals); and check before turning across 'traffic'.
- Learn to go around. It is sometimes faster and less stressful to go a 'block' or two out of your way and come around than it is to try and go directly through.
And some general tips:
- If you are doing will call to pick up your tickets and badge try to come Wednesday evening, it's a much smaller line. If you have to come Thursday try to come early, the line is massive. Read the signs: spending time in the wrong line will really mess up your day.
- GenCon isn't packed with costumes but you will see plenty of people dressed up. People in costumes are often very receptive to positive comments on their outfit and to quick pictures. If you are in the exhibition hall just ask them to step to the side for a quick picture. If you are in the main hallways outside of exhibition than there will be plenty of space and costumed individuals will often gather in the halls. Again, they are generally receptive to being photographed. Approach them calmly and wait for their attention. If they are posing for someone else or are engaged in a conversation than wait politely until they can give you their attention. If you are outside the convention center be respectful, as above, and try not to interrupt people during their activites (i.e. if someone is having lunch).
Be aware that they might declined to pose for a picture. Remember that they are entirely free to do so: they do not owe you or anyone else anything. They might be tired or on their way to an event. Do not hassell them. They are people, not cartoons or programs, and deserve the same respect that everyone else deserves.
There's alot more to know but I think that covers the big stuff as I know it.
I don't know much of anything about the night life or party rules for GenCon so anybody who does feel free to chime in.
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Great advice there Tad! Do all of those things that he mentions! Gonna piggy back off of a few points real quick:
- Comfy clothes are really important, but don't forget about your shoes. Have at least one pair of shoes you find comfy and can stand to walk around in all day. Better yet, have 2 pairs of shoes! Alternating shoes each day so they can dry out from your hot, sweaty feet can be a god-send.
- On the topic of hot and sweaty, like Tad mentions, DEODORANT is a fantastic thing, PLEASE USE IT! An antiperspirant and deodorant is even better! Seriously, keeping the sweat level down will totally help keep the stink level down, YAY! In fact I really recommend going by a Wal-mart/pharmacy/etc. and grabbing one of those little sample size deodorant sticks or two and keeping them in your bag or backpack. Also, yeah, please stay away from aerosol deodorants, I'd rather not be choking on AXE body spray while trying to wander the con floor.
- Bags and Backpacks are kind of a big thing, too. Save yourself some pain and make sure whatever bag you're gonna be carrying around is comfortable, especially when loaded down with awesome con loot.
- If you have free time either before the con proper or during down time I suggest getting a lay of the land. Go to where your games in the coming days will be and figuring out how to get there without too much wandering around.
Those are a few tips I can muster, if I think of anything else I'll update this.
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Thanks for the advice guys! I didn't even know generic tickets were a thing that could be had. I'm definitely going to pick up some for game-hopping.
The idea of them also makes me somewhat concerned about getting a place in the cabaret, though, since I DM Kryptgarden until 10pm on Saturday and the cabaret starts at 10pm too. Hope I can still get in!
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Poking around it looks like there are some interesting restaurants in Indianapolis. The New York Times just profiled a place called Thunderbird that has me intrigued.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/08/travel/restaurant-report-thunderbird-in-indianapolis.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0
I might have to carve out some time one evening to go check some places out. While I want to squeeze in a bunch of gaming it seems weird to visit a place and not actually ever see the place.
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Catching up on all the Gencon news here. Super excited we are going out there(we live in MA).
We run a small booth and decided we wanted to do it at Gencon since we have had so much fun at PAX East the last two years.
Tad, I love all the organized points you posted an the whole section about booth courtesy is spot on! After running my booth at both small and huge cons I completely agree with everything you had to say on that it's all great common courtesy that sometimes gets forgotten when people get too excited.
I can't wait to get to meet the rest of the RPPR crew, we were lucky enough to meet Ross at Pax East and I'd love to hang out with the others.
I know we've got a time and general place set up, do we have any more formal ideas of what we'll be doing and where? Are people planning to get food as a group? I'd be happy to bring along some booze and such to share.
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I'm glad you agree. Look forward to seeing you! If you have your booth number please let us know so we can come by and check your products out.
As a general rule from my experience with past meet-ups we do not do a collective food/drink purchase. If we end up in the Hyatt again (likely since it has great rooms for large group use) than there is a bar in the lobby which is easily accessed. There is also a pizza place and a Subway inside the lobby and several restaurants on the streets nearby. I do not know the hotel's official policy with alcohol but it is likely that it is not to be consumed outside of the bar. That said, that is an unenforceable policy during the convention and individuals who are not making a public display of drinking or becoming overtly drunk are unlikely to have problems.
Purchasing bulk alcohol nearby might be difficult due to the number of bars downtown. There is a CVS nearby which likely has canned beer and some spirits.
Not to step on Ross's toes but the official plan, as I currently understand it, is that we will be playing a group game for between two and three hours. The exact starting time of that may vary depending on when people arrive and how soon we can find a space in which to hold the event since we can't really book it ahead of time. Following the "official" game we will likely begin hanging out and playing general games. Last year we played Channel A to great success.
Plans are subject to change and Ross, as ever, is the final arbiter of events and as we know he is a horrible monster.
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Regardless of the official plan, I foresee groups forming up and pick-up-games forming of whatever, with whomever you befriend/reacquaint-with/randomly-decide-to-crush-like-a-bug. After all, that's part of the fun of a game convention ;)
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Not that I am promoting the consumption of booze in any form inside the hotel but this place looks like it has what appears to be a decent selection of beer, wine, and spirits and is pretty close to the convention center.
https://plus.google.com/111989315791813521534/
Also this place is place is close as well:
https://plus.google.com/105811611887469467103/
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Hey all.
I was thinking about running a CoC scenario for any RPPR listener who has the time and wants to have some totally non-violent fun. I am going to run the second half of the Payday scenario, the one that deal with the stolen book after the heist.
If anyone is interested, let me know.
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I'm definitely interested, but it just depends on when you plan on running it. My Gen Con schedule has been pretty tightly woven, but I may be able to get it to work.
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The same. I'm open Friday and Saturday evenings as far as I'm aware. My brother would be down for it too, depending on what he's got going on.
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I was thinking about running a CoC scenario for any RPPR listener who has the time and wants to have some totally non-violent fun. I am going to run the second half of the Payday scenario, the one that deal with the stolen book after the heist.
If anyone is interested, let me know.
Count me in, just give me a time and place, also...
Tad and Kamen, you two covered most of the major things about a Con trip, but you failed to mention some important information such as...
-Con Bug: With so many people going about their business in any convention with lots of sick people, figuratively and quite literally. To avoid getting sick and having it ruin an otherwise great time, take the time to power up your immune system. Take some Airborne or Emergen C with you and take some before heading out. You'll get some extra energy and are less likely to get sick.
Costumes:
- Hydrate and cooling off: Tad mentioned keeping hydrated while walking around, this goes double for cos-players, especially those in dark and heavy clothing. You're going to sweat, a lot, and need to take breaks, sometimes quite often. The AC of the Convention Center will help but not that much. Wear some sort of underclothing, like 2nd skin body suits, provided you can. It's thin material and makes for better air flow in larger costume, like something made out of foam or something.
- Pictures: If you have a costume that looks cool and is from a popular anime or game, be ready to stop and get your photo taken. Sometimes it might be a single photo or group shot but there are times when people will just keep coming up and taking photos of you. Be ready to pose it out for a little while longer if this happens.
- Costume Damage and visuals: Chances are this won't happen but there is always a possibility that while walking around in costume, something might go wrong with the costume. Fabric tear, joint breakage, soda stains, excreta excreta. If you bring spar material for repairs do so if you can, otherwise slow down and take your time. Lot of hard work goes into costumes, don't spoil it by damaging it before you can enjoy it fully. If the costume is large and cumbersome remember you might not want to wear it to the Con if you are staying a great distance away from the Convention center and if you have trouble seeing out of a helmet make sure you have someone with you to either guide you along or act as a second pair or eyes for you.
- Convention rules and restrictions: Taking the time to visit with the information booth and learning what rule GenCon has as far as weaponry goes. Thus far, I've only encounter a problem with Airsoft guns and similar weapons that look to "realistic". Unless otherwise stated by an official, it's best to leave those in your hotel room. The only time that you would be allow to use it otherwise is on the main stage for the costume contest.
- Be respectful: A standard for anyone taking pictures of cos-players, always ask them for a photo, don't just take a snap shot of them as they are walking by. More often than not, anyone in a costume will gladly let you take a photo of them. Do your best to get out of heavy traffic area's to get your photo, with less traffic comes the less likelihood of someone photo bombing you.
That's all I can think of as far as Con edict goes. I'm personally looking forward to meeting up with everyone from RPPR again and having a fun time on the show floor.
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So: things are pretty set at this point. Everyone likely has their schedules figured out and their events planned. Now that everyone has some stability does anyone want to do any RPPR fan events, outside of the actual meet up? Stuff like pick-up games, meals, or just meeting to hang out.
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As long as I'm open (i.e. not DMing D&D or palling around with the other guys from my gaming group) I'd love to get into any hijinks I can including games!
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I guess I picked the wrong month to give up hijinks.
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We of Eclectic Eccentricities will be at booth 770 (the back corner), and as always, we encourage folks to stop by and say hi while we're booth-bound.
Tom: TOTALLY interested in that payday 2 game. Been a few days, here's hoping all slots haven't been filled already.
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Just to make it clear. Daegan is my husband, he was posting for me. Tad you asked where our booth was and that's us all the way in the back corner. Since my name isn't baby they put us there. =)
What booths will others be at? I'd love to swing by and pick up a few things while chatting with folks.
Anyone have a newbie advise for Gencon specifically? I've done very large(NYCC + PAX East) and very small cons in the past but I'm wondering if there is anything unique to this con I should know about. (If I should post this somewhere else, sorry, let me know and I'll move it).
-Jen
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For GenCon specifically?
Well, the sidewalks on the "front" side of the convention building narrow down due to some of the restaurants having external seating areas so traveling into downtown from the convention can get a little bottlenecked. If you want to move more quickly from the main hall then go out of the street entrance to the right of the hall (that's right as you come out of the doors). It exits onto a street that sets up events and outdoor stuff, something during the convention, and makes for easier foot traffic. From there you can cut back up into the downtown core.
The core is connected by several skybridges. These can be a little confusing at first but they are a great resource because you can cut a straighter line than is normally possible with streets and you don't have to wait for lights. Additionally, some of the skywalks are private, requiring keys from different hotels. The main passage is in the corner of the convention center closest to downtown. It connects to the parking structure and then passes into the Hyatt and the Circle Mall. The circle mall path will be one you likely use often.
Stay away from the Fantasy Flight booth: every year their new product causes a snaking spiral of humans to encircle their booth and run down the wall connected to them. Get around this by cutting deeper into the hall: take 1300 or 1400 (or 400 or 600 if coming the other way) to go a few pathways out of the way before continuring across. It usually calms down by Saturday but it more or less always has a line and the booth itself is stuffed with material so it can be hard to get into.
I'll add anything else as I think of it.
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Hey all.
I was thinking about running a CoC scenario for any RPPR listener who has the time and wants to have some totally non-violent fun. I am going to run the second half of the Payday scenario, the one that deal with the stolen book after the heist.
If anyone is interested, let me know.
I'm very interested in this. Should we be PM our interest or replying? I'd like to know when it would be asap as I may have to shuffle some events (which I was planning to do anyways because of the meetup).
Marik
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Somewhat related: So, Gencon, is coming up. What kind of content do you guys want the most from us? Obviously we plan to record another Adam Scott Glancy run Call of Cthulhu game and at least a few panels. We also have a HD camera that I plan to bring, so we can record video as well. What do you want to see or hear?
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I got five words for you: "Fear and Loathing in Indianapolis."
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I enjoyed the interview you did with Ken and Robin for the Unspeakable so a few items like that would be good.
I also want to force you to take Caleb back to that terrible steak house and record his weeping as he breaks.
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Ambushing game designers with weird game pitches was cool last time. You could do something similar with another old game.
Point the camera at Greg Stolze and let him go.
I've often thought about watching a History channel style show narrated by Adam Scott Glancy. Something like "Drunk History" where you get the narration and then have actors match it, not the actual historical events. I invision a story that keeps jumping from horrible event or horrible event across time and distance. That's a little much for the con so maybe just get Glancy to share an especially horrible story from playtesting stuff at Pagan on camera.
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Kinda like what Tad is saying, but a bit more general, interview a bunch of game designers and have them tell weird/funny/horrifying anecdotes and stories about their home sessions, be they recent or way in the past. Getting to hear Glancy or Jack Graham rant about past games sounds like comedy gold to me.
Getting to hear any games that the RPPR crew gets to play in, rather than run, would be cool, too. I know Ross and Caleb are gonna be all over the place between GMing, panels, interviews, and whatever booth time they may have to put in, but getting to hear their experiences with new games is awesome.
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Since I'm not running any official games this year I am considering running a couple of after-hours games if anybody is interested (and has the time). The first is another run-through of The Beloved Dead (mainly to work out the kinks and try some new things out) and the second is a new CoC scenario called The Black Dream, which is set in a Chinese black jail (illegal prisons for political petitioners). If anybody is interested feel free to message me and we figure out when would be the best time for everybody playing.
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I've often thought about watching a History channel style show narrated by Adam Scott Glancy. Something like "Drunk History" where you get the narration and then have actors match it, not the actual historical events. I invision a story that keeps jumping from horrible event or horrible event across time and distance.
(http://static.fjcdn.com/pictures/Spongebob_9f4724_2126340.jpg)
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Sadly it seems the USPS has lost my con packet which is less than cool. Apparently it can be reprinted at customer service but I am told getting into the con door via will call or customer service is not for the feint of heart. I am getting in at 8AM on Thursday so hopefully I can beat some of the crazy hordes but if you see a broken man wailing in pain and confusion at customer service have pity on him for that man might be me. I mean likely it is not me because it will all be fine but it could be.
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Sadly it seems the USPS has lost my con packet which is less than cool. Apparently it can be reprinted at customer service but I am told getting into the con door via will call or customer service is not for the feint of heart. I am getting in at 8AM on Thursday so hopefully I can beat some of the crazy hordes but if you see a broken man wailing in pain and confusion at customer service have pity on him for that man might be me. I mean likely it is not me because it will all be fine but it could be.
I ran in the exact same situation last year and the people at the badge pick-up counter were very understanding. As long as you have sufficent documentation to prove you are who you say you are then you should be okay. I ended up taking my digital receipt, the one that was mailed to me (sans my badge), a copy of my bank statement with the purchase and my photo ID.
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I ran in the exact same situation last year and the people at the badge pick-up counter were very understanding. As long as you have sufficent documentation to prove you are who you say you are then you should be okay. I ended up taking my digital receipt, the one that was mailed to me (sans my badge), a copy of my bank statement with the purchase and my photo ID.
Listen GenCon customer service person, I totally bought a badge and had tickets to all the really cool games at the most desirable times, you can trust me, I got a trust worthy face don't I.
Actually happily the USPS did have my package sitting in a backroom somewhere and I was able to retrieve it this morning so no having to fight the hordes at customer service. In the immortal words of one of our greatest philosophers, "Looks like everything is coming up Tim."
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Hi all, I live in Indy and would love to meet up with some fellow listeners. Is this going to be around 6pm at the Hyatt, have I read this thread right?
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Getting pretty nervous! Also excited, super excited. Can't wait to check out a new con and to hang out with some awesome people!
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You kids have fun now!
...someday. :'(
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"The usual meet-up day has been Thursday around 6:00 p.m." BeyondSandrock
"We used to do the lobby/bar at the Embassy but that got really crowded. Last year's plan of meeting at the bar of the Hyatt and them moving to a conference room worked great." Tadanori Oyama
A quick recap so people don't have to go digging through the other pages. Tad and I will be at the meet-up location, like the Hyatt again, early with a marker so folks can find the gathering.
Can't wait to see everyone there. ;D
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In order to facilitate communications more easily - I've set up a new GroupMe group for RPPR fans - https://groupme.com/join_group/9334088/kIcxoS
Not know what GroupMe is? It's a free mobile messaging app. With it, we should be able to coordinate more easily during Gencon.
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Sounds good. I joined.
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We have evolved to speak in only pictures, at least for now.
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... baaah-dun... Baaah-dun...
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We have evolved to speak in only pictures, at least for now.
Soon we shall transcend pictures and take our place amongst the others who speak in Youtube memes as their means of communication.
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BTW i'll be carrying around a pirate box loaded with RPPR episodes - it's a portable wifi media server with a message board built into it - you can leave a message there so I can check it out later.
Also, Caleb and I do have to go to the Posthuman Studios freelancer meeting so we will have to leave around 7 but we will be back after it. Also, with the groupme, we can coordinate additional meetups and games, so get in on that shit.
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Me and some of my friends will deffinetly be showing up for this! (New to the forums) but I was at the last meet up and can atest to it being a blast and can't wait for it this year!
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So, let me see if I can get a rough schedule together for us here. Please chime in with new things if I'm missing something.
6:00pm: Meet in or around the bar at the Hyatt to gather the RPPR fans. Drinks and pizza available for purchase from the bar or the place in the lobby.
6:45pm: Ross and Caleb leave to go to the Post-Human studios meeting.
7:40pm: The RPPR Meet-Up temporarily relocates to the Delta Green panel located in Crowne Plaza : Victoria Stn C/D.
It's a short walk south from the Hyatt past the convention center: Google Map (https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=1+South+Capitol+Avenue,+Indianapolis,+IN&daddr=123+W+Louisiana+St,+Indianapolis,+IN&hl=en&sll=39.764635,-86.161416&sspn=0.006507,0.009602&geocode=FQfJXgIdk0nd-in5p5x1u1BriDEJCmQDeg-8yg%3BFRW6XgIdqknd-imDQ4iVpFBriDEB3yOUfogxwg&gl=us&dirflg=w&mra=ltm&t=m&z=17)
8:00pm: Delta Green panel begins.
9:30pm: The panel ends. Ross and Caleb, presumably, have rejoinned the group. Possible meal break.
The Rest of the Night: Drinking, card games, and free form Q&A likely taking place back at a room in the Hyatt because they tend to empty out later in the night.
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BTW i'll be carrying around a pirate box loaded with RPPR episodes - it's a portable wifi media server with a message board built into it - you can leave a message there so I can check it out later.
Will you have an eye patch and a foul talking parrot?
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I'll be there, I can be a foul-talking parrot.
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So which RPPR super star wants to be the official cat herder who tries to get two dozen nerds to walk five blocks while Ross is away?
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I will be the official cat herder who tries to get two dozen nerds to walk five blocks while Ross is away
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I will be the official cat herder who tries to get two dozen nerds to walk five blocks while Ross is away
Quoted by Ross. Must be true.
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Ah, the old everybody takes a step back trick, eh?
Can do; I'll make sure everybody gets there.
I'm happy to see the panel gets a C/D instead of getting tucked into a tiny room like they were two years ago. Everybody please remember to bring your panel ticket with you; my understanding is that the more people Shane Ivey and Adam Scott Glancy can prove came to the thing the easier to is for them to get space next time.
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In a move I can only attribute to being a moron it appears I am playing a Timewatch game during the 6-10 window. I hope to catch up with you back at the Hyatt using Group Me to locate the group.
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Something to consider about the Hyatt bar: this year the D&D guys have room blocks in the Hyatt too this year so it may be more populated than previous years.
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It's still easily the most open bar type area in the hotels. It's right off the lobby so I can assure you there will be space for everyone to gather though maybe not to all sit down together.
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New releases at Gencon: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/161427/gen-con-2014-preview/page/1
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LEWT
(http://i.imgur.com/NnOO59c.jpg)
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Nice haul. Make sure to play Wield. It is probably awful for AP recording, but I think the players will have a blast.
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Nice haul. Make sure to play Wield. It is probably awful for AP recording, but I think the players will have a blast.
why would it be bad for APs?
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The game uses hand gestures as a mechanic. Players point, gesture, make a fist, hold up a number of fingers, etc.. It's great for a table, but it adds more elements that obviously cannot be heard.
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Unless it's time for video APs!
Figured I'd add my swag to this post too!
(http://i.imgur.com/WMajMXi.jpg?1)
All of the new stuff acquired!
(http://i.imgur.com/rVj42lT.jpg?2)
RPPR button, Shadowrun pin, and a tiny, origami hat folded by Mr. Purple himself, David Dobelman.
Signatures!
(http://i.imgur.com/xsXGMII.jpg?2)
Do I really need to say who this is?
(http://i.imgur.com/P3IHZK3.jpg?2)
Same here?
(http://i.imgur.com/ydpN6MH.jpg?2)
3/4ths of Posthuman Studios, Brian Cross couldn't make the con. :(
(http://i.imgur.com/4mRJhTD.jpg?2)
Denis Detwiller's autograph in my copy of Failed Anatomies.
(http://i.imgur.com/6WlDkcu.jpg?2)
Ken Hite and Robin D. Laws
(http://i.imgur.com/NBRnY3p.jpg?2)
Monte Cook
(http://i.imgur.com/L39W1iX.jpg?2)
Ben Woerner
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Home for about two hours. So tired. Never driving back again. Said that two years ago. Fuck my memory.
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Had a great time at my first GenCon.
Biggest Highlights:
Got to play a game run by Ross Payton who killed not one but two of my characters and then did provide a TPK. In his defense it was a Elder Godlike which is deathly and it was a con game so there was the impulse on the players part to be big dam heros. He was more than fair and was hardly the horrible monster he plays on TV.
Actually playing a game of Nights Black Agents. Really enjoy that game and have been looking to run a game but it never quite has happened.
Going to the Delta Green panel with Ken Hite, Dennis Detwiller, Shane Ivy, Greg Stolze, and Adam Scott Glancy. They had a number of good suggestions for running games but really the highlight were the war stories of all the crazy shit that has happened in, and out, of games to that crew. I would honestly pay money just to listen to that group shoot the shit.
Going to the RPPR meetup and meeting some of you very nice folks.
Biggest Regrets:
I did not buy a copy of Samurai Spirit when I had a chance. Went on Sunday to pick one up and they were sold out.
Not running over to get into Tom or David's CoC game. Would have loved to be a part of that and witness the use of Operate Heavy Machinery.
The Loot (I told myself I was not going to buy anything ... then I did anyway):
Hillfolk
Eternal Lies
Unspeakable Oath 28 and 29
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Awesome swag Noah. I had to get my autographed Night's Black Agents book off Ebay.
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So we had an absolute blast at our first Gencon! We also booked for next year so we will be back and hopefully have a booth in a better spot. =)
It was totally awesome to hang out with all of the RPPR folks and the rest of the fans. Had so much fun playing Channel A with everyone. I will make sure to bring that game again next year.
Don't have any cool lewts to show off. George got a couple of books he wanted and I got more dice.
Glad the RPPR guys all liked their gifts. It was really nice to see the looks of shock on all your faces. =)
Was totally psyched that we got to play in an RPPR game, thanks Aaron for including us! Team Grand Theft Medic might need to make a return just so we can hang out with bureaucrat bear again.
Can't wait to do this all again next year.
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It was a good time. Marching with a giant standard between the Hyatt and JW was one of the more surreal experiences of my life. I didn't sit at the Channel A table and I missed the photo op on account of paying my tab, but I still had a blast and met some cool people.
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It was a good time. Marching with a giant standard between the Hyatt and JW was one of the more surreal experiences of my life. I didn't sit at the Channel A table and I missed the photo op on account of paying my tab, but I still had a blast and met some cool people.
Those colors never did run!
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The colors did not run, they sprinted forth ahead the might marching band of pod-casters! Their banner's proud colors ever touch the ground!
After the painting was finished and paint dry, I put 2 spray coatings of Matte Varnish so that the paint wouldn't be harmed during any travel processes or flack/crack. This years GenCon was the best I've ever been too. I hope that next years will surpass this years.
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Sorry for the double post but this is for Aaron.
THE PROTOMEN!: http://i.imgur.com/9NLKWgb.jpg