Shadowrun

Shadowrun Missions Living Campaign => Living Campaign and Conventions => Topic started by: Tacitus05 on <05-11-12/0658:06>

Title: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Tacitus05 on <05-11-12/0658:06>
Oh I am sooo ready for Gencon..I spent maybe 50-75% of my time playing CMPs and i jsut saw, new CMPS and almsot all the SRMs to play! and this year bringing the wife to play. I enjoyed every minute last year, but this year I know better than to try to crash games with generic tickets, totally buying mine ahead of time
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <05-11-12/0811:38>
Alas, I will not be attending this year (unless I win the Powerball between now and then. And if I do...  8))
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-11-12/2359:04>
I'll be there.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: crowofpyke on <05-15-12/1553:37>
I will be there.  I plan to play the "Land Of Promise" 4 part CMP group.  Mostly because the last one in that series, "The Hung Over", fits my character really well.

I don't think I will have time for the other 4 part CMP group, the "London Calling" series.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <05-16-12/1125:19>
I will be there.  I plan to play the "Land Of Promise" 4 part CMP group.
;D

Tackle 'em in order if you can (or, at any rate, get into "Hopping the Fence" first, if possible), though it's not strictly necessary I think they'll be more fun that way.  Have a blast!  I'm looking forward to hearing what folks think of 'em.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Tacitus05 on <05-21-12/0036:50>
Alas..i was six hours too late, everythign Shadowrun was pretty much already booked...kidna sad there was so much demand, was really looking to get into some CMPs and SRMs and get my friends more into shadowrun as well.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Dr. Meatgrinder on <05-21-12/0957:18>
Yeah, I'm always amazed how quickly events sell out.  I think Catalyst could offer twice the number of events and they would still sell out.  But Bull would have to perform at least a few "friendly extractions" to find enough GMs to run all those tables...or find a way to plug in existing GMs to do nothing else the entire con.  ::)

You might check the Gen Con registration site from time to time during the prereg period (until like June 20, I think).  This year, they're allowing event ticket returns online, so you might find a couple of tickets as people's schedules align.  And there's the time-honored tradition of showing up with generics.  The table sells for 6, but most GMs will take a 7th player, and there's always the chance that someone doesn't show (or oversleeps the 0800 slot).  I think last year's policy was that unanimous approval of the table was required to take an 8th player, since an 8-player table tends to take longer and allow less individual character interaction.  The generic route is a crapshoot, but if it's the only option...

You could also try asking a GM to run a game at an empty table, assuming you can find a spare GM, spare table, and have/accept enough players to do it.  You may have to pay generics as if the event were scheduled; I'm not entirely sure how the con would want that handled in an allocated space.  Check with the room captain at the con if you want to try this, or maybe Bull has some insight on this.  And I'd try to be flexible with the particular mission for this, since the GM you're grabbing may only have a couple prepped.  It's a little more legwork, but it might be worth a shot.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <05-21-12/1038:50>
other hope: That people don't show up, and you can use generics...The ONLY event that is not sold out as I write this is Burn...and it
is really making me debate competing the Grand Melee just to play in a Mission, or to take my chances and hope for an open slot to materialize due to someone not showing up...
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-21-12/1223:49>
*Sighs*  Well, shows how quickly people are willing to sign up for my adventure...
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Bull on <05-21-12/1812:16>
Honestly, generics is a good way to go.  Most tables almost always end up with a spot or two open, and as Fringe mentions, we have an unofficial, unannounced policy to allow a 7th player into the game if everything is full.  8 is possible, but...  We try and avoid that, as 7 already keeps things crowded.  And it requires both a GM willing to run for that many AND approval from everyone already at the table.  (Generics are 1st come, first served)

bull
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: KarmaInferno on <05-21-12/2359:12>
I remember showing up to a table with like 9 people.

I went to find something else to play, despite having an actual ticket for the event.

There was no way I was going to subject that poor GM to more.



-k
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: All4BigGuns on <05-22-12/0006:47>
I remember showing up to a table with like 9 people.

I went to find something else to play, despite having an actual ticket for the event.

There was no way I was going to subject that poor GM to more.



-k

I would have, but then, I want to try out a game (playing, not running) that has 10 to 15 players. Our group is too small to manage that.  :'(
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-22-12/0035:19>
Just got to figure out how many Generic Tickets to buy...
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <05-22-12/0042:49>
Just got to figure out how many Generic Tickets to buy...
If it helps any, remember that they're returnable for credit towards future badges/tickets/whatever.  So if you end up buying too many, you can just turn 'em back in to help out next year. 
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <05-22-12/0057:34>
Just got to figure out how many Generic Tickets to buy...
If it helps any, remember that they're returnable for credit towards future badges/tickets/whatever.  So if you end up buying too many, you can just turn 'em back in to help out next year.

Wow...that's new...it used to be generics were non-refundable.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-22-12/0256:15>
If it helps any, remember that they're returnable for credit towards future badges/tickets/whatever.  So if you end up buying too many, you can just turn 'em back in to help out next year.
I put myself in hock for a year-and-a-half just to get to GenCon this year.  And that was before Kickstarter.

I won't be going next year unless I hit the Lotto.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <05-22-12/0423:37>
If it helps any, remember that they're returnable for credit towards future badges/tickets/whatever.  So if you end up buying too many, you can just turn 'em back in to help out next year.
I put myself in hock for a year-and-a-half just to get to GenCon this year.  And that was before Kickstarter.

I won't be going next year unless I hit the Lotto.
Then don't buy very many generitickets, I guess.  I dunno, man.  I was just lettin' ya know.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mystic on <05-22-12/0920:46>
If it helps any, remember that they're returnable for credit towards future badges/tickets/whatever.  So if you end up buying too many, you can just turn 'em back in to help out next year.
I put myself in hock for a year-and-a-half just to get to GenCon this year.  And that was before Kickstarter.

I won't be going next year unless I hit the Lotto.

Sorry to hear it dude, I had to save a chunk of cash to be able to go to both Origins and Gencon this year, and I'm basically running games to help offset the costs. Not that I dont like it, I don't get to GM or play much as it is.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: crowofpyke on <05-22-12/1613:22>
I will be there.  I plan to play the "Land Of Promise" 4 part CMP group.
;D

Tackle 'em in order if you can (or, at any rate, get into "Hopping the Fence" first, if possible), though it's not strictly necessary I think they'll be more fun that way.  Have a blast!  I'm looking forward to hearing what folks think of 'em.

I clicked on "submit wishlist" as the button went live for Event Registration.  I got into the first 3 parts of the "Land Of Promise" series, but I didn't get into any of the "Hung Over" sessions.  Sold out instantly.  Wow.  I will simply have to show up at one of the "Hung Over" sessions and hope to either squeeze in at GM whim, or hope someone doesn't show up.

That said, as Bull noted, getting into a sold out table shouldn't too hard... most of the time.  Two years ago we even had enough extra players and someone willing to GM that it created a "spin off" table of that same module.  Usually, people are pretty agreeable to getting an extra game going if that's what's needed and if we have the numbers for it.  No worries.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <05-22-12/1622:01>
Lots of sold out games end up having seats, yeah.  Gamers are a lazy and easily distracted lot, and GenCon's got (a) a lot of walking to do, and (b) a lot of other stuff going on.  There's almost always a few folks who don't show up to almost any game -- too busy shopping, lunch takes longer than they thought, they can't find the place, they're just tired/beat from days of the convention, whatever -- so it's never a bad idea to show up to a game and wave a few generics around, to try and find a spot.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Icetower on <05-25-12/1310:46>
I overbooked myself and my Shadowrun games got dropped from my wishlist, but I'll be there and looking to try to get in on a game. Being the GM of our group, I never get to play!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Tacitus05 on <05-27-12/0646:04>
Such there is such a high demand..is there a chance that more tables will be added?
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-27-12/0922:29>
Such there is such a high demand..is there a chance that more tables will be added?
Oh, sure, let's overwork Bull some more.

...

No, I'm being serious.  Want me to hold the whip?
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Bull on <05-27-12/1551:40>
Next year?  not my problem. :)

Bull
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <05-27-12/1612:31>
Next year?  not my problem. :)

Bull
That's what you said last year.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: lurkeroutthere on <06-05-12/0444:25>
We make a concerted effort to get everyone we can seated and if we have willing GM's we try and spin up extra tables as needed (i've ran a table on the fly in the past). Unfortunately if your running with Generics you just won't know until you get there.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: StarManta on <07-17-12/1534:24>
I'll be at GenCon, proudly waving the Catalyst flag for the first time! Looking forward to running some games for you all. :)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <07-26-12/0745:30>
Due to a terrific friend lending me his couch and Bull taking on my indentured servitude, I will be at GenCon this year. Look for me at odd places/times. I'll be the one banning spammers with my phone.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <07-26-12/1619:48>
Good to hear it, 'Jack.

We're only about three weeks out, people!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mystic on <07-26-12/1851:31>
Rock on, Jack! See you there!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <07-26-12/2211:40>
Due to a terrific friend lending me his couch and Bull taking on my indentured servitude, I will be at GenCon this year. Look for me at odd places/times. I'll be the one banning spammers with my phone.

It will be good to meet the legend himself!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Bull on <08-01-12/1920:17>
Just a heads up.  the What's up With Shadowrun? Seminar on Friday at Noon will not only feature Jason Hardy, Peter Andrew, and myself talking upcoming books, but we will also have reps for both Harebrained Schemes (For Shadowrun Returns) and Cliffhanger productions (Shadowrun Online).  If you have questions or want the lowdown on what's coming, you may want to come check this out :)

Bull
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-01-12/1957:51>
There will also be a handful of freelancers in attendance (though they don't let us sit at the big kid's table, necessarily), for folks that might want to ask stuff, high five us, throw things at us, ask us to sign books or punch babies or whatever.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Bull on <08-01-12/2132:14>
We told you last year Crit...  No punching babies.  Unless they're elven babies. :)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mystic on <08-02-12/1242:15>
There will also be a handful of freelancers in attendance (though they don't let us sit at the big kid's table, necessarily), for folks that might want to ask stuff, high five us, throw things at us, ask us to sign books or punch babies or whatever.

My baby punches back, too bad she won't be there.  ;D
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-09-12/2217:15>
Kind of considering just leaving work on Friday, driving up, going to the Con on Saturday (mostly to meet people, harass JMHardy into picking up my proposal, and perhaps get in on that 'Urban Brawl' con game), then driving back after the con.  But the ATL is a ways from the IND ...
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-09-12/2343:18>
My train just had weird things happen to the tracks, so I'll be later than expected.   :'(

Still be there, however.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-10-12/0739:51>
My train just had weird things happen to the tracks, so I'll be later than expected.   :'(

Still be there, however.
When are you looking to get in?
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DarkLloyd on <08-10-12/1009:47>
My train just had weird things happen to the tracks, so I'll be later than expected.   :'(

Still be there, however.

Weird things like Canadian Metacritters ate them?

or this?
(http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k611/DarkLloyd1/train_tracks.png)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-10-12/2259:44>
My train just had weird things happen to the tracks, so I'll be later than expected.   :'(

Still be there, however.
When are you looking to get in?
REALLY late Wednesday night/REALLY early Thursday morning.  Late/early enough that I hope the cab companies are still awake and taking passengers.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: lurkeroutthere on <08-10-12/2343:17>
Well if your coming in via amtrack and staying on site you might not need a cab. If memory serves the amtrack station is very close to the convention center/union station.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-11-12/0010:56>
My train just had weird things happen to the tracks, so I'll be later than expected.   :'(

Still be there, however.
When are you looking to get in?
REALLY late Wednesday night/REALLY early Thursday morning.  Late/early enough that I hope the cab companies are still awake and taking passengers.
Pretty sure most of the cab companies run 24/7, dude, so no worries on that front.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <08-11-12/0110:52>
Pretty sure most of the cab companies run 24/7, dude, so no worries on that front.

Remember..he is from Canada...they have funky regulations. They might have restrictions on when cabs can operate
up in the Frozen Wastes.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-11-12/1005:16>
Pretty sure most of the cab companies run 24/7, dude, so no worries on that front.
Remember..he is from Canada...they have funky regulations. They might have restrictions on when cabs can operate up in the Frozen Wastes.
Don't laugh, this is true back home.  :(
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DarkLloyd on <08-11-12/1557:15>
Pretty sure most of the cab companies run 24/7, dude, so no worries on that front.
Remember..he is from Canada...they have funky regulations. They might have restrictions on when cabs can operate up in the Frozen Wastes.
Don't laugh, this is true back home.  :(

Just remember Ray, keep in mind that Indy is run on Soylent Green.

Take a look at the smoking man hole covers around the city, they say "powered by the people"...........
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-11-12/1621:46>
Oh...  Great...  CHUDs.

AGAIN!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-12-12/2328:46>
Can't believe we're just a couple days away.

See you guys in Indy!   8)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <08-13-12/0027:02>
Can't believe we're just a couple days away.

See you guys in Indy!   8)

I am as ready as I will ever be!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mystic on <08-13-12/0055:05>
Oh, that's this week. I completely forgot...

OH CRAP!!! AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!  (j/k)

Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-13-12/0914:08>
Packing now.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Bull on <08-14-12/2058:51>
Quick update. We're now scheduled from 4 to 8. Which is weird, and sucks. Apparently, it's no longer open gaming area. So, umm. Yeah. Sucks. So 4 to 8, then from 8 on at Claddagh.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <08-15-12/1601:19>
Quick update. We're now scheduled from 4 to 8. Which is weird, and sucks. Apparently, it's no longer open gaming area. So, umm. Yeah. Sucks. So 4 to 8, then from 8 on at Claddagh.

*scratches head* Does this mean no more hope of using Generics to try and get in?
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-15-12/1638:24>
I have arrived on site. To everyone that's going to be here, can't wait to hang out. To everyone that will be on the boards, remember, just because I'm not logging in from home doesn't mean I don't have the banhammer with me. Play nice kiddies.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: lurkeroutthere on <08-15-12/2028:04>
We're here claddaghs has never really done it for me so hanging with a few folks, working out, and turning in early. First slot comes all too early.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-19-12/1849:28>
Got here to GenCon, had a good time, STILL DIDN'T GET TO PLAY!

Good to see everone there, and, FastJack, please don't change my name.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-20-12/1045:36>
Got here to GenCon, had a good time, STILL DIDN'T GET TO PLAY!

Good to see everone there, and, FastJack, please don't change my name.
;D
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: WSN0W on <08-20-12/1255:57>
O.o

What's the story behind THAT?

Got here to GenCon, had a good time, STILL DIDN'T GET TO PLAY!

Good to see everone there, and, FastJack, please don't change my name.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-20-12/1401:55>
O.o

What's the story behind THAT?

Got here to GenCon, had a good time, STILL DIDN'T GET TO PLAY!

Good to see everone there, and, FastJack, please don't change my name.
In-joke. I've always seen CanRay as this board's Slamm-0!
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: lurkeroutthere on <08-20-12/1532:59>
I was wondering about that Cam since i didn't see you in the hall or at least someone matching what I expected you to look like based on facebook.

I had a lot of fun at Gencon, special shout outs are due to Bull, Critias, and Joe King (no idea what your forum handle is) the first two for the work they put in to make the magic happen for the players and my life as a GM easier. The latter for elevating my scramble experience from kind of disapointing to redeemed in the tabletop session. I also appreciate anyone that ran for me and put up with my shenanigans for 4 hours.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-20-12/1601:14>
Glad you had a good time, LOT, but I didn't do much to make the magic happen, directly -- I didn't run a durned thing, my voice just can't hack it (heck, my voice was shot without running anything).  I hung around the HQ and killed time, but didn't actually volunteer this year or anything.  So I appreciate the shout out, but I didn't put in the work for it, this year.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DWC on <08-20-12/1649:48>
As Recovery Monday draws to a close, and another Gencon goes in the books, I've been reflective.

On the whole, I had a great time.  To anyone who's even considered it, volunteer to judge a round or two along with playing.  It gave me a nice contrast with playing, and the staff were great to us.  As always, I had a blast with the Scramble, though I might or might not have been making my own fun for a portion of it.  Big thanks to all the volunteers to who made that happen.

As always, it was great to catch up with a bunch of folks, along with meeting new ones and putting names and faces with forum names.

On the other hand, the decision to put all of the Catalyst products together in one room was an atrocious one.  Putting Missions back in the JW with the other RPGs and the Scramble back in Union Station with the other LARPs would do the campaign (and the convention) a great service.

Barring something weird, I'll see all y'all next summer.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-20-12/2007:33>
I went to Gen Con 2012 as my first-ever convention. I had a wonderful time! Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The game masters, organizers, random attendees, and my fellow players all contributed to the overall awesomeness of my experience. I got to play all sorts of games, meet lots of interesting people, and even practice my improvisational oratory/rabble-rousing skills during the Scramble.

You guys and gals Rock!


(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)

(Pretty please?)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: The Wyrm Ouroboros on <08-20-12/2014:36>
(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)

(Pretty please?)

... yeah, this requires explanation and video.  So explain!!  And find video and post here.  ;)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-20-12/2022:17>
If you are who I think you are -- aka, "Decker Girl," from our impromptu Friday-night game in the hotel lobby, by all means read on.  If not, I apologize for mistaking you for her.  ;)
(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)
Someone's got to have some, somewhere -- sadly the video capabilities of my phone leave much to be desired.  You did a great job of it, and if you hadn't told us it was impromptu right now, I would'a thought you were in on it the whole time.  I also had no idea it was your first con.  You weren't nearly as wide-eyed and terrified as most GenCon newbies.  You fit right in, and hopefully we'll see you again next year.

I'm glad you had a good time, and it was a pleasure gaming with you!  Sorry the decker was the only one we had left in our pick-up game, but hopefully you still had a good time with us.  I know that at least Mongoose, the epic rockerboy, had a blast sitting across the table from ya. 
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Critias on <08-20-12/2056:14>
For my own brief GenCon review:

Pro:
1)  Food trucks!  I can't figure out why no one else thought to introduce them to geeks on this scale, before.  Fairly cheap food, fairly tasty food, and nice and close to the convention?  Sign me up.

2)  Playing geek-Tetris to fit everyone into our room.  Due to some last-minute guys going "Hey, my plans fell through, got room?" we had six dudes in my hotel room this year.  Everyone got along well, though, we hung out and had a few meals and chats together, etc, etc, and it turned out to be, overall, a positive experience and an excuse to meet some new folks to hang out with.

3)  GenCon coincidences.  I ran into an old professor of mine purely by chance, helped him get back into BattleTech after years without playing it (including hooking him up with my old Northern Kentucky gaming group), and chatted academia with him for a while.  It was a very pleasant surprise, and I even got to work in a "now the student has become the master" joke when he was asking for GenCon advice since it was his first year.  We ran into a pair of L5R developers when a buddy and I were fumbling through starter decks and the rulebook in our hotel lobby, and then we took turns geeking out at each other (OMG, you work on this game?! vs. OMG, you work on that game?!).  I sat down at a table just to get off my feet, struck up a conversation with a pair of guys who came over and asked if seats were taken, and it turns out they play HeroClix with one of my local gamers ("Yeah, we know Dave!").  And, last but not least, I was in a conversation that was overheard during my lunch at the airport, and right before I boarded my flight home, someone approached me to sign their book.  Coincidences, coincidences, coincidences.  I love 'em.  They remind us how small the world is, and how many cool geeks are out there. 

4)  Pick-up games are where it's at, cool cat.  I love ticketed stuff, too, mind you, but there's just something awesome about a half dozen gamers just not having anything else to do for a bit, and sitting down with some books, some dice, some cards, or some minis, and having a good time. 

5)  The longer I go to GenCon, the more GenCon Buddies I get.  I've got too many to rattle off all of 'em now, but suffice it to say it's always a pleasure.  Even though I only see y'all once a year, Indy wouldn't be the same without you.  Fun games and good food and good times don't happen in a vaccuum, no matter how good the books are, how pretty the artwork on the cards, or how lucky the dice.  It's the people that make GenCon magical every year.

Con:
1) Sweet giggidy-goo, did my feet hurt.

2)  My iPhone decided to make the camera function just black out the screen, instead of letting me take pictures, for about a day and a half.  That really sucked.  I took maybe ten photos the whole time, and there was so much more awesome stuff to see and show off.  I'm cycling through other peoples' Facebook photos to show stuff to my wife, which just makes me feel cruddy.

3)  I hated flying.  I hated having such limited luggage space (or worrying about shipping costs), I hated how my itinerary got changed at me on the last minute (sending me from Dallas to Denver to Indy, which is backwards and silly and saddled me with a layover I didn't want), I hated having to leave to make it to the airport on time instead of just drifting out of Indy on my own schedule, etc, etc.  I dunno.  I guess I got spoiled for my first several GenCons when I lived just an hour or two away, and had my car right there to lock extra stuff up in.  As it was, I was really stingy in the vendor's hall, and hardly bought anything.  Feeling like I had no space to bring stuff home really curtailed my shopping, and I never really thought about how much of the GenCon fun was that vendor's hall, before.

4)  By the end of the weekend, I had the Con Crud something fierce.  Blech.  My voice doesn't need that kind of "help," thanks.  ;)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-20-12/2110:53>
If you are who I think you are -- aka, "Decker Girl," from our impromptu Friday-night game in the hotel lobby, by all means read on.  If not, I apologize for mistaking you for her.  ;)

I am indeed the illustrious "Decker Girl" who didn't like the idea of the crane-game being used for such a purpose.  :)

Thank you for the compliments! Way to rock hard enough that skills were unnecessary. ;)

(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)

(Pretty please?)

... yeah, this requires explanation and video.  So explain!!  And find video and post here.  ;)

The video, I can't supply (hence the request). The explanation? Uh....my character may have not appreciated the speech that Governor Brackhaven made regarding Prop. 23 and may have decided that a rebuttal was in order. A rather, umm...loud rebuttal.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Shadow-Jackal on <08-20-12/2112:41>
I went to Gen Con 2012 as my first-ever convention. I had a wonderful time! Thank you to everyone who made this possible. The game masters, organizers, random attendees, and my fellow players all contributed to the overall awesomeness of my experience. I got to play all sorts of games, meet lots of interesting people, and even practice my improvisational oratory/rabble-rousing skills during the Scramble.

You guys and gals Rock!


(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)

(Pretty please?)


Sorry I took that 200$ from ya after all that. ;) I can't believe your speech was impromptu! It was quite impressive to say the least!

-That weird elf from the CAS.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-20-12/2138:54>
Sorry I took that 200$ from ya after all that. ;) I can't believe your speech was impromptu! It was quite impressive to say the least!

-That weird elf from the CAS.

Thank you! That 200 nuyen was fairly earned. (and I suspect Court might have sustained injuries if she hadn't elected to pay up)

 I would dearly love to know what was actually said during the rhetoric-storm, so if anyone finds a link or a video or a transcript, please post it or message it to me.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DWC on <08-20-12/2139:21>
It was loud, and it was awesome.  Sadly, I didn't record it because the rest of us were trying to figure out how to avoid getting rolled up by security (again in Fox's case), and I wasn't in "spectating convention goer" mode.  I hope someone did get it, because it'd make a really cool sidebar to see show up in the next SOTA book's section on Prop 23.

See you next year.  Hopefully the next hostage rescue isn't mistaken for being a kidnapping.  Or hopefully it is.  That made for a hilarious misunderstanding to wrap things up with.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-20-12/2156:17>
Security? *pssshaw*

I do hope to be back next year. As to the whole "hostage" issue, no one actually died.

No harm, no foul.

Right, guys? ;)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Fade on <08-20-12/2204:19>
Well, I didn't get to participate in the scramble this year, as I was workin' for the man running missions.  Things turned out pretty well though overall.  Not getting to raffle into the tourney didn't dissuade the pickup game of it I ran either.  I gotta say, just the sheer amount of STUFF in that made it a challenge in off the cuff gaming I won't forget.

Highlights for me:

Getting to shoot all the nice new paint off of Vice's truck. 
Teaching a father and his sons to play the game and everyone having a blast.
Seeing a couple familiar faces show up in my games (Sabot and Jack Hyde I'm lookin' at you)
Running a pickup game of the tournament for folks that didn't get in.
Steak and ribs at the Weber.  Steer me wrong you did not.
Seeing an experienced runner team pushed to its limit on Sunday morning.
Whiskey, the Triple S, and finally getting down to only the "crap" left.

Special thanks to Dire, for bringing the good stuff, Scuzz, for the ride to the Airport, Sinthalix for the crash space Wednesday night, Bull for putting up with putting this together, and everyone else.

See you yahoos at Origins.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-21-12/0748:13>
First off, welcome to the forums, Kortane! Glad to see you at the con and glad it was such a great experience. (And, like Critias said, if you hadn't pointed out that it was your first con ever, I'd never had known.) Your speech was excellent, even if I was pressed into being a Brackhaven supporter at the last minute.

For me, this con was the first where I wasn't just a bystander, and the Missions team impressed the HELL out of me with how much they rocked. The finally tally came to 800+ Shadowrun players at our tables (so, with 13 slots, that averages 61 people playing at any given time). Hopefully, everyone I GM'd for came away with a great experience and I hope to see many of you there next year.

P.S. Kortane, the elven social adept I was telling you about is the character in my sig below. ;)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DireRadiant on <08-21-12/1307:33>
(I, uhh... don't suppose any of you have a video of my character's possibly ill-advised speech that you would be willing to send me, do you? I saw three video cameras and few cellphones pointed at me up there...)

(Pretty please?)


I got the video.... need time to upload it. :)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mara on <08-21-12/1531:03>
If you are who I think you are -- aka, "Decker Girl," from our impromptu Friday-night game in the hotel lobby, by all means read on.  If not, I apologize for mistaking you for her.  ;)

I am indeed the illustrious "Decker Girl" who didn't like the idea of the crane-game being used for such a purpose.  :)

Thank you for the compliments! Way to rock hard enough that skills were unnecessary. ;)

The same Decker Girl in the old school costume complete with Data jack that was in the Friday night Trial of Bloodright
for battletech? Or am I confusing you with another decker girl?
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-21-12/1929:58>
To FastJack:  O_O  eep!

To DireRadiant: Hooray!

To Mara: Sadly, I was not in a costume and so cannot be the Decker girl with a data jack. That costume sounds awesome though.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DireRadiant on <08-22-12/0137:16>
To DireRadiant: Hooray!

http://youtu.be/MD9XtzDstwg
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Kortane on <08-22-12/0312:14>
Oh for <expletive deleted>'s sake.

*cringe*  *laugh* *facepalm*

*bury head in hands* *groan/chuckle* *incoherent muttering*

Thank you, DireRadiant.

(I think.)

There! Explanation provided and preserved on the internet for posterity. Plus, now I, too, know what Court/My-Mouth-Running-On-Automatic actually said.

(My cat fled in alarm from the litany of curses and embarrassed whimpering. Why did I decide to check one last time before sleeping?)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-22-12/0756:20>
Nice video! (And, thankfully, I was entirely silent during her entire speech since I was right next to the cameraman...)

Hmm... I think I spotted CanRay in the background too. ;)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Shadow-Jackal on <08-22-12/1003:13>
Woot! I managed to stay out of the video.

Court did awesome! No cringing allowed!

Thank you DireRadiant for sharing the video. It was all going so fast that I missed a great deal.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DireRadiant on <08-22-12/1045:02>
I have more videos from the Scramble. I'll be spending more time throughout the week getting them cleaned up a bit and posting.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: Mystic on <08-22-12/1143:00>
Hey THERE I AM!!! (in the background)

 8)
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: JM_Hardy on <08-22-12/1241:23>
Let me just say this: The rebuttal was indeed truly awesome.

Jason H.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: lurkeroutthere on <08-22-12/1246:00>
I'll just say this: Damn uppity huggy feely humies trying to take away my perfectly good bolt hole and feral zone. Said it before and I'll say it again, we can steal water, power, and matrix access, we can't steal no police.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-22-12/2246:20>
Hmm... I think I spotted CanRay in the background too. ;)
Yep, right hand side, hands clasped together.  I was trying for the "Confused Suit Away From His Desk"-look as that what my NPC was.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: DarkLloyd on <08-23-12/1048:06>
Hmm... I think I spotted CanRay in the background too. ;)
Yep, right hand side, hands clasped together.  I was trying for the "Confused Suit Away From His Desk"-look as that what my NPC was.

So That's what the modern Canray looks like out of it's natural environment..... ;)

I figured that guy was just bidding his time till he ganked somebody. That's usually how I do it, look innocuous, then surprise the hell out of them.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-23-12/1244:32>
So That's what the modern Canray looks like out of it's natural environment..... ;)
When I'm chewing on a nail, that's my deep thought look.

"Why they hell do they have the lights on ALL THE TIME?  Why does it never get dark in here?  Where's my cave, damnit?"
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: FastJack on <08-23-12/1327:51>
So That's what the modern Canray looks like out of it's natural environment..... ;)
When I'm chewing on a nail, that's my deep thought look.

"Why they hell do they have the lights on ALL THE TIME?  Why does it never get dark in here?  Where's my cave, damnit?"
It was fun watching him go outside at times. The fire truck actually made an appearance when CanRay burst into flame from being in direct sunlight.
Title: Re: GENCON 2012!!! Its on!
Post by: CanRay on <08-23-12/1822:01>
The flames tickled.