Gen Con Indy & the Forgotten Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

Gen Con Indy & the Forgotten Realms [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Athenon
02-13-04, 06:32 PM Well Met all,

I was just curious how many of you are planning to go to Gen Con this year? I'm going (for the third year) and I find that it's a really good time.

The two times I've gone before, I've wanted a larger FR presence at Gen Con. From what I've seen, there's not much of that outside of the WotC seminars (which are much-appreciated and quite fun). So a few questions:

1) If you knew that you could sign up to play in games run by Greenwood, Schend, Eric Boyd, Rich Baker or any other WotC staffer/author, would it make you more likely to go to Gen Con?

2) If you're already going, is that the sort of thing that you would participate in if it was available?

3) Even if events were run by less famous folks, would a number of sponsored Forgotten Realms game sessions be alluring to you?

Just curious...
Herr Doktor
02-13-04, 07:03 PM I'm an agoraphobe, so I have a bit of trouble leaving state. GenCon Indy is bringing GenCon closer than ever however, so perhaps I might manage it this year.

If I were to go, all three of the things you listed would make the event far more alluring to myself.
Nahar
02-13-04, 11:10 PM If it weren't for the ten+ hour flight I'd be there with bells on.
Melfius
02-13-04, 11:45 PM I've not been to Indy yet. I have gone to Milwaukee several times, and the events run by the pros (Like Ed, bless his heart) are well worth the trip. I watched one run by Gary Gygax, and had the pleasure of demo-ing 3e with Steven Schend, and was very much impressed.
Cog
02-15-04, 07:24 AM I'm going to GenCon for the third consecutive year, but I'm a little irritated by the lateness of the event (a week earlier would've been ideal)...

I've always found that Ed Greenwood is one of the best of the "celebraties" at the event - he always seems to make more time for the fans than anyone else, and any seminars that involve him are a guaranteed hit.
Capn Charlie
02-15-04, 08:11 AM Considering I spent 4 days with two other people in the cab of a wee nissan truck, from oklahoma to vegas, just to be witness at their wedding...

The drive there is no problem. It is paying the inflated fees to do stuff out there that bugs me. I doubt that a gaming convention could be so much better than just gathering together at the local bookstore like usual. Sure I could meet Ed, and as much as that would be cool, I can't see taking that much time out of my schedule for just another gaming day or three.

I mean there isn't even gambling.

Now Gen Con: Sin City, that would be a must do. I can only imagine the stuff that would go down...
Ardent
02-15-04, 08:34 AM Originally posted by Capn Charlie
Now Gen Con: Sin City, that would be a must do. I can only imagine the stuff that would go down...

No you can't. I've been to conventions in Las Vegas and there's no way the uninitiated of Vegas would have any idea what really goes on there. ;)

I can never make time to get to Gen Con due to various reasons (like its terrible habit of being scheduled while I'm out of the country!).
Char9er
02-17-04, 04:36 PM Hope this isn't a 100% Dead topic, but I live in Indiana.

Last year I didn't know that GenCon was here, or any Forgotten Realm people either. WHen I learned I wasn't too happy...but my question is.

When is GenCon Indy going down this year? I'm only two counties south of Indyianapolis so it won't take terribly long for me to get there, just I need to know when lol.
azildurn
02-19-04, 10:07 AM www.gencon.com (http://www.gencon.com) for all the details.

I went last year and it was a blast. Gaming with the "celebrities" wouldn't be a huge draw for me but I'd certainly participate in at least one if there were several scheduled.

As to paying inflated fees, convention bashing, etc., last year was my first year and I had a blast. It cost $60 for the 4-Day badge which realy isn't bad IMHO, given that there's so much to see. Now the lack of customer service and the lines last year are another thing but they claim they've fixed the problems.

We ran several games for folks, some sponsored events, some not. The sponsored events cost $1.50/hour I think (I don't recall exactly but whatever the minimum required by GenCon is) the others we ran for anyone who wanted to play (we only ran the sponsored events to get players). This year we'll be running both sponsored and pickup style games again, probably. The pickup games are obviously free and will probably take place in some establishment that serves beer rather than at the convention, if last year is any indication. If you're coming and interested the sponsored events are registered for by using the gencon site. We don't have an exact plan for unregistered games (obviously) but if you're interested you can email me at gencon@snarlingfrog.com and I'll let you know what we have planned and when assuming we eventually make some plans.
Char9er
02-19-04, 12:21 PM You didn't type enough there did you azildurn? lol.

But what do you mean by 'games'? I know I should know but compared to everyone else I'm a "Newbie" in the Forgotten Realms world, so I don't know what you mean by that.
azildurn
02-19-04, 03:40 PM Yeah, I'm long winded, what's your point? :) All the "games" we ran were D&D 3rd ed. or D&D 3.5 edition adventures.

We ran some as gencon events and some as just games in the local bars or GenCon lobby late at night. This year we're planning on running two GenCon events (one FR and one homebrew) and an unknown number of pickup games but they will all be D&D
Wyrdworks
02-19-04, 06:19 PM I plan on going this year.
Char9er
02-20-04, 06:52 AM Ah alright. Chances are I won't play any games like that. I'm just wanting to go up there to see everything and spawn some ideas for my books I'm writing. But thanks alot :)
azildurn
02-20-04, 03:14 PM Well it's worth going if you get the chance. Lots of vendors, lots of games, lots of seminars and I'm pretty much an RPG only sort of guy. There were tons of collectable games, wargames, model building, etc. that I'm not familiar with as well. It's just a really interesting atmosphere and it lets you see just how varied the industry is.
Char9er
02-20-04, 03:17 PM Yeah, so I've heard. I would love to see a Sountrack though of the Baldur Gate games...*coughifanyoneimportantisreading thiscough* That would be really good there. Playing it in the background ;) lol. As long as I don't hear "Hey Pikachu!" playing anywhere I'll be perfectly content ;)
karthac
02-20-04, 04:41 PM Hrm, I live in Indiana as well, and would love to go to this thing. Does anyone know how far in advance that website mentioned above (thank to that poster) will show who will have exhibits there and who guests will be etc.? Just an educated guest, maybe based on experience, would be great.

Thanks
azildurn
02-20-04, 05:36 PM Last I heard from GenCon Events, event registration is open to the public on May 7th at 12:00 Noon PST. At that point you'll be able to see, register for and pay for all the GenCon sponsered events. I'm sure various updates will be available via the web regarding guests, etc. Also the WotC seminars are free to just wander into as well if it's like it was last year.

I'd recommend dropping by the what's new in the Forgotten Realms seminar and the Elminster speaks seminar for those that are Realms fans (assuming they have them every year...I've only been once). What's new is basically the crowd asking questions of the FR people and them telling you why they won't give you what you ask for but it is interesting to hear from the authors. :) Elminster is Ed actually dressed in full costume taking questions as both Ed and Elminster. Pretty entertaining for the Realms fans out there.
NDgeek
02-22-04, 01:43 PM Hey guys, I'm also a Hoosier (Boilermaker actually). I live 20 minutes from the convention center where GenCon is held.

Someone mentioned the lines last year were bad. You're slightly incorrect, they were HORRID! Here's a little tip for getting around the lines, register (for free) with the rpga. You can preorder your badge. Actually, the notice for preorders went out just a week or two ago. This will eliminate the 2+ hours you could wait to enter.
azildurn
02-22-04, 07:36 PM You can preregister with GenCon too. It was the people who didn't preregister that had the REALLY BAD line problems. Those of us who pre-registered waited for 30 minutes or less and they printed out our badges. This year they're supposedly mailing all of them and are only printing for the at the gate purchases this year so it should be much better..
Athenon
02-25-04, 06:03 PM In my ideal vision of Gen Con, there would be a ton of sponsored WotC-Sponsored gaming events specific to the many different game products they've made over the years. "Greyhawk with Gygax," "James Wyatt's City of the Spider Queen," or even Raven's Bluff with Big Sis." The point is that I think there should be more enthusiasm by the biggest presence in the industry.
ENHenry
02-26-04, 01:31 PM One of the key things I try to do every year is get in on a seminar that Ed is running or participating in. He is a true joy to listen to, especially when he's "channelling" Elminster's devious streak. :)

Just like Gary Gygax, on the day (as far in the future as possible!) that man passes away I'm holding a candlelight vigil - it would be a dark day for the gaming community as a whole.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Athenon 02-13-04, 06:32 PM	Well Met all, I was just curious how many of you are planning to go to Gen Con this year? I'm going (for the third year) and I find that it's a really good time. The two times I've gone before, I've wanted a larger FR presence at Gen Con. From what I've seen, there's not much of that outside of the WotC seminars (which are much-appreciated and quite fun). So a few questions: 1) If you knew that you could sign up to play in games run by Greenwood, Schend, Eric Boyd, Rich Baker or any other WotC staffer/author, would it make you more likely to go to Gen Con? 2) If you're already going, is that the sort of thing that you would participate in if it was available? 3) Even if events were run by less famous folks, would a number of sponsored Forgotten Realms game sessions be alluring to you? Just curious...
Herr Doktor 02-13-04, 07:03 PM	I'm an agoraphobe, so I have a bit of trouble leaving state. GenCon Indy is bringing GenCon closer than ever however, so perhaps I might manage it this year. If I were to go, all three of the things you listed would make the event far more alluring to myself.
Nahar 02-13-04, 11:10 PM	If it weren't for the ten+ hour flight I'd be there with bells on.
Melfius 02-13-04, 11:45 PM	I've not been to Indy yet. I have gone to Milwaukee several times, and the events run by the pros (Like Ed, bless his heart) are well worth the trip. I watched one run by Gary Gygax, and had the pleasure of demo-ing 3e with Steven Schend, and was very much impressed.
Cog 02-15-04, 07:24 AM	I'm going to GenCon for the third consecutive year, but I'm a little irritated by the lateness of the event (a week earlier would've been ideal)... I've always found that Ed Greenwood is one of the best of the "celebraties" at the event - he always seems to make more time for the fans than anyone else, and any seminars that involve him are a guaranteed hit.
Capn Charlie 02-15-04, 08:11 AM	Considering I spent 4 days with two other people in the cab of a wee nissan truck, from oklahoma to vegas, just to be witness at their wedding... The drive there is no problem. It is paying the inflated fees to do stuff out there that bugs me. I doubt that a gaming convention could be so much better than just gathering together at the local bookstore like usual. Sure I could meet Ed, and as much as that would be cool, I can't see taking that much time out of my schedule for just another gaming day or three. I mean there isn't even gambling. Now Gen Con: Sin City, that would be a must do. I can only imagine the stuff that would go down...
Ardent 02-15-04, 08:34 AM	Originally posted by Capn Charlie Now Gen Con: Sin City, that would be a must do. I can only imagine the stuff that would go down... No you can't. I've been to conventions in Las Vegas and there's no way the uninitiated of Vegas would have any idea what really goes on there. ;) I can never make time to get to Gen Con due to various reasons (like its terrible habit of being scheduled while I'm out of the country!).
Char9er 02-17-04, 04:36 PM	Hope this isn't a 100% Dead topic, but I live in Indiana. Last year I didn't know that GenCon was here, or any Forgotten Realm people either. WHen I learned I wasn't too happy...but my question is. When is GenCon Indy going down this year? I'm only two counties south of Indyianapolis so it won't take terribly long for me to get there, just I need to know when lol.
azildurn 02-19-04, 10:07 AM	www.gencon.com (http://www.gencon.com) for all the details. I went last year and it was a blast. Gaming with the "celebrities" wouldn't be a huge draw for me but I'd certainly participate in at least one if there were several scheduled. As to paying inflated fees, convention bashing, etc., last year was my first year and I had a blast. It cost $60 for the 4-Day badge which realy isn't bad IMHO, given that there's so much to see. Now the lack of customer service and the lines last year are another thing but they claim they've fixed the problems. We ran several games for folks, some sponsored events, some not. The sponsored events cost $1.50/hour I think (I don't recall exactly but whatever the minimum required by GenCon is) the others we ran for anyone who wanted to play (we only ran the sponsored events to get players). This year we'll be running both sponsored and pickup style games again, probably. The pickup games are obviously free and will probably take place in some establishment that serves beer rather than at the convention, if last year is any indication. If you're coming and interested the sponsored events are registered for by using the gencon site. We don't have an exact plan for unregistered games (obviously) but if you're interested you can email me at gencon@snarlingfrog.com and I'll let you know what we have planned and when assuming we eventually make some plans.
Char9er 02-19-04, 12:21 PM	You didn't type enough there did you azildurn? lol. But what do you mean by 'games'? I know I should know but compared to everyone else I'm a "Newbie" in the Forgotten Realms world, so I don't know what you mean by that.
azildurn 02-19-04, 03:40 PM	Yeah, I'm long winded, what's your point? :) All the "games" we ran were D&D 3rd ed. or D&D 3.5 edition adventures. We ran some as gencon events and some as just games in the local bars or GenCon lobby late at night. This year we're planning on running two GenCon events (one FR and one homebrew) and an unknown number of pickup games but they will all be D&D
Wyrdworks 02-19-04, 06:19 PM	I plan on going this year.
Char9er 02-20-04, 06:52 AM	Ah alright. Chances are I won't play any games like that. I'm just wanting to go up there to see everything and spawn some ideas for my books I'm writing. But thanks alot :)
azildurn 02-20-04, 03:14 PM	Well it's worth going if you get the chance. Lots of vendors, lots of games, lots of seminars and I'm pretty much an RPG only sort of guy. There were tons of collectable games, wargames, model building, etc. that I'm not familiar with as well. It's just a really interesting atmosphere and it lets you see just how varied the industry is.
Char9er 02-20-04, 03:17 PM	Yeah, so I've heard. I would love to see a Sountrack though of the Baldur Gate games...coughifanyoneimportantisreading thiscough That would be really good there. Playing it in the background ;) lol. As long as I don't hear "Hey Pikachu!" playing anywhere I'll be perfectly content ;)
karthac 02-20-04, 04:41 PM	Hrm, I live in Indiana as well, and would love to go to this thing. Does anyone know how far in advance that website mentioned above (thank to that poster) will show who will have exhibits there and who guests will be etc.? Just an educated guest, maybe based on experience, would be great. Thanks
azildurn 02-20-04, 05:36 PM	Last I heard from GenCon Events, event registration is open to the public on May 7th at 12:00 Noon PST. At that point you'll be able to see, register for and pay for all the GenCon sponsered events. I'm sure various updates will be available via the web regarding guests, etc. Also the WotC seminars are free to just wander into as well if it's like it was last year. I'd recommend dropping by the what's new in the Forgotten Realms seminar and the Elminster speaks seminar for those that are Realms fans (assuming they have them every year...I've only been once). What's new is basically the crowd asking questions of the FR people and them telling you why they won't give you what you ask for but it is interesting to hear from the authors. :) Elminster is Ed actually dressed in full costume taking questions as both Ed and Elminster. Pretty entertaining for the Realms fans out there.
NDgeek 02-22-04, 01:43 PM	Hey guys, I'm also a Hoosier (Boilermaker actually). I live 20 minutes from the convention center where GenCon is held. Someone mentioned the lines last year were bad. You're slightly incorrect, they were HORRID! Here's a little tip for getting around the lines, register (for free) with the rpga. You can preorder your badge. Actually, the notice for preorders went out just a week or two ago. This will eliminate the 2+ hours you could wait to enter.
azildurn 02-22-04, 07:36 PM	You can preregister with GenCon too. It was the people who didn't preregister that had the REALLY BAD line problems. Those of us who pre-registered waited for 30 minutes or less and they printed out our badges. This year they're supposedly mailing all of them and are only printing for the at the gate purchases this year so it should be much better..
Athenon 02-25-04, 06:03 PM	In my ideal vision of Gen Con, there would be a ton of sponsored WotC-Sponsored gaming events specific to the many different game products they've made over the years. "Greyhawk with Gygax," "James Wyatt's City of the Spider Queen," or even Raven's Bluff with Big Sis." The point is that I think there should be more enthusiasm by the biggest presence in the industry.
ENHenry 02-26-04, 01:31 PM	One of the key things I try to do every year is get in on a seminar that Ed is running or participating in. He is a true joy to listen to, especially when he's "channelling" Elminster's devious streak. :) Just like Gary Gygax, on the day (as far in the future as possible!) that man passes away I'm holding a candlelight vigil - it would be a dark day for the gaming community as a whole.