1. How much before one of our registered slot times do we need to show up to obtain one of these numbers?
2. Are we going to have to print out multiple char sheets for each LVL, or can we bring a computer with us and update them on char builder as we progress on?
Thanks again for your time, and any info to help us out a bit so we aren't in the dark for when we get there since its a 5 hour road trip for us.
Hello all I will be attending my first convention at DDXP 2010 with 2-3 friends. This will be our first convention for all of us, and I was just wondering the whole process for this thing to get a RPGA number for all of us. Couple quick questions that i can think of.
1. How much before one of our registered slot times do we need to show up to obtain one of these numbers?
2. Are we going to have to print out multiple char sheets for each LVL, or can we bring a computer with us and update them on char builder as we progress on?
Thanks again for your time, and any info to help us out a bit so we aren't in the dark for when we get there since its a 5 hour road trip for us.
1 The first table you sit at you'll probably be given RPGA/DCI cards (if you happen to have a DCI number for magic you can use that one just fine) that will be your RPGA number from then on. You don't have to get it before the con but if you do that doesn't hurt. If you can let them know at checkin that you need RPGA numbers I bet they can get you cards before you sit at your first table as well.
2 you'll need your character as a brand new level 1 to start and when you level up you can update your sheet any way you want, with a PC you brought, by hand etc. If I recall the hotel for DDXP has free printing with the room if you need to re-print your characters.
Living Forgotten Realms is a Living campaign. This means all characters must start at first level and gain levels through xp and treasure as they play adventures. I am assuming that you and your group have not played LFR before, as you need RPGA/DCI numbers, so you have not started a LFR character.
A good place to start is:
www.wizards.com/DnD/Event.aspx?x=dnd/4ne...
It has information on what you need to get playing.
You'll also want a copy of the Character Creation guide v1.9 from:
www.wizards.com/dnd/Event.aspx?x=dnd/4ne...
This will give you all the details on character creation for a Living Forgotten Realms event. We are hoping for a new version of this shortly, but the character creation section should be just fine.
AT DDXP, remember to stay flexible, get to your games on time, and have fun! Look me up if you have any questions. I'll be the tall bald guy Marshalling CORE2-2, so I'm easy to find before any slot.
Just to elaborate a bit on what Ibixat posted. (Ibixat, what are you doing up at 5:30 AM? We don't play until 11:00!)
Good question, I keep asking myself why I'm not sleeping either
I'll be the tall bald guy Marshalling CORE2-2, so I'm easy to find before any slot.
Yeah the tall bald guy, like there is only one of those at DDXP =P
Sounds like dumping my chargen files to a thumb drive before going would be really smart. I've got one of each archetype (Striker/Controller/Leader/Defender) built in 1-4, because you never know whose going to show up, and having a balanced group makes a ton of difference, especially when playing with people you don't know and of varying familiarity with the rules.
Any other tips for first-timers, from logistical to character tips to whatever? I'm starting to get really eager about this one!
I seem to remember a microwave in the hotel lobby store...
The marshals for each slot do a great job matching folks with the right roles. There will be a banner where folks will gather for an adventure. So let's say that 25 people show up. Before the marshal gets there, some players will call out that they are looking for a particular role (defender, leader, etc.). You can muster up with that group if you have what they are looking for. When the marshal gets there, he/she will check tickets (specific tickets get priority over generic tickets) and then send groups off to tables with their DM. Ideally you would have 5 tables of 5, but there might be some groups that want to play with 6 or 4 etc.
We're currently signed up for
505/606 - Slot Five/Six - ADCP2-1 The Paladins’ Plague - 2 Rnds & 816 - Slot Eight - Dark Sun Special.
So if anyone is looking for a group, we have 3 ready to go. I'll be playing a Warden, Delirium81 will be bringing a cleric and a barbarian, and our third guy will be bringing a swordmage I believe. We each have at least 15 years of D&D experience and play 4th ed. with our regular group every week.
I did have a question about the sessions, do you get breaks throughout each session? Need to know if we should be bringing nicotine patches or if we'll be able to step out for a smoke every couple hours.
A block (maybe a block and a half) away from the convention center is a nice gyro place that also serves burgers. There's a Subway a block & a half away in the other direction, and I know there's an Arby's somewhere.
The Gyro place is actaully across the street from the convenction center, even in blizzard snow conditions you are outside for maybe 70-80 feet of walking.
A block (maybe a block and a half) away from the convention center is a nice gyro place that also serves burgers. There's a Subway a block & a half away in the other direction, and I know there's an Arby's somewhere.
The Gyro place is actaully across the street from the convenction center, even in blizzard snow conditions you are outside for maybe 70-80 feet of walking.
Yes, because it's not like there has ever been a blizzard at DDXP (last year) or anything...
I suppose I should add a "Winter Driving Conditions" warning. A couple days before you leave, check the weather forecasts for wherever you're driving through, and add time accordingly if snow is on the radar, especially if you don't have experience with driving in snow. We had a lot of people not make the con last year because of the weather, and at least part of that was not anticipating the possiblity of weather in the planning (although I understand that all of Tennessee was an icebox that weekend).
A block (maybe a block and a half) away from the convention center is a nice gyro place that also serves burgers. There's a Subway a block & a half away in the other direction, and I know there's an Arby's somewhere.
The Gyro place is actaully across the street from the convenction center, even in blizzard snow conditions you are outside for maybe 70-80 feet of walking.
Yes, because it's not like there has ever been a blizzard at DDXP (last year) or anything...
I suppose I should add a "Winter Driving Conditions" warning. A couple days before you leave, check the weather forecasts for wherever you're driving through, and add time accordingly if snow is on the radar, especially if you don't have experience with driving in snow. We had a lot of people not make the con last year because of the weather, and at least part of that was not anticipating the possiblity of weather in the planning (although I understand that all of Tennessee was an icebox that weekend).
They were like 1/16th of an inch of snow away from closing Ohio from what I hear, like lock the doors, bar the windows and hang the "Closed due to being wusses" sign on the interstate entry points.
That would not be a problem for me had Ohio not been between me and ft wayne.
And I'd walk through a blizzard for that Gyro place, cheap food that tasted great and was filling.
I suppose I should add a "Winter Driving Conditions" warning. A couple days before you leave, check the weather forecasts for wherever you're driving through, and add time accordingly if snow is on the radar, especially if you don't have experience with driving in snow. We had a lot of people not make the con last year because of the weather, and at least part of that was not anticipating the possibility of weather in the planning (although I understand that all of Tennessee was an icebox that weekend).
My buddies and I came close to a serious accident when driving back from Winter Fantasy in... whatever year had the Assault on the Vault LG special. It was all due to the other driver being very dangerous as he tried to pass us in a snow-covered lane. He ended up completely messing up his car (basically I just worked on evading him). Please, drive carefully and drive smart.
Can still vividly remember having my Washington > Cincinnati > Amsterdam flight turn into:
Washington > La Guardia > take a cab to JFK and arrive with about 40 minutes for security and getting to the plane > Amsterdam
In hindsight it was kinda fun, but a little stressful at the time
Of course its also one of the reasons that I come into Ft. Wayne on Monday. Ah yes... snow storm trouble... waiting in line for immigration for 4 hours, landing planes in a blizzard (talk about a rough landing), hearing stories about people getting stuck on the highway...
Also, if you think you might level (around 3 adventures might level your PC), you may want to print a level 2 version so you have a ready PC sheet for when that happens.
Keep in mind that the Special and the BI are more challenging events. If possible, play those towards the end, when you have learned about your PC. If not, just let your DM know you are new. They might work with you more and integrate you into the group.
Along those lines, when I am a new player I like to show up to muster a bit early. Let the Marshall know that you are new and that you would like to play at low tier with any other new people. As players arrive, see if they fit the profile you are looking for and try to self-muster as much as possible.
RPGA/DCI cards are also always found at the headquarters table. So, if you show up early head for the central raised (I think) platform and ask for the cards. They are easy to fill out.
The first con is a fun experience. Enjoy!
Note: usually there is also a station for character creation with the character builder available, not sure if that is the case this year as well...