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Dumpshock Forums _ Convention Information _ Too Late for GC Indy?

Posted by: Derek Jul 26 2006, 12:23 AM

Well, being in the military, my schedule is crazy, and I haven't been to a convention since ORCCON was held in Anaheim, California in the late '80s

However, because of a move this year, I could make it to GenCon Indy, August 10-13th. This is a very recent change, and I haven't registered or anything, and pre-reg is over.

Now, for those of you that have been to GenCons in the past years, would it be worth it, at this late date? I mean, I wouldn't be able to get tickets for any events until I get there, and no-body I really know is going (other than know through the forums)

Money isn't a problem, and getting there only involves about a 1000 mile drive or so. So, some opinions on GenCon Indy?

Dave

Posted by: Adam Jul 26 2006, 01:10 AM

Well, you can certainly get your badge and tickets at the door. However, a lot of games will already be sold out.

If you're interested in seeing the exhibit hall, seeing the guests of honor, learning about new games, playing demos, and having a lot of unstructured time, I'd suggest going. If you'd prefer to have a more structured time, playing in a lot of 4 hour games, it might not be worth it.

Also, if money isn't a problem, might I suggest flying, instead of spending at least 12 hours on the road? Unless flying totally stressed you out or you totally love driving, you'll probably arrive a lot happier, and a good start to the weekend is essential, IMO.

Posted by: Derek Jul 26 2006, 01:17 AM

Well, see, I'm currently stationed in Hawaii, where there isn't much chance for driving more than 30 minutes at a time, so I kind of look forward to the long drive. I'll be in the middle of transferring to Colorado, so I might just drive to Indy and then turn around back to Colorado.

Posted by: the_dunner Jul 26 2006, 01:18 AM

Also, look at events you're interested in playing and show up with Generic tickets in hand. It's not uncommon for people to not show up to the games that they've bought tickets to. Also, in many cases, GMs will have extra characters and allow extra players in.

Posted by: Derek Jul 26 2006, 06:17 AM

QUOTE (the_dunner)

Ah, good tip.

Thanks

Posted by: Derek Jul 26 2006, 06:18 AM

Is there any SR discussion groups, or any plans on a DSF get together?

Posted by: craigpierce Jul 26 2006, 08:00 PM

also:

* there are games that get added at the last minute and never make it to pre-reg, but will be in the booklet at the con - so when you get there grab a booklet and check it out...there will still be lots of games that either didn't sell out at pre-reg or that didn't sell at pre-reg at all

* get to the registration booth as early as you can...example: right now, the SR tournament has 1 ticket left - so the first person on-site on the 10th to buy that last ticket gets it

* going off of what Adam said, there's plenty of non-game gaming related stuff to do - the exhibit hall alone may well be worth the trip

the first 2 years i lived out here (englewood, co area - suburb of denver) i took a greyhound to gencon because i couldn't afford to fly...that's 24 hours one way on a VERY uncomfortable bus and NOT a way i ever want to go again if i can help it.

driving may be faster, but it'd still be no less than 15 hours...that's a long 15 hours through some very plain states like kansas (or nebraska, if you take I76). trust me - i drove from alabama to denver in 19 hours...kansas is a KILLER - there are no exits in that state!

but that's just my $.02

Posted by: the_dunner Jul 26 2006, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Derek @ Jul 26 2006, 01:18 AM)

Is there any SR discussion groups, or any plans on a DSF get together?

I'm not aware of anything that's specifically planned along those lines.

However, there's the SRM Scramble Missions LARP-esque event on Saturday from 10AM-6PM. I have a feeling that might feed the fix.

Also, I believe all of the FanPro sponsored games are set in room 204. If you wander through there, and play in a game or two, odds are you'll find some folk who frequent dumpshock and will be happy to talk Shadowrun.

The other thing that might interest you, that doesn't require a ticket, is the "Whose Run Is It Anyway" session. That's a bit of wackiness with audience participation coordinating a killer GM and his band of out of control players.

Posted by: Adam Jul 26 2006, 09:56 PM

QUOTE (the_dunner)

I'm not aware of anything that's specifically planned along those lines.

"Whichever bar we end up stumbling to."

Posted by: Derek Jul 27 2006, 01:52 AM

QUOTE (Adam)

QUOTE (the_dunner @ Jul 26 2006, 04:50 PM)

I'm not aware of anything that's specifically planned along those lines.

"Whichever bar we end up stumbling to."

That is, of course, always the case, but you have to be around the cool kids in the first place to stumble to the bar with them, and since I don't know any of you in person, you never know when we might run into each other at the con, or even recognize anyone from screen names and avatars...

Posted by: Bull Jul 27 2006, 02:21 AM

Room 204, as said, is where the GMs will probably be camped most of the weekend.

And of course, there's usually a few folks around the FanPro booth itself throughout the day. I may be running a booth demo or two in the early parts of the day Friday and Saturday, and will be playing in the Tourney again this year (Hurray for playing and not GMing! )

Bull

Posted by: Derek Jul 27 2006, 03:56 AM

QUOTE (Bull)

Room 204, as said, is where the GMs will probably be camped most of the weekend.

I, of course, completely missed that in The_dunner's post

Dave

Posted by: mfb Jul 27 2006, 07:16 AM

i didn't get aroud to preregistering for any games when i hit GenCon in '04, but i had no problem getting into games. they weren't necessarily the specific games i wanted to play--the only SR game i got in on, for instance, was a LARP (which ended up being a lot more fun than i expected). i got into an Earthdawn tournament, that 'live-action' X-Men dungeon, and a D&D game. if i hadn't been so shy, i could've gotten into more--there were a lot of pick-up games--but jesus christ, i was surrounded by men in skirts. what if they started hitting on me!?

Posted by: BishopMcQ Jul 27 2006, 09:38 AM

MFB--Then you would have politely turned down their advances and suggested the other men in skirts. Now if they were wearing utilikilts, that's a completely different discussion...

Posted by: Adam Jul 27 2006, 10:39 AM

QUOTE (mfb @ Jul 27 2006, 02:16 AM)

but jesus christ, i was surrounded by men in skirts. what if they started hitting on me!?

You buy me another drink, excuse yourself to the bathroom, and I'll get distracted by someone else before you're back.

Derek: Also, you can hit the FanPro booth, introduce yourself, and I'll introduce you to relevant people that may be hanging around, and they can usually fill you in on plans for the evening, dinner plans, etc.

Plus, the con is busy enough that if you decide "whoah, that Bull really is a a freak!" you can conveniently not show up for those dinner plans, and everyone will just assume you got eaten by a Pokemon or something.

Posted by: mfb Jul 27 2006, 02:01 PM

QUOTE (Adam)

You buy me another drink, excuse yourself to the bathroom, and I'll get distracted by someone else before you're back.

i've seen your pics. if it was you, cutie, i might just take you up on it !!

Posted by: Lindt Jul 27 2006, 02:08 PM

But but but... Bull IS a freak! Mind you so are most of the rest of the people running the show (ESPECALLY that Moo fella).

In all seriousness, great people. Stop in between games and say Hi. If you managed to work in that your a DS-er Im sure things will work out just fine.

Bull, your playing? Man, Id hate to try and find 3 impartial Gms for your team.

Posted by: the_dunner Jul 27 2006, 02:39 PM

QUOTE (Lindt)

Bull, your playing? Man, Id hate to try and find 3 impartial Gms for your team.

What on EARTH makes you think we'd find impartial GMs for his team? We've already filled out his score card with zeroes.

Posted by: Derek Jul 27 2006, 06:25 PM

QUOTE (Adam)

QUOTE (mfb @ Jul 27 2006, 02:16 AM)

but jesus christ, i was surrounded by men in skirts. what if they started hitting on me!?

Awesome, sounds great. I'll probably be showing up there!

Posted by: Bull Jul 28 2006, 08:45 AM

QUOTE

Awww, thanks, you are also a huge freak, so works out

And who said we cared about impratial? Or winning?

I just wanna play. And see how badly we can fuck up the GMs

There will definately be lots of booze involved as well

<grin>

Posted by: Bull Jul 28 2006, 08:49 AM

QUOTE (the_dunner)

QUOTE (Lindt @ Jul 27 2006, 09:08 AM)

Bull, your playing? Man, Id hate to try and find 3 impartial Gms for your team.

What on EARTH makes you think we'd find impartial GMs for his team? We've already filled out his score card with zeroes.

See??? Problem solved! John, you look like you need booze! Lets get you some 151 Stat!

Bull

Posted by: the_dunner Jul 28 2006, 10:20 AM

QUOTE (Bull)

Lets get you some 151 Stat!

Bastard!

Posted by: Adam Jul 28 2006, 03:24 PM

For those of you thinking "Man, a bunch of annoying drunk idiots in the tournament, that will be annoying!" I urge you to keep your eye on the prize, with the knowledge that at least one team doesn't have a hope in hell of taking it from you.

Posted by: Samaels Ghost Aug 2 2006, 04:39 AM

What prize? Bragging rights?

Posted by: Adam Aug 2 2006, 04:50 AM

Bragging rights and a bunch of FanPro swag, as usual.

Posted by: BishopMcQ Aug 2 2006, 08:22 AM

Beyond the swag, I hear through the grapevine that there will be individual certificates of achievement in various categories...

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 4 2006, 11:38 AM

Derek do you have a place to crash when needed?

Posted by: Derek Aug 4 2006, 04:32 PM

Well, I was going to get a hotel room, but since I haven't completely confirmed my trip yet, I haven't reserved a room, and I have a slight feeling many of them are all booked up...

Posted by: the_dunner Aug 4 2006, 04:54 PM

Downtown Indy hotels will most likely be completely booked. However, it's usually possible to get a room at one of the less expensive hotels out near the airport later.

Posted by: Critias Aug 4 2006, 06:22 PM

If I didn't already have five people in one hotel room, I'd offer up some (more) ground-space.

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 6 2006, 06:06 AM

Well if you are interested I have a room to myself right acrossed the street from the convention center.(Not hard since alot of hotels are right acrossed the street) Anyway I wouldnt mind sharing the room especially with peeps who are willing to um say split the room cost. So if you are interested then post here and we will see about swaping contact info and meetup place and time at the con.

Posted by: Derek Aug 7 2006, 05:32 PM

Bah. Well, looks like the USMC has changed my plans. I won't be able to make it out to GC. Maybe next year, with a bit more prior planning. Thanks for all the info, from everyone, and especially thanks for the offer of space to stay, Mekalus.

Posted by: Adam Aug 7 2006, 05:42 PM

Sorry to hear that, Derek.

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 8 2006, 10:40 AM

Thats too bad man. Sorry to hear it. Well if anyone else is looking for a room or a better room than they have then look Mekalus up at Gen Con. I could use bodies to share the rent with. cya all there!

Posted by: mfb Aug 10 2006, 11:42 PM

QUOTE (Derek)

Well, looks like the USMC has changed my plans.

reason #265 why getting called back into service still factors strongly into my nightmares.

Posted by: Derek Aug 11 2006, 02:23 AM

Well, it has mostly been good to me, but there are occasional drawbacks.

Posted by: tisoz Aug 13 2006, 11:09 PM

GenCon 2006 is history.

I had a great time. Unfortunately after the second day of sleep deprivation followed by being up for 36 hours straight, I think my body was susceptible to picking up somebodies cold. So today I have been in bed with a sore throat, fever, and aches and pains, and have missed the last day.

I hope everyone had a good time and has a safe trip home.

Posted by: craigpierce Aug 14 2006, 02:45 AM

QUOTE (tisoz)

well, then it's official...there was an epidemic among the gamers because there were a lot of sick people (i just caught it today...thankfully it wasn't sooner).

Posted by: Derek Aug 14 2006, 02:50 AM

Hopefully, you had fun before you got sick...

Posted by: Bull Aug 14 2006, 05:29 PM

Yeah, I got hit with something too I managed to mostly muddle on, but it meant I had to drop outta the tourney.

I blame the unbathed Anime geeks for the plague

Bull

Posted by: the_dunner Aug 14 2006, 05:38 PM

I've been blaming smoking too much and screaming too much at the bar for my sore throat. But, I suppose the anime folks are a much better target.

Posted by: Critias Aug 14 2006, 06:19 PM

*nods* That's happened to me every Gencon, especially the sore throat part. I think it's partly that a lot of us aren't getting the sleep we should, at 'con. I think it's partly that a lot of us are talking more, and being forced (by background noise) to talk louder than normal, all day long. I think it's partly that it's a group of however many thousand people all milling around in an enclosed space all day, sharing cooties. I think it might also be that gamers, in particular, are sometimes known for having more than a normal number of cooties to share.

Regardless of the overall cause, it stands true that I've been sick by day two of every Gencon I've gone to. That said? I still have enough fun that I'm already working on plans for next year's.

Nice to run into ya, Tisoz -- sorry to interrupt that game to say howdy, and sorry I couldn't stick around and chat, but I'd just happened to find myself in the right place (while on my way to a game about to start), and thought I'd swing in and say howdy. Glad you still had a good time despite getting sick.

Posted by: SL James Aug 14 2006, 06:24 PM

hahahaha

He was in your midst.

Posted by: the_dunner Aug 14 2006, 07:17 PM

So ... you travelled to GenCon. Paid for admission. Walked around. Then, didn't have the courage to introduce yourself to the people who work on the game that you're obviously so passionate about?

I, very sincerely, feel sorry for you.

Posted by: SL James Aug 14 2006, 07:20 PM

Who said he didn't?

Posted by: Critias Aug 14 2006, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (the_dunner @ Aug 14 2006, 02:17 PM)

Uhh, no, actually, I did introduce myself to them (those I found).

I didn't play any of their games, but I spent a good ten or fifteen minutes or so at their booth, discussing (what I see as) the merits and flaws of SR4 compared to previous editions. I didn't go out of my way to hunt down and talk to everyone involved in SR4 (mostly because I assume most of them were running games people had paid to play in, and I felt bad enough for my twenty-second interruption of Tisoz's game), but I had a pretty decent (and polite, make no mistake) conversation with three or four people (some were coming and going as customers arrived). I mentioned that I was a DS member, and told them my user name. Sorry if that's not exciting enough for you, but it happened. Maybe you were expecting me to log on the moment I got home from Gencon and rant about it, maybe you were thinking they'd log on the moment they got home and rant about it, I dunno. I'm not sure where you're coming from at all, to be honest.

And, make no mistake, it's not like Shadowrun was why I went to Gencon or anything. I spent most of my time playing other games, roaming the exhibition hall (like everyone else), etc, etc. I got in a thoroughly mediocre Serenity LARP (the game itself and the folks I played with were fun, the people running it did their best to ruin it, though), tried out a few new wargames, tossed some Champions dice, and talked to a few people about freelance writing. Shadowrun as a whole just wasn't on the top of my list -- finding Tisoz was a priority (to save some shipping costs, and shake his hand and thank him for running his contests), though.

I'm just curious -- did something in particular make you think that leaping on a table and ranting at the SR developers was, somehow, why I was going to Gencon (IE, "travelled to GenCon, paid for admission, blah blah blah")? I don't think I ever actually said anything like "I'm going to Gencon to argue with the Shadowrun developers, rrrar!" or anything. In fact, the only post of mine on this thread was me offering up some hotel room to someone. What gave you the idea I was going to Gencon to hunt down the SR developers?

Posted by: SL James Aug 14 2006, 08:09 PM

A stupid assumption would be my first guess. Maybe because you didn't introduce yourself to him (especially because you didn't apparently go out of your way to talk to him) he felt like making a wild-ass assumption wrapped in a shitty attitude.

I don't know. If I were Crit, I'd be hunting down Rob if I bothered at all. I barely read the Missions, so BFD on that.

Posted by: BishopMcQ Aug 14 2006, 08:24 PM

I for one put a lot of faces to names, so thank you to everyone who managed to come and find me at the Con, and I'm sorry to any of you who had to suffer through my games the last 12 hours of the con...

Posted by: tisoz Aug 14 2006, 09:18 PM

As far as faces to names goes, Critias was my biggest surprise. He was wearing shoes and pants so I did not notice cloven hooves or a tail, but his buzz cut definitely did not hide a pair of horns and he was kind of pale. Comparisons to Lucifer aside, you were about as far from any expectations that I had.

Probably the next biggest surprise was how ... "preppy", maybe, McQuillan was.

What name was Dashifen going by?

I wound up running into the guy that introduced me to Shadowrun back in like 1990. I wound up GMing for a guy that used to be in my gaming group and it wasn't until after the game when Plain White Socks was telling about his amazement at the heretic running his game that everyone started introducing themselves, that we recognized each other. I hadn't seen either of those guys in about 10 years. I found out that my group from 10 years ago was still playing. (This is the group I got going after the Sphynx debacle leading to his "No walls in Denver" rant.) I wound up talking to/at Plain White Socks until the sun came up one day. I thought he was a pretty decent guy until he logged on and declared I should be attacked the next time I rear my ugly head.

And from now on I'm hitting the vitamins for cons.

Posted by: SL James Aug 14 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (tisoz)

Comparisons to Lucifer aside, you were about as far from any expectations that I had.

The devil comes in the form you'd least expect.

Posted by: tisoz Aug 14 2006, 09:30 PM

QUOTE (SL James)

The devil comes in the form you'd least expect.

Yeah, I last met him when he came as this hot blonde named Anita.

Posted by: SL James Aug 14 2006, 09:43 PM

hahaha.

Yeah, he does that sometimes.

Posted by: Adam Aug 14 2006, 10:09 PM

QUOTE (Critias)

Uhh, no, actually, I did introduce myself to them (those I found).

I'm sorry I didn't bump into you, then.

Posted by: Critias Aug 14 2006, 10:15 PM

QUOTE (Adam @ Aug 14 2006, 05:09 PM)

QUOTE (Critias @ Aug 14 2006, 03:05 PM)

Uhh, no, actually, I did introduce myself to them (those I found).

I'm sorry I didn't bump into you, then.

Part of why I was short on time was a ...strange... scheduling of a wargame I wanted in on. I basically spent 16 hours of Gencon-time stuck waiting for an opening at an event. While I had a good time Thursday and Saturday regardless (the two days I was signed up for that event, from 10am to 6pm), and played quite a few "just for fun" games on open tables... it was still time I could've spent doing other stuff.

If I'd known it was going to be two afternoons/evenings of mostly wasted time, I wouldn't have signed up for that and might've snuck in some SR4 intro game or something, instead. As it was, the one time I stumbled across "the Shadowrun room," it looked like most folks were busy, so I didn't wanna screw up games by leaping onto a table and shouting "I am Critias! Who here wishes to challenge me in single debate?! Rrrrwaar!!!" or something.

I wouldn't have minded running into a few of you guys, though. I don't, y'know, hate the SR developers, and it's always fun/surprising/strange to meet face-to-face with people that were previously nothing but forum names and whatever faces you'd made up for them based on their words.

Regardless, I did have a decent conversation with those few guys at the booth. I aired my still-standing greivances, and they actually nodded and understood where I was coming from. By the end of it, we'd all agreed the universe probably wouldn't implode if I re-instituted a target number based system (largely simply replacing die pool modifiers for TN modifiers), and hand-waved away skill caps (my two biggest beefs with it, as written).

Posted by: DireRadiant Aug 14 2006, 10:22 PM

QUOTE (Critias)

As it was, the one time I stumbled across "the Shadowrun room," it looked like most folks were busy, so I didn't wanna screw up games by leaping onto a table and shouting "I am Critias! Who here wishes to challenge me in single debate?! Rrrrwaar!!!" or something.

Grendel probably would have shot you if you did that.

Posted by: grendel Aug 14 2006, 11:54 PM

I would have at least used non-lethal ammo. Hate to lose an SR fan.

Posted by: Linmayu Aug 15 2006, 01:41 AM

Most people's stun tracks are shorter, so gel rounds are always a good idea! ^^

I was in room 204 pretty much the entire con. xD Loads of fun and excitement and all that good stuff. BTW for those who don't know, I am Nimbex's wife; pleased to meet everyone.

Posted by: craigpierce Aug 15 2006, 01:48 AM

QUOTE (Derek)

Hopefully, you had fun before you got sick...

thanks - i did actually! i didn't get sick till sunday

Posted by: BishopMcQ Aug 15 2006, 06:51 AM

Tisoz--I'm not sure how to respond to that...Preppy wasn't the look I was going for, just comfortable. Though i guess we all have a different opinion on how that looks...

For reference to everyone who was there and didn't get pointed out to me directly, I was the guy who looked like he just walked out of Express Men.

I think Dash was going by his real name but I don't remember exactly. (Blonde hair, dark hat, and tatoos on both arms which were visible at boot camp)

Lin--Was that the name on your badge in the scramble?

Posted by: tisoz Aug 15 2006, 01:17 PM

QUOTE (McQuillan)

I think there is some SR art of you. If I come across it, I will post it, but today I have a nose like a faucet.

John PMed me about Dashifen. He was going by a cancelled badge name and sat right next to me at boot camp.

Adam, I do not think I came right out and introduced myself, but after standing at the booth like a fanboy, we talked. I asked if many DSers showed as the guy that hooked me on SR strolled by. I did point him out as responsible for hundreds of dollars worth of subsequent sales. (I had not seen him in a decade.)

And who was Nimbex?

Posted by: Grinder Aug 15 2006, 01:48 PM

QUOTE (Critias)

While I had a good time Thursday and Saturday regardless (the two days I was signed up for that event, from 10am to 6pm), and played quite a few "just for fun" games on open tables... it was still time I could've spent doing other stuff.

Hehe, you enjoyed a funny Iron Kingdoms-game with Natebot, didn't you?

Posted by: Critias Aug 15 2006, 01:52 PM

QUOTE (Grinder)

QUOTE (Critias @ Aug 15 2006, 12:15 AM)

Hehe, you enjoyed a funny Iron Kingdoms-game with Natebot, didn't you?

Yup, that was Sunday, though. I also had a nice convo with him and Doug, and might (just might) be able to do a little writing for them sometime soon (that conversation, to be honest, was probably the highlight of the con for me).

Posted by: Grinder Aug 15 2006, 01:53 PM

Cool Did you get any news of upcoming sourecbooks besides Monsternomicon 2?

To which book can you contribute?

Posted by: Critias Aug 15 2006, 02:00 PM

QUOTE (Grinder)

Cool

Did you get any news of upcoming sourecbooks besides Monsternomicon 2?

To which book can you contribute?

No, I didn't collect any juicy gossip about upcoming stuff (Monsternomicon 2 was the only one I heard of), but they did have Five Fingers there, and it looked pretty sweet.

And it sounds like I might be able to squeak something into a NQ. Not sure, we're still hammering stuff out. It was awesome when Doug was like, "Oh, yeah. Nate, you should read some of this guy's stuff. Blisters and Bayonets is really cool."

Posted by: SL James Aug 15 2006, 03:22 PM

How about having the guy who does the official fiction read some of it, too?

Posted by: Critias Aug 15 2006, 03:24 PM

Those are the two that I was talking to. The "Nate" in question is one of their writers, and editor in chief of their magazine. The "Doug" I mention is their head writer. That's why, after he said he liked it, I had to go change my underpants.

Posted by: Linmayu Aug 15 2006, 06:28 PM

QUOTE (McQuillan)

Lin--Was that the name on your badge in the scramble?

Yar, I just put "Lin" on it because no one ever gets Linmayu right. Nimbex was Kipling the cat shaman, and he also GMed a few of the Missions events (and critically glitched at least one of them xD).

Posted by: Grinder Aug 15 2006, 11:46 PM

QUOTE (Critias)

Who wouldn`t?

Always nice to get such cool reactions by the big chiefs, besides your stories are really good, I enjoy reading them.

Privateer sadly has a bad information policy when it comes to new sourcebooks and they update their website only rarely, that's why I asked about infos about new books.

Posted by: Adam Aug 16 2006, 05:58 AM

The Privateer guys are all pretty cool, even though they didn't show up for the dodgeball game on Saturday night. Oh well, just had to beat White Wolf ... again.

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 16 2006, 07:13 AM

I managed to avoid getting ill at all though by the time I got home Sunday morning I was so tired that I may have been sick and didnt know it. Paying midnight slots both Thursday and Friday night = fun AND bad idea. I spent almost my entire time in the room playing Shadowrun and had a great time. BTW which team won the tourney? I had to fly back home early Sunday so I missed the awards ceremony.

Posted by: BishopMcQ Aug 16 2006, 07:36 AM

Which table were you at for the Midnight run on Friday?

Don't quote me on this, but I think team Whiskey Tango Foxtrot won the tourney...

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 16 2006, 09:45 AM

Thursday night/Friday morning I did the Grab. I was playing a troll phys ad named John Smith. Small tired headed sounding like a rant spoiler follows. My appologies to those who saw the unedited version which did not have a spoiler alert. I can only beg your forgiveness and throw myself upon your mercies. Unspoilered bit I then played in Chasing the Dragon the next midnight slot Friday night/Saturday morning. It should be noted that despite what I do say in the spoiler both events are worth doing and the story behind them was IMHO very cool for lack of a better description that doesnt give away too much.

[ Spoiler ]

Posted by: the_dunner Aug 16 2006, 10:18 AM

Spoiler warnings please!

EDIT: Thanks for tagging.

I agree about the need for taking care when running this adventure. The GM in question chose to handle it differently than I would have. I wouldn't go so far as to say that he did it wrong. Admittedly, though, his interpretation was certainly rougher on the PCs.

Posted by: Nimbex Aug 16 2006, 10:50 PM

Mekalus,

I'm Geoff, and I was the GM of that session. I don't want to go into details of the run outside of the spoiler tag, but in short, I had to make a call, and the way the adventure was written, I looked over what I had to work with and went the painful way.

My interpretation of the parties involved was that they were willing to hurt others, based on a suspicion of involvment. Guilt by association was good enough.

[ Spoiler ]

Posted by: SL James Aug 17 2006, 01:15 AM

And of course you explained that at the time.

Posted by: Mekalus Aug 17 2006, 07:50 AM

Thank you for responding. I appreciate your taking the time to give an explanation of why you interpreted things the way you did. Especially since you didn't have to. Thank you

Posted by: Green Eyed Monster Aug 18 2006, 05:00 AM

QUOTE (SL James @ Aug 16 2006, 09:15 PM)

And of course you explained that at the time.

Your comment here and in the SR4 forum about the Tourney review gives me the impression you must game quite differently than any game I have ever GMed or been a player in. Very seldom is it explained how the NPCs know/do what they do. Few times if a PC has a relevant skill, the GM will allow a roll and if successful an explanation.

Does this cover up potential handwaving? Of course. But I have also seen full explanations that were possible and made sense rejected by players.

As a game participant, one may as well extend a bit of leeway and enjoy the game. If one is determined to know all the answers and implications, they may as well play by themself as sooner or later that is the only person who will expect and accept 500% disclosure. The extra 400% covering the possibilities the PC did not try that the GM knew would need to be fully anticipated and fully explained.

Posted by: SL James Aug 18 2006, 05:25 AM

Yes, I do. I will do a briefing of lessons learned and what really happened during a game because I trust my players not to metagame (and they don't) and because what makes sense to the PCs and what they would have quickly figured out is likely different from how quickly a Player should figure things out (especially PCs with high Int).

That and if I have all my Players say something doesn't make sense, then 99/100 times it's because it doesn't make sense and I have to fix it. It helps to play with a bunch of rules lawyers who also GM so we all catch this stuff in each others' games.

I guess maybe because my first priority as a player and GM is for everyone to have fun, which sometimes means leaving the GMPC behind to care for a wounded teammate and then shooting him in the face when I realize he was still too central for the other players to have fun.