Saying Goodbye
Please be sure to keep checking back, and don't forget to listen to Fear the Boot every week!
See you next year at Gen Con 2009!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Bust A Move
So after three days of solid gaming, seminars and even LARPing, most gamers are ready to let their hair down and cut it up. The Gen Con dance is the place for that. Held in the Union Station, there's plenty of room to move your feet. This year had an 80s theme, and turnout was pretty good. Here's a few minutes of highlights. Granted, watching other people dance is not always the most exciting, but remember these are gamers, and they do have their own style, plus the guy at around the 2:30 mark makes it worth it.
So after three days of solid gaming, seminars and even LARPing, most gamers are ready to let their hair down and cut it up. The Gen Con dance is the place for that. Held in the Union Station, there's plenty of room to move your feet. This year had an 80s theme, and turnout was pretty good. Here's a few minutes of highlights. Granted, watching other people dance is not always the most exciting, but remember these are gamers, and they do have their own style, plus the guy at around the 2:30 mark makes it worth it.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
...In Front of a Live Studio Audience
Fear the Boot did a live recording of Episode 112 at Gen Con. We did this recording to a packed room of easily 50 fans and listeners. I cannot even begin to describe how cool that was. We bantered for a bit as we normally do, then took questions from the crowd. It all worked out quite nicely, but almost did not happen. Thankfully my laptop saved the day. So Hooray for Macs!
A shot of the crowd early on. It filled to capacity within 10 mins.
Chad takes a question from a listener.
Fear the Boot did a live recording of Episode 112 at Gen Con. We did this recording to a packed room of easily 50 fans and listeners. I cannot even begin to describe how cool that was. We bantered for a bit as we normally do, then took questions from the crowd. It all worked out quite nicely, but almost did not happen. Thankfully my laptop saved the day. So Hooray for Macs!
A shot of the crowd early on. It filled to capacity within 10 mins.
Chad takes a question from a listener.Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Pick Up Games & Demos
Games abound at Gen Con, and it's not just the scheduled events. Pick-up games occur all over. Hell, we played on on Wednesday night. One of the fun spots was the Board Game HQ, where you could rent out a board game from their library, pay a generic ticket ($2) and game to your hearts content. We ran a couple games of Carcassone and Zombies.
Hey, we're playing Zombies!
It's me and Zeke Coppereyes playing Zombies!
Dan attempts to screw with the other players, whist Chad ponders thoughtfully.
Playing 'Mall of Horror.'
The other guys playing with me and the woman giving the demo.
Games abound at Gen Con, and it's not just the scheduled events. Pick-up games occur all over. Hell, we played on on Wednesday night. One of the fun spots was the Board Game HQ, where you could rent out a board game from their library, pay a generic ticket ($2) and game to your hearts content. We ran a couple games of Carcassone and Zombies.
Hey, we're playing Zombies!
It's me and Zeke Coppereyes playing Zombies!
Dan attempts to screw with the other players, whist Chad ponders thoughtfully.One of the other fun things to do is catch a demo or twelve. I was able to sit in on a demo of the game "Mall of Horror" which is very much like 'Survivor' for zombie games. I was also able to sit in on demo of "Last Night on Earth."
Playing 'Mall of Horror.'
The other guys playing with me and the woman giving the demo.Sunday, August 17, 2008
Kendo!
One of the other activities available for non-gamers was some basics of Kendo instruction. It was real basic, to be sure, but still interesting and informative.
Also, on another note, this will likely be the only update today. I'm posting this on Sunday, which is the end of the Con, and time to head home, so you likely won't see anything until at least Monday. But keep checking back, as I still have more clips and things to post.
One of the other activities available for non-gamers was some basics of Kendo instruction. It was real basic, to be sure, but still interesting and informative.
Also, on another note, this will likely be the only update today. I'm posting this on Sunday, which is the end of the Con, and time to head home, so you likely won't see anything until at least Monday. But keep checking back, as I still have more clips and things to post.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 2 Begins
Friday it was up and at 'em, as I had plenty of time before anything I had scheduled, and there were some neat things I wanted to cover.
I checked out the miniature gaming area, and talked with one guy about the level of detail in his setup. Truly this area is one fo the coolest in Gen Con, simply from a visual standpoint. So many of the boards have such interesting detail.
Then made a quick swing through Cardhalla X, and actually caught a guy in the process of building something.
Then finally, took a walk past the Exhibitor's Hall. At about 9:30am. The hall opens at 10:00am
Friday it was up and at 'em, as I had plenty of time before anything I had scheduled, and there were some neat things I wanted to cover.
I checked out the miniature gaming area, and talked with one guy about the level of detail in his setup. Truly this area is one fo the coolest in Gen Con, simply from a visual standpoint. So many of the boards have such interesting detail.
Then made a quick swing through Cardhalla X, and actually caught a guy in the process of building something.
Then finally, took a walk past the Exhibitor's Hall. At about 9:30am. The hall opens at 10:00am
The Ending of Thursday
Sorry no frequent updates today. Been pretty busy getting lots of new details, video, pics and more to have the time. It'll be worth the wait, let me just say that.
Let's recap a bit from last night, though... Thursday evening I finally met up with Dan & Chad and was able to move my stuff over from Grungy's hotel. I had a bad headache most of the day, but a nearby CVS solved that little dilemma. It didn't relieve the sting from losing my sweet water bottle, but whatcha gonna do?
I should mention that earlier in the day I was able to get some gaming in, notably the new Pathfinder Chronicles, or "Living Pathfinder" if you want to be smarmy. It was fun. I was able to game with a good chunk of my old crew, which made it even more enjoyable. Is this something I will continue? Who knows? I got pretty burnt out and dissatisfied with Living Greyhawk, but Pathfinder may address some of those issues. Either way, it was still sweet to actually go to Gen Con and game a bit.
Hey, look. It's me, gaming!
Serious battle going on here.
Okay, now on to the FtB Get-to-gether. We had found the place known simply as "The House" whch was a bar located under the old Union Station. Apparently the bar is indeed only open for the four days of Gen Con - which is pretty cool when you think about it. The drink price also reflected it. Beer was pretty standad, but the mixed drinks were a bit spendy. Though the amount of people ebbed and flowed over the evening, I'd say we had about 30-35 folks there. It was rather amusing during the evening as our crowd got larger (we were near the entrance), we'd shout out, "Fear the Boot?" when people would come in, to see if they were here for us. If not, we gave them a business card. What was amusing about this though, was the looks of shock, concern and even fear on people's faces when they had so many people asking them the same thing, and to them it made no sense. Think about it... would the phrase, "Fear the Boot?" make sense to out if it came out of the blue? I had to several times, tell people it was okay for them to come in, and go into the rest of the bar if they wanted to.
Met some great forum users from the Twin Cities area, and talked to them for a while. They were very cool. The only downer for the evening was learning that Snot, from the famous "Puke & Snot" comedy troupe at the Minnesota Reniessance Festival had died. That sucks. What was a definate highlight of the night was the generosity. Maritan Bob, along with others bought rounds for the table. It amazes me that people will extend such kindness toward something they love and that is a part of their lives. Truly touching. During the evening, we had some people that didn't know about FtB, but did play a cool cardgame with us called, "Are you a Werewolf?" It's a great large party game, and I may try and find it to pick up. Finally hit the sack around 12:30am on Friday...
A Minnesota contingent. They own two copies.
Hell, the whole group owns two copies.
Just fellow Booters hanging about.
And more... you can see Chad and Dan's hair.
Sorry no frequent updates today. Been pretty busy getting lots of new details, video, pics and more to have the time. It'll be worth the wait, let me just say that.
Let's recap a bit from last night, though... Thursday evening I finally met up with Dan & Chad and was able to move my stuff over from Grungy's hotel. I had a bad headache most of the day, but a nearby CVS solved that little dilemma. It didn't relieve the sting from losing my sweet water bottle, but whatcha gonna do?
I should mention that earlier in the day I was able to get some gaming in, notably the new Pathfinder Chronicles, or "Living Pathfinder" if you want to be smarmy. It was fun. I was able to game with a good chunk of my old crew, which made it even more enjoyable. Is this something I will continue? Who knows? I got pretty burnt out and dissatisfied with Living Greyhawk, but Pathfinder may address some of those issues. Either way, it was still sweet to actually go to Gen Con and game a bit.
Hey, look. It's me, gaming!
Serious battle going on here.Okay, now on to the FtB Get-to-gether. We had found the place known simply as "The House" whch was a bar located under the old Union Station. Apparently the bar is indeed only open for the four days of Gen Con - which is pretty cool when you think about it. The drink price also reflected it. Beer was pretty standad, but the mixed drinks were a bit spendy. Though the amount of people ebbed and flowed over the evening, I'd say we had about 30-35 folks there. It was rather amusing during the evening as our crowd got larger (we were near the entrance), we'd shout out, "Fear the Boot?" when people would come in, to see if they were here for us. If not, we gave them a business card. What was amusing about this though, was the looks of shock, concern and even fear on people's faces when they had so many people asking them the same thing, and to them it made no sense. Think about it... would the phrase, "Fear the Boot?" make sense to out if it came out of the blue? I had to several times, tell people it was okay for them to come in, and go into the rest of the bar if they wanted to.
Met some great forum users from the Twin Cities area, and talked to them for a while. They were very cool. The only downer for the evening was learning that Snot, from the famous "Puke & Snot" comedy troupe at the Minnesota Reniessance Festival had died. That sucks. What was a definate highlight of the night was the generosity. Maritan Bob, along with others bought rounds for the table. It amazes me that people will extend such kindness toward something they love and that is a part of their lives. Truly touching. During the evening, we had some people that didn't know about FtB, but did play a cool cardgame with us called, "Are you a Werewolf?" It's a great large party game, and I may try and find it to pick up. Finally hit the sack around 12:30am on Friday...
A Minnesota contingent. They own two copies.
Hell, the whole group owns two copies.
Just fellow Booters hanging about.
And more... you can see Chad and Dan's hair.Thursday, August 14, 2008
Gen Con, Day 0 & 1
Well, the trip could have started off a bit better, but I'm here and that's what counts. I had shot some video of my journey, but my camera appears to be a bit wonky, so that video did not turn out. I should have the problem fixed for an update later tonight.
I did get to Indy just fine however. Met up with my old gaming group in Rockford, then off to Indy. Got to the hotel and hooked up with Grungydan from the Fear The Boot Forums. Then it was off to pick up my bag and such, then to find something to eat. Because I'm cheap, I tried to make it to the Mall food court, but it was after 9pm and the mall was closed.
I did find supper and friends at Champions, a sports bar in Marriot. My traveling companions were there eating. After dinner, it was back to the hotel room, where I was thrust into an impromptu game of Torg.
Here' the crew here playing. Ender was GMing.
After that, it was time to sleep. Since I was just crashing there for the night, it was the floor for me, where I didn't sleep too bad actually. Personally, Gen Con isn't really Gen Con if you don't sleep on the floor of a hotel room at least once.
Up early this morning and out the door by 7:15am to grab some Mickey D's for breakfast, then to check out the early morning scene. There is something cool about Gen Con the first morning before everything gets going. There's an excitement in the air you can really feel.
Some folks waiting outside the Pathfinder Society kickoff.
The line waiting to get into the Exhibitor's Hall.
Folks in line for early morning Event Registration.
So, that's about it for now. My biggest beef? Seems that the convention Center has not entered the 21st Century with an offering of Free Wireless. So, I'm posting this from the nearby Hyatt, using the state's Free Wireless. How does that work?
Well, Exhibitor's Hall opens at 10am, so I've got some shooting (and maybe shopping) to do.
Well, the trip could have started off a bit better, but I'm here and that's what counts. I had shot some video of my journey, but my camera appears to be a bit wonky, so that video did not turn out. I should have the problem fixed for an update later tonight.
I did get to Indy just fine however. Met up with my old gaming group in Rockford, then off to Indy. Got to the hotel and hooked up with Grungydan from the Fear The Boot Forums. Then it was off to pick up my bag and such, then to find something to eat. Because I'm cheap, I tried to make it to the Mall food court, but it was after 9pm and the mall was closed.
I did find supper and friends at Champions, a sports bar in Marriot. My traveling companions were there eating. After dinner, it was back to the hotel room, where I was thrust into an impromptu game of Torg.
Here' the crew here playing. Ender was GMing.
After that, it was time to sleep. Since I was just crashing there for the night, it was the floor for me, where I didn't sleep too bad actually. Personally, Gen Con isn't really Gen Con if you don't sleep on the floor of a hotel room at least once.
Up early this morning and out the door by 7:15am to grab some Mickey D's for breakfast, then to check out the early morning scene. There is something cool about Gen Con the first morning before everything gets going. There's an excitement in the air you can really feel.
Some folks waiting outside the Pathfinder Society kickoff.
The line waiting to get into the Exhibitor's Hall.
Folks in line for early morning Event Registration.So, that's about it for now. My biggest beef? Seems that the convention Center has not entered the 21st Century with an offering of Free Wireless. So, I'm posting this from the nearby Hyatt, using the state's Free Wireless. How does that work?
Well, Exhibitor's Hall opens at 10am, so I've got some shooting (and maybe shopping) to do.
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