This started as a ridiculously long aside to my main post today.
I started in 1995 with AD&D 2e. Didn’t play much, didn’t play the modules. But had tons of fun with my HS buddies, and got introduced to tabletop RPG. Turns out I’d been playing a one-player variant for years, in the form of Lone Wolf and Fighting Fantasy books.
This is really just cut from a longer post, because it was only slightly relevant. So, we’re gonna start this off with this little gem from the Oatmeal.
So I have the dubious honor of doubling as our in-house IT staff. It’s not actually my job, but I’m the best at it in the building. Which means it’s my duty to freshen up a virus-ridden WinXP computer.
I’ve thrown everything I got at it, which mostly includes running several free scanners from a Linux boot disk, and doing all the regular cleaning procedures from safe mode. And it’s still there. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably easier and safer to install from scratch.
Question: Just read your "review" of GameStorm. I was only able to be there to appear on a single panel this year as I have a looming deadline with a book and I couldn't spare the time. Last year, however, I did run one RPG (a Savage Worlds game) and it was completely filled. It may simple be that if you want to get players at GameStorm, you need to run stuff with more mass appeal (or at least recognition). Lasty, it will be my 10th Kubla this year. Wouldn't miss it for the world!
Answer:Hehe, I guess I underestimated the mass appeal and recognition of StarCraft? Like I said though, I think GS would have been far more awesome for me if I’d known what I was getting into.
So I went to my very first GameStorm this weekend. I have to say that I was sorely disappointed. In an effort to be completely fair with that assessment, it should be clear that the convention was awesome in many ways. Just not any that I went there for.
It’s been over six years since I attended my last gaming convention. I used to go to DunDraCon, ConQuest, and KublaCon regularly, when I lived in the Bay Area. I loved those conventions, and had a blast every single time I went! I would play in multiple RPGs, pick up dice and books in the dealers’ room, maybe drop in on CCGs or wargaming.
Ancient, secret, family recipe. So secret, my wife actually scowled at me for several seconds before allowing me to share with teh intarwebs. I think she allowed it only because the recipe was lost for several years, and it would be a shame for it to be lost again.
So I have the dubious honor of doubling as our in-house IT staff. It’s not actually my job, but I’m the best at it in the building. Which means it’s my duty to freshen up a virus-ridden WinXP computer.
I’ve thrown everything I got at it, which mostly includes running several free scanners from a Linux boot disk, and doing all the regular cleaning procedures from safe mode. And it’s still there. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s probably easier and safer to install from scratch.
I’ve got an interesting question for the peanut gallery. At work, we’ve gone through a few changes in the last few years. We’ve changed ink providers twice, changed color systems, and changed proofers.
One of the bizarre things that we have to do now and then is reprint an old file (reprinting is routine, old files are routine, hear me out) – the bizarre part is trying to get the color to match from the previous printing to the current system.
So I listen to a couple different podcasts. The two that I alternate between are Order 66 on d20 Radio, and Critical Hit from Major Spoilers. I used to listen to d20 Radio’s Radio Free Hommlet, but they stopped broadcasting when Essentials came out (I really really liked that show too). I’ve also tried Critical Hits and Threat Detected.
These podcasts have really made my commute to and from work fly by! I don’t even notice any driving stress, which is awesome. And it lets me avoid ads!
More than 140 chars is sometimes necessary.
So for those of you who went to DDXP: I don’t think this is violating any NDA, since the devs have already pointed out that the core game with no modules was presented at DDXP… How was that? Did you have fun? Would you have more fun with the theoretical optional modules?
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