Gameday Chicago Gameday XXIII Planning Thread

[buzz]

This thread is for planning purposes only. A separate thread will be created for player sign-up closer to Gameday. A link to that thread will be posted here.

Gameday XXIII Planning

This is the planning thread for Chicago Gameday XXIII. If you're interested in running an event for Gameday, or just have planning help to offer, this is the thread for you. If you're confused, go here to learn more about Chicago Gameday.

The Time, The Place, The Basics

Gameday XXIII will be held on Saturday, July 18th. Events start at 9:30am. Gameday XXIII will be hosted by Games Plus, a.k.a., Earth's Greatest Game Store™.

Gameday has two event slots that are 4-5 hours each: a morning slot from 9:30am to 2:30pm, and an afternoon slot from 3:30pm to 8:00pm (and beyond). We typically run six events in each slot, with 4-6 players plus GM in each event. GMs may request more/fewer seats in their event, but we have found that 4-6 players per event is ideal.

If you do not have an ENWorld Community Supporter account with Private Messaging enabled, please make sure I have your email address. Feel free to email me.

Current Event Lineup

Morning: 9:30am - 2:30pm

1. D&D 4e, Trevalon Moonleirion, private room
2. TZG:CotN, Ninjacat, table by back door
3. D&D 4e, Vyvyan Basterd
4. Reign/ORE, ekb
5. Medieval Fantasy Combat Miniatures Game, Mark, big blue minis table
6. shock:, WJMacGuffin
7. ...

Afternoon: 3:30pm - 8:00pm

1. D&D/d20, Mark, private room
2. Supernatural, Ninjacat, table by back door
3. **********, WJMacGuffin
4. Hackmaster Basic, AnthonyRoberson
5. Shadowrun 4e, Dfranco83
6. Barbarians of Lemuria, Reidzilla
7. ...

Submitting and Running an Event

How do I sign up to run an event?
If you would like to run an event for Gameday XXIII, please post a proposal in this thread.

What info should I provide as part of my proposal?
At the minimum, we need to know:

• The game system you will be using
• How many players will be accomodated
• A catchy title
• An event "blurb," i.e., a basic summary of your event
• Whether you want to run the event in the morning or the afternoon

Optional, yet helpful info you can provide includes:

• If there is a particular table you would like to use
• Whether your event expects prior experience with the rules
• Whether your event is or isn't suitable for all ages
• Whether pregens will be provided
• Links to said pregens (PDFs, Word files, etc)
• Links to info about the game system
• Links to any other files you'd like to offer potential players
• Any images you might like included in the final event description

How long should my event last?
Your event should last at least 4 hours.

If you are running an event in the morning, it should not run longer than 5 hours, as you will be taking time away from the lunch break.

Events run in the afternoon may last longer than 5 hours, but please be respectful of: a) Games Plus's hours of operation, and b) the needs of players who may be reliant on the Metra scheudle.

When do poeple sign up for my event?
A separate player sign-up thread will be created in a few weeks. You will be notified in advance of the sign-up thread going live.

May I screen potential players?
Pre-approval of player sign-ups is not allowed. By volunteering to run an event, you're agreeing to run it for whomever signs up. Thankfully, everyone who comes to Gameday is totally awesome.

What if I want or need to cancel my event?
Once the sign-up thread begins, GM volunteers have until one week before Gameday in which they may remove their event from the schedule. After that point, the schedule is set, and you are expected to come ready to run your event, regardless of whether anyone has signed up for it. Barring genuine emergencies, of course.

May I run more than one event?
I would ask that people initially refrain from submitting more than one event. I want to give as many people as possible the chance to submit an event before GMs start doubling up. As soon as we see there is room available, GMs can add second events.

Suggestions

If you have suggestions, recommendations, or ideas for enhancing the fun of Gameday, please feel free to post them here and we'll open up discussion.

[Mark]

I'd like to run a Slot Two, d20 (D&D-esque) RPG for 7th-level pregen characters (provided at the table) in the private room for fie players, please. Anyone who has played 3.XE D&D will be comfortable with this game. (All simple adjustments in rules will be explained at the table.)


The Lost Temple of Lorensis - Locals around the town of Loren have uncovered an entrance to an ancient temple from the time of the founding of the town. Several people in the town have died under mysterious circumstances. The crime rate is beginning to rise and a madness seems to have settled over the community. True heroes are needed to clear up the trouble and determine if the temple artifacts warrant leaving the temple unsealed.

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Mark

I'd like to run a Slot Two, d20 (D&D-esque) RPG for 7th-level pregen characters in the private room for fie players, please. Anyone who has played 3.XE D&D will be comfortable with this game. Any adjustments will be explained at the table.

Added to the schedule. Man, you're fast!

[Vyvyan Basterd]

Return to the Slavers Stockade: The Hill Fort
Adapted for use with Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition
Originally written by Harold Johnson with Tom Moldvay

The battle against the slavers continues! You and your fellow adventurers have defeated the slavers of Highport, but you have learned of the existence of another slaver stronghold, and you have decided to continue the attack. But beware! Only the most fearless of adventurers could challenge the slavers on their own ground, and live to tell of it!

This adventure will be run in old-school tournament style. What will your group score?

PLEASE NOTE: New BYOC (bring your own character) rules! You are allowed to bring your own character for this event. To do so you must send me a legal DDi character builder file a minimum of one week before the event (no exceptions). Send the file to vyvbasterd at hotmail.com. Your character receives 3 magic items (1 of each level 6th, 5th and 4th), 840 gp, and any mundane equipment at no cost. Yes, this means that you need a DDi account or find someone who has one if you want to BYOC. Otherwise, the following 9 pre-gens will be available:

Elwita – Female Dwarf Battlerager Fighter
“Ogre” – Male Human Rageblood Barbarian
Freda – Female Human Archer Ranger
Karraway – Male Human Devoted Cleric
Blodgett – Male Halfling Artful Dodger Rogue
Dread Delgath – Male Human Summoner Wizard
Phanstern – Male Human Illusionist Wizard
Eljayess – Male Half-Elf Avenging Paladin
Kayen Telva – Male Eladrin Ensnaring Swordmage

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Mark, I'd like to run in the slot opposite Ninjacat again. If he doesn't check in soon enough and you need a decision from me I'll take the morning slot.

[Nev the Deranged]

I'll take a morning slot, TBA if that's acceptable. I have a few possibilities in mind. I'll nail it down some time over the next few days.

Although, of course, if there end up being games I want to play submitted for both slots, I might rescind.

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Vyvyan Basterd

Mark, I'd like to run in the slot opposite Ninjacat again. If he doesn't check in soon enough and you need a decision from me I'll take the morning slot.

Cool. I'll sit tight.

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Nev the Deranged

I'll take a morning slot, TBA if that's acceptable. I have a few possibilities in mind. I'll nail it down some time over the next few days.

Although, of course, if there end up being games I want to play submitted for both slots, I might rescind.

What a diva!

Slot reserved.

[Trevalon Moonleirion]

I'll grab the private room for the morning, good sir.

It'll be a 4e 19th or 20th level romp through the mean streets of Iriaebor in the Forgotten Realms. Pregens provided, Newbies welcome.

(The 3e version of the realms with bits of the 4e rules. No spellplague garbage in my games )

Edit, now that i'm posted and my spot is secured....

Title: Iriaebor Intrigue
Players: 5 (with room for one more if there's extreme demand)
Pregens will be provided, new players welcome, but BYODice (no one likes to share ) Each character has a little RP blurb that'll help you get into character, and are amusing, I promise.


Meetings with old adventuring companions are always fun, especially after you've all gone your separate ways, some of you settling down, some of you just flying solo, or even finding new parties to adventure with. And what better place to do it than the city where you all got your start: Iriaebor, the city of towers, nasty guild wars, and a thriving thieves' guild. What could possibly go wrong when a group of high level adventurers get drunk in the party thief's inn?

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Trevalon Moonleirion

I'll grab the private room for the morning, good sir.

It'll be a 4e 19th or 20th level romp through the mean streets of Iriaebor in the Forgotten Realms. Pregens provided, Newbies welcome.

Added, sans spellplague!

[Ninjacat]

Holy CRAP, I've got too much gaming stuff going on this weekend, hah!

I totally forgot this was going live at noon; I was up all night finishing my entry for Game-Fu 5 at RPGnet, oops. And now I'm off to run my first Cortex Supernatural game, and I'm gonna be late, whoops.

Buzz, I'd like to call in my b-day favor and go ahead with the running in each slot plan, but if Vyv wants the morning that's fine, I'll run SPN in the afternoon.

So, that's Cartoon Action Hour, Season 2: After These Messages Expansion in slot one, title TBD but using "the StormBirds", for five players, no experience necessary, I'll get back to you with a blurb

Afternoon: Supernatural, Cortex, "Nightmare City", for up to 6 players. No experience needed, but knowledge of the show will be helpful, though not required. Blurb on that later, too.

CAH Sn2: ATM is supposed to be released this month, but I know Cynthia at Spectrum Games was having issues with the hardbound version of CAH:Sn2, so if ATM gets delayed too, I may have to drop the first slot, or at least change my game. But since sign-ups won't start until July, I ought to know by then. I'll keep you informed here, or by email if that's better for you. Whatever works.

-Thanks!

[WJMacGuffin]

Hi Buzz! I'll take an evening slot, if I could, but if push comes to shove, I could run this in the AM instead. Thanks.

Morning Game: Fugue
**********, WJ MacGuffin
6 slots.


“You should have all the gear and information you need when you arrive. If not, contact us and we will send what we can through regular channels. The target will be inserted nearby and can be reached by foot or trolley. Friendly fire is NOT permitted! Unauthorized killing of personalities will not be tolerated. Agents responsible for such will be terminated with loss of pension. If there are difficulties, call us. Do not engage any psychopomps or other archetypes while in-country. Thank you.”

Looking for something different? Then try this mystery game! You will discover the game, rules, and plot as you play. The system encourages narration and storytelling, so if you’re looking for a game where you slay creatures and make lots of die rolls, move along. However, if you're looking for a game experience that's weird, includes Jungian psychology, bears little resemblance to reality, and is rules-light, then sign up already! You should bring d6s and, if you'd like, a cell phone that might be used during the game. Different isn't always better, but in this case, it is!

[Gwen110]

I am trying to find out if my schedule permits for this day. However, the game that requires a cell phone is interesting. Who's calling? Unknown name, unknown number?

[buzz]

Originally Posted by Ninjacat

So, that's Cartoon Action Hour, Season 2: After These Messages Expansion in slot one, title TBD but using "the StormBirds", for five players, no experience necessary, I'll get back to you with a blurb

Afternoon: Supernatural, Cortex, "Nightmare City", for up to 6 players. No experience needed, but knowledge of the show will be helpful, though not required. Blurb on that later, too.

Added! Keep me posted on the CAH thing.

Originally Posted by WJMacGuffin

Hi Buzz! I'll take an evening slot, if I could, but if push comes to shove, I could run this in the AM instead. Thanks.

Morning Game: Fugue
**********, WJ MacGuffin
6 slots.

You had to go an confuse me by asking for the afternoon and then calling the event "Morning Game," didn't you. Added, as soon as I fix my mistake.

[WJMacGuffin]

Originally Posted by buzz

You had to go an confuse me by asking for the afternoon and then calling the event "Morning Game," didn't you. Added, as soon as I fix my mistake.

It's all part of the mystery! Even the GM doesn't know what's going on!

[Reidzilla]

Hi Buzz!

Save me a morning slot please! I'm still percolating on what I want to run.

Originally Posted by WJMacGuffin

You should bring d6s and a cell phone.

You might want to specify if you mean a cell phone with texting or other required ability. I would hate to sign up for your game only to find out I could not play because I don't have a texting plan.

[Vyvyan Basterd]

Originally Posted by Ninjacat

Buzz, I'd like to call in my b-day favor and go ahead with the running in each slot plan, but if Vyv wants the morning that's fine, I'll run SPN in the afternoon.

[TracerBullet42]

Wish I could make it this time around, but I'll be on my honeymoon with Ninja Librarian (I think when she takes my name we can call her TracerBullette.)

And in that context, I don't really wish I could make it.

Have fun without us!

[Pbartender]

Originally Posted by TracerBullet42

Wish I could make it this time around, but I'll be on my honeymoon with Ninja Librarian (I think when she takes my name we can call her TracerBullette.)

And in that context, I don't really wish I could make it.

Have fun without us!

Congrats, Rob!

Sadly, Gameday is the weekend before my birthday, and my wife is already planning... something.

[AnthonyRoberson]

Descending Into the Unknown
An Introductory Adventure for HackMaster Basic
6 slots
Afternoon (preferably)

Grab a pre-gen or bring your own 1st level PC and join in the exploration of the ruins of Driskoll's Folly. No previous knowledge of HackMaster required! The dungeon will be laid out with Fat Dragon's excellent E-Z Dungeons card models for maximum impact. Why play 4th Edition, when you can play 5th?!

[ekb]

PX Poker Night
Nemesis rules (attached - same ORE basis as Reign, Monsters & Other Childish Things, Wild Talents, Godlike, yadda yadda yadda).

5-6 players (but could take up to 11), randomized dice-based chargen at the table (I'll have pregens on hand, since doing more than 5 characters will start eating into playing time), lots of blood and violence = PG-13 rather than G, somewhat gritty flavor...

Platte AFB is the last stop on the road to dishonorable discharge.

It's one step up from a military prison, and the spartan facilities at the base reflect this. The base is composed of a dozen buildings and two airstrips in the middle of a Nebraska wasteland. The only traffic the base sees is from decommissioned surplus aircraft that arrive once or twice a month. Helicopters, trainers, and even some jets find their way here before being sold to foreign governments or sold as scrap. With little to do, the personnel mostly just kill time, waiting for their terms of enlistment to end.

Saturday evenings at 8pm, however, it’s PX poker night. Even Major Sprague plays, while those who are in dutch with Sprague pull duty. PX poker night is one of the only high points in the week for the base personnel, due to the simple fact you can win your superiors’ money.

This Saturday’s PX poker night is about to take a turn for the bizarre . . . and deadly.

Cast of Pregens (by rank):
2nd Lt. M. O'Shea, Executive Officer
Tech Sgt R. Bloch, Chief of Operations
Staff Sgt. Frank Long, Fire/Rescue and Medic
Cpl. R. "Bob" Price, Base Security
Cpl. T.E.D. Klein, Aircraft Maintenance
Airman Tommy Ligotti, Motorpool Maintainence
Airman Laura Dunsany, Administrative Assistant
Airman Lynn Carter, Air Traffic Control
Airman Brian Lundy, Groundskeeper
Airman Clark A. Smith, Aircraft Maintenance
Airman Randy Campbell, Fire/Rescue