Austin, TX Game Day

[Nuddawan]

If you do decide to go forward with plans for an Austin game day, you might want to check into whether or not there is some sort of "mini-con" during the year there. I know that there are smaller cons in some areas. Rice has "Owl-Con" and the aggies have a con, er, I thought the longhorns did as well, but could be wrong.

There was an attempt at a con earlier this year in Austin (in April, I think), but from what I saw they didn't advertise early enough for players and games so there wasn't enough events to support the cost of the entry badge (I believe they were charging +$30 for a weekend pass, and there didn't appear to be much more than CCG/Cliks tournaments going on).

Later this month, MillenniumCon (www.millenniumcon.com) is happening at the Red Lion Inn at 290/IH-35. It is traditionally a miniatures/board games con, but in the last few years it has picked up a strong RPGA presence as well as the Clik market. This year it even has a "celebrity" guest, John Kovalic of Dork Tower/Munchkin fame.

For the first time that I'm aware of in recent years, UT-Austin is finally getting a on-campus gaming club going. They have regular meetings and events, but are not quite to the point where they are ready to organize or sponser a larger event, like a mini con or game day, although they would certainly be willing to participate or help with one if it happened.

Rob Little

 

[Mouseferatu]

For the first time that I'm aware of in recent years, UT-Austin is finally getting a on-campus gaming club going. They have regular meetings and events, but are not quite to the point where they are ready to organize or sponser a larger event, like a mini con or game day, although they would certainly be willing to participate or help with one if it happened.

There is? Really? Cool!

My wife's a grad student there, and we'd love to check out a group like this. Any idea how we find them?

 

[Nuddawan]

My wife's a grad student there, and we'd love to check out a group like this. Any idea how we find them?

I'm trying to find out for ya. The are called "The Guild" and normally have meetings on Tuesday evenings and Friday afternoons (I think). While I don't go to UT, I got involved with them since a friend of mine was looking for RPGA judges to help run Living Greyhawk events for them.

They usually have open gaming with card / board games (lots of Munchkin), and various RPG events.

Anywho, once I get more info I'll post it here.

Rob

 

[Shadowdancer]

Also, I am working on setting up an actual game store in Temple. As far as I know, and I have lived here my entire life (except for a year), there aren't any. I hope to open it in the new shopping center near the new Staples since that looks like a good location. I hope when it opens that you guys will stop by for a visit

You tell me the day your store opens, and I will be your first customer.

 

[Pyske]

Dragon's Lair seemed to work OK for the RPG.Net get-together last month, which was just over a dozen people. It might get difficult if you get more people than that, but if you do it may be had to find space that would be free (a convention hall costs money).

I'd probably be up for an Austin game day, depending on timing. (Bit of a lurker here, 'though, so I realize that doesn't mean much to y'all.) It also sounds like you already have a Spycraft-style game on offer, which is what I have prepared from the previous get-together.

. . . . . . . -- Eric

 

[shadoe]

Shadoe's Lady and I would also be up for a game day in Austin depending on when it is.

 

[Dr. Talos]

If you open a gaming store in Temple I will camp out to make sure that I am the first customer.

 

[xrpsuzi]

I haven't paid much attention to Game Days, because they're all so far away, but Austin be my home. What do we do at a Game Day? Just get together and run one-shots, run tournaments, what?

-seasong

I've only been to two ENworld organized game days, but they both kinda went like this. One or two people round up the posse, as far as getting a venue, date, and dispersing the information. Then it's an open call for GM's and players (usually max of 6 to a game). *If you run it, they will come* kind of thing. Usually two sessions (approx 4-5 hours long) with a 2 hour break for lunch and sometimes a place to meet up for breakfast.
***If we do go to Dragon's Lair, I suggest the Omletry (I think I'm spelling it wrong but they have great food--bring cash, they don't take plastic.)

GM's:run any game you like. I've seen generic fantasy to Brontosaurus Rex to (yes) Synnibarr! Some GM's like to give pre-generated characters, others have the people who sign up choose, some do a mix (e.g. we can have 2 rogues, 1 cleric etc...)

Players:Bring your dice.

As for organization, first step to pick a date and see who can make it then. More people can make Saturdays over Sundays. Pick a date *away* from the holidays. And the later the date, the more time to tell people about game day. So I would suggest something after the new year. That leaves potential date being January 10, 17, 24, 31. Joe and I arbitrary think the 24th is the best candidate. Everyone's recovered from holiday stuff, weathers still nice and chilly, and it's a good date for those who go to school in Austin because they'll be back. Someone setup a poll and if the 24th if a bomb, we'll arbitrarily feel out another date.

OK, someone take over from here. I have a book to finish writing.

-suzi
p.s. I'm a community supporter!! WooHoo!!

 

[Mouseferatu]

Oh, hey, I know we haven't gotten as far as setting dates yet, but have we got any sort of general ballpark idea of when we'd want to do this?

 

[Nuddawan]

My wife's a grad student there, and we'd love to check out a group like this. Any idea how we find them?

The Guild's out of date website is https://webspace.utexas.edu/yangpd/theguild/index.html , although I'm told they will be working to update it soon. Until then, you can contact their guildmaster at mcrary@mail.utexas.edu (Michael Crary).

Rob