lonelynoose
First Post
Well, I attended TridentCon last weekend in Baltimore for the 2nd time. Overall, the experience exceeded my expectations. Not only for the amenities but the organization as well. The event was in a run down VFW that is going to be moved/sold soon. This didn't take away from the experience but added to it. The place was yuge (sorry, for the DT reference) but also represented Baltimore well. Community getting together in a typical Baltimore environment. It reminded me of the typical chess club or guerilla gardener gathering. Small communities using the available resources. Of course even the Chess Clubs don't get 170+ unique attendees.
I mentioned in a previous post about past discretions with other players but this wasn't the case. Every DM I obeyed, and PCs I adventured with, were all engaging and entertaining. There was also a great presence of event coordinators as well as AL regional admins. All disputes in rules were handled with a simple, 'Hey Paul, what was the rarity of X item?', 'It's a consumable.' or 'Can CounterSpell counter a Wand of Lighting?', 'Depends on how many charges used and is it at Max.' Basically, with so many AL mods, all questions were fielded easily which allowed for fast/flowing game play. I can't talk more about this, the AL presence there was in force and amazing. Props to the Maryland AL team.
The food was just measly hotdogs, chips and sodas. Just when I thought it couldn't get any dumber, they had to go and do this.... AND TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES! Haha, I know they had it before but this was the first time I partook. I have to say $5 for 2 hotdogs, chips and a soda was a steal. It kept (almost) everyone in the hall and allowed constant gameplay. Smart moves. As soon as you'd hit a slow part of an adventure a member or two would grab a meal (2 mins max) and be back at the table soon. Rolling initiative with mustard on their face. Loved it.
I played ToA Dwellers of the Forgotten City on Saturday from 9am to 6pm with only about an hour break total. I enjoyed the many encounters but also all the puzzles. Our group did great and the DM was VERY experienced. Didn't give any hints and forced us to work our minds. Hilarious too, the DM was funny as hell. I ended the day 1000xp from 7th lvl. On Sunday I was set up to play Day at the Races and the next ToA tier one adventure. Well, that didn't happen. Being 1000xp from 7th level I knew I had to play Tier 2 just to level up. I rolled up late (up till 3am) and was worried there wouldn't be a table. I go in and ask if there is a Tier 2 table and of course the answer is, 'Yeah, we got a table set up in case there is overflow.' Uh, THANK YOU.
Unfortunately, we ran Ruins of Myth Drannor with only 3 PCs and almost had a TPK 4 times! (I believe the DM was very forgiving.) We had to run but I kinda think that was the point. It's one of the most stressful games I've played in years. I can't begin to explain how satisfied I was after that game. Nothing went right, I botched all my rolls. Each player was dropped at least 3 times. All spells were used except the cleric which had 1 at the end. I will never forget that game or where I had it, TridentCon. It's games and events like this that impact people for the rest of their lives and I'm glad it happened to me and the community I marinate in.
Thank you TridentCon for another great event! I know you're greatly considering moving North closer to your home. I just want you to know that all us AL players in the area will always be appreciative of all the hardwork you've done for the community. You will be missed!
I mentioned in a previous post about past discretions with other players but this wasn't the case. Every DM I obeyed, and PCs I adventured with, were all engaging and entertaining. There was also a great presence of event coordinators as well as AL regional admins. All disputes in rules were handled with a simple, 'Hey Paul, what was the rarity of X item?', 'It's a consumable.' or 'Can CounterSpell counter a Wand of Lighting?', 'Depends on how many charges used and is it at Max.' Basically, with so many AL mods, all questions were fielded easily which allowed for fast/flowing game play. I can't talk more about this, the AL presence there was in force and amazing. Props to the Maryland AL team.
The food was just measly hotdogs, chips and sodas. Just when I thought it couldn't get any dumber, they had to go and do this.... AND TOTALLY REDEEM THEMSELVES! Haha, I know they had it before but this was the first time I partook. I have to say $5 for 2 hotdogs, chips and a soda was a steal. It kept (almost) everyone in the hall and allowed constant gameplay. Smart moves. As soon as you'd hit a slow part of an adventure a member or two would grab a meal (2 mins max) and be back at the table soon. Rolling initiative with mustard on their face. Loved it.
I played ToA Dwellers of the Forgotten City on Saturday from 9am to 6pm with only about an hour break total. I enjoyed the many encounters but also all the puzzles. Our group did great and the DM was VERY experienced. Didn't give any hints and forced us to work our minds. Hilarious too, the DM was funny as hell. I ended the day 1000xp from 7th lvl. On Sunday I was set up to play Day at the Races and the next ToA tier one adventure. Well, that didn't happen. Being 1000xp from 7th level I knew I had to play Tier 2 just to level up. I rolled up late (up till 3am) and was worried there wouldn't be a table. I go in and ask if there is a Tier 2 table and of course the answer is, 'Yeah, we got a table set up in case there is overflow.' Uh, THANK YOU.
Unfortunately, we ran Ruins of Myth Drannor with only 3 PCs and almost had a TPK 4 times! (I believe the DM was very forgiving.) We had to run but I kinda think that was the point. It's one of the most stressful games I've played in years. I can't begin to explain how satisfied I was after that game. Nothing went right, I botched all my rolls. Each player was dropped at least 3 times. All spells were used except the cleric which had 1 at the end. I will never forget that game or where I had it, TridentCon. It's games and events like this that impact people for the rest of their lives and I'm glad it happened to me and the community I marinate in.
Thank you TridentCon for another great event! I know you're greatly considering moving North closer to your home. I just want you to know that all us AL players in the area will always be appreciative of all the hardwork you've done for the community. You will be missed!
