"at least one more game with snorter."

Unofficial slogan for PaizoCon UK?

How about 'PaizoCon 2010: Sponsors of Dangleberry Tagnut for 2012 Olympics'?

Nevynxxx wrote:

"at least one more game with snorter."

Wintergreen wrote:

Unofficial slogan for PaizoCon UK?

How about 'PaizoCon 2010: Sponsors of Dangleberry Tagnut for 2012 Olympics'?

Has potential ;-)

Snorter wrote:

Nevynxxx wrote:

"at least one more game with snorter."

Wintergreen wrote:

Unofficial slogan for PaizoCon UK?

How about 'PaizoCon 2010: Sponsors of Dangleberry Tagnut for 2012 Olympics'?

Has potential ;-)

I thought that they had outlawed Dangleberry Tagnut in more than a hundred countries as a 'hazardous sport', and that only illegal matches took place still... Oh wait, you mean the gnome, not the game involving two teams, raspberries, donuts, and an exceptionally hungry velociraptor in a hexagonal arena...

Nevynxxx wrote:

Remind me to put a note on my tickets request says "at least one more game with snorter." Last year was fun, even if I haven't managed any more PFS games since.

Were you the one blapping imps with a borrowed wand?

Indeed!

So guys, how was Conception? I hope you aren't all snowed in again like last year!

So guys, how was Conception? I hope you aren't all snowed in again like last year!

Thankfully we weren't snowed in (though it was extremely cold over the weekend). The con went really well. Pathfinder seemed to be very popular - we were frequently over-subscribed and had may players returning as they were impressed with the quality of the scenarios and the GMs. I'm waiting for feedback from all the GMs so don't have precise numbers on how many games were run. I know that the traders ran out of core rulebooks and had to get restocked - alas we don't get a commission on them as a GM reward ;-)

You missed a good con and I even managed to run a higher level party (7th) through Hall of Drunken Heroes and No Pluner, No Play.

Oh yes, Conception was very good but very tiring just trying to keep up with demand for games. I wish I had just taken every single Pathfinder module that I own along because by two-days-in some players had played all the low-mid levels games I had brought. Pre-Gens were invaluable and that meant players could enjoy a high level game even if they didn't have a high level character.

A problem we are hitting is that the quality of the adventures is very high but they run-on longer than a 4-hour slot. It's a heartbreak to cut them.

But, of course, PaizoCon UK will be BRILLIANT! Don't miss it! Your Venture Captain needs you!

A problem we are hitting is that the quality of the adventures is very high but they run-on longer than a 4-hour slot. It's a heartbreak to cut them.

But, of course, PaizoCon UK will be BRILLIANT! Don't miss it! Your Venture Captain needs you!

Bearing this in mind, what do people think of this move towards 5 hour gaming slots?

For PaizoCon UK 2010, would you like to have 5 hour slots (though potentially only having two games on the Saturday) or would you prefer to keep the 4 hour slots? There may be things we can do to maximise playing time - having players pre-allocated to tables, having the paperwork sorted out at the end of the day, etc. Perhaps have 4 1/2 hour slots?

If anybody has any other suggestions then please let me know.

Last time we just played into our lunch and dinner breaks, right? Five hour slots in addition to lunch and dinner breaks would rather cut down on the amount of games we can have, which would be a shame. But if the DM's do think that the adventures need that extra time to really get everything from the module done, then I guess it needs the extra time.

Personally I would prefer two 5-hour slots to three 4-hour ones. Partly its the demands of the scenario but mostly it's that I want to spend some time getting to know or catching up with some of you guys.

Then we would be fresher for Sunday too. A nice bonus for a change. I can't remember the last con that happened at.

Cheers

Good points. Last year it was quite hectic and given the amount of PC interaction going on I know that most GMs didn't want to hurry players through the plot.

Given that the price is determined by the cost of the room hire and my estimate of numbers, if we went for 5 hour slots with 2 on each day then what sort of admission price would people be willing to pay? Last year it was close to £25. This year I'm expecting more and we'll have a second room on the Saturday so the price is probably going to work out as very similar.

Bah! 9am-Midnight; no breaks!

If you want to eat, you can bring food with you in the morning.

Would two five hour slots also leave some time open for smaller, unscheduled games (mainly card games and board games)? Also, what sort of timeframe would the two slots fit in? 9am till 8pm, leaving 2-3 open for Lunch?

As for price, anything up to £40 is perfectly doable.

Would two five hour slots also leave some time open for smaller, unscheduled games (mainly card games and board games)? Also, what sort of timeframe would the two slots fit in? 9am till 8pm, leaving 2-3 open for Lunch?

As for price, anything up to £40 is perfectly doable.

Yes it would. Which is another advantage. That's the sort of times I'm thinking. And going for an informal slot on the Saturday evening for the hardcore.

Put my vote in for 5 hour slots.

I may be tempted to bring Carcossone with me too, if anyone wanted to bring an expansion pack or two, I only have the basic game (well with rivers).

I'd totally be there for Saturday evening, but I'm a student, so I'm used to late, late nights now!

Well I'll wait for more people to express a preference. At the moment I'm just toying with different ideas on how to structure the weekend.

I dropped out of my Saturday evening slot last year and snuck off to the pub with Ninjaiguana, Rich and Ericthecleric because I was kind of burnt out (yeah I know, I'm a wuss), so longer slots and saving the Saturday night for socialising, possibly with card/board games and alcohol-fueled one-offs would be ideal for me!

And for price I'd say similar to Uzzy :).

I dropped out of my Saturday evening slot last year and snuck off to the pub with Ninjaiguana, Rich and Ericthecleric because I was kind of burnt out (yeah I know, I'm a wuss), so longer slots and saving the Saturday night for socialising, possibly with card/board games and alcohol-fueled one-offs would be ideal for me!

And for price I'd say similar to Uzzy :).

I think last year it was kind of 50/50 about gaming or not on the Saturday evening. This year, with 2 rooms on the Saturday we could have a Pathfinder rpg room and a more socialising/boardgames and one offs, etc room.

So if it was just 4 slots over the two days then people would still be happy to be paying £25 for the weekend?

Transport:
I've just had a look at the Highways Agency site and there don't currently seem to be any motorway roadworks scheduled for the Birmingham area in July, although there are due to be roadworks on the M42 between junctions 7 and 9, which are scheduled to finish at the end of June. If those go three weeks over schedule, they might prove a minor nuisance.
I can't currently get any information on planned rail engineering works for July. Network Rail being what they are, it's entirely possible this data might not become available until the actual start of July.

Hi

Cost is an issue to me, as is distance from nearest train/coach station. (I need walking stick to get about).

Just checked, can't get coach there before about midday on Sat, so will have to be train. How close is it from Birmingham New Street?

As for 5 hour slots, as long as I can get my 5 games in.........

Cheers
Paul H

Hi

Cost is an issue to me, as is distance from nearest train/coach station. (I need walking stick to get about).

Just checked, can't get coach there before about midday on Sat, so will have to be train. How close is it from Birmingham New Street?

As for 5 hour slots, as long as I can get my 5 games in.........

Cheers
Paul H

Well I can manage it on foot from New Street to the business school in about fifteen minutes, but I am not in the position of requiring a walking stick to get about.

Well, I just checked, and the 17th/18th July falls outside my academic year, so I'm totally free for those dates. Woohoo. We still doing the curry night on the Friday?

I believe I'll be coming, and if so, I'll be coming down Friday evening, and going back Monday, so as to avoid any rushing to finish a slot, and have time to have a civilised breakfast, a chat, and drop in on the local FLGS.

Given that, I'm happy for a longer slot. Better to have time, and not need it, than to need more time, and not have it.

Those who want to chill out, or indulge in some inter-faction trash-talk can do so, without fearing that their updating will leave them no time for lunch, or run into the next game.

Those who want to run a well-oiled SWAT team can still do so, and have time for a board/card game, a pint in the bar, or a sleep.

How about having the menus for the local bars/delis to hand, so those who do finish a slot early can take some bulk orders? Less individual travel/queueing time, less indigestion, plus a possible discount or free side dishes?

Taxi update:
Having been through Birmingham today, I checked the price of taxis from New Street to Aston University on the taxi rank at the front of the station, and I have been advised that the current price is likely £5.50 - £6.00.

I believe I'll be coming, and if so, I'll be coming down Friday evening, and going back Monday, so as to avoid any rushing to finish a slot, and have time to have a civilised breakfast, a chat, and drop in on the local FLGS.

Given that, I'm happy for a longer slot. Better to have time, and not need it, than to need more time, and not have it.

Those who want to chill out, or indulge in some inter-faction trash-talk can do so, without fearing that their updating will leave them no time for lunch, or run into the next game.

Those who want to run a well-oiled SWAT team can still do so, and have time for a board/card game, a pint in the bar, or a sleep.

How about having the menus for the local bars/delis to hand, so those who do finish a slot early can take some bulk orders? Less individual travel/queueing time, less indigestion, plus a possible discount or free side dishes?

I'm not sure which corner of the room they ended up in, but I certainly obtained copies of menus for both the campus pubs for the convention last year. I can certainly attempt to do the same again this year.

Hi

Cost is an issue to me, as is distance from nearest train/coach station. (I need walking stick to get about).

Just checked, can't get coach there before about midday on Sat, so will have to be train. How close is it from Birmingham New Street?

As for 5 hour slots, as long as I can get my 5 games in.........

Cheers
Paul H

I'd go for a taxi from New Street station.

How about having the menus for the local bars/delis to hand, so those who do finish a slot early can take some bulk orders? Less individual travel/queueing time, less indigestion, plus a possible discount or free side dishes?

Good idea. We'll make sure that happens.

Well, I just checked, and the 17th/18th July falls outside my academic year, so I'm totally free for those dates. Woohoo. We still doing the curry night on the Friday?

Excellent.

I'm not sure which corner of the room they ended up in, but I certainly obtained copies of menus for both the campus pubs for the convention last year. I can certainly attempt to do the same again this year.

Of the two pubs, the nearer one (Sack of Potatoes?) was awful. The other pub was MUCH nicer!

That's a lot of good feedback. Thanks everyone.

Last year was our first time at the venue and the first PaizoCon UK event we had run, so we were kind of getting the hang of things. This year we will have better idea of what is do-able and how we can direct people to food and drink that they prefer.

I'm in favour of 5-hour slots but that means playing 9am to 2pm (with food at the table), then 3pm to 8pm. I would be happy with that myself. I think even hardcore players would be pressed to play 9pm to 2 in the morning and be fresh for the next day.

This year we will also be looking for ways to try to make the right games available at the right Tier. Players with both low and higher level characters will be in a much better position to find a game. Perhaps we can ask you for some more information on the booking form this year, so we get the scenarios right.

Whatever -- I know we will have a lot of fun and frolics!!!

Frankly I'd prefer the 4 hour slots again..Paizocon and Dragonmeet are the only times I get to play PFS and I don't want to fall behind the curve any more than I have already.

Here's a thought: Would there be interest in some sort of Pathfinder or Golarion quiz in any format?

Frankly I'd prefer the 4 hour slots again...Paizocon and Dragonmeet are the only times I get to play PFS and I don't want to fall behind the curve any more than I have already.

I long ago resigned myself to the fact that I'll only get a few games in each year, having neither the time, or local interest to run PFS.

I'm going to be so far behind any supposed 'curve', that it's not even worth my while trying to keep up. I'm going for a weekend of pleasant company; whether that be PFS slots, boardgames, or just chillin' with the Lords of the Boards, it's all good to me.

I long ago resigned myself to the fact that I'll only get a few games in each year, having neither the time, or local interest to run PFS.

I'm going to be so far behind any supposed 'curve', that it's not even worth my while trying to keep up. I'm going for a weekend of pleasant company; whether that be PFS slots, boardgames, or just chillin' with the Lords of the Boards, it's all good to me.

I think that makes at least three of us, we almost have a table!

On that note, it's worth everyone taking a look through their attic, for any neglected games they've been meaning to play for a while, but can't get round to.

Preferably ones that require little setup, little explanation, and allow players to jump in without thinking they need system mastery.

I've a hunger for some RoboRally, which while fun when I play with 4-5 players, really needs a full complement of 8 to show off its manic glory.

DM Wellard wrote:

Frankly I'd prefer the 4 hour slots again...Paizocon and Dragonmeet are the only times I get to play PFS and I don't want to fall behind the curve any more than I have already.

I long ago resigned myself to the fact that I'll only get a few games in each year, having neither the time, or local interest to run PFS.

I'm going to be so far behind any supposed 'curve', that it's not even worth my while trying to keep up. I'm going for a weekend of pleasant company; whether that be PFS slots, boardgames, or just chillin' with the Lords of the Boards, it's all good to me.

We'll definitely be catering to a range of levels. In my experience the 'curve' isn't as advanced as in the US and those who do have higher level characters (I don't know of any higher than 9th in the UK) have created low level characters too.

Don't know if we'll get any 'Lords of the Boards' beyond Snorter, Wellard, Nevynxxx and the irreplaceable Charles Evans though!

DM Wellard wrote:

Frankly I'd prefer the 4 hour slots again...Paizocon and Dragonmeet are the only times I get to play PFS and I don't want to fall behind the curve any more than I have already.

I long ago resigned myself to the fact that I'll only get a few games in each year, having neither the time, or local interest to run PFS.

I'm going to be so far behind any supposed 'curve', that it's not even worth my while trying to keep up. I'm going for a weekend of pleasant company; whether that be PFS slots, boardgames, or just chillin' with the Lords of the Boards, it's all good to me.

We haven't got any PFS done since the last PaizoCon, and assuming we stay disorganised until July, of the 5 people I know who are seriously considering coming, two have level 2 characters, and the other 3 will be playing for the first time :).

Don't know if we'll get any 'Lords of the Boards' beyond Snorter, Wellard, Nevynxxx and the irreplaceable Charles Evans though!

I think you can count yourself and the other PaizoCon UK helpers as at least honorary Lordships.

How about 'Count of the Cat-Herders'?

We haven't got any PFS done since the last PaizoCon, and assuming we stay disorganised until July, of the 5 people I know who are seriously considering coming, two have level 2 characters, and the other 3 will be playing for the first time :).

Well, I've to decide if I want to modernise my current PC, or create another from scratch; either way, I'll be starting at Tier 1-2. The only difference is the possibility of playing with the 'big boys' in Tier 3-4, if I stay as the dashing, but melee-phobic Rogue.

I think I'll bring a spare, in case he gets finally cornered by those Chelaxian Death-Chickens.

Has Josh indicated if the 6 new classes are available for PFS, or do we have to wait till they're officially unveiled?

And will all the scenarios be taken from the Season 1 pool?
I got all the Season Zero titles during one of Paizo's half-price sales, but I've left the unplayed ones zipped on my hard drive, just in case.

Illessa wrote:

We haven't got any PFS done since the last PaizoCon, and assuming we stay disorganised until July, of the 5 people I know who are seriously considering coming, two have level 2 characters, and the other 3 will be playing for the first time :).

Well, I've to decide if I want to modernise my current PC, or create another from scratch; either way, I'll be starting at Tier 1-2. The only difference is the possibility of playing with the 'big boys' in Tier 3-4, if I stay as the dashing, but melee-phobic Rogue.

I think I'll bring a spare, in case he gets finally cornered by those Chelaxian Death-Chickens.

Has Josh indicated if the 6 new classes are available for PFS, or do we have to wait till they're officially unveiled?

And will all the scenarios be taken from the Season 1 pool?
I got all the Season Zero titles during one of Paizo's half-price sales, but I've left the unplayed ones zipped on my hard drive, just in case.

Count of Cat-herders - so true on so many levels!

The 6 new classes are available to be played in PFS (with the caveat that they would have to be revised when the Advanced Player's Guide is released).

Anyway, I'm aiming to concentrate on season 1 scenarios but I know that there are a good number of season 0 scenarios that people would like to try. So I'm sure GMs will be amenable to running one or two of them. Go to our website and make a request.

[Now where are those Chelaxian Death Chicken stats...]

A reminder that over on the PaizoCon UK site the forums are open for discussion/feedback on what particular modules people would like to play this year and the 4 hour slots vs 5 hour slots.

Wintergreen/Rob:
Sorry to see the news about Les. I think I saw him playing a fighter in a Murder on the Silken Caravan game, taking apart one of the villains in the last encounter. He will be missed at gaming tables, I have little doubt.

I was stunned to hear about Les. Is anyone going to the funeral? Rob? If so can you pass my regards and those of my two friends who were looking forward to gaming with him again.

I'll miss him, even if he was brutally honest about my roleplaying with a french accent a few years ago. Never one to soft soap you. I'll miss him.

I certainly hope to be at Les funeral service and I expect it will be very well attended. It's at 1pm on Friday 26th February at Kensel Green, West London crematorium. That's postcode W10 4RA nearest tube Kensal Green.
http://www.kensalgreencemetery.com

It will be a very sad occasion but Les lived life to the full and that's worth celebrating.

I met Les for the first time at last PaizoCon UK; though we didn't share any gaming slots, we did share a table at the Friday night curry trip, and chatted during the weekend.

His enthusiasm for gaming was clear to see and hear.
Condolences to his brother, Simon, who I also met, and the rest of his family and friends.

We are now officially open for bookings:
Check it out!

How did you get Brian Blessed to pose for you?

Paizocon's ALIVE!

DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

No points for this movie, but points to anyone who can reference another movie from the previous line by Brian by 2 different routes.

Edit: I can't make it topical to Paizocon either, so another point for anyone who manages that for Flash Gordon (or the other movie).