PaizoCon 2012: The PFS Bloggery Thread

[Painlord]

Dear All You Magnificent Piddlespotters--

I don't like you and you don't like me, but that doesn't mean that we can't have another awesome PaizoCon thread of Bloggery. Last year, we 'blogged' the heck of Paizocon. This year, I'd like to do better and do more.

As most of you know, I believe PFS's core is a social community and so whether you can make it to Paizocon or not, I hope that you will participate. I hope that you'll share your experience, comments, and funny PFS-related stories and whatnot with others.

I'm inviting both you attendees and non-attendees to help 'blog' the events at Paizocon in this thread.

For you attendees:

• Post about whom you've met and where they are from.
  
• Post about the games you're playing in, with whom, and fun details. (Avoid spoilers...and use spoiler tags if you're going to spoil!)
  
• Post about extraPFSular activities.
  
• Get others to share their feedback from PaizoCon.
  
• Post links to pictures and media.
  
• Post about neat characters you've played with.
  
• Post any cool 'tricks' you've learned.
  
• Post about the sessions and talks you've attended.
  
• Post about how awesome your judges have been and what things they did well. Heck, even to thank them.

For you non-attendees: Tell us who you want us to talk to, questions you want us to ask, and things you want to know about so we can try to find those answers for you.

I, like usual, promise nothing...except that I'll be twisting some arms of people here to join me in describing their experience playing PFS this weekend and the people that make it happen.

-Pain

[Eric Clingenpeel]

I can't wait! While I'm not going to PaizoCon, I recently read through last years, and felt at least a step closer to the action. Looking forward to reading about the Grand Convocation, and hoping that someone takes lots of pictures or video (if at all possible).

Does anyone know if there will be recordings of the panels again this year?

[verdigris]

As I think I may have mentioned a time or two (or twenty, I lose track) I won't be there, so I am especially looking forward to this year's bloggery goodness. The Grand Convocation looms largest on my dying to know scale, but really I just want to hear everything, both game and activity wise, but also what the new hotel is like.

Last year's people reports (people met, people gamed with) and the overall fun that was to be had. I hope we will see a lot more of those this year.

ooh! and ditto on the pictures!

[Lamplighter]

I will post as often as I can, on anything not covered under a non-disclosure agreement ... I fly to Seattle tomorrow, for my first PaizoCon!

[Andrew Christian]

I'll be flying out tomorrow, so I'll do what I can to give a running report of my activities.

[Kyle Baird]

I've arrived. Should I start blogging now?

[Marthian]

I'd just like someone to be able to record the Pathfinder Online section if possible.

[Painlord]

Kyle Baird wrote:

I've arrived. Should I start blogging now?

Let me guess, it's 80 and sunny there?

Thought so.

Yeah...when you start doing stuff beyond counting the PCs you've killed, yeah...'blog' away. Especially if you're hanging out with PFSers at some firework show.

[kinevon]

Painlord wrote:

Kyle Baird wrote:

I've arrived. Should I start blogging now?

Let me guess, it's 80 and sunny there?

Thought so. Yeah...when you start doing stuff beyond counting the PCs you've killed, yeah...'blog' away. Especially if you're hanging out with PFSers at some firework show.

Isn't that last a table of We Be Goblins!?

[Kyle Baird]

My first report:

I've been here an hour and I've yet to kill a single PC. I must be losing my touch. I'll make up for it tomorrow afternoon.

[bdk86]

Kyle Baird wrote:

My first report:

I've been here an hour and I've yet to kill a single PC. I must be losing my touch. I'll make up for it tomorrow afternoon.

Secret Fifth Star Maintenance Requirement: Bathe in the Blood of at least one PC a week.

[Painlord]

Ah piddlespot! I'm getting excited for this.

I now get to add Lamplighter to my list of yahoos who I want to meet at PaizoCon. (I already knew you were coming, AC.)

Painlord Schedule o' Pain & Suffering:

Friday, July 6
08:00 AM – 10:00 AM GM 101 (Part 1): Pathfinder GM Basics (Heckler)
10:00 AM – 01:00 PM GM 101 (Part 2): Practice Makes Perfect (Hecklee)
01:00 PM – 06:00 PM #3-15: The Haunting of Hinojai (5-9) (Hauntee)
07:00 PM – 12:00 AM Grand Convocation (LARPer)

Saturday, July 7
08:00 AM – 01:00 PM #3-26: Portal of the Sacred Rune (7-11) (The Keymaster) with WalterGM (I hope).
01:00 PM – 06:00 PM #3-20: Rats of Round Mountain, Part 1 (7-11) (Heckler)
07:00 PM – 10:00 PM PaizoCon 2012 Preview Banquet (Hired Goon)

Sunday, July 8
09:00 AM – 02:00 PM #3-08: Among the Gods (3-7)(Immortal Reincarnate)

Note: Subject to change without rhyme or reason.

New Yahoos to Meet*:

• W.Kristoph Nolen
  
• Todd freakin' Morgan
  
• Kyle 'Alizor' Pratt
  
• Nani Pratt
  
• TOZ
  
• Beerwolf
  
• Balodek (I've been playing PbP with him for over a year, finally going to meet.)
  
• Grolick
  
• VL Brian Darnell
  
• VL AC
  
• Lampfreakin'Lighter
  
• Bombadil
  
• VL John Compton
  
• VC Scott Yauger (new Reno head yahoo)
  
• VC Northron
  
• VL Nostrings
  
• VL MatBlack

*=and a bunch more that I don't know are coming yet.

Things I'm looking forward to:

• Seeing the new GM 101 & 102 presentations. We're looking forward to running them (or something similar) at Pacificon and I'm a huge fan of better judges.
  
• Hanging with Baird, Mr. Slanky, DMoon (yeah, really!), and other yahoos that I met last PaizoCon.
  
• Playing the Grand Convocation. I believe there is a lot of 'pressure' on this event to do well so that different types of PFS scenarios can be supported. I believe that for PFS to continue to grow, we need to expand beyond the usual 'errand boy' missions and introduce some variety.
  
• Partying with Fiona and Ogre. Cuz, yeah know, how often do you party with an Ogre?
  
• Being GM'd by WalterGM in the Friday 3-26 Portal game (I hope). I've heard good things about his GM style and I want to take notes.
  
• Meeting a bunch of yahoos that I don't know yet.

I get in to the hotel at 1pmish on Thursday, traveling with Shivok (NYC) in from SeaTac. After check-in, it's getting supplies from a local fooding establishment, dropping in on Baird's pre-Con run of Rats 1, then to the PaizoCon Meet & Greet at the Clamhumper at 5pm or 6pm.

-Pain

[Drogon]

My request: as much detail as possible about the GM 101 and GM 102 sessions. Getting GMs to grow in ability and reputation is my passion, and I want a program that I can institute. I've only heard rumors of this program, and would love some first-hand reports.

I'm on pins and needles...

[Mattastrophic]

Hi guys,

Upon Painlord the Wise's recommendation, I've given my concept for an in-character PaizoCon blog its own thread.

The Private Diary of Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher

I'll be chattering about PFS at the con, there through the lens of a Lady of Taldor who is rather angsty-feeling today.

-Matt

[Kyle Baird]

Sitting on the beach with Brock, Alizor, and Nani waiting for the fireworks to start.

[Dragnmoon]

Kyle Baird wrote:

Sitting on the beach with Brock, Alizor, and Nani waiting for the fireworks to start.

That sounds so romantic... ;)

[nosig]

Kyle Baird wrote:

Sitting on the beach with Brock, Alizor, and Nani waiting for the fireworks to start.

are any of them still breathing?

[Michael Brock]

nosig wrote:

Kyle Baird wrote:

Sitting on the beach with Brock, Alizor, and Nani waiting for the fireworks to start.

are any of them still breathing?

Kyle Baird wasn't when I left. I believe the fishermen were getting ready to chum his body for the orcas.

[nosig]

brings new meaning to the phrase

"Kyle is my chum...."

(edit: wait, are you suggesting that Kyle might be like Osiris? Let's hope Isis does a better job of finding all 14 pieces.... otherwise Kyle will be even harder to play for!)

[Andrew Christian]

Player 1: Dag-nabbit! Fred, you were supposed to bring piece 4!

Player 2: Sorry Hubert, I forgot, jeesh!

Player 3: But Fred, without his head, we won't have a game today!

Player 2: Fine, I'll go home and get Kyle's head!

Player 1: Be snappy about it, the store closes at 6pm and its already 12:30!

Player 2: Fine! But if I get in a car accident, its your fault! Especially if I kill Kyle's head!

Player 3: Just put a seatbelt on him!

Player 2: ?!

[Michael Brock]

Or duct tape his head to the front of the car and he can wail like a siren.

[Thorkull]

Michael Brock wrote:

Or duct tape his head to the front of the car and he can wail like a siren.

Oh, like those deer-scaring whistles some rural ihabitants put on their bumpers?

[Jiggy]

Painlord wrote:

For you non-attendees: Tell us who you want us to talk to, questions you want us to ask, and things you want to know about so we can try to find those answers for you.

As a non-attendee, I'd like to remind all attendees that Saturday is my birthday and I don't currently own a race boon.

That is all.

;)

[Kyle Baird]

Jiggy wrote:

Painlord wrote:

For you non-attendees: Tell us who you want us to talk to, questions you want us to ask, and things you want to know about so we can try to find those answers for you.

As a non-attendee, I'd like to remind all attendees that Saturday is my birthday and I don't currently own a race boon.

That is all.

;)

PM me your address and I'll send you a tiefling or aasimar.

[Eric Clingenpeel]

Jonathan Cary wrote:

Michael Brock wrote:

Or duct tape his head to the front of the car and he can wail like a siren.

Oh, like those deer-scaring whistles some rural ihabitants put on their bumpers?

Yeah, I'm thinking that a disembodied head duct taped to the front of a car and screaming would definitely get people out of the way... since you'd probably have a line of police cars with lights and sirens chasing after you... ;)

[Jiggy]

@Kyle: I was actually making all these birthday references as a running joke. I don't wanna be a beggar. Thanks anyway, though.

[Purple Fluffy CatBunnyGnome]

Eric Clingenpeel wrote:

Jonathan Cary wrote:

Michael Brock wrote:

Or duct tape his head to the front of the car and he can wail like a siren.

Oh, like those deer-scaring whistles some rural ihabitants put on their bumpers?

Yeah, I'm thinking that a disembodied head duct taped to the front of a car and screaming would definitely get people out of the way... since you'd probably have a line of police cars with lights and sirens chasing after you... ;)

that would be kinda awesome tho ... snork .. until it choked on a bug ... hrmm ... if a disembodied head, duct taped to the front of a car chokes on a bug and dies .. can the driver of the car be charged with murder or would it be more along the lines of assault

[Dragnmoon]

The Dragnmoon has landed. The Dragnmoon has landed.

[godsDMit]

I think that's closer to negligence, right? Cause the driver didnt do anything to help the disembodied head be able to keep the bugs out of its mouth.

[Drogon]

Dragnmoon wrote:

The Dragnmoon has landed. The Dragnmoon has landed.

Is that what that underwhelming "thud" was?

[JohnF]

Jiggy wrote:

@Kyle: I was actually making all these birthday references as a running joke. I don't wanna be a beggar. Thanks anyway, though.

Read Kyle's post again. He didn't say he would be sending you a boon ...

[dinketry]

I met Jo(h)n from Super Genius Games! From New Jersey! And I've had 4 cups of coffee so far!!!! In only 12hrs total that I've been here in Redmond!!!!!

!!!!

-Dink(!!!!!)

[dinketry]

Oh, and I just partook of a goblin brain confectionary. I'm hoping that will help to balance out the coffee.

[Andrew Christian]

Waiting in MSP airport. Boarding starts in approximately 25 minutes

[Dragnmoon]

In the further adventures of Dragnmoon, not prepared for the dramatic weather change and failing his fort save, he bravely adventured to the Macy's and discovered the means to protect himself from the colder weather. During his travels he was attacked by a sloth in close quarters and his eye protection was sundered. Luckily he found a Hut that had replacement for his destroyed adventuring gear.

Failing his survival check in tracking his compatriots he found himself at at an eatery run by gold diggers.

[Jiggy]

Dragnmoon wrote:

he found himself at at an eatery run by gold diggers.

You managed to find a dwarven alehouse? Sweet!

[WalterGM]

Finished pulling all the fiberglass out of my hands (the result of working on a super secret project at the request of Kyle Elliot), showering and then driving over after lunch. Will be bringing four PaizoCon newbies (myself included) in our rig, and then another four to follow on Friday. Maybe I can even catch up with my other VOs tonight for drinks, depending on how much I speed.

[Kyshkumen]

Someone let me know if Baird takes out Ogres Alchemist today. He's had it coming for awhile :)

[noswald]

While I won't be at PaizoCon, I think we need to have a tally board for Kyle's Kills. I'll put the idea out now for GenCon.

[Painlord]

Yeah...Robyn Nixon just threatened to break my legs. Probably not the best way to start this convention.

Apparently, I'm *not* supposed to poach LA's Venture Officers for our Bay Area conventions. Well, I apologized profusely and got let off with a stern warning.

Yeah, a while back, I invited Brian Darnell up to Pacificon to come play in our tables of Eyes of the Ten in the Bay Area. Yep...not supposed to do that.

Note to self: Don't mess with Robyn.

* * *

I've been at PaizoCon for about 2 hours.

Kyle Baird is running 6 yahoos through Rats1 in the hotel lobby: I recognize DMoon, Mr. Slanky, Aaron K, & Ogre among the victims. There are a few unused caskets nearby and a priest stands nearby for last rights. Poor suckers.

Met and had lunch with W. Kristoph Nolen (Dallas) & Shivok (NJ/NYC). "Wade" (the "W." in W. Kristoph Nolen) is a nice friendly guy...former military and been playing PFS since season 0. He only discovered the PFS boards about a year ago. Big fan of Wade already.

Shivok rocks btw. He picked me up from the airport and drove my ugly ass to the hotel.

[Jiggy]

Painlord wrote:

Kyle Baird is running 6 yahoos through Rats1 in the hotel lobby: I recognize DMoon, Mr. Slanky*, Aaron K**, & Ogre among the victims.

*I know him!

**And possibly him, depending on what the K stands for!

Is there still time to say goodbye? ;)

[Thorkull]

Painlord wrote:

Met and had lunch with W. Kristoph Nolen (Dallas) & Shivok (NJ/NYC). "Wade" (the "W." in W. Kristoph Nolen) is a nice friendly guy...former military and been playing PFS since season 0. He only discovered the PFS boards about a year ago. Big fan of Wade already.

Yeah, Wade's pretty cool. Got to meet him at A-Kon last month. Too bad he doesn't come to any of our local gamedays (hint, hint).

[W. Kristoph Nolen]

Jonathan Cary wrote:

Painlord wrote:

Met and had lunch with W. Kristoph Nolen (Dallas) & Shivok (NJ/NYC). "Wade" (the "W." in W. Kristoph Nolen) is a nice friendly guy...former military and been playing PFS since season 0. He only discovered the PFS boards about a year ago. Big fan of Wade already.

Yeah, Wade's pretty cool. Got to meet him at A-Kon last month. Too bad he doesn't come to any of our local gamedays (hint, hint).

Lies. Lies and heresy. I'm a minion of the Asmodeus, and I am bent on the bringing about of the end of Golarion as we know it. I have subverted the DFW Arlington game days, and I am (slowly) bending you all to the will of the Paracountess. Whips shall be involved, and slaves shall be taken. Except for those who give me rides home. They'll get to make a saving throw to get a small pool of lava instead. :)

[Painlord]

Sweet VC Jason Leonard (Ariz) and VC Rene (Chicago) just made checked in. I've also seen VC JP Chaphat (Colorado) & VC Clarence Garrett (ID).

Good to see those two. Jason ran me through a portion of Eyes of Ten and Rene came out to visit the Bay Area and my FLGS earlier this year.

Sweet. Big fun players are prowling the halls of this hotel.

* * *

Kyshkumen wrote:

Someone let me know if Baird takes out Ogres Alchemist today. He's had it coming for awhile :)

Working on it, Scott. I'll whisper some additional encouragement to Baird during the next break. It's nice to have others out there hoping for the same thing.

[Thorkull]

W. Kristoph Nolen wrote:

I have subverted the DFW Arlington game days, and I am (slowly) bending you all to the will of the Paracountess.

Oh? I must have missed that gameday you so conveniently subverted :)

[Painlord]

Finally met Brian Darnell. Awesome. He's the VL from LA for whom I almost had my legs broken.

Nice guy.

Yeah, I invited him up to Pacificon before I knew him. Which almost got me in trouble. Good times.

[Steve Shippy aka Beerwolf]

Ok. Just met Pain and a bunch of folks. People are overly friendly and it's been a great experience so far. (besides the micro brewery pub crawling the wife and I started around 12:30)

[W. Kristoph Nolen]

It's rather amazing ... I'm sitting here with so many great guys ...
It's amazing that I am getting to meet so many people from the forums, so many Venture Captains, so many great people that I'm gona consider friends for a long time.
There's a game of Rats of Round Mountain, not 30' away, Painlord and I are hanging with Pirate Rob, Three Eyed Sloth, Bruce Higa ... it's great to meet everyone. It's cool and comfortable, but, we're getting ready to head over to the Claimjumper for a little libation.

I hope they have a Horsby's or a Woodchuck. I wonder if there's a local-brew cider. :)

[Todd Morgan]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the perpetual darkness covering the land with my arrival.

[JohnF]

Todd Morgan wrote:

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the perpetual darkness covering the land with my arrival.

This is Redmond, home of Microsoft. They're used to that kind of thing.