PaizoCon UK 2010

[Snorter]

Dazylar wrote:

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.

Apart from the King of the Hawkmen (obviously), is it also in The Phantom Menace (as Boss Nass)?

I can't picture it being his Mr Plod, from 'Make Way For Noddy'.

[Dazylar]

Snorter wrote:

Dazylar wrote:

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.

Apart from the King of the Hawkmen (obviously), is it also in The Phantom Menace (as Boss Nass)?

I can't picture it being his Mr Plod, from 'Make Way For Noddy'.

Nope. I don't think you read my post properly ;-)

Brian Blessed spoke a line before this command which is relevant to another movie by 2 different connections.

-4gmxp :-)

BTW, and just to be on-topic, I don't think I will make it this year either :-(

A two month old baby tends to fill up all available gaming time.

Nonetheless, I will be looking forward to more stories and piccies on the site and if images can be linked to paizo avatar names that would be great.

[Fleanetha]

Cheque is in the post.

Thanks to all for the organization to get us ready for PaizoCon UK 2010.

Restaurant guide would be v useful, especially a list of places to avoid; best food I had was from the Aston Uni bar itself.

Cheers

J

[Wintergreen]

Dazylar wrote:

BTW, and just to be on-topic, I don't think I will make it this year either :-(

A two month old baby tends to fill up all available gaming time.

Nonetheless, I will be looking forward to more stories and piccies on the site and if images can be linked to paizo avatar names that would be great.

Shame - not even able to make it for one day?

I'm sure we'll manage to take a few pictures again this year. Not sure if linking them to messageboard names just sets us up as targets though ;-)

[Wintergreen]

Fleanetha wrote:

Cheque is in the post.

Thanks to all for the organization to get us ready for PaizoCon UK 2010.

Restaurant guide would be v useful, especially a list of places to avoid; best food I had was from the Aston Uni bar itself.

Cheers

J

Great stuff. I'm trying to get the accommodation sorted out at present. I'm sure out location scout, Charles Evans, will be able to provide some more information on the local facilities.

[Charles Evans 25]

Popping along Digbeth at some point to check the prices on last year's alternate accomodation is getting closer to the top of my 'to do' list.

An investigation of eating options in the vicinity of Aston university is also slated for the couple of weeks or so before the convention, to get the most up to date prices there.

Was the balti last year deemed satisfactory enough that you want to go back to the same one, Wintergreen? If so, next time I'm heading out in the direction of King's Heath I'll stop by and check if they're going to be in the same place and if the contact details are going to be the same.

[Wintergreen]

Charles Evans 25 wrote:

Popping along Digbeth at some point to check the prices on last year's alternate accomodation is getting closer to the top of my 'to do' list.

An investigation of eating options in the vicinity of Aston university is also slated for the couple of weeks or so before the convention, to get the most up to date prices there.

Was the balti last year deemed satisfactory enough that you want to go back to the same one, Wintergreen? If so, next time I'm heading out in the direction of King's Heath I'll stop by and check if they're going to be in the same place and if the contact details are going to be the same.

Thanks Charles.

I think a few people have already booked into the nearest Premier Inn for the weekend.

I think the Balti was pretty popular with the majority last year. So I would certainly check out where it is now.

Cheers.

[Snorter]

Wintergreen wrote:

I think the Balti was pretty popular with the majority last year. So I would certainly check out where it is now.

Cheers.

That venue did have the space to fit everyone, and was fairly open-plan, with a wide doorway. I don't know how many guests will be needing improved access, but it succeeded at that last year.

[Snorter]

Dazylar wrote:

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.

Snorter wrote:

Apart from the King of the Hawkmen (obviously), is it also in The Phantom Menace (as Boss Nass)?

I can't picture it being his Mr Plod, from 'Make Way For Noddy'.

Dazylar wrote:

Nope. I don't think you read my post properly ;-)

Brian Blessed spoke a line before this command which is relevant to another movie by 2 different connections.

Don't lose your head, Matt.

We're Princes of the Universe, after all.
Who wants to live forever?

(The Boss Nass suggestion was a joke, since the city of Otto-Gunga is underwater...)

[Wintergreen]

We interrupt this movie reference thread to discussion convention role-playing.....

Any potential PaizoCon UK GMs interested in having a practice run at some other UK conventions between now and July? If so, contact me at the usual address [e-mail]

*You may now return to the movie game*

[Dazylar]

Wintergreen wrote:

We interrupt this movie reference thread to discussion convention role-playing.....

Any potential PaizoCon UK GMs interested in having a practice run at some other UK conventions between now and July? If so, contact me at the usual address [e-mail]

*You may now return to the movie game*

Sorry. I have an uncontrollable compulsion to thread-jack. Especially when Snorter starts talking lobbocks. Anyway...

The last time I was at an organised play event was down in Essex in 1999. I imagine things have moved on somewhat from there. What's the score if you don't have a copy of the rules (I refer to the PRD, y'see)?

[Dazylar]

Snorter wrote:

(The Boss Nass suggestion was a joke, since the city of Otto-Gunga is underwater...)

Rubbish. You're trying to cover your mad, bad guesses. You got it right eventually though.

*I now return you to the on-topic convention thread*

[Wintergreen]

Dazylar wrote:

Wintergreen wrote:

We interrupt this movie reference thread to discussion convention role-playing.....

Any potential PaizoCon UK GMs interested in having a practice run at some other UK conventions between now and July? If so, contact me at the usual address [e-mail]

*You may now return to the movie game*

Sorry. I have an uncontrollable compulsion to thread-jack. Especially when Snorter starts talking lobbocks. Anyway...

The last time I was at an organised play event was down in Essex in 1999. I imagine things have moved on somewhat from there. What's the score if you don't have a copy of the rules (I refer to the PRD, y'see)?

Understandable digressions ;-)

As a player you do need to have the details of any non-core feats, items, etc you might have. As a GM you should have access to a core rulebook and the Bestiary (as the scenarios don't include full stats for any bestiary monsters). I can generally provide you with stuff you'll need on the day.

[Snorter]

Dazylar wrote:

The last time I was at an organised play event was down in Essex in 1999. I imagine things have moved on somewhat from there. What's the score if you don't have a copy of the rules (I refer to the PRD, y'see)?

There's PC facilities on-site, behind reception, for if you need to check or update between games; all PCs have to be registered before play, so you should have an up-to-date copy hosted on the Paizo site, among your aliases.

Failing that, there were plenty of folk with laptops, who seemed to be doing OK last year, re wireless reception. Anyone have connection problems?

In general, though, if you want to avoid being a pain, print out your favoured spell cards, feat descriptions, etc beforehand.
This is essential (mandatory?) for any options taken from a permitted source, that's not in the Core Rulebook (eg nation books, race books), since the GMs are only expected to bring the Core book and Bestiary.

[Ninja'd by Dave]

[Nevynxxx]

Well the two primary concerns are sorted. Her indoors has arranged for children to spend weekend with Granny, and has started looking at hotels. Now I just need to organise funds....

[Wintergreen]

Yeah, organising funds... gotta do that ;-)

Snorter: I had no problems with the wireless connection last year. Free wireless access comes with the room booking.

[Charles Evans 25]

Alternate Accomodation Options:
I made a post *here* last year giving information and contact details about some of the possible alternate accommodation options available along Digbeth. I have been along Digbeth today, checking for price changes at the smaller local B&Bs/hotels. As with last year, prices represented are those quoted over the counter to me, and I cannot guarantee that these will remain stable up until July or that enquiries by telephone will not be met with different values. (At least one venue gives different, higher, room prices in its leaflets.)

Birmingham Central Backpackers
Prices here are down to £15 per night in a dormitory (or £16 for a night over the weekend), a light meal included.
A single room may be available at £30 a night for those desiring privacy, but these are in short supply (only two of them).

Big Bull’s Head
Prices here have risen to £30 a night for a single person, or are £50 for a double room. (Breakfast included.)

The Kerry Man
Prices quoted here for a single room (£29.50, breakfast included) match those for last year.

The Dubliner
Prices quoted here for a single room (£20 per night, meal not included) match those for last year.

Old Crown Inn
Prices quoted here for a single room are down to £30 a night, the price per person for a shared family room remains at £25, and double rooms are £60 per night. Breakfast is included.

Adam & Eve Hotel
Prices quoted here for a single room have risen to £20 a night, and a meal is only included in that on Monday to Thursday.

Moseley Arms
Prices quoted here are identical to last year, at £25 for a single room without a meal, or £30 for a single room with breakfast.

I assume that contact methods for these venues remain the same as detailed in last year’s post, but if anyone experiences problems, I can check for updates.

[Charles Evans 25]

Transport Update:
Travel time on foot from the current location for Digbeth Coach Station to Aston University is approximately three minutes longer than to the temporary coach station location of last year, now falling into the 15-20 minutes range for me with good walking conditions, relatively unencumbered.

[Dazylar]

Right! Just in case, if I were to come for one day, what day would be best? Saturday?

[Charles Evans 25]

Dazylar wrote:

Right! Just in case, if I were to come for one day, what day would be best? Saturday?

If you're using public transport, Saturday would in theory be easier.

If you're asking about what's on the schedule, I believe Wintergreen and Rob are still in the process of collecting detailed feedback on what people might want to play and when and haven't posted a schedule yet.
I believe that at present two five hour slots may well be scheduled for each day, although there could be some *late night gaming* on the Saturday, too.

[Wintergreen]

Dazylar wrote:

Right! Just in case, if I were to come for one day, what day would be best? Saturday?

As Charles says, we haven't selected the scenarios yet and I'm still recruiting GMs but Saturday will have the potential late night slot. Plus on Saturday we''ll have two rooms. So unless there are some particular scenarios you want to play then I'd recommend Saturday.

[Dazylar]

Wintergreen wrote:

Dazylar wrote:

Right! Just in case, if I were to come for one day, what day would be best? Saturday?

As Charles says, we haven't selected the scenarios yet and I'm still recruiting GMs but Saturday will have the potential late night slot. Plus on Saturday we''ll have two rooms. So unless there are some particular scenarios you want to play then I'd recommend Saturday.

To be honest, I'd be happy with anything. And.... I've got the okay from the guv'nor! I'm coming on Saturday. i'll get a cheque in the post Asap.

Now, how do I sign up for events? And what are the times? Need to arrange transport...

[Wintergreen]

Dazylar wrote:

Wintergreen wrote:

Dazylar wrote:

Right! Just in case, if I were to come for one day, what day would be best? Saturday?

As Charles says, we haven't selected the scenarios yet and I'm still recruiting GMs but Saturday will have the potential late night slot. Plus on Saturday we''ll have two rooms. So unless there are some particular scenarios you want to play then I'd recommend Saturday.

To be honest, I'd be happy with anything. And.... I've got the okay from the guv'nor! I'm coming on Saturday. i'll get a cheque in the post Asap.

Now, how do I sign up for events? And what are the times? Need to arrange transport...

Great. We haven't finalised which scenarios will be running yet. Once that is decided then the information will go up on the website. We'll be going for a 9am start so doors open at 8:30 and have 2 five hour slots on the Saturday, finish by 7pm. There will be additional activities (including some scenarios being run) in the evening up to midnight.

The booking form asks for character class and level which we use to put you into the PFS scenarios at an appropriate tier. If you have some specific scenaios you'd like to play then let me know (here, on our website or on your booking form).

[Snorter]

Wintergreen wrote:

So unless there are some particular scenarios you want to play then I'd recommend Saturday.

Stick him in something by Richard Pett.

Dazylar loves throbbing tentacles, and scenarios where he has to make frequent Will saves.

[Wintergreen]

Snorter wrote:

Wintergreen wrote:

So unless there are some particular scenarios you want to play then I'd recommend Saturday.

Stick him in something by Richard Pett.

Dazylar loves throbbing tentacles, and scenarios where he has to make frequent Will saves.

Throbbing tentacles are so last year. Maybe tumescent tentacles?

[Charles Evans 25]

Hmm. I can supply Munchkin Cthulhu if necessary. ;)

[Nevynxxx]

Room booked. Interestingly, using Tesco Clubcard vouchers, I've got a double room (Me and the Mrs) at the Birmingham Britiania, Arriving on 16th and departing on 18th, for £116, or £25 worth of clubcard tokens... + £16.

Need to call central reservations to do that on 0161 923 0300...

Oh, that includes breakfast too....

[Charles Evans 25]

Hmm. That sounds a good use of clubcard vouchers. :)
I hope you have an umbrella and waterproof footwear if it rains, as that's about a ten minute walk to campus unless you get a good run on the pedestrian crossings. ;)
Handy for New Street Station though...

[Nevynxxx]

Charles Evans 25 wrote:

Hmm. That sounds a good use of clubcard vouchers. :)

I hope you have an umbrella and waterproof footwear if it rains though, as that's about ten minutes walk to campus unless you get a good run on the pedestrian crossings. ;)
Handy for New Street Station though...

I'm from far enough North that a bit o' rain doesn't stop me! We shall be driving so don't need to worry about the station...

I do like the idea of paying £8 per night in "real" money though ;)

[Charles Evans 25]

Other Events Occuring in Birmingham:
From the 16th - 25th July this year, the Birmingham International Jazz Festival is scheduled.
This may be of some interest to those arriving early or looking to stay on a day or two afterwards.

The Website for the Jazz festival is here: *link*

[moon madness]

Hi dave you can mark me down to run at least 4 slots over the con. I'll do more if needed.
See ya at easter

[Wintergreen]

moon madness wrote:

Hi dave you can mark me down to run at least 4 slots over the con. I'll do more if needed.

See ya at easter

Good stuff. I think we've got a strong group of GMs for this year. I'm still interested in getting a couple more GMs - anybody willing to run one or two slots should get in touch [e-mail]

[Wintergreen]

Doing a lot of thinking about guests at PaizoCon UK this year. Currently lining up some possibilities.

What do people think of having guests there? Do they make you more interested in attending? Who would you like to see there?

[ericthecleric]

Dave, earlier today I sent an email to [e-mail].

[Wintergreen]

ericthecleric wrote:

Dave, earlier today I sent an email to [e-mail].

Hope it's not urgent. I can't access that account from my workplace and will be unlikely to have access before Sunday.

[ericthecleric]

It's not. Just wanted to tell you so you could check when you could!

[French Wolf]

I have volunteered to run two slots but I could be convinced to turn one of my other player slots into DMing if it was necessary and not a naff scenario (not that there are many of them these days).

[Wintergreen]

ericthecleric wrote:

It's not. Just wanted to tell you so you could check when you could!

Cheers, just got it. :-D

French Wolf wrote:

I have volunteered to run two slots but I could be convinced to turn one of my other player slots into DMing if it was necessary and not a naff scenario (not that there are many of them these days).

Thanks. I'm carefully reviewing the scenarios. And I think we've got plenty of volunteer GMs - but the more the merrier!

[French Wolf]

Music to my ears.

Cheers

[Wintergreen]

Seems that there is no longer any student hall of residence accommodation available at Aston University. If you want a room on campus there are rooms available at the conference centre. If you want cheaper rooms then advance bookings at nearby places are your best bet.

[Charles Evans 25]

As a reminder, there is an International Jazz festival scheduled in Birmingham at the same time as PaizoCon UK. I would encourage attendees to keep an eye on the PaizoCon UK website for alternative accomodation options and to book as early as possible. I can't be certain that the Jazz festival will suck up hotel/B & B rooms, but it seems within the grounds of possibility.

Umm, and if anyone has a canal boat which they want to bring along, the 48 hour mooring only a few minutes walk from Campus is still there as far as I know...

[Wintergreen]

Would there be interest in trying to have this. run on the Saturday evening at PaiozCon UK?

The Year of the Shadow Lodge (A Pathfinder Society Special Event)
"(Levels 1-11) When a famous Pathfinder returns to the Grand Lodge in Absalom with a long sought after Azlanti artifact of power, the Society celebrates the achievement by throwing a massive party in Absalom's arena. When the artifact is stolen during the party, it's up to you and the other bands of Pathfinders to get it back before it can be used to destroy the Grand Lodge--or worse."

[Snorter]

Levels 1-11?
Presumably there's a way to scale it so the low-level PCs don't get slaughtered by the opponents meant for the old-timers?

[Uzzy]

It is certainly something I would be up for. Nice way to spend Saturday evening for sure.

[Joshua J. Frost]

Snorter wrote:

Levels 1-11?

Presumably there's a way to scale it so the low-level PCs don't get slaughtered by the opponents meant for the old-timers?

Tables are broken out by tiers and either fight variations of the current combat or they fight different parts of the current combat.

[Calixymenthillian]

I'm fairly certain I would be in favour of this.

[DM Wellard]

Does it count towards advancement? or is it considered to be a special case. It's sort off appealing.

Anyway Dave Cheque winging its way to you this weekend..and I have my room booked at the Old Crown

[Joshua J. Frost]

This event will have a chronicle sheet with +1 XP.

[DM Wellard]

Thank you Josh..in which case.Hell Yeah

[Charles Evans 25]

For those who do not follow the news, the volcano Eyjafjallajökull has recently started erupting in Iceland, and the spread of volcanic ash on the winds has shut down UK airspace today. Whilst we are currently three months short of PaizoCon UK, it might be advisable for those who were planning to travel in UK airspace on the way to attend to have contingency plans in place just in case the volcano is still interfering with air travel at that point. This one does have recent form in geological terms for ongoing eruptions:

British Geological Survey wrote:

...Eyjafjallajökull last erupted in 1821, and the eruption continued intermittently for around two years. A major eruption then began at a nearby volcano, Katla, in 1823...

*Link to the BGS article, which also explains how the volcano disrupts aeroplane function (link correct as of date of posting)*

Edit:
This is currently an outside possibility of disruption as there are three months for the eruption to stop, for the winds to shift, for engineering solutions that allow flights to resume to be devised, etc, etc, but sufficiently significant that I think it worth posting to highlight it.