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Slot 1, Thursday AM: 7-23 Abducted in Aether
Slot 2, Thursday MID: 7-23 Abducted in Aether
Slot 3, Thursday PM: 7-98 Special: Serpent's Ire
Slot 4, Friday AM: 7-23 Abducted in Aether
Slot 5, Friday MID: 7-23 Abducted in Aether
Slot 6, Friday PM: 8-00 Special: The Cosmic Captive (Tier 10-11)*
Slot 7, Saturday AM: OFF :Sleep. Let sleeping wolves lie.
Slot 8, Saturday MID: 7-23 Abducted in Aether
Slot 9, Saturday PM: OFF
Slot 10, Sunday AM: OFF
How far is the walk between the sagamore ballroom and the DM rooms?
There's apparently half an hour in between slots. I can bring a sandwich for lunch but dinner's probably going to be another matter. Is there somewhere close enough to get the food in that time and then eat it during the game or do I send someone that wants to live to get food? Or maybe kill off the party early...
Is there a ticket system or is it the badge covers everything?
I just registered to attend gencon but haven't bought a badge.Does the badge show up in advance or do you get it when you check in?
If I want to play Saturday/Sunday or in the unlikely event i actually wake up Saturday morning how does that work? Is there a warhorn? Spontaneous muster? Red rover tournament of death?
Venture-Agent, Nebraska—Omaha
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I can't speak to the GM logistics, unfortunately.
The GenCon badge covers entry. To play requires an event ticket (or enough generic $2 tickets to cover the cost of an event ticket).
With that GM schedule you should be awarded a GM badge by Tonya. If you don't see it credited on your GenCon account, you should email her or the GenCon PFS volunteer account. It's easiest to pick it up at Will Call when you get into town.
Games are mustered just outside the ballroom. There are designated areas for each available scenario where everyone congregates to find other like-minded individuals and form a party. Once you have a party, you notify the organizing volunteer to seat you at a table.
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1) The Hotel that we are staying at is across the skywalk from the Sagamore Ballroom. Should be a 10 - 15 minute walk at most.
2) There are a variety of options for food, but generally not as quick as we would like them. I recommend bringing a lunch (Granola bar, Sandwich, Drink, Snack?) and eating between slots 1 and 2. There is a kind of Pseudo Food Court in the convention center, and some faster restaurants nearby. Also, food trucks outside. Generally, if you keep the table moving, you can get the table completed in about 4-4.5 hours, and the slots are 5 hours long. I normally was finishing food as my table got mustered, or was cleaning up.
3) There is a ticket system! If you would like to play an event, you can purchase tickets online, at the GenCon website, or buy generic tickets and present them when you are getting mustered. It is generally $6 for a normal PFS scenario, and $8-10 for the specials.
4) On Wednesday night, when you get to Indianapolis, you can head to the Sagamore Ballroom, and normally HQ volunteers will be there folding shirts, getting tables set up, and handing out Badges and such. You give them your name, they give you an envelope with your badge, your boon, your hardcover book and any other fun stuff. (Shirts ETC)
5) There isn't a Warhorn, and it isn't really Round Robin either. Basically, there are large signs with Scenario Title and Level information (Abducted in Aether 7-11, Dead Man's Debt 1-5, etc.) on or just inside the doors. Talk to people by the sign with the event you would like to play, form up a party, and talk to an Orange Shirt HQ Volunteer to get assigned a table! They give you a packet of information to give to the GM when you get to the table, and away you go! If you have a party already in mind, it makes it a lot easier, as you can go straight to the Mustering HQ Volunteer.
Hopefully this information was helpful to you BigNorseWolf!
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Thanks all.
Now since i'm running back to back to back 2 days, I assume I'll be able to just claim a table in the name of spain, park a chair there and set up camp (i'm going to need to acquire a better chair if i'm sitting that long) ? Or is there something in the setup that requires DMs to play musical chairs?
So wed i can show up, buy 18 bucks worth of generic tickets, and then be good for all three games? Or can i see if i'm awake saterday, snag tickets and throw them in? Hmmm or buy 12 bucks worth of tickets, use them saterday and replace them saterday IF i use them...
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Under no circumstances, ever, should you follow any piece of advice I give you in regard to GenCon.
Follow this one, Grasshoppers, and you should return home hale and hearty.
Otherwise, see here for what lies in your future.
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I've stayed at the Westin the last couple of years and access to the Sagamore is the best part - it's 10-15 minutes unless your elevator wait is much longer than normal.
I get up at 6:30/7, shower and go eat a big breakfast at Shula's (2nd floor of the hotel - the buffet is best & quick). This gives me 15-20 minutes to eat and sit with coffee rather than standing in line at starbucks for 20-30 minutes and is well worth the extra $10-15 bucks/day to me.
I go to the Sagamore with a snack for lunch in my bag. Lunch break is too quick to brave the lines. I will go to food trucks or to one of the nearby pubs for dinner as long as I have time.
And just a thing - if you are spending any time playing or plan to play any characters you are applying GM credit to, make sure you level up your characters ahead of time. The last thing you want to be doing after a long day of gaming is screwing around with a character sheet for 30-40 minutes before you can sleep.
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Do the rooms have fridges, coffee maker, ?
Gallon of milk and a bowl of cereal would be a good purchase if so.
Generally the room will not have a refrigerator you can use - they have one for the mini bar, but if you move the stuff in there, you've bought it. You can always just get a small styrofoam cooler from a liquor store or similar and fill it with ice from the ice machine. They should have a coffee maker, so you can likely use that for coffee if you are so inclined.
IME the food trucks are too slow if you have a time constraint. The lines tend to be fairly long between slots and the wait after you order can be 5 or 10 minutes.
To be honest, you need to just walk further down the line and skip the pizza. Go for the falafel truck or the vegan indian truck and get some amazing food without the long line.
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Thanks all.
Now since i'm running back to back to back 2 days, I assume I'll be able to just claim a table in the name of spain, park a chair there and set up camp (i'm going to need to acquire a better chair if i'm sitting that long) ? Or is there something in the setup that requires DMs to play musical chairs?
What requires musical chairs is the fact that there are literally over 160 tables of Pathfinder Society being played simultaneously in the Sagamore Ballroom. The Marshals have a duty to seat everyone as quickly as possible. That means sending groups of 6 to each table on their list. ("You six are Tier 7-8 for Abducted in Aether? Go to Red 12.") If the GMs start moving the table numbers around - or worse, just sit at any old table - it makes the whole system hiccup badly. It may not sound like a big deal to switch tables around but once you see the scale in person, you'll be a believer.
But for the past couple of years the volunteers in charge of assigning schedules have done a wonderful job of making it as easy as possible on the GMs. You get a list of your table assignments for each slot when you check in on Wednesday. And they strive to keep you at the same table if you are running the same scenario on consecutive slots. It's not always possible but they do an amazing job considering the logistics.
So wed i can show up, buy 18 bucks worth of generic tickets, and then be good for all three games? Or can i see if i'm awake saterday, snag tickets and throw them in? Hmmm or buy 12 bucks worth of tickets, use them saterday and replace them saterday IF i use them...
You can attempt that. You're better off buying actual tickets if you want to be sure you get a seat at the table. Also note that some scenarios cost more than $6 (specials).
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Looking at the hotel website it does not appear to have fridges.
That would be unfortunate, as the Marriott had them, which was very helpful. Was pretty annoying at paizo con to keep coolers cold with ice.
Just checked the site, and they say they have refridgerators. So, that will be a major help. We like to stock up on sandwich makings so that was are less rushed (and get in some meals)
Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
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The last couple of years I've brought cup o' ramen of various flavors and used the coffee pot to heat the water. It's worked quite well and you can get a lot of different types. For Origins, a friend brings a small microwave with him and they use that for meals which I thought was pretty smart and thought about bringing one to Gen Con this year.
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An alternative spot for a quick lunch is the food court at the mall connected to the convention center. It's a little bit of a hike, so I wouldn't try it if you only have a half hour, but less people go there than other places and the lines move relatively fast.
Also, If you are GMing the special I would prep the other tiers or at least be familiar with them. Year 5 special I prepped the tier I was supposed to do and then mustering sent me a table of players two tiers up. Luckily I had at least familiarized myself with the other tiers so it wasn't a complete nightmare.
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You can attempt that. You're better off buying actual tickets if you want to be sure you get a seat at the table. Also note that some scenarios cost more than $6 (specials).
What are the tickets for exactly? "PFS event" or "3.154 death by pie tier 10-11"
I suppose i'll be able to see the scheduel when i have my badge?
There is a supermarket .6 miles north of the hotel apparently.
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Thanks all.
Now since i'm running back to back to back 2 days, I assume I'll be able to just claim a table in the name of spain, park a chair there and set up camp (i'm going to need to acquire a better chair if i'm sitting that long) ? Or is there something in the setup that requires DMs to play musical chairs?
They will assign tables to GMs, last year at least they attempted (with very high success rate) to have GMs stay at the same table if they were there for consecutive slots. (IIRC, the only time people really moved was for specials)
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They will assign tables to GMs, last year at least they attempted (with very high success rate) to have GMs stay at the same table if they were there for consecutive slots. (IIRC, the only time people really moved was for specials)
that does drop the already unlikely idea of bringing some 3d terrain to pretty much zero- abducted in ether isn't very terrain dependant.. Maybe paint some cardboard...
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You can attempt that. You're better off buying actual tickets if you want to be sure you get a seat at the table. Also note that some scenarios cost more than $6 (specials).What are the tickets for exactly? "PFS event" or "3.154 death by pie tier 10-11"
I suppose i'll be able to see the scheduel when i have my badge?
There is a supermarket .6 miles north of the hotel apparently.
If you buy a slotted ticket, they have the game that you are playing (i.e. 3/1 FrostPaw Captives Tier 15). If you buy generics they are just that you can use them for any event held at Gencon you aren't just limited to PFS events
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Venture-Agent, Nebraska—Omaha
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Last year, they accepted "wrong game" PFS tickets as generic tickets. So if you buy a ticket for one scenario, but end up sitting down for a different scenario instead, you aren't screwed.
As with other generic tickets, people with real tickets have priority. But, it helps if your table doesn't muster for some reason.
Venture-Captain, Nebraska—Omaha
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Looking at the hotel website it does not appear to have fridges.
That would be unfortunate, as the Marriott had them, which was very helpful. Was pretty annoying at paizo con to keep coolers cold with ice.Just checked the site, and they say they have refridgerators. So, that will be a major help. We like to stock up on sandwich makings so that was are less rushed (and get in some meals)
Ok I didn't see it listed in the area I looked at. Good to know that I was wrong. Not that I am staying at the Marriott. Only Tier 4 here. :)
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1) The Hotel that we are staying at is across the skywalk from the Sagamore Ballroom. Should be a 10 - 15 minute walk at most.
2) There are a variety of options for food, but generally not as quick as we would like them. I recommend bringing a lunch (Granola bar, Sandwich, Drink, Snack?) and eating between slots 1 and 2. There is a kind of Pseudo Food Court in the convention center, and some faster restaurants nearby. Also, food trucks outside. Generally, if you keep the table moving, you can get the table completed in about 4-4.5 hours, and the slots are 5 hours long. I normally was finishing food as my table got mustered, or was cleaning up.
3) There is a ticket system! If you would like to play an event, you can purchase tickets online, at the GenCon website, or buy generic tickets and present them when you are getting mustered. It is generally $6 for a normal PFS scenario, and $8-10 for the specials.
4) On Wednesday night, when you get to Indianapolis, you can head to the Sagamore Ballroom, and normally HQ volunteers will be there folding shirts, getting tables set up, and handing out Badges and such. You give them your name, they give you an envelope with your badge, your boon, your hardcover book and any other fun stuff. (Shirts ETC)
5) There isn't a Warhorn, and it isn't really Round Robin either. Basically, there are large signs with Scenario Title and Level information (Abducted in Aether 7-11, Dead Man's Debt 1-5, etc.) on or just inside the doors. Talk to people by the sign with the event you would like to play, form up a party, and talk to an Orange Shirt HQ Volunteer to get assigned a table! They give you a packet of information to give to the GM when you get to the table, and away you go! If you have a party already in mind, it makes it a lot easier, as you can go straight to the Mustering HQ Volunteer.
Hopefully this information was helpful to you BigNorseWolf!
This post does an excellent job of summing stuff up! Like someone else said, when you get your stuff on Wednesday (boon, book, badge) there will also be a copy of your schedule that has tables assigned for you. It will have the usual stuff along with a letter and 1-2 numbers, like B15. The tables are all color coded, so you would just find Blue 15 and you're good to go!
As far as food goes, picking up sandwich fixings is always a viable option. If you want something different the food truck give you a huge range to choose from, prices ranges from reasonable and going up from there. I'm planning on trying more stuff out from the food trucks this year.
Is this your first GenCon? If so, I would recommend taking one of your slots off to check out the dealer room. If crowds get to you, I would suggest going on Sunday, when crowds will have calmed down a bit. There's plenty to see in the dealer room, plus you can stop by the Paizo Booth and meet some of the people that work there.
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Basically, there are large signs with Scenario Title and Level information...
Actually, this year at the behest of the convention nearly/all the floor signs are being eliminated. We will have most information scrolling on the big screens inside the room. This will reduce the log-jam at the doors where traditionally everyone clusters to read the signs while other people are trying to get into or out of the room and others are just peeking in to see the room. Since the information will be HUGE and up off the floor there should be no delay in finding the information you are looking for quickly so you can move on to the appropriate mustering station.
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Basically, there are large signs with Scenario Title and Level information...Actually, this year at the behest of the convention nearly/all the floor signs are being eliminated. We will have most information scrolling on the big screens inside the room. This will reduce the log-jam at the doors where traditionally everyone clusters to read the signs while other people are trying to get into or out of the room and others are just peeking in to see the room. Since the information will be HUGE and up off the floor there should be no delay in finding the information you are looking for quickly so you can move on to the appropriate mustering station.
I'm curiously optimistic to see how this will work out. Reducing the 'cattle call' at the start of slots (especially the Specials and the evening slots) is very much a goal to shoot for, imo.
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IME the food trucks are too slow if you have a time constraint. The lines tend to be fairly long between slots and the wait after you order can be 5 or 10 minutes.To be honest, you need to just walk further down the line and skip the pizza. Go for the falafel truck or the vegan indian truck and get some amazing food without the long line.
There's a vegan Indian truck??? How did I miss that?
BNW, given that you're GMing 7 slots, I'd recommend NOT buying tickets to the remaining 3. Maybe buy $12 in generics so you can play two of them if you feel like it, but I wouldn't expect to be that awake.
Besides, you'll want to see the vendor room. Saturday is the busiest day in there, so I'd recommend going Sunday.
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Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
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This will also be my first GenCon. I've got a related question. I'll be running tables in the PSA (Pathfinder Society Academy) area all con. Will PSA be on the same room as the main PFS? If a separate room, how far from the main action will we be?
Last year they were in the same room along one side with the card game tables between PSA (Kid's Track at the time) and the rest of the PFS tables.
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There's a vegan Indian truck??? How did I miss that?BNW, given that you're GMing 7 slots, I'd recommend NOT buying tickets to the remaining 3. Maybe buy $12 in generics so you can play two of them if you feel like it, but I wouldn't expect to be that awake.
Besides, you'll want to see the vendor room. Saturday is the busiest day in there, so I'd recommend going Sunday.
I got some amazing food at different trucks, I generally walk both areas to see what there is and grab the one with the shortest line. The Indian one was two years ago. Last year I got some awesome falafel.
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I think I found the falafel last year. As a vegetarian, a lot of the food trucks don't really work for me. I would have loved to have found decent Indian food there.
It's no food truck, but this place is about 2-1/2 blocks from the convention center and has a lunch buffet, which means no waiting.
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I think I found the falafel last year. As a vegetarian, a lot of the food trucks don't really work for me. I would have loved to have found decent Indian food there.It's no food truck, but this place is about 2-1/2 blocks from the convention center and has a lunch buffet, which means no waiting.
I forgot about that place. I actually ate there last year, but it was for dinner, so there was no buffet. It was the slowest service I've ever had in a restaurant. Seriously, I think it took them about 2 hours to get us our food. Luckily, we weren't in a rush for a game. The food was pretty good when we got it, but we were all still pretty pissed at them by then.
Knowing they have a buffet for lunch is very helpful. I may have to give them another shot this year.
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So how does the four-volunteer-GMs-to-a-room at the Westin work? Do they roll in a couple of sleeping cots or do you have to cozy up in one of the double beds with one of your just-met-five-minutes-ago roommates? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
I'm requesting a cot or, in a pinch, 2 dog beds.
hmmm.. apparently walmart has hotplates starting at 10 bucks. 2 cans of spighetios and it would pay for itself.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Florida—Melbourne
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So how does the four-volunteer-GMs-to-a-room at the Westin work? Do they roll in a couple of sleeping cots or do you have to cozy up in one of the double beds with one of your just-met-five-minutes-ago roommates? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?I'm requesting a cot or, in a pinch, 2 dog beds.
hmmm.. apparently walmart has hotplates starting at 10 bucks. 2 cans of spighetios and it would pay for itself.
We usually raid the CVS the first day we get there and load up on food and drinks. At least last year our room at the Westin had a fridge.
If you are in a time pinch and need food, there is always a sandwich/pizza stand just outside the Sagamore Ballroom.
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Are you trying to imply that anything's not already swamped at GenCon? Besides, how many people are reading this thread? It's not like all 50,000 GenCon attendees are going to see your advice, just a few dozen of us here, all with our own unique schedules.
Now if I had to guess, I'm going with Cafe Patachou. Great breakfast spot, and only open until early afternoon, so no dinners. Occasionally visited by celebrities (I saw Wil Wheaton there once). Unfortunately, I checked, and they don't open until 7 AM, which is too late for those of us who have to be in the Sagamore by 7:30 every morning, because we're GMing.
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Nah, this place is called First Watch. It's up on Illinois, about two blocks north of the entrance to the convention hall nearest the Sagamore. Their hours are listed 7AM-230PM, but I seem to remember being able to get in there sooner (maybe they shift them around for GenCon?). Good food, decent portions, decent speed of service, organic stuff, even.
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So how does the four-volunteer-GMs-to-a-room at the Westin work? Do they roll in a couple of sleeping cots or do you have to cozy up in one of the double beds with one of your just-met-five-minutes-ago roommates? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?You share a bed.
Cuddling optional.
I don't know how my wife is going to feel about me farting in bed with another while alseep, I think that was even in our wedding vows.
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I don't know how my wife is going to feel about me farting in bed with another while alseep, I think that was even in our wedding vows.So how does the four-volunteer-GMs-to-a-room at the Westin work? Do they roll in a couple of sleeping cots or do you have to cozy up in one of the double beds with one of your just-met-five-minutes-ago roommates? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?You share a bed.
Cuddling optional.
If you're wierded out at the thought of sharing; then bring a sleeping bag or air mattress. One can request a cot; but with the number of people they may or may not have enough to accommodate everyone and you may be left in the lurch if you don't plan ahead.
In general though; by the time everyone gets to the room to crash for the night -- doing anything funny isn't even a thought as you are exhausted and just want to get your 3 hours of sleep before you get up to hit it for another day