"Fall-In! 2015" Topic

snurl1.. that sounds great!

500gc's…. looks to me like a Skaven or Reichlander night!!!

I am assuming NO hired swords, etc…. as this is more of a learning and teaching event…. it would be cool to see this grow into a regular thing.

Napoleonics by day…. Mordheim by night….

<Napoleonics by day…. Mordheim by night….>
The secret double life of a HMGS Convention Director.

Sounds good Dan.
If you can, bring along your rulebook.

Dan, would it be possible for you to address some of Historygamer's suggestions from his Oct 8, 8:05am entry? Some of the GM's would find that helpful. Thanks.

Cart ramps are our friends. I always bring a cart myself.

Dan, did you get my suggestions for talks? Did I go about the right way to request them? Things have been crazy here and I might have flubbed up in my manner of requesting them. Mike

I'll repost this since Dan seems to have wandered off to other threads :-)

I am surprised no one from the BOD has ever insisted on higher watt bulbs in the gaming rooms, especially some of the smaller rooms.

You may want to promote use of the loading dock in the rear of Distlefink for use by GMs for loading and unloading. I made up a slide and gave it to your predecessor for use on the webpage to show people where it is. The old GM Help Desk used to babysit GM's stuff after they unloaded and moved their car. Shame that is gone.

You might also want to point out to GMs that there is a handicap ramp in front of the Host they can use if they have a cart (HMGS used to provide handcarts to GMs – loaned out from the GM Help Desk. I wonder whatever happened to those carts?). The ramp leads up into the registration area, IIRC. There is also a small elevator across from the hotel front desk that GMs can use to get their stuff downstairs, if they come in the front way.

All good points, HG.

Most of which are already known to GMs who are veterans of the Host.

Speaking of GMs, given that two veteran GMs were recently elected to the BOD, you can be sure that HMGS is aware of the "light bulb issue." They have complained to the Host about it before, but there are obviously greater issues at the Host now than light bulbs that need to be replaced. Some would argue that it's not about replacing the light bulbs at the Host anymore, it's about replacing the Host itself with a better venue.

It would be nice to have the GM Help Desk (and the carts that went with it) back. We'll see.

Carts that used to be at the GM Help Desk are now available from the Registration Desk. I have been able to get one at most (all) recent conventions, just by asking. Need to make sure and return it quickly and they aren't available after registration closes on Saturday, but those are the only limitations I have experienced.

@History gamer….
I apologize, I swear I answered this. All of your suggestions have been requested of the Host.. I think I said "I never know about this or that"… What I meant was OH, ok… I'll ask….

1. I asked that we get some better wattage bulbs for the show in the game rooms downstairs.

2. For all GM's if you are running an event in one of the downstairs rooms, there is a loading dock on the back side of the Distilfink you can use to load and unload from, ask at the desk for directions if you need them.

3. There is also a staff lockable storage closet (coat room) GM's can use in th elower level where the food is served outside the D-fink. If you are a GM and want to store something there see a SENIOR staffer…. we will be able to have your stuff stored and signed in and out.

4. The host does have bus carts like any other hotel, ask for one at the front desk… DO NOT HOARD IT for the length of your game to use later for pack up and moving…. use it and return them please…. that is shameful as others could be using them during your events.

5. All items have been addressed from the significant finds at the Host health inspection.

Next up, the following events are now on the reg system.. sorry they were late….

F: 442: BIG BATTLE CRY – THE BATTLE OF SHILOH – GM: Bryan Leshinskie – Period: American Civil War – Scale: 20mm – Rules: Battle Cry – SHILOH IS A HEBREW WORD FOR PLACE OF PEACE… Grant's Army of the Tennessee is ordered to link up with Buell's army of the Ohio at a place called Pittsburg Landing. Both armies would attack the important railroad junction at Cornith, this move would strike deep into the Confederate defensive line in northern Tennessee. A. S. Johnston launches a surprise attack on the green Federal Troops.

S: 443: BIG BATTLE CRY – THE BATTLE OF Antietam – GM: Bryan Leshinskie – Period: American Civil War – Scale: 20mm – Rules: Battle Cry – McClellan's army launches an attack on Lee's army that has concentrated around the town of Sharpsburg Maryland, behind the Antietam creek. Using the Big Battle Cry system we will re-fight this battle with a bigger map and more figures. All are welcomed to play with no one ever turned away…

F: 444: The Bridges at Toko-Ri – GM: John Stanoch & Blue Sky Enterprizes – Period: Korean War – Scale: 1/285 – Rules: Home Brew – Fly as one of the intrepid pilots in their F9F Panther jets from the USS Savo Island as they perform their mission of destroying these heavily defended bridges. Lurking in the vicinity are multiple flights of Mig-15bis'. Players will have the opportunity to playtest the jet age rules in the upcoming "Green Hill/Blue Sky". No experience is required and the new rules will be taught.

S: 445: The Bridges at Toko-Ri – GM: John Stanoch & Blue Sky Enterprizes – Period: Korean War – Scale: 1/285 – Rules: Home Brew – Fly as one of the intrepid pilots in their F9F Panther jets from the USS Savo Island as they perform their mission of destroying these heavily defended bridges. Lurking in the vicinity are multiple flights of Mig-15bis'. Players will have the opportunity to playtest the jet age rules in the upcoming "Green Hill/Blue Sky". No experience is required and the new rules will be taught.

S: 446: The Bridges at Toko-Ri – GM: John Stanoch & Blue Sky Enterprizes – Period: Korean War – Scale: 1/285 – Rules: Home Brew – Fly as one of the intrepid pilots in their F9F Panther jets from the USS Savo Island as they perform their mission of destroying these heavily defended bridges. Lurking in the vicinity are multiple flights of Mig-15bis'. Players will have the opportunity to playtest the jet age rules in the upcoming "Green Hill/Blue Sky". No experience is required and the new rules will be taught.

F: 447: Blood Bowl The Original Fantasy Football – GM: John Stanoch – Period: Fantasy – Scale: 25mm – Rules: Blood Bowl 5th ed – Come and play the granddaddy of all Fantasy Football games. It has been over 20 years since the last edition was published by GW. However, the game is alive and well with over 7 manufacturers of miniatures and 900 members in the NAF (the international BloodBowl League). Beautifully painted teams will be provided and the 5th edition rules will be taught. No experience necessary.

S: 449: Blood Bowl The Original Fantasy Football – GM: John Stanoch – Period: Fantasy – Scale: 25mm – Rules: Blood Bowl 5th ed – Come and play the granddaddy of all Fantasy Football games. It has been over 20 years since the last edition was published by GW. However, the game is alive and well with over 7 manufacturers of miniatures and 900 members in the NAF (the international BloodBowl League). Beautifully painted teams will be provided and the 5th edition rules will be taught. No experience necessary.

F: 451: Quatra Bras – GM: Jody Sherill- Period: Napoleonic – Scale: 1:20 – Rules: Home – Can Ney ever win this battle?

F: 452: Quatra Bras Plus – GM: Jody Sherill – Period: Napoleonic – Scale: 25mm – Rules: Home – Quatre Bra with additional French units

There were other events submitted, but we simply ran out of space.. I do hope with all of the hard work the GMs put into their events, that there are enough players to go around. Leading indicators imply that this is the year we go over 2000 in attendance…. Wish us luck!!!!

And…. I do apologize… The vendor hall is almost full… for some reason Fall-In! just cannot pull in the vendors even though it is the fastest growing HMGS show. I would think vendors would realize this as an opportunity for profits…. I knwo it is close to X-mas and folks are low on vacation and cash, but what better time to say "Hey…. this is for you!!! and have it be some great wargaming gear!"

Thank you all again for all of your hard work. We had a couple of event cancellations from folks who didn't understand that the PEL does not reflect the changes they requested. BUT.,.. the reg system does… We just do not have the time to keep updating the PEl with every little edit.

If you really want to see your event.. and any associated, requested changes, please look in the actual reg system….

@snurl…..

I will be bringing all of my books and warbands…. I believe it is about 2 full GW cases.

I prefer Napoleonics by Day… Mordheim by Night…..

Dan

Halfway there: I pre-reg'd today, but Mrs. Carp had trouble accessing her account, so, we have to wait until we hear back from HMGS HQ.

We're in: both me and the missus are officiously registered for Fall-In.
My games: Friday: F-128-- Walk Softly and Carry a Bigger Stick. A "Mad Dogs with Guns" gang-war extraordinaire!
Saturday: S-243--Happy Birthday General Grant. The GASLIGHT hijinx of Chris Palmer.
Mrs. Carp: Friday: F-148 The Great Escape. A Modern-era Mein Zombie feast.
Saturday: The Horrors of Wolfenberg. Mein Zombie rules. Things that man was never meant to know battled by both Brit Paras and Panzergrenadiers!
Plus, we have our eyes on a few pickup games that sound like lots o' fun. When we aren't opening an second mortgage to splurge at the vendors/Wally's Basement.
Got a couple of folks from out of state coming in, and I want to meet 'em face to face, maybe share some munchies and a Yuengling or two.
Oh, and did I forget the Toys for Tots stuff?

Just a reminder: Online Registration for Fall-In ends October 23. If it's anything like last few times, that means it ends on 00:00:01 Friday morning, 10/23/15.

Only 7 full days left to pre-register.

Several games are already filled up.

Get it done early, and beat the potential frustration of a long admission line.

"3. There is also a staff lockable storage closet (coat room) GM's can use in th elower level where the food is served outside the D-fink. If you are a GM and want to store something there see a SENIOR staffer…. we will be able to have your stuff stored and signed in and out."

Dan, one of my pet peeves about all the cons is that there is no HQ desk to find senior staff, who are often running about putting out fires. The Host gets lousy cell phone reception, so you can't rely on those. When I asked about setting up a gaming area management desk I got silence. Unless that has changed, the old model was incumbent upon the GM to chase around after senior staff people in hopes of finding them. Has that changed somehow?

Just one thing. My event, F414, The Battle of Crooked Billet, the listing in the PEL was all kinds of screwed up.

It was about 1/20th the size of the description I sent and there's some comment about "No Food" which I have no idea what that's about. I never included that.

So, just for everyone's knowledge, I'm running the AWI battle of Cooked Billet on Friday night, F-414, for six people in glorious 25mm. It's all about Simcoe and Abercrombie trying to disrupt Lacey's militia located at the Crooked Billet Tavern in Bucks County, PA on 01 May, 1778.

Anyway. Just wanted to correct that.

Eric

Eric:

Not sure how long your description was, but the system only allows so many characters to be entered. Not sure if that played a role in your problems or not.

Only 4 and 1/2 days to Pre-reg closure! (Fear, fire, foes!) Get 'er done by Thursday 11:59:59 or all is lost! (The sky is falling!!!)
There are 8 or 9 games listed as Full for Friday and 14 listed as Full for Saturday.
This dire warning has been brought to you by the "When In Danger, When In Doubt, Run In Circles, Scream And Shout Messenger Service", creating fear and loathing, and panic and dread throughout the populace for over 50 years!

We did the best we could to fix all issues.. program is out… I want to thank Frank L. for his volunteering too!

Lots of things that were missed in the PEL were corrected for the program, etc… we had some GM changes, etc…

All of the corrections.requests were completed and reflected NOT in the PEL, but rather in the reg system and everything past that.

I will be looking at PEL update closer in the future. The issue here is…. I cannot possibly put new PELS up every other day.

This will be better next year if they have me back!

I have a building I can throw into the mix for Mordheim…Now for a marathon painting this week to get my Tileans done…

Achtung! The Clock of Wargaming Doom is steadily ticking away. If you don't pre=register within the next 84 hours 8 minutes and <mumble>teen seconds, you will be forced into paying FULL PRICE at the front desk, possibly waiting in seemingly endless lines, and taking sloppy 235ths at selection of games! The _horror_!

But Friends--There is _still time_!

Stride man- (or woman-)fully to your computer. Log onto link
Pry out that credit card from that too-long-unused wallet.
Register NOW, lest your bitter meal of gaming snacking shall consist of humble pie and sour grapes!

This has been a Public Service message from The Rabid, Nearly-Incoherent Fanboy Consortium

Dan, you said:

"1. I asked that we get some better wattage bulbs for the show in the game rooms downstairs."

Shouldn't the CON OPS VP be pounding the desk for this since it cuts across the two cons there and is not a specific (or new) problem to FI? Who is the CON OPS now?

"2. For all GM's if you are running an event in one of the downstairs rooms, there is a loading dock on the back side of the Distilfink you can use to load and unload from, ask at the desk for directions if you need them."

Other than this thread, how else will GMs find this info? It is posted to the convention page? It should also be posted to CW's too. Again, a topic that cuts across two cons. This should be boiler plate info posted for all the cons (of course FCC's would be different).

"3. There is also a staff lockable storage closet (coat room) GM's can use in th elower level where the food is served outside the D-fink. If you are a GM and want to store something there see a SENIOR staffer…. we will be able to have your stuff stored and signed in and out."

So where exactly are GMs to find senior staffers, or put another way, where will a senior staffer who has access to this room be found on a regular basis? This goes back to my point about the lack of a fully manned management desk for the con. Think of it as a headquarters. If the general leaves headquarters, there are still staff to answer comms and make sure things happen. That does not seem to be the case at any of our cons.

"4. The host does have bus carts like any other hotel, ask for one at the front desk… DO NOT HOARD IT for the length of your game to use later for pack up and moving…. use it and return them please…. that is shameful as others could be using them during your events."

They do? In all my years at the Host I wasn't aware of this. Given all the steps there (more than in a LOTR's movie), they would seem to have limited value if they do exist. Or perhaps they like Big Foot and only reported sightings have occured. :-)

Some answers… I hope….
1. yes working on this…. actually NOT sure who the new con ops is at the moment, only because I am at work and forget.
2. Agreed… this needs put into more than one webpage.. like the program…..
3.I will always be available… I'll go so far as to post my number if I have to… staffers at the reg desk, when open will be able to contact a senior staffer any time they are open. I'll be available after hours… anything after 9pm will cost you alcohol though.
4. indeed they do…. the elevator can make all areas reachable…. many use it. No bigfoot sightings, honest.

As the director of the only HMGS convention with growing attendance, I doubt you are going anywhere, Dan. The "powers that be" would be crazy not to have you back and they're not crazy, despite what some people on TMP may think.

Keep up the good work.

Speaking of good work, capncarp, your updates crack me up. You should write for SNL.

47Ronin thank you for the compliment. God knows they could use even _my_ poor quality of writing to bring back some of the fine quality of the first few seasons.

Dan, you have been out here in the trenches, measuring the pulse, keeping the facts straight, and putting out fires. That's a helluvan effort to try to make Fall-In an enjoyable con.
If you keep this up, you'll probably succeed. You may also collapse from exhaustion or apoplexy.
Take care of yourself, delegate duties as a benevolent dictator should.

Regarding Fall-In:

I spoke with the Convention Director (Dan), yesterday on a number of issues and am very confident that all his hard work will pay off. In addition, two members of the HMGS BOD have a meeting scheduled with the management of the Host this coming Friday. So yes, Dan has support and while there will probably not be "pounding on the desk", there will nevertheless be a serious discussion to make sure Fall-In receives the best efforts of the hotel staff.

Two weeks and counting. Looking forward to seeing everyone !!

Respectfully,
John Spiess
HMGS Director of Communications

Can't you hear the sound of the clock ticking down? Like a tell-tale heart, hounding, haunting you to
PRE-(tick)
REGISTER (tick)
FOR (tick)
FALL-(tick)
IN! (tick)

There is only one way to still its imperative beat--
Go to
hmgs.site-ym.com/default.asp?
and give the nice people at HMGS your money to assuage your guilty soul.

10 of Friday's games and 20 of Saturday's games are already full! Seize the moment! Hurry, lest your doom catches up with you and you miss a great convention!
HURRYYYYYYYYYYYYYyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy………!

capn'….. thank you, as always, for your support and not so subtle reminders to the folks about show deadlines!

Dan

Gee, I thought no one would take notice…. ;Þ~~~

Poniatowski…that sounds about right to me. Perhaps a little lower but not much. LOL

Given the fragile state of the hotel's aging infrastructure, nobody should be pounding on anything at the Host.

Thanks to Dan, John and capncarp for all their pre-convention efforts.

Fall In should be a great show. Hope to see you there.

Dan does a fantastic job.

Thanks for the kind words, but we all know.. there is a team that pulls together to do this, so, just sayin'… it wasn't all me. It is all of the staff AND all of you…

This makes year 4 for me being a CD and I really do enjoy it.