"What was the coolist thing at Historicon this year?" Topic

I Didn't get to go this year due to starting a new job.
How did it rate, was it any cooler (temp), any new trends?

Historicon AAR please.

The air-conditioning?….

I've heard (and seen on blogs) that there were lots of great-looking tables. More than usual. GMs brought their "A" game. Seems like a lot more big-table games this year, too.

Dealers had higher than usual sales on Thursday and Friday. Lots of stuff sold out by Saturday for the one-day visitors. Dealers say good convention overall.

Notice on convention room doors said all outside alcohol would be confiscated. Nothing seen but bad trend if true.

"Notice on convention room doors said all outside alcohol would be confiscated. Nothing seen but bad trend if true".

Virginia Liquor Laws require this. I did not notice any enforcement, but would imagine that you would be stopped carrying something that was not sold on site. Yes they did sell a variety, and colored solo cups are your friend. :-)

I saw the same number of folks drinking at games in the evenings and a LOT of it was in cups or was obviously not the standard fare they were selling at the Center. Nobody confiscated anything that I saw or heard. I allegedly drank a six myself (with help, mind you) Saturday night, but I'm a rebel, so… 8)=

I'm no prude, but I really don't like folks bringing booze to my games. First, they're not nearly as funny as they think they are while they are being rude and disruptive. Second, I am tired of having to by new ground cloths after some clod spills beer on one. I have to replace the one I used in one of my games at Historicon this year. You can never get that smell of stale beer out of felt, and that part gets stiff. If you're going to drink beer at a convention, use a glass bottle or have the courtesy not to set your booze on the GMs table.

I only ever drink once all scheduled games for me are over and I am playing late night games with friends. I wouldn't want people putting beers around my game stuff when I am GMing either.

The "coolest" thing I saw at Historicon this year was the Normandy hedgerow game on Saturday in the Carnage and Glory room which used King and Country figures and vehicles.

Figures included British paras, U.S. paras and a German 88. They even brought a German field kitchen. Vehicles included armored cars and tanks for both sides. There were also scratch built buildings on the table made to the same scale. I believe the game won a PELA award (no surprise there) and was being considered for the "Best of Show" and "Best Theme Game" awards.

Estimates from qualified sources on the dollar value of the figures on the table varied, with some guesses into the thousands of dollars (or more).

Like I said on another topic, if you enjoyed the convention, thank the GMs.

P.S.--As far as the drinking comments are concerned, I agree. That's why we have always enforced the "no beer (or other drinks) on the table" rule in all our games.

I game WW2 skirmish with King & Country figures. Skirmish is the key word. I love the figures, but each one goes for a minimum of $50 USD per figure. I would have loved to see that game.

I was really impressed by the gaming tables. There were some really big tables and the scenery on most was spectacular. Huge sieges, amphibious landings, etc.

The vendor area had some businesses you don't normally see at Fall Inn and Cold Wars (GHQ, Brookhurst, some airbrush dude, etc.) which was good.

I also saw the ABC alcohol notices, but was just a day-tripper so this didn't affect me. I usually stay the weekend at the Lancaster conventions and enjoy a few beers at the table. All part of the fun!

The site of DIECON goes farther than "Notice on convention room doors said all outside alcohol would be confiscated. Nothing seen but bad trend if true" IIRC, forbidding food/drinks not bought on site from the convention floor space.

There are multiple restaurants available nearby, a couple within reasonable walking distance.

Edit: so jealous – some day…

As a game master I scold any player who puts a beverage on my cloth. I hate to say it but it has lasted over 20 years without a tabletop flood.
I followed the no outside booze rule and as a result I went to buy my second beer at 10:30 pm and all the stands were closed. Ouch! Will bring my own next year.
I've played many con games where people drank and never had it be an issue. Lucky I guess.
As far as what was cool. All the games I played in!

I'm not made for the heat – did it seem to others that the AC shut off around 5p (assuming when most business conventions shut down for the day and people go out and about)

I was blown away by the tables this year – so many of them were absolutely wonderful.

My game? But then,. I am understandably biased… 8)=

Thanks 47Ronin that was my game on Saturday with the 60mm figs. My son and I made the entire board and all the buildings. On Saturday night we had 14 players (and beer) with 80 figs being pushed around for 5 hours. I brought a scale Pegasus bridge to entice folks for next years game….