""The Weekend" Convention just 2 weeks from Today!" Topic

We are just two weeks from "The Weekend" Convention at the Continental Hotel, 2285 Lincoln Highway (Route 30) E. Lancaster PA .17602.

This is a call to all who might be interested to come and take part. If you take a room at the Continental Hotel, entry to the convention is free. If you stay elsewhere we ask for a $20 USD donation. Cost to stay at the Continental is very inexpensive, singles and doubles are $92 USD a night plus tax.

The convention has over the seven years it has been offered turned very much into a "Game Masters Convention" with participants being mostly game masters who put on new, and huge and lavish games.

The con will "kick off" on June 16 with a new full day of gaming for our board game friends in the Card Room, featuring a n Advanced Civilization Game , and the kickoff-dinner in the evening at the Star Buffet, just down the street from the hotel. Other multi-player games will be offered as well.

The convention will offer miniature and Board gaming from the 17th to 18th, and a wrap up breakfast on Sunday.
The theme of the convention this year is a tribute to the great "B" sci-fi movies of our youth and the games of science fiction. As with all themes, there are lots of other games as well. This year, we are opening the con to board gamers displaced by the move of the big board game convention the WBC to Pittsburgh. There will be dedicated spaces for these newcomers and the Convention welcomes them heartily.

The present schedule of games includes, but is not limited to, the following.
A SAGA non-tournament, lots of SAGA games, sponsored by Ralph Krebs.

"The Re-Kidnapping of Princes Trivia of Argon" A large game of Barsoomian origins and figures , GM'd by Robert Piepenbrink.

"Sir, one of our cities is missing" GM Mitchell Freeman, a "miniaturization " of the great game "The creature that ate Sheboygen."

"Warhammer 40K – Original Game." A retrograde demonstration of the origins of the game GM'd by Mike Lorenzo.

"Africa on Two Lira a Day": GM Eric Turner. Mussolini attempts to achieve his destiny in the deserts of Ethiopia.

"Axis Allies and Arachnids" GM Jerry Lannigan, an adaptation of this old stand by.

18th Century Imaginations Mini-Campaign by Otto Schmidt. An all day, all battle event showcasing the present Imagi-Nation Campaign and an open table with hundreds, thousands of 18th century troops battling it out. This will be given all day Friday and All day Saturday. Come and make up your own battles when you're tired of hacking it out with tentacles, claws, carapaces pseudopodia and proboscia.

"Close Action Napoleonic Naval Gaming" GM: Tracy Johnson.

"Saving Berber from the Barbarous Barbarians" GM Bob and Cleo Liebl with another grand colonial extravaganza with boats, barbarians, berbers, Brits, and who knows what else.

"Bug-eyed Monsters from Outer Space" GM: an Otto Schmidt. Not what you think. Tenuous links to the original board game, keeping he spirit but not the mechanics. Hint… the hunters have become the hunted.

"Divine Right Redesign" The popular 1980 TSR game has had two redesigns. Tracy Johnson, part of the official redesign team presents the latest version. This was featured at the first "The Weekend" and is really great game.

"Victorian Sci-Fi—Gaslight" GM Ralph Krebs and others.

"You're not Wellington!" GM Dennis Largesse, a game of Napoleonics exploring the vital role of couriers and staffs in a division level game.

"Where is the Damn Eternium Mine" GM: John Desmond. The old quest for the fountain of youth writ across the stars.

"Leonardo is back!" GM Pete Frechtling, an Alternate Renaissance with sci-fi and tanks.

"After the Holocaust" GM: Tracy Johnson. A huge reworking of the old SPI game about America broken up into factions A fast moving fun game Tracy continuously improves upon.

"Rise of the O'Raptors"- Clash between the O'Raptors and the McRaptors on the Venusian frontier GM:Carl West.

"Battle of Freeman's Farm" American Revolution, GM Carl Wright.

"Free Form StarTrek on a Floor mat" GM: Tracy Johnson.

Those are the highlights. There's lots of open gaming, a "free table" for items you no longer want but want to find a good home for and a "bring and buy table" where you want to unload items you no longer need. Of course, there is the munchies pit.

There are open games galore and we have lots of space. The wives and significant others have organized field trips to lunches, outlets, and antiquing locations many of the Amish style, so its fun for all.

If you want more information contact me at sigurd@eclipse.net, and I will send you an invite and a brochure.

Slight correction…

Africa On Two Lire A Day is pre-Mussolini. It's 189-something replication of not-Agordat.

Cleaned up the mistake I make at Cold Wars…

And Bowman, if you be there, I be bringing Restitution for my Tim's Faux Pas.

Eric

I was just volunteered by my boss to work that Saturday. I am not happy as I was really looking forward to coming this year.

Hey, Eric: will you be at Reading Air Show this weekend? Mrs Carp and I will be daytripping on Saturday out of uniform, if all goes to plan. Perhaps we'll see you there

Another slight correction. "Carl Wright" is actually me, AJ Wright. I was just about to email Otto, so hopefully he'll see this here. I'm upping my game from my 6-player Freeman's Farm scenario to my 8-player game of Monmouth Courthouse – Lee Attacks. I ran this scenario at Huzzah! to great success, which you can read more about and see photos of here: link

The game will use my new computer-moderated rules, The Electronic Brigadier. More info on the rules can be had at my Google+ community page for the rules here: link

Otto, if it's not too late, here's an updated game description:

"This game will be a hypothetical re-fight of this pivotal AWI battle. Historically General Lee rushed to advance on the British rear guard with a hastily-assembled assault force of only individual volunteer soldiers from Washington's larger force. This re-fight includes all soldiers from each regiment in the volunteer force, which makes Lee's initial assault on the British rear-guard a much more even affair. Can either side press home an advantage before both armies turn the battle into a general engagement? Play as a rebel (American) brigadier and prevail to save Charles Lee's reputation or fight for the Crown and prove Lee's court martial was well deserved.

This game will use The Electronic Brigadier rules, a new innovative computer-moderated rules system which uses tablets instead of a single laptop for data entry. Players will be provided with tablets by the game master. Tabletop procedures are fast, simple and easy to learn. For more information please see tinyurl.com/ElectronicBrigadier "

Do you have dealers?

Thanks for this info, I hope I can make it.

So this is an open con now? Previously it was by invitation only.

Mark;
I will not be at Reading this weekend.

As usual, my Brigade has drill this weekend.

Except, of course, for the hammerheads in the HQ who told us all to have drill this weekend… they drill next weekend. Go figure.

Eric

We do not have any formal dealers. Many dealers attend, but they do not set up formal booths. They attend as gamers but many private orders are made before hand and the dealers deliver the package at the convention.

the convention Is still invitation only, but an invitation can be had simply by asking for one, as it has been from the third weekend on. All you have to do is ask. The reason we still do invitation only so we don't have to have front desk beyond a simple check in to make sure those who take a room at the hotel for free, and the donation is required from the rest. We do allow walk ups.

The "Invittion only" was originally done because the room we originally had was so small and could fit only a limited number of people. Now with a much larger ballroom we have more room and can fit more people. We left it invitation only because it makes it easier to handle and manager the conention ahead of time through the mail. We publish four update booklets throughout the year sent to the mailing list, and have the final 48 page full color After Action Report and Keepsake booklet detailing every game we put on as a battle report. Other articles are contributed which are useful or humorous as well. When we designed the convention we wanted to make it as requiring the LEAST labor as possible as we have no volunteers and don't want any. No one wants to volunteer and everyone wants to play agames and have fun. So it had to remain a one-man convention, and I do all the work. The Invitational hing is also needed to coordinate who has rooms and who needs to put in a donation. We get a room credit for each room toward the rental of the ballroom and our whole aim is to get it up to a number of rooms where the rentals are free and with donations we cover expenses. That's all we desire, we aren't wanting to make money or make an organization. We also want to perfect our system so we don't even have to have a check in desk, sending the badges out ahead of time by mail, so you can just walk in and play.

We also are operating on a separate convention model in that we are not too concerned about a dealer area. Many of our attendees, as I said, are dealers, but some of them have they don't WANT to be a dealer at this convention, they want to leave that whole thing behind and just play. We are thefore working on a way to allow them to combine the two without them having to stand at a booth all day.

Another factor of the convention is that we are sort of developing a "Ladies Auxiliary" where the wives and significant others go out to the local sights in Lancaster on sort of "field trips." And can have lunch together. With that and the museums and amusements its great for family vacations.

As I said we only used "Invite Only" when our space was small. For the past five years it's been a formality. If we ever get so large that we cannot accommodate the convention in the ballroom we use we may have to consider limiting in a more formal way again.

One other thing. The Continental is an ideal hotel for the Game Master. The configuration of the hotel and ballroom is excellent. The parking lot is right outside the ballroom and you can LITERALLY ROLL ON AND ROLL OFF right to your car. In fact, if there wasn't carpeting on the floor you could DRIVE your van right up to the table. The aisles and space between them is broad as well. The room is also flooded with daylight from windows right to the outside and the lighting is fine. The hotel provides additional lighting free if desired. There's plenty of expansion space too into a large foyer and three other meeting rooms if desired. The breakfast buffet is wonderful and they have special orders for a chef.

Again, if you want an invitation, all you have to do is ask.

I'll echo Otto's sentiments. This is a small and fun convention. Check in usually takes 10 seconds. The games are of a high caliber and it's easy to just find something that looks interesting and join in.

After a hotly contested battle, relax in one of the two pools and then enjoy a hamburger from the outdoor grill. All very low key. Like Otto says, the venue is ideal for GM's. Drive up to the covered (!) loading area and the door is less than 10 feet away.

And Bowman, if you be there, I be bringing Restitution for my Tim's Faux Pas.

No worries, my friend. Need more? Do you do K-cups?

We do not have any formal dealers. Many dealers attend, but they do not set up formal booths.

Otto, any idea on who is coming? Just in case we could do some pre-orders.

Oh ya, forgot to plug my own stuff.

Any one interested in playing or learning how to play Saga in an extremely non-competitive atmosphere, bring an army down for the Friday morning time slot. Open gaming can also be arranged any time throughout the Weekend. If you don't have an army, I will have a spare army also. Saga is a great game, with very unique mechanics and requires only small armies to play.

On Saturday (I believe) I will be running a Victorian Sci-Fi game using GASLIGHT. If you've never heard of GASLIGHT or never played it before, then here is your chance to try out one of the Classics. It's the usual shenanigans on Mars again, with the brave British Extraplanatory Forces dealing with Martians, sandstorms and psychic snails!

Dear Bowman

Yup, got it right on Saga and Gaslight.

We also have rumblings of some people who are bringing stuff to put on games and hey haven't even told ME about it! Plus there will be open boardgaming for the boargamers too.

Otto

we were introduced to Saga a couple of weeks ago. It required : Thinking; Decision making.
Lots of fun, games last 1-2 hours…but very satisfying

Dear List

We have had one substitution. I have suffered a minor disaster with the game "Bug Eyed Monsters from Outer Space" One of the files I need is locked and I can't open it. I will have to do that soon. I am substituting a Modern Game "Battle of Pocatello" which is a between the wars conflict in the 1930's. It will be an early war battle, with lots of oddball units.

Bob and Cleo Liebl have changed the game from the Rescuing Berber from the Barbarous Barbarians to an invasion of an Imperial German island colony island by the British in the 1880's. Big table, boats and so forth.

Oooh, gotta drop the RSVP in the mail.

The SASE was an unexpected, but appreciated touch.

One of the files I need is locked and I can't open it. I will have to do that soon.

Otto, go find a 12 year old kid to help you with that!

Dear Bowman

Whaddyu nutz? I can't even find a 12 year old kid to shovel my driveway in the winter! Besides, I've seen this before, the file is blitzed. I have to recreate it.

Otto

Otto – Won't be able to make it this year. Hope my invite is still good.

Hey Bowman;
I can do K-Cups as well as proper brew drip coffee.

Another can or some K-Cups would be lovely. Your choice.

Let me know if there's anything Down South here in Pennsyltuckey you need in return.

And I might just want to learn SAGA…

But only so I can beat up on Gil and George.

Eric

And I might just want to learn SAGA…

But only so I can beat up on Gil and George.

Setting the bar a little low, aren't we? But if you've never played Saga before, try playing Jomvikings. Probably the best balanced army to play against. Gil loves them!

Stirring the pot as usual, King30!

Hehehehehe… I couldn't resist…

The next two battles of the 18th century Imagi-Natons campaign will be fought out at this con. We intend to have constant 7 years war battles going as an antidote to all the sci-fi and for people who want a life-preserver of historicals to hang on to.

I'd say King30 needs a life preserver if he's going to roll dice around Bowman. Make sure you give him the one filled with cement.

I might bring some 25mm FIW for some gentle skirmish action to see if we can rid some un-named Valley of The French.

Eric

Due to my screwy work schedule I don't know if I will make it or not.
Mailed you a donation in case I do. If I don't, buy more beer.

Dear Snurl

Thanks for your kind donation. We shall drink it well.

Otto

I wish I had read this earlier. I will watch out for it in the future.

Dear John Michael Priest

Send me your postal delivery address at sigurd@eclipse.net, and I will put you on the mailing list so you get our quarterly update bulletins, and I will also send you the last two years of After Action Reports/Keepsake Booklet that we publish (full color 48 pages of battle reports and articles.)

Is it too late to make plans on attending? Im just making sure. I was going to make a reservation at the Continental…

Also will anyone be playing "Frostgrave" I have some terrain and figures but need some one to guide me through me rules…

Dear Stepman3

No, it is not to late. When you make reservations be sure to put it under "The Society of Daisy Gaming Group, or "The Weekend."

No one so far has planned a "Frostgrave" that I know of and I do the event coordination. But you never know.

Otto

I made the reservation prior to your last message. I'll be up on Friday afternoon…Thanks, looking forward to it…

Despite having an option to swap my working weekend to have The Weekend off, a combination punch to my wallet (two vehicles, $1,500.00 USD total repair bills) has brought this to a serious halt.
Sigh.
Have fun without me, guys.

Just loading up the car. Will be leaving Wednesday after work. Hopefully the weather is good for the outside pool.

"The wives and significant others have organized field trips to lunches, outlets, and antiquing locations many of the Amish style, so its fun for all."

You have convinced the significant wife to come – see you Fri PM

Kevin

…and just like that, life dictates otherwise. I wont be coming up…

Bowman;
Weather is looking good for all but Friday. Friday is supposed to rain. But the rest of the time is looking good.

I might try to stop by for the Kickoff Dinner.

Looking forward to trying out Saga. And beating Gil like a bad, bad donkey.

Eric

After a hard day of shopping, why don't you bring your lovely wives back to the Continental for a gentle game of "Shopping from Hell"

Women only.

I have slowly seduced a number of women into the dark arts. I promise to return them to you able to cook, clean, and maybe even paint…. There are other promises I could make, but…. Cleo

Weather is looking good for all but Friday. Friday is supposed to rain. But the rest of the time is looking good.

Ok, so indoor pool on Friday, outdoor pool on Saturday.

Looking forward to trying out Saga.

Drop by and say Hi!

And beating Gil like a bad, bad donkey.

Pretty low bar there! Wow, the trash talk is starting already! (Sorry Gil )

Hey, got to start some where. First Gil, then the… well, maybe George.

Well see you tomorrow. Safe travels down, pal.

Eric

Enjoy "The Weekend."

Please send us some pictures of the games.

You can also post some pictures of The Host across the street.

Let us know if the place is still standing.

Pics, we want pics! (And AARs,too!)

The After Action Report/Keepsake booklet will be finished in a month.

You can also post some pictures of The Host across the street.

Let us know if the place is still standing.

The front parking lot of the Host was very empty. Never got a chance to drive over and get a closer look.

It still had more cars than the Lancaster Family Resort across from Dutch Wonderland. Twenty years of HMGS cons and I swear I never saw that building until this past weekend. THAT is one scary building on the outside.