Origins 2009
Origins is coming up again, June 24-28. I signed up to judge some of the DnD stuff for the RPGA, which is a pretty good deal: judge four events to get a free pass to Origins for the weekend, seven to get a free room at a local hotel (or, if you don't need a room, a $60 gift certificate to the Origins dealer's room / food stalls in the convention center), and you also get a free hardcover DnD book for every two events. I'm trying to do four events, for the badge and two free books (I'm hoping to get MM2 and Eberron, but it's semi-random what books they have).
That aside, Origins has posted it's full events schedule, so I'm starting to comb through that and figure out what events I want to do. The surprise standout to me is a line called "4e Return to Old School," where they take old adventures and revamp them for 4E: the first one is White Plume Mountain, notorious as module S2, the spiritual sequel to mod S1, Tomb of Horrors (Gygax wrote S1 as the tournament module for the first Origins back in 1978, S2 was his attempt to top it the next year). They're also doing updates to Ravenloft and Against the Giants. Just yesterday I was reading
Grognardia's review of the original Ravenloft, and now am really interested to try it myself.
Unfortunately, they are only running each of these modules once, at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (respectively). Maggie has me up at the crack of dawn most mornings, so *I* shouldn't have any trouble making it to these events, although I wonder about most of my regular crew.
FURTHER, I don't think any of these three events are official RPGA events or anything. The RPGA is mostly doing Living Forgotten Realms stuff, which I have no interest in (although I might end up running a couple of those modules anyway), but are also doing a couple Dungeon Delves. I'm most interested in doing "The Lunar Awakening," which is the "Ultimate" Dungeon Delve they're doing for the weekend. Lunar Awakening, at least, is run a *lot*, three times every day (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 7:00 PM) Thursday - Saturday (and one last time, Sunday morning). They're also doing "Siege of Blood and Shadow," but only at 9:00 AM (but all four days).
SO, I'm now trying to muster up a crew for these events. If you're interested in any of these modules, leave a message and we'll figure out what times are good. The only days I'd want to do Siege is Friday or Sunday, since that's the only time it doesn't conflict with one of the 4E Old School modules, but Lunar Awakening can be 1pm or 7pm Saturday, or 9am Sunday. (I signed up to DM 2nd and 3rd shift Thursday and Friday). Tickets for individual events go on sale on the website Tuesday; I don't think these events are likely to sell out all that quickly (I hear it's the LFR stuff that really fills up), but it would be nice to have this settled and scheduled before Origins beings.
The Lunar Awakening:
The howls grew louder and louder until one night they were upon us. The myths and stories, they were all true. The primal urges of our people were too strong for the old apothecary's snake oil. But there's more; more dread, I dare say. Someone or some thing is awaking the victims of these bestial men, to walk the earth again as living dead! How can we stop them? Who can help us overcome the Lunar Awakening? An Ultimate Dungeon Delve adventure for five 6th-level characters. Character creation rules and more information can be found online at www.wizards.com/rpga one month prior to the event.
Siege of Blood and Shadow:
A terrible gloom has descended upon a town overrun with denizens of dark and evil, the streets awash with blood. You are the last hope for the remnants of the besieged town folk. Do you have what it takes to be a hero, or will you be lost in blood and shadow? A D&D Delve for 5 pregenerated 3rd level characters - get as far as you can in one hour. Play as often as you like and earn prizes! This event will be timed with bonus awards for teams with the fastest times.
4e Return to Old School - White Plume Mountain (Heroic - Tier):
The module S2: White Plume Mountain holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. For many gamers, this was the first adventure with REAL LOOT! Come experience dungeon delving in Keraptis' volcano reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. No experience is required, and all are welcome!
4e Return to Old School - Ravenloft (Paragon):
The module I6: Ravenloft holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. The premise of this adventure was to take a classic monster, the vampire, which had been so overused as to become trite and mundane, and make it frightening again. Come experience Count Strahd Von Zarovich, in his castle lair reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. Previous experience with 4th Edition is preferred and all are welcome!
4e Return to Old School - Against the Giants (Epic):
The module G3: Hall of the Fire Giant King holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. A terrific dungeon crawl brawl against terrifically powerful foes with a surprise twist in the final combat. Come be a part of this epic battle against King Snurre in his mountainous lair, reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. Previous experience with 4th Edition is required and all are welcome!
That aside, Origins has posted it's full events schedule, so I'm starting to comb through that and figure out what events I want to do. The surprise standout to me is a line called "4e Return to Old School," where they take old adventures and revamp them for 4E: the first one is White Plume Mountain, notorious as module S2, the spiritual sequel to mod S1, Tomb of Horrors (Gygax wrote S1 as the tournament module for the first Origins back in 1978, S2 was his attempt to top it the next year). They're also doing updates to Ravenloft and Against the Giants. Just yesterday I was reading
Grognardia's review of the original Ravenloft, and now am really interested to try it myself.
Unfortunately, they are only running each of these modules once, at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday (respectively). Maggie has me up at the crack of dawn most mornings, so *I* shouldn't have any trouble making it to these events, although I wonder about most of my regular crew.
FURTHER, I don't think any of these three events are official RPGA events or anything. The RPGA is mostly doing Living Forgotten Realms stuff, which I have no interest in (although I might end up running a couple of those modules anyway), but are also doing a couple Dungeon Delves. I'm most interested in doing "The Lunar Awakening," which is the "Ultimate" Dungeon Delve they're doing for the weekend. Lunar Awakening, at least, is run a *lot*, three times every day (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 7:00 PM) Thursday - Saturday (and one last time, Sunday morning). They're also doing "Siege of Blood and Shadow," but only at 9:00 AM (but all four days).
SO, I'm now trying to muster up a crew for these events. If you're interested in any of these modules, leave a message and we'll figure out what times are good. The only days I'd want to do Siege is Friday or Sunday, since that's the only time it doesn't conflict with one of the 4E Old School modules, but Lunar Awakening can be 1pm or 7pm Saturday, or 9am Sunday. (I signed up to DM 2nd and 3rd shift Thursday and Friday). Tickets for individual events go on sale on the website Tuesday; I don't think these events are likely to sell out all that quickly (I hear it's the LFR stuff that really fills up), but it would be nice to have this settled and scheduled before Origins beings.
The Lunar Awakening:
The howls grew louder and louder until one night they were upon us. The myths and stories, they were all true. The primal urges of our people were too strong for the old apothecary's snake oil. But there's more; more dread, I dare say. Someone or some thing is awaking the victims of these bestial men, to walk the earth again as living dead! How can we stop them? Who can help us overcome the Lunar Awakening? An Ultimate Dungeon Delve adventure for five 6th-level characters. Character creation rules and more information can be found online at www.wizards.com/rpga one month prior to the event.
Siege of Blood and Shadow:
A terrible gloom has descended upon a town overrun with denizens of dark and evil, the streets awash with blood. You are the last hope for the remnants of the besieged town folk. Do you have what it takes to be a hero, or will you be lost in blood and shadow? A D&D Delve for 5 pregenerated 3rd level characters - get as far as you can in one hour. Play as often as you like and earn prizes! This event will be timed with bonus awards for teams with the fastest times.
4e Return to Old School - White Plume Mountain (Heroic - Tier):
The module S2: White Plume Mountain holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. For many gamers, this was the first adventure with REAL LOOT! Come experience dungeon delving in Keraptis' volcano reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. No experience is required, and all are welcome!
4e Return to Old School - Ravenloft (Paragon):
The module I6: Ravenloft holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. The premise of this adventure was to take a classic monster, the vampire, which had been so overused as to become trite and mundane, and make it frightening again. Come experience Count Strahd Von Zarovich, in his castle lair reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. Previous experience with 4th Edition is preferred and all are welcome!
4e Return to Old School - Against the Giants (Epic):
The module G3: Hall of the Fire Giant King holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a whole generation of gamers. A terrific dungeon crawl brawl against terrifically powerful foes with a surprise twist in the final combat. Come be a part of this epic battle against King Snurre in his mountainous lair, reimagined for the new 4th Edition Rules of Dungeons and Dragons. Previous experience with 4th Edition is required and all are welcome!