TOPIC: Proposal: New Dungeon Difficulty Level

Harlax wrote:

Incognito wrote:

Raven wrote: Thanks for clarifying that, Jake.

I doubt we're up for a "Lollipop Guild" level just yet *shudders* but If we're going to do runs more difficult than Nightmare, I would rather find some other name than "Hell." Reinforcing the idea that token-elite players deserve poor treatment is counter-productive.

I also dislike the "hellish" name, mainly because of the subliminals it gives to the DM's. There has already been talk about how DM's often have the wrong "attitude" when it comes to Nightmare difficulty.

That is why, I prefer some more positive name, like "Epic" or something.

Legendary.

Done.

(oh wait, I'm not in charge am I?)

There's no veracity to that anymore with the move from the Mariott. As mentioned in another thread, we have no ticket problem right now. There are plenty of tickets days or even weeks afterward and anyone who wants to play can. Even as a wait list it doesn't seem to take anyone more than a hour to get slotted into something these days. It's not a lack of tickets at this point that is holding the event back. There's plenty of supply.

As far as expansion to another con, reference the supposed gentleman's agreement and what many of us have argued for years. A little birdie tells me that expires soon so we'll likely see a push. My guess at the moment, and probably the smartest choice, is Origins. They have the exhibit hall space and god knows they could use an anchoring event.

henwy wrote: There are plenty of tickets days or even weeks afterward and anyone who wants to play can. Even as a wait list it doesn't seem to take anyone more than a hour to get slotted into something these days. It's not a lack of tickets at this point that is holding the event back. There's plenty of supply.

But many people don't even buy tickets in advance, so they are sold out by time they look. And many people don't want to get onto wait lists at GenCon and would prefer something they know they can get into.

I suspect that if the number of tickets were doubled they would generally be filled up within a year or two.

henwy wrote: As far as expansion to another con, reference the supposed gentleman's agreement and what many of us have argued for years. A little birdie tells me that expires soon so we'll likely see a push. My guess at the moment, and probably the smartest choice, is Origins. They have the exhibit hall space and god knows they could use an anchoring event.

I have never heard of this gentleman's agreement, is it between Jeff and GenCon? If what you say is right I'm excited by the prospect. I'd understand Origins but prefer DragonCon since I live in Atlanta

At the end of the day Origins has been fading for year, while Dragon Con is huge but doesn't have much space. Dragon Con would be smarter because it is much bigger then Origins.

Also, not to disagree with Raven because teamwork is huge and I don't mean to downplay it but Nightmare is also about tokens. Currently, in a final combat this year on Nightmare the final monster couldn't hit me without rolling a 20. So yea, tokens do make a difference.

archmage78 wrote: At the end of the day Origins has been fading for year, while Dragon Con is huge but doesn't have much space. Dragon Con would be smarter because it is much bigger then Origins.

I do think space could be found for perhaps two dungeons at DragonCon. I live in Atlanta and a friend of mine is pretty involved with DragonCon so if Jeff is interested and reads this I can probably help. I also have a good network of potential volunteers and players around Atlanta.

archmage78 wrote: At the end of the day Origins has been fading for year, while Dragon Con is huge but doesn't have much space. Dragon Con would be smarter because it is much bigger then Origins.

As I see it:

- Columbus is only 3 hours from Indianapolis while Atlanta is 8-9 additional hours away. That is significant since multiple trucks will be needed to transport all of the materials.

- Columbus is close enough to Indianapolis that Jeff may be able to rely on the same volunteer base (except needing a different local build crew). Atlanta may require a lot more effort in volunteer recruitment.

So while I agree that Dragon Con is a better con with more potential, the transportation and volunteer costs are significantly higher there as well.

Incognito wrote:

archmage78 wrote: At the end of the day Origins has been fading for year, while Dragon Con is huge but doesn't have much space. Dragon Con would be smarter because it is much bigger then Origins.

As I see it:

- Columbus is only 3 hours from Indianapolis while Atlanta is 8-9 additional hours away. That is significant since multiple trucks will be needed to transport all of the materials.

- Columbus is close enough to Indianapolis that Jeff may be able to rely on the same volunteer base (except needing a different local build crew). Atlanta may require a lot more effort in volunteer recruitment.

So while I agree that Dragon Con is a better con with more potential, the transportation and volunteer costs are significantly higher there as well.

Beyond the real logistical difficulties...

Its debatable that DragonCon is a better con than GenCon. Its different to be sure. For some thats better, not so much for others.

If you are one of those concerned that GenCon is getting too big, DragonCon has the same issue.

Downtown Indianapolis has the advantage of many connected hotels. Love the hamster tubes.

Geography. Indianapolis is convenient drive for a lot of folk.

Harlax wrote: Its debatable that DragonCon is a better con than GenCon.

I certainly wasn't saying that, not sure if anybody else was. I think GenCon is a perfect fit for TD and it would be a big mistake to leave. Now, if Jeff wanted to do a second large convention, that's where I think DragonCon has some merit.

Other than the next few years, when Gencon moves to early August,there are usually 2 weeks between Gencon and Dragoncon. That puts a lot of pressure on Jeff and the regular team of volunteers that help outside of regular convention dates.