TOPIC: Another First Timer

I know there is another thread from a first timer (from a couple months ago), but I wanted to ask a few things different from what was in that thread.

1) I'm a first timer when it comes to TD.
2) I'm hoping to do both TD events with the puzzle versions.
3) I won't be at GenCon on Thursday, and am arriving the afternoon of Friday, limiting the events I could register for.

With tickets going on sale in a about a week, am I best off just buying tickets to 2 events I know I can make, and just hope for the best, or would it be realistic to find a group before the 19th so I could plan party comp (and plan for some low level tokens) over the next few months?

Suggest getting two random tickets, and then posting hoping to find the other players.

If you do see any groups getting formed on the forums, that is a great opportunity to join with a group where you can do some advance planning. And sometimes groups on the forums might have some great tokens they can loan you for the run.

When you buy a "random ticket" it's for a specific slot though, right? (Didn't seem like they are in 12 minute increments on the event list.)

yep

Another related question. If I'm trying to play the two quests "back to back" how much time should I space them out. Is 3 hours from start time to start time about right?

That would give you time to meet up with the other group before the next run and get your tokens and such after the first run. You can do it with less time but 3 hours planning is a fair amount (imho).

You can try and get tickets for events that fit your schedule, then come here and hope to find a thread for those groups. My experience has been that most people are great when it comes to new people getting their first taste of TD. You may get lucky and find a group that is willing to equip you just for the run, but if not, and you can hash out what character you will get to play, you can shop and trade here as well.

Make sure to check out the TD101 course it's free and will give you some info on TD. 10am on Saturday since you won't be in on thursday. You will get a free treasure pull that could help you equip for your run!!!

Any first timers on my runs will have the option to borrow about 2 dozen tokens to outfit themselves. I may ask them to trade me for the weapons from tokens out of their packs. I've had loaned weapons walk away in all the excitement...

In my experience you don't need to invest in a ton of tokens when starting out, but the more you have the more options you have.

But if you want to be ready for anything you could get a few random packs, or think about getting a beginner's kit. (Shameless plug alert) I offer some as cheap as $5 for 20+ tokens on my website, just in case your random group isn't prepared to help you out. Other forumites offer them from time to time as well.

If you don't bring any tokens with you, 3 hrs may be cutting it close. Last year there were some long backups at the XP desk at times... Most people don't show up well prepared, though some do, and spend all their coaching time getting themselves squared away so they may not have much time to sort you out as well. Maybe 3.5 would give you a bit more leeway. Otherwise you may get stuck with Monk, the one class who can play with no tokens at all.

I wonder if an hour gap between end time and next event time is enough. With the addition of post adventure activity and the ability to get to the coaching room 50 minutes before start time, you might want a bit more time.

You don't have to get there 50 minutes early you just have an option to. If there is a really bad line at the XP desk you can get your XP and treasure pull chips and turn them in after your second run.