TOPIC: True Grind & Gamehole Con

Hi all!

I did get a hold of Jeff and he green lighted True Grind at Gamehole Con. So we will be running events there.

He's asked me to come up with a proposed schedule. I thought I'd get some last minute feedback from the forums and then submit something to him at the end of the actual day today or some time tomorrow.

Last year we did 10 Grinds (4 on Friday and 6 on Saturday). This year, Thursday seems like it might be possible (last year they were still doing build on Thursday).

So I was thinking:

Thursday: 9 AM and 10 AM
Friday: 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM
Saturday: 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM

Remember that the first 30 minutes is for coaching and then 1 hour of monster petting and cuddling.

Since the normal dungeon starts at 11:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, volunteers would be able to do either of the Thursday Grinds and 3 (possibly 4) of the Friday runs depending on what room you are in (e.g. a Room 7 DM could still do the 11 AM Grind since it ends at 12:30 PM).

For Saturday, the dungeon runs are earlier so we aren't able to avoid the conflicts as well. So I thought it would be good to cover a different time range to offer an alternative to players who aren't morning people. Also, we don't want to run too late on Saturday. Last year we had intended to do a late night run (for the volunteers) but that was canceled at the last minute so that the teardown crew could start early!

In terms of the Grind adventure, I'm thinking of either:

A. Create a new adventure for Gamehole Con. Players can run either the GenCon one or the new Gamehole Con

OR

B. Expand the GenCon Grind by adding another 2-3 encounter options. So there would be new content even for those who already played at GenCon.

Leaning towards Option B right now.


We'll be locking down the event times within the next day (since Event Registration is on Saturday) so if you have any feedback on the proposed event times (especially for volunteers and dedicated Grinders), please post ASAP. Thanks!

Looking to attend Gamehole Con and volunteer if possible. Want to find ways to be involved with the community. Can I inquire what is a True Grind (First year playing)?

Justice wrote: Looking to attend Gamehole Con and volunteer if possible. Want to find ways to be involved with the community. Can I inquire what is a True Grind (First year playing)?

True grind is essentially one hour of TD combat. No puzzles or 'rooms' per-se, but simply combat boards, you, your group, your tokens, and the DM. Multiple monsters, and often-times multiple DMs.

That is a simplification, and I'll let people who have more experience correct me where wrong.



I did True Grind for the first time this year at Gencon, and had an absolute blast. I actually found that our DM (Raven) got into the roleplaying almost more than I saw in the dungeon. It was a real treat.

Personally I will not be volunteering at Gameholecon, but hope that I can run a True Grind there if it works with my schedule. I had a great time playing the module at gencon, and would be happy with that module again as there were options I did not get a chance to explore.

Completion token be same as gencon or different

Incognito wrote: Hi all!

I did get a hold of Jeff and he green lighted True Grind at Gamehole Con. So we will be running events there.

He's asked me to come up with a proposed schedule. I thought I'd get some last minute feedback from the forums and then submit something to him at the end of the actual day today or some time tomorrow.

Last year we did 10 Grinds (4 on Friday and 6 on Saturday). This year, Thursday seems like it might be possible (last year they were still doing build on Thursday).

So I was thinking:

Thursday: 9 AM and 10 AM
Friday: 8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM
Saturday: 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM

These were the Grind times I submitted to Jeff. Given his family situation, it may take him a little time to get these listed on the website (i.e. they won't be ready for today's event registration). But at least you know when the Grind events are and can plan ahead!

Bad news everyone.

Jeff just told me that after getting feedback from various sources, that he is going to use the space that was originally intended for Grind for a free demo instead. So there won't be any True Grind at Gamehole Con after all. Sorry for getting your hopes up!

This is unfortunate.

That said, I think a free demo is definitely a good idea, and a great way to drive ticket sales and possibly increase volunteers.

Maybe at PAX? or Origins?

Wade Schwendemann wrote: This is unfortunate.

That said, I think a free demo is definitely a good idea, and a great way to drive ticket sales and possibly increase volunteers.

Maybe at PAX? or Origins?

Well, the free demo was successful at PAX. Which is why Jeff wants to try it at GHC.

Incognito wrote:

Wade Schwendemann wrote: This is unfortunate.

That said, I think a free demo is definitely a good idea, and a great way to drive ticket sales and possibly increase volunteers.

Maybe at PAX? or Origins?

Well, the free demo was successful at PAX. Which is why Jeff wants to try it at GHC.

Can't argue with that logic.

Incognito wrote: Bad news everyone.

Jeff just told me that after getting feedback from various sources, that he is going to use the space that was originally intended for Grind for a free demo instead. So there won't be any True Grind at Gamehole Con after all. Sorry for getting your hopes up!

Oh, man!



Oh, well. Maybe we'll harvest some new players with the demo.

Wade Schwendemann wrote:

Incognito wrote:

Wade Schwendemann wrote: This is unfortunate.

That said, I think a free demo is definitely a good idea, and a great way to drive ticket sales and possibly increase volunteers.

Maybe at PAX? or Origins?

Well, the free demo was successful at PAX. Which is why Jeff wants to try it at GHC.

Can't argue with that logic.

Yeah, except it continues the trend of veteran/experienced players being ignored (or taken for granted) for the sake of new players.

Which is what I was vocal about in the thread about whether veteran players should feel obligated to tone down their builds in pick up groups.

And the demise of Nightmare only slots because newbies would buy them and complain about it.

Incognito wrote:

Wade Schwendemann wrote:

Incognito wrote:

Wade Schwendemann wrote: This is unfortunate.

That said, I think a free demo is definitely a good idea, and a great way to drive ticket sales and possibly increase volunteers.

Maybe at PAX? or Origins?

Well, the free demo was successful at PAX. Which is why Jeff wants to try it at GHC.

Can't argue with that logic.

Yeah, except it continues the trend of veteran/experienced players being ignored (or taken for granted) for the sake of new players.

Which is what I was vocal about in the thread about whether veteran players should feel obligated to tone down their builds in pick up groups.

And the demise of Nightmare only slots because newbies would buy them and complain about it.

Your points in the other thread are all valid, as is this concern.

I wouldn't choose to see it that way, but I can't argue with those who do.

I think that growing the game is good for all of us, as it might mean that we have a need for even more things like Grind in the future.

Not everyone likes delayed gratification though.

You know more than anyone how much I wanted there to be grind at GHC. I am truly sad about this.