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In 2013 our plans call for us to add an additional adventure to the event. There will be two consecutive adventure modules, and each module will have two variations of either a combat or puzzle orientation. The first module called “Lycans Afoot” tasks the party to travel through a dark forest in search of a tower, while the second module called “Golembane” challenges the party to reach the top of tower.

TOPIC: 2013 Recap

Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #13

Had a great time before, during, and after this year's event. There was at least one NPC that knocked it out of the park (I am looking at you, Djinn :) ). Only things I would like to suggest would be a little more light in the entry area, maybe an NPC at the door to describe what was going on for curious people, Truecraft in some form, and maybe a slider table for those same curious people to try out.

Already looking forward to next year.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #14

Stormie wrote: Thanks to Jeff and all the TD crew for the awesome dungeons this year!


More lighting would be good in some areas especially. Since I am unsure of the restrictions placed by the ICC on electrical draws and what not I am not sure some of the ideas I have would be allowed...

Temp lighting solutions could include string lights and possibly using cables to lower a light fixture enough so that only one small section was lit by it. String lighting might be the easiest to pull off and conceal/modify so that it was more suited to TD's look though.


From what I could tell, lighting was done pretty much universally on 12 volts (using lights designed for haunted houses in most cases.) This does several things...
1) One AC outlet can run A LOT of lights. If there is requirements where a union person has to do each plug into an AC socket, this can be a huge cost saver.
2) 12 volts is much safer when it comes to fires. Fire inspectors sign off much easier before allowing people into events when everything is 12V.
3) You don't get a big jolt out of 12V if an accident happens. So it's safer for your setup/teardown crews, your actors, and the patrons.

Thinking back through, I can't think of anything actually in the event that couldn't be run on 12V. All of the large monster props were actor powered instead of animatronic, which is going to be the right choice 9 times out of 10 in this venue.

The good news is there are a lot of lighting options using 12V that can improve lighting situations outside the dungeons even more. The past 5 years have seen a lot of advancements in haunt lighting.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #15

I agree on the 12v lighting, especially if they are on constant power it gets really cheap when running single point LEDs.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #16

This year I managed to get in on multiple runs, and I have to say I had a fantastic time (can't say enough good things about Golembane, both puzzle and combat sides - the djinn in our Friday night puzzle run was stellar, as was the GM in the gear table room).

Thanks so much to you, Jeff, and everyone who put their effort into making this event what it became. I'm definitely looking to give back next year by volunteering.

As far as lighting in the outer areas, I have to agree that more light would be excellent. Perhaps something as simple as an LED camping lantern on a table would work - there are some relatively inexpensive ones that last 16 hrs or so.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #17

Jeff,
Thanks for the hard work and all you did. I and three of my friends were newbies going for the first time this year and are now making this a routine every year. We love it and all the hard work from everyone made it a memory for us for a long long time.

One thought or idea on the check out afterword. Since we are looking to keep the private coaching rooms, perhaps we could somehow check everyone in to the system there and capture their ID's/email addresses etc. before they run and perhaps even print out a barcode to scan after the run and expedite the XP checkout process at the end.

On the two runs I went on, I noticed there was much more time in the coaching area as people trickled in and all that we could grab there would make sense as there should be time to do it more easily beforehand. Even a few roaming laptops/tablets with wireless could really step up the automation on this. Just a thought and idea.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #18

  • bpsymington
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Jeff, awesome event as always. I will write more when I have more time to review the experiences - I'm trying to catch back up to the real world, unfortunately.

Whirt's sacrifice was very generous, but the whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth. However, I know this is pretty much a sour grapes situation - If I had pulled out a bunch of purps and relics with my over 60 draws, I would be doing the happy dance, I am sure. I wasn't aware that there was anything special about Whirt's treasure boxes until Saturday night, and when I was told about how incredible the draws were, I tried to draw from them, but the bucket had been emptied, so I lost the chance.
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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #19

Yeah my group's Sunday run of 142 draws all came from the monster buckets. I didn't even know they were out. I was tearing down TD while they were pulling. It would have been nice for a few more chances at UR+ but I imagine the value of monster trophies will be up this year. I know I value you them more. None will be sent to Golden Fleeces like 50 to 60 did last year.
You either discover a star or you don't. You arrogant punk.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #20

jedibcg wrote: Yeah my group's Sunday run of 142 draws all came from the monster buckets. I didn't even know they were out. I was tearing down TD while they were pulling. It would have been nice for a few more chances at UR+ but I imagine the value of monster trophies will be up this year. I know I value you them more. None will be sent to Golden Fleeces like 50 to 60 did last year.


BC, I'm sure you're right, Monster Ingredient Tokens will be much more scarce this year.

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #21

pretty happy experiences all about.

I bought a run to bring in some new players, they all had fun but the solution of the last room we used was accepted by one GM but not a second, I guess some puzzles are too hard :)

I would like better lighting in the guild hall, maybe put a tent top on it to allow stronger lighting?

and lastly is there any chance the transmuting desk could be open on Sunday afternoon? or for longer periods. sadly due to work I missed all the chances to transmute this year. I ended up giving away all my transmuting tokens to new players rather than ship them back to OZ this year.
*mental note* always listen to Jeff

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #22

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Jeff,

I said it to you twice during GenCon and told your great wife, Lori, and Jean on Sunday:

I should be paying you for the opportunity to be a Volunteer. B)

I had an amazing time yet again being one of your DMs. This year you gave me an NPC (Fearful Spirit) in my Room and the two that I had the ultimate pleasure to work with for my two shifts were just amazing!!

There were so many great people/parties that came through my Room (Lycan's Puzzle Room 6) and I remember nearly all of them. Out of them all one particular Party will be talked about by me forever... for 2 reasons...

1) The Fighter in the Party was a young girl probably barely 20 years old and dressed as a fairy. When the sound effects went off for my NPCs grand entrance and her subsequent said entrance this Fighter of the Party had her eyes bug out as wide as I've ever seen anyone's, let out the loudest shriek and then literally jumped behind her boyfriend (the Bard). While her Party was pointing out that the Fighter is hiding behind the Bard another person in the Party tapped me on the shoulder which leads to...

2) "DM, someone's under your table [the Puzzle in the Room]." The first thing that popped into my mind was that it was my NPC. A few times she hid under the table to start the Room to get a better reaction from Parties that came through. And, I must say, it worked every time. She used her draping costume to sweep across all the player's feet that were huddled around the table. And, it was usually all of them because I was using the puzzle table as the focal point to make my Room Intro to them. LOL!! The screams from the players and watching them leap back from the NPC's "touch" was great! Anyway... back to the story... the person under my table was a 10-year old boy that was in the Party huddled in a ball with his arms over his head terrified.

Now, let me make it VERY CLEAR... I only tell this tale not to make fun of both players. Far from it. I share this because it demonstrates clearly and beyond a doubt how much effort Jeff and everyone puts into TD to get these kinds of reactions from people. The special effects, scenery, hard work of the NPCs, the DMs who throw their utmost into their Rooms, the storyline and SO much else is what can still get a reaction from people who have been inundated with TV/movies that have so much CGI and stuff that the simple things of allowing oneself to be immersed so totally in TD that a scream or a light touch from a flowing dress can still make someone scream and jump in terror and/or awe.

I have to admit my Fearful Spirit on night 2 of my shifts even got me. A bubble just started and I was using this break to set my puzzle table up in a special way for the next Party that would come through next since I had 24 minutes to do so. Now, I am a very hard person to surprise and an even harder person to startle. But... my NPC did it. She glided into the Room to ask me a quick question before going on her bubble break and I had no idea she was there. I turned and actually jumped backwards about 3 inches from being startled by seeing her and how great her costume looked.

Oh! And the 10-year old was perfectly fine once he started trying to solve the puzzle with the Party. His dad implied it isn't to scare him and was impressed with the whole Room.

Jeff, I should be paying you to be one of your Volunteers. ;)

THANK YOU for again making me a DM!!
"It's treason then."



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Last edit: by Ro-gan.

Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #23

so wish i wasnt sick in bed in fl while gencon was going on but didnt want to change giving anyone con crud

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Re: 2013 Recap 10 years 7 months ago #24

Ro-gan, that was awesome! :laugh: That room will be in my memory for many years to come as well.

I only wish the Fighter's piercing scream hadn't been less than a foot from my eardrum. :pinch:

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