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As promised yesterday, here’s a funny story from my only other Origins trip in 2009.

Something I didn’t mention in the video: I remember clearly that the swag I received for working the convention included the newly released Eberron Player’s Guide for 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. It wasn’t a complete stretch to think that Keith would have been there, but sitting down at a Living Forgotten Realms table to play an ordinary game was a bit of a stretch.

I saw Keith Baker hanging out with Luke Gygax at a bar at Origins last weekend, but I wasn’t going to interrupt them with this story about a guy he didn’t know (Steve) being told by another guy (me) he didn’t know for an incident in which he played no part.

But I hope Steve sees and remembers this.

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I’m back from my second-ever Origins trip, the last being 2009. I took today (Monday) off because I knew I’d need to decompress, so I’m taking this time to record two videos. The first is below. The second will go up tomorrow.

Here’s a good thing I forgot to mention in the video. For logistical reasons, my diet went to hell on this trip, and I hit the gym only once in three days, but because of all the running around and carrying of heavy objects, I returned home at the same weight at which I left.

References in the video: Supplementing My Stash of AD&D Material | The Den . . . errrr, Mancave Is Coming Together

Moving on, this was a work trip. Here are some images of the “Learn to Play” game I ran. They used a model of a ship made by WizKids, which I’m told runs for $250. For what it’s worth, considering how overpriced WizKids minis are, that seems like a good deal. It’s not something everyone can afford, but at least it isn’t a genuine rip off.

The decks at either end of the ship can be removed to expose the lower decks beneath them.

That rudder moves. The only disappointing thing about this model is that the magnets holding the masts in place are too week, and there’s no magnet holding the helm in place. Still, this model provides some impressive detail.

Notice that the flaps can be opened to allow for the cannons to fire. Unfortunately, there are no cannons included. FYI, the watery battlemap costs $60.

I’m no dick. Well, actually, I am, but I was given express permission to show these players on social media.

The woman on the left had never played an RPG before that day, yet she was the first of only two players that exploited my command in the smartest way possible. I said, “Place your minis anywhere you want on the boat.” You see that archer mini on what is effectively the crow’s nest? That’s hers, completely safe from what I was about to unleash on the party. Good job, newbie.

I had a lot of fun goofing off wither everyone. While most players in my slot were experienced players looking for a 2-hour slot instead of a 4-hour slot, this was about introducing new players to the game. Those players don’t have preconceived notions as to how they’re “supposed” to play. They’re an open book and can sometimes be the best players around the table.

You’ll probably have to twist my arm to get me to go back next year.

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