This is the official finalized information for the Forge Midwest gathering April 7-9, 2006.

The event will run Friday April 7 through Sunday April 9.

The even is at the Radisson, Schaumburg, in Schaumburg, Illinois. The hotel is a few blocks from a large shopping mall (Woodfield Mall), and should have many restaurants in the area.

Event Registration
You are required to RSVP using the Evite! web site. It's really easy to do. We already have 30 people affirmed for the event!

To register, click here.

Room Reservations
The event coordinator, Katie Barnes, gave us a rate of double rate of $72 for the weekend. (Triples are $82, Quads are $92 -- you figure it out). I have estimated we'll need a block of six rooms. We are not required to fill those rooms. Nor are you required to stay at this hotel for the event. All that said, the rate is a good one, and a decent mark-down from the hotel's regular rate. Taxes are 14%. You probably should reserve a room at least 1 week prior to the event. Sooner is better.

Contact the hotel directly to make a reservation. You can call 847-397-1500 to reach the hotel. During office hours, you can ask for Katie Barnes. Otherwise, make certain to tell them you're with the "Forge" or "Matt Snyder" meeting event April 7-9 and that you wish to reserve a room with the group rate for the event. Depending on how many respond, we may run out of rooms for the group rate. (There are several other hotels in the area.)

Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check out time is Noon.

You may use this thread to organize room sharing, etc.

Event Costs
We will share the costs of the meeting room and refreshments. The actual payment will depend on the number of attendees.

Cost will be based on the following:

Each person: $7.95 for refreshments.
Illinois Room rental: $250

We may need to expand to another room rental for Saturday. At this point in time (Wed., February 15), we have 30 confirmed attendees. If we exceed this number much more, we will need to expand our meeting room space for Saturday. I will then also rent the Woodfield Room (if still available) for Saturday only:

Woodfield Room rental: $175

Taxes will likely be included to these costs (as much as 14%, I gather). The total bill will be added together, and divided by the number of attendees. The costs, therefore, will range from $16-$25 per person. This costs is required for each attendee. Pay Matt Snyder in cash or check at the event.

Event Activities

Friday, April 7:
People will be arriving throughout the evening. I have no planned events for the evening. Instead, I hope everyone will get settled in and meet in the hotel bar to socialize. Pick-up games are great, but you're on your own. We have no reserved space outside of our hotel rooms for play.

Saturday, April 8:
Saturday is the main event. I would like to use this thread to help build a tentative schedule as plans develop. Right now, the only thing I have scheduled is:

2 p.m. Refreshment break, including cookies, brownies, coffee, tea and soft drinks.

Sunday April 9:
We will have the Illinois room from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m.

I plan on getting some good breakfast in the hotal or nearby. Then:

10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. open tables for play.

Matt wrote:
You may use this thread to organize room sharing, etc.

For clarity, although this is probably obvious, I'm assuming that the rates quoted above are actually daily rates good for the weekend and not rates for the entire weekend? 

Even so, unless the Radisson is a complete dump, those are amazingly good prices for a hotel room.  I routinely pay $110-125 for a double with our corporate rates when I travel.

Correct, Ralph, those are what you would pay PER NIGHT at the hotel, not for the whole weekend combined. I agree; I think they are quite reasonable.

ptevis wrote:

Matt wrote:
You may use this thread to organize room sharing, etc.

I don't bite. Anyone?

--Paul

Question:

What about people who do not attend the entire event? If someone just comes by to game on Saturday, for instance, will they be held responsible for a full share of the cost?

Dave -- yep, they pay full cost. 'Dem's the breaks.

Basically, they're missing out on access to the room on Sunday morning.

But this cost is still within reason of (possibly less than) most regional con one-day passes. We're talking $25-26 bucks to play games with awesome people all day long. I don't think that's a bad deal.

I'm fine with it, I just wanted to make sure it was clear. I invited quite a lot of people, some of whom have already RSVPd, and I wanted to make sure they have as detailed info as possible.

I'm really looking forward to this!

And now I shall shut up and let the planning commence ^_^

Does the hotel offer special accomodations for the brain damaged?

Haha, suckers.

- J

But seriously, people should use the sign-up sheet to look for a room-partner. Just put a "Looking for a roomshare" in the comments.

Our numbers keep increasing! I have requested the additional room for $175. Yesterday it was available, and I expect it to remain available for us today.

As it stands right now, with the addtional $175 and about 36 confirmed people, everyone will have to pay $20. Obviously, as RSVPs increase, costs will go down somewhat.

Turnout amazes me, and shared costs are actually below what I expected! Fantastic.

I am so there. In fact, I'm canceling my reservations for a different convention to attend this one.

When is the deadline for RSVPing? I have to check things out before I can confirm for sure (ie: my girlfriend still hasn't decided to let me go yet). But, if at all possible, we'll be there.

In the interests of making sure I have a place for my head, I've booked a non-smoking quad.  The other three spots are currently open; e-mail or PM me if you want one.

thanks,

James

Hi Matt,

So where should we out of towners fly into? O'Hare, right? And how do we get to ze 'otel?

-L

O'hare for sure you monkeys.  The cab ride is like $22 or some shit to Shaumburg.  It being Friday expect a long as ride if you are coming in during rush hour.  If your cab driver has no fucking clue on where to go, he needs to take 90 to Rockford to 53 north to Algonquin (going west).

Keith

I could probably pick up a few people from O'hare, depending on when their flights are. Give me a PM.

I'm coming in to O'Hare at 5:30 PM, so if anyone's there at about that time and wants to split a cab. . .

--Paul

I get into Terminal 2 at 7:45, so probably at the main terminal a half hour after that, if it's comparable to other major airports. (I haven't been to O'Hare before, that I recall)

James

Hey all, looks like I get into OHARE at 9:00 AM. I WIN.

But more to that effect, anyone else coming in anywhere near that time? We could arrange a meet-and-cab, or get a ride from a fine fellow Chicagoite. Let me know by posting or PM.

Thanks!
-Andy

So, do you have a specific itinerary for gaming/discussion, or just a casual "What should we try now" idea?

Domhnall wrote:
So, do you have a specific itinerary for gaming/discussion, or just a casual "What should we try now" idea?

For those who are flying into O'Hare, there is a Radisson Hotel shuttle.  Go to the Radisson Hotel website and click on "Hotel Services".  I do not know if you need to confirm a reservation with the hotel to use the free shuttle.

Julie

Here is the schedule:

FRIDAY

No gaming reserved. The loose plan is socialization in the hotel restaurant/bar throughout the evening, probably until late.

SATURDAY

Block 1: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Block 2: 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. (I assume people will be using this block to get lunch. I would!)

Snack Break!: 2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. coffee and snacks arrive

Block 3: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Block 4: 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Block 5: 9:00 p.m. to Midnight.

SUNDAY

Block 1: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. (some may use this to get breakfast)

Block 2: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I don't really have a problem with people using two blocks together for a six-hour game, but I would hope you'll plan ahead to do so. I don't recommend any longer slots than that!

Remember, on Sunday we will only have ONE meeting room. And, we're scheduled to get out of that room at 2 p.m.

Hey, I had an idea---maybe we should designate a block of time specifically for 15-30 minute demos. I was thinking the 11:15-2:15 block on Sat would be good for this. I know I will want a lunch, but three hours seems like a long time to miss out on gaming. If we designate that time for demos, people can get lunch without having to miss an entire block of gaming.  This will also allow people to get a little taste of more games, rather than just a 5 or 6.

I like that idea a lot, Tim. Done deal.

I intended that slot to be a bit catch-as-catch-can considering people will be going to lunch in groups, variously.

Consider that block the "quick and dirty demos" block, folks.

Hey Matt,

If folks are interested in making plans for specific games in specific timeslots, should they start new threads? Or should there be a single thread for game invitations, with private messages as the vehicle for expressing interest?

Paul

If we can manage it, I'd like to arrange specific games in this thread.

I'll start:

I'll be running Dust Devils "revised" during Block 3 (2:30 - 5:30 p.m.).

I'll take a maximum of 4 players. We will have to figure out a process for deciding who will be at the table, likely a lottery of some kind. Or, just my arbitrary cruelty! Contact me via private message here at the forge to get in on the game.

I have a loose scenario in mind, but will happily modify or change it with some player feedback.

Very good.

I'll be running a playtest of Acts of Evil (my current project) during Saturday Block 3: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Player characters are new initiates to an occult tradition devoted to aggressive and competitive pursuit of personal godhood. They are irredeemably evil, and play is very disturbing. Again and again you'll do harm to people who don't deserve it.

I need four players. Please send a private message if you're interested.

Thanks,

Paul

I want to run a playtest of Reality Cops, in the 9 to Midnight slot.  I want three or four people, with this caveat: It's still very rough, and isn't likely to get better by April.  PM me.

I would dearly love to have between three and five people do a blind playtest of Blood and Bronze, without me hovering over their shoulder to say "No, I meant this".  It's pretty fast to play; even with setup and learning I don't expect it would take a full slot.

I'll have Death's Door and will run demos of it in the demo block.  I would also be willing to run a full game, if there is interest.  Again, PM me.

I would love to play The Mountain Witch, if it's not running counter to something I'm already committed in.

I hereby propose another time block, which I intend to fill with awesome conversation and (probably) no gaming: Midnight until stupid, over beer at a local pub.  I will need a local guide to provide the local pub.

James

(also: still space in my room; PM me if you're interested)

I think I would like to run tMW 5:45-8:45 Sat... hmm, or maybe Sun... No, Sat I think. If it becomes an issue I can change it.

But in addition to tMW, I'm also going to run a quick game of Mexican Standoff during the lunch/demo block on Sat, possibly along with a couple other mini-experimental games I'm working on.

I'm tenatively going to say that I'm also going to run a playtest of my game In a Land Called on Sunday... Let's say 8am - 11am Sun (no prob if it ends up being a little short due to breakfast or whatnot)... That'll give me incentive to finish up a couple rules.

I'm gonna offer to run two games of Galactic, for three players each, with pregens and stuff. One at 8:00 on Saturday, and one at 9 pm on Saturday. There's an opportunity for both morning and night people! Since John H is less of a morning dude and I haven't seen him in over a year, I'm offering him a saved seat at the 9 pm game. Such is my almighty power.

Since this con is about yee haw fun and games, I'd prefer to play it as a 'see how it goes' than as a 'let's try and break this mutha' kind of thing. 

I don't expect us to be too shy on GMs for this con, but I'll stand ready to produce a PTA game if we have more players than games in any slot.

Er, I'd really like to see someone take the initiative to organize all these "who's running what and when" ideas and put them into a spreadsheet, visual layout, etc. It's hurting my brain trying to think of what to play and when, and truth be told, I love a good plan, but I'll probably just "Show Up and Play/Run Whatever" when I see with my own eyes who's there, what's being offered, etc.

Though I'd shiv a man to get in some Galactic.

Howdy all.

Raven and I will be joining y'all, representing good ol' Minnesota, and we are looking for someplace to lay our heads.  If anyone has room available, especially in a quad or two, but any room in general, we would love to help you cut your costs!

Please PM me if you can help us help you help us...

Aaron

We have now secured space.  Please diregard the former plea.  Instead, hear sounds of great joy.

Aaron

Games I would like to play, in rough order of priority:

Dogs in the Vineyard, Polaris, The Mountain Witch (tied with) Prime Time Adventures, My Life With Master, everything else.

I am honestly less interested in playtesting new stuff than I am in playing stuff I bought last GenCon and haven't really gotten to play yet. I don't expect to play ALL of those, I'm just saying, I'd like to hit on a few games I know and own, so I can get comfortable enough to run them myself. Also I'm hoping the friends I have coming will get to play or at least see some of those in action as well so that they can see which they'd like me to run for them; but if I can get them playing anything indie I'll be happy.

I know for sure at least two of my friends will want in on Dogs, so that's gonna be my numero uno pick.

D.

Question: should we/can we bring our rough, unplaytested bits of coal to the tables, or is that a bad idea for this particular weekend? (I ask as I'm looking for a few warm bodies to run some "Expendable" with, despite its current trainwreck ruleset -- at least in my overly-picky mind -- and I'm wondering if I should devote some time this week to hashing out a quick-n'-dirty page of coherent, distilled game rules to toss into the fires of play.)

Otherwise, I'm willing to run a game of "Orx" sometime during the weekend with any interested parties. PM me if you would like to play.

But I definitely want to play me some Dogs, and a game of Sorcerer if anyone decides to run a session. My Life With Master and The Mountain Witch are also way up there on the "really want to play" list.

I'll step up and offer to run Dogs; probably Saturday morning (after coffee).  I reserve the right to change my mind, though.

If nobody else gets around to it, I'll make a timetable of the slots and what games are being offered in them sometime this week and throw it up on blankshieldpress.

James

I've got a new game called "Dysfunctional Family Reunion" that I'd like to expose to people.  (It's basically a thin tissue of setting draped over clever rules for emotional mayhem, just like Meatbot Massacre was a tissue of setting over rules for physical mayhem.)  I'd also like a chance to play Dogs, MLWM or Mountain Witch.

Scheduling may be interesting, depending on child care.

-G.

LAST CALL

Ok, everyone, this is the last alert for singing up for next weekend's event. YOU MUST REGISTER HERE BY APRIL 1.

In other news . . .

James, knock yourself out on that schedule chart. I keep trying to make one, and keep getting sidetracked by life.

Raven, absolutley, playtesting and game tidbits are encouraged, as far as I'm concerned. It's especially appropriate for that lunch-time session I mentioned in the schedule a page back or so. That's the ideal "demo" slot for quick 15 minute (or, longer, whatever works) demos, playtests, etc.

Crap... didn't occur to me there'd be a deadline. I better prod some folks with a bigger stick.

Oh, yeah, I meant to ask, how is payment being handled? At the door? Paypal prior to? During? After?

I'm down for some Sorcerer, too, if that happens. My friend who wants to play Dogs just picked up the whole Sorcerer suite, and could use some actual play to see what she's gotten herself into.

D.

Hi everybody. I'm more a lurker here than anything else, but I live close enough that I can't not go. So if you meet a guy and his name doesn't sound familiar at all, that's probably me!

So 52 people are signed up. Fifty-friggin'-two. That's awesome.

That makes about 10 games per time slot, right? And 7 slots, so about 70 games, potentially.

Coolness.

52. Coincidence? I THINK NOT.

Dibs on the Ace of Spades.

- J, so tempted to put everything in marquee text now. Soooo tempted.

Ok, schedule is up at:

http://www.blankshieldpress.com/midwest.xls

and in .cvs for the office-challenged:

http://www.blankshieldpress.com/midwest.csv

If you want on the schedule, just post in this thread.  I'll see it and wave my magic wand.

I'll note that there's been a whole lot more "want to play"s than "will run"s...  I'm only scheduling the "will run"s here.

thanks,

James

Speaking as an agent of chaos, I don't plan to schedule anything but do plan to run or at least host games the entire time. Which ones, when, is just going to be improvised as we go along.

Best,
Ron

The gathering is almost here! Man, I'm so ridiculously excited; it hasn't yet hit me that this weekend is here. It's like I'm a kid waiting for Christmas. There are so many games I want to play, plus run my own. Going to have to make some hard choices!

Folks, check out James' schedule. But, at the same time, heed Ron. We're going to be nearly 60 people total! It'll be a crazy event. PLEASE don't be shy. Everyone is there to play some fun games and connect with others who want to play fun games. If a time slot rolls around, and you're not in a game, ask someone! You'll find yourself in an awesome game before you can say Jared Sorensen.

Playing 52 pickup

We have 52 confirmations for the event. The actual number should be right around 52, as guests appear to be included on the count. But, others have contacted me that their guest won't make it. So, it'll be awfully close. I'm expecting 52-54 people. Yes, there will be name tags. Yes, they will be playing cards. Would you expect differently from the publisher who doesn't acknowledge dice? I thought not. Jared, the Ace of Spades is yours.

Whew.  It looks like the times I'll be able to get there are...

SATURDAY -- sometime fourish or after.

SUNDAY -- I'll guess around noon.

It sounds like several people are making an admirable attempt to organize and schedule things, but is it fair to say there's going to be a fair amount of spontaneous, "we can use the barn!" kind of play going on?  I know a game of DyFR only takes an hour.  I'm happy to leave it unscheduled and catch players as I can.  Similarly, can I hope to jump in to games when they reach a critical mass?

-G.

P.S.  If someone could PM or email me the address of the site, that would be swell.

Hey Matt Snyder,

When are you going to be showing up at the hotel on Friday? I'm curious when I (& others) should plan on showing up?

Good question! I should arrive between 4 and 5 p.m., if all goes well.

That said, by all means, start the social hour without me! I know people are flying in at various times throughout the day.

The only bummer for me is that I don't have a cell phone. So, here's my plan. I will arrive in the afternoon and check in. I'll look around the lobby, restaurant and bar for familiar faces. If I don't see any, I'll start calling people (especially my room mates) on their cell phones from my hotel room.

I'll get some supper around 6 or 7 with anyone who cares to join me (or whom I headlock into going). I can live with eating there at the hotel, but it's probably better to go out to nearby restaurants. Then, back to the hotel to meet and greet, drink, socialize, etc.

SAVE YOUR PAYMENT 'TIL SATURDAY. I'll hand out name tags and check you off the list when I gets me some cash. Simple as that.

FYI, it appears payment for each person will be around $16 (possibly as much as $18 with other fees/costs I incur, like name tags, tax/fees for the room rental, etc). Please try to plan accordingly in terms of cash.

K, so, will the schedule include who has signed up for each slot? Or is it just first come first serve, or what?

I think I'm already down for that first TMW game Tim is running. I'd also like to put myself plus two friends down for that early morning Dogs slot, but if it's already full up we can find another game, no worries.

I'd offer to run something, but I suck ^_^ I'm hoping to learn from watching this weekend and suck less afterward.

so very psyched =D

Local Restaurants That Don't Suck

Right down the way in Streets of Woodfield:
Chipotle (mmmm breeetoooz!)
Big Bowl
Wild Noodles
Jamba Juice
Cold Stone Creamery (if you've never been here, and you like ice cream at all, you *must* go)

There are others, but these are the ones I can personally endorse and highly recommend.

D.

Damn uneditable posts *grumble*

Also close by in the other direction:

Panda Express
Old Country Buffet
Subway
Chicago Hickory Roasters (the pot roast here is excellent)
Chipotle (again)
Pappadeax (super expensive but very tasty seafood)

I shall be arriving Friday evening after work, probably between 6 and 7. I have a couple friends who won't be able to make it Friday until midnight or later, will people still be up and chatting then do you think, or should they just wait until Saturday? (I don't think she's getting a room).

Sorry for the multiposting, I'd have edited it all together except I can't.

We should hold con-thingies two miles from my apartment more often ^_^

D.

The schedule is only 'who's running what', not for signups; that's for the chosen method of each individual GM.  For myself, you must cross the lake of fire and bring me back the coffee of the gods before you may play in my games.

Actually Nev, you're the first person to say "I wanna play in the morning Dogs" so looks like you and your friends are in it.

I don't really expect the schedule to get a whole lot more crowded; I suspect a lot of guys are running, like Ron, by the chaos method, and just gonna go with what happens at the time.

We're smart folks, we'll work it out.

Friday night I imagine there'll be some folks up after midnight, but not a lot, and not for too too long, with all of that juicy gaming the next day, so if your friend's facing a drive, I'd say that starting Saturday with sleep under their belt is probably the better bet.

Thanks for the restaurant list, too!  I'm definately up for hitting Pappadeax if the fates align - I can't eat seafood at home 'cause it kills my wife.

James

Anyone know if  there are any decent vegetarian options nearby?

Just want to send you my love & envy:

love-love-love <3

envy-envy-envy  !!!

--Em

Thor,

Veggie burritos at Chipolte are great. Obviously there are veggie subs at Subway. Some Panda Expresses have a fried Garlic Tofu dish that is awesome. I think that most Panda's will have a Black Bean and not-fried-tofu dish. I would bet there is a Little Ceasers some where and their pizza sauce is Vegan. If there are other options I'd like to second Thor's curiousity.

Crap. Sorry to make two posts. I forgot that if you get veggie burritos at Chipolte choose black beans, the pintos are cooked with bacon.

Yay! Other non-carnivores. Soon we will rule the world, forcing all meat-eaters to labor on our agricultural farms and fight in our grand arenas to satiate their own bloodlust! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA...*ahem* I, too, am curious about local vegetarian dining options.

Thanks Clyde!

Raven, I must confess that I am an omnivore. But 50% of the Burning Wheel/NYC crew (Luke, Dro and Mayuran) are vegetarians. I'm worried about what they will do to the chick peas if they have to spend another con living on hummus and pita.

I say we eat the vegeterians.

I'll be at OHARE ~9:30amish, preceded by the inimitable Andy Kit-owski (no relation to Sen-kowski).

Gonna get me a Jamba Juice!

Thor wrote:
50% of the Burning Wheel/NYC crew (Luke, Dro and Mayuran) are vegetarians. I'm worried about what they will do to the chick peas if they have to spend another con living on hummus and pita.

Jared wrote:
I say we eat the vegeterians.

For seafood there is also Shaw's Crab House at Streets of Woodfield, which I have not had, but is rumored to be quite tasty. And probably slightly less pricey than Pappadeaux.

There is a Sweet Tomatoes around somewhere, but I'm not sure where, because I enjoy eating the flesh of other creatures. Preferably sentient ones.

Besides, vegetarianism for the sake of animals is speciesist.

Sweet Tomatoes is near the mall, next to (sort of) an IKEA. If my memory is correct, the nearby mall has: Rainforest Cafe, Stir Crazy, some random Chinese fast food stall, McDonalds, Sbarros, Jimmy John Subs, and Ruby Tuesdays. I highly recommend Maggiano's--an incredible Italian restaurant with decent prices ($12) for huge plates of pasta (size and weight of your head). Just make a reservation or you'll never get in.

The mall also has a Gamer's Paradise for any last minute dice/cards/books/etc. shopping. At least it did when I was last there a few months ago, so please don't blame me if it's closed. :)

Gamer's Paradise is still there, right up in the corner, as of today. And those places you mentioned. I totally forgot about the stuff IN the mall, so good catch.

Hey, speaking of paraphernalia, we should all be bringing books, dice, notepads, pencils, tokens, playing cards, etc. for whatever we want to play, right?

Nev wrote:
Gamer's Paradise is still there, right up in the corner, as of today. And those places you mentioned. I totally forgot about the stuff IN the mall, so good catch. Hey, speaking of paraphernalia, we should all be bringing books, dice, notepads, pencils, tokens, playing cards, etc. for whatever we want to play, right?

I'll bring games I'm running and have and games I want to play and have, and, aw hell, indy game books are small; I'll probably bring my whole shelf, just in case. 

I'll also have some copies of Death's Door in case I need any "free promotional giveaway in exchange for a small cash donation" items.

James

I also will bring my whole shelf, which includes:

The Sorcerer Suite
Polaris
Dogs in the Vineyard
The Mountain Witch
Prime Time Adventures (the original, not the spiffy new one)
Bacchanal
the No Press RPG Anthology, which includes
  Pretenders
  Pagoda
  The Agency
  some other stuff I can't think of off the top of my head but which also doesn't suck.
My Life With Master
  various printouts of PDFs of I don't even know what. If your game was posted on the Forge as a free PDF, there's a fair chance I have a copy. And I even have a few that cost money.

I will be willing to loan out any book I am not currently using to anybody whom I know or whom can be vouched for by someone I know (which should include pretty much everybody). In exchange for hearing about whatever you played with it, of course ^_^

I should also have extra notebooks and pencils should anyone find themselves short.

D.

I take it we'll be meeting Friday night at the hotel's restaurant/lounge Penne Grill? And should I find the Forge folk by shaking a dice bag and looking to see who scowls? Walk around with a Power 19 list and chat up people until I find one that doesn't run away? Keep my eyes peeled for someone eating a vegetarian?

I'll be coming straight from work, so I'll be a guy wearing a tie. That'll set me apart.

-- Bill O'Dea

PS: Thanks to whoever arranged this!

WooHoo!

We're leaving! 

See y'all at 7 or so...

Aaron
Raven

Late notice, but in case anyone is wondering, I'll be coming down tomorrow morning. Took a while to get it figured out, but I'll be there! See y'all in the AM. :-)

Mike