I have to start with an apology for the radio silence. My old creative writing teacher used to say that the best inspiration it the application of your butt to a chair, and just write. I can't really say why, but I've struggled with just doing that.
Then I got a little inspiration from the Mantic Universe Podcast - and thought I just have to get off my butt (or maybe get on my butt) and do it.
So Origins was held in Columbus Ohio in June, and not only were the Ohio War Kings there, but Mantic had a big booth as well. It wasn't without issues (we had to cancel some events - we couldn't run events for Epic Warpath since it hadn't come out yet, and another set had to be cancelled due to personal issues (and family ALWAYS comes first).
We had one of the largest gaming areas in quite a while - it did not feel crowded at all. Plus the Mantic booth at one end. Blake Shrode did a fantastic job with the booth - showing Mantic that Origins can be a profitable show for them.
So what did we run? I ran Kings of War, Kings of War: Champions, Kings of War: Armada and Dungeon Saga:Origins. Mark Ziellinski ran a Halo:Flashpoint Paint & Take, and Jesse Dennison and Dan White ran Halo:Flashpoint. Keith Ambrose ran a Giant size Deadzone.
So let's start with that! I first saw some of the work Keith was doing several months before, and it was really impressive. We met up for lunch at a sushi place near where we used to work (yes, we used to work together)
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| The first models and terrain Keith made (while we waited for our delicious raw fish!) |
The table was 6' x 6' - each cube was 9"and he 3d printed them all.
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| Marauder Strike Team |
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| Enforcer Strike Team |
When he wasn't helping with the booth or the Mantic Champions or Halo events, Dan White managed to get a LOT of pictures. I will try to credit his pics, starting with these.
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| A player, Keith Ambrose, Mark Zielinski and Beth Hill (who helped Keith with this huge endeavor). Picture by Dan White. |
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| Picture by Dan White. |
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| Picture by Dan White. |
I really can't say how amazing this was, and really hope more people get to experience it next year. I do feel it is a bit of a shame that we can't get Halo:Flashpoint 3up models to run that on the board (due to contract limitations).
Speaking of Halo:Flashpoint - we had 8 teams available and Jesse Dennison and Dan White ran our Learn to Play events with them.
One of the things that made this Origins great was they actually gave us extra tables for staging our miniature events. They asked us to have the miniatures out as much as possible, because the (finally) realized they bring in people to look at them.
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| The 8 fireteams I painted up for the events. |
Dan got some pictures of those as well.
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
So, speaking of Champions, I ran three six seat sessions teaching this new game. I really like this for conventions like this - it is a great game to get started, is fast, and doesn't require a huge investment (in money, time or painting).
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| The six companies currently out - Basileans, Abyssals, Northern Alliance, Twilight Kin, Gobllins and Nightstalkers |
Again many, many thanks to Dan for picking up the picture slack!
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| I only brought 12 armies (for up to 8 players at a time) |
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| It is a lot more fun to play than just watch! |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
For Armada, we premiered the new Forces of the Abyss fleet! Good turnout for these. I wish the game were growing more, but it will always be a bit of a niche game. Still a good one for conventions though - because those are places you go to place niche games that you generally don't get to play elsewhere.
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| Sold out AND full! |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Picture by Dan White |
After a very successful premier for us at Origins last year, I brought back Dungeon Saga: Origins. I like this a something to wind down - I can sit and pretty much relax as the overlord while the players kick my butt (the first scenario can be a bit too easy - I'm thinking about building the 3d board for the 2nd scenario to do next year)
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| The game set up during the day for people to see |
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| I try to save the 3d board reveal as a surprise. Picture by Dan White |
Mark Zielinski has always loved paint-n-takes. Sit down, paint a mini, and take it home with you. We asked Mantic for Halo minis this year, and they were a big hit. So much so that he actually had one sessions that was MORE than capacity!
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| Picture by Dan White |
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| Mantic was giving out cards that could be folded as a display for your Halo figures as well. Picture by Dan White |
Overall it was a great time, seeing old friends and making new ones. I have already thought about what the Ohio War Kings want to run next year!
One of the best parts was not only Mantic having a booth, but it was attached to our game area. I have spend so many years telling people to go to their FLGS or online to buy the games they just learned - it was so nice to instead point them to the product they could pick up and take home with them!
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| Picture by Dan White |
Because it is all fun and games . . .
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