Chaotic Saturday

The folks at the Games Workshop Chicago Battle Bunker showed me a great time this past Saturday. I signed a few dozen books, chatted with lots of Blood Bowl players, and peeked over a few shoulders to see some great teams, pitches, and matches. I also talked again with tournament organizer Tom Anders, who edited the latest version of the Blood Bowl Living Rulebook, and he kindly completed my set of exclusive (and very cool) Chaos Cup figures.

Darren Orange and Zachary “Charge” Laoutides from Reactor 88 Studios showed up to chat about the Brave New World movie too, and Chuck “Patriot” Wagner stopped by with a couple of lovely ladies to invite us to his birthday party. Sadly, I had to pass on that, but I did grab dinner with Darren and store manager Allen Jorjorian, who invited me out to say thanks for making the trip.

Allen has one of those great life stories that reminds me why I love gaming. Formerly a successful stockbroker, he put that behind him after the birth of his son and now works his dream job as a manager of a Games Workshop store. I love seeing people being true to themselves and doing what they love.

Unplugged Again

My latest essay for Storytellers Unplugged just appeared on that website, as if by magic. In it, I ramble loosely about how deadlines help to focus the creative mind–or at least mine. The essay itself is a fine example of that. Until I sat down to write it, the only thing bouncing around my head was that I’d obligated myself to write something every month and my turn was up. That’s self-reflexiveness for you.

The Chaos Cup!

This Saturday, starting at 3 PM, I’ll be stomping around one of the biggest Blood Bowl tournaments of the year: the Chaos Cup! It’s held at the Games Workshop Chicago Battle Bunker in Downers Grove, Illinois, and I’ll be there to sign books, talk Blood Bowl, and have some fun. If you’re in the area, please stop by, say hi, and cheer on your favorite team!

ACD Games Day

Last night, after the kids’ dance lessons and soccer practice, I drove up to Madison, Wisconsin, for the ACD Games Day. I arrived late at an exhibitor’s dinner that the ever-amazing John Kovalic put together for the poor souls not invited to the retailer’s banquet. I had an excellent meal at the Hong Kong Cafe with folks from Fantasy Flight, PSI, Margaret Weis Productions, White Wolf, Impressions, Steve Jackson Games, and more.

Afterward, I rolled out to the Marriott Madison West, where ACD hosted the official event. Although it’s been remodeled in the last year, it always brings back memories of the Capital City Comics Distribution shows that used to be held in the exact same place, about 10 years ago.

I wandered around the demo hall and got washed out fast in a game of Walk the Plank, played versus John Kovalic, Bill Bodden, Lory from Pegasus Games, and a couple of ladies from ACD. It’s a nifty little card game like plays like Hearts but with pirates, which makes it that much more fun. I chatted with a few more people (like Oscar Garza of White Wolf, Ross Jepson, one of the Brians from Fantasy Flight, and Ed Evans of All Things Fun) and made a quick appearance in the hospitality suite. Then I meandered back down the highway toward Beloit and my bed.

Play This Thing!

If you’re a gaming omnivore like me, be sure to check out PlayThisThing.com. It features daily bits about all sorts of games that don’t qualify for mainstream coverage (e.g., things you’d see in electronic gaming print magazines). Manifesto Games, which is run by Greg Costikyan and my fellow Alliterates member Johnny Wilson, stands behind it, and you can expect their same dedication to alternative games (including the tabletop variety) at PlayThisThing.com.

Face Front!

I’ve been sucked into the social vortex known as Facebook. It’s been great for linking up with friends and even playing Scrabble with a long-time friend I’ve known since I was 2. Join me if you like. Here’s my badge:

Cell Phones?

I’m looking for a new cell phone service. I have US Cellular, but it drops calls when I walk through the house. Anyone local to Beloit out there have any recommendation? Mostly I’m looking at AT&T or Verizon right now. Thanks!