My Origins Report

[CpSpalding]

Hi!! I just got back last night from my first Origins (If you don't count when they had it at Gen Con) and I must say I had a great time. I won't bore you with the non-hero stuff, so here are the Hero highlights.

I met the Hero crew again and in learned the somewhat chilling news that Darren Watts based Dr. Silveback at least somewhat on his dad. Steve, Darren, Jason, and Tina were great and made sure we had plenty of prizes. I saw Steve's Origins award and also heard that the Award Committee was concerned that Hero might win thanks to the write-in campaign. At least we had a moral victory. My only regret was that I missed out on free food (which I never turn down) because we went home early, but I definitely felt that the work I did organizing games was appreciated.

As for the games themselves, I was in awe of Bob Pennington's enthusiasm as a GM. Whether it was Iron Clad lifting something heavy, Nighthawk acting dark and mysterious, or Saphire being a bit of a tease, Bob made you feel like you were the first player to think of that and I know he won some converts to Hero System with his games. I can't wait to see what he does with Star Hero at Gen Con.

Rod Curry was great about stepping in to run a game for us and he's doing the same at Gen Con, but where he really excelled was with his Super Squad America game. Keeping a full table of players enthralled is no easy task, but he was able to do it when half the table didn't show and he was able to do it when he had 9. It was great seeing him in the middle of a figure 8 keeping everybody entertained.

For my part, my own games went pretty well. I thought the Justice Society vs. Godzilla really was great and the players for my others were pretty good too. I ran Leah Watts' Behind Enemy Lines since she wasn't at the con. The games ran smoothely and my last slot was a hoot as I had a whole table full of players from Cleveland. I was watching their interracting with each other as much as I GMed. Leah's game is great and Menagerie learned first hand what many housecats have and that's--cats shouldn't run indoors.

Origins was a blast and next year they've promised us our own room so I expect it to be even better. A month from now comes Gen Con and I guarantee it'll be a lot of fun too. This is going to be a great Summer.

[rjcurrie]

Thanks for the kind words. I hope I actually entertained my players as much as Joe thinks I did, but I definitely know they entertained me. They were creative, heroic, sarcastic, indignant, sad, happy, and full of angst, whatever the current situation called for. I also had a few players who had never played Champions before and had fun -- don't know if they'll become Hero converts or not, but with any luck, they will. These newcomers were among some of my best players. To make a long story short (I know, it's too late for that), anyone who played SuperSquad America is out there reading this, thanks for making my Origins fun.

Bob and his friend Alex definitely seemed to be having fun running Unearthed Mechana. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to play in it. One of the players in my final came to the table saying "Unearth Mechana rocks" :)

I wish I had prepared better for my one session of Behind Friendly Lines, but I was busy working on my SuperSquad America game right up until I left for Columbus. That being said, I think the three players in that game enjoyed themselves. Leah's game was well-written and well put-together (and easy to run once I got into the flow), but it's very different from the type of game I like to run, so I had some misgivings about running it. However, I think it turned out well in the end.

And yeah, Joe, we missed you at dinner Sunday night. And once again, thanks to the Hero guys (and gal) for their support, prizes, and free food. :)

Can't wait for Gencon.

Rod Currie

[Steve Long]

We definitely need to send out a big special thanx to Joe, Rod, Bob, Alex, and everyone else who ran games for us at GenCon. With one exception, IIRC all of the scheduled games went off as planned, and most were full. Bob and Alex also ran a few impromptu demos.

Thanx, guys! We really appreciate all the help. See you at GenCon, or if not, at Origins 2004. ;)

[Tempuswolf]

I am dying to know. Who was the last one standing, JSAer Dr. Fate or Godzilla?

[CpSpalding]

A few random replies here:

A) I think every game did wind up going off. The one game that had the problem was a Behind Friendly Lines game where the game at the table 223A ran long. I had just finished GMing a game at 223C and my players were waiting at 223B. We never saw each other. One of the players joined a Fantasy Hero game and I wound up running the other players. This won't happen when we have our own room :)

B) I forgot to mention Alex. He was a gifted GM in his own right and it was great for Bob that he had him to help.

C) The JSA was standing at the end, though Wonder Woman and Starman were KOed. The Gozilla used was a baby Godzilla only 45 feet tall. I think it may be fun to use the whole team against a full grown Godzilla.

D) I forgot to mention the Fantasy Hero games and some of the other independent hero games which looked really good. One Fantasy Hero game in particular had a great computer hookup, but I didn't see a single dog in any of the Hero games I saw being run.

E) Unearthed Mechana did indeed rock and it's going to give Leah and I something to shoot for with Champions 101 at Gen Con.

[rjcurrie]

One first round run of SuperSquad America did not go off because there were only three players. I will generally not run SuperSquad with less than 5 players (although I might consider 4 players). Too much of the game often depends upon character interactions to run it with very few players. However, of those 3 players, I think only one didn't end up playing in another round.

Rod

[CpSpalding]

Oh that's right. I picked up at least one of those players for my game, so it worked out well for me. Don't be too discouraged when a player totally misses a game though. I remember that I had signed up for Misfit Heroes last year and it didn't go off. On my way there, I had been contemplating taking a nap instead. I wound up going to the game and found it cancelled. They kept trying to make it up to me by putting me in another Infinite Imaginations game, but all I wanted was that comfortable bed.

[HeroTina]

There was one game I went to, to drop off a book... All the players where there and no GM, the Origins officials where at their table trying to get them in simular games.

I found out who this person was and will keep my out for him.

T.

[CpSpalding]

Well the good thing is it wasn't an official Hero tournament. As a game company, you have no control over what people do with your rules. On the other hand, if your name is on the tournament, players have a right to expect certain things---least of these is that a GM will be present.

[Koshka]

Originally posted by CpSpalding
I ran Leah Watts' Behind Enemy Lines since she wasn't at the con. The games ran smoothely and my last slot was a hoot as I had a whole table full of players from Cleveland. I was watching their interracting with each other as much as I GMed. Leah's game is great and Menagerie learned first hand what many housecats have and that's--cats shouldn't run indoors.

Do I need to install some carpeting in the lab for traction, Joe? ;)

Glad it went well, it turned out a little more combat-heavy than I'd expected and that had me worried a bit. OTOH, two of my playtesters are primarily D&Ders and were interested in playing more Hero after we wrapped up ... so maybe there's a place for combat-heavy games :) .

[rjcurrie]

I don't think much would have helped Menagerie in my round. I rolled an 18 when she tried a move through on an agent across the room and as a result. she slammed head first into the wall :). My three agents role-played and bluffed their way through most of the end of the adventure. Two of the three were new to Hero and seemed to have fun. And as I say, I ended up having more fun running it than I thought I would have, so I would say your adventure was successful.

[Quasar]

Hi All,

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words about my role in Bob's Unearthed Mechana events.

It was great meeting Steve, Darren, Tina and Jason. What a nice group of people! I found myself torn between wanting to hang out at the Hero booth to chat with them, and not wanting to bother them too much while they were working.

It was nice meeting Joe and Rod too.

The con was my first, and has inspired me to attend yearly. It was just a hell of a lot of fun. I look forward to seeing all of you again at next Origins, and although I won't be at GenCon this year, wild dogs couldn't keep me away next year.

Leah's Behind Friendly Lines was a blast. Bob and I were the only two to show for the time slot we scheduled, so we both ran two PRIMUS agents. We were a little tired, so we made a few stupid mistakes, but using teamwork we were able to prevail (barely). (I believe there was only one agent standing after the final battle.) All in all a great experience.

Quasar
a.k.a. Alex

[Strike13]

I really liked meeting the Hero gang. It was great meeting these guys after reading stuff they wrote for so long. I am able to put a face to the words.
I played in two Champions games and loved both of them. Unearthed Mechana was great and Bob I have to say you are one of the best GM's I have ever had the pleasure to game with. I don't think I have ever seen so much energy poored into a game. You really got me into the game. Watching him in action is a sight to behold.
I also played in Super Squad America, I played Challenger in the last session Saturday night. Rod great scenario! I would never have thought to run a scenario like that. I'm really bummed I couldn't make it Sunday to play the final round. Work on that Kentucky accent.
I will definitely be their next year. Since Hero will have their own room next year how do I get on board to help out? I live in the Columbus area so let me how I can help.
Thanks for a great time.

[Steve Long]

When the time approaches, Chris, we'll definitely spread the word -- we'd love to have your help! We want to run lots of games and related events so that we can not only provide an outlet for Hero gamers who want to play, but teach newcomers to the system and so on.

For example, by then we should have Gadgets And Gear in print as well as the USPD. Those two books give us the resources to run "create a character quickly, then play it" demo events.

Similarly, by next summer we'll be gearing up for the release of Dark Champions. In addition to Champions scenarios, we'd like to have some for SH, FH, and DC to show the versatility of the system.

So, we'll need lots of assistance! Joe can only go without sleep for so long! ;)

[rjcurrie]

Originally posted by Strike13
I also played in Super Squad America, I played Challenger in the last session Saturday night. Rod great scenario! I would never have thought to run a scenario like that. I'm really bummed I couldn't make it Sunday to play the final round.

Thanks, Chris. I'm glad you had fun. You guys certainly entertained me. The final run was fun. Sorry, you couldn't make it.

Rod

[Keneton]

All we need to do next year is decorate our room. BTW, what nobody mentioned so far was the response from other game companies. As Alex (Quasar) and myself (Bob/Keneton) walked around with our nifty (TINA) Hero badges, everyone and anyone commented about Hero.

One Game designer from Playroom complimented darren for beeing a great writer/editor and a help for his game design work.

Everyone says that Steve is a Workhorse and just loved him.

The moderator at roleplaying HQ said he worked the cons in CA and new Hero deserved its own room. He said (and I quote) "The Hero gamers are bar none the best at every con!"

That is very high praise.

Thanks all of you from my game. I was very fired up at the high level of role-playing in all of my games. I run a combat intensive game, but was extremly blown awy by the great role playing in every session. I did get my tactics fix as many will attest like nearlly taking out the entire team with one rapid attack, rapid autofire, skipover sparyfire sweep!

The unstoppable Creep did get to makeout with Sapphire (sort of!) in my demo. I really appreciate newcomer Roberts bit with Ironclad and hope he gets into Hero full time. Any of my players can contact me and I'll enchange chracters and adventures with you.

Thanks again for all of your kind words. Rod and Joe are good GM's and I look forwrd to a cold beer with both of you at Gen Con.

Peace!
:D

[rjcurrie]

Originally posted by Keneton
Thanks again for all of your kind words. Rod and Joe are good GM's and I look forwrd to a cold beer with both of you at Gen Con.

Peace!
:D

I'm really sorry I didn't get to play your game, Bob. I heard nothing but good about it. And I definitely second this idea of what seems to be a mutual admiration society getting together for a cold beer at GenCon. :)

Take care.

[CpSpalding]

Well since I missed out at Origins, count me in on that beer :). Also, Mr. Keneton sir, I made those little standups today, but would really appreciate it if you could send me the abbreviated writeups. Rodney, I am scheduled to have the game sent out with maps no later than Wednesday so I can spend the rest of the week coming up with why the Elves are smuggling little wooden trains for The Night The Reindeer Died.

[Keneton]

Which writeups do you need and by when?

I will endeavor to comply sir!:cool:

[CpSpalding]

The character sheets you used for the Champions were nice and simple. I was wondering if you could send me that file.

Joe

[Nato]

Oooh, any chance I could see it too?