GenCon 2007 & 4th Edition D&D


I just returned from Gen Con, and I'm asking myself, "Bruce, shouldn't you be sleeping?"

Well, yes, I probably should, but I am still pretty pumped by our GenCon announcement of D&D 4th Edition!

So weird to be able to say and type that. After having to keep it under wraps and use code words for the last few years, saying '4th edition' out-loud feels like freedom.

Check out the new D&D Insider (DDi) page for more on 4th Edition, including video of the announcement, as well as a couple of articles I wrote (more on the way) in anticipation of DDi's premiere: 4th Edition Playtest Report, and Realmslore: Tomb of the Astronomer.

I've put the rest of my experiences of the Con behind the fold...

The con was a good one for me. Dee and I attended under our own power, and stayed with our friends (and family on Dee's side) Doug and Wendy. Doug had never attended a game convention before, but was game to see what all the hoopla was about. Below, Doug and I ready ourselves, even as Jeanie (one of Dee's sisters) sneaks into the frame.



Doug and I lit out for Gen Con on Friday, hitting the doors at 10 AM, just as the Exhibitor's Hall opened and the hordes flooded inward. We walked with the multitudes, oohing and aahing first through the art exhibit. Doug seems to take it all in stride.



Next, I entered Wizards' booth to hit up everyone I could find and ask them the same question, "How'd the announcement go? Are the fans excited?" Yes!, but more on that later.

Wizards' booth was jam-packed with con-goers demoing a variety of games. Gleemax' great green glowing presence was also an ominpresent visage in the booth. I hunkered down in the FR Author area at 1 PM for a meet and greet. In addition to talking to several FR fans, I got a chance to speak with Ed Greenwood and several other FR authors, few of which I had before met face to face. Very fun!



Doug noticed amongst all the titles on the shelf, "Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress," and picked it up. Shelly Mazzanoble the author was right nearby and was gracious enough to sign Doug's book. This book looks to be a hoot, and I am looking forward to picking up my own copy when I get back to the office. I think this book is going to be a break-out hit.


The rest of day one passed in a blur--at one point I had another meeting with Ed, Rich Baker, and Courtney Marabetta regarding some FR stuff. Unfortunately, I told Doug the meeting would last 20 minutes, but it ended up closer to an hour and 20; sorry Doug!

I tried to contact a couple people I had promised to see at the con, but in both cases my cell phone proved unequal to the task; I apologize to you folks! (Perhaps I should listen to the red devil and get an iPhone after all...)

At the end of the evening, we attended the ENnies, a glamorous affair in the Indiana Rooftoop Ballroom, where among many other winners, Monte and Sue Cook ended up doing quite well with their massive game setting Ptolus. Also, Wizards was named 'Best Publisher!" Good job us!





On Saturday, I attended the D&D Q&A seminar at 2 pm. I was delighted to discover that several items regarding 4th Edition were leaked, enough info (I believe) to turn an audience previously on the edge of acceptance toward true anticipation of the coming new rules. Good job us!

Next, I stayed in the same room to watch the Secrets of the Realms seminar. A great seminar, one in which I also met several more FR authors whose upcoming titles I've seen listed, but who I hadn't before had the pleasure of meeting. Very cool! Those who attended the seminar learned a big event would soon debut in the Faerûn timeline.

In the Year of Blue Fire comes, inevitably, the Spellplague.

Wow. Talk about freedom! Well, I can't say too much more about that, but to even utter those few syllables is liberating.

And, finally, for me, who had nothing more to do than take in the sights, hang out with friends, and drink Margaritas, the Con was over.





(Yes, we bought our first digital camera. Can you tell?)

Posted: Sun - August 19, 2007 at 06:59 PM          

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