GenCon Oz: Saturday

Gencon Oz: Day 3
As expected there was no L5R action for me due to the anticipated lack of key cards from eBay. Granted, I probably could have put something rubbish together with my existing collection (maybe even adding the best bits of a starter deck to pad it out) but I decided I didn't feel like being beaten up all day. I've done that at conventions before and to be honest it does help you learn the game you are being flogged at; but it's less fun than competing properly.

Today I put my hand up for a little more RPGA - this time the "convention special" which featured avoidable fights! Yes, just like a real adventure the players are given opportunities to avoid conflict. This impressed me greatly and was a much-needed departure from the tragic rail-roading that is found in all the other RPGA modules that I have played, seen or heard of. Bravo! I can only hope that The Powers That Be continue to publish this kind of thing for RPGA'ers in the future.

I was joined by Kevin and Gareth - two friends of mine that were looking for something to do and James - an RPGA'er who (by chance) I have shared a table with at all of my RPGA events, even those at Fastbreak. We worked together well, moving quickly through encounters and promptly defeating those monsters which we could not avoid. Despite having a team of four our decision to go with the classic roles of Defender, Striker, Controller and Healer ensured we wrapped things up in record time. This was the first session I can remember that had a Controller at the table...

Everyone except the Paladin lingers in the doorway,
not long after this shot I move forward to heal the Paladin :)
(Click on image for a slightly larger version)

Grognard the Cleric is now only one adventure off hitting level 4 and there is one adventure left that I am able to take part in, so tomorrow I'll be back at the roleplay arena.

I managed to spend enough time in the Trade Hall to get a good look at everything on offer. As expected I didn't find much that excited me despite feeling obliged to purchase something. Well, tomorrow is the last day of the convention and traditionally sees the best prices from vendors as they try to avoid bringing all that stock back home with them - so there's hope for me yet!