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I have some ideas, but would you care to elaborate? What kinds of other smaller happenings are there, from past experience?
Or to put it another way, involve yourself in things that join you up with other attendees. Normal social rules for gamers in public do NOT apply at PAX -- you don't have to hide your interest and try to appear normal. Ask if anyone is up for a game.
Actually some of the most fun I've had at PAX is running a couple of newbie Paranoia games. Sure we spent about half the time making characters and talking about what's possible, about different types of play. But I enjoyed that time with PAX attendees and a roleplaying game I love FAR more than I enjoyed seeing the expo hall or getting career advice in a satellite theater.
Really, it's a totally different social environment. If you're bored waiting in a line, fire up Mario Kart on your DS, start waiting for multiplayer connections, and hold your DS aloft and say "anyone for Mario Kart?" Try that out in the real world and people will back away slowly. Try that at PAX and you'll have a full Mario Kart lobby in no time.
XBL Michael Spencer || Wii 6007 6812 1605 7315 || PSN MichaelSpencerJr || Steam Michael_Spencer || Ham NOØK
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I used to go to RP and Comic cons around Portland, but nothing out of state and for more than one day. Going with my friend who has been before (and talked me into going this year).
I know it will be overwhelming, but it sounds like everyone is very chill and there for similar reasons.
See you there, look for the Ghostbuster!
-Frith, Watership Down
Things to Bring: Bring something to snack on, a couple bottles of water, a stick of deodorant/antiperspirant, about $40 in back-up money, a comfortable pair of shoes and something easy to carry all your crap in. At some point in the weekend you're probably going to wish you had brought these things if you didn't. And when I say back-up money, I mean separate from whatever spending money you already have. Worst comes to worst, you have more money on Sunday to buy stuff or get a real meal with.
Things to Do: EAT. SLEEP. SHOWER. CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES. The first two are necessary for your continued survival and sanity, the second two are there not only for cutting down on BO, but also because it will help prevent you getting sick. Also, study the schedule in advance. Pick out two or three things that you would absolutely HATE to miss, and plan your days around those. You will not be able to make it to everything, but proper prior planning prevents piss-poor performance.
Pictures: While it isn't as bad at PAX, please don't clog up traffic by taking pictures in the middle of a hallway or path. Go to the side or find a place that isn't crowded if you're going to take someones picture, and want it to not be hurried along.
It was quite literally one of the most moving experiences in my life. I'm a massive geek in a group of friends containing only one geek... me. I don't have anyone outside of the interwebs to talk about geek affairs with.
I was kind of shy in line to get in, but after a few lines I quickly shed my shyness and made a lot of awesome friends. Waiting in lines is one of the best parts of PAX IMO. That's where people really open up and just start bullshitting with each other. Epic conversations were had, friends were made, beers were bought.
The amount of excitement I have for this year is insane. I can't wait.
Also, don't miss Wil Wheaton's Awesome Hour. You'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Wil said it best [vidurl=
XBL Michael Spencer || Wii 6007 6812 1605 7315 || PSN MichaelSpencerJr || Steam Michael_Spencer || Ham NOØK
QRZ || My last known GPS coordinates: FindU or APRS.fi (Car antenna feed line busted -- no ham radio for me X__X )
This.
Long time Penny Arcade reader, first time PAX attendee! I've been wanting to go since the 2nd PAX, but it's never been in the cards. A bit of a "all around nerd" (Tabletop, RP, boardgames, video games, CCGs, anime, etc), so I'm really looking forward to it. Going with a friend, hoping to sign up for the TriWizard Drinking Cup and hopefully get over some of my social anxiety early in the game, heh.
I didnt see an answer to your question so here it is...
Console free play is the most laid back social room in all of PAX. Just go up to anyone there and they will play with you.
As for fighting games... there are ALWAYS people playing. SF4, T6, BB, GG
Absolutely bring you stick. Not only for free play but also for the Tourneys.
Last but not least, the console free play room has most any game you can think of. If there is a game you really want to make sure you, have bring it with you, but more then likely they will have it. If you do bring in your own game, make sure you tell the people at the game check out, so they dont think you are stealing.
Cool beans. Most of the pre-party stuff is in flux since I'm taking the PAXTrain up, but I really hope we can arrive in Seattle early enough to join the tri-wizard drinking thing.
You've got the wrong of it friend. PAX train is the biggest (in terms of duration) [tiny]and the best[/tiny] pre-pax activity there is. PPD gets you 2 hours to make friends, PAX train gives you 24.
You're right on the pub crawl, if only because walking the streets of Seattle with a herd of drunk wizards was one of my top experiences at PAX last year.
I'm going alone, too, and it's my first time. I'll hold your hand if you hold mine, we can jump in the nerd pool together!
+++BRONYS BEFORE BROS!+++
Games workshop doesn't have much of a presence, so probably not. But privateer press does, and they'll give you a free demo of their mini games. Perhaps that would slake your thirst for bits of metal killing each other.
The rules have changed HUGELY since then. If you even have a hope, I'd highly suggest you read the newest version of the rules
Having said that, I second checking out Privateer Press. WarMachine/Hordes is a really fun game, way fewer minis, and the minis themselves are pretty amazing. Should you want to revive your miniature gaming addiction on a limited basis, they are totally the way to go.
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I'm much excited!
I do have a question for veterans-- how often do PAX attendees bring board games? I know bringing boardgames and other games are commonplace in small cons, but this is in an entirely different scale, which I am completely unfamiliar with. I'd love to know-- I want to bring Thunderstone (love that game!)
Another stray question: is steampunk around here?
I'd say leave your board games at home, and check em out of the board game library, but at PAX east there was but a single copy of Thunderstone, which caused some commotion at one of the Q&A's. So, maybe bring it? You might get a chance to play with Mike & Jerry.
Steampunk: I wore my light up goggles last year, they were a big hit. Justification (if you need one): Rain Slick Precipice was a steampunk genre game.
PSN - B_for_Business
If there's a game you absolutely want to play and you don't mind lugging it around, I say definitely bring it. The last two years there was a shortage of Catan and also apparently everyone who checked out the copies was hiding, so I brought my own copy on day two both years.
The worst that happens is people who aren't interested in playing with you ask if they can check it out next, and you tell them no I brought this from home, but you're welcome to join in (and sometimes they do and sometimes they don't)
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showthread.php?t=122759
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Figuring out which side took the rocket."
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My friend is also dressing up as a companion cube... perhaps they will fight to the death. Or, to euthanasia in the Emergency Intelligence Incinerator
Or maybe it's the same friend! :o
Had that thought. Pretty sure she would have mentioned if she knew another PAXer... Did she wear it to Anime Expo in LA last month?
plus, i just put 2 and 2 together a little while ago, the rv i'm travelling in is also part of the CCST. i'm probably going to explode from all the awesomesauce being fed to me.
PSN - B_for_Business
I do have a question for vets that may have been covered in the last 8 pages of this thread that you'll have to forgive me for not reading in their entirety.
SWAG
Is there so much that I need to have a dedicated bag just for it aside from my messenger bag?
Is there just enough to make we want a backpack or larger Messenger bag?
Hi Lemongrass! I'm a noob (at least for PAX), but from what I've seen on other threads, a backpack is much preferred over a messenger bag as a backpack will distribute the weight better. As for a dedicated bag, I'd say yes, but I have absolutely nothing to base that on other my base philosophy of it's better to have "X" and not need it that the other way around
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What was the coolest swag you ever gotten or wished you had gotten?
How long does it take to get in at the start of the day? Should I get to the convention center early day of?
Nvidia Snuggie.
Hands... down.
I'd advise against bringing your own game unless playing that particular game is absolutely critically fundamental to your enjoyment of PAX. The two years I've attended thus far, I've had fantastic luck just browsing the game sign-out, finding something that looks fun, and giving it a shot. With a room full of games there's sure to be something good you haven't tried before.
Thanks much for the info! I was not aware that there was going to be tourneys! I will certainly be bringing my stick, hell I might build a new one special just for PAX!
Also where in Nebraska? Omaha area? Lincoln area? Elsewhere?
XBL Michael Spencer || Wii 6007 6812 1605 7315 || PSN MichaelSpencerJr || Steam Michael_Spencer || Ham NOØK
QRZ || My last known GPS coordinates: FindU or APRS.fi (Car antenna feed line busted -- no ham radio for me X__X )
Guild Wars 2 art book, definitely!