Origins Game Fair (2025)

[kenderleech]

No, dave, i didnt miss it. It was the origins i came as a player, and not a GM. It was the con where i dropped Sean, and built francois up.

[salamanca]

Oh, you were THAT guy?

[kenderleech]

Yep. Ive spent a lot of my life as THAT guy. Its just the guy I am. That one. There.

[Black Jack Rackham]

So it took a bit for me to recover (hit the ground running and hasn't let up yet). But in keeping with tradition, here's my Origins review!

The Good
The people – You all. You are always the best and I am always humbled by your showing, your giving, your friendship. You are the family away from family, and I cannot imagine our gaming together in any other way.

There was both a strong showing of old timers and a healthy crop of new players! And some of the older players were folks who I thought I might never see again! That bodes very well for this campaign and my getting to play with all of you for a long time to come!

The food – Hit some new restaurants this time around and got some new good food! Always a treat to come to Origins and eat well!

Me finally wising up about Studio 2 – I cannot tell you the number of purchases I’ve made from Studio 2 that ended up being complete and utter crap. So very, very disappointing. But this year I did things differently. When I found a game I thought looked interesting, I simply googled reviews of it and on two separate occasions I found myself leaving the book behind because reviews were simply awful. Saved some serious bucks!

The Bad
I am reaching a bit here since there really wasn’t anything horrible about this Origins, but that jackass in the room that stole Deb’s chair. What a dick.

A Mix of Both
The games – I was exhausted after getting here and my first game (the night I arrived) with the other GMs was, well it wasn’t my best showing. And after that, the first day was better but I still didn’t bring my best GMing to bear. After that, though, I think I started hitting my stride and it got way more fun.

So to those of you who got me not at my best, I am so sorry.

The playtest – Playtest is always a mixed bag. I know it’s necessary to make the adventures better, but honestly they’re my babies and I always want them to be spectacular right out the gate (which, for the record, has never actually happened).

[CaitlinCallahan]

So it took a bit for me to recover (hit the ground running and hasn't let up yet).

The Bad
I am reaching a bit here since there really wasn’t anything horrible about this Origins, but that jackass in the room that stole Deb’s chair. What a dick.

Yeah, I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around that one. Apparently, it was easier for him to steal my chair than take an empty chair from another table (which is what I did, and made a bit of a fuss about carrying back to my corner....)

[CaitlinCallahan]

It's been a bit crazy, settling back in at home.

It was fantastic to see everyone again - though the weekend seemed to fly by.

I am very excited about Canguine, and feel that I'm starting to get a feel for Valeria (though I'm not sure where her fascination with hats came from). Had an absolute blast at the table - it was great to play with familiar faces as well as having the opportunity to make some new friends. I'm also very excited about being a part of the crew of the Queen's Gift.

Already counting the days till next year. (It's 357, in case anyone is interested....)

[kenderleech]

Do you need a reason to be fascinated with hats?

[salamanca]

Hats are going to be a thing here.

We had a new player swipe the villain's hat at the end of episode 1 on Sunday.

I am ok with this, because I am taking tout pres and can use the extra supply of improvised weapons in arms reach.

[vogelsong]

I feel the need to echo everything that has been said so far. The games this year were thoroughly entertaining, and even though I only got a taste of Canguine, I really enjoyed what little I experienced. I am also a little relieved now that I have a bit of a feel for how the setting will play out, although I probably won't have a full sense until after the first ship-based PA next year. As others have said, I still am feeling out a voice for Jost, but could not be more excited for what is to come!

Speaking of which, the Rogues of Canguine cards were an incredible addition! Thank you Mark and Don for pulling those together.

Five tables of 7th Sea for Domingo Gigante is a testament to the work you all have done and the community you have built. Thank you to everyone who shared a table with Jost or Connie! I'm already counting down the days to my first ever OGC!

PS: Regarding the spotlight, I feel like what I enjoy most is pushing others up into it. If anyone would like to use my character to elevate theirs, please do not hesitate to let me know!

[Lady Grace]

Gave a good send-off to Annie with the final PA and it looks like Ti' Tanama is going to be fun to play in RoC.

And confirmed that neither myself nor Sonby should be left unsupervised in the Dealers' Room.

Also, "One Honk 'Til Midnight" is HILARIOUS and I always enjoy the chance to bring back Virginia St. Ursula in a game of "It Came From The Late Late Late Show".

And I got to indulge in the AYCE over at the Rodizio Grille. MEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAT~!!!!!!

[salamanca]

Don has done an amazing job on those cards. But all his work is pretty awesome.

And time to plug Jay and his 2nd ed. sessions.

A couple grey bearded guys who have been gaming with me since they were in high school ( damn, I am old) played with him and had a fabulous time. And they are kind of particular about GMs. So keep that in mind if you want a little more swashbuckling beyond Canguine. Jay is smart enough to book his sessions when I am running events so the table should be relatively sensible.

[Black Jack Rackham]

AND as a bonus to Jay, if I don't manage to screw it up, We (as in Jay, us, and Tim and Craig) will all be in one room together!

[salamanca]

He's gonna screw it up.

They will be in one room.

I will end up running events in a hotel swimming pool surrounded by ducks. (And before that sounds like a great idea, let me remind you to think about some of the other players you shared tables with now in swimwear)

[salamanca]

Check your email accounts for the annual Origins survey.

You could win 2 premier tickets for next year and a 5 day hotel room... probably in a hotel you don't like and rooming with 3 people you don't know.

Use the 2nd email survey. The link in the original emial sent was broken (and nobody was surprised)

As usual, nobody offered comment spaces under the sections that really need to be addressed.

And make sure you list Don Higgins among your favorite vendors.

If we made your top list of events, thanks.