Indianapolis game day - is ON (see first post for details)

[Retlaw]

I will keep editing/updating this post as I have more information (last update 3/30 at 8:55a EDT - updated map). Latest edits are in bold italic

DATE: March 31st
ENTRY FEE: None
TIME: Setup 12:30-1:30
GAMES START 1:30 +/-

To Help with planning - Please post if you will be coming and how many there will be. Also let me know how many are under 16. Thanks. I will try to keep the count updated in this first post.

Format:

Team tournament (teams will be random and change between each game - I'll probably do something simple like suffle a list of names and deal them out at each table/map). Each game will be 10 rounds or 1 hour which ever comes first. At 1 hour time the current round will be finished.

Bring up to 4 pre-made 500 (my son wanted this changed from 400 to 500) point armies (you can switch armies between games -- I will try to make the maps different so some will favor range, some melee, some flying, etc., so try to bring armies with varying strengths (see page 3 of this thread for the maps). Also, my son also had the question about the same figure being in multiple armies -- yes, if you really think Q9 is the best ever, he can be in all 4 pre-made armies.

No customs will be allowed. However "proxies" for Nerak, Sir Hawthorn, and EOV will be allowed. The proxies have to be clearly stated at the start of the game.

You will need to bring:
1) Armies and army cards (up to four 500 point armies)
2) Any special markers, dice, etc. (e.g., experience markers, flagbearer dice)
3) Regular dice (although I will have some, it wouldn't be enough for everyone)
4) Food and/or drinks
5) Army sheet/score card
(link to army sheet: http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Game_Sheet.pdf )

I will have:
1) Maps (see page 3 for 4-four player and 1-three player maps)
2) Round marker sheets
3) Prize(s?)


My son keeps thinking up items -- this time initiative rolls. Since team mates will be sitting next to each other he wondered if it would be fair because you could have times when both members of a team take turns before the other team does (e.g., I win initiative roll and the player to my left is my teammate). I told him that yes this can (and will) happen and it is part of the "luck" of the game (can also makes that +8 initiative glyph come in real handy on the one map)

Another of his questions was, can team mates discuss which of their four armies to use? Answer was yes -- team mates are working together to win, so if we have armies that compliment each other, then yes that can be discussed/decided between the team mates. It also goes that team mates can discuss strategy, etc. during the game -- e.g., it is the last two turns of the last round, you have already taken your turn and your partner is on his last turn with two lowly blade gruts left - you see the opponents last turn markers are on Syvarus and he can get in range of your poor Taelord who is down to his last life. You can recommend to your team mate that he use his two gruts to engage Syvarus to save your Taelord (i.e., better to lose two 10 point gruts than a 180 point hero).


Scoring will be total of remaining armies for each team and not just what is left of your own army. Squad points will be equal to number of units left / total (e.g., if two blade gruts left on board, then they would add 20 points to score -- 40pts / 4 units total x 2 units left = 20 pts). Partial points will be rounded down (e.g., 2 Krav left = 66 points -- 100pts / 3 units total x 2 left = 66.66 rounded down to 66).

Scoring IF we don't have a number of players that is divisible by 4, we will have a 3 player or 2 player map. In this case the team scores will be divided by 2 and the players on the non-team maps will use their individual score. (Don't get too concerned about scoring, since the only prize is bragging rights -- unless someone wants to donate prizes).

I would like to have an under 16 and 16 and over division if we get enough young players. If we don't, parents can help younger players with stategy, etc. If we have an under 16 division, I will have a prize for the winner. For the 16 and older, the prize will be the bragging rights until the next game day (for no entry fee what do you expect).

I am still looking for some good 4-player medium to small size maps (I have posted a couple I put together - nothing spectacular - see page 3) -- I don't want to use large maps because then half the time is spent just getting across the map. Zuse and I should have enough tiles to set up 6 or 7 medium to small size maps.

The room is upstairs and there is no elevator. There are restrooms and water, but you will need to bring your own snacks/food (pizza doesn't deliver south of I-70) -- there are fast food places less than 2 miles from site.

Directions:
1) From Indianapolis, go west on I-70 (about 15 miles west of downtown Indy)
2) Take the IN-267 (Plainfield/Mooresville Exit)
3) Go south (towards Mooresville)
4) The road will make a sharp right turn and then come to a stop light
5) Go straight at the stop light
6) Nework Drive will be the first road on the left after the stoplight
7) Follow Network Drive all the way back to large gray/tan building

If you are coming from SW of Plainfield (Martinsville, Bloomington, etc.) and coming up IN-67 (from Bloomington, use IN-39 to go through Martinsville to get to IN-67), you can go through Mooresville and save a lot of time compared to going up to I-465 and back out I-70.
1) Coming from the south on IN 67, turn left at the first stoplight in Mooresville (Indiana St - there is a CVS, gas station, and Grays Cafateria at the corner)
2) Stay on Indiana Street all the way through Mooresville and keep going north (Indiana Street will becom CR 825 E)
3) You will go through a couple of 4-way stops and then come to a stoplight at IN-267.
4) Turn left on IN-267
5) Network Drive will be the first left after you turn on to IN-267.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Plfld_Map.JPG

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map.JPG

NOTE: If you are coming from east of Indianapolis, do NOT use I-70 through downtown Indy. It is under construction and has many lane restrictions. Instead, get on I-465 south and go around the south side of town to get to I-70 on the west side (see map above). It is about the same distance and will save time compared to going through construction zones.

Estimated drive times:
1) Downtown Indianapolis - 15-20 minutes
2) Columbus IN, - 1 hour
3) Columbus OH, - 3 hours
4) Cincinnati OH, - 2 Hours
5) Lafayette, IN - 1 hour (from Purdue add 15 minutes)
6) Terre Haute, IN - 1 hour
7) Louisville, KY - 2 hours
8 ) Fort Wayne, IN - 2 1/2 hours
9) Bloomington, IN - 1 hour (if you are coming from the Bloomington area, let me know, I will give directions on cutting through Mooresville that will save some time).


I will PM my cell phone number to the confirmed attendees on Friday --in case you need directions while driving.

[Retlaw]

Deleted (see first post)

[Codo]

Heh, sorry, I didn't post in this message because we had communicated via PM. Anyway, here's my official notice of interest in this. I also have a friend who is not on these message boards that would be interested. My 7 year old son is also learning to play, and I know he'd love to participate in a larger gathering.

Codo

[CupidsArt]

I might be interested in making the journey over, :D

[Retlaw]

Well - at least some interest.

I won't give up yet -- I'll let this go for a little longer and see if we get any more interest.

[jacob_j_p]

I have some friends in Indy that aren't members of the boards here, but I could probably make it on occasion, and bring a few of them with me.

I would need to know specific dates in advance.

[Retlaw]

I talked with Zuse last night -- he wants to try to get a Indy game day put together. He doesn't have access to the "free clubhouse" anymore, but can rent a place for $50. If we can get 10 people interested, that would only be $5/person.

We didn't set a date, but talked about end of February or early March.

[Bloodthorn]

Im interested and I could get 3-4 others to come too! Just keep us up to date.

[spleek]

I am about 90 miles south so I could make it for a game or few......dates in advance are important so I can spring my fiance from work (oh yeah, she plays too!)

[Retlaw]

I've sent a PM to Zuse to see if he has set a date. His work schedule has been very busy lately, so he doesn't get to check the boards very often.

[spleek]

Any progress here? *whistles a tune*
:pray:

[pheonixq]

Zuse and I played last weekend and didn't talk about a game day. I will try to discuss it with him this week. He is in the middle of trying to find a job with a better schedule so he will always have weekends off. I do not know the next time he will have a Sat. off. I have not been on the site very much recently so I did not see this until today.

Oh, by the way, I'm interested in having a game day.

[Hahnarama]

If I had any free time I would be game. Work is just busy. Last weekend I was on a plane to Pascagoula, MS. I thin this weekend I am just going to chill.

On a side note I've found spares on all the W 6 commmos now so I cankick all if your butts! :P

[Sparky]

I'm in Westfield, so count me in. Actually, two of us - my son is 13. Weekends are good in general.

Cool.

Mike

[Zuse]

Ok me and Pheonix are playing tommorow, but before we start we are going to check out a room that we might rent out for a few bucks. The projected date that we discussed was the end of march. I belive it was the 31st which is a Saturday.

I will let everyone know when its set in stone.

[Hahnarama]

Ok me and Pheonix are playing tommorow,....


So the rest of us aren't good enough for your private Scape party? :P

Keep us in the loop

[pheonixq]

Well the room was way too expensive (35/hr). So It was the best option I had. Zuse and I are going to check out some other possibilities later this week. As of right now I think this month is becoming harder to do.

Retlaw, would your place be available on the 31st?

[Retlaw]

I'm not sure I will be available on the 31st. This is starting to get into soccer season and both of my kids are playing this spring.

I will check on the availability though just in case I am available.

[Retlaw]

Ok, here is the map/directions:

From Indianapolis:
Take Interstate 70 west to the Plainfield/Mooresville exit (Indiana 267).
Go south on Indiana 267 (towards Mooresville)
The road will make a sharp right turn and then come to a stop light.
Go straight at the stop light.
Network drive will be the next street on the left.
Follow Network Drive to the end -- the building is a large gray steel structure.

NOTE: I-70 through Indianapolis is under construction and has a lot of lane restrictions -- if you are coming from east of Indianapolis, use I-465 south to go around Indianapolis and get back on I-70 on the west side of town.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map.JPG

[pheonixq]

What time are the festivities planned to begin?

[Retlaw]

How does 10:00 sound?

I can be there earlier to set up, etc.

If we have a lot coming from out of town we can move it back (or just start some games later).

Some estimated travel times:
From downtown Indianapolis, 15 minutes
From Columbus IN, approx 1 hour
From Columus OH, 3 hours 10 minutes (made the trip last week)
From Lafeyette IN, approx 1 hour (from Purdue, add 15 minutes)
From Terre Haute, IN approx 1 hour

[Zuse]

Awsome Retlaw. Does this cost you anything? If so let me know.

Me, Pheonix and my nephew should be there

[Retlaw]

I am getting the room free of charge (benefits of being friends with the owner of the business).

[Retlaw]

Ok, anyone who had posted to this thread I have sent a PM to.

I will need some suggestions for maps, type of play, etc. Most of the time is just my son, maybe one of his friends, and me playing (sometimes my daughter too). We usually build the maps "from scratch" (part of the fun of the game), but for an "organized" game day I will need some suggestions for different types of maps:
1) two player
2) three player
3) four player (teams)

Also, bring your kids, grandkids, nephews, neices, etc. -- we may be able to have a "kids contest" -- I may have an unopened booster pack they can get as a prize (if not I can always check the Wally World and Target).

I will bring our hexes (5 MS, 3 VW, 3 RttFF, 3 TT, 2 FofA, +hexes from all the waves) which should be good for a few good maps, but, hoping a lot of people show up, I will need some to bring theirs as well.

I assume everyone will bring their own figures/cards.

[Codo]

Ack! I would....but I'm going to be enjoying myself on Grand Cayman Island on that date. Sorry, but not even HeroScape can keep me away from sunny beaches!!!

I will, however, mention this to a couple of my friends that I'll be happy to leave behind while I'm gone!

Codo

[Bloodthorn]

Sorry man, I would love to come but this is too short a notice for me and my two others to make it. Next time if we have more like a month in advance we could swing it. I hope you have a decent turn out tho!

[spleek]

Sounds awsome, I have to be in the office until 12:00 then I will have a 2 hour drive up there :? . Would this be going on untill late that evening? I dont want to throw a kink in any plans but I hate to drive 2 hours for 1-2 hours of play.......

I will pass the word to my little local group and see how many I can cram in the Jeep!

THANK YOU FOR LINING THIS UP RETLAW!!!!!!

[Retlaw]

Sounds awsome, I have to be in the office until 12:00 then I will have a 2 hour drive up there :? . Would this be going on untill late that evening? I dont want to throw a kink in any plans but I hate to drive 2 hours for 1-2 hours of play.......

I will pass the word to my little local group and see how many I can cram in the Jeep!

THANK YOU FOR LINING THIS UP RETLAW!!!!!!

I don't have a problem pushing the start time back some if it is more convient for people traveling farther.

Right now there are only a few people saying they will be there, so I'm willing to make changes to get more people involved.

--------------------------------

Also, I am open to suggestions on format, etc. Last year when Zuse had the game day, they were all "friendly games" (i.e., no tournament play, no prices, etc.) -- when games ended people moved around to different tables and then new games started, but there was no set format -- just having fun.

[MRGood]

I just got into Heroscape, and I've been wanting to find a tourney close that i could get to. Unfortunately I have to work the 31st but my friends and I would definitely be attending next time.

[spleek]

So we need to bring figs, maybe some pre-built map sections too? As soon as I can (maybe early next week) I will try to get a head-count of my crew that wants to attend.

[Retlaw]

So we need to bring figs, maybe some pre-built map sections too? As soon as I can (maybe early next week) I will try to get a head-count of my crew that wants to attend.

Great -- I'll update the first post on moving the time back.

Will plan on set-up at 12:30 to 1:00 with games starting when we are ready. If you get there around 2:00, it should be about time for the second games to start. We can go until people are tired of playing :)

Also, I am still needing suggestion for format:
1) just fun games
2) tournament
3) teams
4) ???

Also, need suggestions for maps.

[Hahnarama]

Sorry but as much as I want to be there Hahnarama is going ot have to pass this time. The timing SUCKS on my part. I was on the road all last week, on the road the rest of this week, the road next week and then the Monday after the tourny. I need to get some face time in with the family.

Let me know about the next one.

[Aldin]

Welcome to the boards, MRGood!

On behalf of our student banking and wargaming community I extend to you a laurel and a hearty handshake.

As a new member, you can begin your journey on the path to the acclaim, camraderie and respect of your Heroscapers peers by checking out this announcement: http://heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=6970

~Aldin, MRNotSoGood

[Marduk]

Retlaw, I suggest something tournament-ish; at least to the point of having a time limit and a standard army size. You would get in more games with a time limit and a standard size bring-your-own army would prevent people taking a long time putting together an army each time. Some people take forever to draft, agonizing over decisions like their lives depended on it.

Also, I kind of like doing teams, but randomly assigned for each round. You do not get the benefits of intensive pre-planning and the close cooperation you can achieve with someone you have played with a lot; but it is a chance to get combinations you would never come up with on your own. It is also a chance for some of the better players to teach a bit to those who are not so good.

I might be able to make it, but I will not likely know for sure until a few days beforehand. CupidsArt, if you are going let me know, perhaps we could carpool if I am also going. I am not far out of your way and you might appreciate not having to drive the entire distance. Not to mention the gas savings.

[Retlaw]

Thanks for the input Marduk.

I like the idea of a team games and limited time/rounds to not have games last all day (all day games are fun when it is just my son and me, but one of the purposes of a "game day" is to get to meet other people and see different strategies, etc., so the more games/people you play against the better).

I'll finalize this over the next few days and hopefully have something posted here this weekend (Monday at the latest), but my current thoughts are:

1) 4 player games (2 teams) - teams are random and change each game
2) 400 point armies (800 per team)
3) bring 2 or 3 pre-drafted armies
4) games are 10 rounds or 1 hour limit
5) team points go to each player at end of game

If we end up with a number of players that isn't divisible by 4, then we can add a 3 player or 2 player map -- if this happens, then the team points for the 4 player would be divided by 2 to be fair to the people playing non-team maps. I still want to use the team total for points on the team maps -- I think this would encourage team play (e.g., one team member may engage a big hero with a lowly squadie to prevent a range attack on a team mate, so sacrificing a 10 point Grut to save a 180 point hero on your partner's army would be rewarded)

I would like to have a kids division (under 16) and an adult, but if we don't have enough kids, then parents can help the younger kids. I have an un-opened pack of Drones and Minions I can use as a prize for the kids division. For the adult division, the title of Indy Game Day champ will be the reward -- if people want, I can get some prizes for the adult division too, but then I would need an "entry fee" to cover my costs.

Let me know how this sounds.

[CupidsArt]

I'm a maybe for this. I have a lot on my plate right now, but I'll try, ;)

[Zuse]

I like the Idea of the Teams, it is a different pace from the 3-player maps that I always play with so that should be a good change for me.

As far as map Ideas, I will try to sit down this weekend and give you some suggestions Retlaw

[Retlaw]

I'm looking for some medium to small four player team maps (don't want half the game spent just moving armies across the board).

See next post for maps I put together

[Retlaw]

Here are four of the 4-player maps that I have come up with for Saturday.

Map 1: River Crossing

Rivers are always a problem for armies and bridges are strategic items to hold and defend. Starting zones are the rock tiles (teams start on the same side of the river). The map is flat at the edges and the river is only one tile wide there (2 or 3 wide the rest of the map), so an end run around is possible. The +1 attack and +1 defense glyphs are by the river shore under the bridge.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map_1.JPG

Map 2: Glacier Pass

The northern pass through the snow and ice is always difficult, but it is even more difficult when you meet the enemy there. All snow and ice is "heavy snow" and "slippery ice." Starting zones are the grass tiles - teams start on the same side of the glacier field. In the middle of the glacier field are two glyphs - the "wind glyph" (no fly) and the +2 move glyph. Both can be used to help your army or slow your opponent.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map_2.JPG

Map 3: Forgotten Outposts

Border outposts built along a fault line were long ago abandoned when earthquakes resulted in volcanic activity in the area. The earthquakes have finally stopped, and both sides are returning to their outposts. Start zones are the sand tiles -- teams start on the same side of the water/lava river. At the top of each lava field are +1 attack or +1 defense glyphs -- if you can survive the lava, these will obviously boost your army. On top of the tower in the middle of the river are two more glyphs (+8 initiative and the "wind" (no fly) glyphs), but the middle tower is hard to hold since it is within range of both of the outposts.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map_3.JPG

Map 4: Twin Springs

The Twin Springs have long been sources of myth and legend. One person will drink from the springs and be revived, but the next will fall deathly ill and yet another will experience nothing. Whoever can control the springs and solve their mystery will obviously have a great advantage in the battle of Valhalla. The start zones are the sand tiles - teams start on the same side of the springs. Four glyphs are randomly place faced down on the springs and in the island in the pool. The glyphs are 1) revive, 2) cure, 3) massive curse, and 4) Brandar (does nothing). While the map is fairly flat (except for the springs), there are numerous trees and ruins for LOS blocks.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map_4.JPG

I am also going to work on a three player map (just in case).

Since I don't have very many "yes" on being able to come, I won't work on any other maps until I know if they will be used (these 4 would be enough for 16 people)

[Retlaw]

Here is the 3-player map I came up with (just in case we end up with an odd number of players).

Map 5: Fire and Ice

In the northern waste lands there is a spring that has been frozen for as long as time can recall. Ancient myth tells of a time when the spring waters brought good health and long life to the tribes near the spring and that a temple once was built on the site. Of course that is all just tall tales, but word has come that recent thermal activity in the area has started to thaw out the spring. Your army is racing to discover if the myths are true and what the spring may hold -- but so are the other armies.

This is a 3-player map -- the starting zones are the rock tiles (24 start positions per army). There are 4 glyphs on the map (3 on the lava fields and 1 in the center of the frozen spring): 1) +2 defense, 2) +2 move, 3) +4 range, and 4) massive curse; they are randomly place face down on the map.

http://www.heroscapers.com/oldgallery/albums/userpics/10121/Map_5.JPG

Ok, this is the last map for now -- basically these 5 maps have used up almost all of our tiles (at least to the point where there aren't enough left to make a "good" map -- that of course is assuming the 5 above are "good" maps).

Also see the first post for updates (have added a game form and some more info).

[spleek]

Maps look great Retlaw, good job!!!!!

I might be flying solo this weekend, I can't get anyone to commit. I believe that they are frightened & confused at the thought of leaving the county........ :evil:

[Retlaw]

Maps look great Retlaw, good job!!!!!

Thanks - I almost hate to say it, but I enjoy planning/building the maps as much as playing the game.


I might be flying solo this weekend, I can't get anyone to commit. I believe that they are frightened & confused at the thought of leaving the county........ :evil:

Sorry to hear this - maybe a little bribery would work. Since it doesn't look like there will be an under 16/over 15 split, the 1st place prize will be available to anyone (an unopened expansion pack of Drones and Minions).

Right now I only know of following that are coming:
Retlaw
Drahcir (my son) (under 16)
One of his friends (under 16)
Zuse
Zuse's nephew
Phoenixq
Spleek

There are a couple of "maybes" from Ohio

I would like to get at least 12 people to show up -- the 5 maps above are enough for 19. And if we go over that (ok, so I can be optimistic), Zuse can bring some more tiles for additional maps

[Zuse]

wow Retlaw your making my game day look pretty sad......lol

Thanks for putting all this together.

[CupidsArt]

I will not be able to come to this sadly, :( I have a few sign projects I have to get done this weekend.

[MattserTruckRally]

I may come to this with my younger brother if he'll go along so put me down as a maybe, I'm from Columbus so its a little bit of drive not to bad though.

I like the idea of team based maps and the flexability for bringing a few more armies so I can spice it up and use some of the more fun armies to play with.

Shades x 5

Obsidian Guards x 5

[Retlaw]

For those coming -- to encourage bringing friends (or for those on the fence), if we get 12 or more people, I'll include a second and third place prize (will split a set of soulborgs and elves, so second can choose one half and third gets the other).

Or if first place wants the Soulborgs and Elves, then I'll split the Minions and Drones.

Yeah, I know it is bribery -- but if it works :)

[Retlaw]

Game day report:

Turnout wasn't that great -- don't know if it was due to spring break for schools, short notice, or whatever. But those who attended did have fun and at least I wasn't the only one who can't roll defense.

I would like to try this again since the basic concept of a team tournament still sounds good to me -- I just need to get at least 12 people there to make it work.

I know that Sunday's don't work for Zuse due to his job and my son will be playing soccer every Saturday from now on until June. I'll start another game day post when I get a more definite date, but at this point it would probably be June 9th or 16th.

[pheonixq]

I had a great time. It would have been better to have more people there, but it was nice to play with people that I don't normally play with. The facility was well planned out and there was plenty of room. I certainly hope more people can show up in June.

[Sparky]

I wholeheartedly apologize for my son and I not being there. We came down as a household with a stomach bug the weekend before, which pushed a visit from my mom to the week of the tourny. I promise to move mountains to be at the next one. And, of course, we'll be at GenCon with bells on (do you have any freakin' idea how many Starwood points it took to get ONE NIGHT at the Westin during GenCon?!?!?!?!?!).

Mike