It’s becoming somewhat of a tradition. Founders & Legends really kicks off with my arrival at Ohare. Here in the presence of the city of big shoulders, I await my companion in crime, his Gary Con-ness himself Luke Gygax. Luke does not come empty handed. He has enough luggage to encase Han Solo in carbonite, but this year it’s because he is bringing an entourage. Luke and his daughter Amiera, along with their faithful companion Grogu (who on several of our trips really likes to take the wheel in whatever rental car we have), have all arrived via the train after landing in a plane, and now we acquire an automobile… Make of that what you may.
With a quick and merry trip, only slightly dampened because normally we would stop at Dragons to see Ernie and his wonderful bride Donna. Instead it’s straight to the Grand Geneva, the place where Gen Con was held so many moons ago. The buildings have continued to evolve as they are updated year after year. The staff Greets the Gygax’s affectionately as surly Luke is almost a savior of the resort by running Gary Con here every year. It would be easy enough to move the convention to Chicago but keeping the tradition at the Grand serves to make the convention much more of an intimate gathering. On occasion my memories of early Gen Cons (attended with my father) and the more recent Gary Cons have blurred together. In the case of Founders and Legends, which kicks off on Sunday eve, even more so. With only 40 players it would be easy to think that the event is a snap but make no mistake, F&L is a huge endeavor.
We arrive and after check in I am deposited at my villa. Interestingly enough it’s the end unit and one I remember Ernie staying in after attending a party of his years ago…
The next three days are a whirl-wind of preparation. The best news, our Guild delivers powerfully. Our assistant DMs and operations people blow through every task which only leaves me DMs to corral. Flight changes, delays, and other trauma do not deter as the clock ticks down silently. At last evening arrives and the heroes begin to file in. They are excited and nervous. People begin to form teams, and newcomers mill around in confusion. Our celebrity DMs; Zeb, Keith, Mike, and B Dave circulate through our heroes making them welcome as does our master of ceremonies, Luke. I am viewed much more separate. No drinks for me, only orders issued to all else, to obey. Few face me directly, but lots of looks, plenty of half smiles, and awkward hellos. Guild members are all welcoming but they know what they are in for. The rest of the crowd members are bracing for impact. That’s a good idea for within moments we begin our announcements and I pull out my ancient bag of runes. At last the gathering! It is so on. One year later we begin Descent. Prepare yourselves heroes…
0 Comments