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The Newb Guide to ReaperCon or ReaperCon 101?


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#1 warhorseminis

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Posted 21 April 2012 - 10:53 PM

I'm so sorry for the absolutely newb questions but I did a search and couldn't really find the information I was looking for. I realize most folks are ReaperCon veterans but this will be my first convention and I have absolutely NO idea what to expect. So please forgive me.

Is there anything I need to bring for classes? Okay, pen and notebook of course. I don't think there will be anything "hands on" but wanted to make sure. What about the One on One classes? Do I need to bring anything as I'm thinking it's kinda like a private painting lesson but I could be wrong. Is there anything we're not allowed to bring? (I don't know...cell phones? I know we should turn 'em off but some places don't even allow them inside classes.)

Lunch break? Is there food/drink on site? I think I remember something about a fast food joint close by so we can bail during lunch and come right back. If we have to leave for food, is okay to bring anything in? Are drinks like a water bottle that won't spill okay? I understand if food is not allowed because that can get messy. I just need to prepare something so blood sugar doesn't crash. :)

Is watching/observing the gaming allowed? I love, love, love gaming! But all of my friends who gamed moved away and unless its a card deck that starts with an M or those Space Marine dudes from that other company no one in this backwater town plays anything. *sigh* So I have no idea of the rules of any of the games but would be interested in watching and learning. Although one LGS told me they were getting the new D&D going with the miniatures. I've been trying to get this store to carry painting supplies since they opened last year so I don't have to drive so far when I need something right away and can't wait for shipping. I was ecstatic and told them that in order to promote the miniatures and the tabletop side of gaming, I'd teach a beginner painting class for free. They liked that one so I hope it works out.

Sophies - I read in another thread that one comes with the swag bag and more might be available on site to purchase. If they are available for purchase, how much do they cost? I have a friend asking me to get one for him.

Business sponsorships? I emailed a few weeks ago inquiring about sponsorships but never received a reply. If sponsors are still needed if someone could PM or email me the info, I'll take a look at it and see if my business can help out.

Okay, I think that's everything.

Again, my apologies for the basic questions. If this info is posted and I missed it, so sorry! Just direct me to a link and I'll read up on all I can. (A sticky with this info might be cool. :)

Thank you!

Cheers,
Kath

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#2 ixminis

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Posted 21 April 2012 - 11:17 PM

I'm so sorry for the absolutely newb questions but I did a search and couldn't really find the information I was looking for. I realize most folks are ReaperCon veterans but this will be my first convention and I have absolutely NO idea what to expect. So please forgive me.


No Problem!

Is there anything I need to bring for classes? Okay, pen and notebook of course. I don't think there will be anything "hands on" but wanted to make sure. What about the One on One classes? Do I need to bring anything as I'm thinking it's kinda like a private painting lesson but I could be wrong. Is there anything we're not allowed to bring? (I don't know...cell phones? I know we should turn 'em off but some places don't even allow them inside classes.)


The class description will/should include a hint about hands-on or not. In fact, it should also have some level of information about what to bring. All of mine (except photography) will have some level of hands on.

Lunch break? Is there food/drink on site? I think I remember something about a fast food joint close by so we can bail during lunch and come right back. If we have to leave for food, is okay to bring anything in? Are drinks like a water bottle that won't spill okay? I understand if food is not allowed because that can get messy. I just need to prepare something so blood sugar doesn't crash. :)


Sonic Drive-in provides the on-site food. There are other places within driving distance; New York Sub Hub, Whataburger, McDonalds, Chic-fil-a, Taco Bell, Grandys, Chili's, Ci-Ci's Pizza, a few Chinese Buffets, Black-Eyed Pea... you get the picture... Check out the food/restaurant search engines before travelling to look for the restaurants that sound like they'll work for you...

Is watching/observing the gaming allowed? I love, love, love gaming! But all of my friends who gamed moved away and unless its a card deck that starts with an M or those Space Marine dudes from that other company no one in this backwater town plays anything.


Game dependent, but the CON is very relaxed. I'm not going to give a resounding YES although I've never seen a game turn away onlookers at the CON.

Sophies - I read in another thread that one comes with the swag bag and more might be available on site to purchase. If they are available for purchase, how much do they cost? I have a friend asking me to get one for him.


Errr, yes I believe so. I'm remembering them as extras costing $9.99 in the past. I don't know if the price-point has been determined for this year.

Business sponsorships? I emailed a few weeks ago inquiring about sponsorships but never received a reply. If sponsors are still needed if someone could PM or email me the info, I'll take a look at it and see if my business can help out.


Did you e-mail questions@reapermini.com? That's the public facing e-mail... Also, with the CONvention so close, I'm not so sure how they'd integrate a new sponsor. Of course, I'm not an official answer provider, just someone trying to be helpful, so try that e-mail.

Okay, I think that's everything.

Again, my apologies for the basic questions. If this info is posted and I missed it, so sorry! Just direct me to a link and I'll read up on all I can. (A sticky with this info might be cool. :)

Thank you!

Cheers,
Kath


Welcome to ReaperCON soon!
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#3 vutpakdi

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 05:35 AM

Is there anything I need to bring for classes? Okay, pen and notebook of course. I don't think there will be anything "hands on" but wanted to make sure. What about the One on One classes? Do I need to bring anything as I'm thinking it's kinda like a private painting lesson but I could be wrong. Is there anything we're not allowed to bring? (I don't know...cell phones? I know we should turn 'em off but some places don't even allow them inside classes.)

Definitely pen and paper for taking notes. I also recommend bringing your favorite brush and a primed mini. Most of the classes that I've taken have been hands on, but just in case it's not, having a mini ready to go means that you can follow along.

Lunch break? Is there food/drink on site? I think I remember something about a fast food joint close by so we can bail during lunch and come right back. If we have to leave for food, is okay to bring anything in? Are drinks like a water bottle that won't spill okay? I understand if food is not allowed because that can get messy. I just need to prepare something so blood sugar doesn't crash. :)

Bringing food in hasn't been a problem at all in the past. Mike and his crew do a great job at providing food onsite, but it's also nice to be able to slip out and get something else as well. I just wouldn't be too obvious about snacking during classes (tight quarters).

Is watching/observing the gaming allowed?

Especially for the fun games (Dungeon Crawl, pirate game, etc), watching means that you might get dragged into the game even if you don't know how to play. :;):

Welcome!

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#4 warhorseminis

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 06:46 AM

No Problem!


Thank you so very much for the help! I really appreciate it!

The class description will/should include a hint about hands-on or not. In fact, it should also have some level of information about what to bring. All of mine (except photography) will have some level of hands on.


LOL! Oh boy do I feel like a dork now! I got so caught up in the grab the classes when they go up for sale (me at 11:50 that day??? Click Refresh - Click Refresh - Click Refresh - Click Refresh....then after what seemed like forever...WOW! There they are! Wait, how did that seat just disappear? Holy Cow move it, girl!!! CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICK For a solid two minutes then I was afraid to click on the shopping cart to see how much money I just spent. haha!) Seriously, I had gotten so wrapped up in that, I didn't even think to look for a description. My bookmark sends me straight to the forums, not the to the home page - maybe I need to change that.;)

So, as soon as I finish this, I'm gonna mosey right on over to those descriptions. (I still can't believe I am such a bonehead! lol!)

Sonic Drive-in provides the on-site food. There are other places within driving distance; New York Sub Hub, Whataburger, McDonalds, Chic-fil-a, Taco Bell, Grandys, Chili's, Ci-Ci's Pizza, a few Chinese Buffets, Black-Eyed Pea... you get the picture... Check out the food/restaurant search engines before travelling to look for the restaurants that sound like they'll work for you...



Fantastic! I'm not very familiar with Denton. The last time I was there was for a model horse show (same time that ReaperCon was going last year and I had no clue! lol!) but the show hall was in a church in the boonies - well past the main part of town. It took about 20-30 minutes after getting off the freeway and driving over hill and dale to get to the church. So for lunch we had just enough time to hit MacDonalds, grab food, and go back. I didn't get a chance to really look around or get my bearings of Denton proper.

Game dependent, but the CON is very relaxed. I'm not going to give a resounding YES although I've never seen a game turn away onlookers at the CON.


Great! I'll be sure to remain unobtrusive but that being said, if someone isn't comfortable with an onlooker, just let me know and I'll go find something to do...which I'm sure there will be no shortage of things to do.

Errr, yes I believe so. I'm remembering them as extras costing $9.99 in the past. I don't know if the price-point has been determined for this year.


Gotcha! Just wondering the general price range - I understand if it hasn't been set.

Did you e-mail questions@reapermini.com? That's the public facing e-mail... Also, with the CONvention so close, I'm not so sure how they'd integrate a new sponsor. Of course, I'm not an official answer provider, just someone trying to be helpful, so try that e-mail.


And I certainly appreciate your help! But of course I picked the wrong email. lol! From the Contact page, down at the bottom, I checked out the emails there. I sent the inquiry to shannon@reapermini.com because she is listed as Retail Store & Convention Event Support. I thought that title best fit the information I was seeking. But I waffled between that and the business one! Rats! And yes, I don't know if it can be done so close but I had a couple of ideas that I don't think would be too much to get rolling in a short time frame. Of course, there is always ArtistCon and next years ReaperCon.

Welcome to ReaperCON soon!



Thank you so much! And thank you again for your help, I really appreciate it! Very informative! Hopefully I'll get a chance to introduce myself at the Con.

Definitely pen and paper for taking notes. I also recommend bringing your favorite brush and a primed mini. Most of the classes that I've taken have been hands on, but just in case it's not, having a mini ready to go means that you can follow along.


Fantastic! Thank you very much as that tells me I'd better bring my eyeballs too. I just started wearing an opti- visor to paint fine detail (I hate getting old!) and if we have any work to do on minis during classes, I'm gonna need it!

Bringing food in hasn't been a problem at all in the past. Mike and his crew do a great job at providing food onsite, but it's also nice to be able to slip out and get something else as well. I just wouldn't be too obvious about snacking during classes (tight quarters).


Understood! When I get running around in these situations many times I actually forget to eat or leaving to get something puts me in a time crunch. Then the next thing I know I've got a pounding headache and the blood sugar's crashing and I get really grumpy. So knowing that there will be food there and/or I can keep something in my bag - I'm good!

Especially for the fun games (Dungeon Crawl, pirate game, etc), watching means that you might get dragged into the game even if you don't know how to play.


Oh cool "pick-up tabletop/RPG gaming". Well i just might be able to live with that and the good news is I learn really fast! My only worry would be we just get started and - uh, sorry guys but I gotta go to class.

Thank you so very much, Ron! I really appreciate the information and the welcome!!!

Now, I get to research the classes and stalk the "find a roomie" forum as I've booked a room at the BW. Unfortunately, the cost for lodging is my last dragon to slay. Once I get that conquered I'll be there!!!

Again, thank you both so much for all of the help!

Cheers,
Kath

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#5 MiniCannuck

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 07:01 AM

Morning. What page are the class descriptions? I just chose classes based on the names and who was teaching them :)

#6 warhorseminis

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 07:05 AM

I'm still looking, had to post to the Rides/Rooms thread because I think Skya is wanting someone to share a room with. Anyway, I think it's off the main Con page.

But that's exactly what I did, Title and who was teaching. lol!

Cheers,
Kath

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#7 warhorseminis

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 07:06 AM

Woops no I didn't find it...still looking.

ETA: Okay, I have no clue where to find it!

Going to the classes link, leads to the list - day, time, title and instructor but no description. I tried searching the forums but no luck.

hrmmmm.

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#8 Dr.Bedlam

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 02:21 PM

Is there anything I need to bring for classes? Okay, pen and notebook of course. I don't think there will be anything "hands on" but wanted to make sure. What about the One on One classes? Do I need to bring anything as I'm thinking it's kinda like a private painting lesson but I could be wrong. Is there anything we're not allowed to bring? (I don't know...cell phones? I know we should turn 'em off but some places don't even allow them inside classes.)

So ask. Took a class a while back with Sandra Garrity, and she was kind enough to let me videotape it. The cardinal rule is "don't be a jerk." As to what to bring... I'd bring the necessary tools. Some classes, they'll be provided. Others not.

Lunch break? Is there food/drink on site? I think I remember something about a fast food joint close by so we can bail during lunch and come right back. If we have to leave for food, is okay to bring anything in? Are drinks like a water bottle that won't spill okay? I understand if food is not allowed because that can get messy. I just need to prepare something so blood sugar doesn't crash. :)

Sonic Mike serves Sonic food at very reasonable Sonic prices, which is a departure from most conventions, where you can expect to pay five bucks and up for a dry hot dog on a stale bun, and be ready to sacrifice your firstborn son for a small soft drink that's mostly ice. If you have blood sugar problems, bring a candy bar or a small snack. No one will care, so long as the cardinal rule (above) is followed. As to eating during classes, I wouldn't, personally, but again, ask. I really can't see anyone wigging out over a Snickers bar, although if you intend to consume a full seven course meal with soup, salad, and dessert, I'd recommend you bring enough for everyone, and perhaps provide a wine list.

Is watching/observing the gaming allowed? I love, love, love gaming! But all of my friends who gamed moved away and unless its a card deck that starts with an M or those Space Marine dudes from that other company no one in this backwater town plays anything. *sigh* So I have no idea of the rules of any of the games but would be interested in watching and learning. Although one LGS told me they were getting the new D&D going with the miniatures. I've been trying to get this store to carry painting supplies since they opened last year so I don't have to drive so far when I need something right away and can't wait for shipping. I was ecstatic and told them that in order to promote the miniatures and the tabletop side of gaming, I'd teach a beginner painting class for free. They liked that one so I hope it works out.

The important thing here is not to show fear; gamers can sense fear, and are likely to turn on you in a pack if annoyed or overexcited; gamers are like that. Seriously, though, see the Cardinal Rule, above. I don't see anyone squawking about it unless you make a point of being a jerk and interrupting or disrupting a game in play. Use your judgment.

Sophies - I read in another thread that one comes with the swag bag and more might be available on site to purchase. If they are available for purchase, how much do they cost? I have a friend asking me to get one for him.

I'd assume a price point of around seven bucks, give or take. In previous years, the convention exclusive has been for sale at the Asylum. Ask around; there's always someone who doesn't WANT the figure that came in their swag bag, and can be persuaded to let it go. I must have wound up with about five Monterey Jack mouselings that way.

When you get there, start looking at nametags. Most of us have our forum handles written on the nametag, so as to make it easier to figure out who's who. I like Haldir just fine, but I never can remember his right name until I see him at the con with it written on his nametag; he's a hell of a guy, but we never SEE each other except at Reapercon!
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#9 Inarah

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 02:32 PM

Lunch break? Is there food/drink on site? I think I remember something about a fast food joint close by so we can bail during lunch and come right back. If we have to leave for food, is okay to bring anything in? Are drinks like a water bottle that won't spill okay? I understand if food is not allowed because that can get messy. I just need to prepare something so blood sugar doesn't crash. :)


It's ok to bring food in, but be aware that a refrigerator is not available for storage. The one in the employee break room gets taken over by Sonic, so you will want to bring a little lunch cooler if your snacks need to be kept cool.


Sophies - I read in another thread that one comes with the swag bag and more might be available on site to purchase. If they are available for purchase, how much do they cost? I have a friend asking me to get one for him.


Prices vary, depending on the weight of the model but most years they are about $10. They are also available from the Reaper website during the weekend of the con, so your friend can buy his own from the comfort of his living room.
~It's not broken.... it's a conversion. ~ "Some gamers have zero people skills and zero ability to understand that reality is sometimes different than they think it ought to be." ~ Reaperbryan

#10 cutebutpsycho

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 03:18 PM

Bring a painted mini to show your instructors-it helps give them an idea of where they need to take you. Bring pencil, paper, and brush. Paints are provided. Primed mini never hurts either. Some classes have one for you to follow along on, but it's always best to be prepared.

There are also game demos going on throughout the weekend that you can (and should) participate in. In addition, there's a dungeon crawl for you to try using Warlord rules. Basically, Reaper really wants you to get a chance to have fun and TRY things so they make sure that's an option for you.

Food-bring it in! Just make sure you have a place to store it. Storage space at the facility is at a premium.

I think you'll find that the folks at Reapercon are some of the best around. I look forward to this con all year!

#11 warhorseminis

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 04:31 PM

So ask. Took a class a while back with Sandra Garrity, and she was kind enough to let me videotape it. The cardinal rule is "don't be a jerk." As to what to bring... I'd bring the necessary tools. Some classes, they'll be provided. Others not.

When you get there, start looking at nametags. Most of us have our forum handles written on the nametag, so as to make it easier to figure out who's who. I like Haldir just fine, but I never can remember his right name until I see him at the con with it written on his nametag; he's a hell of a guy, but we never SEE each other except at Reapercon!


Thank you very much, Dr. Bedlam! The last paragraph you wrote is kinda why I have trouble answering the questions in the first. Who do I ask? I'm not entirely sure who is who yet when it comes to Names/Handles. I'm learning! And I will definitely be looking at name tags. lol! I hope to be wearing shirts with my War Horse Minis logo so folks see me coming and have fair warning. ::P: But if that doesn't work out, I'll have either a horse or a dragon on my shirt. So if anyone spots me - please come up and introduce yourself! I enjoy meeting folks so don't be surprised if I track you down too. heehee!


It's ok to bring food in, but be aware that a refrigerator is not available for storage. The one in the employee break room gets taken over by Sonic, so you will want to bring a little lunch cooler if your snacks need to be kept cool.


Great information, thank you so much! I will definitely come prepared.

Bring a painted mini to show your instructors-it helps give them an idea of where they need to take you. Bring pencil, paper, and brush. Paints are provided. Primed mini never hurts either. Some classes have one for you to follow along on, but it's always best to be prepared.


Wonderful! I was wondering if something like the painted mini would help or bringing prepped ones just in case. But then I thought if I get rolling, I'm going to bring my entire work table with me. It never fails. The one time I'll need a particular item is if it is the one I left at home. You know how that goes. :;):

There are also game demos going on throughout the weekend that you can (and should) participate in. In addition, there's a dungeon crawl for you to try using Warlord rules. Basically, Reaper really wants you to get a chance to have fun and TRY things so they make sure that's an option for you.

Food-bring it in! Just make sure you have a place to store it. Storage space at the facility is at a premium.

I think you'll find that the folks at Reapercon are some of the best around. I look forward to this con all year!


Dungeon crawl! How fun! One of these years I also want to bring the family. They can't come this year because hubby can't get off work and my son's school let's out for summer on the Friday we're at Con. But I know they would have just as much fun as me. ::D:

Thank you again everyone for all of the great information! Y'all rock! I can't wait for Con...oh wait...I still have entries to paint - I'd better get a move on!!!

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#12 Shakandara

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 06:32 PM

if you intend to consume a full seven course meal with soup, salad, and dessert, I'd recommend you bring enough for everyone, and perhaps provide a wine list.


This made me chuckle. Nicely done, Bedlam.

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#13 Shakandara

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 06:42 PM

Thank you very much, Dr. Bedlam! The last paragraph you wrote is kinda why I have trouble answering the questions in the first. Who do I ask?


That will largely depend on the question. If you are talking about what is and isn't kosher in a class, that would mostly fall to the instructor teaching it. General Reaper questions? Direct it to any of the Reaper folks - the badges usually indicate if the person wearing it is a staffer, artist (painter or sculpter), or generic con-goer - or if you can't find one, ask someone else to direct you to one.

And again, remember: this is not GenCon, or any other big convention. There are generally only a hundred or two people around, even on the busiest days. If you can't find someone to answer your question, or someone who can find the person you need to ask it of, within a couple minutes, then you must be painfully shy and antisocial. There is always someone nearby that will be able to help, staff or just repeat-offender attendee. :;):

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#14 Humansquish

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Posted 22 April 2012 - 10:25 PM

A word of advice: stay away from the bits area. It's evil.

No really.












Alright mainly I want all the bits for myself.
2012 Painted: 2, 2012 Acquired: 132 "The battle between Minis I Want and Money That Needs Not To Be Spent is eternal, and wearies the soul."--Nanite "you don't buy miniatures to paint, rather you buy miniatures to daydream about painting and that you like to daydream a lot!" Ed Pugh

#15 Luethar

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Posted 23 April 2012 - 05:47 AM

Warhorsemania,

I will let you know one thing that you did not ask but probably felt that a "con newb" (me) learned last year. You will not meet a friendlier group of con goers than the population at ReaperCon. I did not see anyone turned away. Everyone had time to explain games that they were running and made people feel as though they were not the newb! I look forward to paying that forward. If you have any questions on site look me up. I will have my forum tag on my name tag, even if ReaperBryan forgets it again!

Also another thing is that the ReaperStaff are top notch. if you do have a question, they will answer it or find someone that knows the answer. They literally bend over backwards to accomodate the con goers. I know this for a fact because I actually saw ReaperBryan contorted in a very unusual position last year so he must have been helping a con goer!

Well look forward to seeing you in May!

Lue.




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