Glyfair
Explorer
The "have you ever been to GenCon" thread had me reminiscing about the various conventions I used to go to, when Origins periodically was in the northeast periodically.
Now, my first gaming convention wasn't a big one. Back around 1979 a group of gamers held their own D&D convention at the University of Delaware called D-Con.
I had only been playing D&D for about a year. I didn't know any of the people running it at the time, but I had read about them. My first exposure to D&D was an article in the local paper about people playing D&D and reenacting the LotR trilogy. This group was the core of the people holding the convention.
It was very primitive as conventions go. The booklet was mimeographed, with the stats of various D&D characters you could choose for the convention (all scenarios allowed the same characters). Indeed, I still have the book buried somewhere in my gaming stuff.
The convention area was very atmospheric. It was run in the building with the UoD communter lounge, Dougherty Hall, a converted church. There were all sorts of nooks an crannys, with small alcoves with benches in the middle of stairwells, Overlooks into the large cafeteria area (which was where the handful of vendors were set up).
The main gaming area was originally the primary worship area. It still had the stain-glass and felt very spiritiual. It had been convered to a study area, with pews being replaced with long library tables with long reading lights suspended over the table. During the evening sessions, this meant the room had a very dark feel, but with plenty of light where you needed it.
I had a blast at that convention. While I have many good memories of conventions, that sticks out in my mind. I couldn't tell you anything about the games or scenarios, but the feeling of being in a large room with many others playing D&D still sticks with me.
Now, my first gaming convention wasn't a big one. Back around 1979 a group of gamers held their own D&D convention at the University of Delaware called D-Con.
I had only been playing D&D for about a year. I didn't know any of the people running it at the time, but I had read about them. My first exposure to D&D was an article in the local paper about people playing D&D and reenacting the LotR trilogy. This group was the core of the people holding the convention.
It was very primitive as conventions go. The booklet was mimeographed, with the stats of various D&D characters you could choose for the convention (all scenarios allowed the same characters). Indeed, I still have the book buried somewhere in my gaming stuff.
The convention area was very atmospheric. It was run in the building with the UoD communter lounge, Dougherty Hall, a converted church. There were all sorts of nooks an crannys, with small alcoves with benches in the middle of stairwells, Overlooks into the large cafeteria area (which was where the handful of vendors were set up).
The main gaming area was originally the primary worship area. It still had the stain-glass and felt very spiritiual. It had been convered to a study area, with pews being replaced with long library tables with long reading lights suspended over the table. During the evening sessions, this meant the room had a very dark feel, but with plenty of light where you needed it.
I had a blast at that convention. While I have many good memories of conventions, that sticks out in my mind. I couldn't tell you anything about the games or scenarios, but the feeling of being in a large room with many others playing D&D still sticks with me.
