05.05.05 -- you shall come and burn

[luke]

Ok, I'm inviting you all to a party at my place. Yes, you.

5 is the number of the Wheel. 555 is a holy number.

05.05.05 is a cosmic event just a few short months away.
I can't let this pass without celebration!

So May 5th, 2005 is the official party for the release of the Burning Wheel revision. Like I said, you're all invited.

We'll talk, share stories, eat good food, and hopefully play a game or two.

Now, May 5th is a Thursday, so I'm extending the invite to come and game at my place through the 6th and 7th. But Thursday is THE day.

hope you can make it.
-Luke

[Judd]

Woo! hoo!

I hope to see you there.

Rock on.

[foxandwarlock]

SON OF A......

I'm looking at the Outlook Project Printout tacked to my cube wall and I'm slated to conduct training for our new computer system from April 29th through the end of May! I don't even get those weekends off let alone trying to wrangle a freaking Thursday!

AAARRRRRRRGGG! *shakes fist at the sky*

[luke]

SON OF A......

I'm looking at the Outlook Project Printout tacked to my cube wall and I'm slated to conduct training for our new computer system from April 29th through the end of May! I don't even get those weekends off let alone trying to wrangle a freaking Thursday!

AAARRRRRRRGGG! *shakes fist at the sky*

Sometimes you just have to make a stand. I say, in your stead, you leave them a 5-spoked wheel on fire.

"What's the smell coming from Neil's cubicle?"
"OH MY GOD!"
:twisted:

[eruditus]

I have put in for my Burning Wheel vacation thursday to Sunday! :twisted:

ALL HAIL THE WHEEL!

[Angaros]

I wonder what a plane ticket to NYC costs... and a cheap hotel... hmm. Looks like I have to sell body parts I've only got one of too.

[DaGreatJL]

Hmm... can I afford to travel to the opposite side of the country the week before finals?

...I guess we'll have to wait and see!
Speaking of hotels and housing, is there anyone in the area willing to give up some floor space/anyone traveling willing to split hotel costs?

[jc_madden]

If things go well for me with getting this new job I'll be there with bells on.

[Thor]

I can't offer a couch, but I have some floor space and a sleeping bag (provided cats are not a problem, as I have two). There are plenty of wheel-heads in NYC though, so arrangements could be made if necessary.

[Viper]

Wheel-heads? Is that our name now? How about wheelies? Or burninators?

[Drozdal]

I can easily accommodate one person, but if we squeeze even 3 would fit (they would have to bring their own sleeping mates).

Angaros cheap round-trip plane ticket should be around $400 - $430 (if you planning to return within a month from the depature).

[Durgil]

So May 5th, 2005 is the official party for the release of the Burning Wheel revision. Like I said, you're all invited...
So, don't expect the revision until 05May05 or later? :roll:

[Melmoth]

[Melmoth]

[Melmoth]

Hey, 05.05 is my birthday. Guess I'll have a nice present around that day :D. Pity is that NY is a little bit far for me to go and play BW at last :(

One thing I am curious: why 05.05.05?

[luke]

Hey, 05.05 is my birthday. Guess I'll have a nice present around that day :D. Pity is that NY is a little bit far for me to go and play BW at last :(

One thing I am curious: why 05.05.05?

5 is the number of the wheel! (5 spokes and all.) And there won't be another 05.05.05 in my lifetime. It's a grand excuse to celebrate.

-L

[Kaare Berg]

And there won't be another 05.05.05 in my lifetime
so certain are you young one,

bwahahahahahaahha

::looks around furtivly afer this unintentional outburst::

[DaGreatJL]

Okay, so here's a question to all you NYC folks, Luke in particulars:

If I am taking a plane to town for this event, which airport should I try to land in? Which one is closest to the party site? (I'm assuming NYC has more than one airport, on account of being a large metropolis.)

[Kublai]

Actually, in terms of travel, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark are pretty much the same distance. JFK is easiest - but longest trip - because it would be one subway ride from the airport to Luke's apt for only $2. LaGuardia probably means taking a taxi for $35 or 40. Newark means taking in a bus for around $10 to the same spot the JFK subway would drop you off.

I would advise finding the cheapest ticket based upon any of the three airports. Getting here from any one of them is pretty easy.

[luke]

Actually, in terms of travel, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark are pretty much the same distance. JFK is easiest - but longest trip - because it would be one subway ride from the airport to Luke's apt for only $2. LaGuardia probably means taking a taxi for $35 or 40. Newark means taking in a bus for around $10 to the same spot the JFK subway would drop you off.

I would advise finding the cheapest ticket based upon any of the three airports. Getting here from any one of them is pretty easy.

Pete's information is a little bit outdated.

JKF is now $7 one way via public transportation. A train then a transfer to another train. Takes about 60-90 minutes.

Laguardia is about 75 minutes away and requires a bus to subway transfer. Costs $2-$4.

Newark, Laguardia and JFK can all be reached via coach bus for $15 one way. It's nice and only takes about 45 minutes.

The great thing about all of these options is that they all let off quite near my apartment.

If any out-of-towners are seriously considering coming, get in touch with me and we can arrange specific transport and crash options.

-L

[Drozdal]

LaGuardia probably means taking a taxi for $35 or 40.

So not true. $2 for a bus ride + free subway transfer.

Some options:

From LaGuardia to GHQ - 40 minute to 1 hour trip (Q33/Q47 Bus and F Train to 34th str., or second option M60 Bus and train Downtown - not worth it IMHO)
From JFK to GHQ - 1,5 - 2 hour ride - Shuttle Bus to A Train (travel time in this case really depends on how lucky you are with that damn A train), or AirTrain (4-6$) to Jamaica (Queens), and from there you can get LIRR Train ($3 ticket - 20 minutes trip to Penn Station), or take E or F subway (45 minutes to 34th street).
From Newark (Bus to Manhattan - no idea about this connection)

Also You could get a cab from LaGuardia/JFK for around 30$, but from my experience you will get to GHQ faster on a train.

check MTA website (mta.info) for details on fares/connections.

[Drozdal]

LaGuardia probably means taking a taxi for $35 or 40.

So not true. $2 for a bus ride + free subway transfer.

Some options:

From LaGuardia to GHQ - 40 minute to 1 hour trip (Q33/Q47 Bus and F Train to 34th str., or second option M60 Bus and train Downtown - not worth it IMHO)
From JFK to GHQ - 1,5 - 2 hour ride - Shuttle Bus to A Train (travel time in this case really depends on how lucky you are with that damn A train), or AirTrain (4-6$) to Jamaica (Queens), and from there you can get LIRR Train ($3 ticket - 20 minutes trip to Penn Station), or take E or F subway (45 minutes to 34th street).
From Newark (Bus to Manhattan - no idea about this connection)

Also You could get a cab from LaGuardia/JFK for around 30$, but from my experience you will get to GHQ faster on a train.

check MTA website (mta.info) for details on fares/connections.

[jc_madden]

Ah possible stupid question but here goes: Are you going to have copies of revised at your house for sale?

[luke]

Ah possible stupid question but here goes: Are you going to have copies of revised at your house for sale?

Yes, of course! If we stay on schedule, you should be able to preorder your copy and pick it up in person.

If we don't stay on schedule, you should be able to just pick up the revision in person!

(if I don't have books in my hand by April, I'm going to shoot myself.)

-L

[Kaare Berg]

just to drift a little:

WHEN IS THE PREORDER DATE?

ever paitent

Kaare

[luke]

Hi Guys,

A couple of people have expressed interest in coming in from out of town. Why don't we make this "con-like" and set up a mechanism by which you can share hotel rooms and shtuff. Hell, if enough people come, we can get a block or something.

I'll also be posting a schedule of events mid-week next week. I figure folks'll be more likely to come if they see that we're serious!

so yes, think party and mini-con in May!
-Luke

PS Kaare, could you be more specific?

[eruditus]

LOL, I sent out an email to some of my posse to do the very same thing. We were considering going to a hotel outside the city because it owuld be less than $100 for a decent room instead of $300.

I will be looking into places this week. Would folk like me to share what I find or even sahre with me what you all find?

I suspect there will be four of us.

Abzu, are you soliciting for games? i'd like to run something.

[RickoniX]

Ooh, a mini-con? From Thursday to Saturday, right? Will there be swag? Is this going to be the first chance to get the revision? Is parking in New York really as bad as they say?

[Thor]

Is parking in New York really as bad as they say?

Parking in New York is EASY...so long as you're willing to pay $45 to $65 a day.

Finding FREE parking in New York is harder. Much harder.

[RickoniX]

Is parking in New York really as bad as they say?

Parking in New York is EASY...so long as you're willing to pay $45 to $65 a day.

Finding FREE parking in New York is harder. Much harder.Let's break this down into easy to understand terms, is it an ob 4 driving test? Ob 8? Will I need to spend artha?

[Thor]

Let's break this down into easy to understand terms, is it an ob 4 driving test? Ob 8? Will I need to spend artha?

Got a Deeds point handy? :twisted:

It CAN be done, but there are no guarantees. It's better if you just assume that you'll have to pay to park, and if you manage to find a place on the street, it's like getting free money.

That said, there is a parking facility right next to Luke's building.

[luke]

parking is available on my street on the weekends. from 7pm friday to 5am monday. It's reasonably safe.

-L

[jc_madden]

My wife and I will be comming so we'll get our own place. That might help the math a bit for finding rooms. We plan on being there from Thursday to Sunday so let the good times roll! (there's the SLIGHT possiblilty that she wont come, if so I'll crash w/ someone or share a room, I'll let you know)

[RickoniX]

parking is available on my street on the weekends. from 7pm friday to 5am monday. It's reasonably safe.

-LThat leaves only Thursday to worry about

[Manicrack]

Gah, i hate being in high school.
As if Precalc mattered more than BW.
Oh well, I would probably feel out of place anyhow.


oh and yes, for the people that remeber me: I am back.
Thank Paka, he got me bakc on track. heh

-Crack

[luke]

Oh well, I would probably feel out of place anyhow.

Ah yes, highschool.

8)

[jc_madden]

::shudders::

[RickoniX]

Hm, I may not have to worry about parking, I could take a train or bus, OR I could ride a bike, and leave it in someone's living room :P

[jc_madden]

So .... change of plans. I guess there's a music festival in Seattle at the end of may that's going to have two of my favorite bands, Modest Mouse and the Pixies. My wife would rather do that than go to New York. So I'll be comming by myself AND going to the music fest later in the month....sweet. So I need a place to crash. I'm 6'2" so I need a big couch or some floor space. :D

[luke]

i told you he was a lumberjack.

more accomodations details next week (after I recover).

-L

[Thor]

more accomodations details next week (after I recover).

I don't know if a week is going to do it! :shock:

I still haven't fully recovered, and I've had two days of merciful, merciful work separating me from your relentless whip!

[jc_madden]

i told you he was a lumberjack.

more accomodations details next week (after I recover).

-L

ha! there's a definite possiblity that i'll be shaving my beard before then. the snotsicles this evening after cross-country skiing were a bit annoying (though funny!).

[realityisfortheweak]

Ah! Much in the way of sweetness! =D I'll try to make it.

-Meg

[DumbTrolls]

Come now, Do you REALLY think meg is going without her possee? We'll all try and be there.
T'will be fun :mrgreen:

[DaGreatJL]

Okay, having carefully reviewed the situation, I NEED ADVICE IN GETTING AFFORDABLE PLANE TICKETS.

You see, I live in a fairly rural college town in California called Arcata. Now, there is an airport by the town; however, it is smaller than what one would find in a city, and therfore can only accomodate smaller planes. And is therfore more expensive.

My investigations have failed to turn up tickets that would cost less than $500. I would prefer to spend less than this. I am not good at finding discount plane tickets. Could someone on this lovely forum provide assistance?

PS: Before someone tries to suggest it, taking a bus to San Francisco or Portland and THEN getting on a plane is not an option; 5/5/05 is the week before finals for me, and there are only so many days I can afford to give myself. Actually, now that I think about it, I might be able to pull of this trick, but it would mean not arriving until Thursday evening, and I don't want to miss a second of the glory if it can be helped.

[Fourth Horseman]

NEWARK, NJ (EWR)
EUREKA ARCATA, CA (ACV)

Estimated savings up to USD 171.00 per adultEstimated price USD 343.00+

[DaGreatJL]

:shock:

The price you have described is within my budgeting considerations, sir. Pray tell, how may I go about reserving a plane ticket at the price you have named?

:o

[Jackie]

Ten dollars my parents shit their pants and smack me for asking. :|
I'll see if I can. But I'll have to make sure Billy and Meg can first.

[Mezz]

Yea, i should say im in. Ill get off work, ill make sure of it. 3 days of this is something I am not going to pass up.

[Dem_Kriegmonger]

this is probably a dumb question, but how close are you to Gramacy Park?

[luke]

Not too far, actually. Just across town.

-L

[Jackie]

Important Question;
If Meg and Billy can come also..
Can my dad hang arouns too?
:? He's uneasy just dropping us off. 'Cause you're all older than us.
We could teach him how to play and stuff.

[luke]

Hi Jackie,
Your dad is welcome, but only if he's cool. We're all real nerds and I don't think any of us want to deal with the uncool parent thing on a party night.

-L

[jc_madden]

So it all comes down to money, I need more of it. I could fly there in May but then I'd miss my goal of buying a new house in three months which is sort of the high priorty. Sadly after a hard look at finances I wont be able to make it. I'm crying inside right now.

[Jackie]

He's cool, I guess. But he won't get annoying or in the way. He'll probably want to play. I'll see what I can do. But this all depends on Meg and Billy coming too. =/

[Thor]

So it all comes down to money, I need more of it. I could fly there in May but then I'd miss my goal of buying a new house in three months which is sort of the high priorty. Sadly after a hard look at finances I wont be able to make it. I'm crying inside right now.

You'll be missed jc.

[Dem_Kriegmonger]

Don't worry Jackie, Me, Rowan, and maybe even Lee will be there, so you'll have enough friends

[luke]

Ah no! jc, I was so looking forward to meeting you!

How much are airline tickets? Should we start a "fly jc to nyc" paypal donation fund?

shucks.
-L

[jc_madden]

$540 was the cheapest I found. I was looking forward to meeting everyone myself.

[Thor]

$540 was the cheapest I found. I was looking forward to meeting everyone myself.

What's the most you could devote to this trip? I'm looking at Orbitz right now, and there's a United Airlines flight from Anchorage to New York, with a 30 minute layover in Denver, for $388 with return trip.

[LordSmerf]

Okay, now for some serious questions:

Since both JFK and LAG (or whatever it's abbreviation is) are both equally accessible to BW HQ, which one is a better choice to come in to? I know from personal experience that some airport suck, and some airports rock. Is there any significant difference between the two? Does either one pull insane terminal swaps?

For example, ATL (Atlanta, GA) has two major terminals North and South. If you arrive at the North terminal you get your luggage, take it through customs and then drop it on a conveyour belt. The belt takes it to the South terminal. So basically you have to get all the way across the airport, and anyone who's expecting you to show up at the North terminal where your tickets declared you to be arriving will be surprised...

Anything we should be on the lookout for with regards to the two biggies?

Thomas

[Thor]

Anything we should be on the lookout for with regards to the two biggies?


Don't forget Newark Airport. It's also very accessible to NYC and BWHQ. I usually use JFK or Newark, and they're both reasonably pain free as far as airports go. I can't really comment on La Guardia. Honestly, I would just look for the best price.

[luke]

I prefer the local airports in this order: LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), and JFK (JFK). JFK is real big and always a hassle to get to and from. Still, it's not the worst of it. Atlanta is a very...interesting...airport.

-L

[Thor]

I prefer the local airports in this order: LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR), and JFK (JFK). JFK is real big and always a hassle to get to and from. Still, it's not the worst of it. Atlanta is a very...interesting...airport.


Ugh. I've had lay-overs in Atlanta a few times. That was enough.

[jc_madden]

$540 was the cheapest I found. I was looking forward to meeting everyone myself.

What's the most you could devote to this trip? I'm looking at Orbitz right now, and there's a United Airlines flight from Anchorage to New York, with a 30 minute layover in Denver, for $388 with return trip.

WOAH I tried expedia, priceline, and travelocity and none of them came close to that! Man that might be doable. Ideally I wouldn't want to devote more than 250 as that's the cost of my wifes trip later in the month, she's visiting a friend in seattle. But I might be able to play around with something.

[Thor]

WOAH I tried expedia, priceline, and travelocity and none of them came close to that! Man that might be doable. Ideally I wouldn't want to devote more than 250 as that's the cost of my wifes trip later in the month, she's visiting a friend in seattle. But I might be able to play around with something.

Awesome! Well, airline prices tend to fluctuate a lot. Just because it's one price today, doesn't mean the price won't be totally different tomorrow. I would try to watch it for a while and see what you can get. Also, if you can get close, I'm totally behind Abzu's notion of putting together a get jc to BWHQ fund. It just wouldn't be the same without you.

[jc_madden]

I talked it over with my wife and I'm going be there, I just wont go to seattle later in the month with her. I am going to watch the price, but I want to get a ticket soon because I know that before long the only price change is going to be up as we grow nearer to 5.5.05

as for a get jc to BWHQ fund, that is more than I could ever ask for and more than I ever would... you do what you must I'll try to do my best on my end to get there.

now the big question, still got a bed saved for me or did it get given away already?

[luke]

how about this:
I can set up a paypal donations site to get JC to NYC that can accept $5 or $10 donations.
If jc makes it to NYC, we give it to him at the party. If jc doesn't make it to NYC we divide it back among the attendees to the party.
-L

[Mezz]

Im game for that, just let me know how I can donate and its done.

[Judd]

Dammit, I thought I was going to make it to the shindig but I can't.

Shite.

Have fun.

[RickoniX]

Sicne I'm luckily close enough to take a bus, do you know which of the several greyhound bus stations in NYC is closest to the partay?

[luke]

Sicne I'm luckily close enough to take a bus, do you know which of the several greyhound bus stations in NYC is closest to the partay?

There's really only one bus station: The Port Authority Terminal. We're a 15 minute walk from the PA or two stops on the 1/9

-L

[jc_madden]

Well it appears that the fates have been conspiring against me. Seems behing in NYC for the rollout is not going to happen for JC. I'm the low man on the totem pole at my new job and so I have to go up north the first two weeks of May so sayeth the boss. So that sucks. I'll be there in spirit, if I can manage to figure out the secret to astral projection in a month's time...

[Thor]

Well it appears that the fates have been conspiring against me. Seems behing in NYC for the rollout is not going to happen for JC. I'm the low man on the totem pole at my new job and so I have to go up north the first two weeks of May so sayeth the boss. So that sucks. I'll be there in spirit, if I can manage to figure out the secret to astral projection in a month's time...

:(

[luke]

Well it appears that the fates have been conspiring against me. Seems behing in NYC for the rollout is not going to happen for JC. I'm the low man on the totem pole at my new job and so I have to go up north the first two weeks of May so sayeth the boss. So that sucks. I'll be there in spirit, if I can manage to figure out the secret to astral projection in a month's time...

ah damn. i thought the two weeks of silence sounded ominous...

good luck with your new job, jc.
-L

[jc_madden]

Thanks man, that means alot to me. It's a big step up for me so I'm really excited. I'm sure I'll get to come visit one day soon even if it's not for such a grand occasion.

[Judd]

I won't be able to be there until Saturday afternoon 'till early Sunday afternoon but I will in fact be there.

[Miles J Woo]

Maybe I'll make a stop by as well! :shock:

[Judd]

I have slept 2 hours all weekend. I am going to post my first impression thoughts, crash and hope that others who were there can fill in the holes:

Wow, what a whirlwind of gaming all packed into 12 hours.

The following gaming took place in 12 hours.

Amazing.

Spiders & Roden Game...Nest of Somethin'

It was fun gaming amidst another Luke-made dysfunctional gang but unlike Poisonous Ambition, this one just wasn't firing on all cylinders. This ain't news, Luke said it himself.

I think it is the lack of GM's handles. There is no way for Luke to turn up the heat...no Hatred, no Goblin Messengers, and no returning army fake-out and no Lash.

But it was a grand warm-up.

Luke's tabletop games with over a dozen people must be seen to be believed. He bounces around the room, laughs, mediates conflicts and when it works, drives it like a rough taskmaster.

This scenario is in need of some workshopping.

Thor's Resources and Circles Game

This is a strong effin' con game, no doubt about it. It is a more traditional group of four, so the average gamer's head won't explode upon being thrown in the middle of The Gift or P.A. These are wonderful games that have made me re-think how I want to run con games and one-shots but it was neat to play in a traditional party.

Circles rock so hard. When I realized how much player authorship it gave me...HOLY SHIT. I am going home and burning up a ton of Circle heavy PC's right the eff now.

I basically busted open the game when I said to Thor, "Um, can Jay's Dwarf roll on his Circles to meet the high-price whore the Abbot visits?"

Thor's eyes lit up. "Yes, you can."

But we hadn't even met the Abbot. I turned the scenario on its ear. Jay not only created the NPC but by suggesting it, I created a whole bunch of new information on the Abbot. It was the second Circles roll I made that game, both were doozies, both set the game careening off into exciting and unexpected new directions.

Cirlces, read the damned Circles.


Under a Serpent Moon

This was the last four hours. This game took us until almost seven in the morning.

What to say about this setting?

Take Mad Max, mix in a Matrix mind-fuck and the entire life of Hunter S. Thompson, right up to the moment where his family shot his remains out of a cannon after his suicide. That is this setting. I'd call it grim but that doesn't begin to cope with it.

The characters I thought were nice guys turned out to be monsters and the characters I thought were monsters turned out to be DEMONS...my own character very much included.

If Jack Chick had ever read this setting he would have killed himself and the monstrous aliens poising as angels would have laughed.

[Judd]

I have slept 2 hours all weekend. I am going to post my first impression thoughts, crash and hope that others who were there can fill in the holes:

Wow, what a whirlwind of gaming all packed into 12 hours.

The following gaming took place in 12 hours.

Amazing.

Spiders & Roden Game...Nest of Somethin'

It was fun gaming amidst another Luke-made dysfunctional gang but unlike Poisonous Ambition, this one just wasn't firing on all cylinders. This ain't news, Luke said it himself.

I think it is the lack of GM's handles. There is no way for Luke to turn up the heat...no Hatred, no Goblin Messengers, and no returning army fake-out and no Lash.

But it was a grand warm-up.

Luke's tabletop games with over a dozen people must be seen to be believed. He bounces around the room, laughs, mediates conflicts and when it works, drives it like a rough taskmaster.

This scenario is in need of some workshopping.

Thor's Resources and Circles Game

This is a strong effin' con game, no doubt about it. It is a more traditional group of four, so the average gamer's head won't explode upon being thrown in the middle of The Gift or P.A. These are wonderful games that have made me re-think how I want to run con games and one-shots but it was neat to play in a traditional party.

Circles rock so hard. When I realized how much player authorship it gave me...HOLY SHIT. I am going home and burning up a ton of Circle heavy PC's right the eff now.

I basically busted open the game when I said to Thor, "Um, can Jay's Dwarf roll on his Circles to meet the high-price whore the Abbot visits?"

Thor's eyes lit up. "Yes, you can."

But we hadn't even met the Abbot. I turned the scenario on its ear. Jay not only created the NPC but by suggesting it, I created a whole bunch of new information on the Abbot. It was the second Circles roll I made that game, both were doozies, both set the game careening off into exciting and unexpected new directions.

Cirlces, read the damned Circles.


Under a Serpent Moon

This was the last four hours. This game took us until almost seven in the morning.

What to say about this setting?

Take Mad Max, mix in a Matrix mind-fuck and the entire life of Hunter S. Thompson, right up to the moment where his family shot his remains out of a cannon after his suicide. That is this setting. I'd call it grim but that doesn't begin to cope with it.

The characters I thought were nice guys turned out to be monsters and the characters I thought were monsters turned out to be DEMONS...my own character very much included.

If Jack Chick had ever read this setting he would have killed himself and the monstrous aliens poising as angels would have laughed.