Convention Report: Chimaeracon 2008
Posted April 1st, 2008 by Howard TaylerChimaeracon is a great little gaming convention, with around 300 attendees. When I attended in 2006 I got introduced to Frag, and Al Griego planted the seeds for getting me hooked on mini painting.
Returning in 2008 was huge fun. The hands-down flashiest bit was the Mechwarrior pods brought in by Mechcorps of Houston, where you actually climb inside a cockpit, shut out the world, and play Mechwarrior with two sticks, two pedals, six screens, and I don’t know how many buttons.
I got three free games, thanks to my GoH status, but had I been spending money it would have been worth every penny. Sadly, for most of my games I was playing against experts. I spent a lot of time getting blown up. I did, however, get a very cool t-shirt from them. Death from above, indeed…
I had some great conversations with the other Guests of Honor. John Picacio (recently nominated for a Best Artist Hugo) and I discussed book covers we like and don’t like. Marc Singer (The Beastmaster himself) and I talked about the “1000 True Fans” business model, and how microcelebrities like me (I’m eFamous) can actually make a solid living.
I played an awesome “Dungeon Crawl” using Reaper’s Warlord rules and figurines. Vince Hendricks ran a great game, and I actually managed to come back from behind and win. What did I win? Well… Reaper minis, which I’m now looking forward to painting.
I couldn’t possibly play a tenth of what was being played at Chimaeracon this year. If you like games of any kind, and you live within an hour or so of San Antonio, this event is well worth your time in 2009.
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April 2nd, 2008 at 6:55 am
Do you know of any similar businesses to Mechcorps in the SLC/Utah County area?
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am
I don’t. Sorry!
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:58 am
I played in those pods a couple years back at a Dave and Busters. Way too expensive, but man, it was pretty fun.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
carlthenewt:
None in Utah, but if you want to do a roadtrip, there are some in Colorado, New Mexico, and California.
Try here for a list of all the known locations.
Glad you enjoyed demonicgerbil. :)
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Howard:
Glad you enjoyed! :)
April 2nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Glad you enjoyed your visit to ChimaeraCon. You’re always welcome anytime you like! Yes, the pods are awesome. I’ve talked to a couple of friends and we may make a roadtrip to Houston. Woot!!
Al
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Hi, Howard, and thanks for the review!
BTW, have I crocheted for you yet? If not, would you prefer a scarf or a cap for those Utah winters?
Gilder
Chimaeracon Publicist
San Antonio, TX
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
PS–We had about 300 attendees in 2007; I estimate 300+ for 2008. Exact figure may be available later this month.
April 3rd, 2008 at 7:37 am
I loved the old Battletech universe, but the new series of books isn’t as good. Read any of the books by Martin Delrio and you just might cry.
But I’d love a shot at a mechpod, too bad there apparently aren’t any in Florida.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 am
@Gilder: Thanks for the registration info. I’ve corrected the blog entry.
You haven’t crocheted for me, and it’s really not necessary. I know how much time goes into that stuff. Besides, Utah winters aren’t all that cold. Or if they are, it’s a dry cold. :-)
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
It was great having you at the Crawl, Howard. That group was… entertaining, to say the least! Come join us for ReaperCon sometime, and enjoy painting those minis until then. :)
~v