09 August, 2006

GenCon Anon

I don't know what you folks will be up to the rest of the week but I'm off to Indiana this afternoon for GenCon. For those unfamiliar with it, the Con is a big gathering in Indianapolis of dorks and geeks wearing black t-shirts (black has a slimming effect) and enjoying Dungeons & Dragons and countless other role playing games, collectible card games, miniatures, board games, anime, movies, beer, costumes, and all manner of dorkness. Let's compare and see how your weekend compares to mine:

True Dungeon: Escape the Spider Cult - yes, me and my compatriots get to run around a life-sized replica of a dungeon. And just like all my D&D characters, I will bring my wineskin.

Build a Foam Weapon Workshop - remember those Medieval combatants I went to see? Well, now I shall have a weapon of my own.

BBungle in the Jungle - A Call of Cthulhu adventure: It's spring of 1929 and time for the Miskatonic University expedition to the Amazon! Join the Kappa Sigma gang for a week of fun, sun, and drinks with little paper umbrellas in them. Other than the fact that your best friend Duke has recently escaped from Arkham Sanitarium what could possibly go wrong?

The Poetics of Violent Death - Another CoC adventure: Several murders and grave desecrations have the Medical Examiner's office in Polk County, Iowa, extremely worried, not to mention overworked. In addition, the shocking, unusual and grisly nature of these crimes has staff members nervous, even frightened. As if that isn't bad enough, the Polk County Sheriff has insisted the Medical Examiner's office accept help from outside consultants. Just who are these people?

Hickman's Killer Breakfast - Nothing like breakfast, adventure, and musical numbers all in one.

TinTin and the Arctic Exploration - More CoC and I get to play this with my brother. I shall do my level best to ensure his character has a painful death: Join TinTin, Snowy, Capt. Haddock, and the rest of the crew as they travel to the Arctic to experience the adventure of their lives, only to encounter unimaginable terrors.

Real Feasts: Menus and Entertainment from Medieval Cookbooks - a seminar about Medieval feasts: What were feasts like in the Middle Ages? Did they serve gruel? Turkey legs? How about whole roasted oxen? This seminar provides detailed descriptions of feasts taken directly from northern Europe in the 13th, 14th and 15th century. Subjects covered are foods served, table settings, manners, and the entertainment during the feast.

Dressing and Undressing your Character: Clothing in the Middle Ages - another seminar with a Medieval topic. This time around, it's haberdashery: How many layers did they wear? Women were sewn into their clothes, right? Did men wear pants? A survey of the clothes worn in northern Europe from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Topics to be covered include clothing styles, available materials, hats, underwear, shoes, socks, chastity belts, and work clothes.

Adding Music to you RPGs and gaming sessions -The last of 3 seminars I hope to attend.

Hentai Dubbing - Do you think you have what it takes to be a hentai voice actor? If you do, it's time to put your tentacles where your mouth is and come on down to Dick & Buster's Hentai Dubbing Extravaganza!! Hosted by the undisputed King & Queen of adult anime, Dick Tripwire and Buster Highman, you'll get your chance to lend your voice to some sick, twisted and hilarious hentai. Don't miss the exclusive screening of the behind the scenes mockumentary madess of Future Tentacle Demon Hell Beast Part 6: the Final Battle - including an exclusive look at the trailer for the forthcoming sequel! Prizes and fun galore! Audience participation extremely encouraged - ladies and gentlemen most welcome. So come on down and rock out with your cock out, or just hang out with your wang out at Dick & Buster's Hentai Dubbing Extravaganza for your shot at anime stardom - and make sure to check your shame at the door. Could this be your big break in the adult anime industry - who knows? This event is 18 years old and over only.

No idea what hentai is? Go here.

Gothic Lolita Fashion Show - If there's enough time on Sunday, I'll take in the Gothic Lolita Fashion Show. I'd never heard of it until yesterday. Unsurprisingly, it's a Japanese fad taking hold here. From the Wikipedia entry: Gothic Lolita or "GothLoli" is a street fashion among Japanese teenagers and, to a lesser extent, young women and men. It is a subcategory of Lolita fashion that emphasizes Victorian-style and Edwardian fashion girl's clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls.

Gothic Lolita style is usually a combination of black and white, often black with white lace and typically decorated with ribbons and lace trims. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks or stockings are popular. Black fishnet stockings and white or black tights are also common. Shoes or boots with high heels (though not usually stiletto heels) such as Mary Janes, complete the look. Frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular especially with "EGL" types, who may also favour long skirts and jackets rather than the overtly "childish" designs of typical gothlolis. Apart from the occasional shortness of skirts, designs are usually modest, sometimes with long lace-capped sleeves and/or high-necked blouses.


Should be a source of some good pictures such as this one:



There will also be movies running 24/7 including a shitload of anime and some features. However, I'm keen on the fan-made dorky celluloid goodness such as this:

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