Skip’s 2015 Adepticon Adventure!
With Adepticon 2015 long over, I wanted to recap my experiences with one of the biggest wargaming events in the World, to help give people an idea what to expect should they decide to attend the event.
Preface:
I have divided this lengthy post into different headings based on the experiences and events that I participated in throughout the convention.
Preparation:
Before heading off to Chicago I had to extensively prepare for the convention by raising funds and generally getting my army and models ready to go for the event for friendly/ pick up games. I ended up painting up about 2,000 points of models for two team tournament armies and a giant Forge World Khorne Demon Prince for some of the local folks. This helped them out greatly and let them participate in their events and netted me the coin needed in order to actually attend the event.
I would argue that it was a win-win situation.
Transportation:
The train from Albany to Chicago is a stately 16-17 hour trip, so it is most certainly not for the faint of heart. However, there is plenty of room to sleep and stretch out; not to mention full dining cars. With trains you can generally get away with bringing bigger carry-ons (Adam had a full Battlefoam 1520xl bags with 720s attached as a single carry on for example).
I had my 720 bag, a Bookbag and a large rolling suitcase filled with my clothes and Battlefoam X-board. I only had to check with the large rolling suitcase, but it was at no additional charge (take that airlines!).
Morning in Ohio on the way to Adepticon.
The train was also so much cheaper than flying for us. While a flight may have cost 500-600 dollars for the full trip; the train was less 200 dollars.
I left New York on Tuesday afternoon with Adam, Chris, Rusty and Rick (Press Ganger for Privateer Press and Warmachine guru) from the local train station. Another dozen local folks headed out at about the same time for Chicago in their cars.
That night we talked about what we wanted to get accomplished at the event this year and discussed our reasons for attending. I decided that any purchases would be geared towards filling out my Imperial Guard tank collection; and expanding my Mechanicum 30k army.
All I wanted to do during the event was walk around and just have a good time/ relax in general. Truth be told, my interest in playing with the hobby has diminished greatly over the last few months, I was hoping that Adepticon would kick start my desire to play games again.
Getting in before the Convention:
We got into Chicago on Wednesday afternoon after about an hour delay on the train. We were all rather exhausted getting off of the train and we could not wait to get to the hotel in Chicago. Adam, Rusty and I got out in front of Union Station and after a few minutes a SUV pulled up for us. Adam was able to get a taxi for the three of us through Geek Nation tours. Teras was nice enough to help us out with transportation to the hotel for a low rate- which was AWESOME as Adam was a member of his tour.
Made it to Chicago!
Once everything was set with the room, I walked around the convention hall for a little while. Getting to see the signs set up and even the terrain set was neat. I was deeply impressed by the Adepticon staff that worked so hard to get everything completed in such a short period of time.
I never felt rushed to get the room set up, or felt hurried at any time during the event. I had everything set and ready to go early the next morning and was able to experience just about everything I was looking to see from the convention hall at my own pace. I would argue this was in part due to getting there the day early.
Adepticon Bag Stuffing:
I woke up early that morning and went down the main hall with Rusty to see if we could help out with bag stuffing/ general volunteering. We were quickly assigned to stuff the fabled swag bags. Again I was impressed by the Adepticon staff, they were all courteous and helpful with where they wanted us to be and what they wanted us to do. Even though we helped to stuff hundreds of swag bags in just a few hours, I never felt pressured or cornered into anything.
After a few hours, the bags were stuffed thoroughly and we were all given a ten dollar certificate for food at the event and even a fifteen dollar certificate for a Vendor. Both of which I promptly lost (I later found them at home whilst unpacking...)
If you end up at the convention early and are at a loss of what to do, I would suggest helping out with the swag bag stuffing. I had a blast and met some great people that I ended up running into constantly throughout the weekend.
Shoutouts for people I met at the Swag Bag Stuffing:
This included a British gentleman named Rob, whom I found out later on- had an amazing looking Mechanicum army for 30k. I picked his a brain throughout the weekend about the Mechanicum. His suggestions and those from Kyle from Battlefoam led me to my eventual purchases from Forge World.
We also met Brandon, the brother of the gentleman from GMM studios that built and painted the Golden Throne Display. Brandon was a cool dude and did an excellent job with helping out with the line and the stuffing of the fabled swag bags.
The bags are stuffed! What next?
Registration & First Blood:
That night registration opened up and on the way to the line I spotted a Leman Russ Battle Tank with the FW Vanquisher turret at the Bits seller (Toledo Game Room). I lamented to the store owner that I would love to buy the tank; but I assumed that he was closed (he was still setting up his store!). To which he replied quickly, that if I had the money it was mine.
Tanks Toledo Game Room! This Leman Russ is going to be awesome!
After throwing money at the shop keep and absconding with the tank, I made it to the Volunteer line (much smaller line for registration for those that had helped out- another plus!). Standing directly in front of Rusty and I was the master painter himself; James Wapple.
We ended up having a great conversation with James Wapple about painting and I thanked him probably too many times for inspiring me to paint NMM (thanked and cursed I think at the same time if my memory is correct). He is a great guy to talk to and gave me some advice with painting larger models and how to get units done in a faster manner.
I learned more talking to James Wapple in the twenty minutes, than I have in the past year of painting. That is one of the great things about Adepticon. You get to have discussions with painters, hobbyists and top tournament players throughout the weekend to improve your game.
Registration itself was quick and easy with walking up to the appropriate sign- submitting my name and then receiving my already ordered shirt and Swag Bag. Even though I only had the partial swag bag, it still had the event models and a bunch of the promo items in it. Most awesome indeed!
Eating at Adepticon:
There were some fantastic places to eat around Adepticon. I ended up going to a nearby Italian place that was FANTASTIC one evening and then to the RAM another two nights. There was an amazing Deep Dish Pizza place that delivered some type of bread bowl filled with cheese and tomato sauce.
Man, folks in Chicago can make a mean pizza cake.
It is only too easy for us nerds to go all out on food at an event or unfortunately eat/ drink unhealthy foods. Especially at an event that had fried food and junk food at every concession stand! However, there were a lot more healthy options this time around at this new venue. Each stand had salads for sale (which were actually good and priced about the same as the junk food options). Even the Starbucks at some low fat options for breakfast at a lower price than I was expecting; which was fantastic to see.
Apparently microwavable burritos are heresy in the far future...Grim Dark indeed...
The Vendor Hall:
The Vendor hall was well laid out and there was a plethora of vendors to visit and demo games to play. Everything was clear and there was plenty of walking room throughout the hall- a HUGE improvement over the old location.
I got a chance to talk with the folks at KR Multi-case; and they were very courteous and politely helped to answer some questions about getting foam for my bigger models (Armorcast Titans/ Thunderhawk). In a few years I’ll have my Thunderhawk done- and I’m clumsy- so I'll need hard cases to protect my models.
I got to talk to Kyle from Battlefoam and it was great to catch up with him during his breaks and slow points in the day. He helped to answer some questions I had about getting some foam for my Brother this coming May for his Birthday (please don't read this post Brandon!!). I liked the new systems that they were coming out with for their products and definitely have my eye on a few things to buy up in the future as my guard models gradually get painted.
Only loyal Imperial citizens go to Adepticon.
I picked up a Line of Sight laser point as Adam came running out the Vendor hall and yelled at us all to pick one up. I also snagged a tactical template for my brother, which was awesome because it looked like a plasma gun (I’m too easily amused I think).
The Forge World incident….:
I went to the Forge World line and began to wait- which unfortunately for me was not nearly long enough. In fact- the line FLEW by in just a few moments- the Forge World guys really knew how to get through a line fast and professionally.
In the weeks before Adepticon and specifically during the 17 hour train ride I had memorized the two models I wanted- Solar Auxilia Tanks…two of them. I had memorized the names and even the codes for the models. I was going to be so awesome in the line and impress everyone standing around me with my unsurpassed knowledge of what I wanted to buy from Forge World.
Then something else happened…I’m standing in the line- the Forge World gentleman- Gary said to me-
“Alright mate, you’re in the FW line at Adepticon; what do you want to buy today?”
I looked him in the eye- smiled ear to ear- and said.
“Models”
Models….that was my only response- I apparently went brain dumb…I might as well asked for a Football! My brain went numb and I was incapable of speech or coherent thought.
He looked perplexed and asked me if I could be more specific. I got an incredibly dumb look on my face, nodded and said:
“Imperial models.”
Awesome Skip, way to go… way to use that Master's degree.
Garpy promptly moved on to more intelligent folks standing in the line. A few moments later- another gentleman named Tris helped me out- my brain had recovered and I said I wanted to buy the specific tanks.
I ended up picking up the tanks I wanted. I didn’t notice that FW took a photo of the line. A photo that made the blog later on that weekend…
One of these isn't like the others. One of these doesn't belong.
I was talking to the FW guys on Monday morning and they said that they loved that picture. I was incredibly embarrassed at first, but darnit- I’ll own it. I’m a nerd and I love this hobby. I also like buying tanks. I apparently like that a lot more than I thought.
Yea- tanks are awesome.
Boota Town at Adepticon:
This was my second time at Adepticon and therefore the second time I was able to sign up for and attend Bootatown. Getting the opportunity to see and talk with fellow current and past Bootas at the convention was a great experience.
I had a good time at Bootatown this year, even though I felt very bad throughout the event as I had to keep running off (I had a few friends in tournaments that day and I was checking up on them)/ constantly getting called off by folks I was attending the convention with.
I was able to participate in the Dreadnought battle game; where my Dreadnought was promptly and not-surprisingly blown to bits turn one of the first game… by an Ork Killa Kan. Seriously! Some people have all the luck!
I did much better in the second game however; as I was able to destroy an Ork Killa Kan and a Carnifex to get the win. For the Emperor!
Oh Grey Knight Dreadnought- I get to play you about once a year!
I didn’t get a chance to play in the meatgrinder event; but witnessing painted models being fed into a grinder will haunt my dreams forever. Next year there was talk about using bikers… and I’m fearful for the many Dark Vengeance DA bikers that will be ground to dust…
The horror.....the horror.....the horror...
I wanted to say thank you again to the folks (Diehard/ Hack) whom ran the events at Boota Town; as well as all of the past and present Bootas that I met at the event. It was great to meet you all again!
I also wanted to give a special shout-out to MoW- as he helped to secure me my amazing Deep Striking Santa gift! Thanks again bud and your Salamanders Space Marines looked amazing! I’m very happy that Forge World picked them up and featured them on their blog!
Taking Classes at Adepticon:
Going into Adepticon this year I had signed up for two classes: How to Paint Titans and How to Improve Tournament Appearance Scores. Heading off to the classes on Friday, I did not really know what to fully expect, but I was hoping to learn something new.
Both classes were fantastic and I learned a ton. In the How to Paint Titans class, I gained a greater appreciation for airbrushing than what I had before. I got some great tips and advice on what to do with my ongoing Reaver project. Dave Pauwels was a fantastic teacher with the event and even offered me his airbrush compressor for a measly 20 dollars to help me get into airbrushing (which was AWESOME).
Dave Pauwel’s Warhound Titan…so pretty…even thought its' Legio Mortis...
Heretic.
In the Tournament Appearance class, the instructor Caleb Wissenback was again a great instructor. He gave quick realistic advice that anyone can do with their armies and how to behave around painting judges. He gave a few funny stories about scoring past tournament armies (and what not to do!) and individualized advice to people that had their armies and pictures with them.
I got some great advice from him on how to move forward with my painting and display boards; which I hope to put into motion to help gain better scores in events. I told him that I was thinking about trying airbrushing to further my hobby and he suggested that I attend his class the next day for beginning airbrushing.
The only thing I can say about his airbrushing class is that immediately after the class, I picked up a Badger Patriot Airbrush from downstairs and emailed Dave about buying the air compressor!
My finished 1500pt army on its display board at Boota Town.
If you decide to go to Adepticon, I would suggest taking some classes to learn new things and how to improve your game/ hobby even further!
Battlefleet Gothic Narrative Event-
On the first night of Adepticon I ended up hanging out with Adam, Snorre (MotF) and Jason (the Overlords) for a little while as they built Jason’s BFG list for the narrative event. Jason had opted to go with a single large battleship for his list as he mentioned that he was still fuzzy on the rules.
The next morning I was walking around the main hall, looking at armies and talking with Vendors and hobbyists, when I ran into Jason near the main 40k hall. He asked if I could play in the Battlefleet game for him, as he got into the 30k event he was on the wait list for. I had never played or even seen a game played- but I agreed none the less. To Battle Stations!
I approached the table and everyone there was incredibly friendly and happy that someone was taking over the Imperial fleet in that sector of the board. They were all incredibly nice and helped me to understand movement and how to fire the Capital Ship properly.
In the first turn I made a ton of saves and the ship was for the most part fully functional. I lined up a broadside and took down a Tau Cruiser with my first shot. I think I can see myself playing this game now!
First shot and a Tau Cruiser blew up! The Capital ship took down two heretic vessels before the combined fire from two Tau fleets took it down.
Loopy rams his orks into the Tau space station. A nearby Imperial ship takes a lucky shot that knocks out one of his ships and cripples two additional Tau vessels. Ave Imperium!
The BFG narrative game in full swing!
I had never played BFG before and I have to say that I had a ton of fun with it. I ended up coming in third place with the three kills in the narrative mission. I was awarded with Eldar ships for my efforts. I unfortunately had nothing that I could with these models, so I gave them to Jason- knowing that they’ll find a good home (and not destined for my bits box forever).
And now I want to play BFG…
Adeptus Titanicus:
Going into Friday afternoon I was sitting with Adam, Snorre and Carl at the bar upstairs talking about the event as a whole and the upcoming Titanicus event. Adam hinted that I should just buy the Warhound Titan from the bits seller and play in the event. His reasoning was that they wouldn’t turn me away if I just bought a Titan to play in the event. Back in 2012 I was “convinced” by Adam and Brother Grimm to buy a Shadowsword… I apparently cave under peer pressure...and big models.
Furthermore, two tables worth of gamers at the bar informed me that I was a “wuss” as I was wavering on buying the warhound.
With the event at 6pm, I bought the warhound from the bits seller at 5:45pm and walked into the hall. Presented the warhound and was immediately assigned to the Imperial team (whom were down a player! I evened the teams!!).
George from the Toledo Games Room and myself after buying the Armorcast Titan! I began to realize I bought too much from him when we knew each other on a first name basis.
Our Imperial objective was to break through the Chaos defense to aid a local space port with bringing in additional reinforcements. We had to destroy some of the Chaos Engines and move our own Titans off of their board edge. I felt incredibly out of place with the only armorcast Titan on the board; but I resolved to make a good account of the little warhound.
Come at me bro!
The Chaos engines deployed first in a line along the center of the board, with one warhound staying back to get any stragglers. We opted to stack on the eastern flank, so we mitigated the enemy’s shooting for the first two turns as they had to maneuver to fire at us. This gave us the opening to push Titans through to the other side of the board (the primary objective!).
In the first Imperial movement and shooting phase I was able to strip one enemy warhound of its’ void shields and my team mates did a considerable amount of damage.
By the second shooting phase I had stripped the voids off the nearby enemy warhound again and one of my allies had finished it off. Engine kill!
After the first warhound went down the enemy’s Reaver/ Commander moved to confront us in a close ranged fire fight. My warhound stripped the void shields off of the Reaver for two turns as my allies did considerable damage to the Reaver (taking down all of the weapons and doing severe damage).
Looks like we have here a stand off boys...DRAW!
The Reaver starts to take damage as a Legio Mortis Warhound moves in to support. One of our Warhounds was able to get a rear arc on the Reaver and eventually make good its' escape off of the board edge.
The Reaver was unable to bring its’ shields back online after one effective shooting phase and my Warhound finished it off with a lucky shot to the legs.
Engine kill on a Reaver!
Reaver down! My warhound confronts a lone wounded warhound.
By the end of the game I had gotten the engine kill on the archenemy Reaver Titan, crippled two additional Warhounds and stripped the voids on a third Warhound. The wee little Armorcast Warhound proved his worth a few times over.
This was honestly the most fun I have had with the hobby in several years and picking up the Armorcast Titan was totally worth it.
Knightfall:
On Sunday there was an additional Titan event in the main hall as the team tournaments were wrapping up. Sam, the gentleman that ran the Adepticus Titanicus event suggested that I sign up and give it a shot. I agreed and signed up the next day.
At least I did not have to buy this one from the bits vendor!
The games were run as a three person free for all, but each Knight had a target knight to fight and defeat for maximum points. You also could grab an objective and carry it off the board with you, much like the Relic mission. It was done in a “Game of Thrones” styled knight fight, where you could earn villainy points, and be worth more points if an enemy killed you.
The rules themselves were very similar to the Adeptus Titanicus event, but you had to get into close combat to really be effective at knocking out enemy engines.
My Knight-Titan standing next to Celsork’s Titan. It was great to meet Celsork in person again!
The event ran three games and was a TON of fun. Sam gave me the rules so I could run a similar event at home as well, which was great.
Let the games begin!
Engine Duel! The Black Knight squares off against my Knight. After several hard fought rounds, I ran the enemy Knight through the chainsword- securing victory!
The event in full swing!
It was a blast to play in. I ended up ending the tournament at about the middle of the pack points wise, but after three rounds- my knight never died! The Emperor protects!
Nomad’s knight got best painted (and second place in the Crystal Brush)! He is my hobby nemesis… First the chainsword a few years ago... good sir, and then a Knight-Titan?!
Nomad’s a great guy- and a REALLY good hobby nemesis to have. Next time Gadget! Next time!!
The Pool:
A Pool & Hot Tub!
One of the things I did not realize because I did not read anything before going, was that there was a pool and hot tub. I was lucky enough to grab a suit from a nearby Target and made good use of the facilities at the hotel for the remaining several days. Adam suggested using the pool/ swimming laps in the morning followed by hot tub time. It was a great way to wake up and relax in the morning for an hour. In any future Adepticon- this a must!
The Last Breakfast:
On Sunday we were all taking some time to relax in the morning. I asked Adam what he was doing for breakfast and he stated that he was going to eat with Snorre a few others in the hotel dining room and offered me a chair. I graciously accepted (train is 17 hours- good idea to eat before getting on!).
It was great to hang out with a good group of enthusiastic hobbyists on the last day of the convention. It was great to talk to players and excellent hobbyists that were all incredibly positive about the hobby and you could tell were enthusiastic about wargaming and the 40k lore.
Leaving the Convention and Heading Home:
On the way back we were all incredibly exhausted. Our bags were heavier and we all looked forward to sleeping on the train ride home.
Adam and Rusty both are looking weary in the train station in Chicago.
We were lucky that our train was not delayed and we had no issues due to the weather. I know that a few folks got their flights delayed/ cancelled due to the bad weather in Chicago on that day.
Back in New York…you can tell because everything looks generally unpleasant.
I may have made one too many puns on the trip back.
The fabled convention loot pile:
Omg...I bought too much! Why did nobody stop me?!
I may have picked up a few things at Adepticon this year! I even had one of my old White Dwarf magazines signed by Andy Chambers (awesome guy to meet and talk to)!
Good thing I got that airbrush…so I can get this all painted!
Da Loot List:
Finecast Creed
Metal Techpriest
Forge World Leman Russ Vanquisher
Leman Russ Demolisher
Leman Russ Battle Tank
2x Solor Auxila Battle Tanks
Mechanicum Drinking Mug
3x Forge World Pins
Airbrush with compressor, hose and quick detach option
KR Multi-case dice container with dice and measuring tape
Laser Pointer
Partial Adepticon Swag Bag
Assorted bits for tanks and terrain from the bits seller
1x Thallax Squad (No upgrades)
1x Thallax Squad (Plasma Gun)
1x Arch Magos with Rad Cleanser
Titanicus Novel (Hard Cover)
Adepticon Drinking Glass (Thanks again Snorre!)
ArmorCast Warhound Titan with Turbo Laser and Flame Thrower
Wall of Martyrs defensive section (won it from Boota Town! Woot!)
It took a few days to recover and get caught back up to the pace of things at work/ at home. Adepticon was an amazing experience in 2015 and I hope to go again next year in 2016!!
-Skip
