Origins Game Fair (2026)

[Black Jack Rackham]

Origins snuck in the start of their event reg on me but I still managed to get everything in. This might not be the final showing (in that we might add a couple of events) but everything here will be run. That should, at least, get you all started.

Wed (17th):
1-5 RoC: Episode 3 - Milk Run
1-5 HoA: Flashback
7-11 RoC: Episode 1 – Down on Your Luck
7-11 RoC: Episode 4 – Wine Connoisseurs

Thurs (18th):
9-1 RoC: Episode 2 – A Day Ending in “i”
9-1 RoC: Episode 3 - Milk Run
1-5 RoC: Episode 3 - Milk Run
1-5 RoC: Episode 4 – Wine Connoisseurs
1-5 HoA: Flashback
5+ RoC: PLAYTEST (RoC, Ep. 6 – REDACTED)

Fri (19th):
9-1 RoC: Episode 1 – Down on Your Luck
9-1 RoC: Episode 4 – Wine Connoisseurs
1-5 RoC: Episode 2 – A Day Ending in “i”
1-5 RoC: Episode 3 – Milk Run
1-5 HoA: Flashback
7-11 RoC: Episode 3 – Milk Run
7-11 RoC: Episode 4 – Wine Connoisseurs

Sat (20th):
9-1 RoC: Episode 4 – Wine Connoisseurs
9-1 HoA: Flashback
1-5 RoC: Personal Agendas – 2 Tables
7-11 RoC: Personal Agendas – 2 Tables

Sun (21st):
10-2 RoC: DOMINGO GIGANTE!

[salamanca]

This is very much unset in sand. (Meaning there are some events missing or listed with the wrong schedule.)

[Black Jack Rackham]

As always Dave comes in clutch just as the buzzer rings. I messed up and forgot we'd decided to give you filthy animals more shots at playing the newest two episodes. SO, I have adjusted the events to reflect this. If you'd already had a gander, look again, there are some changes.

[salamanca]

In the near future, we will revise it to list GMs so you all can avoid me.

[kenderleech]

And then we will randomly assign you a GM so that your avoidance will be rendered moot.

[Black Jack Rackham]

WE GOT OUR ROOM!!!
Guild of San Marcos, Tim and Craig, and Jay all in Clark this year with no other visitors!!!

[salamanca]

Clark...
That is in the Hall across from the restrooms on the same level as the Big Bar and Starbucks.

It is the first room on the right.

We have a history there. We used it year 2 of Altamira as well.

[Black Jack Rackham]

Apparently they're going to add in metal detectors to the entrances. Oh joy. Here's what they said about it.

Security Notice - The exhibit hall is running controlled access points
4 metal detectors at the main entrances. All entrants must pass through every time
Expect lines during peak hours, especially morning surge. Plan your movements
Multiple exits available

Should be lots of fun to bring all the stuff for GoSM in through that what with all the metal it's made out of...

[Black Jack Rackham]

I just realized this is just for the EXHIBIT HALL area. I just need to avoid those entrances and we'll be fine.

[salamanca]

You are not dragging the cart into the dealer room.

I am tempted to start slipping keys in your pockets.

In a serious note, it does mean I need to start thinking about which reading glasses to bring, which watch if any to wear, how much i do or do not need a penknife, and if I should order some chainmail.

[Lady Grace]

Noooooooo! They be takin' my Tea Thermos!

[salamanca]

So you are the one holding up the line! I got dice to buy! Lot's of metal dice for my pocketses. Lots of detector teiggering dice.

[cpugs]

Psstttt... Be very very quiet... Origins is in 30 Days!!!!!

[salamanca]

Ooooriginssss.....


Guess i better write something for Ken to run.

[CaitlinCallahan]

Psstttt... Be very very quiet... Origins is in 30 Days!!!!!

Cannot wait!! (Like, almost literally. I've already started using the guest room as a staging area for packing...)

[salamanca]

Pssst... guess what is skulking up on us?

Yeah...

Also, I just talked to a guy online running some events and most of his games are in C Hall. I did not warn him about anything in C Hall.

[kenderleech]

im sure he will have a GREEAAAAAT time.

[vogelsong]

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who played in and/or continue to show interest in the games I ran at Origins! I am truly grateful I got to play in all four sessions, and I hope that you all had a wonderful time as well!

For next year, I will most likely be running 2nd Edition episodes again. I ideally would like to start the first episode of a three episode mini-campaign that would allow for character creation and growth, but I don't want to promise anything yet until I can come up with a full three year story I am excited to share and that is worthy of the tremendous players I am honored to share the table with.

I will try to keep everyone updated both here and on discord if and when progress occurs on that front, but until then, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being willing to take a chance on my nonsense!

[kenderleech]

Safely home: Therefor, Review.


The average/expected: Origin screwed something up. GM badge was a mess on wednesday morning. Clark Foyer. People unable to cancel event tickets. Hotel construction at the sonesta. Skywalk elevatior/escalator issues (i almost put this in as ups and downs, but that was the problem.. they werent upping or downing).

The Bad. Only one thing here. I miss Alexandra. I legit cried about 40 times looking at her stuff during the con. Plus the dozen or so times i was asked if i knew where she was and had to explain that she would not be attending other then in our memories and perhaps spiritually. The shanigans werent as shananygainish without you. There will always be a place at the table for you.

Now that thats out of the way:

The good! Seeing everyone else! We are a family of choice. No matter where we are from or what we do, we are all brother sisters or the weird uncles for each other. Im already eagerly awaiting our next gatherings.

[CaitlinCallahan]

Review - My Turn

The Bad: Apparently, staffing and policy changes at GAMA caused more than a bit of chaos for Origins. While I personally didn't have any registration issues, I heard numerous horror stories (especially for the GMs). What to do with tickets proved very confusing, necessitating Charlie being sent on a search and rescue mission for me when I volunteered to go get the GM submission forms. (They were not available at the Hyatt GM station, so I walked down to Event HQ, only to be told that they weren't doing the forms this year). After much plotting of Malicious Compliance, someone came by with a stack of forms (I'm guessing that the person who said they weren't providing them just didn't know the forms existed - see my previous comment about staffing changes). Also, changes in their Volunteer reimbursement program resulted in fewer volunteers this year, and likely even fewer next year.

The Mixed: I think I need to put missing Alexandra here. As sad as I am, and as much as I miss her, it was also good to be able to share that grief with our 7th Sea family. A mixture of tears and reminiscing....

The Good: The family reunion - I'm always so thrilled to see everyone! Had an amazing time in my Rogues sessions. The crew of the Tide's Promise has really come together, and I'm super excited about what lies ahead for this group! Finally, during Aodhan's PA, when the duelists (who were both Master Swordsmen) were mocking him for considering hiring someone to fight on his behalf, I asked how that was any different from them being paid to conduct the duel, and they had no response. I kinda felt like I had won Origins at that point....

[salamanca]

The good.
-fewer ducks.
-cooler ducks
- a couple awesome duck themed accesories
- I got to pay Sam back for at the table player headaches
- I got to pay Ken back for the same
- ducks in the lighting.
- teenagers excited to be there with far too many badge ribbons
- seriously 18 feet of ribbons
- Joanna, John J, Jason, Donny, Kelli, and Teague for more than one session. The lot of you have not been with us as long as some others but your energy at the table is treasured.
-Shared meals. Charlie is right, this is the part that matters.
- Back home in the Drury. The exile was far too long.
- My shoulders have tear stains. I'm honored to be a shoulder several of you can cry on. It's good and healthy to get those emotions out. Even for those of you that were crying over Mark's adventure.

Mixed:
- Ducks
-minimal time this year to visit with my friends outside the Canguine game. Still saw them all but not as much as I would like. May need a day 6 for Origins.
- playtest. It did it's job but we got some work to do.
- Episode 3... it doesn't speak to me. At least not yet. I just can't find the spirit i need in it to make it shine.
- an original player returned... for only one day.
-minimal time to see the dealer room. Less loot, fuller wallet.
-John B has graciously gifted me with Stormbound crew sticker and patch as a GM. But it is in everyone's best interest to NOT let my character join the crew.
- i love sharing Columbus with Pride weekend, they make stuff more interesting. But it makes finding a table for dinner hell on Saturday.
- That Swordsman PA. The one with the dogs. Deb's reaction, Mark's belief it's funny, laughing at the juxtalosition... you had to be there but I am still short of breath from laughter and my rib hurts.
- Alexandra kept using my back up "hold my GM supplies" chair.

Bad:
- If you know, you know.
- no time to get a haircut
- ducks
-food allergies. Mine, Ken's, Mark's... all of it just adds complications.
- no names on badges is twice as bad for GMs as it is for players.
-Not nearly enough table time with Deb, Lisa, Brian, John B, Emmily, Timm, Gavin, Jay, Scott, Tim or Craig. (The hell with Mark, come to my table... definitely need that 6th day to fit you in)
-Metal detectors. I understand management putting them in and that ot is a general thing despite the gaming community being really low key and safe. (Seriously, I have zero worries at Origins about security)
- No consistency at said detectors. One time through, I trip the signal and it's a full bag search, the next time I trip it, they don't look up from their phones. One trip, they were so bogged down checking everyone else, i just breezed in without them noticing. (This is a convention center issue, not GAMA)
- Changing rules on loading out booths in the middle of the show because of an incident. Someone not looking where they were going ran into a dolly that was not moving, knocked it over and hurt themself. Suddenly, management bans dolly usage to pack up at close of show with 6 hours notice. That is really unfair to the vendors. Set the rule for next year but don't change it on people on closing day with no other options.
- it's over... I miss you all.

[Black Jack Rackham]

So my turn (after having gotten almost a whole night's sleep).

THE GOOD
Like aways, you all. I am just giddy with joy every time we meet up again and I get the privilege of having a front row seat to your enjoyment. As usual, all the veterans jumped right in to help the new folks, the newbies figured out how our little insane asylum works (and bought right into it!) and many good times were had!!!

Emmily!!! - While on a break from COLLEGE (yes Emmily is off to college (I'll pause while we all feel real old right about now)), she showed up to get all caught up with the new campaign. (She and Tim brought along a cousin who from what I hear had a good time himself.) But the TWO things I wanted to point out from her PA that stood out to me were...

1) When nothing I suggested seemed to interest her during the PA she decided to fight a duel and that turned into a laugh riot when her character became "Slayer of the Ghost of Labrinth Street!"

2) THEN, while I was handing out XP sheets and telling everyone what they'd earned in their particular adventures, she realized I had shorted her the Rep bonuses for fighting a duel and instead of just remaining quiet about it, she spoke up AT THE TABLE to inform me of my error!

DEB - After Deb caught me flat-footed earlier in the PA I got my revenge after the session regaling her with a "hysterical" story about one of the backgrounds I will definitely use when she's sitting at the table...

Revenge shall be mine!

Jeremy - I got a chance to be part of one of Jeremy's out of context Origins quotes. Yay me!

DEB, CHARLIE, DAVE, JAN, and so so so many others. While I was busily running adventures you all took it upon yourselves to make sure I was fed. Where I come from, that means love. And I was definitely feeling it. Right back atcha!

THE BAD
I had almost convinced myself to NOT put Origins in the Bad category because of their one good thing. Then they screwed that up AND I thought of three other negatives.

So, you've probably all heard my rant about the wait to get GM badge tickets (a wait the regular ticket holders did not have to do), and the fact that there was only one person handing out tickets to GMs (which btw weren't even connected to our account numbers in any way), and then the fact that they wanted us to use our own resources to get tickets into them. I got a little bit of revenge* learning most of the paid GAMA folks took off after a board meeting and left the board holding the bag of undone things (explaining why all this was so disorganized). THEN there was a mass exodus of the most experienced volunteers after the GAMA board voted to do away with most of their perks and started just paying them a miserable $16/hour to work (please look up the definition of "volunteer" here). The only thing they did that involved them not punching themselves in the dick repeatedly was that because we now have a room we are supposed to have the ability to lock up at the end of the night so we can keep our stuff safe and don't have to schlepp it back and forth (but of course they screwed that up by not bothering to tell us this and then not bothering to give us the keys/info once we did ask for it). So all in all, SSDD as far as GAMA/Origins organization goes.

A BIT OF BOTH
This one is more humorous than anything else but I didn't know where else to put it. My room at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Got an upgrade to a suite and that was really cool. A bit odd that the extra room stayed darker than the bedroom, but hey, what can you do? Had a fridge and a microwave so nice little extras (even if we really didn't use them all that much). BUT then there was the toilet. Specifically the water level in the toilet. It was so high (just below the level of the rim in fact) that doing any business in it garnered the very real possibility of getting wet, and not just a little bit. I tried to fix it, but the tank had another tank inside of it, one with the mechanics inside so I was unable to make any adjustments.

Dinner on Sunday after the con. The GMs have made a thing of going out to dinner together on Sunday so we can have a bit of time to talk. Unfortunately, this year we picked the same place as we had last year. Last year when we ALL got together. So while it was wonderful to have a bit of time together (and it truly was wonderful), there was someone conspicuously missing. And I am sure all of us noted it at one time or another.

*I should note that all that was just what I heard, I have no factual knowledge to back this up.