STUFF THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
Gamestorm 2006
Portland, OR
March 24-26th
3rd Annual Horror Rules Mini-Con 2007
If It Doesn't Kill You, It Just Makes You Insane
Yakima, WA
October 20th
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STUFF THAT'S HAPPENED
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CONVENTION REPORT - Second Annual Horror Rules Mini-Con 2006
10/21/06
This year's theme was "Bigger and Deader," and about all we have to say is... it WAS!! Well, okay,
we have a few more things to say, but they don't really add much to the basic idea. We had
more people, more games, more hours, more deaths, more pant-wetting and more mayhem and havoc than
last year and boy are we proud of it! Saturday saw twelve solid hours of pulse-pounding, knee-slappin'
madcap horrific roleplaying fun at Yakima's one-and-only Games Unlimited RPG store (thanks to Eric Wren
for the space!). Here's a few highlights...
- Dave Magnenat again set a record (see last year's "-23 Grip" record) by coming back from the dead.
I've given Grip back using the Comic Relief rule, but Dave's "rune without a view" quip earned him
his character's LIFE back during the Horror Rules Survivor grand finale. Good job, Dave! You're
always reaching higher and higher! (He died in the next Event.)
- Adam DiGleria and his group of three made another Horror Rules first by rolling three simultaneous
Flubs on the same Technical task while trying to escape a nefarious cage of death. Way to go, guys!
(They died in that Event.)
- This year's brand new "Bigger and Deader Bonus Prizes" were sweet too. We gave out $15 gift certificates
from Rusillo's Restaurant to the first to die (Steven Latham) and the first to pee his pants and
pass out (Gordon Brown). Next year we'll probably give out prizes for in-game events too.
- Dare to Be Stupid Winners - The coveted "Most Stupid" award for acquiring the greatest number
of Stupid Thing Points went to two highly deserving risk-takers this year: congrats to Gordon Brown and Ian
Shaw for their "accomplishment," with 8 STP's each. Your mothers must be so proud...
- Death Scenes Winner - Relative newcomer Marion Hatch scored the prize of Best Death Scene with
her stunnung rendition of the passing of her Terror in Tights Character. There was boiling rubber involved
and a great deal of shouting and screaming and being stuck in a door. You sort of had to be there,
but it was a thrill to watch! Can you say... "FLY HARDER!!!"
- HR Mini-Game "Rotten Wood" Tournament - This year's Mini-Con witnessed the first ever Horror Rules
Mini-Game Tournament, featuring a knock-down, drag-out, zombie-blasting miniatures fight to the finish
between our skilled combatants. First place went to Chris Tracz (congrats!), who battled second place
winner Rob Lowry (also congrats!) in the final showdown. Both men gave it their all, but Rob made a
small tactical error by Flubbing an attack roll with a chainsaw which ultimately gave the victory
to Chris. Well done, gentlemen! Rob, practice up those chainsaw skills and get ready - I see a
rematch in the works next year..."
head off with a chainsaw
- HR Survivor Winner - And last but not least (*drum roll*) the winner of the Horror Rules Survivor
grand finale game, "The Island of No Return," was first-timer Mary Jane Magnenat. Congrats, MJ! Of course,
she stepped over her husband's body (twice) to get there... Second place (which means still a
loser) went to CFG's very own Darren Carey, proving that good looks and working for the
company can get you a loooooong way.
For those of you who lived through the occasion, you know there are many more stories to tell, but
alas that's all we have the stomach for. Big-time thanks to all those who came out and supported
the obsession, especially to our excellent flock of Rulekeepers, who truly made the day.
Thanks also for supporting Crucifiction Games and keeping Horror Rules so lively and horrible.
Look for more great stories (or post your own) in our forum.
And stay tuned for some
news on next year, where our theme is "If It Doesn't Kill You, It Just
Makes You Insane." And we plan to make it true!
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CONVENTION REPORT - First Annual Horror Rules Mini-Con 2005
10/22/05
Well, you asked for it, you got it! Now it's come and gone and you just have to deal with the
nightmares, stomachaches and blurry vision. The First Annual Horror Rules Mini-Con was a rousing
success (thanks to Adam DiGleria for planting the seed), and leaves behind a trail of dead and
shellshocked characters that will not soon be forgotten. Bolstered by the hospitable employees and
savory food of the Twin Bridges Inn in Yakima, WA, those present braved 9+ hours of grueling Horror
Rules mayhem, hardly pausing for a breath (but frequently for a bite). It was loud, crowded and
full of peril, and I'm sure we shocked the restaurant regulars with our frequent bouts of mirth as those
present befell some particularly terrible fate. The numbers were much higher than expected, with
some 35 people showing up to play or watch, which put quite a strain on the staff; but they rose to
the occasion admirably and served us well! While the juicy details are too numerous to recount, here are
a few highlights...
- In my personal high point of the mini-con, Player Dave Magnenat set a record of the lowest-ever recorded
Grip at -23 points. (Yes, NEGATIVE 23!). On the way down he developed Shattered Nerves, a
Phobia of mist, passed out (more than once) and survived a Heart Attack. What's even more amazing?
He survived.
- The Dare to Be Stupid contest was won by Dave Magnenat (not surprisingly, considering the above), who collected
10 points throughout the night. I'm happy to say he deserved every one.
- Player Steven Latham also lost his marbles during "Recyclers 2" and suffered the Going Postal
insanity. While on his killing spree he snuffed one of the main Cast members who was attempting to rescue
the rest of the party from certain death. Bad Steven! Bad Steven!
- Overall we ran 7 game sessions - I wasn't present at all, but I heard lots of laughing, screaming and dying. BIG TIME
thanks to all the volunteer Rulekeepers for providing the horror!
- The winner of the Death Scenes contest was Ian Shaw, with a beautiful rendition of his self-inflicted termination. Ian's Propellorhead used his Character Power to invent a super-flamethrower, then promptly Flubbed when shooting it off and shot himself in the face. You might say his dice were hot that night.
- At least three separate people suffered "Loss of Bladder Control".
- The debut of the brand new Style of Play, Horror Rules Survivor, was a big hit.
As the final event of the night, 23 players took on "The House," and I'm happy to say 22
didn't make it. It's the biggest game I've ever run and also one of the easiest (just leave
your conscience at the door). Kudos to Tim Brown, who survived it all to win the prize.
Was it skill or just luck? We'll see next year, eh Tim...?
- Food and service by the Twin Bridges staff was great. If you're ever in Yakima and looking
for a place to eat, give 'em a try. They love gamers and they cook a mean garbage burger.
Just say "I love Horror Rules" and they'll take GOOD care of you...
Well, that about wraps it up. There's much more to tell but not enough space to do it.
Thanks again to everyone who participated for making it such a truly memorable occasion and
for supporting Crucifiction Games. Look for more great stories (or post your own)
in our forum. And stay tuned for some
news on next year. Yup, it was too much fun to only do once, so it looks like the
Mini-Con is now an annual affair! Our theme for next year is "Bigger and Deader,"
so hold onto your hats and your luck points and make sure to pack extra pants. You'll need 'em.
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CONVENTION REPORT - Dragonflight 2004
8/13/04 - 8/15/04
Wow. What can I say? This was hands down the BEST convention CFG has ever attended. The gaming was choice, the gamers top notch and the memories will last a life time (wiping a tear from his eye). Oh, and we killed A LOT of characters. Which was nice. Their memories will HAVE to last a lifetime, cuz that's all that's left. Our number one Horror Rules groupie Brian Underhill lead the way through what will undoubtedly go down in history as the *Best Convention Gaming Session I Have Ever (Or Will Ever) Play* in a stirring rendition of "The Rotanoga Rapture" (players: Brian, Dean, Kat, Rook, Eric and Chris). Not only did the group jump script in Event 4 (out of 7) but they managed to bring the whole town of demon-possessed New Englanders down around their ears in a howling mob and get served up as human sacrifices in the Ceremony of Summoning. While they did escape at the last minute in a heroic and daring showdown, they left behind a trail of deceased and shellshocked PC's that really made me proud. Oh, and since Brian's character's ex-wife was now the girlfriend of the main Bad Guy, they "rescued" her at the end and took her along, which makes for a nice sequel opportunity. (Brave, our Brian, but not too bright.) A big **Special Thanks** is also in order for newcomers Rook and Kat, who played all three games I ran this weekend. There should be some kind of reward, or at least adequate counseling or some other treatment. Thank you for sitting through 14 hours of Horror Rules games and for cranking out more memorable moments in a single weekend than any Rulekeeper should have. You two are truly master gamers. You are newbies no more, and I'll cross dice with you any time. Here are some rather crappy pictures from the con that don't do the mayhem any justice - although they are a little scary. We also played perhaps the most cutthroat game of "Curse of Cruz Cabal" (players: Rook, Kat, Ben, Jason, Bob, Dave and Adam) in history and a lively and horrifying "Souleater" (players: Rook, Kat, Beverly, Dean, Clay and Garry) during which occurred the first ever player-to-player tranquilizing incident (she asked for it, Kat). Finally, we owe a huge thank-you to all our fans, members and loyal Horror Rules players who made us so popular at Dragonflight. It was your insistence, enthusiasm and overwhelming registration that lead to Dflight requesting an impromptu repeat of Saturday night's session on Sunday. It was quite flattering and we were happy to do it. So thanks! I'd like to say that made it even harder to annihilate you, but that would be a lie. :) Toodles from Seattle, and if you didn't make it this time, try hard next year. We'll be waiting for you.
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GAME DEMO - Borders Books, Yakima WA
May 22nd, 2004
They never saw it comin'! The good folks at Borders innocently invited us to run a game demo, but they had no idea the mayhem they would unleash - zombie hordes, ancient artifacts of doom, axe-wielding ghosts, betrayal, murder and at least one episode of pant-wetting terror. Yup. It was Horror Rules at its best. We had a great time, met lots of great people and played some great HR. In case you haven't guessed, it was great. (Don't just take our word for it - if you want proof, check out the pictures of all these happy people.) Special thanks to the Borders crew for the complimentary extra-grande espresso (beats Mt. Dew hands down for sheer system shock). Also, big kudos to Rob and the rest of the Seattle crew who drove all the way down for a game. Now THAT'S a dedicated member!! The Borders store is great - if you're ever in Yakima, stop in and check it out. Just watch your step around the magazine area.
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GAME DEMO - Ron's Coin and Book, Yakima WA
March 20th, 2004
This Saturday afternoon at Ron's famous gaming emporium in scenic Yakima WA saw plenty of action and lots of Mountain Dew. We arrived to a flurry of questions and enthusiasm and promptly did our best to destroy it all with a good bout of mayhem, Horror Rules style. Unfortunately, the gang was equal to the challenge (with the guidance of veteran playtesters Kelly and Kim) and had a fantastic time. Our first official playtest of e-Script #16, "Scumbags," was a victory for the players, although I'm happy to say they did lose a few along the way (the bumpy rides are often the most memorable, right?). Many thanks to our gutsy and dedicated Saturday Morning Kid Squad: Jory, Ethan, Vince, Alex and Nate. The Ron's store is a fine establishment, well run and packed with RPG goodies, comics, movies and even paint ball stuff. Corey and Don were the perfect hosts, and made us feel right at home. Stop by and check out the shop if you're ever in Yakima. Or even if you're not. It makes a great day trip. Seriously. Why would I lie?
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CONVENTION REPORT - Game Storm 2004
3/5/04 - 3/7/04
It was Crucifiction Games' first *official* appearance at this up-and-coming young convention, and we are happy to report there were many deaths. What can we say - we LOVE THIS CON! If you haven't been to Game Storm in Portland, OR, you really owe it to yourself to go. The facilities are great, the people are greater and the gaming... well, more greater! We arrived in a flurry on Saturday morning, set up the booth and promptly fell asleep. Then the mayhem was underway! The "fun" began with a truly horrible rendition of "Hacker's Hamlet," last year's Dungeon Crawl script. Joining us at the table was veteran GURPS author and long-time Horror Rules writer wannabe Brian Underhill, who played a 17 year old peasant lad who shovelled manure all day and smelled the part (the character, not Brian). Joining him in his doomed quest to save the town of Kerbe were Antonia (from last year!), Gordon (one of the coolest kids I know), Adam (sorry about the whole "gallows" thing!), Laura (Queen of the Well) and Chris (who never spilled a drop of ale, though he carried the flagon the entire time - and even danced naked with it!). They fought the good fight, and even made it to the evil wizard... but unfortunately they lacked the ONE THING they needed to defeat him (they forgive you, Brian) so they all died. Very satisfying (go ahead, call me ruthless). That night saw two more bouts of HR action, first "The Mall of the Dead" by our member-in-good-standing Tim B., who claimed many victims and even convinced one of the PC's to join the side of darkness - which sounds a lot more appealing when you have a giant pink evil slug thing jamming a tentacle into your brain. My hat is off to him! Our 8-to-midnight game was a Limited Victims script, "Whistler House." Thanks to Dallin (the drama king), JD (our jester - "Is it cold in here?"), Darren ("Bark bark!" thud), Joellen (still glad you brought the grenades?), Eric (he's NOT glad you brought the grenades) and Dave (whose shameless antics inspired the creation of the Dare to Be Stupid Bulletin Board). Success was eventually theirs, although it was complicated by the fact that Darren's Con passed out every time a dog barked due to a phobia acquired early on and Dave's character became possessed and set a live grenade off in the midst of the group. Those setbacks are hard to overcome, but somehow they staggered through. As you can see from these pictures, they even sometimes paid attention. Sunday we arose bright and early and amidst bouts of donut-scarfing managed to meet lots of people, sell some stuff and sign up many ultra-enthusiastic new members. Laura B., another fantastic HR Member, ran "Summer Camp Nightmare" Sunday afternoon, claiming several lives and sanities. She made some COOL "Camp Fusko Program Director" shirts, and gave one away as a prize. One of her gamers also managed to be "sent home" not once but TWICE (read all about Dallin's experience on the Dare To Be Stupid Bulletin Board). Now THAT's how to be a Rulekeeper - way to go, Laura (and thanks for the awesome shirt!). Click here for some great pics from the event. It was such a cool day that I even got a chance to actually play a game!. Special thanks to Dave for teaching me Fluxx and permanently damaging my brain. I loved it! It ended up a record con - a total of almost 20 hours of Horror Rules was played in all (out of a 43 hour event), which we're almost sure did more harm than good. Apologies to those of you who returned home to find that your loved ones no longer recognized you. In the end we staggered to our car and pointed it Northward for home, only to find that crouched drooling in the back seat was... ah, but that's a story for another time. Endless thanks to all who helped make Game Storm such a huge success and, more than that, a thoroughly enjoyable time. We love you guys! (Also, TONS of kudos to JD for sending all these great pictures - it's true, you ARE the man!)
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CONVENTION REPORT - Dragonflight 2003
8/14/03 - 8/16/03
Behold Dragonflight! CFG arrived in the Emerald City of Seattle late Friday, set up shop
and promptly went to bed, but not before Sarah Hoselton of the HR Project team ran our
first game of the con and claimed its first victims (bad for you, fun for us). Sarah also distinguished herself by winning the coveted Most Alert and Lively Staff Member Award. Way to go, Sarah! Saturday was a whirlwind of more games, rubbing elbows and meetin' and greetin' the public. We
were excited to debut the hardcopy release of the "Horror Rules" rulebook, and to exchange
veiled threats and verbal barbs with famed author Brian Underhill. The mayhem continued
that night with the running of "The Recyclers," (as well as several one-events) again claiming several more victims and
reducing others to blubbering heaps. Much to our disappointment, the "Recyclers" crew, led
by garage-band musicians and Irish tough kids the Fighting O'Shaugnessys, emerged victorious (while some did not),
although we did have the pleasure of watching them all dine heartily (and unknowingly) on the
well-cooked remains of several nursing home inhabitants (no picture available). All around a great con. At the end, a happy and disoriented CFG Pres Chris Weedin tipped his hat to all and flashed his very best "I think I just drank something else instead of my Mt. Dew" farewell smile. Although surprised, he managed to exit gracefully.
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PRODUCT RELEASE - "Horror Rules" Rulebook
7/15/03
CFG releases the first-ever print version of "Horror Rules" the rulebook. 100pgs of softcover, perfect-bound mayhem, madness and laughs. Viva horror! |
CONVENTION REPORT - Gamestorm 2003
3/15/03 - 3/17/03
CFG's first time down to Portland for this boisterous, scrappy and definitely up-and-coming
convention. Had a GREAT TIME! If you've never been to Gamestorm, GO! It's well-run,
packed with enough fun to choke a zombie (?) and sits in a great location. Saturday was
spent slaughtering various PC's and driving others over the edge, with back-to-back runs
of Horror Rules Scripts "Curse of Cruz Cabal" and "Stalker Jack." Highlights of the games
occurred during "Cruz Cabal" (a Friends Like These Script) when player Manuel used his Bad
Luck Point to force a teammate (?) to drop his grenade in the middle of the group during an
attack of the Walking Dead. This resulted in much death and several Body Count points for
our quick-thinking (but slightly sadistic) hero. This move eventually led to his victory in the game. Way to go, Manuel! And your Mom said that mean streak would never pay off... Special thanks to Tim and Laura Brown, who honored us with the presence of their son, Gordon, who made his gaming debut at Gamestorm. Unfortunately, they had so much fun they were later arrested (well, not really, but it made you click, didn't it?!). "Stalker Jack" saw some top-notch play as well, with our Star surviving (although slightly imbalanced) and a geat (though slightly imbalanced) supporting cast.
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CONVENTION REPORT - Dragonflight 2002
8/23/02 - 8/25/02
Our second trip to Dragonflight, and a great Con. New friends and members made,
a renewed acquaintaince with that twinkie-loving hack Brian Underhill, and the death
and dismemberment of many characters during double play of "Welcome to Tihi. The staff, pictured here, are as professional and alert as ever."
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