Ok...We've had 3.

I have done a horrible job of keeping this updated- but we've now held 3 of these, and I've had a great time at each of them. it's been fantastic to see those that could make it, and to share stories and recollections about those that couldn't or didn't make it.
If any of you have pictures you want to send me, I'll post them for the ones who didn't make it. Our adventure into the dungeons continue!

Mission Accomplished.

I won't speak for everyone, but I had a fantastic time. Mark Smart, Jerry Fitch, Pug Bainter, David Erke, Stephen Erke and I spent Saturday catching up and playing some D&D and video games. Mark and Jerry recorded the event (I assume as evidence for the trial). A number of Hyenas (including 2 dire pink flamingo hyenas) were dispatched and experience points were had by all. Stephen discovered what a cruel mistress a 20 sided die can be, and I (Playing a half-elf) introduced the group to the term "Got Melf". David proved that even with little notice he can manage a rowdy group as DM and keep things moving.

For those of you that were unable to make it, we all heartily agreed that a follow-up event next year is in order. We have lots of adventure left to experience in Thunderspire Labyrinth.

Those of you who were unable to make it were missed.

Hope to see you all again next year.

Head Nurse.

I found Jerry Fitch's house and am glad to report that he intends to come this weekend. I certainly hope Mike Clark will can make it...as it would be a pretty big representation of our original group.

Dave, if you happen to read this...I meant to tell you earlier that your brother Tom is certainly welcome to come as well and we'd all love to see him. Obviously it's short notice, but I wanted to mention it.

What, Where, When and stuff....

FYI for everyone...
I thought that people could pretty much show up whenever they want Saturday. I'd like to get some lunch going on the grill in the early afternoon....and then pizza, bbq and D&D that evening...say beginning around 5 or 6 p.m.

I thought we'd talk Saturday about whether who all might be available Sunday for additional playing or hanging out.

My address is:
211 W. Williams
Wyoming Illinois, 61491

The Game is afoot

David has agreed to DM. So now we need characters.
I'll let David determine how he'd like us to get them
rolled up, but it seems like it would be easier to have them
in hand when we get there.
I can certainly put some generic ones together if any
of you don't have time.

Would anyone like to post what they want to play? The adventure will be a level 4-6 adventure. I agree with my fellow players that we should have at least one backup.

I'd like to play a magic-user..but I can be convinced to do something else like be a Cleric (assuming these descriptions still apply).

He could dance.

It wouldn't be possible to have this kind of reunion without mentioning Delbert Scalf.
For many of us, his loss has been profound. I find peace with it by remembering the version of Delbert you see in this picture. He was unique in the very best sense. His smile was contagious. He was always "first in the pool" with any adventure we undertook. His loss is great not only because of the person he was on his way to becoming, but the possibility of what he might have accomplished. His sense of fashion was also...um...distinct. His shirts were bright and alive. I am also sure that there are many who may not have known his name, but recall his ability to dance. When Delbert went into overdrive dance mode at one of the dance clubs in Peoria, a space around him bagan to clear. As self-concious as he was, he could let it go when he danced. He didn't care if you thought it was funny, silly or awesome. He simply had to dance. In my mind, he continues to dance.

Remembering Almotha

I thought a location for news about our reunion might be a good idea and a free blog seemed simple enough to set up quickly and flexible enough to have some content.

I'm delighted that some of you have indicated you are coming. The idea for a reunion was as simple as this...I asked Kyle "Hey, do you think if we had a D&D reunion anyone would come?" Now I'm trying to put the pieces in place.

So far:
1. It will be memorial day weekend.
2. It will be at my house. (211 W. Williams, Wyoming Il 61491).
3. There will be D&D (4th edition) Pug (Richie Bainter for those who don't know he went into the government protection program after his car crash with Aaron Ruey)has been kind enough to host an ftp site where you can download the key books in pdf form. You can get that link from me via email (dhaffner@multiad.com)
4. Throwback Mountain Dew and Pepsi (it's like walking back into the arcade and getting a bottle out of the cooler every time I drink one of these).
5. Foosball (I have a decent table in the basement greased and ready for action).
6. Pizza and BBQ

Still to decide:
- Who is going to DM? I know we'd probably all like Dave to do it, but I can understand why that might be daunting. Let me be the first to say that even a pre-made adventure would be fine and if Dave's willing to drive...any one of us can look up the rules (you know we're going to bend them anyway).
- Characters? Pre-rolled? Roll them there? If we're able to get David to run it, you know some characters are going to die...it wouldn't be bad to have at least a couple.
- Old school maps or Doug's digital gaming table? I made a table where the maps are projected up from the bottom onto the white plexi surface...1" mini figures are then used. I'm cool with either way.
- When to play? We could make this a one day deal or 2...I'm ok either way. I thought maybe a general cookout/reunion might be nice on Sat if it's 2 days and then gaming on the second day...but I'm also ok with one big day of eating and gaming. Thoughts?
- Who can come? You can bring anyone you want...assuming you understand that this kind of reunion may involve candid memories and mild language. If we can convince Mike Clark to come, the language may be more advanced than "mild".


Other than that, let me know what you'd like...
If you have any memories you'd like to post...great. Images, pictures, and drawings are all welcome.
I'll see what I can gather an post it in the next few days. It might help David to remember what we looked like back then. Heck, it may help me too.

Mark Smart asked: "Will there be an appearance by Captain Studly and Boy Macho?". I'm not at liberty to divulge that information at this time.