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Reports from the Field

© Sandy Brundage

The advent of July arrived with two major conventions battling for attendees during the same weekend: Dragon*Con and Origins.

Enter the Dragon

For Dragon*Con, we have an eyewitness report from the field. Unfortunately, he uses terms like "disappointing" and "boring". With live action games charging fees from $35 to $75 to play, on top of the $35 required to enter the hallowed convention hall, our correspondent found himself despondent and gameless. Wandering over to the tabletop games, he lumbered into chaos in the form of organizers missing in action. Apart from live action, the roleplay scene was void of online venues.

The highlights of Dragon*Con? Brian Herbert's tales of working with his father, the late Frank Herbert, creator of Dune. Bumping into John "Q" DeLancie. Literally. And ogling costumes, although he recommends the convention post a "Spandex and Leather are Privileges, not Rights" sign next year.

Convention trivia: What was the first piece of fiction published by the company previously known only for Chilton's Car Manuals? Dune.

There in Spirit

For Origins 99, even better than a field report is a chance to see for yourself. Yes, it's officially over, but the organizers are creating streaming video files, along with an avalanche of photos, audio files and transcripts, for the virtual convention hall so no one misses the experience.

Congratulations to the 1999 Origins Award winners:

Best New PBM Game: Dungeon (Madhouse USA)

Best On-going PBM Game: Middle Earth PBM Fourth Age (Game Systems)

Best Game-Related Novel: The Silent Blade (WotC)

Best Game-Related Short Work: Leftovers (Pinnacle)

Best Action Computer RPG: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (LucasArts)

Best Roleplaying Computer Game: Baldur's Gate (Interplay)

Best Strategy Computer Game: Starcraft (Blizzard/Havas)

Best Hisotircal Miniatures Rules: Medieval Warfare (Terry Gore)

Best Sci-Fi or Fantasy Miniatures Rules: Battletech Master Rules (FASA)

Best Amateur Game Magazine: Mythic Perspectives (Gnawing Ideas)

Best Professional Game Magazine: Knights of the Dinner Table (KenzerCo)

Best Graphic Presentation of a Card Game: Deadlands CCG (WotC)

Best Graphic Presentation of a Board Game: Crimson Skies (FASA) Best Graphic Presentation of an RPG...: Dragonlance Bestiary (WotC) Best Card Game Expansion or Supplement: M:TG: Urza's Saga (WotC) Best Trading Card Game: Deadlands CCG (WotC) Best Traditional Card Game: Guillotine (WotC) Best Historical Figure Miniatures Series: 25mmDarkest Africa (Guernsey Foundry)

Best Vehicle Miniature: Velocipede (Pinnacle)

Best Sci-Fi or Fantasy Figure Miniature: Hangin' Judge (Pinnacle)

Best Abstract Board Game: What Were You Thinking? (WotC)

Best Historical Board Game: Great War at Sea: Plan Orange (Avalanche)

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