Carnagecast 18: Bethany Creaser and Conspiracy X 2.0

In episode 18 of Carnagecast, Bethany Creaser of Border Board Games and Green Mountain Gamers tells the story of how she and her husband first came to Carnage and then talks about hosting game days and nights in Vermont for Interview with the Gamer.

To learn about Conspiracy X 2.0, Autopsy of a Game turns to the game’s own line developer, Dave Chapman. He peels back a few of the outer layers shrouding the aliens, paranormal experiences and conspiracies in the heart of the American government that agents of AEGIS may encounter. Continue reading

Carnagecast 17: Battlestar Galactica Actual Play, Part 3

In episode 17 of Carnagecast, “the real game” of Battlestar Galactica begins, as Carlo puts it. The sleeper phase doles out another set of loyalty cards to the not terribly hard-pressed Battle-all-stars. Now the mere prospect of Baltar employing his Cylon detector provokes strong reactions from all around.

The end of this installment’s a corker, too.

Carnagecast Extrasode 2: Carnage Round Table Convention Roundup

In extrasode 2 of Carnagecast, Christy, Chuck, Robert and Rod gather for the first Carnage round table discussion. The topic at hand is conventions and games. Where have we been, where are we going and what are we playing on the way?

If you’re at any of the upcoming conventions and game days, look for the folks in Carnage shirts and say hello! Continue reading

Carnagecast 16: Nik Palmer and Dominant Species

In episode 16 of Carnagecast, Interview with a Gamer features Nik Palmer, longtime GM and former Carnage board member — and since recording, winner of Iron GM 2012 at TotalCon — talking about the multi-table Call of Cthulhu event which he co-ran at Carnage in Wonderland, using props and aids to fire player imagination, awesomeness versus accessibility, self-publishing and more.

Chuck, Robert and Rod cut into Dominant Species for Autopsy of a Game. Rod likens it to a worker placement game that ebbs and flows as species dominance rises and falls. While enjoying the mechanics, Chuck points out that it’s over-long for such a game, often taking three or more hours. Robert dislikes the whole business, given how a random card can undo all one’s thought and effort. Continue reading

Carnagecast 15: Battlestar Galactica Actual Play, Part 2

In episode fifteen of Carnagecast, the actual play recording of Battlestar Galactica with the Battle-all-stars continues, picking up with Carlo’s ominous reminder of a Cylon in the group’s midst. Later on, a state of emergency catches everyone by surprise.

In Observance of GM’s Day

GM's Day logoThe Escapist reminds us of March 4th’s relatively newfound significance: “Today is GM’s Day, when players pay homage to the gamemasters who work so hard to bring them excellent adventures at the game table.”

From everyone at Carnage, we want to wish a happy GM’s Day to anyone who’s ever thought to themselves, “Ya know, I should run something next year at Carnage.” A game convention is literally nothing without people willing to offer to teach and run games.

Every year, we’re humbled by the new heights our GMs attain in presenting their games. The exceptional terrain design and figure painting in the miniatures arenas. The role-playing adventures stocked with props, handouts and dice. The board game direct from the halls of Essen.

It’s the GMs who make Carnage an exceptionally rocking good time and for your endeavors, we are grateful.

Carnagecast 14: Robin Lea of Peryton Publishing and Betrayal at House on the Hill

In episode 14 of Carnagecast, we go back to Peryton Publishing, this time to speak with the dark empress Robin Lea. She talks a bit about the games she ran at Carnage in Wonderland and her upcoming projects, both role-playing and fiction. Autopsy of a Game turns the incisive minds of Dan and Tyler upon Betrayal at House on the Hill, a horror game with a cult following. Continue reading

Carnagecast 13: Battlestar Galactica Actual Play, Part 1

In episode 13 of Carnagecast, we begin a new actual play recording, this time of Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game. Recorded at the Winter Weirdness game day in Barre in January 2012, this session features a set of players known in the Vermont gaming scene for the enthusiasm and tenacity they bring to table when playing Battlestar Galactica.

In part 1, the players introduce themselves and the characters they’re playing, then launch into the game. Crises abound.

Carnagecast 12: Going Cardboard and Le Havre

In episode 12 of Carnagecast, the director of Going Cardboard tells us about creating the documentary that delves into designer board games. Then Autopsy of a Game gets into the economics of wharfside entrepreneurship as Chuck, Rod and Sarah talk Le Havre. Continue reading

Carnagecast 11: Arkham Horror Actual Play, Part 5

In episode 11 of Carnagecast, we reach the conclusion of the Arkham Horror actual play series. It’s been a long, hard road for our investigators, struggling against alien horrors, the schemes of elder gods and pure chance itself. Who wins and who dies? Find out!

Ursula uses the word “caper.” Kate Winthrop finds herself in a strange high house in the mist. Patrice Hathaway busts out a little “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” to boost Agent Banks’ morale.

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