Community

Feb 8, 2011 -- 2:09PM, Scottevil912 wrote:

So... not that CT is a big state or anything...but Rhode Island has encounters and they're making us look bad.

I'm trying to work with some local stores - biggest issue so far has been 1.) what do they get out of it (when people go for FNM - more often than not they at least buy a few packs of cards) and 2.) what do they have to do.

I'm willing to help as organizer for these in my fine state assuming I can find a store willing to offer them - but what does it entail to do organizing - do I need to take a test of some sorts (like to become a judge for MTG).

I'd like to get encounters out here because I really feel that slowly buy surely the blood for role-playing is phasing out (in CT at least).

So, the first thing is that "premiere" status is a big deal for a store. They should want that, as it allows them to have better deals on what product they receive and to even offer it for sale before the big box/online stores can. That is a huge edge with the Amazon gamer crowd. (Support your local stores!)

The way the rules are set up, the store gets far more "credit" for running Encounters than they do for running M:tG matches. It is a faster track to premiere status.

They should also know that Encounters is tied to product releases. This season uses Essentials content, Fortune Cards, and Nentir Vale stuff (including the Hammerfast sourcebook). All of this is designed to help stores sell product. Future seasons will link to even more new product. This has been really successful at some stores - there are stores reporting record D&D sales and 6+ tables of gamers per week that never used to frequent the store.

To sign up, they need to go onto the event ordering system (or WER Wizards Event Reporter) and request the season. They will get a box will the mods and rewards for players and DMs. They need to act fast, since supplies are limited (but probably still available and they could run a couple of catch-up sessions). If they have questions, they should contact their Wizards store rep. List here and here.

What you can do is to help them navigate the process, help them find DMs, help them bring in players (you just need four to start), and help them understand the lingo. To find players, comb the Yahoo groups for LG and LFR lists in your state/area. Find the local D&D Meetup group. Post on the EN World gamers wanted board, etc. You may be really surprised how many people can show up. I would have guessed we had 50 or so players in Portland, OR, but we have had around 300 unique players over the past three seasons!

One last thing you can do is to help them by motivating the players and DMs to support the store. My preferred method is to organize raffles. Everyone that buys D&D product on an Encounters night gets a discount (20% is not unheard of) and has their name placed in the raffle. Winner gets a copy of the adventure or a previous gameday (the store can save up any unused gameday and Encounters adventures for this purpose) or a coupon or something else cool. Oh, and some stores charge a game fee, with some of those stores then allowing it to go toward the purchase of product or rewards for DMs. The exact best way to do that varies by location, but I tend to prefer not charging admission until there is a solid following.

I am glad to offer more advice, and others can probably chime in as well with what worked in their area. Once you get started, I would suggest a DM's mailing list so you can share encounter ideas and help the other DMs provide a fun experience each week. Stay tuned to the forums as well, as DMs tend to spot encounter issues and come up with fun ideas.