Minnesota meet up for Game of Thrones.

I have some people I could invite. I suggested to my wife that she come along, she said sure so long as we were only playing Times-up...

The problem with Game of thrones and other games that need a set number of players is that you never know how many to invite and then you get the 5 and someone cancels. or you end up with 7 and you either have to play something else or break off a few people and play two games... and then have less than 5.

Anyway, should I invite some buddies?

Good question. Some gamers that I know are pretty flaky, but all five that we have so far are reliable. Invite one buddy, and then we have maybe 6 or at least 5.

Hmm. With that number of players, maybe we could also play a game of Dune? Dune plays best with all six factions. I haven't played in years, and not even once since I picked up a used copy in 2011. Playtime is variable, and BGG says one to three hours. Game of Thrones seems to be about a 3-hour game as well, so that would be 3 to 6 hours of games.

I've had GoT run short and long, but I think 3 hours is probably a good time to slot it at. Haven't played Dune in ages, that would be great!

I've never played Dune, but would be happy to give it a try.

edulis wrote: I've never played Dune, but would be happy to give it a try.

Great! I checked with Alex and he is interested in trying Dune, too. He has played Rex and read several of the Dune books, so it's surprising that he hasn't played Dune before.

Which rules should we use for A Game of Thrones, and which rules for Dune? I have first editions of both games, plus the Clash of Kings expansion for AGOT.

A Game of Thrones: The normal first edition rules are very logically constructed, but I feel that the Ports from A Clash of Kings are a necessary improvement. Otherwise, I'm happy to skip all the other optional rules from A Clash of Kings, including the one-time orders, fortifications, and siege machines. But I don't have any specific objection to any of them either, except for the optional rule that shows the upcoming events three turns into the future. I feel like that would lead to more analysis and slower play.

Dune: I definitely do not have any of the Dune expansions, and in my limited experience with them, feel that we should avoid them. I'm fine with using all the basic rules, advanced rules, and optional rules. On the other hand, I can see where increased spices blows make the game more swingy, and paying spice for combat troops maybe causes additional imbalance between certain factions.

If other FATties lurking on this thread have any suggestions, I'm happy to hear them.

I've most recently played AGoT 2nd edition and though it went pretty smoothly. I don't know what differences there are from 1st Ed + Clash of Kings though.

I haven't played Dune in ages; I'm game for whatever you think everyone will be able to handle rules-wise. Leave the expansions out methinks.

Ive only played first edition, I like all of the clash of kings add one and suggest we use them.... Minimum of ports. I know nothing about dune.

Dune is easy to learn. The basic rules are 3 pages long. The optional and advanced rules take up an additional page, and the FAQ take up one more page. The other three pages include the title page/brief index, strategy tips, and a synopsis of the first book of the series.

Do we have a time? Later is better for me. Also an address.

Looking forward to stomping you guys...

I am flexible on start time. I will PM you the top secret address, which is about three blocks from the Source, and five blocks from the State Fairgrounds.

7 or 8 pm? Too late? Too early? What do you guys think?

Good question. Earlier today, I asked the others about 7:00 PM but haven't heard back yet.

I think 7pm at the latest. We can do any time earlier also.

7 sounds fine.