Armchair Dragoons Forums

Wargaming => Conventions, Clubs, and Events => Topic started by: bayonetbrant on June 29, 2020, 09:04:46 PM

Title: Consolidated thread for Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 (collects all threads)
Post by: bayonetbrant on June 29, 2020, 09:04:46 PM
So we decided to throw our own party

(https://www.armchairdragoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Assembly-Header.png) (https://www.armchairdragoons.com/assembly/)

REGISTER (https://tabletop.events/conventions/virtual-dragoons-assembly-20201)  ~  EVENTS (https://www.armchairdragoons.com/dragoons-assembly-2020-events/)  ~  DETAILS (https://www.armchairdragoons.com/assembly/)
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: bbmike on June 29, 2020, 09:09:53 PM
 :rockon:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: Davout on June 30, 2020, 04:07:59 AM
- Great !   :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: thecommandtent on June 30, 2020, 06:11:18 AM
Very cool!  Now I guess I need get TTS and see if runs on my laptop. And while I'm at it I should probably give this VASSAL thing a try .....
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: Barthheart on June 30, 2020, 06:29:20 AM
Very cool!  Now I guess I need get TTS and see if runs on my laptop. And while I'm at it I should probably give this VASSAL thing a try .....

Kids these days.... :doh:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: bbmike on June 30, 2020, 07:41:03 AM
 ;D
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: thecommandtent on June 30, 2020, 08:56:51 PM
Very cool!  Now I guess I need get TTS and see if runs on my laptop. And while I'm at it I should probably give this VASSAL thing a try .....

Kids these days.... :doh:

 :whistle:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: mirth on July 02, 2020, 11:26:13 AM
It's disappointing that LNLP harvested the World at War KS email list to promote this event. That's an unsubscribe from that list for me. It's spammy to use a list that way.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 02, 2020, 11:39:43 AM
It's disappointing that LNLP harvested the World at War KS email list to promote this event. That's an unsubscribe from that list for me. It's spammy to use a list that way.

I get your line of thought, but there are some W@W85 events, so David was probably trying to promote it that way.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: bbmike on July 02, 2020, 11:43:48 AM
It's not an uncommon practice. A lot of other Kickstarter's I've backed have done the same thing.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: mirth on July 02, 2020, 11:49:37 AM
It's disappointing that LNLP harvested the World at War KS email list to promote this event. That's an unsubscribe from that list for me. It's spammy to use a list that way.

I get your line of thought, but there are some W@W85 events, so David was probably trying to promote it that way.

It's a stretch and a mis-use of the list imho. I was on it for the KS not for other promotional emails. The subject line was for a WaW update.

No problem, I unsub from many spam lists. I see business email lists abused all the time. Generally it leads to blacklisting which is a real pain to undo.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020
Post by: mirth on July 02, 2020, 11:52:18 AM
It's not an uncommon practice. A lot of other Kickstarter's I've backed have done the same thing.

I know it's common, but it is also a crappy practice. They've lost me as someone they can use for email marketing.
Title: Registration is live!
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 03, 2020, 10:53:06 AM
In case you didn't already know - registration for the Virtual Dragoons Assembly is live

it's $2 for registration, which is the absolute minimum they let us charge, and the bulk of that goes to the platform to support the use of their scheduling / registration software

You do NOT need a ticket if you just want to watch games.

You DO need a ticket to play in them - we will not allow non-ticketed players in the games
Title: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 06, 2020, 04:23:08 PM
We've added some additional events:

2 seminars:
Data Curation & Conflict Simulation: The Example of Harpoon (or: What's in Larry Bond's Basement)
Coastal Defense's Influence on American History

and 2 iterations of Hollandspiele's Brave Little Belgium, GM'ed by Ryan, one of the co-designers.
Title: Interview about Virtual Dragoons Assembly!
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 12, 2020, 12:09:07 PM
Guest spot with Dan on No Enemies Here this weekend

https://www.armchairdragoons.com/feature/no-enemies-here-s3-e14-with-the-virtual-dragoons-assembly-interview/

starts around the 55-min mark

Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 12, 2020, 12:10:08 PM
We've added 2 more events with Academy Games

another CoH France 1940 game on Saturday afternoon

a CoH "learning game" / "how to play" demo on Saturday morning
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bob48 on July 12, 2020, 02:16:14 PM
CoH France? Is this a long awaited addition to the series?
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 12, 2020, 02:54:15 PM
CoH France? Is this a long awaited addition to the series?

yep - play it before you can buy it!

It's supposed to release this Fall, and this is one of the first public looks at it
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 13, 2020, 12:06:56 PM
Why do you guys always gotta host stuff on weekends when I have to work? 
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 13, 2020, 12:20:31 PM
Why do you guys always gotta host stuff on weekends when I have to work?

there's stuff on Friday - technically, not the weekend!  :nerd:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on July 13, 2020, 12:42:31 PM
Working then too... :'(
Title: Re: Registration is live!
Post by: tuna on July 16, 2020, 01:19:33 PM
FYI for people that are nervous about putting Credit Card on the site (they don't take Paypal). I used a Visa Gift card (purchased from Amazon), and that worked just fine.  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Registration is live!
Post by: mirth on July 16, 2020, 01:28:55 PM
FYI for people that are nervous about putting Credit Card on the site (they don't take Paypal). I used a Visa Gift card (purchased from Amazon), and that worked just fine.  :bigthumb:

I've used TT for other event registration. It's fine for what it is (and better than most 'home brew' convention applications). I'm sure they take a decent cut for themselves, but I don't see security as an issue.


Not accepting Paypal isn't much of a surprise. Paypal has some of the highest service fees in the payment processing industry.
Title: Re: Registration is live!
Post by: tuna on July 16, 2020, 01:49:22 PM
FYI for people that are nervous about putting Credit Card on the site (they don't take Paypal). I used a Visa Gift card (purchased from Amazon), and that worked just fine.  :bigthumb:

I've used TT for other event registration. It's fine for what it is (and better than most 'home brew' convention applications). I'm sure they take a decent cut for themselves, but I don't see security as an issue.


Not accepting Paypal isn't much of a surprise. Paypal has some of the highest service fees in the payment processing industry.

Yeah, but the double layer of protection is nice. I"ve gotten screwed on deals where I used Paypal (glad they didn't have my CC).. Our CC has been hit a few times in the last year as well (probably food orders over phone, but you never know), PIA when you need it for all expenses now (definitely don't use the 'debit' for purchases). Gift card had a 3 something fee, but the extra security is worth it. Wish my CC offered disposable numbers, like some other do.
Title: Re: Registration is live!
Post by: mirth on July 16, 2020, 02:02:14 PM
I avoid using my debit card for online purchases. Paypal is handy, but they can be a PITA to deal with for issue resolution. They are easy to use as a payment processor, but I prefer other solutions. I've dealt with building/maintaining online payment portals for almost 15 years. There are lots of ways to do them and lots of ways to screw them up (I've seen CC numbers stored in full as plain text). It's not something you want to screw up. A security audit is painful.
Title: Re: Registration is live!
Post by: tuna on July 16, 2020, 02:40:27 PM
I avoid using my debit card for online purchases. Paypal is handy, but they can be a PITA to deal with for issue resolution. They are easy to use as a payment processor, but I prefer other solutions. I've dealt with building/maintaining online payment portals for almost 15 years. There are lots of ways to do them and lots of ways to screw them up (I've seen CC numbers stored in full as plain text). It's not something you want to screw up. A security audit is painful.

 :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 17, 2020, 10:18:18 AM
We have added two iterations of a minis game: Forlorn Hope - Song of Drums and Shakos!

Description?  Sure!

Quote
A small squad is leading an attack on a moderately defended small fortress. This is a Napoleonics skirmish scenario using the Song of Drums and Shakos miniatures rules from Ganesha Games. Each of the two sides will have about 8 to 12 figures.
Beginners welcome, rules taught.

We have 2 time slots, each for up to 4 players:

The game is played on the Roll20 platform.

Go get registered! (https://tabletop.events/conventions/virtual-dragoons-assembly-20201/schedule#?query=)
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 17, 2020, 11:06:32 AM
I believe I started to sign up for this, then took a spot in Brave Little Belgium, but then didn't pay for a badge. I backed out as I would have to sign up then forget or be otherwise busy (mainly forgetting). Do you see me taking up a spot for BLB?
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 17, 2020, 11:47:35 AM
I believe I started to sign up for this, then took a spot in Brave Little Belgium, but then didn't pay for a badge. I backed out as I would have to sign up then forget or be otherwise busy (mainly forgetting). Do you see me taking up a spot for BLB?


If you're in for BLB, stay in there.  Plenty of people have had plenty of time to sign up for their games by now :)
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 17, 2020, 11:55:44 AM
Like I said, though, I hate to sign up then not show because I cannot make it. I haven't paid yet either so I'm not thinking I'm official or anything.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: mirth on July 17, 2020, 12:05:19 PM
I haven't paid yet either so I'm not thinking I'm official or anything.

Just taking up spots in games. It's a great system that allows people to sign up for games without paying first. How could that go wrong?  :D
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 17, 2020, 12:49:29 PM
Like I said, though, I hate to sign up then not show because I cannot make it. I haven't paid yet either so I'm not thinking I'm official or anything.

if you hadn't paid for anything, you're not signed up.  You have to officially register through the tabletop.events site, and I've already created all the GM badges
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: BanzaiCat on July 17, 2020, 01:35:33 PM
Thanks for the helpful response.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly events update
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 17, 2020, 06:27:48 PM
https://tabletop.events/conventions/virtual-dragoons-assembly-20201/update/early-registration-prize-giveaway-new-events-

Quote
Congratulations to Chito Bantug, whose name was pulled out of the virtual hat for a free copy of LNLP's Tank on Tank this afternoon

Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 21, 2020, 04:39:46 PM
Official convention merch & swag now available (https://www.cafepress.com/armchairdragoons/17160973)

And yes, they have face masks.

(https://i1.wp.com/www.armchairdragoons.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vda_2020_shirt_face_mask.jpg)
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 21, 2020, 04:45:57 PM
I'll get a Virtual Mask.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bob48 on July 21, 2020, 05:41:50 PM
I'll buy one if I can use virtual currency.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 21, 2020, 05:54:54 PM
$22 is a bit much for a cloth mask.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bob48 on July 21, 2020, 06:07:17 PM
Not much cheaper than a sleeved tee shirt. Over-priced for sure.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 21, 2020, 06:10:04 PM
The alternatives were either no shirts at all, or I get a bunch of them made here and now I'm in charge of shipping and handling.

It's not a perfect solution, but it's not a bad one under the circumstances
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 21, 2020, 06:11:40 PM
CafePress gets a healthy mark-up on its products.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 21, 2020, 06:32:42 PM
It's okay. He didn't get us shirts for Origins either.  :whistle:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 21, 2020, 06:37:47 PM
It's okay. He didn't get us shirts for Origins either.  :whistle:

How about a GM badge? :P
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bob48 on July 22, 2020, 06:32:56 AM
Brant, all joking apart, we appreciate that what you're doing is not easy under the circumstances.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: tuna on July 22, 2020, 08:07:00 AM
Brant, all joking apart, we appreciate that what you're doing is not easy under the circumstances.

+1
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 22, 2020, 09:28:28 AM
Brant, all joking apart, we appreciate that what you're doing is not easy under the circumstances.

+22
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 22, 2020, 11:28:53 AM
Brant, all joking apart, we appreciate that what you're doing is not easy under the circumstances.

+333
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 24, 2020, 10:12:57 AM
OK guys - how many of you are signed up yet?!
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 24, 2020, 10:23:51 AM
I am.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: mirth on July 24, 2020, 10:46:44 AM
Not me. I have other gaming plans for next weekend.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: tuna on July 24, 2020, 12:37:29 PM
I am
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: thecommandtent on July 24, 2020, 08:29:15 PM
I am. I haven't registered for any events yet as my schedule for the weekend is up on the air but I hope to get at least 1 in.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 29, 2020, 01:24:07 PM
https://twitter.com/ADragoons/status/1288523280933150721

Title: OPORD 20-181 (archived)
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2020, 12:09:56 PM
(archiving)

Armchair Dragoons, Regimental Operations Order 20-181
Distribution restriction: No restriction; unlimited distribution is authorized

I – Situation

A:  Weather – Summer convention season is here, and the world rejoices anew at the invention of A/C
B:  Enemy Forces – With the current rampaging plague that is COVID-19 decimating the summer convention season, our biggest enemy threat has been biological warfare
C:  Friendly Forces – Friendly forces for this mission include Moe’s Game Table, Lock ‘n Load Publishing, Academy Games, and (unofficially) the Georgetown University Wargaming Society. Other friendly forces may join at a later date.
D:  Attachments & Detachments – None at the present

II – Mission

The Armchair Dragoons and other friendly forces conduct online/virtual game convention operations beginning with registration (30 June 2020) and culminating with the execution of the Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020, from 31 July – 1 August 2020, at a cost of $2 to attend.

III – Operations

A:  Commander’s Intent
With the loss of the Summer convention season to COVID-19, including Origins, WBC, Historicon, CSW Expo, and Adepticon, the Armchair Dragoons have elected to ally ourselves with several other wargaming organizations to present the Virtual Dragoons Assembly for wargamers to have an outlet for their Summer wargaming woes.

B: Concept of the Operation
The Virtual Dragoons Assembly will focus on the following 3 features:
C:  Subordinate Tasks
Specific members of the Armchair Dragoons have the following tasks
D: Coordinating Instructions
IV – Service Support

A: Support Concept
Armchair Dragoons will provide the scheduling & registration framework, as well as the online ‘anchor’ presence for the convention.  As the central clearinghouse for information, Armchair Dragoons will take the lead in supporting convention attendees.

B:  Technical Support

C:  Personnel
Anyone wishing to volunteer as a GM is instructed to contact the convention team at dragoonsassembly – (AT) – that ‘gmail’ thingee.  No one is to submit events to the convention without first clearing them through the convention team.

D:  Promotions
A bank of images is available to freely share here: banner ad (728×90) ; social media box (500×500); large banner (728×250)
Everyone registering for/attending the Virtual Dragoons Weekend is asked to share information about the convention through their social networks; Contests for sharing through social media will be announced as we get closer to the event.

V – Command & Signal

A:  Command

B:  Signal
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 31, 2020, 05:33:01 PM
Don't forget that Enterprise Games is giving 20% off your entire order. Show some love for two of the nicest people in the business and buy yourself a nice, new (or used) game.  8)
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2020, 05:59:28 PM
Enterprise Games use code "enterprise" to save 20%

Lock 'n Load Publishing use code "play2020" to save 20%

The Wargaming Company use code "ArmchairDragoon" to save 15%
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2020, 08:15:46 PM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 31, 2020, 08:29:14 PM
^I'm not getting any sound on that.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: trailrunner on July 31, 2020, 08:34:16 PM
The sound works for me.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bbmike on July 31, 2020, 08:38:02 PM
Working now.
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 31, 2020, 09:11:06 PM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: Davout on August 01, 2020, 09:14:07 AM
 - Great start with Brant and Moe yesterday. And again thank you for your work Brant.  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 01, 2020, 10:36:25 AM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 01, 2020, 10:36:48 AM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 01, 2020, 11:06:19 AM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 01, 2020, 11:08:29 AM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 01, 2020, 12:10:33 PM
Title: Re: Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 open discussion
Post by: bob48 on August 01, 2020, 01:46:05 PM
Good stuff, Brant  :2thumbs:
Title: VDA 2020 Feedback Wanted
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 02, 2020, 12:45:38 PM
You can drop your feedback about the convention weekend below, or fill out this quick survey

https://forms.gle/em64yuiGSEJDUedL7
Title: Consolidated thread for Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 (collects all threads)
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 03, 2020, 09:38:35 AM
rolling up all of the threads into one
Title: Re: Consolidated thread for Virtual Dragoons Assembly 2020 (collects all threads)
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 06, 2020, 03:45:42 PM
The AAR

https://www.armchairdragoons.com/feature/virtual-dragoons-assembly-2020-the-aar/