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Egg on me and some gorgeous certificates there. You sure do.

Original draft list now reflects absentminded corrections re: Allan's spot, Bugeater and 11th co events.

February Newsletter, PDF format:
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/NOVA-Open-February-2012-Newsletter.pdf

Full Schedule: http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/February-1-2012-Schedule-LMB.pdf


Excerpts:


THE 6th EDITION QUESTION
NOVA Open Position:
The NOVA decision at this time is to go forward with 5th Edition "unless GW releases a 6th Edition prior to June."

Our staff has been studying the question and we find the 6th edition release date (purported to be mid-summer) is based entirely on internet rumors, and a leaked PDF of limited authenticity.

The reasons behind the NOVA Open decision take into consideration many inherent problems that gamers will face with a release so near the convention itself. For example, our judges must be well-versed on the rules and, though they would double down in preparation, we believe gamer challenges would become overwhelming amid a 256-player, 4-day tournament. More importantly, we are concerned that few players have the wherewithal to replace or recalibrate entire armies (and then paint new models to matching standards) in such a short time frame.

If a 6th Edition is released before June, the staff will once again come together, review the work, and make a final decision. Please contact us at novaopen@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.

40K GT

NEW PLAYER NUMBERS CONTINUE TO RISE
Please do not assume
~ because you attended in 2011 ~
that we can guarantee your spot at 2012


Narrative Nitty-Gritty: http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/February-2012Narrative-Event.pdf

Pre-Sale Meal Deals
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Meal-Deal-Ad.pdf

The narrative sounds really cool... I look forward to trying to do the 40kGT which I am enrolled in and the narrative.

We're having a TON of fun with the Narrative planning.

The story will not only develop by the day based on player actions, but by the year - the story will continue in 2013, kicked off from the climax of 2012.

Players whose HQ's/identified heroes perform at the highest levels or who do the most memorable deeds may in fact find memorials to their characters erected in city squares for the 2013 event.

As part of having the Narrative be set OUTSIDE of any given game universe, to better have people taking part in a unique story, it will take place in a near future Earth amidst an invasion from unknown sources; rumor has it an unfortunate on-looker even captured high quality video of the beginnings of the invasion of DC before his shots went permanently blank ... we'll be releasing this archival footage with our March 1 newsletter.

As the narrative-specific link indicates, in support of the Washington, DC setting for the majority of the conflict's battles/scenarios, we are busily recreating and LED-lighting scaled terrain pieces of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, White House, and many many more.


We'll also be incorporating a DC-wide scavenger hunt / historical/cultural riddle solving game aligned with the DC Metro for Saturday during the GT; spouses, friends, girlfriends/boyfriends and others not participating in the GT can participate on this while the day's events are ongoing, and earn scores that will contribute to the results of the Narrative.



Looking forward to seeing those gorgeous Orks of yours wading through the Reflecting Pool like Forrest Gump, Nick.

Im sad it got pushed back a weekend, as I dont think I will be able to attend based on prior obligations that weekend.

I will say that, novacon rekindled my love of competitive 40k. It was basically a dead hobby for me, and I planned on making nova my last real experience with it. Since it though, ive been highly active in my local tournament scene.

Linked in good humor, as it's NOT novacon! ... a post I did a couple years ago now

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-know-its-convention-but-seriously.html


Glad to hear you had such a positive experience; hoping you'll find a way to sneak on over regardless this year, but totally understand prior engagements (especially "real world" ones!).

I know its not novacon, youve corrected me on this several times. Why do you think I keep calling it novacon?

And yeah, real world engagements are generally important when set out 7 months in advance

Explanations about Margin of Victory in a tournament environment, and why the NOVA does not use it as a significant component of scoring: http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/02/margin-of-victory-in-tournament-setting.html

Minor/Major changes to the GT format for 2012: http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/02/changes-to-nova-scoring-formatting-for.html

Additional Narrative info and photos:

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/02/narrative-event-at-nova-open-2012-why.html

The Narrative is built to be awesome for all player styles as well - hardcore competitors and super soft casual fluff-armies all welcome and guaranteed to play against peers.

Updated current Invitational qual list:
1. NOVA Invitational 2011 - Nick Nanavati & Aaron Aleong
2. NOVA Open 2011 - Gabe Dobkin, Allan Hernandez & Tony Kopach
3. The Battle for Salvation 2011 - Eric Hoerger & Neil Gilstrap
4. DaBoyz 2011 - Nick Rose & Nate Stevens
5. The Mechanicon 2011 - Simon Leen & Mike Ludwig
6. Feast of Blades Invitational 2011 - Thomas Reidy (Rose already qual'ed) & Kenneth Boucher
7. 11th Company GT - Kyle Cox & Devin Schafer
8. The Conflict GT 2012 - Andrew Gonyo & Alex Fennell
9. Templecon - Bill Souza (Fennell already qual'ed) & Ben Mohile

Will the Colonial GT be given an invitational spot this year? ( i know it was last year)

Last year, the Colonial awarded free tickets but not Invitational spots. This year, GT's like the Colonial, Dark Star and others will be the source from which winners will be drawn to replace those who cannot attend from other events. It's tough figuring out which events qual and not, and in the future we will probably reduce the # of events awarded 2 spots to just the bigger GT's, and also once again reduce the # of spots awarded by the NOVA itself.

Terrain Update in link below. Please note - input is requested for alternate terrain formal layouts for Friday/Sunday to the one we "normally" use (seen in some photos in that post), but using the same terrain pieces per table enunciated in the post. If ya'll make a suggestion for a terrain layout we end up using, I'll comp your ticket.

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/02/goals-terrain-crafting-for-2012-new.html

Sales of tickets are starting to burn a hole in remaining spots, and 40% of the early birds so far are first time attendees ... Including multiple Australians. So each of those is taking a spot from one our last years attendees.

Also look for something really special for the March newsletter ... Or hilarious ... Or ridiculous. Staff won't let me talk about it yet.

March Newsletter: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=8i9inqiab&v=0015_lm2NH4ZFKdX8P-0um9vd3Du74Qwz_0wTWprTPEJQP3rCWWRHIGQAb_lzynMO8LYHxlCJWlGKkoc0-vYv4lvobFdwhdcdjhuqHr7wGVtXE%3D

Limited Edition DC Narrative-Tied Scenic Bases: http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs018/1108652353819/img/19.jpg

Congratulations to the new qualifiers from the Indy Open and Bay Area Open ... for the NOVA Invitational.

Passed half of our 40k tickets are sold at this point, with nearly half of them to first-time attendees (including two Australians).

Make sure to grab your tickets while they're hot.

Keep eyes peeled for the NOVA Open's comedy short (professionally filmed and edited) coming this week or next.

Having fun with pink foam and other things ...
http://roguegeneralhunter.blogspot.com/2012/03/road-to-nova-2012-part-8.html

More terrain highlights, including members inhaling way too much pink foam smoke.

(kidding, we totally ventilate the crap out of everything)

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/03/doing-radical-stuff-with-pink-foam-tips.html

First sneak peak at w.i.p. Monument project. Once finished these and over a dozen others will be fully lit as part of our evening narrative tournament.

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/03/more-terrain-emergency-rooms-and.html?m=1

How close to full is the GT now?

We've sold over half our GT spots, with a recent uptick in sales. Looks like the regulars / repeat attendees are starting to register; until now half of registrations were first timers.

Narrative and GT ticket sales have started rapidly spiking in the last couple of days. Just a PSA for those getting ready to register.

Reminder that the Narrative rounds are 3 hours each, you can take one off voluntarily of the 4 (or drop your lowest), they're played in the evenings and do not conflict with the 40KGT; additionally, you are paired based in part upon list and past NOVA performance (where relevant), helping to ensure a casual atmosphere against peers on the list/skill front for the Narrative games, as part of a large spectacle involving LED-lit DC monument terrain and other goodies.

April Newsletter released:

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=8i9inqiab&v=001PSxIp8rnBcKHtNSND2H4elPsLft5Q7-q1MV7HNRNq76KhZS9LLrr1t0fuUJ0exTt5lAPJpF9vQ28c6aWBAquE_iCo9ry7Ik-cH_QDl7Dd2M%3D

Exclusive 6th Edition release sneak preview!

NOVA Open Comedy Movie coming soon!


FYI, over half and quickly rising of our 40k GT spots are sold at this point; grab them while you can

Warmachine/Hordes, 40k Narrative, Flames of War (Both events), and Fantasy are all starting to sell much more rapidly as well

I've been to this the past two years, and I've had a great time at both events.

I hope to see you all there.

Finally got around to signing up. I hoping to drag my friend along also. See you guys there!

Just found out ive got the time off ! looks like ill be coming down with zedsdead jr.

Mike, expect 2 more sign-ups this week.

-ed

I'm so excited, Ed. I just can't hide it. You too, Andrew.

Wait I mean ... !!!!!!!

Will be blogging my $.02 on how to build for and win NOVA format, plus more on terrain and sample expected tables soon. Then like everyone else becoming nothing but an AdeptiCon megafan for a couple Weeks.

Just back from a fantastic 10th anniversary at AdeptiCon. The entire crew of folks who run that show needs a community-wide round of applause for not just another amazing show this year, but 10 years of amazing shows (and I've only been to 3 of them).

Truly the US meccha of tabletop wargaming.

Tons of stuff coming down the pipeline for NOVA, plus a registration PSA - we've had over 30 registrations in just a couple days, and people are starting to snag Narrative spots and Fantasy spots, plus 40k is accelerating toward full. Grab your spots while they are still available!

Update, well under half of 40k spots are remaining, averaging several tickets a day.

Based on rumor winds, higher probability of 6th ed for 40k GT, so keep posted to blog/site if you're a registrant, and to newsletter.

Info on approaches/data for 6th (feedback welcome), plus some shots of our new center LOS blocking terrain pieces.

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2012/04/preparing-for-new-editions-possibility.html

NOVA Terrain discussion in re: questions about what and why for 2012 terrain.


Following quoted Post is a reply to questions about our terrain format / reasoning on a blog (edited for context) ...

When we’ve finished our terrain project (and we’re getting there), I’ll put together a mock-up sample of what a board will look like.

Balance, fairness, and expectations are all important – I posted pics of our hills and other things leading up to the 2011 event, and posted write-ups on how I thought terrain should work. They weren’t clear ENOUGH, and so we’re working on that component this year.

More importantly, we didn’t have enough of what I thought were ideal center blockers when push came to shove last year, so we substituted the hills for a majority of our tables – and the hills were intended to be CORNER LOS blocking area terrain. This year, our 256 hills are exclusively dedicated to that task; there will be no hills in the center of NOVA tables (except for a couple of pieces that are mounted on smaller hill-like structures).

Another important note is that we do not produce cookie-cutter terrain. Every piece is an artistic work created by an unpaid volunteer, and we yield to the fact that with our terrain layout on every table being similar, there is a large component of our hobby that needs variety and good looks. In addition to the fact that terrain at 128 tables will always be knocked about some, even with aggressive judge management (more aggressive than last year will still have it), A GENERAL format/expectation will never be “perfectly” met at every table, and so your army should be able to handle some fluctuation. While you'll see most good players repeat performances in a wide variety of terrain layouts, it still CAN absolutely impact things, and knowing the general expectations helps, but one should moderate expectations with the reality that not every table will be identical.

So, while I don’t have a mock-up quite yet, for what a 2012 table will generally look like, here are some examples of each “component” piece from the 7 each table will have:

Two diagnoally opposed corners will have our LOS blocking hills: http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7190/img1087f.jpg
These block substantial LOS, and count as difficult area terrain. The bottom levels of these hills are cut from 1′x1′ 2″ tall pink foam. The top levels are cut from 6″x6″ 2″ tall pink foam. Some of these were longer than others, and those made "too large" center LOS blocking pieces of terrain.

The other two diagonally opposed corners will have partial LOS blocking 1′x1′ area terrain pieces; here’s an example that’s in-progress:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1V6LAjgUa2A/T ... iece+2.jpg
Here’s another example, to help illustrate some variety:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYMGn9fUIN4/T ... m%2B2c.JPG

These pieces will mostly not block LOS to even smaller vehicles, and will only block LOs to relatively small or bunched units. Where necessary, they’ll be “faced” such that any more significant solid pieces on them are faced “away” from the center of the table. That said, almost all the more solid pieces on these have holes punched or burned through them (butane torches make awesome terrain modifiers for pink foam!).

Every table will have two smaller area pieces (less than 1′ square) that basically do not impair line of sight at all, situated along the mid-sections of the long table edges. These will vary tremendously in form, but not in function. Examples are several pieces in the forefront of this picture:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-sm4Db8jh4/T ... %2B021.jpg

Every table will have a dominant center-piece that DOES block LOS. Instead of the extra-long hills in the center like last year, the pieces are all placed on 1′x1′ bases, meaning they themselves are always a little bit less (at least) than 1′ wide or long. That said, they will block LOS to units, but instead of being so long that you have to practically cross the entire table to shoot things … you’ll be much more able to shoot around them if you take wide enough angles. You still won't be able to just deploy a stationary gunline, and shoot whatever you want ... so long of course as your opponent uses the center blockage tactically. He won't be able to block entire armies off, but should be able to at least get a unit or so to a position where it can't simply be torrented through coversaves *all* game. The intent is to provide some capability for opposing models (not entire armies) to cross some of the board without being easily prioritized and torrented. Yes, that does increase the variety of lists that can be taken. If you can shoot any unit at any time, and the only part of the game is cover, you are not playing the game by the description of terrain in the BRB.
Samples of center blockers built this past Saturday:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nrl0rgVCxg4/T52VEH26wTI/AAAAAAAAAlI/LI0fZ5VbBYM/s1600/Tons+of+LOS+BLockage+7.jpg

I’m going to quote the key points here again, from Page 88:

“HOW MUCH TERRAIN?
As a general rule in Warhammer 40,000, the more terrain, the better the gaming experience. If you use too little terrain, games will be short and not very satisfactory, with too much advantage going to the player who gets to shoot first. For a balanced game, WHERE CLOSE COMBAT TROOPS HAVE A CHANCE TO GET INTO CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY WITHOUT BEING COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY IN A COUPLE OF TURNS, we expect that about a quarter of the total playing area should have terrain on it. Snipped – Explanation of terrain piece size/%. commences here. –

In your terrain collection there should be a good mixture of types. An equal division between terrain which interferes with line of sight and provides cover (such as woods or ruins), terrain which provides cover, but does not block line of sight (such as barricades, craters, scrubland and low rubble), and terrain which blocks line of sight completely (such as hills, rocky outcroppings, buildings, etc.) makes for good tactical play. It is best to build your terrain collection with this in mind, otherwise the game balance could be seriously affected. Terrain that completely blocks line of sight is particularly important. Too much of it and your ranged firepower will be seriously impaired favouring assault troops; too little and the game will turn into a shooting match, with very little movement or tactical choices.”

So …
For our tables as we set them for the event, we drag all the pieces to a corner, and check to see if they cover about 25% of the board … they do. Note – the requirement is that the table have terrain on 25% of it … how much of the table actually is “covered” depends on every single shot, and how much terrain is in the way of it. So, we check off the % requirement.

“An equal division between … partial los blockage that provides cover (2/7), no los blockage that provides cover (2/7), and los blockage (3/7).” We’ve got all 3 covered, about as proportionally as we can with a 7-piece terrain layout. Alright, pretty good check here.

Further, we place LOS blockage at the center … to help ensure: “CLOSE COMBAT TROOPS HAVE A CHANCE TO GET INTO CONTACT WITH THE ENEMY WITHOUT BEING COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY IN A COUPLE OF TURNS.”

Finally, in regard to the oft-repeated assertion that 40k is a “shooting” game … I’m going to reiterate the BRB/designer quote:
“Too much of it and your ranged firepower will be seriously impaired favouring assault troops; too little and the game will turn into a shooting match, with very little movement or tactical choices.” This is why the centerpiece is LOS-blocking, and not just area terrain; because if LOS blockage was only off to the sides, it wouldn't accomplish its primary function, of balancing close range and long range offensive capabilities.

May Newsletter ... click the cute girl

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=8i9inqiab&v=0019AZp80hh5E5g674fsxfCUjLIy_bLIEYL98Zze9Z2aF2kRhfEsArJtzMBinYcWC0RU9Xyh7OcjKanCTbmeZSCykKNEa5uBOTkRKsBWd_wHr0%3D

Just wanted to drop in and let people know that we're running some FoW events at NOVA this year as well! We're having a one-day EW event on Friday, and a two-day LW event over Sat/Sun.

We got a chance to bring out some of the terrain last week, so incase you aren't subscribed to the newsletter, here's some sample pics. And if you aren't subscribed to it, why not?!








More info at www.novaopen.com