Scheduled Games and FAQ

Updated January 3, 2011

I run the Pirate Game at conventions on a completely irregular basis. If you are on a concom, and you want me and the game, feel free to contact me at sj@sjgames.com. We can talk. I normally have to plan this several months in advance, though, and there are expenses to be covered in bringing all this stuff, so the sooner we talk, the better.

Currently Scheduled Games:

None! Life is so cruel! Arrrrrr.

Keep an eye on this page to find out when something new gets set up - and when it happens, feel free to show up and join in. (And if you have any Pirate stuff to trade, or if you have ANY ancient Lego sitting around that you never use any more . . . hey, bring it and maybe we can do a deal.)

Past Games:

Some especially amazing fun from the dim past.

GenCon

Indianapolis, IN - July 24-27, 2003 - I am delighted to report that there was a big public Pirate Game organized by someone other than Your Humble Servant! The GameLUG (Lego Users Group) hosted a full track of Lego Games at GenCon, and Frank Filz - who has lots of piratical experience - ran multiple sessions of the Pirate Game,, which from all accounts were excellent. Arrrrrr!

Origins

Columbus, OH - June 26-29, 2003 - Due to a scheduling snafu, my eight-hour game session turned into four two-hour games (!!). We survived. Three of the sessions filled up to the maximum 30 players (I enlarged my cutter fleet to 30 just for this game). I created a cut-down version of the rules which in some ways played better, and soon I hope to post it. Nevertheless, even with cut-down rules, two hours is NOT enough time to set up, teach 30 people the game, play, and break down. We might almost have managed with three. One great thing I learned here: a wireless microphone is a blessing to the Pirate GM.

BricksWest

Carlsbad, CA - February 16-18, 2002. Thanks to Derek Schin and Frank Filz for big help on this one. Frank has now converted me to the "Lego Ruler" camp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What does it cost to play?
Depends on the convention. Usually any member of the con can play. Sometimes there may be an extra fee, but it's never much.

Do I need to learn the rules in advance?
No. We'll teach you. It's easy.

How long does the game run?
At some cons, all day and all night. At others, 4 to 8 hours. But when the game is a long one, you can enter and leave when you like.

Do I need to bring my own pirates or ships?
No. As a matter of fact, it's better if you don't . . . unless we talk beforehand and decide how to avoid getting your stuff mixed up with mine.

Can I dress up in pirate costume?
Please do! I give extra setup points for that. It improves the atmosphere of the game for everyone.

Can you, as the GM, be bribed?
You are encouraged to try; it's very piratical, and therefore adds to the atmosphere. However, a token bribe with good roleplaying (of the bribe, that is) will get you farther than a whole barrel of rum with no roleplaying.

Would you like help running the game?
I can always use volunteer assistant GMs and the like . . . to run the opposition during combat, to help with administration, and to roll up encounters and make up the stories that make them more than "random table stuff". One volunteer storyteller impressed me so much that I hired her after the con . . . .