I've got a dirty secret. I'm a Texan.
I was born in Bryan, grew up in Dallas, and went to Rice University in Houston. Since then I've bounced back and forth between Texas and California, but whenever I can I try to make it back to Austin.
Over the next three weeks I'll be updating the OP blog daily with some of my favorite things to see, do, and eat while you're in Austin for the World Championships.
Street Cred
My geek street cred is pretty tight.
I bought the D&D "Red Box" Basic Set back in 1985. I demo'd Magic: The Gathering with Richard Garfield and Peter Adkison at Origins '93 in Ft. Worth, and at one point in 1994 I owned nine Black Lotuses and 27 various Moxes.
I've even knew the rules well enough to play Star Fleet Battles at a competitive level.
All of these are important parts of my journey to becoming the Manager of Organized Play at Upper Deck. But if I had to select the most important ones they would probably be:
- Taking the DCI Level 1 judge exam at Grand Prix San Diego in 1999, administered by Mr. Ray Powers.
- Being randomly assigned to room with Scott Elliott at Pro Tour Boston 2002.
- Picking up a box of Vs. System at Dragon's Lair in Austin in the summer of 2004.
Dragon's Lair is one of those great gaming shops that I can just lose an hour in. Not to mention losing lots and lots of money. Well, I didn't really lose it - it's now sitting on my bookshelves or sorted into boxes in the garage. TCGs, RPGs, board games, minis, comics, graphics novels, and everything else a geek would need.
But the best part of Dragon's Lair is the staff. Owner David Wheeler and his employees are all great examples of what makes Austin awesome - the friendly, genuine, and outgoing people.
If you get into town early, Dragon's Lair is hosting booster drafts Monday through Wednesday. So swing by, get a little last-minute practice in, and hang out at a great Austin institution.
Dragon's Lair Austin
6111 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 454-2399
We'll be discussing these posts and other things to do in Austin in this thread. The local players have put together an awesome PDF of Austin info as well, so be sure to check that out.
See y'all tomorrow!
Ben