I travelled up to Manchester last weekend to attend Airecon NW, which is the first time I've attended an Airecon event. While it was a little smaller than I imagined (I didn't realise it was 70% play space) I still managed to find a few gems on display that made the trip worthwhile.
Colostle is a lovely journaling solo RPG set inside a colossal castle (hence the name), full of rooms the size of continents, mysterious seas and enemies galore.

Players use a standard set of cards (though they have some lovely branded ones) to generate the framework of their adventure, then using their imagination to fill in the gaps - taking it where they want.
I was with my Rising Dice Minion while I was there, so didn't pick up a copy at the con, but I did order the base rule book, character sheet book and the branded card set as soon as I got home as a birthday gift, as she was so keen to try this out.
If it proves successful I'll certainly be picking up some of the expansions - especially the modified two player rule book.
I also had a a great chat with Next Dimension Games talking about Go Ahead Punk!, a hidden movement game themed around 70's San Francisco.
I love a good hidden movement game but I rarely play them as they're not usually something my family leans into - but I loved the theme of this one, it really covered every aspect of the game and gave such a flavour to everything the players do.
Rising Dice Minion On Tour
As always, my Rising Dice minion was with me for the day - we spent a lot of time at the Imagination Gaming play area (P is for Pizza was a surprise hit) - and she luckily got the last spot on the 2 Thin Coats painting stand.
We had to slip out for lunch (food was very limited in the venue), and having lived in Manchester while studying it's changed a lot from when I was there - the Arndale Centre is unrecognisable from when I used to work in the corner Game store back at University.
People Make The Expo
As always, I spent the latter part of my time at the con getting some shoots of people playing the game they'd bought and getting engrossed in their play - much to the grumbling of my minion.
I always love taking more candid shots at cons and expos as you have such a range of people - from those explaining the games, those simply trying to figure it out, and people interacting with each other through play.
Same Time Next Year?
This was my first Airecon, and I enjoyed the smaller scope as it felt significantly less pressured that something like UKGE or MCM.
But it was a long enough trip for a small venue and while I meet some great folks and found some nice gems, I'm not convinced I'll make the trip next time - but with Airecon hosting across the country then there's a good chance I'll find myself at another one soon.
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