June has rolled around again, and the humidity is back as well. Which of course has me thinking about GenCon. This time we have Upper Deck's announced lineup of events as well as two reviews of 4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons products. Continuing from our last column, this is your last chance to enter your RPG themed punishment for your host's tardiness. Entries must be received by June 15th. The number of current entries stands at zero, so the odds of winning are high. And rounding out the offerings a bit of news about Dragon Age that I somehow missed last time.

Gaming Tip of the Column -- Lately I've noticed a large number of issues involving group dynamics (players, not their characters) in various groups I play in, or friends play in. My only advice is, when your gaming group is having issues, whether they be with rules lawyers, persnickety Game Masters, or group members wanting to spend the gaming time talking about real life events, remain calm. Explaining your opinion in a calm, collected voice will go a long way towards alleviating the issues. For an example of what not to do, see Carlos Zambrano's tirade from a couple weeks back.

Looking for a place to play? Check out the Roleplaying Forum. We are always looking for new players and Game Masters or people who just want to talk about their favorite pen and paper or tabletop games!

   Bioware's upcoming RPG, Dragon Age: Origins will be making the jump to the table, thanks to the fine folks at Green Ronin. The initial release will be a boxed set scheduled for a late summer. Additional boxed sets and supplemental books will follow.

Dragon Age RPG is being designed by Chris Pramas, whose credits include Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay and Freeport, and will feature an all-new game system that Green Ronin promises will be both easy to learn and exciting to play. Green Ronin appears to be positioning the title to draw players of the video game to the table top gaming universe.

For more information check out Green Ronin's Dragon Age page and stay tuned for more as the summer progresses.

   Upper Deck recently announced its events for GenCon 2009. The World of Warcraft Trading Card Game's North American Continental Champion will be crowned on Sunday, August 16th at GenCon. The winner will receive more than $10,000 in prizes including a 17" MacBook Pro laptop, a $2,000 Amazon Gift Card, and a 30" Apple LCD Monitor. Numerous other World of Warcraft TCG tournaments will be held as well, with winners winning Loot Cards, a home theater system, or even an invite to the 2010 Continental Championship.

The World of Warcraft Miniatures inaugural North American Continental Championship will take place on Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th. The winner will go home with thousands of dollars in prizes and an invitation to the 2009 Miniatures World Championship in Austin, TX in October. Last chance qualifiers for the Continental Championship will take place on the Thursday and Friday of GenCon. Also at GenCon, Upper Deck will be selling its Summer Convention Exclusive WoW Mini: Fleet Master Seahorn for $9.99 while supplies last.

The newest Trading Card Game from Upper Deck will debut at GenCon Indy. The Huntik TCG event will be held, naming the best Seeker in the United States.

And thus it came to pass that time really does fly when you are having fun. Or in some cases, even when you are not having fun. Next time we will feature some more reviews and hopefully some more news. And much less infection.

Martin "Rip Van Winkle/Bacteria Farm" Drury