Labor Day weekend means a lot to citizens of this country: An extra day off work, an extended weekend to barbecue, or a weekend to travel and visit relatives. For this group of gamers, however, it means one thing. ChicagoLANd.
ChicagoLANd is a gathering of our KaTet. The Gunsligners assemble in the Windy City to take over a suitable place, and turn it into a gaming haven. This is the 2nd annual LAN in Chi-Town, and it was one for the ages.
Though Thursday marks the beginning of the quest for some of our more eager ‘Slingers, Friday is filled with phone calls and taxi services. Numerous Airport pickups, meet ups in the real life Pregame Lobby of the Hilton, and some early online action in Los and Homicide’s room. Them boys just can’t leave it for one day.
Friday night the Gunslingers assembled in The Big Downtown, a restaurant and bar located in the bottom floor the Hilton. Beer Tower after Beer Tower were served, and each of them emptied as we feasted like kings. Introductions, hand shakes, even hugs were exchanged. As each new arrival came through those doors, every single Gunslinger rose. Everybody was talking with some of their closest friend, yet most of us have never spoken a face to face word.
As the night winds down, the tabs are paid, and we make our break for Miller’s Pub. Being next door to The Big Downtown, it seemed a worthy place for Gunslingers to drink and be merry. This is where I witnessed true Gunslinger behavior first hand. Everyone took turns buying rounds throughout the night. The line “Hey, what are you drinking?” was heard numerous times. We even managed to sound off a “Territory Captured” while overrunning the corner of the room. The night would end with the early birds hitting the sack, and the night owls continuing the festivities into the wee hours.