7 AM came early for the set-up crew, yet anxiousness pushed things right along. By 9 we had four projectors, and more plasma screen/LCD TV’s than I can remember. Action Thaxton conducted his Symphony of Construction, and wrote up the schedule on the Dry-Erase board. Points for each tournament would be visible throughout the weekend. The early birds headed out to breakfast, while the late nighters eventually rose to their duty, and that duty was to game. The crystal room was lit up with cries of victory, groans of defeat, and Good Games exchanged after every match, not to mention riff after riff of Guitar Hero II (Hey! I’ve never heard this song before, not even one time!) No headsets were needed for communication. If you wanted to be stealthy, all you had to do was nudge the guy/gal next to you. In the same respect, the oh-so-friendly banter also translated to the occasional Your Mom joke, which was knowingly in good fun (yet completely necessary. Yes, necessary.) We love you Stu, we really do. I’m sure your mother is a sweet lady.
Saturday also held the Halo: CE and Gears of War tourney (a certain Gunslinger even had a happy birthday). As astonished hotel staff and guests peered in from the entrance to the Crystal Room, projector screens hosted 7 square feet of gaming bliss, and everyone had their eyes peeled. Winner of the Halo: CE Free For All was Dren, edging ChickaChicka out in a hotly contested finals match. The Gears tourney went to our Gears of War captain Lansdown and his (rookie) partner Saej.
Once the Tourneys winded down, it was time again for the ‘Slingers to hit the streets. Spreading out this night, each man/woman went to his/her preferred eating establishment: From extremely fine dining at FOGO steakhouse, to burgers and tavern style food at Miller’s, even sushi for some of our raw fish lovers. We chowed, shared stories from the day, and even more about our pasts and backgrounds. That night led to more freestyle gaming, and eventually Miller’s bar. Saej made an impressive showing, winning over the coveted LAN Fool award. His humor and suave split many a side this weekend. Security, however, does not agree with his clothing sense.
Sunday morning was a day of sightseeing for some us. The local jazz festival, the beach, and even the Art Institute were visited. Most of us, however, continued to game. Sunday held the tournaments for Project Gotham Racing, Halo 2 FFA, and the final and most exciting tournament of the weekend, the Halo 2 4v4. Although Mvuakali’s Bently looked great, Dren’s Time Trial took the victory, winning Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series Book 1: The Gunslinger in Japanese. In the Halo 2 FFA, Fate showed me how a Strike Team captain rolls, and won a Halo 3 Faceplate for his victory.
The team tournament of Halo 2 was what it all came down to. From Boss Hog to Slayer, Oddball to Flag, teams shined and proved their worth by advancing to the next rounds. Double Elimination, however, was not necessary for the Victors. Team Crown Royal (expertly named, mind you) stood above, and took the win for the 4v4 Tournament, proving that one CAN win a game with one hand gunning a Gauss Hog, and the other tippin’ em back. The climax of the final game, a one second time difference in Oddball, was a roar that not even a buzzer beating NBA game winner could produce: Cheers from the audience, celebrations by the winners, and congratulations from those defeated.
After the dust had settled, everyone gathered for the Award Ceremony. The winners for each respective tournament received their honors, and our fearless leader XerxdeeJ received a signed piece of art from our very own ChubbyHands. The LAN winner was also announced, given a replica revolver as his trophy. That Pony is one handsome character.
That night ended with Miller’s, teardown, and eventually sleep for our group of gamers. Monday would be nothing more than goodbyes. Watching those head to the airport, or pick up their cars and drive home leaves a bittersweet feeling. The drive, the flight, the walk, whatever transportation was taken, was all worth it. This Gunslinger will never forget Chicago, nor the LAN’s and good games to follow.
Cheers, Gunslingers, to the next one.