August 15, 2015:  Year 5; Edition 16
COUNTDOWN TO NOVA OPEN

19 DAYS UNTIL NOVA Open!
In This Issue:
FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES
Welcome to the NOVA Open!

NOVA Open welcomes Fantasy Flight Games to the 2015 convention. Wade Piche and Frank Brooks (X-Wing Developer) will be on site and supporting our ever-growing X-Wing events for the weekend, giving demos of their games (Armada - Imperial Assault) 

AND 

hand-carrying prize support for the hall which will include movie stills of Lando Calrissian, Darth Vader, Chewbacca and at least 8 Alternate Art Luke Skywalkers!

There is even a rumor that Fantasy Flight Games will be donating items to the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation Silent Auction which could include regional dice and other elusive cards!

Watch future newsletters to learn if these two exciting guests will be available for Lounge chats. Expect 501st and Rebel Legion to return - could Mandalorian Mercs be far behind?!

Most of the NOVA Open X-Wing events are Sold Out. The Championship Tournament has recently been expanded.  Just a little more than two weeks left - BUY TICKETS NOW!
2015 Hotel Block Open:
Nearing Capacity!
 
 
Choices are becoming limited. If the block does not show doubles, contact us: novaopen@gmail.com.

If you have any trouble booking room nights using our special rate portal, please contact us: novaopen@gmail.com

The rates for NOVA Open 2015 are at $91 per night for this 4-star property.

Refrigerators and Roll-Aways are limited. Valet parking is half price to NOVA Open attendees, as is wi-fi (which is free if you become a Hyatt Gold Passport member; register today?)
CHARITY MODEL RAFFLES
Corvus Belli & Massive Voodoo 

"Maverick with Boarding Shotgun" - studio painted Corvus Belli miniature! "Maverick" is an exclusive model of the recently released USAriadna Army Pack (July 2015) and it will never be sold separately. It is a rare honor to have a parent company donate an actual studio painted miniature, and the NOCF is grateful for this first-ever opportunity!

"Forever Young" - donated by Roman Lappat (Massive Voodoo) 
 
Roman describes his work on this model from his personal collection: "This is my interpretation of Fer Miniatures Lucy, the Vampire bride bust from the Gothic Horror series. I really enjoyed the size of the bust. 1/12 is so enjoyable to paint. I did not want her to be a young bride. I rather see her as on old vampire lady, living through all the ages, sleeping for centuries, just to awake and see how the world changes. A little drink of fresh blood here and there, but all in all a little melancholic vampire lady who is not sure if staying forever young is really the perfect solution. What if she gets bored by this neverending story?" 


"Zeta, the Barbarian Babe" - donated by Roman Lappat (Massive Voodoo) 

Roman praised Kevin James White from Hasslefree Miniatures for "sculpting that booty!" (and who can blame him), but the piece is raising funds for Breast Cancer Research Foundation - and a b/c survivor had this take on it:

"Zeta is a warrior princess. I can relate to the fierce nature of this woman as she will undoubtedly wage battle against any threat. She has nothing to hide. A force of nature, she will take on evil and she will prevail." 


Only 200 tickets will be sold for each model. Online sales will close on September 2, 2015, but continue on site at the NOVA Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention in Washington, D.C. (September 3-6, 2015).  Proceeds will support BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION & the FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION.

Need not be present to win: The NOCF will ship anywhere in the world with a deliverable address. With only 200 tickets being sold, multiple tickets will increase your odds of winning greatly! The drawings will take place at Final Ceremony of NOVA Open on Sunday evening, 9/6/15.
MAIFAUX at 2015 NOVA Open
F.A.Q.
 
It's getting really close to "go time," and the Malifaux leads have been inundated with questions about the North American Championships and the other great Malifaux events being offered a the 2015 NOVA Open. 

This LINK will provide you with answers to the Big Questions (F.A.Q.) We hope this helps all of you prepare - and we hope to see you there.

We also remind players in the Story Encounters that the painting competition is based on their narrative display; check out the updated primer for notes on how the Fame and Infamy tracks work in those encounters. If there is a tie for the Most Infamous/Famous on each side, the heroes and villains will be decided by a dance off!  (We may or may not be kidding.)

The National Championship is Open - You need not qualify to participate.  SIGN UP TODAY!
NEW: CHARITY COLLECTION RAFFLE
Malifaux 7! Lands at NOCF 

A Charity Collection Built & Painted by Stiff Neck Studio painters:  MALIFAUX 7!


The Nova Open Charity Foundation is pleased to add another game to its growing list of charity raffle items in the form of the Wild West/ Victorian Horror game, Malifaux. This 7-Crew Collection is brought to the community by Stiff Neck Studio, once again leading the support for tabletop wargamers in support of charitable causes! 

The proceeds of this raffle will support Fisher House Foundation. Wyrd Games, parent company of Malifaux, donated EVERY models for this unique raffle!  Capt. Wes Cogdal, owner and lead artist of Stiff Neck Studio, worked with his studio of artists to create seven separate and amazing Malifaux crews for seven lucky winners in this year's charity raffles.

As with the other raffles, winnings will be shipped worldwide (though you can take them with you from the NOVA if you attend). Drawings will be performed during the NOVA final award ceremony: September 6, 2015. Also as with the other raffles, KR MultiCase has generously donated a foam-included carrying case for each crew!
CAPITAL PALETTE: MINIATURE ART COMPETITION
What are You Waiting For? 
 http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/NOVA-Open-2013-Art-Competition-Capital-Palette.pdf

Roll out your best painted miniatures and compete for beautiful crystal trophies, great prizes (including Grex Airbrushes) and bragging rights as renowned artists Justin McCoy, Raffaele Picca & Roman Lappat judge your offerings. Best in Show qualifies for airfare to CoolMiniOrNot's Crystal Brush (April 2016/Chicago, IL)

Register One Mini:  Just $5 

No Fear!  Justin, Raffaele and Roman are champions of the hobby and dedicated artists in their own right, but they will be judging Capital Palette entries on each model's characteristics against other entries in the competition - not against their own work!  Take advantage of their hobby seminar classes while you're at the NOVA Open and learn the secrets of the masters!
FANTASY/AGE of SIGMAR:
Schedule Released! 

FRIDAY, 9/4:
6:00pm Night of Sigmar in the Charity Lounge
7:00pm Age of Sigmar Introductory Game
9:00pm Night of Sigmar Gaming Achievements

SATURDAY, 9/5:
9:30am -12:00pm Dawn of Sigmar Round 1 1:30-4:00pm Dawn of Sigmar Round 2
4:30-7:00pm Dawn of Sigmar Round 3
7:30-8:30 pm Reflections in the Lounge
8:30 pm-12:00am Age of Sigmar Open Gaming

SUNDAY, 9/6:
9:00am-5:00pm Age of Sigmar Open Gaming

DRAFT PRIMER (Final Coming Soon)

*All players registered for Fantasy this year will be automatically enrolled in all Age of Sigmar events.
FOUNDATION LOUNGE:
Live Music During Happy Hours 

The NOVA Open Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce that there will be live music in the Foundation Lounge during happy hours (4:00-7:00pm each day). 

Did you know the Foundation Lounge also has a great schedule of special guest speakers throughout the weekend? Check it out:

Thursday, 9/3:
  • 7:00 - 8:30 pm     Torrent Talk with Chip Boyd
  • 9:00 - 10:30pm    Cool Mini or Not with Raymond Rappaport
Friday, 9/4:
  • 2:00 - 3:30 pm     Dropzone Commander / Hawk Wargames with Simon Edwards
  • 4:30 - 6:00pm      Running a Successful Miniature Business with Justin McCoy & Justin Gibbs
  • 6:00 - 7:30pm      Surprise:  To Be Announced  
  • 7:30 - 9:00pm      Wyrd Games / Malifaux Story Design with Justin Gibbs
  • 9:30 - 11:00pm    Running a Convention with Mike Brandt
Saturday, 9/5:
  • 3:00 - 4:30 pm     Improve Your Paint Score with Caleb Wissenback
  • 5:30 - 7:00pm      Privateer Press / Warmachine & Hordes with Mike Plummer & Brian Green
  • 6:00 - 7:30pm      Surprise:  To Be Announced  
  • 7:30 - 9:00pm      Surprise:  To Be Announced
  • 9:30 - 11:00pm    Corvus Belli / Infinity with Gutier Lusquinos

Sunday, 9/6:

  • 3:30 - 5:00 pm     
  • 9:00 - 10:30pm    Massive Voodoo with Roman Lappat and Raffa Picca
The Foundation Lounge opens for coffee at 7:30am each day; last call is 1:00am. For 2015, the Lounge has extended its hours to include Sunday for Post-Con revelry. Check the NOVA Open SCHEDULE for dates/times of our free hobby centric presentations: Infinity, Wyrd, Secret Weapon Miniatures, CMON, Torrent of Fire, and more!
MAGIC: THE GATHERING  
Tickets On Sale; Pre-Reg Wise
 
MAGIC: The Gathering at NOVA Open 2015! Events begin on Friday and continue through late Sunday afternoon. Space and Seating is currently limited to 200 players only.
 
*If you already have a SuperNOVA Pass, Convention Access Pass or Convention Day Pass, you are eligible to sign up for MTG events now. 
 
*If you LOVE MTG, plan to stay at the Hyatt and have a great 3-day experience!  BOOK NOW for great rates; share with friends for better rates!

*If you're coming with friends or family who do not tabletop game or hobby seminar, we recommend they register to play MTG with a discounted MAGIC ONLY Pass (3 days or choose Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

Nic Myers of MTG DC Meetup is working with Island Games to offer THREE FULL DAYS of MAGIC:
  • Two-Headed Giant Sealed (8-32 teams)
  • Sanctioned Modern Melee (200 max)
  • Sanctioned Standard Constructed (200 max)
  • On-Demand events all day, including: Standard Win a Box, Modern Win a Box, Legacy Win a Box, Origins Booster Drafts and Multiplayer Commander Pods

Check out the FULL SLATE of MAGIC EVENTS and NOVA Open SCHEDULE.

 

Visit the novaopenstore, check your schedule and REGISTER TODAY - space and seating limited.
40K HIGHLANDER:
There Can Be Only One!


There can be only one! Sorta! This year, the NOVA is taking its next step in the types of gaming offered with our Critical Mass Events. These are events where players show up ready to play, and when an event hits a certain # of ready participants, it fires (when it hits its Critical Mass, natch). The 40K equivalents are this year's Highlander Quickenings. These events are 8-players per (though several could in theory be running simultaneously) and will run all weekend, beginning on Thursday. After much ado, we've finished up the primer for these events to enable you to prepare an army list should you desire to participate in them. We anticipate numerous Highlanders ongoing Sunday, especially, as players drop out of the final rounds of the GT (Sunday's Highlander events are collectively known as The Gathering).

Highlander Primer 
NOVA Open NARRATIVE 2015
Wake Up & Smell the Ashes

Joey Louis, a NOVA Open summer intern this year, is a creative writing major at Elon University, North Carolina. He has been assisting the Narrative crews at NOVA Open as a part of his internship. We are happy to share his last story with you:

 
FOOD TRUCKS:
Schedule & Menus Posted! 

Food trucks will be making a comeback to NOVA Open 2015 - more trucks, more choices, more fun!

Healthy Fool, California Sliders, Over the Rice, Ada's Kitchen, Quick Wraps, and Fava Pot locked in. An even wider variety currently pending!

NOVA Open finding ways to give our attendees more of what they want!  You asked for Fast food - Great food - Low Cost food - and parked right outside the Hyatt Regency's front doors. Done!

We're working on having four trucks with us from 11am-2pm ... and also 3pm-6pm ...Friday-Sunday. 

CHECK OUT SCHEDULE & MENUS:  PAGE 1 & PAGE 2
Created by NOVA Open Graphic Design Intern, Briana Boitano ( Yes, she is related to "him"! )
X-WING & MAGIC MATS 
On Sale at the NOVA Open!

NOVA Open X-Wing Gaming Mat (3' x 3'):
Pre-Order Now
On Sale at the NOVA Open
  • Rumor: Could be included in several X-Wing Prize packages! 
Dylan Davis of Ebenezer's Emporium, has designed this Limited Edition X-Wing NOVA Open-Themed Play Mat. Only 10 available for pre-order and pick up at NOVA Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention (9/3-6/2015); no shipping. Limited number available at convention.



NOVA Open Magic Playing Mat (24" x 13.5")
Pre-Order Now
On Sale at the NOVA Open

Andres Jimenez, former NOVA Open intern and commissioned graphic designer, has created this Limited Edition MTG NOVA Open-Themed Gaming Mat. Only 30 available for pre-order and pick up at NOVA Open Tabletop Wargaming Convention (9/3-6/2015); no shipping. Limited number available at convention. Printing courtesy of Ebenezer's Emporium.
NOVA Open NARRATIVE 2015
The Virtue - Convention Mini

Designed by Prodos Games exclusively for the 2015 NOVA Open, this miniature
(30mm base / 28mm scale)
represents the main alien race of the NOVA Open's Narrative Universe, built and driven by player participation over the past 4 years. 

We are proud to offer this miniature model in limited quantities as a convention exclusive offering.  We hope you enjoy!
THE NOVA Open NEEDS YOUR HELP:  
Write novaopen@gmail.com
Come On . . .
You Know You Want To!
 
Calling all attendees, guests, family and friends! If you are thinking about attending the NOVA Open to check us out or support a friend or family member, we need your help.

If you're attending to play, but have a window or two in your schedule, perhaps you'd like some first-hand knowledge about what it takes to run a convention? Contact us!

The NOVA Open is run by an all-volunteer board and staff. They do it because they love it. They do it because they are proud of this convention and its reputation for being well run and attentive to its guests. But they're often over-extended during the 24/7 conventions. Can you help?  Contact us!

There are four daily shifts which run Thursday through Sunday. If you can commit to any one or two of those shifts - or any part of any shift, contact us!
  • 6:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM
  • 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • 8:30 PM - 1:00 AM
The areas you'll be asked to help with are in need of warm bodies and occasional legwork to support the leads - who will teach you what you need to know in a nanosecond or two: Registration, SuperNOVA check-in, Foundation Lounge, Photography, Lemonade Raffle and Final Awards Ceremony - as well as the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation desk and Silent Auction.
BOARD GAME ROOM:
Still More to Do at NOVA Open!
 
Atlantis Games & Comics:
  • Virginia based store front
  • NOVA Open Vendor
  • NOVA Open Sponsor
  • NOVA Open Charitable Foundation Sponsor
  • Board Game Room Manager
That's right, Atlantis Games & Comics is bringing a full library of board games to the NOVA Open. Exchange your license for a game, play in the hall or in the Foundation Lounge or in your own rooms!

BOARD GAME LIBRARY LIST: If we're missing your favorite game, let us know asap and we'll see what we can do to help!  Contact novaopen@gmail.com
DROPZONE COMMANDER:
Exclusive Donation/Silent Auction

There's a unique Hawk Wargames donation coming to NOVA Open 2015 for the NOCF Silent Auction:  A special edition, extremely limited, hardcover core rule book, autographed by David J. Lewis!

This is a one-of-a-kind prize, so be sure to stop by the Silent Auction and place your bid during the convention. Most Dropzone players know Simon Edwards. He will be at the NOVA Open and is hand delivering this prize to the Foundation.

You will not only have a chance at winning this exclusive, but you will be supporting Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which receives 95% of all funds raised in the Silent Auction.
FRONTLINE/TABLEWAR GAMING MATS
Sales Deadline Extended!

By popular demand, the deadline for ordering Frontline/Tablewar Gaming Mats has been extended.  You have just 5 more days for a chance to order your mat for pick up at the 2015 NOVA Open.

These mats are not only appealing to the eye, but they're also extremely durable, printed on a waterproofed surface with a neoprene backing.  This means that the mat not only lays flat, but it also won't slide around once placed.  Now they even come with a sturdy, nylon zip-up bag for storage!

This sale is only for pick-up at the convention, so order yours TODAY!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We Need Your Support
 
Help us spread the news about the NOCF Charity Army Raffles by visiting our social media sights and sharing our links!

As we approach the convention date, NOVA
Open's social media presence is in full swing. Follow us on Twitter, Flickr, Instagram and at our blogs (Whiskey40K & novacf). Like us on Facebook. Thanks to Mike, Dewey, Dave and Nora, you can stay up to date with the latest on all things NOVA Open & NOVA Open Charitable Foundation:
NOVA Open LEAD CORNER
News Updates from All Event Leads

The NOVA Open now has ten separate game systems running. The Leads of each will be using this "Corner" of the newsletter for Minute Updates.  

  • 40K Invitational
    See promo HERE
     
  • 40K Trios
         As usually happens with a new system, there are things that should be included that we missed.  A place to list team members for events like Trios is one we missed in our new NOVA Open registration system. Please send the names of your team members to Marti Seraphin (novaopenregistrar@gmail.com). We'll get the same info from all the other teams and get it entered in the registration system from our end.  Sorry about the glitch, but it's an easy one to fix.

    New:  Updated Primer     
     
  • 40K Narrative
  • Primer still planned; no worries - these events are on site registration only
  • Dropzone Commander
    We're getting excited about the upcoming Dropzone Commander tournament! The narrative campaign has been released, and you can find the campaign info HERE.
     
    Simon from Hawk Wargames has confirmed that TEN of the event-only, limited edition battle buses will be available for purchase. Get your ticket now!
  • CMON (Dark Age & Wrath of Kings)
    New:  Updated Primer
      
  • Lord of the Rings/Hobbit                    
    New: Updated Primer  After much communication in the Hobbit community, our lead revised the primer. Check it out now.
  • Infinity
    New:  Updated Primer
  • Magic 
         Located in the heart of Centreville, Virginia, The Island Games is one of the newest and most exciting game companies to take the stage in the Northern Virginia area.  Started by Kaleo Scull and Ian Whittington, who have been gaming since a young age, the two wanted to create an environment which focused on meeting the needs of every gaming community.  Barely one year later, they have succeeded beyond their expectations by not ony hosting a multitude of local tournaments and events daily, but also by providing a huge selection of games and card singles at reasonable prices.  If anything, the store's motto rings true:  "A clean shop we want everyone to admire, aiming to provide all the games you desire, and every accessory you require, for all details, please inquire."
  • Malifaux
          New:  Updated Primer
  • Warhammer Fantasy

     
    On May 27, the NOVA Open Executive Board wrote to Jerry Parsley, chairman of the USA Masters committee for Warhammer, seeking its help and support in keeping Fantasy as an offering at the NOVA Open.  Steve Gant, our WFB lead, is unable to act due to a work conflict; the player base is reporting overt concerns about 9th edition and delays in release as is evidence by sluggish registration.
     

    Players should know, first and foremost, that this game has been a mainstay at the NOVA Open since 2011 and we would very much like to continue hosting the WFB community and their events. Even with these concerns, our terrain staff has continued to work creating more and improved WFB terrain to enhance this large GT. 

     

    We hope the USA Masters committee will be able to work together with the NOVA Open to identify an optimistic and courageous lead willing to run a big GT with a new edition dropping just weeks before. If you can help, please contact us:  novaopen@gmail.com. If we are unable to find a lead, current registrations will be refunded.
     
  • Warmachine/Hordes
         New:  Updated Primer
     
  • X-Wing
         Events have sold out - championship tournament is nearly filled; don't miss a chance to play on our 11-foot star destroyer, NOVA Astrabellum!

REGISTER NOW! 

First 400 to Register Receive Swag Bags
FINAL PRIMERS UPLOADED (We Think)
Check Them Out