By Paul Leach
correspondents@ timesfreepress.com
The SIEGE (Southern Invasion of Everything Gaming Extravaganza) returns to Chattanooga this weekend. The region’s largest gaming-only convention features miniature, role-playing, card, console and board games.
The main events take place Saturday and Sunday at Camp Jordan Arena. A gaming kickoff party will be held tonight at the Country Hearth Inn across the street from Camp Jordan.
Dicehead Games and Comics of Chattanooga and Cleveland organizes the SIEGE, which drew about 250 attendees in its 2009 debut.
“Last year we had people already talking about next year on their way out,” said Dicehead owner Shane Grubb. “When you hear that, you know you’ve done something good. If people don’t have a good time, they won’t be back again.”
Grubb said he expects 400 to attend this year.
Local and regional gaming groups such as the Chattanooga Wargaming Club, Tennessee Valley Gamers Association and Murfreesboro’s Laughing Corpse Gaming Club are running several miniature and role-playing events and tournaments.
Grubb said the convention receives prize support and game-enhancing aids, such as tokens and markers, from several game companies. He particularly praised Battlefront/Gale Force 9, Games Workshop and the 40K Radio podcast for their assistance.
Game designer and writer Jamie Chambers of Signal Fire Studios will appear as a special guest at the SIEGE. Chambers will run a few games, including a session dedicated to the “Serenity” role-playing game and another for one of his latest projects.
IF YOU GO
* What: Dicehead SIEGE.
* When and where: 4-8 p.m. today at Country Hearth Inn, 6700 Ringgold Road; 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Road.
* Admission: $25 membership includes one tournament/event. Additional fees for tournaments; advance registration recommended. Cash accepted at the door.
* Website: www.diceheadsiege.com.
SCHEDULE
Today
* 4-8 p.m. Gaming kickoff party
Saturday
* 8 a.m.-1 a.m. Registration and gaming
Sunday
* 8 a.m. Church services by Fans for Christ
* 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Gaming
Highlights
* “Flames of War”
* “Warhammer 40K”
* “Warhammer Fantasy Battles”
* “Warmachine”
* “Magic the Gathering”
* “Marvel HeroClix”
* “World of Warcraft”
* “Pokémon”
* “Yu-Gi-Oh!”
* “Dungeons & Dragons”
* “Pathfinder”
* 75-plus board games
* Free Wi-Fi