I'll Bring the Fayberry Wine, You Bring the Manticore Pasta

Do you have a Firiona Vie costume in your closet that's calling out to you and begging to be worn? Have you been dying to step out with your imitation Ebon breastplate of +2 sexiness and +3 charm?

Well, if meeting some of your fellow EQII players in real life doesn't sound more scary than aggroing Venekor, I've got some news for you. Moorgard announced in this thread that the new site for SOE's FanFaire is now up. There's a pretty hopping forum as well. The FanFaire will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton from June 9th to June 12th.

It sounds to me like they've put together a pretty nice lineup of events. There's a contest called Mob Madness for EQII in which your group attempts to gain the most xp as SOE throws mobs at you. And if you really want to get in the game, there's a Live Quest as well. If you're another kind of player, there will be a party with dancing and mingling. Of course, you will also have plenty of opportunities to hear from the devs as well as probably a chance to check out the upcoming expansion.

My fake schedule of SOE lectures:
8:00-10:00 Earplugs and Headphones - Ways to Shut out the Real World!
10:00-12:00 Frogloks - Why Haven't You Found Them Yet? Oh Wait.
12:00-2:00 Why Less Players Equals More Fun! - EQII vs. WOW
2:00-4:00 Tips on Parking Your Truckloads of Cash by Smed
4:00-6:00 Memorial Service for Patches the Kitty
6:00-8:00 /pizza for Dinner!
8:00-???? Safe Sex during the Norrathian Plague (guest lecturer - Ceciliantas)

Costumes, of course, are encouraged. Just be careful if you're planning on running around with a gigantic sharpened broadsword - "if you are found with a dangerous weapon in your possession in a public area, you will be asked to return the item to your room immediately." Hmm...I wonder if a copy of WOW counts?

The Vegas Hilton is also home to Star Trek the Experience an "interactive adventure" which generally gets really positive reviews. Plus you can chow down on snacks like "The Wrap of Khan" or "Tribble Tenders." I'm not making that up. So, if you're a trekkie (or trekker if you prefer) that might be added incentive. And of course, Vegas has plenty of casinos, free shows, live entertainment and roller coasters that are scarier than a Griffon ride.

Here's a link to a report from a prior FanFaire if you're curious.

While I would love to attend for the sake of getting some great stories and interviews for this site it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to get the time off from work. And the zero copper this site rakes in isn't exactly going to pay for my airfare and accommodations. Hmm...unless bloggers fly free?

If not I'll be counting on you all to take a break from the fun and dancing (hopefully better than the /dance emote) to email me some reports and pictures!