Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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This is part six in a series of reflections of a first-time game designer and publisher (yours truly) who visited Spiel 08 in Essen. Most characters in this story are real, some are fictitious, while others are Legendary.
Part 6: At Essen's Gates / Hungarian Interlude
Wednesday had been my baptism of fire at Spiel 08 and a huge success, but Thursday night was not a happy one: the major adrenaline rush of the previous day, combined with my translatlantic jet lag, wreaks havoc on my ability to sleep. I lie awake for most of the night on the couch at Michael’s place. My worries focus on the 16 boxes full of games, which we left behind in our stand. “Are they safe?” asks one part of my brain sternly. “Yes, they are safe.” responds the other. “Are they safe?” the question is repeated. Apparently, that was not the right answer. In my mind, I suddenly see the dark hall of the Messe. At stand 4-415, a crowd of cleaning staff, the night guards and several Bag Men are frantically loading my boxes onto their carts, howling with derisive laughter. “No, they are not safe, they are not safe at all!” Why does this voice in my head have a slightly German accent? It must be because I am in Germany, of course, you dummy.
Happy to escape this nocturnal scene of misery, I am wake up at 0645. By 0715 I drive my rental van into the dark night towards Essen. The traffic around the city is heavy, but I have lots of time. I will try to reach the fair at 0800 to unload 12 boxes of games from my van into the stand and replace yesterday’s sales. If I can accomplish this by 0845, I will have at least an hour or more left to drink some coffee and prepare myself for the day. It’s a good plan. Just hope my boxes from yesterday are all still there….
Reaching the gate at exactly 0800, an unpleasant surprise awaits. The guard at the gate informs me no exhibitor will be allowed in before 0900. Yesterday it was different (I got in soon after 0800), but I should have read the Rulebook. Spiel has quite a lot of Rules for the exhibitors, I already found out yesterday. You can rent a little hook to hang a poster on your stand for 50 Euro cents, which is then carefully recorded against your stand number. You must bring back the little hook at the end of the fair, your deposit is returned and the register is updated. It is very Organised.
Well, these guys run the biggest and leading Games Fair in the world, so I am sure they know what they are doing. But a little voice in my head tells me, that no game fair in Indonesia would or could be run along these strict and well-planned lines. It would have had a bit more….flavour ? Chaos ? I am sure in Banda Aceh I could have talked my way in, with just a blue-eyed smile, a few words of Bahasa and the sharing of a Sampoerna cigarette. That approach is certainly not going to open any gates around here in Essen, no Mister.
I drive back to the parking garage where I parked yesterday, as I am too scared to take this big rental van anywhere unfamiliar. I park in the empty garage, switch off the engine and stare at the grey walls. Now what? I try to rest a little, but mostly sit and stare at the walls of the parking garage. These 45 minutes, which would probably have seemed like an eternity of boredom for most people, pass by without difficulty. I also have skills. In the words of my preschool teacher: “Little Peter should play and interact a little more with the other children”.
By 0845, the cold in the parked van activates me: I drive back to the gate. It is great to see I am not the only one, who did not read the Essen Rules for Friday v2.0 (including Errata): there is a nice fracas at the gate. At least a dozen small trucks and rental vans, a big garbage disposal car and the Security Company car are blocking the entry. Newly arriving cars and vans spill onto the pavements or worse, onto the major road which circles the fair. I can see the Gate Guards (who are really nice folks and would honestly not be worth more than a few XP in a Dungeons and Dragons game) are struggling to deal with the traffic jam, involving a lot of impatient exhibitors waving their paper passes. At 0950, the Gate Guards fail their Morale Check and Break – the pass holders in their vans exploit the gap and advance into the unloading area.
Unloading at Spiel is a serious business, which requires thorough preparation. Basically, each exhibitor must bring his own cart or trolley to get his goods and stand materials into the halls. There is a lovely little irony here: a stand holder can rent a little metal hook to hang your little poster, but you cannot rent a trolley or pushcart to move your heavy boxes full of games across the 200 meter distance from the parking lot, into the halls to your stand. The major stand holders (Big Fish) are obviously fully equipped: some even bring industrial type forklifts.
Most of the small fry (like me) however are totally unprepared, which leads to a dazzling array of improvised solutions. On Wednesday night, marauding bands of desperate stand holders swarmed out all over the grounds and grabbed hold of anything on wheels, which might carry their precious goods to their stands. It was fortunate that no old lady riding an electric wheelchair wandered into those dark grounds that night: I can assure you that the berserk exhibitors would have ambushed her, thrown her in the shrubbery and raced off with her precious set of wheels.
Today, there is less competition for wheels and I manage to get my hands on a decent set, which belongs to one of the Fair’s catering companies: it is built and normally used for moving crates of beverages. In my broken German, I even ask a kitchen worker if I can use it for 10 minutes (the kind of half-decent politeness which was totally absent on Wednesday). The man nods and off I go: after 10 minutes, 72 more Kraków games have reached the Reiver Games stand. The other boxes from yesterday are still there - long live the Security Guards!
I park the truck in the garage, whose walls I have studied so thoroughly this morning. By 0930 I am back at stand 4-415 and getting ready for the day. I feel exhausted by lack of sleep….what time would it be in Halifax right now? It should be 0430 at night…wow. Jack and his guys show up at 0945, I imagine they must have had a splendid night’s sleep in their rented apartment within walking distance of the Fair. Ah well, let’s be honest: he is the Legendary Jackson Pope, I am just The Guy From Kraków…it only makes sense.
By 10 o’clock, there is no room left for tiredness and feeling sorry for myself: my first four customers (a great bunch of Swedes and Germans, if I remember correctly) show up and are excited about a demo game. Another group of four Germans falls in behind them and I book them to play at 1200. Then I send Chris an SMS, asking him to be at my stand by 1200, too. Reinforcements will also come later in the day: the Artist Melchior van Rijn, his wife Katja and my wife Liz are driving up from Holland. This afternoon, Geode Games will finally have some disposable manpower…
As the first demo game gets underway, there is an interesting moment. A petite, pretty young lady with an Eastern European accent approaches our table. She has come to pick up her pre-ordered copy, but she also wants a word with me. I leave the players to get on with their stuff and join her in the corridor. She introduces herself as Szofi (I believe that is Sophy in her native tongue): she is the author of the Hungarian rules for Kraków 1325 AD, which she has made and uploaded to Boardgamegeek. She hands me a full colour printed document: there I stand with the Hungarian rules for my game in my hand.
I am a little shy and struggle to say something sensible: the only Hungarian person I have ever met or heard about in my life to date was Kaiser Sosé! And I didn’t even know for sure if he really existed! I thank Szofi for her kind work and hope many Hungarians will get a chance to play the game. I hope there is no ancient Eastern European feud involved here. Maybe many Hungarians consider Kraków to be inside their true historical borders: this could make my boardgame (and in particular this Hungarian translation, of which I can’t read a word) political dynamite!
Later that day I also meet Pál, who owns a games shop in Hungary: he wants to buy a master box (6 games) to sell in his shop. Pal and Szofi are the kindest and friendliest people you can meet: they show no resemblance at all to my legendary Hungarian Kaiser Sosé. But neither did Verbal Kint. It is almost suspicious. Didn’t our Warsaw Pact enemies use such cunning secret agents to ensnare Western intellectuals during the Cold War? Are we sure those guys were all told the War was Over, we can all eat hamburgers and play boardgames together now?
I find comfort in the certainty, that boardgame design is not rocket or atomic science. The chance I could find myself drugged and handcuffed in the boot of a Zhiguly, racing towards the East in the middl of the night, seems quite remote. And if such a horrific fate would befall me, I am sure Jack would come after me and save the day, using his perfect British accent, right? Right, Jack?
Bugger. Jack is busy and hasn’t noticed anything: he is explaining the rules of “It’s Alive!” for the sixth time today.…..
Here ends part 6 of this epic saga. In the next episode, we will meet some new and exciting characters: the Icelanders, the Krakovians and the Night Poet.
Don’t go away now.
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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The previous chapters can be found here:
Chapter 5: The Reviewers (Finally)
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351939
Chapter 4: Bag Men, Essen Meetings and Reviewers
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351662
Chapter 3: Baptism of Fire
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351368
Chapter 2: D-Day
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/351060
Chapter 1: Facts and Fable
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/350745
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Thomas Taylor
United States
Pleasanton
California
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peterstruijf wrote: ...
Don’t go away now.
Don't worry, we won't.
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Robèr Boonmann
Netherlands
Geldrop
Noord-Brabant
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We'll stick with you till the very end.
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Jonatan Lind
Sweden
Gothenburg
Unspecified
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peterstruijf wrote: These 45 minutes, which would probably have seemed like an eternity of boredom for most people, pass by without difficulty. I also have skills. In the words of my preschool teacher: “Little Peter should play and interact a little more with the other children”.
Haha, a great skill to have if you have a dull job too.
peterstruijf wrote: my first four customers (a great bunch of Swedes and Germans, if I remember correctly) show up and are excited about a demo game.
Yay! I've been mentioned!
/One of the great bunch of Swedes
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Daniel Vincent Hadikrisno
Indonesia
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peterstruijf wrote: I am sure in Banda Aceh I could have talked my way in, with just a blue-eyed smile, a few words of Bahasa and the sharing of a Sampoerna cigarette.
LOL! So true.. 
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Houserule Jay
Canada
Mississauga
Ontario
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Wow I think this might have been the best installment yet! You had me in stitches several times!
Quote: It was fortunate that no old lady riding an electric wheelchair wandered into those dark grounds that night: I can assure you that the berserk exhibitors would have ambushed her, thrown her in the shrubbery and raced off with her precious set of wheels.
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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jayjonbeach wrote: Wow I think this might have been the best installment yet! You had me in stitches several times! Quote: It was fortunate that no old lady riding an electric wheelchair wandered into those dark grounds that night: I can assure you that the berserk exhibitors would have ambushed her, thrown her in the shrubbery and raced off with her precious set of wheels.
Thanks - I am really happy you liked it.
Of course, now that I reach this stage of the story and have a great number of regular readers, I can start feeling the weight of expectations on my shoulders when I submit the next story (unlike the frivolous merry me who started off this series)....
In the darkness, only visible as dark shapes from up here in the spotlight, the predator called "My Audience" tenses it muscles, ready to jump.
"So you thought you were funny, right ? Are you sure you are funny again today ?" it whispers in dead silence....
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Gavin Wynford-Jones
France
Ferney-Voltaire
Just across the border from Geneva, Switzerland
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Are you sure this isn't the Friday episode? Thursday was the first day, with the Middle-Aged Gentlemen, and the Baptism of Fire...
Still great reading, though! Loved the image of frenzied exhibitors mugging old ladies for their wheelchairs!
(Memo to self: possible business opportunity for Essen '09 - baggage cart rental. Don't tell anybody else.)
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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szoffi wrote: Wow! Keyser Söze was the only one Hungarian you knew? :what: Poor guy! I hope you didn’t mean personally…:angry: but I bet you have heard about Rubik’s cube at least? :blush:
I have to correct your story… we met at the very end of Thursday, I was waiting for you for quite long since you were about signing your game to a fellow with a particular golden pen which didn’t want to write at all… so you shaked it hard, causing a quite considerable splotch on the game cover and on the table…:p then trying to wipe most of it with your handkerchief.. :gulp: I was standing the whole time there, laughing inside and suddenly you asked if I was waiting for you… :D yeah, I should have replied that I was waiting for the cake in the face vignette :D :p :laugh:
So, my real name is Zsófia (it was a nice try! :cool: ) but will never let you know my secret agent identity! :ninja: See? You don’t understand a single word in my secret language!
After all, I didn’t dare to ask you to sign my copy… :shake:
Hi Zsófia !
you are a very, very observant and intelligent young lady, clearly.... you remember exactly what happened...or maybe you keep notes in a little black book hidden in your purse.....is that what they taught you in Secret Service School maybe ? Still very suspicious.....
I would have loved to sign your copy of the game, because I am going to keep this printed copy of the Hungarian game rules forever - it is really cool! Next time you go anywhere on a secret mission, bring your Kraków game along, we can meet up (use your code names and safe houses) and I will write you a personal message in my best Hungarian....I am studying hard on your rulebook you know....hope I have a better pen than that horrible gold thing, which was mostly an embarassment (thanks for reminding me).
Rubik's cube was way to difficult for me......I pushed it away because all the other kids got it and I didn't.
Are there any boardgame events on the Hungarian calendar ?
Cheers,
Peter
Geode Games
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zsofi csoka
Hungary
szekesfehervar
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peterstruijf wrote:
you are a very, very observant and intelligent young lady, clearly.... you remember exactly what happened...or maybe you keep notes in a little black book hidden in your purse.....is that what they taught you in Secret Service School maybe ? Still very suspicious.....
i got it... please don't think that all the compliments you made could melt my heart!  no, Sir! i didn't need to take notes either, since i was really excited about your game (you can tell!  ) and how can i forget the most expensive game i bought in Essen?!? /would have been wiser to wait until i get back home...
peterstruijf wrote:
I would have loved to sign your copy of the game, because I am going to keep this printed copy of the Hungarian game rules forever - it is really cool! Next time you go anywhere on a secret mission, bring your Kraków game along, we can meet up (use your code names and safe houses) and I will write you a personal message in my best Hungarian....I am studying hard on your rulebook you know....hope I have a better pen than that horrible gold thing, which was mostly an embarassment (thanks for reminding me).
that's great! in the next months we can meet in the snowy mountains... psst! don't tell the others all the secret places! i will send you the details in Hungarian since you'll become an expert soon...
still, i would dare to bring the game with me, Kraków 1325 AD is one of the most massive and shiny boxes and boards i know...
peterstruijf wrote:
Rubik's cube was way to difficult for me......I pushed it away because all the other kids got it and I didn't.
i can understand that... we are on the same side
peterstruijf wrote:
Are there any boardgame events on the Hungarian calendar ?
wanna come? wanna listen your game explanation in a secret language? 
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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[q="szoffi]
that's great! in the next months we can meet in the snowy mountains... psst! don't tell the others all the secret places! i will send you the details in Hungarian since you'll become an expert soon...
still, i would dare to bring the game with me, Kraków 1325 AD is one of the most massive and shiny boxes and boards i know...[q="szoffi]
Hi Szófia,
so you guys hide in the snowy mountains in the winter, right ? Playing boardgames by the fireplace, speaking in this secret language and drinking brandywine, I guess......what a fantastic way to spend a winter. I might have to come and see Hungary for myself....it sounds almost like The Shire.
BTW have you played the game yet? I noticed in your avatar that you are a Sheep Lover (is that another Secret Society ?) - you must be shocked by the "Internal Combustion" card.....sacrificing a poor little lamb just to blow up a dragon....
Have a wonderful winter and keep an empty glass and a sheep skin ready for any unexpected visitor, while you hide in the mountains ok ?
Cheers,
Peter
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zsofi csoka
Hungary
szekesfehervar
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peterstruijf wrote: Hi Szófia,
wrong spelling already 
peterstruijf wrote: so you guys hide in the snowy mountains in the winter, right ? Playing boardgames by the fireplace, speaking in this secret language and drinking brandywine, I guess......what a fantastic way to spend a winter. I might have to come and see Hungary for myself....it sounds almost like The Shire.
not hide but ride
not brandy but pálinka
not in Hungary since we don't have big mountains, nor real winters... we have climb up in the Alps to see great amount of snow... unfortunately it's getting harder and harder 
peterstruijf wrote: BTW have you played the game yet? I noticed in your avatar that you are a Sheep Lover (is that another Secret Society ?) - you must be shocked by the "Internal Combustion" card.....sacrificing a poor little lamb just to blow up a dragon....
only once, so far... i need more opportunity to review it.. but yes, i was crying above that card for hours... how could you do that with an innocent baal-lamb? 
peterstruijf wrote: Have a wonderful winter and keep an empty glass and a sheep skin ready for any unexpected visitor, while you hide in the mountains ok ?
you are not unexpected any more! 
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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Your name remains too difficult, Zsoffiá !
I guess the Poles are to blame for the whole mess with the lamb, for once I tried to make some cards which are historically accurate so I used the most famous legend of Kraków, of the Wawel Dragon and the brave shoe-maker who invented the Lamb Explosives.... Animal Rights Activism was at a really different level back in 1325, I guess.
While you guys are out snow-boarding, I might have to stay in the cottage with the sheep, some goulash and palinka. I think that would be much safer for everyone involved.....including the sheep.
Keep expecting the unexpected...
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Melissa
Australia
Melbourne
Victoria
Best wishes to you all for 2011. xxx
Mostly offline, but trying.
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OMG DON'T DRINK THE PALINKA!!!
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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melissa wrote: OMG DON'T DRINK THE PALINKA!!!
but why ... it tastes kinda funny...
"A béké és csönd látszata azonban csalóka. Titkos erök dolgoznak a városfalakon belül, a kialakult elit és egymás ellen ármánykodva.."
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Melissa
Australia
Melbourne
Victoria
Best wishes to you all for 2011. xxx
Mostly offline, but trying.
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My palinka experience
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zsofi csoka
Hungary
szekesfehervar
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peterstruijf wrote: While you guys are out snow-boarding, I might have to stay in the cottage with the sheep, some goulash and palinka. I think that would be much safer for everyone involved.....including the sheep.
Keep expecting the unexpected...
this speaks for me...
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zsofi csoka
Hungary
szekesfehervar
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peterstruijf wrote: melissa wrote: OMG DON'T DRINK THE PALINKA!!! but why ... it tastes kinda funny... "A béké és csönd látszata azonban csalóka. Titkos erök dolgoznak a városfalakon belül, a kialakult elit és egymás ellen ármánykodva.."
great job! this quote is almost perfect here
well, pálinka is not for everyone... i don't understand why it is in the compulsory things you have to try when you are happen to travel to Hungary
i don't drink it either...
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Peter Struijf
Netherlands
Zoetermeer
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szoffi wrote: peterstruijf wrote: While you guys are out snow-boarding, I might have to stay in the cottage with the sheep, some goulash and palinka. I think that would be much safer for everyone involved.....including the sheep.
Keep expecting the unexpected... this speaks for me...
Ok Ok,I get the message....you are taking the sheep with you when you go snowboarding.
Leaves me with the left-over goulash and the palinka, which everyone seems to highly recommend against.
I guess that will mean a long day writing poetry....about how my Szophiá and her little woolly friend both left me behind.....in a forlorn wooden shack in the mountains.....
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zsofi csoka
Hungary
szekesfehervar
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peterstruijf wrote: Ok Ok,I get the message....you are taking the sheep with you when you go snowboarding. Leaves me with the left-over goulash and the palinka, which everyone seems to highly recommend against. I guess that will mean a long day writing poetry....about how my Szophiá and her little woolly friend both left me behind.....in a forlorn wooden shack in the mountains.....
oh, poor Peter... i just can't feel sorry for you! and only can think of the win-win situation we have here:
1. gulyás and pálinka are super-great together! heavy food and more than 50% of alcohol! deservedly can be proud of your stomach and what is more, we can talk about you joining the secret society of ours
2. all of us will be happy to read anything that comes out of such kind of a long day...
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Posted Mon Nov 3, 2008 5:10 am
Poor guy! I hope you didn’t mean personally…
but I bet you have heard about Rubik’s cube at least? 
See? You don’t understand a single word in my secret language!
