Summertime Gaming
Central Coast Game Community
Welcome to the monthly newsletter. In this issue we cover upcoming gaming and events for the month of June, highlight some of the community members on the Central Coast, and talk about some of the long term goals for us at Central Coast Games, how we got to where we are today, and what's changed since we began. Thank you for joining us. Enjoy.
Community Announcements
PolyCon XL
San Luis Obispo, 1 Grande Ave (Cal Poly)
June 23-25 Mark your calendars and clear your schedules, because PolyCon XL is set to take place from June 23rd to June 25th, 2023, in the heart of San Luis Obispo at Cal Poly. With an exhilarating lineup of events and activities, this year's PolyCon promises to be the most thrilling installment to date. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of imagination, competition, and countless hours of gaming heaven
You'll have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Mario Kart Tournaments, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer 40k, Nerf War, LARP, Cosplay, and more. From novice players to seasoned veterans, PolyCon welcomes all, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that embraces the spirit of the open gaming community. For four decades, PolyCon has been at the forefront of the gaming community, fostering an environment where gamers of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate their shared passion.
Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of gaming as PolyCon, the ultimate gaming convention of the Central Coast of California, makes its triumphant return. Since 1983, PolyCon has been a beacon for gamers, providing an extraordinary platform for gaming enthusiasts to gather, connect, and revel in the joy of gaming and fun. Presented by the passionate students and alumni of California Polytechnic State University, PolyCon 2023 promises to be an unforgettable event that will leave you craving for more. Follow the link below to order your tickets today!
All students attend FREE (k-12, vocational, university)
ConQuest Ventura
Ventura, 36 Figueroa St (Knights of Columbus Hall)
July 14-16 We are happy to announce Ventura County’s very own tabletop gaming convention this coming July in the beautiful beachside community of Ventura. ConQuest Ventura will feature all the fabulous things that a weekend gaming convention should have, lots of games to play and folks to play them with.
Also, their Founding Guest of Honor is none other than the amazing Luke Gygax. Luke will be running a game, playing a game, and be a Guest at a special Gygaxian Banquet. How exciting! Weekend passes are now available for three days of gaming! They also have two other tiers. Single day passes will be available closer to the event date, depending on attendance and availability.
About the venue
The Knights of Columbus will be operating their well stocked bar all three days of the convention! There are a number of restaurants close to the venue which is adjacent to colorful downtown Ventura. Free parking is available at the venue, and within close walking distance. The venue is also only three blocks from the downtown Ventura parking structure, which is also free.
A Word from Central Coast Games
There is a theater in Oceano CA called The Great American Melodrama, and it's where I fell in love with role-playing. Growing up in a family that wasn't very expressive emotionally, I didn't have a large vocabulary for expressing or understanding myself, but sitting in the audience one night and watching the actors perform their vaudeville routine, I began to fall in love with something that had eluded me for years. I felt like all the time I had been playing Dungeons & Dragons, up to that point, were wasted (they weren't). But, the fact remained, I would change the way I approached Dungeons & Dragons. In the early 2000s, most of us who were getting involved with D&D for the first time where treating it like a video game, min/maxing stats, getting honorary degrees in Rules-Law, and generally taking the game way too seriously. The revelation that D&D could be about creative expression, emotional growth, and community, changed my life forever, and it changed the life of my friends whom I played with and countless others I've spoken with about this over the last two decades. And, it's exactly the reason why I started Central Coast Games.
In March of 2020, like most of us, I lost my gaming group; we stopped meeting in person to play. And, it was dark times for the community globally. Whether it's Dungeons & Dragons, Magic The Gathering, Warhammer, or Dance Dance Revolution, the shut downs were catastrophic to our clubs and gaming groups, and by September 2022 I was ready for a solution. Originally I was expecting 40 or 50 people to organize around D&D and role-playing; I hadn't yet realized how important this community would be, how many people it would reach, or how many communities it would affect. We reached 50 members immediately, then 100 members, then 400. And, what started out as D&D now includes everything from Pokemon, to Warhammer, to Super Smash Bros. Basically, if it's in-person and nerdy, it's here, and if it's not here, check back in a week.
We have a solid team of organizers, creators, influencers, and passionate nerds building Central Coast Games into something that supports in-person gaming. We do this for free because we're passionate about it, and we see the value that this adds to not only the community, but to our own lives personally. I'm proud to be giving back to a community and hobby that's given me so much. My goals for this club are to build an organization that gives members the tools and resources to organize gaming groups, create a brand in order to promote community activities & gather support from game publishers, maintain this newsletter as a tool for learning about & finding local gamers, and to continue organizing MimicCon. If you would like to join us on this quest, here are a few ways you can support us.
Participate in the community - Join our Discord Server and participate in the growing community, introduce yourself, and share your passions with us.
Join our team - This is a community driven organization and it takes capable members like you joining our team of organizers to keep it growing. Join the team by reaching out to chay.comas@centralcoastgames.com
Subscribe to this newsletter - If you believe these newsletters are important and contribute positively to the community consider subscribing. Five dollars a month will help us continue to create these and distribute them for free, forever.
If you’d like to submit events or content to this newsletter please submit to newsletter@centralcoastgames.com
Scavenger Haunt
San Luis Obispo, 1 Grande Ave (Cal Poly)
June 3 & 10 The Cal Poly Unfiction Club has organized Alternative Reality Gaming that plays as a but of a hybrid between a scavenger hunt and an escape room. If that sounds like fun to you, please come out and support them! They’re a new club that can use all the help they can get. Register for Scavenger Haunt
Cal Poly Manga Club
Also at Cal Poly, this manga sharing club.
Warhammer Underworlds Tournament
Atascadero, 2100 Ramona Rd
June 17th The first Wyrdhollow Season Nemesis tournament. Prize support from the OP kit will be handed out including deck boxes and acrylic glory tokens. Entry price is $10 or free if you are an active club member. For more information contact Sleeksbowl#7339 in the SLO Gaming Discord.
Also, join them Saturday June 3rd 7:30 - 10:30 for some underworlds at their CCGS club room. All are invited from new players to veterans. See you there!
Kickoff Party for Battletech
Camarillo, 2270 Ventura Blvd (Zander’s Game House)
June 11th Calling all mech warriors and aspiring commanders! Get ready for an epic all-day event as Zander's Game House hosts a thrilling Battletech kickoff party on June 11th. Immerse yourself in the world of giant war machines, strategic battles, and intense rivalries. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or a newcomer to the Battletech universe, this event promises an action-packed day filled with camaraderie, exciting gameplay, and the chance to prove yourself as a skilled mech warrior.
Situated in Camarillo, Zander's Game House has gained recognition as a premier gaming destination, catering to a diverse community of gamers. The Battletech kickoff party at Zander's Game House is a celebration of the beloved tabletop wargame bringing together mech warriors of all levels of experience here on the Central Coast. Engage in epic battles on the tabletop, testing your tactical acumen and decision-making skills. Battle against opponents matched to your level of experience, creating a supportive environment where both veterans and newcomers can learn and grow as mech warriors. With a community of like-minded enthusiasts, the party promises to be a day of intense rivalries, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Secure your place in the Battletech kickoff party at Zander's Game House by reserving your spot now by checking out Zander’s Game House website. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of BattleTech, forge new alliances, and test your skills against formidable opponents. Mark your calendars for June 11th and get ready to pilot your battle mech, strategize your battles, and experience the thrill of commanding your own battle mech. The Battletech kickoff party at Zander's Game House is not to be missed! Check out the demo team West Coast Irregulars for more Battletech community on the Central Coast.
Infinity Escalation League
Atascadero, 5830 Traffic Way (Gordon’s Good Games)
June 11, 25, and July 9 Learn to play N4 with an escalation league designed for new players! $20 entry fee, pick a faction and gradually collect and build an army from game to game. The league will take place on 3 days: June 11, June 25, and July 9 3:00p - 7:00p. There will be prizes at the end of the league for the top 3 players, best painted army, and best sportsmanship.
The N4 Escalation League will feature a series of engaging missions designed to test your tactical acumen and decision-making abilities. Game 1, called "Supremacy," will require you to command a force of 150 points with a limit of 3 SWC (Special Weapon Cost) and a maximum of 7 order producing troops. This game will have unique rules such as No Loss of Lieutenant, No Command Tokens, and exemptions from various gameplay elements like No Gravity Zone, SecDet, Baggage, Classified Objectives/Intelcom Cards, Tachimotos, and HVT models. Get ready to adapt to the ever-changing battlefield and outmaneuver your opponents.
For more information the organizers have prepared an informative pamphlet. Sign up for the escalation league by visiting the SLO Gaming Discord and RSVPing in “Events”.
Digimon Store Championship
Westlake Village, 1145 Lindero Canyon Rd Unit D4 (Game Ogre)
June 10 11:00a - 5:00p Calling all Digimon tamers and deck-building enthusiasts. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of Digimon at The Game Ogre's highly anticipated Digimon Tournament. On June 10th, gather your digital partners, sharpen your strategies, and prepare for thrilling battles against fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Digimon.
The Digimon tournament at The Game Ogre is a chance for fans of the franchise to engage in epic battles and test their deck-building skills against formidable opponents. Embracing the spirit of friendly competition, this tournament encourages camaraderie, strategic thinking, and the thrill of crafting your ultimate Digimon deck. Bring your best cards, showcase your knowledge of the game, and forge unforgettable memories in this exciting event. Check out The Game Ogres website for more information.
Pokemon Tournament
Paso Robles, 631 Creston Rd (Prism CCG)
June 17 Brace yourselves for an electrifying event at Prism CCG as they gear up to host an unforgettable Pokémon tournament on June 17th. Get ready to showcase your skills, battle against fellow trainers, and compete for incredible prizes. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your Pokémon journey, this tournament promises an action-packed day filled with thrilling battles, camaraderie, and the chance to prove yourself as a top trainer.
No matter your level of experience, the Pokémon tournament at Prism CCG is designed to provide a fun and inclusive environment for trainers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to gain valuable experience or a seasoned pro seeking intense competition, this tournament offers an opportunity to meet and challenge like-minded trainers, forging new friendships and honing your skills along the way. Check out their website for more information.
Warhammer Tournaments, 40k & Age of Sigmar
Atascadero, 5830 Traffic Way (Gordon’s Good Games)
June 24 Gordon’s Good Games has another monthly Warhammer 40,000 Tournament this Saturday, June 24th, from 9 AM to 8 PM.
June 3rd Gordon’s Good Games has another monthly Warhammer Age of Sigmar Tournament this Saturday, June 3rd, from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
Each tournament follows the Independent Tournament Circuit (ITC) guidelines, the tournament will showcase 2000-point armies. Early Bird: $20, Day of: $30, Sign up at Gordon's Good Games or call over the phone: 805-538-5007.
Black Rose Designs is donating 10% of sales from any purchases made using code CCG23 to us at Central Coast Games, and you get 10% off your order as well.
CenCoast Smash Ultimate
Santa Barbara, Camarillo, San Luis Obispo
This community is designed to be a hub where players on the Central Coast can connect, share tournaments, set up carpools, and enjoy the game we all care about. They tend to have 2-3 in person events per week spread between SLO, Santa Barbara, and Camarillo with a few larger ones every quarter.
Isla Vista, 970 Embarcadero del Mar Suite 101, Wednesdays at 7:30p. Smash Ultimate Singles and Friendlies for sign up links - UCSB Smash Club Discord
Camarillo, 2270 Ventura Blvd, Thursdays at 6:30p. Smash Ultimate Singles and Friendlies for sign up links: DreamCatcherGaming Discord
San Luis Obispo, 1 Grande Ave Building 192 Room 106 (Cal Poly), Fridays at 4p. Smash Ultimate and Melee singles as well as friendlies and side events. For sign up links - SLO Smash Community discord
Amtgard L.A.R.P
San Luis Obispo, 2251 Meadow St
Amtgard is a full contact LARP (live action role play)with using foam “boffers” and the most up to date official Amtgard rules for scoring, leveling, and safety.
I drove up to San Luis Obispo a few weeks ago to meet Ralph and Dave, a couple of the members who’ve been organizing the local LARP there, and had a really great time. I was curious about LARPing in general, having never LARPed, and they were able to give me a very comprehensive introduction to Amtgard and sparred with me a few times to get my blood pumping a bit (It was WAY more fun than I would have ever guessed). A few hours and a mild sunburn later, and I was converted! I will be trying to attend this LARP as often as possible whenever I can spare a Saturday. Thank you Dave and Ralph for the friendly introduction to live action roleplaying.
Saturdays 1p - 4p every week, no costumes necessary, but bring sunblock, water, and pants you don’t mind getting grass stained.
San Luis Obispo Board Games
San Luis Obispo & Atascadero
A weekly group Meetup every Monday and Tuesday for people that want the opportunity to play a variety of tabletop games. It does not matter whether or not you have played a game as long as you have a willingness to learn, have fun, and be polite to other. Feel free to bring a game you would like to play or just show up and play what others have, we usually have plenty. We currently meet at Round Table pizza and will either be in the main area at the back or in one of the two side rooms if they are available.
Atascadero Monday May 29nd 5:30p at Round Table Pizza 6915 El Camino Real
San Luis Obispo Tuesday May 30th 5p at Captain Nemo 563 Higuera Street
BA Start
San Luis Obispo 647 Higuera St
Geeks Who Drink brings the nations best live hosted pub quiz every Tuesday to BA Start. Gather your smartest friends and play trivia to win some awesome prizes! Must be 21 or older. All draft beer is also $2 off!
Community Highlights
If you’d like to submit an article about the gaming community on the central coast or highlight any community members reach out to newsletter@centralcoastgames.com
Local Cosplay & Commissions
Stirex Industries
I met Jerry in early February this year, he came out in an AWESOME Punisher Warmachine cosplay for an event we held in Santa Maria. It was one of the coolest cosplays I have ever seen, outfitted with electronic helmet and gloves that lit up and opened/closed like the real deal. I could really tell that he paid a lot of attention to the little details (like a true fan of the art). Photo’d is a new project he’s working on, and I can’t wait to see it in person. Thank you Jerry for coming out in support for the local cosplay scene, you showed up on a whim, and didn’t know it was going to be a successful until you were fully committed. As a promoter for this community, that really helped my efforts a lot.
Stirex Industries accepts commissions through his Instagram account @stirex05 and is local to the Santa Maria Valley. Follow him for awesome photos.
Conejo Valley Dungeons and Dragons Adventurer's League
Recap of "Oracle of War" Campaign: The Third Protocol on May 27th
In their latest session, on May 27, The Conejo Valley Dungeons and Dragons Adventurer's League hosted a brave group of adventurers who faced off against formidable challenges in the Eberron "Oracle of War" Epic Campaign: The Third protocol adventure. Three tables were set together with volunteer Dungeons Master’s leading the chaos for new and returning players alike. One of the tables was ran by Dungeon Master Greg Bear who recounted the events of his table's adventure after the event with CCG.
In summary DM Greg’s adventurers found themselves in possession of the oracle and were joined by the courageous Kalli. Their quest encountered immediate obstacles when opportunistic mercenaries attempted to extort them in the salvage market. However, the group swiftly deterred the mercenaries and continued their journey.
Unfortunately, their negotiations were interrupted by the arrival of a maniacal assassin and his team of killers at the lightning rail station. The maniac presented a grim ultimatum to the town: surrender the oracle or watch more innocent lives perish. Faced with this harrowing choice, the heroes decided to hide the oracle in the cave beneath Big Moe before confronting the imminent threat.
Undeterred, the adventurers made their way to the Grey Beyond, only to discover that time was not on their side. A blacksmith's death cry echoed through the town as an ogre rampaged through her shop. Amidst chaos, a saber-handed orc launched an attack on the heroes in the tavern, while additional assassins closed in on their location.
Through a grueling battle, the adventurers valiantly defeated the orc, the flying construct, and the iron serpent. After a brief respite, the bard embarked on a daring scouting mission to locate the remaining assassins. However, with every passing ten minutes, another innocent life was claimed by the maniac's wrath.
Growing impatient with his team's apparent failure, the maniac unleashed a fearsome creature onto the town. The bard tracked down the rampaging ogre, which was headed towards the tavern where the rest of the team awaited. The adventurers successfully vanquished the ogre and proceeded to confront Saal Dreadstroke at the rail platform.
Saal Dreadstroke, holding hostages from the train bound and gagged, once again offered to spare lives if they surrendered the oracle. Unyielding in their determination, the heroes rejected his proposal and engaged in a climactic battle. Surprising even himself, Dreadstroke met an untimely demise at the hands of the adventurers, putting an end to the killing spree.
Following their intense campaign adventures, the Conejo Valley Dungeons and Dragons Adventurer's League invites all aspiring heroes and seasoned adventurers to join them for an epic game night on June 3rd at "The Game Ogre." This open event promises an unforgettable evening of role-playing, camaraderie, and thrilling encounters set within the rich and immersive world of Eberron. Whether you are a veteran or new to the realm of Dungeons and Dragons, this open epic game night is the perfect opportunity to showcase your skills, make new friends, and embark on heroic quests together. The Conejo Valley Adventurer's League welcomes all enthusiasts to join them on this exciting journey. Check out their event on Warhorn linked below!
Learn To Play: Yu-Gi-Oh!
Prism CCG in Paso Robles Event on May 27th
Central Coast Games organized our first of many to come “Learn To Play:” events. This time it was “Learn To Play: Yu-Gi-Oh!” and it was a resounding success! Organizers Chay, Colby, and Landis (Chay, TunnelSnake, Raccoon in the CCG Discord) brought speed duel decks with the aim of teaching newcomers the ropes. All together we ended up with 9 participants, and raised enough money to begin planning for our next events “Learn To Play: Pokemon” and “Learn To Play: Magic the Gathering”
We’re very proud to be presenting the games we love to our communities like this; it’s been a successful start to our outreach initiatives, and so far has proved to be a strong community building tool. I’m very much looking forward to continuing these projects.
The original post by @Raccoon in the CCG Discord Channel “Slo Country LFG” was the spark that ignited this captivating event. It was an absolute pleasure to see familiar faces and meet new gamers during this event.
Central Coast Games would also like to thank Nick Horton for hosting us at his store and providing a platform for gamers to can come together to share their love for Yu-Gi-Oh!. Your support and dedication made the event possible, thank you so much! And, if you live in the Paso Robles area and are interested in gaming, Prism CCG’s Discord community is a great place to get started.
West Coast Irregulars Battetech
Grinder Event at Gordon’s Good Games on May 25th
Over the weekend West Coast Irregulars hosted their monthly “Battletech: Grinder” event at Gordon’s Good Games in Atascadero, CA. The recurring monthly event aims to better familiarize both seasoned veterans and new players with the exciting world of Battletech. Each player, labeled as “Auxiliaries”, was given one mech to be randomly deployed onto the “WCI killing training fields” (the setting of the battle itself) with the order to “fight to the last round if needed.”
The exercise was carried out by the West Coast Irregulars in order to better familiarize both ourselves and our newest potential recruits with the harsh realities of the modern battlefield. Auxiliaries were deployed at random onto the WCI killing training fields, given a mech and told to fight to the last round if needed.
In an impressive display of mech warfare, the West Coast Irregulars assembled a collection of 52 iconic mechs from various eras and regions. However, amidst the chaos, approximately 15 mechs met their demise, including fearsome and highly regarded units to the Notable, Captain "Velour" piloting the seemingly indestructible Dasher (Fire Moth Prime), while "Boxcars" showcased exceptional skill and humor in his Panther, “laughing in the face of ammo cook-offs” (Courtney, West Coast Irregulars). The addition of the modernized Suburbanmech provided one of the new recruits with a cutting-edge upgrade to the venerable Urbanmech. Furthermore, Captain "Ironsides" had the opportunity to pilot an exact replica of General Aleksandr Kerensky's legendary Orion ON1-K, employing its formidable power to strip opponents of their armor with brutal efficiency. The event was skillfully led by this month's training officer Captain "Cobalt."
Interested in learning more about Battletech? Then check out West Coast Irregulars for their next Grinder event at Gordon’s Good Games on June 16 or visit on Monday’s or Thursday’s for the weekly open play games from 12pm to 7pm. For more, check the West Coast Irregulars link tree and for more events at Gordon’s check out their website.
Warhammer 40k Tournament
Gordon’s Good Games on May 27th
Battle Report thanks to Justin Sigmund, Alex Benepe, Glenn Westbrook, and Jacob Smith
The Warhammer 40k tournament commenced at 10 am with five participants, each bringing their own formidable armies to the table. As luck would have it, there was a player with a bye for the first round, allowing the others to engage in battles right from the start.
The opening clash featured a confrontation between Jacob Smith and Alex Benepe. Jacob led his Word Bearers, painted with beautiful “succession chapter: Black Panther”-themed aesthetics, while Alex commanded his meticulously crafted Ravenguard army. Turn 1 Jacob's Greater Brass Scorpion, a fearsome Chaos Space Marine war engine, fell victim to a devastating Master of Ambush maneuver by Jeremiah's 6-man Eradicator squad, dealing an astonishing 34 wounds with their meltas. Though the librarian attempted to aid the Scorpion, his sacrifice proved fruitless. Despite a nail-biting three-hour battle, and a whole lot of sweat, Jacob emerged victorious scoring his much needed points within the final 10 minutes.
Simultaneously, Glenn Westbrook and Trent Owings faced off on the battlefield. Glenn, fresh from a previous first-place finish, commanded a finely-tuned Necron army with a Blackstone fortress theme. On the other hand, Trent, perhaps underestimating the time constraints, hastily assembled his Thousand Sons army just five minutes before the tournament started. In a match filled with twists, Glenn secured the victory with an eight-point margin. However, Trent's revelation of possessing a 5+ invulnerable save in the fourth turn, against a game-long AP -3 onslaught, added an ironic twist to their battle.
Meanwhile, Jeremiah, playing as Imperial Guard, had a bye for the first round and eagerly observed the unfolding battles. His always changing and varied Imperial Guard list offered a surprise for his opponents in the following rounds.
Moving on to the second round, Jacob found himself facing off against Jeremiah's Imperial Guard. Despite Jeremiah's valiant efforts, Jacob's Word Bearers took a strong victory vs the Guard but notably lost the Scorpion turn 1 again, this time to the legendary BaneSword. In a funny turn of events a “Tank Commander having a d3+6 damage + d3 mortal wounds shot vs a Helbrute negated by Hexagrammatic Ward then 1 cp to Shoot back with Fire Frenzy to deal 14 wounds with Multimelta to kill the tank Commander in his own shooting phase...(oof)” (Contestant Jacob Smith).
Simultaneously, Glenn engaged in battle against Alex's Ravenguard. The clash was fierce and tightly contested, with both players fighting for control of the middle objective. Alex's Wakandan Marines launched a “powerful alpha strike with a combination of melta shots from his eradicators and some mean plasma from his Panther Dreadnought, which eliminating one of Glen’s Canoptek Doomstalkers and an entire squad of Lokhust Heavy Destroyers” (Contestant Glen Westbrook). However, Glenn's Necrons fought back, eliminating infiltrators and his pack of Immortals barely defeated a squad of Eradicators. With Glenn's Necrons losing significant firepower and struggling to secure secondary objectives, Alex's forces ultimately wore them down, securing a hard-fought victory for the Ravenguard.
In the final round, Jacob and Trent decided to conclude their match with a tie as it was a long match that eventually favored Jacob’s Word Bearers, with the two opting to enjoy a well-deserved beer instead. Meanwhile, Alex faced off against Jeremiah's Imperial Guard. Alex's Ravenguard custom successor chapter: “The Black Panthers' ' clashed against Jeremiah's formidable force, which included a Shadowsword tank, Rogal Dorn, and Leman Russ. The battle commenced cautiously, with Alex's Wakandan forces sniping a sentinel with a dreadnought and claiming the center objective, forcing Jeremiah's Imperial Guard to advance. In turn 2, Alex's forces unleashed a devastating assault, eliminating sentinels, the Leman Russ, rough riders, and numerous infantry squads with coordinated melta and plasma fire. Jeremiah's Imperial Guard retaliated, destroying the 6-man Eradicator squad and holding their backfield objectives tenaciously. The Imperial Guard also deployed a Callidus and Culexus assassin, causing distractions and absorbing fire from Alex's Ravenguard. In the final round, the Ravenguard steadily wore down the remaining Imperial Guard infantry, finally taking down the Shadowsword tank in a climactic charge by the captain, terminator assault squad, and blade guards. In the end, Alex emerged as the victor, capping off a thrilling battle. “Best moment of the game hands down was when the shadowsword was destroyed, Jeremiah played the vengeful salute stratagem and blasted my redemptor dreadnought to bits with its massive volcano cannon!” (Contestant Alex Benepe).
After the intense series of battles, the final leaderboard was determined.
Jacob Smith, with his skillful Word Bearers, claimed first place with 2.5 wins and an impressive score of 254 points.
Alex Benepe's Ravenguard secured second place with 2 wins and 237 points.
Glenn Westbrook's Necrons followed closely in third place, securing 2 wins and accumulating 176 points.
Trent Owings' Thousand Sons claimed fourth place with 1.5 wins and 181 points
Jeremiah's Imperial Guard finished in fifth place with 1 win and 175 points.
The tournament showcased the participants' strategic prowess, as well as the impressive diversity and creativity of their armies. Each battle was filled with memorable moments, from devastating eradicator squads to tactical alpha strikes and unexpected revelations. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard-fought battles and to Jacob Smith for emerging as the well-deserved champion of the Warhammer 40k tournament.
In addition a big thank you to the following contestants and CCG correspondents who provided CCG with the tournament battle reports from the event!
Jacob Smith - CCG Correspondent and 40k Contestant
Alex Benepe - CCG Correspondent and 40k Contestant
Glenn Westbrook - CCG Correspondent and 40k Contestant
Justin Sigumund - CCG Team Leader (Provided Event Photos)
Looking to join the next Warhammer 40 tournament at Gordon’s Good Games? Then check out their website or join the CCG discord for updates on future 40k and AoS events here on the Central Coast!
Artist of the Month
Interview with local digital artist “Bleptarts”
Welcome to “Artist of the Month” a new edition to the CCG newsletter! This section will focus on interviews between CCG members and local artist within the Central Coast Gaming Community. This month CCG wanted to highlight a particular member of the digital art community and their struggles as an artist in today’s modern art world that has become increasingly influenced by Ai generated art. Below is a snipet of the entire interview between CCG and Bleptarts:
Jonathan Hayes: So Bleptarts, just to start us off. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey as an artist?
Bleptarts: I've been drawing for a long time. I started when I was a kid and you know, all that cringy art with the emo scene stuff. And yeah I got more prevalent in Furries in about 2020, 2019. And I started drawing more and teaching myself more things because I wanted to stream. So I taught myself how to make “V-tubers” and I kind of branded myself as Bleptarts.
Jonathan Hayes: How has being an artist and being a Vtuber have worked together? For instance, do you do streams of drawing? How do those two worlds come together?
Bleptarts: Yes. So, whenever I stream my stream on twitch, and I have my V2 while I’m up , all I do is draw. Sometimes I'll play video games but it's very rare, just mostly drawing. And it's actually helped me find one of my partners. So, I helped her with her streaming stuff and all that jazz. And I love her!
Jonathan Hayes: That's what I like about this community is it's really grounded in good values and it's able to find people like that.
Bleptarts: yeah, It's not a bunch of degenerates, some of us are very wholesome.
Jonathan Hayes: What are some of your favorite mediums to work with? As an artist, are you more of a drawer or animator or 3D artist? What do you like to mess with, when it comes to art?
Bleptarts: I'm kind of dabbling in like everything right now. Like I have copic markers, I have a ton of them but I don't really get commission for traditional art, very often. I do a lot of digital art and I am trying to teach myself how to do 3D modeling. because if I can teach myself how to make “V-tubers”, why not teach myself how to do 3D modeling [they’re] actually Similar-ish.
Jonathan Hayes: Would you describe your personal artistic style and the themes that you like to work with in general? I know you were talking about the furry community and your love of animals. Are there any other themes that you like to work with?
Bleptarts: I love fanart. I don't get commission for that often either, because furries like their own personas drawn, but like to draw kingdom hearts. My style is inspired by Disney and anime. So you kind of like see, my eyes [Bleptarts V-Tuber Avatar] are more anime mix. Oh, in My Little Pony actually. They're very much like my persona's [V-Tuber Persona] eyes. [They are] based on a kind of rarity and twilight sparkle in my little pony. Because yeah, I'm a total nerd, sir.
Jonathan Hayes: I love that! Art and “V-tubing” seem to be really connected. You designed your personal “V-Tuber Avatar”, tell us a little bit more about it [the Avatar] and the process behind creating and designing it.
Bleptarts: Yes, she [Blep’s V-Tuber Avatar] is based on me and my personality. She's a little more open than I am, though, like, we have the same glasses in real life. And she came about because I would always keep trash in high school and I always draw myself with cat ears. So I said “You want to know what” and I took a step further and just made myself a cat because paws are easier to draw than hands. So, she's based off of a cat I had. His name was Axel who was a Siamese cat and he passed away at three while I was at Disneyland. So it's kind of like in memoriam of him, he was my baby.
Jonathan Hayes: That's cool that you're able to bring her back into things and represent her in a really cool fashion. I think that's a really cool place for that to come from.
Bleptarts: Yeah, he was my, he was definitely my baby and we had another cat named Rio who was a Burmese very close to Siamese cats.
Jonathan Hayes: Are there any challenges you face as an artist?
Bleptarts: Not having enough time. Like, I do a lot of my artwork while at work during my free time but when I'm on a roll I have to stop and actually do my job that I get paid for. Also not being able to get what I have in my head out. That's the worst part. I'm sure a lot of artists understand that because it sucks, it's like the worst thing. You're like, I have such a good idea and I just can't get it out.
Jonathan Hayes: Are there any specific projects or artworks that you're particularly proud of or that hold a special meaning to you?
Bleptarts: This V-Tuber [avatar]. I'm pretty proud of it, I'm not gonna lie. She has some work that needs to be done with her but she's pretty good [and] these 3D badges I’m proud of they're pretty cool. It's hard to describe it without showing it, but recently, I had drawn a picture of my polycule. And I hadn't drawn in like two weeks because I was at a convention. I obviously couldn't bring my whole desktop with me, but When I came home, I immediately drew it and it took me like three or four days to finish. It includes Courtney with all her Battletech stuff, me drawing on my computer, and then another part of storm with her streaming setup. Then our other partner Rag who's also an artist. The picture is about us just doing our thing because a lot of people don't know, like, in the community that this is a four-person polycule, not just three, not just two people, it's a four person thing.
Chay Comas: I was curious how you felt about AI art.
Bleptarts: Oh, f****** I hate it. Honestly, I'm already going to lose my regular job to a kiosk like I don't need to lose my artistic job too. Like, I think I saw like a music video or something like It can look really neat when it's like, you know, they how they quote on quote supposedly, look f***** up like, like the hands and stuff like that. It was like a goat thing, I don't remember but no, I don't agree with AI art.
Chay Comas: Do you use it in your process at all?
Bleptarts: No, I do not. I have never used it. Although that is a good idea for generating reference photos, no, I don't use AI art. It's against a lot of the Twitter communities policies, like artists wise No AI art. It's if you want something specific then commission an artist to get that specific piece of art. If somebody commissioned me to draw a realistic piece, I don't know a dog or something, I would be like “Sorry I can't draw realism. You have to go to somebody else.” You support artists, don't support AI art. It's cool that they were able to make that in general but just no.
Jonathan Hayes: It’s a topic that's been really prevalent and it's good to hear opinions from artists because it's an issue that's really affecting the whole community. Do you have any advice or tips for aspiring artists who are just starting the artistic journey, especially in a world with an increasing AI influence?
Bleptarts: I know, it sucks and I hated being told this when I was younger. Practice. Just friggin' practice. Just keep going. Like, I actually have a co-worker who is actually really good. But she won't post any of it. Like dude, you got to post your art, like I was too embarrassed to post my art too when I was younger. I just started posting art regularly in 2019. My art looked like crap compared to what it does. Now it's still not the best or anything, but it looks a lot better than it did because I listened to feedback and I just kept going. And now look at me.
Jonathan Hayes: We've gotten a lot of great information in this interview about your past, your future endeavors and your journey as an artist here on the Central Coast. Finally, where can our readers find and support your artwork? Also will your art be featured at MimicCon?
Bleptarts: Yes, I am doing a booth. I'm more prevalent on Twitter, but I also have an instagram. You can find me at @Bleptarts
In conclusion, Bleptarts' artistry and commitment have made a lasting impact on her own artistic journey. For those eager to explore more of her captivating artwork, a plethora of her creations can be discovered on her Instagram “@bleptarts”, where her distinctive style and imaginative concepts come to life. Additionally, Central Coast Games (CCG) continues to serve as a beacon of support and collaboration for local artists, with their ongoing community outreach fostering connections with local talent while nurturing a community for artists to engage in. By actively engaging with CCG and its vibrant network of artists, individuals can not only experience the beauty and depth of Bleptarts' work but also contribute to the flourishing artistic community, where creativity thrives and inspiration knows no bounds. Follow us for more on our CCG discord and look ahead for future artist of the week articles coming soon.
Want to Submit your Art to be Featured in the CCG Newsletter?
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Are you an artist looking for an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent and connect with a thriving creative community? Look no further! Central Coast Games (CCG) invites you to submit your awe-inspiring artwork (digital, paint, cosplay etc) and captivating photos to be featured in their engaging newsletter. Whether you're a miniature painter, cosplayer, sculptor, or any other kind of artist, this is your chance to gain visibility and share your unique perspective with a wide audience. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a vibrant artistic network. Simply email your submissions to newsletter@centralcoastgames.com, and let your creativity shine through the pages of the CCG newsletter. Join us in celebrating artistry, fostering connections, and inspiring fellow artists. Submit your work today!
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