The pilgrimage is complete—Part Two. Unlike the eight-hour trek to Indianapolis earlier this year, the drive to Philadelphia for PAX Unplugged was a mercifully shorter jaunt from Rochester. I arrived in the City of Brotherly Love ready to cap off an incredible year of gaming, and while Gen Con is the undisputed "beast" of the convention circuit, there was something about the energy of the Pennsylvania Convention Center that I instantly preferred. It felt dense, focused, and alive in a way that was totally unique.
I was flying solo for The Adventure Nexus this time around, but I certainly wasn’t alone. I met up with friends and acquaintances from back home, including some familiar faces from the Rochester gaming community, and dove headfirst into everything Philly had to offer.
One of the best things about PAX Unplugged is how it sits right in the heart of a vibrant city. I took full advantage of the "local color," capping off the weekend by catching the Philadelphia 76ers game on Sunday right before heading home. There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a Philly sports crowd to get your blood pumping before a drive.
Of course, you can’t visit Philly without addressing the food. I paid my respects to the city’s culinary icons with a mandatory Philly Cheesesteak followed by some Van Leeuwen's Ice Cream (absolute perfection). But the real surprise was the Chinatown area right next to the convention center. I spent back-to-back nights exploring Malaysian and Dim Sum spots that were simply incredible.
Inside the convention, my "watering hole" of choice wasn't a pub, but the Winged Bull Tavern. Run by Red Bull, this spot was a lifesaver. As someone who doesn't drink alcohol, their mocktails were a fantastic touch, and the free energy drinks kept me fueled for late-night gaming sessions that stretched well past my usual bedtime. (I swear we aren't sponsored by Red Bull... but hey, Red Bull, if you're reading this, have your people call my people. Let's talk.)
At Gen Con, Kingdom Death stole the show for me. At PAX, it was Daggerheart.
I made it into the panel and Live Play on Saturday, and let me tell you, being 50 feet away from Matt Mercer is an experience that never gets old. The energy in the room was electric, especially when they dropped the biggest news of the weekend: Acquisitions Incorporated is porting over to Daggerheart. Seeing that legendary D&D franchise embrace this new system is a massive vote of confidence.
I had a chance to demo the game later in the day, and I was hooked. It has that familiar TTRPG comfort but with a narrative-first twist that truly sets it apart. The core mechanic relies on Hope and Fear dice, a system that does so much more than just tell you if you hit or miss. It leans heavily into roleplay by generating "success with consequences" or "failure with hope." It forces you to narrate how your fear complicates the scene or how hope drives you forward, making every roll feel like a story beat rather than just a math problem. Naturally, I couldn't leave without buying the core book. I am already counting down the days until the "Hope and Fear" expansion drops in the summer of 2026.
Speaking of buying books... I showed incredible restraint this trip! With my trunk still holding some unopened treasures from FLAG Con just two weeks prior, I tried my hardest not to buy too many new things. Aside from the Daggerheart book and some Magic: The Gathering cards I picked up in a draft, I held the line. (Though, I admit, I stared at a Pokémon stuffy for my daughter for a solid ten minutes before walking away. Next time, kiddo.)
Of course, no trip is complete without a "learning experience." At Gen Con, I forgot my Commander decks. This time? I forgot my badge.
Yep. Left it right in Rochester. After some frantic negotiation and a trip to Will Call, I managed to get a replacement, but let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about packing checklists. I also learned the hard way that "winging it" has its limits. I missed the Acquisitions Incorporated Live Play by about 15 people—the room filled up instantly. Next year, I’m planning my schedule months in advance.
Despite the badge mishap and the missed shows, the trip was a massive success. I connected with the amazing crews from 3WS and DVC Games, and chatted with Twitch streamers and gamers who are itching for The Adventure Nexus to launch in their regions.
Leaving Philly, I had one clear thought: Next year, we go bigger. I want to return not just as an attendee, but with the full TAN team and a booth. PAX Unplugged is a special event, and I can't wait to be back in the thick of it.
Until then, game on.
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From the massive energy of Gen Con to the tight-knit community at FLAG Con, gaming conventions are a vital, booming part of the Tabletop Gaming hobby. These "grand gatherings" are the best place to connect with fellow players, game designers, and vendors. Discover why this scene is erupting and how new tools are making it easier than ever to find a local con, plan your day, or even host your own event.
