Before we get into the nitty gritty, I would like to thank Reese and the Frontline Gaming crew for running a hell of an event. Over 200 gamers attended to battle it out and it looked like everyone had loads of fun! For more run down about the gaming part of it all, check out their page here.

So our first test run for the Draconic Awards was over at Califaux a few months ago. It was a great event and we had the opportunity to run down some details we had to change or improve upon.

One was the voting system. We were just using manual hands on type of paper and pen system that was too slow. One of the thing we really wanted to do is give feedback on the piece that was entered, especially for the Apprentice Competition so people can get REAL feedback.

So before we ran the event at Bay Area Open, I wrote up a back end system for the rating/voting system that can be ran off of a laptop/ tablet or phone. This was for two reasons. This sped up the process tremendously and the judges were free to move around and look at all the entries instead of having it brought to them.

Second, it kept all the ratings and comments in the system so a participant can always go back to it by logging into the DA website after they've tied their entry to their Wargamers Consortium user account. This will also allow them to track their progress if they enter other Draconic Award events as well as compare themselves with other participants by event, by region or by the total circuit.

The Apprentice Competition had a great turn out as well once people started to understand what it was. This is one of the biggest things that mattered to me. I wanted to make sure the Draconic Awards was open to EVERYONE without the fear of competing. Use the merit system really helped in that. This competition format also used the 1-10 system and judged the same as the master but the scale for merit placement is lower. This competition format is all about learning and improving.

It made me smile when I saw that happening right then and there. People were coming up to the judges and asking them questions. How do I blend better? How could I have improved more? What is this, what is that. It's the questions people should ask if they seriously want to improve. Granted, a lot of them didn't stay around too long as they had to get back to their next game but they felt comfortable entering and there were none of the "Can't beat the lion" fear that comes with most of the big awards out there. It isn't just about winning and going for the best but most importantly, it's about generating interest in improving one's skills and not feeling intimidated by competition. Super thanks for Jay for putting on his happy hat and explaining it to people when they walked up to the table and for stepping to in be a 5th Judge.

Caleb, Will and Seth, all judges as well as the WGC Next Level Up Painting teachers for the BAO classes did an awesome job answering people's questions and being welcoming as always.

What's next for the Draconic Awards? First off, We're still working on the front end of the DA website so that will be up in a couple of weeks and of course, people will be able to see all the entries for all the DA events.

If O.c.G.R.E.funding is successful we'll be over there in Southern California. If you're in the area or up to fly there for gaming fun and tons of hobby stuff ran by the WGC including the DA Awards, Classes, Panels and Painting Events, then PLEASE consider pledging. There will be none of that stuff if the Kickstarter doesn't happen. Check out the kickstarter here.

After than it's the double hitter. West vs. East! In February, we'll hold the DA Regional at TempleCon (Northeast Region) and then over at Las Vegas Open (West Region). Both to be large events and both to be worth the time to go game and play and paint! Be sure to check them out!

And also super thanks for Badger Air-brush Co. and Games and Gears, both co-producers with the WGC in this endeavor. Their back up and support are invaluable in making this work and also thanks to our partner and sponsor Frontline Gaming for helping get the word out for this project!

So without further ado, here are the placements for the Master Class Competitions for the Draconic Awards for the Bay Area Open. Once the website is up, you will be able to see all entries submitted for this event. Check back in a couple weeks for news on that!

Best of Show

Alone in the Dark by David Powell (Diorama)

Singles Category

High Elf Lord by Caleb Wissenback (SILVER)

Ultramarine Captain by Will Hahn (SILVER)

Tau Propaganda by Obadiah (SILVER)

Large Singles Category

Greek Hoplite by David Powell (GOLD - * Crystal Brush Qualifier)

Demon Prince by Will Hahn (SILVER)

Merlin by Seth Amsdens (SILVER)

Vehicle/Monsters/Cavalry Category

Polish Lancer by David Powell (GOLD)

* Crystal Brush Qualifier were selected by the Bay Area Open staff