Badges for Lock & Load 2018 are on sale!

Privateer Press will be holding Lock & Load GameFest 2018 on June 22-24 in Bellevue, Washington! Complete details for the events will be revealed here in time. Lock & Load badges will be shipped out the last week of May. Only will-call badges will be available during June up until the final day of the show.

The room block is also open! Click here to book your room.

Primecast 49: Early details on Lock & Load 2018
Insider 01.03.2018: Dates, locations, and a preview of Crucible Guard

Last Chance Qualifier: Champions—32 players—Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Description: The WARMACHINE/HORDES Champions proves you have mastered your Faction! Armies can only be led by the warcasters/warlocks found on the Active Duty Roster, making Champions a changing arena of battle that allows you to showcase your skill with all of your Faction’s most powerful heroes and villains. Points earned during this tournament count toward qualifying for the 2018 Iron Gauntlet. This event requires all armies to be fully painted.

Last Chance Qualifier: Masters—128 players—Friday and Saturday

• Day 1 is 5 rounds, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Day 1 Registration at 9 a.m.
• Day 1 Dice on table at 10 a.m.
• Day 2 is 2 rounds, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Day 2 Registration at 8:30 a.m.
• Day 2 Dice on table at 9 a.m.
• Only participants in day 1 advance to day 2

Description: The WARMACHINE/HORDES Masters tests your skills with your chosen Faction! The preliminaries on Friday will seed the top 4 finishers, who will then compete in the Masters semifinals and finals on Saturday morning. Points earned during this tournament count toward qualifying for the 2018 Iron Gauntlet.

Cauldron of Battle (Narrative Event)—16 players—Friday and Saturday (two separate signup groups), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: The battle for control of Llael has reached its most desperate hour. Marching to war with the invading forces, the Crucible Guard is unleashing devastating alchemical weapons. With facilities scattered across the Iron Kingdoms, the Crucible Guard continues to acquire even more terrifying weapons as they advance. Do you think you (and your 25-point Company of Iron) have what it takes to secure these stockpiles before they do? Each round in this event will feature global rules changes based on actions performed on each of the four tables and will be overseen by the game’s designer, Will “Oz” Schoonover.

Iron Gauntlet—32 players—Saturday and Sunday

• Invite-only event
• Day 1 is 3 rounds, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Registration at 1 p.m.
• Dice on table at 2 p.m.
• Day 2 is 2 rounds, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Registration at 9 a.m.
• Dice on table at 10 a.m.

Description: Iron Gauntlet is the ultimate test of a player’s mastery of the game. All players who have qualified (by earning 10 or more points from a Masters or Champions event) during 2017–2018 will battle for the title of World Champion. This event requires Masters Dyad list selection and all armies to be fully painted. All players who qualify for Iron Gauntlet before Lock & Load will receive a free attendee badge.

’Caster Draft scrambles—72 players—Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Description: Do you ever find yourself pondering, What if I had a bazooka and Rathrok and Black Spot and Future Sight and Roulette and…? ’Caster Draft lets you find out what crazy combinations can exist. All players bring a single 50-point army list. Players do not choose a warcaster or warlock for their list and instead use the ’Caster Draft Warcaster or ’Caster Draft Warlock. The ’Caster Draft Warcaster or ’Caster Draft Warlock is represented by a small-based model that you wish to use but that is not already in your list. All games are played using the Breakdown scenario.

Iron Arena—Friday through Sunday, runs 24 hours 9 a.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Sunday, no preregistration required
Description: Step into the Iron Arena and experience casual gaming that rewards you for playing your favorite Privateer Press games. Earn skulls for every game you play and turn them in for amazing prizes! The more games you play, the more skulls you earn. And the more skulls you earn, the more swag you take home.

Additionally, the Kid Kingdoms Family Area is moving in with Iron Arena. Kid Kingdoms Family Area is the perfect place for parents to share the world of the Iron Kingdoms with their children. We will have coloring, some Iron Kingdoms games, and a 12-and-under paint-and-take.

Children in the Family Area must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

No preregistration is required for any hobby class, come as you are!

Two-brush blending—Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Dallas, and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with Brendan
Description: The two-brush blending technique is known as the quickest way to get high quality blends in the fewest number of steps. Learn the secrets of this invaluable technique from Privateer Press Studio Manager Dallas Kemp and Studio Painter Brendan Roy. Intermediate- to master-level painters will find this technique useful for a variety of projects from amazing single miniatures to vast armies.

Monsterpocalypse Paint Jam—Saturday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Description: Join Studio Manager Dallas Kemp in a hangout of epic proportions as he goes over the painting of the biggest and baddest Monsterpocalypse has to offer. From Planet Eaters to G.U.A.R.D., this hangout will be a paint jam of ultimate devastation.

Crucible Guard Faction Focus—Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Join Privateer Press Studio Painter Brendan Roy for an in-depth look at the studio scheme and alternate paint schemes for the emerging alchemist army. Highlighting the leathers, glow, and overall aesthetics of the Crucible Guard, this class offers helpful hints for beginners and veterans alike.

Metallic Techniques—Friday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Description: Privateer Press Studio Painter Jordan Lamb covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about painting metallics. Come learn how to give the appearance of realistic and appropriate light on your metals using true metallic technique.

Painting for the Tabletop—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Wanna know the tricks to getting your army painted in no time flat? Wanna blast through those units to get them on the battlefield? Join Studio Painter Jordan Lamb as he takes you on a journey through the ideas and techniques of tabletop painting an army. #playitpainted

Factory Basing (for Crucible Guard)—Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Description: Join Privateer Press Hobby & Terrain Specialist Danny Samuels in an exciting, hands-on demonstration of creating factory bases for your Golden Crucible army. All materials will be supplied, and at the end of the hangout you will have a base ready to rocket to the tabletop.

Iron Kingdoms Roleplaying Game Miniature Kit Bash—Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Description: Ever wanted to know how you can craft the perfect miniature for your character in the Iron Kingdoms Roleplaying Game? Do you have a dastardly NPC for your game that needs a perfect model for your players to view in terror? Or maybe you just want some tricks on converting models for your WARMACHINE/HORDES army? No matter your reasoning, come sit down with Hobby & Terrain Specialist Danny Samuels for some tips and tricks to create your own characters from existing parts already in the Privateer Press miniatures catalog.

Crucible Guard Dev Talk—64 participants—Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 730 p.m.
Description: Join our development team as they walk through the choices that went into the creation of the Crucible Guard, a development process you have had a hand in. Discuss how they evolved during the process of Community Integrated Development and what went into their final forms.

Crucible Guard Writers Hangout—64 participants—Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: What has prompted the Crucible Guard to take an active roll in the current wars? What new alchemical creations and crazy weapons have they developed in recent years? How is this group the newest beacon of hope for war-torn Llael? These questions and more will be answered by the team that regularly explains the terrible and wonderful events in the setting.

Crucible Guard Visual Concepts—64 participants—Saturday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: The newest Faction to emerge into the world of the Iron Kingdoms, the Crucible Guard offers a dark aesthetic for WARMACHINE. Join our design staff as they look at the concepts that went into creating the look of the Crucible Guard and how they shifted and evolved into the devastating alchemical force now assaulting the conquerors of Llael.

Monsterpocalypse Dev Hangout—32 participants—Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Description: Monsterpocalypse lets you take control of a giant monster and stomp the competition to dust as you slam, smash, blast, and brawl your way to victory in the biggest battle ever to hit your table in this all-new edition of the world’s best game of giant monster combat! Join our team as they discuss the upcoming launch!

CID Live—32 players—Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (two separate signup groups)
Description: Thousands have signed up to playtest WARMACHINE and HORDES through our Community Integrated Development. At Lock & Load, you will get the chance to discuss new models and the playtest process with the people behind the game.

Primecast Live
Description: TBD

Undercity: The Wicked Harvest—16 players—Friday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (two signup groups)
Description: Beneath the streets of Corvis have always lurked those who prefer the shadows to the light. Now a new horror has been awoken, and the wicked must be punished for their sins. The Grymkin have invaded from below, and only the Black River Irregulars have a chance to prevent them from punishing the world above.

Strangelight Workshop—5 players—Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (two signup groups)
Description: Life as an agent for the Strangelight Workshop is a dangerous and complicated one. Using unpredictable technology, quick thinking, and sheer luck, these everyday men and women confront powerful supernatural entities of all types. Often this work is done without fully understanding such creatures’ abilities or motivations. Join Model Project Manager Josh Colón as he guides you through the terrifying world of paranormal investigation in the Iron Kingdoms.

Dead Reckoning—12 players—Saturday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Description: Dead Reckoning is an Iron Kingdoms Roleplaying Game adventure of epic proportions that will pit several adventuring parties against nearly insurmountable odds as they work alongside members of the Crucible Guard. RPG Producer Matt Goetz will act as lead Game Master for this truly spectacular gaming experience.

Full Metal Game Master—4 GMs, 25 players—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Description: The Full Metal Game Master Competition pits four storytellers against one another in a battle to earn the prestigious title of Full Metal Game Master. This year sees a fifth enter the battle—a surprise staff Game Master will join our four contestants in taking on the same Full Metal Fantasy adventure and will be rated on criteria set by RPG Producer Matt Goetz. If you think you’ve got what it takes to enthrall your players and create the richest in-world experience, try your hand as one of our Game Masters. There will be plenty of seats for players as well!

Keynote
Description: Our annual keynote starts off the show in 2018. Join Privateer Press staff as they discuss upcoming releases and projects on the horizon. Be on the information front lines for all the amazing things coming up for Privateer Press. You won’t want to miss the exciting news!

Iron Painter and Trivia Challenge
Description: You can paint. You can even paint fast. But can you paint Iron Painter fast? Following the format of the popular television show Iron Chef®, the Iron Painter Showdown will pit contestants against one another in a competition requiring skill, speed, creativity, and grit. A surprise competitor will challenge the contestants, and all will need to quickly adapt and expect the unexpected in order to take home the grand prize. What will the 2018 surprise mini be? You will have to come and watch to find out. In addition, a few select attendees will be chosen to compete in an Iron Kingdoms trivia throw down. Participants will pit their knowledge of Immoren and Privateer Press against each other in a fun game-show format for fantastic prizes. 2018 will feature new trivia questions and expanded prizes. This is one event that will be just as much fun to watch as it is to participate in, so don’t miss the excitement and drama!

Cosplay Contest—No limit on participants—Saturday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Description: Show off your finest Privateer Press–inspired costume. Privateer staff members will judge costumes on craftsmanship, creativity, and fidelity to the aesthetics of our worlds. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and all entrants will have the opportunity to have their photos taken for inclusion in our social media and for our website!

Cosplay Basics—16 players—Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Description: Air Bubbles Cosplay will be showing you how to build your very own bracer. This event will take place over two days and provides you with a unique piece to start your 2018 cosplay! Make sure to check out her amazing Una at her Facebook page.

IK Spelling Bee—16 players—Friday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Description: Sure, you can spell Lola and Caine. You may even know how to spell Rasheth and Llael. But can you spell Ashlynn D’Elyse when standing in front of a crowd? What about Lord Ghyrrshyld? Test your knowledge of the intricacies of spelling in Immoren as Director of Publications Mike Ryan doles out words like Werther’s® Originals.

P3 Grandmaster
Description: Show off your painting skills at the annual Privateer Press Formula P3 Grandmaster Painting Competition. Privateer Press Studio staff will judge the pieces based on their individual merit, irrespective of the other entries and categories. Judges will look at each piece and may award gold, silver, or bronze, based solely on the quality of the entry. In addition, one entry will be awarded best overall, earning its painter the coveted title of Grandmaster.

Open P3 Studio Q&A
Description: The award-winning Privateer Press Studio will be on hand Friday through Sunday, working on current projects and interacting with Lock & Load attendees. The team will be available to answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and chat about their current projects.

Closing Ceremonies
Description: This year we’ll be live-streaming it, so those who have to miss it can still watch from afar or catch it later!

Lock & Load GameFest 2018 will be held at the Hilton Bellevue, right in the heart of downtown Bellevue, Washington, minutes from Seattle. The venue features over 30,000 square feet of space and is down the street from the Bellevue Transit Center and convenient to a wide variety of restaurants and places to shop. It is also a convenient shuttle ride or single bus away from the Seattle Airport!
Address: 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 455-1300

The full 2018 Lock & Load Formula P3 Grandmaster rules and guidelines are now live and can be found here.

Click the images below to check out some past entries.

Questions? Please email us at conventions@privateerpress.com. Make sure to include your real name and the email address you used to sign up to make sure we can locate your account.

GUIDELINES FOR CHILD ATTENDEES

While children are welcome at Lock & Load, children under the age of 14 must accompany a parent or guardian into the gaming area if they do not have a badge. A child who intends to plays games on Iron Arena tables or otherwise participates in Lock & Load events must purchase a badge.

MEDIA POLICY

Events run by Privateer Press contain various content, including but not limited to: art assets, performances, and oratory. All such content is copyright protected property of Privateer Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved. These events are intended for the private use of our attending audience only. Recording or rebroadcasting any of these events, in any format, is prohibited without written permission from Privateer Press, Inc. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the event and/or may force Privateer Press to seek other remedies available at law.

WEAPONS POLICY

At no time are “live” weapons and/or firearms allowed at any Lock and Load event without strict written permission from Privateer Press. Any weapon that is a part of cosplay must be checked at the registration desk before entering any event space or the store. Privateer staff may at any time determine that any object is a “live” weapon, even if was approved at a prior time or by another staff member, and ask that the weapon be removed from the event. Failure to remove a weapon from the Event will result in expulsion from Lock and Load without refund.

HARASSMENT POLICY

Privateer Press prides itself on creating events and experiences that cater to people from all backgrounds and cultures. A part of creating that experience is ensuring that all of our convention attendees can participate in our events free of harassment or hate speech.

So what is harassment?
While not an all inclusive list Privateer Press considers harassment to include offensive speech that falls into a protected class category. Sexist; ageist; racist; ableist; fatist; anti-religious; homophobic; biphobic; and transphobic speech will not be tolerated.

Activities, including but not limited to, stalking and/or following; unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive photography or recording; unwanted sexual advances or attention; unwanted physical contact; disruptive conduct effecting ongoing events at the convention; hooliganism; and any activity determined by the Privateer Press Staff as qualifying as harassing.

What if I am being harassed?
Find a staff member immediately and report the activity. Privateer Press Staff will swiftly gather the facts, consult management, and determine an appropriate course of action. If you feel as though you need to pursue other avenues of resolution Privateer Press Staff will be more than happy to assist you in contacting hotel security and/or local police should you request them. Your safety and wellbeing are our primary concerns in these matters and we will facilitate your wishes to the best of our ability when resolving these issues.

What happens to the harasser?
If we find that an attendee is harassing another attendee or attendees Privateer Press Staff will take swift and certain action to ensure that the offending attendee stops that harassment. This may result in a simple warning or escalate to an expulsion without refund depending on Privateer Press Staff’s best judgment.