francisca wrote:

From the Players' Manual:

Trauma Survival: The likelihood of surviving a system transformation of shocking degree, such as paralysis or petrifaction. It also represents the chance one has of being resurrected from death.

So, what else can cause a Trauma Check?

Aging?
Polymorph?
Level Drain?
Eating gas station sushi?

Stumbling upon your ex-girlfriend's crap in your house.
 

I'll be there, accompanied by my cohort of jackbooted thugs!  We remedied last year's room failure by reserving rooms at the Lodge as soon as they'd take reservations for next year... So in 2015 we'll be able to drink like the large, thirsty men we are.  I'm hoping to see Chainsaw's forehead head actually strike the table in front of him. 

Advice for Handy: as you've surmised, it's definitely wise to avoid overbooking. There are always games you can fall into spontaneously, because some other schmuck spread himself too thin and is still in bed, hung over... (I might've been said schmuck, my first year.)

We usually arrive thursday afternoon and leave sunday noon, and in 72 hours at the Con I'll schedule myself for no more than 4 games.  Even if I play in just one 4+ hour game per day, I'm happy, because I'm able to catch up with pals and enjoy hanging out in and around the town.

If anyone is interested: we always do a night of prowling blues clubs in Chicago (where we fly in/out), either on Wednesday or Sunday night. Always a great time.