Blog

Nerdarchy Returns from Page 3: Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo

Ted and Dave are back from Page 3: Philadelphia Area Gaming Expo, a local gaming convention that is clearly on the rise—and after this weekend, it’s safe to say it has officially leveled up.

Between the games, the people, and the sheer creative energy filling the venue, we had an absolute blast. We reconnected with longtime fans, made plenty of new ones, and caught up with old friends from across the tabletop RPG and gaming community. Dice were rolling nonstop, tables were full, and the atmosphere was exactly what you hope for from a great tabletop gaming convention.

A Convention That’s Clearly Growing

The growth of Page 3 was impossible to miss. Attendance appeared to have nearly doubled compared to Page 2, and the expansion showed everywhere. The vendor hall and Saturday morning flea market had two to three times the space, packed with creators, artists, and independent designers.

One of the coolest touches was a map of the USA at the entrance, where attendees marked their home state. When I checked on Sunday, all but five states were filled in, which is incredibly impressive for a regional convention. And unless someone was pulling a prank, Alaska and Hawaii were marked, which is quite the commitment just to roll some dice.

This also wasn’t a “just books and dice” kind of convention—though there was plenty of that, too. Page 3 had a wide variety of creative vendors:

• Board game designers showcasing games still in development (including a 4-player chess variant that immediately caught my attention)

• Costume vendors offering everything from individual pieces to full outfits

• A puppet maker where you select the parts and build a custom puppet on the spot (fantastic people to talk to)

• Custom wand makers, with both ready-made and special-order options—yes, I ordered more, and yes, my custom wands are proudly mounted on my gaming wall overlooking the D&D table

And of course, our friends from WizKids were there with their incredible miniatures. I tried to resist. I failed. I bought more minis. I know I have a problem.

Games Run at Page 3

Both Ted and Dave stayed busy behind the GM screen throughout the weekend.

Ted ran:

• The Sky’s Teeth — a survival horror D&D adventure set aboard a derelict airship, where every decision matters and safety is never guaranteed

• Zoo Mafia — chaotic, criminal fun with animals who absolutely should not be trusted

Dave ran four different games:

• Zoo Mafia

• Aether Skies

• Under the Dome

• Vast Grimm

Every table was packed with engaged players, and it was fantastic seeing people dive headfirst into strange worlds, dangerous situations, and unforgettable moments.

Ted’s Convention Highlights

Outside of running games, I spent plenty of time doing what conventions do best: exploring and talking shop.

• I had several great conversations with vendors, always keeping an eye out for new and exciting tabletop projects.

• Archania Workshop was a must-visit, as always, to see what new miniatures and creations they had on display.

• I met the author of Zauberer, a novel set in Philadelphia that draws inspiration from The Dresden Files—a longtime favorite of mine and a frequent topic of discussion.

• I spoke with the creator of Relict RPG, which absolutely landed on my radar (expect a review in the future).

• And naturally, I made my ritual stop at Black Oak Workshop for dice, adding a few new sets to the ever-growing collection. You can never have too many dice… probably.

Survival Horror Means Someone Doesn’t Make It

Now, onto The Sky’s Teeth.

If you’ve watched the games I normally run, you know I like to make things challenging—but I’m a fair DM. I don’t go out of my way to kill characters. That said, when a game is billed as survival horror, I have to respect player agency and let the dice fall where they may.

During the first run of The Sky’s Teeth, something unexpected happened. I won’t give specifics because I plan to run this game again, but by the end of the session four out of six characters died. (Sorry—characters. I won’t kill my players. I have standards.)

The second group had heard the stories from the earlier game and approached the adventure with far more caution. That extra care paid off—everyone made it out alive. Both sessions were an absolute blast, and I can’t wait to bring this adventure back to the table again.

Looking Ahead: Page 4 and Beyond

Page 4 is already scheduled for January 14–17, 2027, and based on how strong this year was, there’s no question we’ll be back.

If you’re looking to game with Nerdarchy sooner, you’re in luck. Page’s sister convention, Concoction, takes place the last weekend in May in Vineland, NJ. Dave and I will both be there running games.

So if you’re local—or just looking for a great excuse to travel—come roll some dice, say hello, take a selfie, or just shout “Stay Nerdy!”

We’ll see you at the table.

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!