I wasn't around for the AoE beta kickoff last year -- is there a way for people to get these books without buying it at Gencon? I know they show up on ebay eventually but I thought I had read in other threads that some game stores have them or can order them from FFG? Any insight is appreciated - thanks!

You can get them from any number of retailers. Brick and mortar stores get some, and you can order from Amazon or Cool Stuff Inc. and the like online. However, this can happen weeks or even months later; if you want it immediately, you either get it from GenCon or FFG direct.

As I understand it, supplies tend to be limited early on, but they increase in prevalence as time moves forward.

If you go to GenCon you are still at the mercy of FFG getting the order quantity correct and taking some home at the end of the weekend or running out as the case may be.

My FFG copy of AoR was a reprint and it took a few weeks to get onto the boat and ship to the USA. Then, for me, a few more weeks for it to make the journey to Australia. I also ordered a second copy from an online store as a gift for a friend. In all honesty I can't remember if my FFG copy arrived first or second.

Mind you I remember hitting "Refresh" many times in order to have a page come up and take my money.

Just 10 more days till GenCon, then I finally get to talk about Force and Destiny!

I wasn't around for the AoE beta kickoff last year -- is there a way for people to get these books without buying it at Gencon? I know they show up on ebay eventually but I thought I had read in other threads that some game stores have them or can order them from FFG? Any insight is appreciated - thanks!

I know a Toydarian, he's totally good for a few books before launch................................

Wow, black markets for role playing game books! Who would have thought?!

You don't know the power of the Dark Side!