They only have until August 23rd to order the launch event kits. They need to prepare for the invasion.
They might not be in the loop and that would be a total shame. It also might give them a good inclination to host Organized Play if they don't already know what it is

Contact them by mail, phone, FB messenger.. Just make sure you do.
I doubt L5R would have the same issues Star Wars Destiny had at launch, but that **** was disastrous.. I am not sure the SWD community has recovered properly since..

I personally contacted my local store-
Paper Hero's Games in Sherman Oaks, Southern California.
They weren't aware of the impending release, and I am happy the were awesome enough to cooperate. I am looking forward to have a good local presence of L5R in LA in a new, clean and not crowded place with good vibes.

We should also make a list of places that will be holding Launch Events, but it's probably to early for that, right?

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For those of you in the Reddit, yes this is a straight up copy / paste - but you know what, THIS IS IMPORTANT - UUUUUTTTZZZ!!

I don't think it's too early to start making a list. I know the store I run in southern Oregon will be having a major launch event for it as soon as we know the official release date.

Edit: the store is Astral Games in Medford, OR.

Never too early to start planning! If nothing else, we can list stores confirmed to have preordered launch kits (they only have 3 weeks after all!) and details can be filled in as needed for when those stores plan to host their launch party. Just starting to get an idea of who is in your area will likely be a big help, especially for new players like me who aren't already connected with their local Rokugani scene.

The Green Dragon in Charleston, SC will be doing a Launch Party.

As a staff member at a FLGS and gaming venue, I'm keen to see if we can support the launch programme of this return to a well-beloved and classic IP, but we have a busy Autumn schedule already, and I need to know what weekend the launch will be on before we can commit to supporting it. I get that there'll be shenanigans at GenCon (mid-August), and it's 'on the boat' (so "4-6 weeks" from landing in LeftPondia). Pre-orders by 21 August make me think 'second weekend of September', but is there any official date I'm missing, or if I'm not just being blind, when will they announce the general release? GenCon?

We'll be preordering product, that's for sure, but drumming up support for the launch needs as much notice as we can give...

We will be holding a Launch Party in Gate City, VA! https://www.facebook.com/trihardsgaming/