MERRILLVILLE | Martin Webb, an airman first class in the U.S. Air Force stationed in South Dakota, watched Saturday as Crown Point's Guy Weiss and Charles Collins, of Warsaw, did battle in Warhammer 40,000.

"It's the quintessential good guys versus chaos, the genetically engineered bad guys," Webb said of the role-playing game, which features miniature figurines.

Gamers converged on the Family Life Center in Merrillville for GallowsCon 2008, a convention that drew role-playing fans from as far away as Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky.

Tables that hosted role-playing games shared the space with vendor tables and the tournament area where Weiss and Collins waged their epic struggle.

"I'm here to have fun," Collins said.

Pointing to the figurines on the tabletop battlefield that he had painted, he added, "It's not just a game. It's a hobby as well."

With 14 years of game playing under his belt, Valparaiso's John Ontto said, "Warhammer is my life," as he braced to go up against Steven Hadt, of Hobart, in tourney play.

"It's a good time. ... With the hobby aspect, the painting and everything, you get a sense of pride," Hadt said.

Gaming guru and special guest Kevin Siembieda, the founder and publisher of Palladium Books Inc., enjoyed himself as a lucky few sat in on his newest game, Dead Reign, which premiered during the convention. Palladium is a leading company in role-playing games based in Michigan.

Jay Schmelzer and Todd Wilson, part owners of The Hangmen LLC, which sponsored the convention, also took on a test run Saturday their role-playing game ETNE, Earth: The Next Evolution. The game has taken the duo about two years from concept to completion, although the game is still in rough form.

Beth Neill, of Hobart, dabbled in Magic: The Gathering, her favorite role-playing game.

"My boyfriend got me into it," she said. "I like the one-on-one with people. I like learning new things, and it's fun to teach others."

Jeff Faulkner stood next to a display of oversized medieval weapons as he explained the dedication gamers feel toward their characters.

"Sometimes, it's more live action than role-playing," said Faulkner, who is the clan leader for the gaming group Dagorhir, the local chapter of the international group Aethenu. "Some want to develop their characters and be more in depth."

Schmelzer and Wilson said they hope to host a two-day event next year since so many travel from so far.