Dead-end plots, lengthy combat, obnoxious gamers—no matter the system, we Game Masters have a lot of the same issues. In this give-and-take forum, we discuss common GM issues, problems, and even how to handle “that guy”. Experienced GMs from a variety of backgrounds help lead an open, frank discussion. Part support group, part idea mill, all awesome! You’re guaranteed to leave with some new ideas for how to make your Game Mastery even better!
2012: Writing About Prophecies & the End of the World
Description:
The Mayan Calendar is said to stop at the year 2012. Let's hope they got it wrong. Our panelists expect to be selling their books and stories well beyond that date. Still, it is an intriguing topic, and one that makes great fodder for fiction. What is so fascinating about doom-and-gloom prophecies? How can you use them in your own storytelling by giving them a new and exciting slant?
Join the hosts of the Award winning podcast Brilliant Gameologists and learn words that will bring out the worst emotions in your gaming group and will counter the real message- either names you could call players (Munchkin, Powergamer, Drama Queen, Rules Lawyer, Meta-gamer) or whining to your GM (It’s not fair! It’s not realistic! You are railroading us!). Learn alternatives to name calling that are just as fun and clarify the real problems.
Introduction seminar to White Wolf's classic World of Darkness. Storytellers from Darkness Remembered 3-day LARP event 'A Chance at Paradise' will go over rules of the game for new players as well as answer questions. Come join this open forum with the staff of Darkness Remembered and be prepared to embrace paradise!
Introduction seminar to White Wolf's classic World of Darkness. Storytellers from Darkness Remembered 3-day LARP event 'A Chance at Paradise' will go over rules of the game for new players as well as answer questions. Come join this open forum with the staff of Darkness Remembered and be prepared to embrace paradise!
Introduction seminar to White Wolf's classic World of Darkness. Storytellers from Darkness Remembered 3-day LARP event 'A Chance at Paradise' will go over rules of the game for new players as well as answer questions. Come join this open forum with the staff of Darkness Remembered and be prepared to embrace paradise!
We always learn the history of the Mediterranean from the Greek and Roman points of view. Learn the same events, but from a Carthaginian point of view and even an introduction into the Carthaginian political system.
Salon: An 18th Century term meaning “A periodic gathering of people of social or intellectual distinction.” Gameology: The study of games and the people who play them. The Brilliant Gameologists: An award winning podcast about games and the people who play them. Come join us for a facilitated, interactive discussion about Gaming, the Gaming Hobistry and some nerd-erific jargon-tastic fun.
A World of Adventure: Paizo's Pathfinder Fiction Line
Description:
Pathfinder Fiction is here! Join New York Times bestseller Elaine Cunningham, fan-favorite author Dave Gross, Paizo Publisher Erik Mona, and Paizo Fiction Editor James Sutter as they discuss Paizo's first two Pathfinder Fiction novels, Winter Witch and Prince of Wolves.
Acupuncture - An Implausible Premise Lacking Evidence
Description:
Learn about the origins, the methods, and the tools used by acupuncturists, and explore the connections between eastern medicine and humourism, an abandoned Greco-Roman form of ancient medicine. Examine the scientific evidence proving that acupuncture is nothing more than an elaborate placebo with absolutely no plausible basis in reality. Finally, get an up close look at some of the paraphernalia used by a former acupuncture student.
Join Paizo Publisher Erik Mona, Developer Sean K Reynolds, Creative Director James Jacobs, and Managing Editor F. Wesley Schneider as they discuss Paizo's Pathfinder brand of Adventure Paths, Modules, Chronicles, Companions, and more.
While Band of Brothers gets lots of attention for the Airborne boys, what do you know about the guys who even the paratroopers (and Walter Cronkite) thought were crazy? Hear about World War II Glider Operations, emphasizing the Allies in 1944, and a discussion of why the Glider Troops disappeared after World War II and why that may or may not have been the right decision.
Prepare for a journey into the past as we look at archaeology good and bad. We'll go over some brief basic concepts and then delve into the wild world of pseudoarchaeology, Atlantis, Ancient Astronauts, Bigfoot, and Pyramids. Can you dig it? (I know, that was bad, but I couldn't resist.)
How long should you spend on a short story? A novel? How can you set schedules, work with a calendar, and attain goals of so many words-per-day? Learn how to cope with unexpected crises, short rewrite deadlines, and heavy criticism. Develop the skills necessary to write no matter what else is going on around you.
Is your hero always sober? Does your villain have a drinking problem? When is it appropriate to use alcohol in literature to set a scene, advance the plot, or add some color to your characters? Our panelists look at drinking ... and not just the intoxicating stuff. We’ll delve into medieval drinks and futuristic concoctions and discuss reference material to sate your characters’ thirsts and wet your readers’ whistles.
Break the Chain: E-mail Forwards & Introductory Critical Thinking
Description:
For most people, e-mail forwards are a source of either minor annoyance or entertainment, but there are those who pass them on. The chain letter that began in the days of snail mail has branched out to text messages and Facebook posts, but it remains a great way to learn the basics of critical thinking. Going from the obnoxious to the offensive to the outright despicable, we'll be taking a look at why 'FWD' are three very evil letters.
Gen Con is the perfect spot to troll for freelance work in the RPG industry. Our veteran RPG authors provide tips for landing assignments, market suggetions, and how you can make your manuscript catch a game company's attention.
Vampires, ghosts, and zombies, oh my! Breathe life--so to speak--into your undead characters. Discover what rules apply and what should be ignored when writing about the undead.