Dragonlance authors and game designers Tracy & Laura Hickman present radical player techniques which one designer of Third Edition D&D said threatened gaming itself! Learn both player and gamemaster techniques designed to put fun and adventure back in your games (and drive bad DMs and players wild) in this riotous seminar.
Thrice upon a time, there was a world that was three worlds! Join Dragonlance co-creators Tracy and Laura Hickman in an exciting exploration of their fantastic series, including previews of their upcoming 'Mystic Empire'. Experience maps, histories and tales revealed nowhere else! Includes an open Q&A.
So you want to look the part--where do you start? From researching the look, to putting it all together on a limited budget, this workshop will help you with designing your costume. Bring your costume ideas and questions.
So you want to look the part--where do you start? From researching the look, to putting it all together on a limited budget, this workshop will help you with designing your costume. Bring your costume ideas and questions.
Have you designed a richly detailed fantasy setting for your game or story, only to have a gaping hole show up the first time a character needs to eat? What do you serve at a hero's feast? What does it take to cook that? This seminar describes the cooking equipment, techniques and ingredients in England between the 13th and 17th centuries; lists resources for further research; and discusses ways to adapt medieval cooking to fit a fantasy world.
A DM's perspective on what elements make good character back stories. Jason O'Brien, a DM with over 20 years of DM'ing experience, will show players how to make it easier for their DM's to weave the story & help DM's find commonality in their players' stories. This group-oriented brainstorming session is a must for both new and experienced DM's and players. Attendees are invited to bring their own back stories to this session for input.
Learn from the experts how to craft data files for Army Builder 3. This seminar assumes familiarity with writing AB data files and focuses on how to leverage the power and flexibility of AB3. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and specific "how to" questions.
This seminar will go over the basics of writing data files for Army Builder 3, including useful tips and strategies for breaking the process into manageable steps. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops.
What does it take to make money publishing your own d20 system material? The Game Mechanics provide an outline for starting up your own gaming business.
Writing for Dragon Magazine w/ Erik Mona and Jason Bulmahn
Description:
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a professional game designer or seeing your work published in the gaming industry's oldest and most prestigious professional magazine? This seminar provides you with everything you need to know to get published in Dragon. Talk with Dragon Editor-in-Chief Erik Mona and Associate Editor Jason Bulmahn about the magazine's writing guidelines and how to break into the industry.
Got a great idea for a D&D adventure? Want to get published in Dungeon magazine? Stop by for a chat with the staff of the official D&D adventure magazine to learn everything you need to know about getting published! The magazine's staff will go over Dungeon's writing guidelines and share stories from the front lines that you can use to enhance your manuscript's chances.
Join the creators of True Dungeon (tm) for a fun-filled meeting where all the secrets of this year's module are revealed. You can learn how your group stacks up against other teams, and have the chance to ask any questions. This is your chance to share your input on the next True Dungeon(tm) adventure. Free admission.
Chaosium is here and celebrating our 30th anniversary. Come hang out with us for an hour and find out how we've managed to survive for 30 years despite some pretty hefty odds. We'll bring you up to speed on our plans for the future, let you know how to become a Chaosium contributor, and field your questions to the best of our ability. We're friendly folks. Come and meet us. You can also volunteer for our Cthulhu rally here. The water is free.
It just wouldn't be Gen Con is there wasn't a huge Cthulhu Rally with Chaosium. This year, we'll also be celebrating Chaosium's 30th Anniversary. Please sign up for this event in advance, it's still free of course, but we need to know how many folks are coming. For more details on this event, closer to the event date, check out http://www.chaosium.com. Until then, we're keeping secrets. Mayhem and Insanity will be ours. Bring your noise!
Join D&D designers and developers for a round table discussion on the fine art of Dungeon Mastering the D&D game. Learn tricks, discover secrets, ask questions, and share your own experiences and techniques with group in an effort to make everyone a better DM.
In the twisted brain of Ed Greenwood, the Forgotten Realms world was born, and in the years since, he has given us tale after tale of high adventure and fantasy. Please join us while we show him how much we love him and his work...with a Roast. Members of the roast panel will include R.A. Salvatore, Elaine Cunningham, other Forgotten Realms authors, and members of the WotC publishing team.
The creators of Spycraft personally invite you to this open forum, which will feature a sneak peek into upcoming releases and exciting new game developments.
Join us at this interactive seminar where we honor those who shepherded the game for the first 10 years and discuss where we are going in the next 10 years. This Saturday, at 8:00 pm, AEG will be hosting an informal salute to the premier interactive storytelling CCG. Invited guests include luminaries from L5R's past and present. Entertainment will be provided and players will get a special sneak peek at the Lotus / Dark Lotus base set that will set the groundwork for the next story arc of Legend of the Five Rings.
This seminar is your chance to find out the official verdict on the Heroes of Rokugan campaign. The Emperor, Rob Hobart, will grant an audience with all the loyal players of the campaign.
Learn the secrets to achieving victory in skirmish play from members of Wizards' R&D staff, including tips for building awesome war-bands, special tactics, and ways to dominate the battlefield in tournaments and home games. Also, get a sneak peek at upcoming releases and have your questions answered.
RPG R&D is looking for talented, professional freelancers to help design and edit roleplaying game products. Come to this seminar and see what it takes to become a freelance designer or editor for Wizards of the Coast, Inc. The staff of Paizo Publishing will also be present to talk about how to get published in Dragon Magazine and Dungeon Magazine.
Discover what the future holds for the exciting world of Eberron! Join Keith Baker and members of the RPG R&D and Book Publishing staff as they talk about current and upcoming game products and novels. Bring your questions about the campaign setting and be prepared to pitch ideas for future products!
Seventeen years ago, R.A. Salvatore emerged as a major voice in fantasy literature. Since then his signature character, Drizzt Do'Urden, has become the beloved companion of millions of readers. Bob's latest Drizzt novel, The Two Swords, debuted at number four on The New York Times best-sellers list. This year, his new novel Promise of the Witch-King will hit stores in October. Come see what surprises he has in store!
Join Ed Greenwood and members of the RPG R&D and Book Publishing staff as they contemplate the past, present, and future of the Forgotten Realms. Learn about current and upcoming game products and novels. Here's your chance to ask questions about the campaign setting or pitch ideas for future products.
Our hobby needs you-to bring more players into the game! Discuss fun and exciting teaching techniques with Wizards' R&D staff, including using the D&D Basic Game and Dungeons & Dragons For Dummies to bring new players up to speed quickly and painlessly. D&D is fun-let's share it with the world!
Informal discussion on what is involved with running that first game. Hints, suggestions, and no-no's. All ages, all experience levels welcome. Join the fun!
Explore the interaction of GM and RP gamers. Presentation of roleplaying styles, discussion of GM's that encourage role playing. All experience levels welcome.
This seminar will cover several areas of metagaming in RPGs. Topics include: the use of email and discussion boards, artwork, music, and such campaign contriubtions as character diaries and NPC creation. For each topic, examples will be presented from actual campaigns followed by a discussion about how to implement each activity into new and current campaigns, and the effects of each of these activities in a campaign. GM's and Players welcome.
The Battle of Berlin Campaign is over and its now time to wrap things up and discuss what happened. This is the time to do your out briefing and listen to a possible speaker on the subject. Awards will be passed out and honors confirmed.
The New Planescape Campaign Setting: Q&A Session with the Planewalker.com Staff
Description:
Join the staff of Planewalker.com, the premiere Planescape Fan Site, to discuss everyone's favorite planar campaign setting. This session will look at what updates we have made, our future plans, and what you can do to help. Bring your ideas and your questions - because the planes need them both! More information at: http://www.planewalker.com/community/gencon.php
Hilarious, interactive Knights of the Dinner Table Live Reading where members of the audience read character lines from past KoDT comic strips! Chance to win prizes!
For more than five months designers Mike Mearls and Monte Cook have been offering you peeks into their new variant player's handbook Iron Heroes in the Design Diary at montecook.com. Now the book is here and they're doing it live! Join Mike and Monte for a presentation about the new rulebook that defines heroic action fantasy, and come armed with your questions. Prizes!
Meet the minds behind the Sword & Sorcery Studios, the best publisher of independent d20 material. Representatives from Necromancer Games, Malhavoc Press join the teams behind DragonMech, World of Warcraft RPG and Ravenloft.
Join designers Monte Cook and Mike Mearls as they answer your questions about Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, Ruins of Intrigue, Transcendence, the miniatures line, and more. You can be sure they'll drop some hints about what lies ahead for this popular variant player's handbook. Prizes!
We all want to tell the most entertaining, the moodiest, and the most memorable stories we can. Learn tips and tricks from the game developers and master Storytellers to get the most out of your WoD. Door prizes and Q & A session.
The Game Mechanics share design tips they've picked up through the years. Learn about brainstorming, outlining, formatting, showing your math, and how to provide a proper turn-over. While supplies last, the Mechanics will also have CDs will of useful design tools (RTFs and PDFs).
Playtesting is an important part of game design, but how can the playtesters and designers make the most of the process? The Game Mechanics share tips they've picked up from their decades of combined industry experience.
Do your maps convey a sense of history? Do your maps look nice? Do they need to? A presentation on map design -- accuracy, aesthetics, logistics, locations, and place name generation.
Do your maps convey a sense of history? Do your maps look nice? Do they need to? A presentation on map design -- accuracy, aesthetics, logistics, locations, and place name generation.
Do your maps convey a sense of history? Do your maps look nice? Do they need to? A presentation on map design -- accuracy, aesthetics, logistics, locations, and place name generation.
Do your maps convey a sense of history? Do your maps look nice? Do they need to? A presentation on map design -- accuracy, aesthetics, logistics, locations, and place name generation.
Come join us for a non-denominational worship service sponsored by the Christian Gamers Guild. We'll read scripture, sing familiar hymns, hear a sermon, and offer an optional communion. Stick around afterwards to meet fellow Christians and learn more about the CGG organization.
Is your adventuring party on the ropes? Are you tired of replacing your rogue every other adventure? Join D&D designers and developers as they discuss ways to make your adventuring party more effective in play, from special tactics to new rules designed to promote teamwork.
War of the Spider Queen Forgotten Realms Author Panel
Description:
Featuring: R.A. Salvatore, Richard Lee Byers, Thomas Reid, Richard Baker, Lisa Smedman, Phil Athans, & Paul Kemp.
The New York Times best-selling series R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen came to a dramatic conclusion this year with Book VI, Resurrection. Now, all the authors and R.A. Salvatore are together on a panel to discuss the successful series and answer your questions.
Here's your chance to be a co-author with Ed Greenwood! Join the creator of the Forgotten Realms and bring your best - or worst - ideas for a short story. This always hilarious two hours will result in a Forgotten Realms tale that will be posted on the Wizards of the Coast website!
Join members of Wizards' R&D staff to discuss current and future D&D game products. See what's planned for the coming year in D&D RPGs and Miniatures, and come prepared to ask questions and share your ideas.
Star Wars Miniatures Seminar: Revenge of the Sith and Beyond
Description:
Learn the secrets to achieving galactic victory from members of Wizard's R&D staff, including tips for building killer squads, special tactics, and ways to dominate the field of battle in tournaments and home games. Also, get a sneak peek at upcoming Star Wars releases and have your questions answered.
Dr. Daniel Strode examines the many facets of addictive behavior. A great seminar for writers, storytellers, gamers and LARP'ers, and the curious. A question and answer session follows if time permits.
Gen Con sees the launch of the Fifth Edition of Greg Stafford's Pendragon. Meet the folks behind the new edition and join the knights of Camelot. Prizes.
Dr. Daniel Strode discusses psychological disorders during this seminar for the curious, writers, storytellers, and LARP'ers. A question and answer session follows, if time permits.
Join 3rd Edition codesigner Monte Cook and the staff of Malhavoc Press to talk about the company's new releases, including The Book of Roguish Luck by Wolfgang Baur and Iron Heroes by Mike Mearls. Q & A also will cover Monte Cook's Arcana Evolved, the d20 industry, PDF publishing, and Monte's latest secret project. If you visit the message boards at montecook.com, don't miss this annual get-together!
Learn the secrets of Modern Sorcery from the masters of the genre, as White Wolf unveils the secrets of Mage: The Awakening, the third game in the World of Darkness series. Meet the designers and see what's coming next for Mage. Door prizes!
The Future of Dungeon and Dragon Magazines w/ Erik Mona, James Jacobs & Jason Bulmahn
Description:
Join Editor-in-Chief Erik Mona for a discussion of the official Dungeons & Dragons magazines and get the inside scoop on what's coming in the future. Learn about upcoming posters and premiums, special issues, cross-magazine events, and the all new Age of Worms Adventure Path. We'll also give an overview of upcoming Dragon and Dungeon hardcover compilation products, and take your personal article requests.
Learn the classic MET system, discuss the setting, or bring your "Ever After" ticket to pick up your character before the game. Seminar intended for those playing in the "Ever After" LARP event.
Learn the classic MET system, discuss the setting, or bring your "Ever After" ticket to pick up your character before the game. Seminar intended for those playing in the "Ever After" LARP event.
Learn the classic MET system, discuss the setting, or bring your "Ever After" ticket to pick up your character before the game. Seminar intended for those playing in the "Ever After" LARP event.
Okay, let us have it. What did you like, and what didn't you like about Gen Con this year? Come tell the Gen Con staff directly what we did well and what our opportunities are for improving our shows in the future.
Mr. Ross Maker recounts how it felt to be in the first fantasy roleplaying campaign ever run. It was far beyond his boardgaming and tabel-top wargaming experience.
You may be outraged! You may be shocked! You may be bored spitless! Based on his own experience in expanding opportunities for women in the US Army and his life-long study of military history, Major Wesely will talk about the obstacles to acceptance of women as soldiers and where we may go from here.
You may be outraged! You may be shocked! You may be bored spitless! Based on his own experience in expanding opportunities for women in the US Army and his life-long study of military history, Major Wesely will talk about the obstacles to acceptance of women as soldiers and where we may go from here.
This SUPPRESSED WALT DISNEY MOVIE was one of the most influential films in American history. Major Wesely will show the movie and lead a discussion of its historical merits and flaws. Did it really cause us to lose the wars in Korea and Vietnam?
This SUPPRESSED WALT DISNEY MOVIE was one of the most influential films in American history. Major Wesely will show the movie and lead a discussion of its historical merits and flaws. Did it really cause us to lose the wars in Korea and Vietnam?
Before there was Dungeons and Dragons, there was Greyhawk. Before there was Greyhawk there was Blackmoor. Before there was Blackmoor, there was.....Braunstein? The game before the games before The Game...Major Wesely will tell you how he invented D & D (and how he did not). An excursion into the beginning of roleplaying games, with handouts so you can try it yourself.
Before there was Dungeons and Dragons, there was Greyhawk. Before there was Greyhawk there was Blackmoor. Before there was Blackmoor, there was.....Braunstein? The game before the games before The Game...Major Wesely will tell you how he invented D & D (and how he did not). An excursion into the beginning of roleplaying games, with handouts so you can try it yourself.
Rich Burlew answers most* questions about his hit gaming webcomic, The Order of the Stick, and discusses the future for the comic and his other project, RPGA's Five Foot Steps comic. (* Questions regarding Vaarsuvius' gender or the identity of the Thing in the Darkness will not be answered.)
Rich Burlew answers most* questions about his hit gaming webcomic, The Order of the Stick, and discusses the future for the comic and his other project, RPGA's Five Foot Steps comic. (* Questions regarding Vaarsuvius' gender or the identity of the Thing in the Darkness will not be answered.)
Want to know what's up with Classic BattleTech? Want to know when, and how, we're going to get to the Jihad? And what about BattleCorps and new fiction? Hear those answers and all about the latest products and plot developments that we have planned!
Spell & Magic Item Design with Sean K Reynolds Games
Description:
Come talk with Sean K Reynolds and Brian Cortijo of Sean K Reynolds Games about designing spells and magic items. We'll talk you through some of your thornier questions about this difficult part of d20 design, explaining smarter ways to make comparisons and balance decisions.
Attendees at this event will learn why today is a better time than ever before to get their games published, and will get tips from three published authors on many aspects of the business. Highlights will include step-by step information on self-publishing, from concept to distribution. Prospective authors will have the opportunity to ask questions and to seek personalized advice from the presenters on how to get their games into print.
Oxford Philosophy professor Nick Bostrom thinks that we are living in a simulation. Earlier, Rene Descartes thought that we could only be certain of one thing. Both are wrong. Or are they?
Oxford Philosophy professor Nick Bostrom thinks that we are living in a simulation. Earlier, Rene Descartes thought that we could only be certain of one thing. Both are wrong. Or are they?
Do you need one? How do you get one? Getting an agent, let alone a good one, isn?t an easy task. When should you get an agent, and how you should go about it are among the topics our panelists tackle. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Tim Waggoner, Elizabeth Vaughan
Sometimes ideas are the proverbial dime a dozen, and sometimes they?re nowhere to be found. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing and how you can use brainstorming to overcome ?writer?s block.? Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Donald Bingle, Kerrie Hughes, Chris Pierson, Linda Baker, Elizabeth Vaughan
Collaborating on Fiction: Are Two Heads Better Than One?
Description:
Collaborating on a short story or novel can be one of the most rewarding and creative projects?but it can also be the most frustrating as well. Join our panelists as they discuss the pros and perils of working together, from hammering out plots and characters to handling . . . um . . . creative differences. Panelists: John Helfers, Kerrie Hughes, Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe
An ugly young horse as a gallant hero, a kobold as a tragic sidekick, a spider becoming fast friends with a pig (remember Charlotte?s Web?), and dragons as the most fierce and cunning foes. Major characters in fantasy worlds don?t have to be humans or dwarves or elves. You can stretch your imaginations and give critters some starring roles. Our panelists discuss how to add depth and personality to creatures in your fiction. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Linda Baker, Chris Pierson
Attention to the little things ? the brand of tea, the smell of the fall woods, the shape of the blaze on a pony?s head ? can make a very big impression on your editor and your readers. Learn how to include the right amount of detail without turning your prose purple. Panelists: John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Linda Baker, Kerrie Hughes
Examine the requirements and distinctions between the various genres?science-fiction, fantasy, horror, military and romance. And discover ?slipstreams,? blending genres in your writing. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Donald Bingle, Tim Waggoner, John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Linda Baker
Hook 'Em: How to write a query, outline and synopsis that will grab an editor's attention
Description:
Fight your way to the top of the slush pile by knocking aside the competition. Put together an eye-catching package. A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Linda Baker, Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner
Jervis Johnson is the head os Specialist Games with Games Workshop in the UK. His first game design was Blood Bowl released in 1987. Since that time, Jervis has had over a dozen games published by Games Workshop with his most recent being Epic: Armageddon in 2004. Take a moment to come hear Jervis discuss the future of the eight games the Specialist Games supports and have an opportunity to ask questions afterwards.
Romance in Fantasy Literature: What's Old, What's New, and How to Handle it in Today's Market
Description:
Romantic fantasy is among the hottest subgenres in publishing right now, with many houses rushing to launch their own romance and even erotic lines. Learn how authors and editors in the field treat the various types of romantic fantasy fiction, from the chaste love affair to the naughty erotic romp. Panelists: Linda Baker, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Kerrie Hughes, John Helfers, Donald Bingle
So you?re writing a book . . . or have just finished that precious first draft. Can you sell it? Our panelists relate how they sold their first novel and offer advice on marketing your first manuscript and how to start churning on the next one. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Donald Bingle, Tim Waggoner, Linda Baker
While there are dozens of rules to follow, as well as many, many, many to avoid, we've boiled down the most essential maxims.?Be prepared for vigorous debate.?A handout will be provided. Panelists: Jean Rabe, John Helfers, Chris Pierson, Kerrie Hughes, Tim Waggoner
Come ask questions of our panel of renowned sculpting professionals, including Sandra Garrity, as they discuss how they got started, how they deal with miniatures companies, and how they market themselves.
Come ask questions of our panel of renowned painting professionals, including Anne Foerster, Marike Reimer and Jennifer Haley, as they discuss how they got started, how they deal with clients, how they market themselves, and how to take advantage of various Internet technologies, including Ebay.
Mr. Robert Bledsaw has several of his works being sold in downloadable format. He'll tell you all about short run publishing, covering royalties, putting up a website, selling your manuscript direct through a merchant account, contract arrangements with e publising firms, protecting your rights and what to watch for, how to get noticed, and everything else you need to know about self-publishing.
Arneson and Bledsaw Revist the Early Days of Roleplaying
Description:
Dave Arneson and Robert Bledsaw will tell how Dungeons and Dragons grew in popularity, how they began designing D & D adventures, how others were hired to help speed up new adventures, how they tested them, and problems they found and solved.
Mr. Robert Bledsaw has several of his works being sold in downloadable format. He'll tell you all about short run publishing, covering royalties, putting up a website, selling your manuscript direct through a merchant account, contract arrangements with e publising firms, protecting your rights and what to watch for, how to get noticed, and everything else you need to know about self-publishing.
Colonel Louis Zocchi tells everything you need to know to succeed in the game business. He covers copyrights, patents, trademarks, costs, royalties, pricing, profit margins, discounts, timing releases, agents, and getting others to publish your design.
Starting Your Own Game Company and $elling Your Game
Description:
Colonel Louis Zocchi tells you how to get your games published and how to start your own game company, along with how to advertise, find distributors, and handle mark-ups and discounts.
Colonel Louis Zocchi tells everything you need to know to succeed in the game business. He covers copyrights, patents, trademarks, costs, royalties, pricing, profit margins, discounts, timing releases, agents, and getting others to publish your design.
Mr. Ross Maker explains that prior to the seven weeks' war, there were two major German powers. After it ended, Austria was on the outside looking in. Count Bismark's triumph will be explained from both the historical and gaming perspectives.
Teen Gaming Centers: Why we need them and your support
Description:
The Game Loft was founded seven years ago as a community focused around teens and gaming. Our panel will include staff and teens speaking about what this place means to them. We all know how great gaming is, thats why were here, now lets show the rest of the world. We need these for the future of our hobby and the future of our world. Gaming can make a difference. Lets bring our sites together.