Agent-Gamer Productions invites you to join Austrian film grads Klaus Grünfeld and Maynard Gills for their limited screening of âHygiene and Youâ. The graduating film luminaries will be making their first American appearance to follow up their award winning film with a presentation and Q&A session. Lets give them a big Gen Con welcome, donât miss it.
Every GM has to improvise at some point. Come learn a collection of tips and tricks to help you manage when the players do something unexpected. The Instant GM tools work so well, you might start planning less for your games. Author of Instant GM from the RPGnow Best Sellers list.
So you want to write. Whatâs the best way to go about it? How do you snag the time each day? What about deadlines, family, friends, free time, discipline, and the tools youâll need? Our panelists explore these topics and more to help you figure out the right approach to writing for you. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Elizabeth Vaughan, Donald Bingle, Anton Strout
Weâll discuss the books: fiction, non-fiction, and ones on the craft of writing, that every author should read. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Donald Bingle, Jean Rabe
Donât starve your main character. Donât force your villain to drink the wrong vintage of wine with his macaroni and cheese. Little details like food help make your fiction real and add depth to your characters. In fantasy and science fiction, it can also reveal important information about climate and culture. Panelists: Daniel Myers, Chris Pierson, Elizabeth Vaughan, Brad Beaulieu
And make them suffer and die, too. There is an art to portraying death and suffering that can add realism and emotion. Learn how to write about your characterâs imminent demise without crossing the line in the realms of morbid, gross, boring, and toomuchinformation. Panelists: Brad Beaulieu, Chris Pierson, Tim Waggoner, Steve Schend
A panel of two teams of 3 people will be given items to write a story about. Each member of the team will be given less than 2 minutes to write a story that will have to contain 3 specific items in it. Each subsequent writer will have to add to the story using an additional 3 items in the story line.
Join us for a discussion of what you can do as a player, GM, or gamer in general to ensure that your next session is awful! From showing up late to the game without your character sheet to railroading your players into situations that only a pet NPC can save them from, our presenters will cover it all followed by a Q&A session. Of course you could use this knowledge to learn what to avoid and how to improve your games, but what fun would that be?
Join the creators of Spycraft in this open seminar discussing all things Crafty. For the nitty-gritty on the premiere modern roleplaying game's newest releases and deepest mysteries, this is your ultimate destination!
Learn the basics of how to GM or refine your existing skills. Some of the topics to be discussed are campaign and scenario design, time management and dealing with problem players.
While every group may have a GM, not every group has a leader! Join this discussion to learn how you can take your game to the next level through proven leadership techniques. Weâll discuss the elements of leadership, common misconceptions, the difference between leadership and authority, and why good leaders arenât afraid to let go of the reins. The focus is on how leadership relates to gaming, but youâll learn tips that go beyond being a GM!
Learn from the best in fantasy and gaming art about getting started and making a career from your passion. Also, get a copy of Wreaking Havoc: How to Create Fantasy Warriors and Wicked Weapons signed by the authors. Panel features: William OâConnor (D&D 4th ed.), Jim Pavelec (WoTC, AEG), Chuck Lucaks (AEG, Magic the Gathering, D&D) and Chris Seaman (WoTC, AEG).
Independent Publishing: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly!
Description:
Considering various publishing paths? Join C.S. Marks for the perils, pitfalls and perks of 'going indie'! Topics include: --Why go indie? Is it an option for you? --What to expect: the 'up'side and the 'down'side. --The mechanics of 'going indie'. --Traps and Pitfalls: things we MUST avoid. --Marketing options: all writers need them! Everyone welcome, including published authors (indie or otherwise), aspiring authors...anyone wishing to learn or share.
Join us as we discuss many of the issues facing women in gaming today, including how our gaming styles differ from men, what roles we play within our gaming groups, issues of respect at the game table, and how to attract more women to gaming. The women convening this seminar have many years of combined knowledge in nearly every form of gaming and we want to hear from you. Be ready to participate in an active discussion. Bring your own topics!
Collegiate Association of Table Top Gamers: Introducing Ourselves to the Gaming Community
Description:
The Collegiate Association of Table Top Gamers wishes to introduce itself to the gaming community, recruit more college gaming clubs, and become acquainted with companies that would like to sponsor our philanthropic events. Come out to this seminar to learn about our organization, how we operate, and how easy it is to be a part. Question/Answer session will follow our presentation.
Join us for a panel discussion with Q&A time on balancing faith and gaming, gaming as a ministry, defending gaming from attacks, the use of evil and magic in games, and other topics on how to be both a Christian and a gamer. Learn about the Christian Gamers Guild at our website.
The Russian Navy - It's Still There, and Modernizing
Description:
Russian Seapower. Naval policies, doctrines. Industrial base, geographical situation, technological capability, national tradition, and political resolve. Procurement from foreign sources. Platforms and systems.
The Red Chinese Threat - Scarier This Year Than Last
Description:
What is the Politburo's policy with regard to its neighbors? What aggressive aspirations might they have in the longer term? How are the PLA, PLAN, and PLAAF armed today, and how might they be armed in the future?
DoD professionals with long experience in the field will discuss what motivates Islamic terrorism, what groups are involved, what governments support it, and what can be done in response.
Dieppe - "Too Big for a Raid, Too Small for an Invasion."
Description:
Of the 6,000 men involved, over 4,000 became casualties. Was it poor planning, bad luck or incompetence? Did politics, ambition or overconfidence lead to disaster on the beaches of France?
Online Components for Your Campaign - Blogs & Wikis
Description:
This is a seminar discussing how a GM can use free resources on the web to enrich his or her campaign. Specifically, I'll discuss and show examples of blogs and wikis being used in an ongoing game.
Come enjoy an open forum with the folks from Pinnacle Entertainment Group. Shane Hensley, creator of Deadlands and Savage Worlds, Pinnacleâs President Simon Lucas, and others will be on hand to talk about up-coming releases and to take questions from the crowd. And just like last year, Shane may even let slip a secret or two.
Do you love steampunk, clockworks, warforged, and the gritty adventures that go with it? Come talk to Wolfgang Baur, the designer of the Zobeck steampunk setting of Open Design, and meet patrons of the Open Design community. This event will also serve as the Open Design meetup, and an opportunity for patrons to discuss what they want from upcoming projects. Help shape the release schedule for Open Design in 2008 and 2009.
MHE Seminar - How to Become a Professional Miniature Sculptor
Description:
Our panel of renowned sculpting professionals answer all your questions and discuss how they started, how they deal with miniatures companies, and how they market themselves.
MHE Seminar - How to Become a Professional Miniature Painter
Description:
Our panel of renowned painting professionals answer your questions and discuss how they started, deal with clients, market themselves, and how they take advantage of various Internet technologies, including Ebay.
Join Sean Preston and Stacy Young of Reality Blurs as they discuss current and upcoming projects and riff on world building and approaches to game design.
Haunted Bed & Breakfasts in Indiana and around the country
Description:
Join us for a look at the best haunted bed & breakfasts in the country. Weâll discuss the stories and examine some of the evidence. Are some more hype then haunt? What are your chances of having a ghostly encounter there? Letâs find out!
An examination of the âprosâ in the world of reality TV ghost hunting and video. Letâs critique their performance as we watch everything from zany to serious video clips from their hit shows.
Electronic Voice Phenomina is a method of verbal communication with ghosts. Find out about EVP and how ghost hunters use it to find evidence. Many Indiana EVPs will be played and we'll review how these are gathered, analyzed and presented.
Started in 2002, the Indie RPG Awards recognize the drive and passion of independent roleplaying game designers and the year's best indie games. The presentation of the awards also includes a brief overview of what happened in indie roleplaying during 2007 and projections for the future.
Interested in submitting art or articles to the Kobold Quarterly RPG magazine? Come to this seminar, meet the editor, and learn who, what, when, where and how! Periodicals are a great way to break into the game design world, and Kobold Quarterly is the leading magazine for gamers.
The various types of submarines and their missions. Submarine and anti-submarine doctrine, platforms, sensors, weapons and tactics. Presented by a veteran submariner and an ASW coordinator.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Layout & Art
Description:
Matt and John talk about layout and art design for indie RPGs. Matt Snyder is the author of Dust Devils and Nine Worlds. John Harper is the author of Agon. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Production (HTML, PDF, POD, Print)
Description:
Luke and Fred talk about various forms of digital and analog production for indie RPGs. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Fred Hicks is the coauthor of Spirit of the Century, and the author of Don't Rest Your Head. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Marketing & Play
Description:
John and Judd talk about marketing small press RPGS. John Stavropolous is the VP of Digital Marketing at Nettwerk Media. Judd Karlman is the cohost of Sons of Kryos Podcast and the author of The Dictionary of Mu. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Money
Description:
Ralph and Fred talk about money handling and small press RPGs. Ralph Mazza is the coauthor of Universalis and the author of Blood Red Sands. Fred Hicks is the coauthor of Spirit of the Century and the author of Don't Rest Your Head. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
This event is the perfect opportunity to meet Skirmisher editors, authors, and artists, and to discuss what the company is doing now and what it has planned for the future. Subjects will include the company's Cthulhu Live 3rd Edition LARP, its d20 line, its self-standing books and games, and its miniatures rules based on the works of H.G. Wells. Previews and sample products provided to all attendees. Media and prospective contributors welcome.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Theory and Philosophy
Description:
Emily and Ron talk about the theory and philosophy behind small press games publishing. Ron Edwards is the author of Sorcerer, Trollbabe, Elfs and Spione. Emily Care-Boss is the author of Breaking the Ice and Shooting the Moon. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Design
Description:
Jared and Luke talk about small press game design. Jared Sorensen is the author of Inspectres, Lacuna Pt 1 and OctaNe. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Playtesting
Description:
Luke and Paul talk about the playtesting process for Indie game designers. Luke Crane is the author of Burning Wheel, Burning Empires and the Mouse Guard RPG. Paul Czege is the author of My Life with Master. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Writing
Description:
Vincent and Robin talk about writing an indie RPG. Vincent Baker is the author of Dogs in the Vineyard and In a Wicked Age. Robin Laws is a respected and prolific writer and game designer. His best-known work includes the role playing games Over the Edge, Feng Shui, Hero Wars, and Jack Vance's The Dying Earth Roleplaying Game. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course: Editing
Description:
Thor and Alexander talk about editing small press RPGs. Thor Olvasrud is the editor for Burning Wheel and Archaia Studios Press. Alexander Newman is a technical editor at Google. Each hour long panel is part of the day long seminar Small Press Game Design & Publishing Crash Course.
Small-press publishers offer new authors great opportunities. Smaller presses are enjoying a renaissance right now and are becoming stronger than ever. Come find out the advantages of working with a smaller press. Our panel includes a publisher, editor, and an author who has sold books to one of the smaller houses. Theyâll discuss how to submit and who is buying what. Panelists: John Helfers, Jonathan Rudder, Donald Bingle
Thereâs an old saying that âideas are a dime a dozen.â But sometimes you donât have the 10 cents you need to get a plot. Learn how to brainstorm ideas for fiction writing so your fingers fly across the keyboard and so you donât keep staring at a blank screen. Panelists: Jean Rabe, Chris Pierson, Anton Strout, Linda Baker, Donald Bingle
There is no one formula that will help you write a bestselling or award-winning novel. But key ingredients for plots and characters, no matter the genre, are goal, motivation, and conflict. Join our panelists as they discuss how they incorporate these elements into their writing to make their fiction exciting and real. Panelists: Chris Pierson, RIchard Lee Byers, Anton Strout, Linda Baker, John Helfers
Tarot is said to be a window to the soul and the journey of The Fool. But have you ever thought that using Tarot cards or an oracle could aid your writing? You can use this method to help you get past a touch of writerâs block, to resolve problem points in your plot, to flesh out your characters, even to plot an entire book. Bring your Tarot or your oracle to the seminar to share, or just listen in as our panelists give ideas and tips for drawing
You write on the weekends, during your lunch hour, or in the evenings. Maybe you even take a few days of vacation to jump start a book. How do you set aside the time? How can you make deadlines while sticking with your 9 to 5? Our panelists, novelists all, have regular âday jobs.â Theyâll share their tips and inspire you to not give up. Panelists: Elizabeth Vaughan, Chris Pierson, Donald Bingle, Kelly Swails
Making the Leap (From Talented Amateur to Publishing Professional)
Description:
What does a writer who's on the verge of writing professional level prose need to do to make that final leap? When do you know youâve crossed the line to become a professional writer? When should you think about quitting the day job? Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Jean Rabe, Richard Lee Byers
Maybe you donât want to write a novel. Maybe youâve a burning idea for a short piece of fiction that youâd like to see in print. Or maybe you want to try your hand at a new genre, and a short story is the way to test your wings. Our panelists discuss the differences in approaching a short story vs. writing a novel and share market news on where you can send your tales. Panelists: John Helfers, Jonathan Rudder, Jean Rabe
Where do ideas come from in sculpting game manuscripts? Our authors share their tricks for coming up with plots and how to brainstorm to flesh out ideas into lengthy manuscripts. Theyâll also cover how to avoid over-used subjects and how to make your submissions innovative and fresh. Panelists: Jennifer Brozek, Luke Johnson
Ooops! The Worst Mistakes to Make with Game Writing
Description:
Our panelists speak from experience . . . on what not to do. This is a humorous and important look at things to avoid if you want to be a freelance or full-time game writer. Panelists: Donald Bingle, Jennifer Brozek, Luke Johnson
Bang, Bang, You're Dead! Fun Ways to Kill Characters in Your Game Manuscripts
Description:
Not all non-player characters, and maybe not all PCs, should live to see the end of your story. Our panelists discuss when itâs time to kill âem off and gleefully share ideas for helping the characters into the hereafter. Panelists: Marc Tassin, Jennifer Brozek, Luke Johnson
D&D characters have their "hard rations" and Tolkein's elves had "lembas", what are your characters going to eat while traveling? Find out about real traveling food in the middle ages: what foods kept well, what foods didn't, and what was the best way to keep meat from spoiling.
Are you a GM who hates when the system rules inhibit the story that your group is weaving together? Come learn about the Fudge RPG system, and how one GM uses it to keep the focus of his games on the characters and the events that unfold around them. Fudge uses adjectives instead of numbers, so you determine how a dice roll enhances the game instead of crunching numbers behind a GM's screen. Best of all, with Fudge you design the game yourself!
As a GM we've all been there. Your players do something completely unexpected that makes all of your prep work useless! What's a GM to do? Improvise! Learn how you can resurrect your adventure with a few quick behind the scenes adjustments and keep the action rolling at the gaming table. Plus learn one GM's secret: improvisation is always planned in advance. Once you learn these tips and tricks you'll never be stuck behind the GM's screen again!
Using Virtual Gaming Table Software to Play RPGs Online
Description:
The creators of the smash hit software Fantasy Grounds II offer their advice on running your favorite role playing game online over the Internet. Use of Fantasy Grounds and other VGT (virtual gaming table) programs will be covered. This seminar is open to all with an interest in this new wave of online gaming. A drawing for prizes to be held.
Fantasy Grounds II is the leader in customizable virtual gaming table software. This seminar will delve into the inner workings of Fantasy Grounds, detailing how to make said customizations, manipulating the internal XML code, and other tips and secrets surrounding software from the designers themselves. All welcome, programming skills helpful.
Tracy Hickman (Dragonlance author and game designer) and Curtis Hickman (Professional magician and game player) introduce 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 based on their upcoming book.
From the worlds between the pages of your favorite book... to adventures teetering on the edge of the dice... join Tracy and Laura Hickman on a voyage beyond imagination with special guests Margaret Weis and the designers of MWP. Meet them in person and get answers to your questions about their latest projects and then listen to a reading from a not-yet-published work... all recorded live to be podcast on the internet that same night!
The game of 21...Blackjack. You've heard of counting cards, now learn how to do it in this informal, very small group setting. Space will be limited to four people. Includes basic blackjack strategy.
D&D advice and tips for players and GM's alike. Learn how to roleplay like a seasoned veteran (or at the very least, a raving lunatic)! Novice and experienced players welcome. Come meet the SR crew (and some special guests!)
E-Publishing: Bringing RPGs to Market in the 21st Century
Description:
E-Publishing has helped many companies reach thousands of new customers, and it has made it possible for new, talented folks to enter the playground with wonderful new toys. Whether you're an established creator looking for ways to bring your product to market, or a new talent looking for a low-cost way to get your game out, DriveThru's panel of experts are more than happy to share their ideas and support. Come discover the future with us!
Informal discussion on what is involved with running that first game. Hints, suggestions and no-no's. All ages, all experince 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.
From the company that knows the most about adventure modules, this seminar expands on last year's standing-room only event. Come hear from Goodman Games' published adventure writers about tips and ideas to make your adventures better! This seminar is for active game masters as well as those who aspire to have their modules published.
Back for a fourth year (yes, really)! Itâs comedy. Itâs entertaining. Itâs... well, itâs just like the TV show we stole the idea from. 'Whoâs Run Is It Anyway?' letâs you take part in a live gaming session and get some revenge on those evil GMs that have tortured you in the past. You (yes, you) now have a chance to make the GMâs life miserable and laugh at their pain. For Mature Audiences.
Lead by Senior Developer, Ethan Skemp, a panel of White Wolf Staff and Freelancers host a Q&A for fans wanting suggestions about running games with our Product lines, along with providing suggestions on plot hooks and ways to add levels of excitement to your home game.
What can video games learn from board games, and vice versa? This lecture looks at good ideas from both sides of the tabletop/electronic divide, and points to areas where one industry has good ideas ripe for stealing. The presenter has worked on both sides of the divide, and loves all types of games - no exceptions.
God-like human beings in colorful costumes battle the forces of evil, with the whole world hanging in the balance! At heart, the super-hero genre is very straightforward in its approach, yet most of the time super-hero game systems get bogged down in math & complex mechanics & lose sight of the fun. Though you may not believe it, an RPG can recreate the thrills of your favorite comic book. This panel will tell you how.
Action! Drama! Excitement! These are the things that make for a memorable gaming session. Yet all too often games get bogged down in charts, range modifiers, & arguments over the rules. How can you recreate the thrill of a good movie without getting bogged down by all the details? Come & find out as we discuss tried-and-true techniques for successful cinematic gaming.
Is your GM a brutal tyrant whose only goal is to kill off as many PCs as possible? GM, are you tired of players who seemed determined to derail your every storyline? Maybe it's time we all started working together toward a common goal. Come and learn if this utopian vision of gaming is right for you.
Hang out with the award-winning staff of Kenzer and Company. See product previews, play in a trivia contest, have a Q&A about upcoming products, and just generally have a fun time!
This seminar is for newcomers to White Wolf's Classic World of Darkness Live Action role Playing game. Darkness Remembered Staff will go over the rules for White Wolf Classic World of Darkness 2nd edition. Items to be covered include Challanges, Traits, Abilities, Backgrounds, Simple interaction with other players and the 3 LARP "Commandments" (No touching without permission, no drinking or drug use, and no weapons or props of weapons)
Come ask the developer and writing staff from White Wolf all about the newest line in the World of Darkness, premiering at Gen Con! Learn about future releases for this product line and how it will affect Vampire, Mage, Werewolf and the other supernaturals.
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.
Lead by our Alternative Products guru, Eddy Webb, this panel of White Wolf Developers and Freelancers provide tips and tricks for getting your work noticed by White Wolf. An indepth explanation of the Storyteller Adventure System and how to submit your pitches will be included in this seminar!
Lead by our Alternative Products guru, Eddy Webb, this panel of White Wolf Developers and Freelancers provide tips and tricks for getting your work noticed by White Wolf. An indepth explanation of the Storyteller Adventure System and how to submit your pitches will be included in this seminar!
Whatâs the best way to present game material? In the style of old-school D&D where rules and color text are mixed together? Should you write all the color text âin character,â presenting the rules in a separate section? Topics include how to capture the feel of a setting, how to write entertaining and easy to understand rules, and how to you keep your rules from reading like an algebra equation. Panelists: Marc Tassin, Donald Bingle, Luke Johnson
Itâs a lot easier to write an adventure that goes from Point A to Point B to Point C, but it isnât necessarily more interesting or enjoyable. Our panelists will show you how to approach non-linear adventures and how to avoid confusing and overly-complicated manuscripts. Panelists: Donald Bingle, Marc Tassin, Luke Johnson, Steven Schend
Game designers must make sure that what they write reflects the realities of the game. Donât mention gear unless itâs in the equipment list. Donât write about magic the system doesnât support. Donât describe places that arenât on the map. We'll teach you how to color inside the lines to make your material better suited for the players and the companies for whom you write. Panelists: Steven Schend, Marc Tassin, Luke Johnson
Computer games demand a certain style of writing different from fiction or pencil and paper RPGs. Our panelists discuss the differences, the freelance markets, and offer suggestions on how to improve your online material. Panelists: Chris Pierson, Marc Tassin, Jennifer Brozek
Donât give your elves a love of woodworking if there are no rules or equipment to support their craft. Donât put a mountain range on the map simply to hold back the dark hordes. In short, create wonderful, exciting, and interesting creatures and features while giving them a reason for being in the game. Panelists: Marc Tassin, Luke Johnson, Jennifer Brozek
Hungry ghosts, hidden demons, and interactive nightmares come to us in books and movies from Japan. Weâll look at the history of the Japanese story vs. the American tale, including a discussion of Campbell, Kurosai, and how the genre can influence your writing. Panelists: Kerrie Hughes, John Helfers, Elizabeth Vaughan, Luke Johnson
Sit back, put your feet up, and prepare to be entertained by best-selling authors Elizabeth Vaughan and Chris Pierson as they read from some of their latest projects.
Why spend your lunch hour in a crowded restaurant when you can sit back, relax, and listen to the refreshing prose of Symposium authors Paul Genesse and Kelly Swails. Make it a picnic.
Letâs discover those things that go bump-in-the-night. Learn how to send shivers down the spines of your readers. You donât have to write in the horror genre to deliver a good scare. Panelists: Richard Lee Byers, Tim Waggoner, Donald Bingle, Jean Rabe
Political intrigue plays a role in many science fiction/fantasy tales. Our panelists suggest how to incorporate politics, how to foreshadow political events and conflicts, and how to make political intrigue as dynamic as any fight scene. Panelists: Tim Waggoner, Donald Bingle