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