New to the VIG program? Didn't have time to read all the newsletters? Come join us for an informal orientation session so that you can make the most of your VIG package. VIG and VIG Companion only!
New to the VIG program? Didn't have time to read all the newsletters? Come join us for an informal orientation session so that you can make the most of your VIG package. VIG and VIG Companion only!
Join Pathfinder Society Regional Coordinators and experienced GMs as they explore the many facets of judging scenarios for Pathfinder Society Organized Play
Description:
Join Pathfinder Society Regional Coordinators and experienced GMs for an interactive workshop designed to make you a better Pathfinder Game Master! This introductory program focuses on improving GMing skills, handling challenges, and giving a great table experience. Part 1 includes four break-out sessions covering Roleplaying and Lore, Combat and Rules, Running the Game, and Advanced Topics.
A crash course on writing fundamentals—from the proper use of point of view to the conundrum of commas. It’s a great introduction for new writers and an excellent refresher for old pros.
Description:
A crash course on writing fundamentals! In this interactive Q & A session we cover the basics of good writing—from the proper use of point of view to the conundrum posed by commas. It’s a great introduction to the fundamentals of writing for new writers and an excellent refresher for old pros.
An overview of the state of publishing today. Want to know what genres are going to be hot? Do short stories still sell? We cover these questions and much more in our 2012 Market Update!
Description:
An overview of the state of publishing today. Want to know what genres are going to be hot? Wondering if short stories still sell? Worried that the eight-volume fantasy epic you wrote isn’t what publishers are looking for? We cover all of these questions and much more in our 2012 Market Update!
A panel of independent game designers are here to help! Hear about the major schools of rpg design. Learn some GM techniques from indie designers. Discover new games that match your interests!
Description:
This seminar is here to help you learn about the philosophical underpinnings of traditional games, Story Games and the Old School Renaissance. Our goal is to provide context about different types of games so that people can explore a variety of different games. We will share some handy techniques and tricks, either invented or discovered by independent designers, that you can use in your games. Indie games tend to be a hotbed of innovation and we want to help you take advantage. We will be happy to play matchmaker, finding just the game that would meet your particular interests. What sorts of things do you want to see in play? We can help you expand that to include things you didn't even think of, and then try to hook you up with games that do that.
Introduction to LARPing (Live-Action Role-Playing)
Summary:
We dispel the myths, discuss the different types of LARP, and explain what to expect. Q&A follows. The panelists are presenting the "Carnival Arcane" LARP this year, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
Description:
New to LARPing? Aren't sure if you should try it, or even what "it" is? Have you been avoiding LARPs because you think it's all either vampires or madmen with foam weapons? We will dispel the myths, discuss the very different events that all use the name LARP (from plot-driven to boffer combat), and explain what to expect at a LARP. So bring any questions you may have, and leave ready to take your gaming to the next level! The panelists have over 60 years of combined LARP experience writing, running, and playing, and this year we are presenting the "Carnival Arcane" LARP, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
Why in 897 was a Pope’s corpse disinterred, dressed in Papal regalia, put on trial, “executed” only to put on trial yet again a few years later and how did all this lead to the First Crusade?
Bring your writing to life with vivid descriptions that capture the imaginations of your readers. Learn when to provide two pages of rich detail and when to limit it to two lines.
Description:
Bring your writing to life with vivid descriptions that capture the imaginations of your readers. Learn when to provide two pages of rich detail and when to limit it to two lines. Discover techniques that let you stay succinct by drawing on what your reader knows, without leaving holes in your descriptions.
Creating dynamic characters can be the difference between a manuscript that sells and one that languishes on your hard drive. Join our panelists as they share methods for penning amazing characters.
Description:
Creating multi-dimensional, dynamic characters can be the difference between a manuscript that sells and one that languishes on your hard drive. How do you create vivid, living, breathing characters that engage and intrigue your readers? Join our panelists as they share their methods for penning amazing, interesting characters.
Join us for a discussion on what makes for a truly good RPG experience and what differentiates a good game from a truly great one. All opinions and questions welcome!
Description:
You've sat behind the screen before. You've run your players through adventure after adventure. Once you've learned the rules, what comes next for a truly good game master? Plot, character, and setting are vital, but what about often overlooked parts of the equation? What exactly is the social contract between players and game master? How is spontaneous improvisation managed? Who really controls the flow of the gaming table? Come delve into what makes a good rpg and what turns a good GM into a great one.
From talking rats to green-skinned monsters, discover ways to make your inhuman characters resonate with the reader without making your creature characters any less monstrous!
Description:
From talking rats to green-skinned monsters, discover ways to make your inhuman characters resonate with the reader. Our panelists discuss how to make the reader care about your monster without making it any less monstrous, explore ways to make inhuman heroes more than just people with fur, and reveal tricks for getting the reader to root for your creature characters.
Invitation to the Ball: A History of Ballroom Dance and Culture
Summary:
The masquerade ball is a classic trope of film and fantasy. Learn the culture and find out what makes a waltz Viennese, how to behave when the Duke asks you to dance, and why a vampires love tango.
Description:
The masquerade ball is a classic trope not only of gaming but of fantasy and adventure literature in general. Come learn what actually happens at a ball, the history of the dances, and the culture surrounding dance. Understand what makes a waltz “Viennese,” how you should behave when the Duke asks you to dance, and why a vampire would tango, and maybe even polka, but never samba. This seminar will inform you on the history of ballroom dance and include a discussion about how to apply it in your games.
Join Paizo Campaign Coordinator Mike Brock and Pathfinder Society Developer Mark Moreland as they discuss all aspects of the largest Pathfinder campaign of all time.
Description:
Want to learn how to get involved in the fastest-growing organized play campaign in the world, with games running at conventions, game stores, and homes in every state and all over the planet? Already an active Pathfinder Society player with questions about the campaign? Join Paizo Campaign Coordinator Mike Brock and Pathfinder Society Developer Mark Moreland as they discuss all aspects of the largest Pathfinder campaign of all time.
A tale written as if told by your hero has a very different feel from one told by a narrator. Learn when to use different points of view and explore techniques that will help you to use them properly.
Description:
A tale written as if told by your hero has a very different feel from one told by a narrator. Choosing the right point of view can make or break your story. Our panelists discuss when to use different points of view and explore techniques that will help you to use them properly.
PFS GM 101 Workshop (Part 2): Practice Makes Perfect
Summary:
Join Pathfinder Society Regional Coordinators and experienced GMs as they explore the many facets of judging scenarios for Pathfinder Society Organized Play
Description:
Pathfinder Society Regional Coordinators and experienced GMs lead a hands-on workshop designed to make you a better Pathfinder Game Master! Part 2 of this program introduces the Deck of Many Situations, a tool to help GMs focus on improving their improvisational technique while applying the lessons learned in Part 1. Participants draw cards with difficult GMing situations, and have a brief period to resolve the situation before time is called. Our expert GMs offer advice and techniques based on observation of your GMing style tailored to help you sharpen your skills and improve your expertise.
Russia 1812 -The Battle of Maloyaroslavets: Beating the Retreat: A "What If" 200th Anniversary
Summary:
Napoleon's Army leaving burning Moscow ruins confronted & turned back by Russians. Rich with battlefield photos, discusses history with potential & historical implications had things gone another way.
Digital Gaming in D&D has never been bigger! Members of the D&D Digital Team, Cryptic Studios and others come together to discuss the past, present and future of D&D Video Games.
Setting the proper mood for your story is vital, but it requires finesse. Our panelists divulge how to use language, structure, and setting to create the perfect mood for your tale.
Description:
Setting the proper mood for your story is vital, but it requires finesse. Our panelists divulge how to use language, structure, and setting to create the perfect mood for your tale. Plus, get tips on how to maintain the mood without losing your literary voice.
Authors must often tell stories from the perspective of characters that aren’t anything like them. Learn to write convincing characters whose backgrounds are completely different from your own.
Description:
Authors must often tell stories from the perspective of characters that aren’t anything like them. In this panel, learn techniques that let you dip into the psyches of characters whose background is completely different from your own and to do it in a way that is convincing to your reader.
Advice for newbies in the field from those who have been around the block. Common misconceptions on how the industry works, & how to avoid the biggest mistakes when sending in submissions & proposals.
Description:
If you're a new writer, editor or game designer this panel is for you!
How can your favorite novels & video games improve your tabletop campaign? Does gaming enhance your enjoyment of novels? Our Industry panelists discuss the role of story across games & fiction.
Admit it: Sometimes the fun of a game is not playing the game--it's building the world! RPG designers sit down and talk about how to make your world sharper, more exciting, and 10 pounds lighter.
Learn to create distinctive voices for your characters that still feel natural to the reader, and explore the art of writing convincing conversation.
Description:
Capturing a character’s voice can make the difference between a character the reader believes in and one that just doesn’t ring true. Learn to create distinctive voices for your characters that feel natural to the reader, and explore the art of writing convincing conversation.
Attending Conventions With Your Baby/Toddler/Child
Summary:
Join other convention moms as we discuss the best tips, tricks, and gear to help you and your children enjoy conventions together.
Description:
Join marimacc, the host of VikingBaby.net, and mother of the original VikingBaby, and other convention moms, as we discuss the best tips, tricks, and gear to help you and your children get the most out of attending conventions. Marimacc has attended hundreds of conventions, and nearly a dozen with her baby, and has some great do's and don'ts to help you attend conventions. A must attend for anyone with a new baby, or who will have a new baby at next year's Gen Con. You CAN bring a child AND have fun at a convention!
Meet with some of the industry's leading designers in an open forum. Learn tricks of the trade, how they got their big breaks. Questions are encouraged.
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!
Keeper, Dungeon Master, Game Master…there are many names for the job. Thinking about taking the reins at your game table? This seminar focuses on the issues and concerns common among new Game Masters.
Description:
We'll talk about what works and what doesn't. We'll talk about common traps to avoid, but most important, we'll get right to the heart of why its great to GM a game, and how you can have a blast doing it. The GM's Workshop series is always interactive. The seminar wall between presenter and participants is torn down as we explore these topics together. With the speaker acting as moderator and guide through the topics, you are sure to learn, laugh, participate, and have a great time.
Introduction to LARPing (Live-Action Role-Playing)
Summary:
We dispel the myths, discuss the different types of LARP, and explain what to expect. Q&A follows. The panelists are presenting the "Carnival Arcane" LARP this year, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
Description:
New to LARPing? Aren't sure if you should try it, or even what "it" is? Have you been avoiding LARPs because you think it's all either vampires or madmen with foam weapons? We will dispel the myths, discuss the very different events that all use the name LARP (from plot-driven to boffer combat), and explain what to expect at a LARP. So bring any questions you may have, and leave ready to take your gaming to the next level! The panelists have over 60 years of combined LARP experience writing, running, and playing, and this year we are presenting the "Carnival Arcane" LARP, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
Do you write for the love of language? Is your favorite author one whose prose borders on poetry? Learn to use language to captivate your readers while avoiding the dreaded “purple prose.”
Description:
Do you read or write for the love of language? Is your favorite author one whose prose borders on poetry? Learn to use language to captivate your readers while avoiding the dreaded “purple prose.”
Get expert advice on creating perfect plots! Design plots that keep your story moving and your readers racing eagerly to the next page. Plus, learn how to properly present your plot in an outline.
Description:
Get expert advice on creating perfect plots! Our panelists walk you through the process of designing plots that keep your story moving and your readers racing eagerly to the next page. Plus, learn how to present your plot in an outline that will capture the interest of an agent or editor.
How to use conventions to get your foot-in-the-door, rather than sticking your foot in your mouth! Avoid common face-to-face mistakes when working to build a career in the gaming industry.
Beyond Child's Play - Raising Money for Charity with Gaming Events
Summary:
Gamers are as generous & have raised thousands of dollars for worthy causes. Learn how you can use your gaming skills to help a cause. Talk will include: successes, new projects & how to get involved.
Join the team of the next Dungeons & Dragons as they discuss designing the system’s core rules and classes, the playtesting process, and the challenges unifying the editions of D&D. Followed by Q&A.
Bored with store-bought adventures? Want to write better adventures quickly? Learn some of the techniques that RPG freelancers use when writing or prepping for a game! Practical advice any GM can use.
Description:
Learn some of the techniques RPG freelancers use when they are writing professionally--and when they are just prepping for Friday's game! Practical advice any GM can use.
Join Dragon Pro Studios for a Q&A and brainstorming session for the 4e Combat Manager, Monster Designer, and any potential utilities for other systems.
Learn about Protospiel, the Game Designer's Convention. Whether you're a game industry pro or a first-time designer, our panel will share tips about these weekends of intense game design creativity.
Join James Jacobs, Rob McCreary, & Adam Daigle as they reveal 2013's Adventure Paths, take your questions about past Adventure Paths, and share details on the brand-new campaign, the Shattered Star!
Description:
With the release of the Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path Anniversary Edition this summer, Paizo celebrates five years of Adventure Paths. Join Pathfinder Creative Director James Jacobs and developers Rob McCreary and Adam Daigle as they reveal 2013's Adventure Paths, take your questions about past Adventure Paths, and share details on the brand-new campaign, the Shattered Star!
Being funny is serious business! When should you inject humor into your manuscript? And how do you do it effectively? Our panelists teach you how to tickle your readers’ funny bones.
Description:
Being funny is serious business! When should you inject humor into your manuscript? And how do you do it effectively? Our panelists teach you how to tickle your readers’ funny bones.
From structuring stories to fit into a compact package to methods for plunging readers straight into the heart of your tale, learn tricks of the trade that will make you a short story master!
Description:
Learn to write amazing short fiction! From tips for structuring stories so they fit into a compact package to methods for plunging readers straight into the heart of your tale, our panelists offer tricks of the trade that will make you a short story master!
This one-hour seminar will feature a presentation by hardcore True Dungeon veterans (DDA) who will outline different aspects of how True Dungeon works. This is a great seminar for players new to TD.
Description:
This one-hour seminar will feature a presentation by hardcore True Dungeon veterans (Dungeon Dwellers Anonymous) who will outline different aspects of how True Dungeon works. This is a great seminar for players new to TD -- or for people just interested in seeing what TD is all about.
Making Room For Daughters: The Bechdel Test In Gaming
Summary:
Women are an ever increasing segment of the gaming population—not merely the stereotypical roles. Forget damsels in distress—we’ll discuss you how to make your games welcoming for women of all ages.
Being a GM is more than just knowing the rules or following advice. It's part art, part science and part voodoo. Come and join your fellow GM's for a seminar on our trade.
Description:
We will discuss what makes games good, bad, or great. Part seminar, part group therapy, part workshop, and all interactive, the GM's Workshop is sure to give you something to think about, talk about, and work on. The GM's Workshop series is always interactive. The seminar wall between presenter and participants is torn down as we explore these topics together. With the speaker acting as moderator and guide through the topics, you are sure to learn, laugh, participate, and have a great time.
Game designer Monte Cook's got a whole new project in the works. Be among the first to find out the details. Plus, feel free to get him to sign your stuff, ask questions, or just stop by to chat.
Learn to craft terrifying tales that leave your readers hiding under the covers. We’ll discuss tried-and-true techniques that will let you turn out triumphant tales of terror!
Description:
Learn to craft terrifying tales that leave your readers hiding under the covers. In this panel, we discuss tried-and-true techniques that will let you turn out triumphant tales of terror. Whether you’re looking to probe the dark depths of the human psyche or send a chainsaw wielding maniac after your protagonist, our panelists tell you how to do it!
Want to publish your own tabletop RPG? This panel goes beyond Kickstarter, we'll talk about everything from motivation to finish the game to how to source printers.
Description:
Publishing your own game used to mean shelling out thousands of dollars for a huge print run and art, and still risk never earning your money back. Not any more. This panel goes beyond Kickstarter, we'll talk about everything from motivation to finish the game to how to source printers.
Industry Insider Guests of Honor discuss the issues and pitfalls of working with someone else’s property and dealing with fan expectations of said property.
Join Ed Greenwood, the creator of the Forgotten Realms setting, and James Wyatt for a rollicking group storytelling experience that will leave you dizzy with laughter.
Join Alex Flagg and Patrick Kapera for this no-holds barred, town hall-style roundtable on all things Crafty, including the forthcoming Spycraft Third Edition and Ten Thousand Bullets.