So, you're a VIG, what does that mean once you get to the Con? Come learn all the details about the Lounge, buying tickets, and exclusive events. VIG and VIG Companion only.
So, you're a VIG, what does that mean once you get to the Con? Come learn all the details about the Lounge, buying tickets, and exclusive events. VIG and VIG Companion only.
So, you're a VIG, what does that mean once you get to the Con? Come learn all the details about the Lounge, buying tickets, and exclusive events. VIG and VIG Companion only.
Join PFS Venture-Officers and veteran GMs as they explore the many facets of judging scenarios for Pathfinder Society Organized Play utilizing break-out sessions and the Deck of Many Situations.
Description:
Join Pathfinder Society Regional Coordinators and experienced GMs for an interactive workshop designed to make you a better Pathfinder Society Game Master. This introductory program focuses on improving GMing skills, handling challenges, and giving a great table experience. PFS GM 101 includes four break-out sessions covering Roleplaying and Lore, Combat and Rules, Running the Game, and Advanced Topics. The second half will include GMs leading a humorously instructive game that challenges its players to handle tough GMing situations based on real, in-game dilemmas. Participants will have the opportunity to play the parts of both the GM and the troublesome players. Judges will offer feedback for each round, giving everyone the opportunity to learn.
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 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.
Same old, same old caves in your RPGs? Join a GM/geologist to tour a variety of real cavern layouts, passage types, formations, unusual terrain, vertical features, and tricky subterranean conditions.
Description:
This session is for GMs, game designers, and writers (any genre) wanting to level up their cave adventure settings. Let’s get past overly artificial RPG caves that are basically rough-walled dungeons with fewer traps! Drawing on the worldwide diversity of cavern systems - and lots of images from real caves – we’ll add variety, realism, challenge, and drama to your cave encounters and adventures.
Introduction to LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)
Summary:
We dispel the myths, discuss the different types of events that all use the name LARP, and explain what to expect. Q&A session follows. The panelists are presenting two different LARPS this year.
Description:
New to LARPing? Aren't sure if you should try it? Aren't even sure what "it" is? We will dispel the myths, discuss the very different types of events that all use the name LARP (from plot-driven to boffer combat), and explain what to expect. So bring any questions you may have, and get 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 "Conspiracy of Ravens" and "Carnival Arcane" LARPs, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
GM Workshop: Maintaining Drama in the Face of Relentless Dice Rolling
Summary:
Dice towers at the table - in the middle of the big scene! Why is no one interested?. Let's explore what makes people care about RPG stories and how to get your table as excited about it as you are.
Description:
We've all been there. It's a climactic moment in an epic story - or at least we thought it was. What went wrong? Where did the players excitement and interest go? This session of the GMs Workshop digs into ways of keeping everyone, player and GM alike enthusiastic and in the moment during game time.
Join experienced RPG industry professionals John Dunn, Jason Marker, and Ross Watson as they discuss the current and future industry standards of professional behavior.
Come join a discussion in which the presenter explores how playing different RPG systems, including many 'independent' systems can contribute to a better command of GMing and better gaming in general.
Description:
Cortex+, FATE, Dungeon World, Fiasco, and other smaller press and Indie games have been making a lot of buzz in the hobby the past few years. Having played and GMed many of them has contributed to a new insight into my own GMing style and skills. Let's spend an hour discussing what be learned by widening your horizons, and how you can bring the many pieces together to make for better gaming.
Beaches and sea cliffs hide surprises - so do other, more unusual coastal scenes for stories and RPG encounters! View some remarkable sites and discuss gameplay factors with a GM/geologist.
Description:
This session is for GMs, game designers, and writers (any genre). Touring key sites for encounters at land’s edge, we’ll explore interesting terrain and natural shoreline processes that heroes and villains alike ignore at their peril. Tombolos, sea stacks, karren, baymouth bars, and other weird features.
Pathfinder 101 is your introduction to the Pathfinder RPG. Learn the backstory of Golarion, its iconic characters, and how you can become legendary in a worldwide campaign.
Description:
Whether you’ve never played a tabletop roleplaying game in your life, or you’re a veteran dice-roller looking for something fresh, Pathfinder 101 is your introduction to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the ever-growing world around it. Learn the backstory of Golarion, its iconic characters, and how you can become legendary in a worldwide campaign. Panelists: Adam Daigle, Liz Courts, James L. Sutter, John Compton
Fighting your Inner-Demons: Gamers Dealing with Depression
Summary:
Depression and anxiety strikes many gamer lives. Join a panel of designers and freelancers who deal with mental illness. We’ll share stories about taking back control of our lives. You aren’t alone.
How to collect art for your self published or small press endeavour without breaking the bank. How to talk to artists, the inside track on their habits and crazy ways.
Ever wonder what Archaeologists really do in the first place? Or what Cult Science is? Come find out with your friendly neighborhood Archaeologist. We'll examine this & much more!
New to Dungeon World? Come learn how to play and run the Golden Geek 2012 Game of the Year - Dungeon World - A Game with Modern Rules & Old-School Style.
Description:
Based on the revolutionary Apocalypse World game engine created by Vincent Baker, Dungeon World takes the story driven game style of AW and brings it to fantasy adventures in lost dungeons and ancient kingdoms. Easy to learn, fun to play - Dungeon World is an award winning RPG blending the old a new schools of thought into a game that is stirring up the gaming world. Come find out what it is all about, learn to play and GM the game, and have a good time while 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.
In-depth seminar: join author Maxwell Alexander Drake as he “shows” you some tricks to a more immersive writing style.
Description:
Ever wonder how the really good books suck a reader in and hold their attention page after page. It's not the characters, nor the plot of the book. It is the way in which the author writes that separates their story from the pack. Join award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake as he presents his class "Don't Tell Your Story, Show It!" During this class, you will gain insight into how to put your story together in a compelling way that will have your readers turning page after page to see what happens next. Download the handout for this class from www.maxwellalexanderdrake.com and bring it with you as they will not be provided.
Managing your community is now a crucial part of everyone's life. Our guests share their insights on dealing with trolls, Goons, the easily offended, rockstars and evangelists.
Veteran GM Dr. Rich Staats describes two methods for designing worlds for gaming or fiction. He provides tips and tricks that are of value to both first time and experienced world creators.
This is a presentation/discussion about the role of computer and other digital devices around the gaming table, both as GM and player tools. We will touch on both their uses and potential drawbacks.
Take a close look at the Reign of Winter Adventure Path and preview the new AP debuting at Gen Con: The Wrath of the Righteous! We’ll also announce the NEXT AP!
Description:
The Adventure Path development team takes a close look at the Reign of Winter Adventure Path and previews the new campaign debuting at Gen Con: The Wrath of the Righteous! We’ll also announce the NEXT AP and answer your questions about Adventure Paths past, present, and future. Panelists: James Jacobs, Adam Daigle, Andrew Vallas
Are you new to True Dungeon? Are you a veteran fan? The Dungeon Delver's Anonymous members will present a game mechanics primer, and they will share how to enjoy your time in True Dungeon.
As a game goes through more than 1 edition, or even more than 1 printing, the rules evolve away from the originals. Our panel of industry pros talk about how to keep the rules changing for the better.
Shadowrun has been around over twenty years. How? A freelance writer/designer leads a discussion about Shadowrun's popularity and plain ol' awesomeness. Curious newcomers and long-time fans welcome!
Join Pathfinder Society Venture-Officers and veteran GMs as they explore the many facets of judging scenarios for PFS Organized Play. They pick up where GM 101 left off to explore 5 new areas.
Description:
Now that you know the basics of running a game, join the Pathfinder Society venture-officers as they examine the more delicate and complicated aspects of gamemastery: using subtlety to build atmosphere, adding extra depth to roleplaying encounters, making effective use of props, dealing with troublemakers, and building a positive roleplaying community. Participants will circulate between stations and practice what they learn with an updated Deck of Many Situations Panelists: John Compton
This presentation introduces concepts of Gamification and its use in our education system.
Description:
Gamification is the technique of using elements from classic and modern gaming to solve problems and learn in more exciting and complex ways. With the mechanics of gamification students are motivated to engage in desired behaviors by providing paths to mastery and autonomy in a way they have become accustomed through gaming technologies. This method takes advantage of humans' psychological predisposition to engage in gaming. By drawing techniques from table-top and modern video games parents and teachers might be able to take the “boring” out of learning!
Getting Started in the Industry: Freelancing and Self-Publishing
Summary:
One of the questions that gets asked a lot is how to get started in the industry. Our panel of Freelancers and self-publishers will take your questions and swap stories from their own perspective.
Description:
One of the questions that gets asked a lot is how to get started in the industry. Our panel of Freelancers and self-publishers will take your questions and swap stories from their own perspective. Wether its pitching your ideas to publishers, answering a call, or trying to decide between kickstarter or bootstrap production, we'll share our experience on getting our name in print. Prospective panelists include Brian A Liberge (Beer Star Games, Kobold Press, Raging Swan Productions), Tracy Hurley (Kobold Press, Wizards of the Coast), Matt James (Kobold Press, Paizo, Wizards of the Coast), Jerry LeNeave (Kobold Press, SVD Press, Obsidian Portal) and Phil Menard (Kobold Press, Margaret Weis Productions, Wizards of the Coast).
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!
Introduction to LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)
Summary:
We dispel the myths, discuss the different types of events that all use the name LARP, and explain what to expect. Q&A session follows. The panelists are presenting two different LARPS this year.
Description:
New to LARPing? Aren't sure if you should try it? Aren't even sure what "it" is? We will dispel the myths, discuss the very different types of events that all use the name LARP (from plot-driven to boffer combat), and explain what to expect. So bring any questions you may have, and get 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 "Conspiracy of Ravens" and "Carnival Arcane" LARPs, sponsored by Midnight Syndicate.
Games have been called "Voluntarily overcoming unnecessary obstacles." So why do we do it? Can we define games? Quantify fun? Come to this interactive session and let's see if we can do just that.