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.
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.
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.
A panel with Kenneth Hite, Robin D Laws and Simon Rogers on the GUMSHOE system, unravelling the mysteries of investigative gaming, tackling issues of railroading and demystifying the clue-driven RPG.
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.
Were you wondering why Iran does those things they do? Where is the line between rhetoric and reality? This panel discussion explores Iranian behavior, motivations, and options in world affairs.
Magic isn’t just fiction—it’s been a vital part of the human experience since the dawn of history. Learn how to use real-world traditions to create richer, more believable magic in your stories.
Description:
Magic isn’t just fiction. It’s been a vital part of the human experience since the dawn of history. Our panelists discuss the role magic has played throughout history, how magic is viewed in our world today, and how you can apply these ideas to create richer, more believable magic in your stories. They also look at when realism helps and when you’re better off just letting your character throw a fireball.
How much does armor weigh? How fast can a horse run? How far can a longbow shoot? And why is it important to know these things? Our panelists show you how to add a dose of realism to your fantasy.
Description:
How much does armor really weigh? How fast can a horse run? How far can a longbow shoot? And why is it important to know these things? Make your writing feel “real” even when you’re penning a fantasy story. Believable fiction has a measure of fact. Our panelists show you how to add a dose of realism.