Type XXI U-boat, Guppy, Whisky & Early Cold War Underwater
Summary:
With WW II over, US wanted hunter-killer subs, Soviets wanted subs that could cut Atlantic supply lines. Both adapted German Type XXI U-boat technology. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., on NSDM staff.
Description:
Start of Cold War: US & Soviet navies need to stake claims in their respective national security constructs. Soviets can't compete with West's navies symmetrically, made same decision the Germans had in both world wars: make a submarine force able to cut Atlantic supply lines. US submarine service recognized where Soviets were heading, evolved existing subs to an anti-submarine role. Both used the most technologically sophisticated sub in the world as a design template, the German Type XXI U-boat. Type XXI design requirements sprung from Battle for the North Atlantic, features attractive to Superpowers. Soviet Whisky class & its combat roll. US "GUPPY" adaptation of WW II Fleet boats to hunter-killers. Injections of Type XXI technology. Capt. Mark McDonagh, USN/ret., former submarine officer with 12 years' Naval War College experience, on the National Security Decision Making Game staff.
Use What You Know! Enhance Your D&D, Pathfinder, and TTRPGs Games With These 5 Movie Tricks
Summary:
Enhance your TTRPG games using age-old movie tricks to make your games awesome. These tricks will help both players and DMs alike!
Description:
It's surprising how infrequently people use well-known movie tricks and techniques in their D&D and Pathfinder games. Using some of the tips and tricks we'll go over in this talk will help make your gaming sessions more memorable and fun for everyone! The talk is given by Stephen Glicker from Roll For Combat along with any friends he manages to snag along with him for the discussion.
Writers discuss incorporation of story structure models across different types of speculative writing.
Description:
Story structures (or narrative structures) are frameworks that help us develop plots, characters, and worlds into satisfying narratives. While you may be familiar with some of them, there are many structures and storytelling traditions—some of them millennia old. Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss various story structure models, storytelling traditions, and different ways to incorporate them into your writing process, either for prose or game writing. Panelists: Jerry Gordon (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Dan Jolley, Cat Rambo, R.R. Virdi. Track: GCWS Writing.
Video game writers discuss the pros and cons of being a freelancer versus an employee.
Description:
Are you looking to make writing for video games a career, yet you're not sure whether you want the freedom and uncertainty of being a freelancer, or the stability and limitations of an employee? Both take dedicated preparation and energy just to get started, so which way should you go? Join our panel of expert game writers and narrative designers as they discuss the pros and cons of being a freelancer versus an employee, to help you consider what might be best for you. Panelists: Alexander Bevier (moderator), Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Jeremy Bernstein, Richard Dansky. Track: GCWS Game Narrative.
Do you want to hear about the real myths and how they have permeated our pop culture? Drop by for this presentation and Q&A.
Description:
Vikings have never been more popular! Andrew Valkauskas, author of the Illuminated Edda will bring the authentic myths to life. Dispelling some of the made-up elements by Marvel and others, you’ll get to hear the real tales as they inspired Lord of the Rings and much of our geek culture. Q&A will follow.
Journalist Linda Codega and a panel of experts (including Jim Butler and Ryan Dancey) break down what happened with the OGL 1.1 and the fan backlash around Wizards of the Coast.
Description:
From fan backlash to third party publishers, everyone had a reaction to the leaked OGL. This seminar will go over exactly what happened when, and why. It will focus on fandom, media response, and community movement, and dive a little bit into the history of the OGL, SRDs, and why the proposed January 2023 change was so hated. The group will also discuss how the backlash affected D&D--from books to movies to players' trust. Panelists currently include Ryan Dancey, one of the OGL 1.0's champions, Jim Butler, President and CEO of Paizo, and one of the original architects of the OGL, and Noah Downs, a lawyer who has extensive experience in the TTRPG industry.
We're In This Together: A Writing Community Discussion About Us
Summary:
Writers discuss the importance of reclaiming the community around us - as well as our role in it.
Description:
Whether you write solely for your own comfort, or whether you are a best-selling author, all of us are connected by common needs. Join our panel of writers as they discuss reclaiming our love of writing, our creative spark, and especially our connections - without toxic positivity. All the feels are welcome! Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Tracy Hickman, John Jennings, Sheree Renée Thomas. Track: GCWS Writing.
Welcome to the Jianghu: An Introduction to Chinese Fantasy Drama
Summary:
Cultural context can help you more fully enjoy Chinese cinema! We’ll cover the history of the wuxia & xianxia genres, Confucianism, censorship, fantasy tropes, Daoism, forms of address, recs, & more.
Description:
More than half the world’s TV dramas are produced in China, with some titles achieving international mainstream popularity. Don’t miss out on this global phenomenon! This overview of the wuxia and xianxia genres will give you the necessary background and cultural context to enjoy these hit films and TV shows to the fullest. We’ll cover topics from Confucianism to censorship, from fantasy tropes to forms of address–and throw in some of our recommendations as well!
Writers and publishers discuss different types of indie publishing - and what might be best for you.
Description:
From small presses to publishing services to full self-publishing, every indie author seeks help on some level. Join our panel of expert writers and publishers as they discuss which options are helpful for which writers - and how to avoid exploitation and scams. When should an indie writer open your wallet and when should you snatch it away? This panel will attempt to untangle the many, many, many paths to indie publishing in 2023. Panelists: Mary Fan (moderator), Richard Lee Byers, Chris A. Jackson, Dan Jolley. Track: GCWS Career.