The Valley of Voldor has been frozen and barren ever since the Great Ruby was stolen by a scheming apprentice wizard. Seek the ruby in a dangerous dungeon, and restore light to the land!
Description:
In the days of old, the Valley Of Voldor was lush and fertile, thanks to the magic of the Great Ruby. Sadly, a young wizard with a lust for power stole the ruby, and cast Voldor into cold and darkness. The few folk who remain do not have the coin to tempt any great heroes to their aid, so they have placed their hopes upon you and your companions, a group of would-be adventurers. A fifth edition adventure for level 1 characters. I will bring plenty of pre-gens but you can bring a level 1 character if you prefer. (You can use anything published by WOTC for your level 1 character, save for guns and sci fi stuff.) If you do bring your own character, be prepared for some high-speed leveling because you will hit levels 2 and 3 during the course of the adventure. The pre-gens are pre-leveled.
The Rifle on the Mantle: Worldbuilding and Potential Energy
Summary:
Writers discuss the nuances of tying introduced elements of interest back into a story - or when to let them be.
Description:
Worldbuilding detail by its nature contains some level of potential energy. Does a rifle on the wall mean it must later be used, per the Chekov's Gun principle? Or does it tell you a lot about someone who would hang a rifle on their wall, whether it's fired or not? Join our panel of expert worldbuilders and writers as they discuss the concepts of when worldbuilding sets up questions that will need to be answered, when it doesn't need to, and how you play with reader experience and expectations in a way that pays off. Panelists: E.D.E. Bell (moderator), Katherine Monasterio, Latoya Peterson, Erin Roberts, Gregory A. Wilson. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Join StartPlaying and other professional Game Masters as we chat around their experiences and why professional dungeon masters are essential to the growth of TTRPGs.
Description:
The session will begin with a brief overview of the TTRPG landscape and the emergence of professional GMs, and we'll then delve into the challenges facing the TTRPG industry, including accessibility and gatekeeping, scheduling and commitment issues, and the steep learning curve for new players. Focusing on the vital role of professional GMs, we'll discuss how they enhance the quality of gameplay, introduce players to new game systems and experiences, and cater to diverse playstyles and preferences. We'll also explore how professional GMs help new players overcome initial barriers and contribute to the growth of the TTRPG community by building inclusive and welcoming environments, encouraging new players to join the hobby, and fostering long-lasting connections between players.
The Road to Terraforming Mars and International Publishing
Summary:
Enoch Fryxelius tells the story of how a very small family business from a very big family suddenly turned into an international publishing house with the success of Terraforming Mars. Time for Q&A.
2 COOKIES ENTER! 1 COOKIE LEAVES! Our take no prisoners free-for-all event! Race for the exit, but really smash your competitors into cookie crumbles!
Description:
Smirk & Dagger's annual cookie-smashing event is back for 2023! One of the loudest, most frantic, backstabby events at Gen Con. Each year, dozens of players take their places at the tables, ready for a battle royale that shows no mercy. Limbs are ripped off, heads are smashed and cookies are sacrificed as all tables take part in the wild and raucous shouted rituals of the game. Come prepared to have a blast!
A surprising call from the Prince, a task that could prove of crucial impact on the future of kindred life in Chicago.
Description:
You've been summoned to O'Tolley's restaurant to meet with Damien, Sheriff of Chicago. It seems the Prince has orders, and the matter is urgent. Your coterie knows better than to resist such a request. And so the adventure begins...
A surprising call from the Prince, a task that could prove of crucial impact on the future of kindred life in Chicago.
Description:
You've been summoned to O'Tolley's restaurant to meet with Damien, Sheriff of Chicago. It seems the Prince has orders, and the matter is urgent. Your coterie knows better than to resist such a request. And so the adventure begins...