009 RPG Convention Game Prep

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RPG Convention game prep: goals of the game, what should players bring, pacing and more.

Episode 9 Show Outline

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Random Encounter

Email from Nick A.

Comments from Chad K.

Topics of Discussion – Convention Game Prep

  1. Game Master
    1. Game system
      1. known system
      2. unknown system
      3. Knowing rules
    2. Prepublished vs homebrew
    3. Props – handouts, maps, minis
    4. Pacing
      1. 2, 4, 6 hour game slot
    5. Goals of game
      1. entertainment
      2. production
  2. Player
    1. Stuff you should bring
      1. Set of dice
      2. pencil
      3. scratch paper
    2. Play what you know vs something new?

Die Roll – 2-4 misc points we want to bring up at end of cast. Should be short and sweet, could be a plug, something to check out, etc. Limited time to spout off.

Brett

  1. Awesome time at Gamehole
  2. Took my sons to the rifle range today

Sean

  1. Tech sandbox – 3D terrain using a Kinect sensor http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/touchscreen-landscapes.html
  2. Eraseable gaming paper kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gamingpaper/gaming-paper-erasable?ref=watched_project_launched

008 Fresh Blood Into RPG Hobby

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We talk about getting new people into the tabletop rpg hobby. Be careful of turning-off new players – killing pc’s, ruling with iron fist, and more.

Episode 8 Show Outline

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VOTE DAMMIT! <psa>

Topics of Discussion – New Gamers

  • How we got started in RPGs
  • The pitch – what to say to someone to get them interested in rpgs
  • Mentoring vs Picking it up on your own w/friends
  • Kids
    • Our/Brett’s kids
    • Caution – language, material,
    • Maturity/age level
  • What would be a good roleplaying intro game?
    • Mechanics – Realise few prospective/new players will read the rules or understand them fully if they do read them.
    • Story – find out what they new player(s) are interested in; ask questions
    • Length of time/duration
    • RPG starter sets
  • Turn-offs or things to be careful about
    • Simple is best – complexity can come later (if at all)
    • Bad experience at table
      • killing characters
      • ruling with iron fist
      • Everyone else gets to do more
      • feeling like they’re a bother when they need help
  • Sucking them in
    • High adventure
    • Coolness – define
    • Make sure the new players have plenty of spotlight time
  • Offer challenge to community!

Die Roll 

Brett

  1. My encounter with a pack of wolves while bow hunting in the UP
  2. I’ve got Gamhole Con locked in!
  3. Everest Game club event from last weekend
  4. I’m way too old for this shit…

Sean

  1. Halloween games
  2. Ghostbusters actual play podcast: http://nerdyshow.com/ghostbusters/

Closing/outtro

 

007 Interview with Alex from Gamehole Con

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Brett is out for this one so Sean interviews the Director of  Gamehole Con, Alex Kammer.

Episode 7 Show Outline

While Brett spends time in the woods of northern Wisconsin Sean flies solo but not without the help of Alex Kammer, Director, of Gamehole Con.

Topic of Discussion – Alex Kammer of Gamehole Con

Our first interview, we talk to Alex about his collection of roleplaying games and rpg material, Gamehole Con and what it means to put on a convention. We also put Alex through our first iteration of Skill Check!

Skill Check

Player or GM?

  • Screen or no screen
  • Modules or original content
  • Game balance or no game balance
  • Favorite genre to run