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So this will be my first time at a convention. My hubby (Dreamweaver) just got me into gaming a year or so ago. I am very excited to come but am nervous about all of it. If any one can tell me what to expect or what to bring so that maybe I can "play with the big kids" that would be great. I have played on the boards but my actual "live" games have been limited to the hubby and I trying to play through 2 little girls helping us.
Thanks for any help!
You'll meet friendly people.
You'll meet nerdy, socially awkward people.
You'll meet people who are passive-aggressive about gaming.
You'll meet people you'll want to game with.
You'll meet people you WON'T want to game with.
You'll have the opportunity to meet people who work for Paizo. All of them fall into one or more of the above categories. ;)
You'll have the opportunity to game, and go to discussion panels with designers, editors, and authors.
There will be stuff you can buy.
It'll be crowded sometimes, and not crowded other times.
Expect to have fun. Expect to be tired from trying to fit too much fun into a short period of time.
Definitely try to get into a game, even if it's a pick-up game of people you just met.
Take breaks, relax, don't stress.
Here's my Gen Con tips article.
linky.
The first part is stuff specific to Gen Con in Milwaukee, thus isn't really relevant to PaizoCon. The "Sean's Rules For Gen Con" part and the "Sean's Things to Bring" part are still relevant, though.
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Here's my Gen Con tips article.
linky.The first part is stuff specific to Gen Con in Milwaukee, thus isn't really relevant to PaizoCon. The "Sean's Rules For Gen Con" part and the "Sean's Things to Bring" part are still relevant, though.
Thanks Sean your the best!
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Thanks also. This will be my first time and I was a bit curious. Lucky for me my thoughts have been summed up and answered above.
I am still trying to figure out how many characters I need to have ready and for what games as well as trying to figure out how to get signed up for the games that will be there. I heard something about signing up in May and was wondering if anyone knows the date for this as we will be in Mexico for a week and will be really bummed if we miss getting into games to do being on a cruise ship
At least you are not going to an Anime Convention! ~gives a wicked smile and then runs~
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At least you are not going to an Anime Convention! ~gives a wicked smile and then runs~
That was great!
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Thanks also. This will be my first time and I was a bit curious. Lucky for me my thoughts have been summed up and answered above.I am still trying to figure out how many characters I need to have ready and for what games as well as trying to figure out how to get signed up for the games that will be there. I heard something about signing up in May and was wondering if anyone knows the date for this as we will be in Mexico for a week and will be really bummed if we miss getting into games to do being on a cruise ship
If you can catch a spot, try to get in on Immora's Gnoll Queen adventure. It should be interesting and I know for a fact that she's patient with new gamers and loves the interesting ideas they can bring to the table. If you feel a bit self-conscious in a game, you can usually play a fighter of some sort. They tend to be more straight forward and require less prep and forethought. That said, many games will have characters provided, though pathfinder society games will require your own.
Ultimately, just relax and have fun with it and welcome to the hobby. I hope that paizocon will be a nice positive memory for you.
You'll meet friendly people.
The first part is stuff specific to Gen Con in Milwaukee, thus isn't really relevant to PaizoCon. The "Sean's Rules For Gen Con" part and the "Sean's Things to Bring" part are still relevant, though.
that was really fun to read, i am hoping on going to gen con for the first time in like 41 years this year. i will not be able to make it to paizocon though. not that i am a stinky gamer, i have been to cons were there were stinky gamers (my girlfriend refuses to go into our flgs becuase it smells like boys) but becuase i want to be prepared.
the buisness card tip is great, i think i will just make some up for the con. the "dont sign up for morning sessions if your not a morning person" tip is also good. i happen to be a morning person, and after 22 years in the army, 4 hours of sleep is usually sufficiant, but, 5 hours is better, 6 hours is overkill. but it is still good advice.
the play different games is also good advice, you never know when or where you are going to find you new favorite game.
Sean pretty much covered everything I was gonna say in his article, but to reiterate:
- Comfy shoes.
- Water Particularly for those that are running a game) - when you're speaking in your best BBEG voice, you don't want to squeak out your Ozymandian dialogue.
- A healthy snack - dried fruits and dry roasted almonds works great to tide you over until your next meal.
- The Essentials. Dice, Paper, Pencil/Writing Utensil of Choice. Even if you bring nothing else to the table, and you know zero about the game system you're about to play, this makes me happy as a GM. Why? I think it has something to do with the fact that you're ready to put as least as much effort as I have into the game.
- Relax. You're there to have FUN. Rock it out!
Something else I'll note, just because it needs to be said...you're going to meet people whose work you may (or may not) admire. Being a fan of something is great (heck, that's why you're going to PaizoCon, right?), but cornering somebody at 3am when they're trying to get into their hotel room to talk about whatever is NOT cool. Be courteous, ya know? ^_^
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Sean pretty much covered everything I was gonna say in his article, but to reiterate:
- Comfy shoes.
- Water Particularly for those that are running a game) - when you're speaking in your best BBEG voice, you don't want to squeak out your Ozymandian dialogue.
- A healthy snack - dried fruits and dry roasted almonds works great to tide you over until your next meal.
- The Essentials. Dice, Paper, Pencil/Writing Utensil of Choice. Even if you bring nothing else to the table, and you know zero about the game system you're about to play, this makes me happy as a GM. Why? I think it has something to do with the fact that you're ready to put as least as much effort as I have into the game.
- Relax. You're there to have FUN. Rock it out!
Something else I'll note, just because it needs to be said...you're going to meet people whose work you may (or may not) admire. Being a fan of something is great (heck, that's why you're going to PaizoCon, right?), but cornering somebody at 3am when they're trying to get into their hotel room to talk about whatever is NOT cool. Be courteous, ya know? ^_^
*makes a note to let them go at 2:59:59 AM
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Also I want to second something in Sean's Gen Con article.
Airborne, or anything else that boosts immune systems. Start a regimen a few days before going to a con. There is a long standing tradition, especially in larger cons to get sick a day or two after you get home, called Con-Funk. It's the viral influx from several different areas and tends to be quite nasty.
Also I want to second something in Sean's Gen Con article.
Airborne, or anything else that boosts immune systems. Start a regimen a few days before going to a con. There is a long standing tradition, especially in larger cons to get sick a day or two after you get home, called Con-Funk. It's the viral influx from several different areas and tends to be quite nasty.
Yes yes yes. EmergenC is also good - it's basically just a vitamin boost, but it is assuredly awesome.
Airborne, or anything else that boosts immune systems.
*muttermutter*Airborne*muttermutter*science*muttermutter*....
cornering somebody at 3am when they're trying to get into their hotel room to talk about whatever is NOT cool.
Well, unless you really WANT to get into their hotel room at 3:00am. Sean's single, everyone....
Well, unless you really WANT to get into their hotel room at 3:00am. Sean's single, everyone....
Sean also likes to be asleep long before 3am, so if your goal is to get into my hotel room, aim for midnight. And be cute. And female. :)
I feel so dirty. :/
My opinion of airborne aside (and seriously, everyone should read the wikipedia page about it), just take a good multi-vitamin with you, try to get plenty of rest while you're there (good luck!), and drink a lot of water. Con Crud is more often made worse by exhaustion and dehydration both of which make you more susceptible to the virus machine that is a con. Also, and this is probably the most important part, WASH YOUR HANDS. A LOT. Good hygiene goes a long way toward keeping you healthy in general and frequently ridding your hands of the Con Crud will make you healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Okay, in the interest of not starting a new con00b thread:
My forum-fu is probably just weak...but how does one get involved in the gaming at a convention? Just show up and look for an empty seat? Are there empty seats?
I wouldn't mind running something either - maybe non-D&D...like SW Saga or GURPS. Can you just say, "Hey, I'm running a game. Anyone want to sit in?" Should I bring Illuminati and hope someone wants to jump into a pick-up game?
I know all about attending trade shows and traveling and trying (usually without luck) to avoid illness - I just don't know jack about gaming conventions.
M
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Okay, in the interest of not starting a new con00b thread:
My forum-fu is probably just weak...but how does one get involved in the gaming at a convention? Just show up and look for an empty seat? Are there empty seats?
I wouldn't mind running something either - maybe non-D&D...like SW Saga or GURPS. Can you just say, "Hey, I'm running a game. Anyone want to sit in?" Should I bring Illuminati and hope someone wants to jump into a pick-up game?
I know all about attending trade shows and traveling and trying (usually without luck) to avoid illness - I just don't know jack about gaming conventions.
M
I think for this specifically they are going to have preregistration in may. Usually, you find a sheet that has open chairs and you sign your name or register online for games. There should be a list of what's going when and you make out your schedule. It's a good idea to find out what games you are most looking forward too as slots may go pretty quickly.
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I've never taken Airborne, or any other supplements, 4 1/2 days at Comic Con, never get ConCrud...
1. Wear Comfortable shoes!!! Fashion is lost on the Gamer crowd...
2. You're female, bring a baseball bat for self-defense =) Your hubby can only defend you from so many geeks... (some teen at a RenFaire was hitting on my wife with me standing next to her...and I'm like 5'8 muscular pirate looking guy)
3. Have fun!
My opinion of airborne aside (and seriously, everyone should read the wikipedia page about it), just take a good multi-vitamin with you, try to get plenty of rest while you're there (good luck!), and drink a lot of water. Con Crud is more often made worse by exhaustion and dehydration both of which make you more susceptible to the virus machine that is a con. Also, and this is probably the most important part, WASH YOUR HANDS. A LOT. Good hygiene goes a long way toward keeping you healthy in general and frequently ridding your hands of the Con Crud will make you healthy, wealthy, and wise.
This simple nugget of advice can't really be repeated enough, it's so basic yet apparently so hard for a lot of people to do (I often cringe when visiting men's restrooms and seeing how many just zip up and leave the room without washing their hands).
If you really want to bring something along, bring disinfectant wipes/sprays (over here you can get small pocket sprays, which are alcohol based I think) and use them if you haven't washed your hands in a while or have shaken a lot of hands (no need to pull one out after each handshake and demonstratively wipe your hands, though ;-)).And yes, eat healthy (fruit and veggies instead of chips and candy - save that for your home game), get enough rest and drink plenty of water.
Okay, in the interest of not starting a new con00b thread:
My forum-fu is probably just weak...but how does one get involved in the gaming at a convention? Just show up and look for an empty seat? Are there empty seats?
I wouldn't mind running something either - maybe non-D&D...like SW Saga or GURPS. Can you just say, "Hey, I'm running a game. Anyone want to sit in?" Should I bring Illuminati and hope someone wants to jump into a pick-up game?
I know all about attending trade shows and traveling and trying (usually without luck) to avoid illness - I just don't know jack about gaming conventions.
M
There will be Paizo-run and fan-run events announced in May for sign-ups. There will also be open gaming areas throughout the entire con where folks can show up and play whatever they like. I'd guess that half the show will be scripted and scheduled events and the other half will be open gaming and the like.
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My opinion of airborne aside (and seriously, everyone should read the wikipedia page about it), just take a good multi-vitamin with you, try to get plenty of rest while you're there (good luck!), and drink a lot of water. Con Crud is more often made worse by exhaustion and dehydration both of which make you more susceptible to the virus machine that is a con. Also, and this is probably the most important part, WASH YOUR HANDS. A LOT. Good hygiene goes a long way toward keeping you healthy in general and frequently ridding your hands of the Con Crud will make you healthy, wealthy, and wise.This simple nugget of advice can't really be repeated enough, it's so basic yet apparently so hard for a lot of people to do (I often cringe when visiting men's restrooms and seeing how many just zip up and leave the room without washing their hands).
If you really want to bring something along, bring disinfectant wipes/sprays (over here you can get small pocket sprays, which are alcohol based I think) and use them if you haven't washed your hands in a while or have shaken a lot of hands (no need to pull one out after each handshake and demonstratively wipe your hands, though ;-)).
And yes, eat healthy (fruit and veggies instead of chips and candy - save that for your home game), get enough rest and drink plenty of water.
ONLY alcohol based disinfectant!!!! not those anti-bacterial ones...or MERSA type bacteria and viruses will kill us all!!!! AAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH (course if we all die, the planet could recover heh.)
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I say we create a First Timer Convention Club, to flaunt our innocence.
Who's with me? We can create a banner to attract "our kind".
Zuxius
You know, there is a term for this:
Con Virgins
Just sayin.......
I would be all about hooking up with all the other virgins in the group. We could think of it as a paizocon game orgy. Maybe there would be a nice GM out there that would be willing to set up a simple yet fun game for all of us to get our bearings before we play with the "Sl*ts" of the gaming community.
lol. You'd better watch yourself...someone will take you literally.
M
Something else I'll note, just because it needs to be said...you're going to meet people whose work you may (or may not) admire. Being a fan of something is great (heck, that's why you're going to PaizoCon, right?), but cornering somebody at 3am when they're trying to get into their hotel room to talk about whatever is NOT cool. Be courteous, ya know? ^_^
Awww...
*strikes "Harass Cookiemistress" off the list...
At least you are not going to an Anime Convention! ~gives a wicked smile and then runs~
And you WON'T be meeting Sharoth, yay!
:P
Tip of the hat to Sean and others for the helpful advice. Some of the basics are things I do for trips out of town anyway, but the specific con-relevant material was enlightening. It feels weird having gamed for nearly three decades without having taken in a single convention, but that's the way it is.
So, for the less...unhygenic con-goers: would it be too over the top of me to bring a small bottle of Febreze with me, just to spritz down the stinky if they linger too close for too long? I could also follow it up with a friendly smile and say "Take the hint; you should have a functional shower in your hotel room. Use soap," if open communication would make the act more con-friendly. Perhaps the Paizo people could bring along some of the dice soaps to sell, so I'd have somewhere convenient to point them to if they're without any of their own.
Yes, I know; I'm an ass.
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I would be all about hooking up with all the other virgins in the group. We could think of it as a paizocon game orgy. Maybe there would be a nice GM out there that would be willing to set up a simple yet fun game for all of us to get our bearings before we play with the "Sl*ts" of the gaming community.I say we create a First Timer Convention Club, to flaunt our innocence.
Who's with me? We can create a banner to attract "our kind".
Zuxius
You know, there is a term for this:
Con Virgins
Just sayin.......
I like the sound of this!
Spraying chemicals on another person is probably considered assault under the law.
Saying, "would you step back? you really stink" is not. :)
Spraying chemicals on another person is probably considered assault under the law.
Saying, "would you step back? you really stink" is not. :)
Yeah, I know. I was being facetious. Still, the idea itself is funny.
As far as planning for a 'con, folks often forget the following:
* Healthy snacks, especially fruit (72 hours of junk food will drain you)
* Water (otherwise you'll drink waaaay too much soda and get dehydrated)
* Pens, pencils, and a sharpener.
If you want to play in a sold-out game, get there early and be the first one on the standby list.
Give yourself time to get signed in and registered when you first arrive at the 'con and allow time to wander around and learn where things are.
My forum-fu is probably just weak...but how does one get involved in the gaming at a convention? Just show up and look for an empty seat? Are there empty seats?
If you get shut out in pre-registering for events, the best advice is to be proactive - ask to sit down at a table and try something new. If you wander around waiting to be asked to play something, you'll be standing all day.
Thanks for the thread. This a first for me, and kinda on a whim. My wife and 15 month old are coming too, so this thread is exactly the kind of hand-holding I/we need to keep from freaking out!
My wife keeps bringing up the insult comic dog from Conan O'Brian's show; specifically the episode where it meets with the Star Wars fans in line for one of the movies.
In response I've tried to exacerbate her fears, and have even agreed to go to the premiere of the new Star Trek movie in costume with a die-hard-trekkie friend. Still, any advice on how to completely freak my wife out about this gamer convention will be much appreciated!
Well, I'm certainly no expert, but this will be my third Gencon, so I'm not a total n00b. Here is what I've learned:
* Drink lots of water, especially if you're running games. Normal GM volume will *not* suffice when running con games...
* Keep a slot (or two) open for exploring the dealer hall. If you if you don't have much money to spend, there are tons of demos and such. If you want to see the entire hall and take your time, at least 1/2 a day is a must. This is probably my favorite part of the con; it is just a giant room full of gamers and gaming products. Sweet!
* Get into a True Dungeon if you can; it is pretty fun. I've heard they're changing it up a bit this year, but in previous years the puzzle/combat track haven't been different enough to make it worth doing twice.
* Hygiene. Don't be "that guy." 'Nuff said.
Still, any advice on how to completely freak my wife out about this gamer convention will be much appreciated!
Just explain that the ratio of men to women will be at least two to one, and probably much worse, and that many of the males there will be so amazed by actually being near a woman that they'll be downright creepy. That should scare her... :)
Thanks for the thread. This a first for me, and kinda on a whim. My wife and 15 month old are coming too, so this thread is exactly the kind of hand-holding I/we need to keep from freaking out!
Good call on going to a smaller convention before one of the big ones - the big ones are a bit overwhelming at first. I can't wait to meet you & the family! :D
Just explain that the ratio of men to women will be at least two to one, and probably much worse, and that many of the males there will be so amazed by actually being near a woman that they'll be downright creepy. That should scare her... :)
This fact is also quite true, though I think the attitude is more prevalent at GenCon than it would be at PaizoCon. :P
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hey all, I know this is not about PaizoCon... but my own thread got no attention and got burried... but it is kind of related so I decided to try it here... hope someone out there can help me..
Gen Con is not my first Con, but it is my First Gen Con.. so I am looking for some advice from people who have been there....
What are some things I should not miss? and when are they?
Is it bad that I am running Games all day Thursday, Friday and until 5 pm Saturday?
How is the transportation in indianapolis? Will I have problems getting some kind of transportation early in the morning 7 miles away from the con?
This is the first Con I have ever been to that I have not driven to, How can I get the $1000's of stuff I will buy from Gen Con to Germany? Is there USPS at the con? and when does it close?
any other tidbits gen Con specific I should know?
Thanks for any help you guys can give!
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hey all, I know this is not about PaizoCon... but my own thread got no attention and got burried... but it is kind of related so I decided to try it here... hope someone out there can help me..
Gen Con is not my first Con, but it is my First Gen Con.. so I am looking for some advice from people who have been there....
What are some things I should not miss? and when are they?
Is it bad that I am running Games all day Thursday, Friday and until 5 pm Saturday?
How is the transportation in indianapolis? Will I have problems getting some kind of transportation early in the morning 7 miles away from the con?
This is the first Con I have ever been to that I have not driven to, How can I get the $1000's of stuff I will buy from Gen Con to Germany? Is there USPS at the con? and when does it close?
any other tidbits gen Con specific I should know?
Thanks for any help you guys can give!
There are some things that lots of people say are can't miss. True Dungeon is popular, but I've never done it. Tracy Hickman's Killer Breakfast is worth seeing once. It's the ultimate killer DM, on stage. I think it's usually breakfast time Friday. Very funny. There's the costume contest, afternoon on Friday, I think. Hentai dubbing always gets a nod in the program book, so I'm checking that out this year. Saturday late night. They've also had world's largest dawn patrol since like Gencon 1, so I'm signed up for that, but it's a WWI air combat board game, so it may not appeal. Saturday 0800.
Thu-Sat are the major event days; Sunday is only a partial day, and things definitely start winding down. There's the Betrayal in Absalom events that start at 6PM Friday and Saturday, so there is something PFS left for you, at least. In general, the show has a certain pace of its own. Thursday, everyone hits the dealer room to get the premiering at GenCon stuff before it sells out, so the gaming is a little quiet. Friday, the dealer room cools off relative to Thursday, and gaming picks up, as only the hard core are at the con during the week. It's the calm before the storm. Saturday, a lot of people in the area drive in for just a day; everything's at its busiest. Sunday, the people working the show are starting to fatigue, but it's the home stretch. Sunday PM, some dealers start looking to cut deals, as anything not sold must be carried out of the convention when GenCon closes. They're tired from the previous days of working the boothes and late nights of after-show drinking/networking they have to do to make their businesses work, and paper is heavy. Also, there are fewer people around on Sunday, as folks head to the airport to catch flights home.
Don't know; I always stay walking distance to the ICC. Sorry.
The past two years, the downtown UPS/Mailboxes Etc. has moved their store into the convention center. I think they usually set up a little west of the ICC food court, but it might be east. In any case it's not far from where the TCG people build massive houses of cards. They don't open until 9 or 10 AM, so keep in mind getting to them before you have to head for the airport.
The Ram closes Sunday to give the staff a break, as they're slammed all week. They do show great gamer spirit, so it's worth eating there, but early in the week is best.
Sleep, eat, and always wash your hands, as germs from all over mix their genes and meet strangers to infect. Seriously, your immune system is in a detente with the common cold varieties in your area, but it's apt to be surprised from the stuff from far off if you get too run down.
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Stuff answering my question.
Of all that the only thing I am worried about is missing out on getting to the dealers room on Thursday... Maybe I can talk to Josh about changing my slots around to be able to get there early on Thursday.
Also UPS is useless to me, I can only use USPS for mailing to an APO box.
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Stuff answering my question.Of all that the only thing I am worried about is missing out on getting to the dealers room on Thursday... Maybe I can talk to Josh about changing my slots around to be able to get there early on Thursday.
Also UPS is useless to me, I can only use USPS for mailing to an APO box.
Ah, sorry. I guessed you were a German national. The convention center's address is 100 South Capitol Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46225. USPS.com has a few post offices around, but most are closed on weekends. They claim that the Circle City one is open 0900-1300 Saturdays, but I suspect the map pushpin they have of it is wrong. It should be in the Circle City mall, which is attached to the ICC via above ground hamster tubes. I'd suggest you call them the Thursday of the con to see if they have any special hours or procedures or anything.
If that doesn't work, you might try checking with DHL to see if the German post office has anything like the USPS general delivery concept, as maybe UPS might be able to send to that.
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If that doesn't work, you might try checking with DHL to see if the German post office has anything like the USPS general delivery concept, as maybe UPS might be able to send to that.
The way My mail works, is that the USPS delivers my mail to NY, then from there the Military takes over, So all I am paying is shipping to NY. If I was to ship to Germany, it would cost too much, and I would have to worry about German Taxes...arggh.
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The way My mail works, is that the USPS delivers my mail to NY, then from there the Military takes over, So all I am paying is shipping to NY. If I was to ship to Germany, it would cost too much, and I would have to worry about German Taxes...arggh.
If that doesn't work, you might try checking with DHL to see if the German post office has anything like the USPS general delivery concept, as maybe UPS might be able to send to that.
Well, sounds like Plan B is shaping up to be 'Plan A works!' :(
You could try asking/calling the concierge at your hotel. They might be able to ship stuff. After all, people have to leave things behind by accident all the time.
I'd offer to help, but I can't be sure I could make good on the offer, since my con schedule is similarly full up until Sunday.
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Well, sounds like Plan B is shaping up to be 'Plan A works!' :(You could try asking/calling the concierge at your hotel. They might be able to ship stuff. After all, people have to leave things behind by accident all the time.
I'd offer to help, but I can't be sure I could make good on the offer, since my con schedule is similarly full up until Sunday.
Well, I just found out American Airlines changed my flight out of Indianapolis Monday from the morning to the late Afternoon, that should leave me time to get to the post office and mail some stuff out.
Now I need to work out finding time to get to the dealers room on Thursday.