GenCon 2014 Organizational Experience


Pathfinder Society

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Dark Archive 5/5

This year was my first time GMing at GenCon, but I will say that I was appreciative and thoroughly impressed at the organization and all around helpful attitude of my fellow GMs and HQ people. I was also blessed by having great players at all my tables, and it made the whole experience a very good one.

That said, a few thoughts:

The Good - I really liked having the players bring me the packet of chronicles and tracking sheets, and it may seem like a little thing but the paperclip that held it all together came in very handy when gathering and keeping track of the tickets.

The Bad - I know we had "how to muster" signs posted around the place, but I still heard some complaints from inexperienced con-goers that it was a confusing process. Probably not much to be done here, as mustering is chaotic by nature and I think our marshals did a heck of a job herding the cats. Maybe a how to muster class like GM101? :P

The Ugly - The Paths We Choose.... Nothing against the scenario itself, but it wasn't entirely clear how the "special" portion of this was going to work ahead of time. I spent the first 20 minutes standing at my table waiting for some kind of introduction from HQ before starting and hoping I wasn't skipping ahead. Also there was quite a bit of confusion around what to report and when, and what the display was even showing. By the time the slot ended and the announcement was made concerning the results, my table was all up and gone.

All in all a great experience, looking forward to Season 6 :)

-Emery

Sovereign Court 2/5 *

The mustering was perfectly fine this year, which I have to say by going by years past is simply amazing.

Our poor GM wasn't told what he was running until about 15 before the session started, and since the scenario was "Where mammoths dare not tread", I was somewhat worried. Happily we got through the scenario without a hitch, so major props to him.

The line was fairly long for turning in the tokens, so I just showed up during the middle of a different scenario running time and had no real problem.

Shadow Lodge 2/5

Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber
Cylyria wrote:
Our poor GM wasn't told what he was running until about 15 before the session started, and since the scenario was "Where mammoths dare not tread", I was somewhat worried. Happily we got through the scenario without a hitch, so major props to him.

I've had to run mammoths cold before as well, thankfully that wasn't at a convention. I remember saying "ok, you enter the area, and there are...wait, there's a WHAT here?! holy crap!" quite a bit

The Exchange 4/5 5/5 *

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber; Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber

So, some feedback from someone who did last year and this year.

I loved having my table assignments in advance. That helped me SO much, and I hope that continues.

I was shocked by the amount of cross-room mustering, however. I constantly saw people who mustered on one side of the room have to go across to the other side. It should be more balanced so that fewer people have to go cross-room.

Announcements/Microphone - John Compton and Eric Mona did not come across very well at all. Eric was inaudible where I was, and John was unintelligible. Everyone else was quite clear.


Emery VanderHart wrote:

...

The Bad - I know we had "how to muster" signs posted around the place, but I still heard some complaints from inexperienced con-goers that it was a confusing process.
...

Speaking as a new guy. I think most of us newbies came in the side door (probe because it was closer to the stairs). There did not seem to be any info posted at that door.

When I asked someone, they were very helpful and directed me out into the hall where the info was posted on boards.
Unfortunately, the crowds standing around the boards made it so I couldn't read them until I managed to shove my way through.

I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.

Yup, the height challenged (like a certain Purple Fluffy CatBunnyGnome) might still have a problem seeing anything from within the crowd. But I don't know what to do about that except supply them with stilt shoes. =)

Dark Archive 5/5 5/5

Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:
Emery VanderHart wrote:

...

The Bad - I know we had "how to muster" signs posted around the place, but I still heard some complaints from inexperienced con-goers that it was a confusing process.
...

Speaking as a new guy. I think most of us newbies came in the side door (probe because it was closer to the stairs). There did not seem to be any info posted at that door.

When I asked someone, they were very helpful and directed me out into the hall where the info was posted on boards.
Unfortunately, the crowds standing around the boards made it so I couldn't read them until I managed to shove my way through.

I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.

Yup, the height challenged (like a certain Purple Fluffy CatBunnyGnome) might still have a problem seeing anything from within the crowd. But I don't know what to do about that except supply them with stilt shoes. =)

I think we talked about having the muster signs higher last year. I remember the reason why we can't is the convention hall wouldn't let us.

Grand Lodge 4/5

Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.

We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.

The Exchange 4/5 5/5

Jonathan Cary wrote:
Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.
We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.

Jon - several people have suggested various iterations of signs, banners, and the like in the corridors outside. It might be helpful to post the restrictions (if you have them) so people will understand the constraints.

For example: All signage must be free-standing, no more than 6' from floor in height, maximum 3' wide, with a maximum of one sign per set of entrance doors. (I just made that up, I have no idea what the actual restrictions are.)


Pathfinder Maps Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber

I really liked having my table number assignment in advance.

Mustering cheat sheet idea:
Have a cheat sheet on stands near the various doors - single double sided pages.
Have a few rules/suggestions for making mustering easier like: muster under the iconic banner; real tickets get seated before generic tickets; pre-mustered tables of 6 real tickets will be seat first; try and pre-muster your tables in the same tier; etc.
Have a list of each Iconic and what games will be mustered under them.
Perhaps have any special instructions for the specials also listed on the page if there is room - if not, have their own instruction sheet available in the hallways (and to the mustering staff) a bit before the special is slated to start.


Jonathan Cary wrote:
Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.
We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.

I was unaware of that. Hmm...

The only other thing I can think of would be to place another instruction sign away from the mustering signs. Maybe at each end of the hall and the side door. People were clustering around the mustering signs, but they might not congregate at the instruction sign once they understood the instructions.

Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 **** Venture-Captain, California—San Francisco Bay Area North & East

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I know some of the other Gencon games I bought tickets for sent out a message when you bought the tickets. Maybe using that to include muster instructions? You can't make them read it, and it's months in advance, but it's an extra layer of help.

Grand Lodge 5/5

Belafon wrote:

Not going to Improve

-Marshalling for the special. The hallway is going to be crowded. Nothing to be done.

Challenge accepted. ;)

5/5

Jonathan Cary wrote:
Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.
We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.

We could make signs with long handles for volunteers to hold up in the 1/2 hour leading up to the Special(s).

Horizon Hunters 4/5 5/5 *** Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis

Kyle Baird wrote:
We could make signs with long handles for volunteers to hold up in the 1/2 hour leading up to the Special(s).

I nearly laughed because, at first, I thought Kyle might be joking (and maybe he is.) But, this might also be an idea worth exploring.

I also suggested putting control ropes to form queues in the back of the Sagamore - instead of having tons of people clustered around, they would at least be somewhat orderly. It also means that some of the players will be in the back of the ballroom before the special begins, but it would prevent having ALL players in hallway.

So, maybe control ropes inside, and volunteers with signs (like they do at political conventions) outside in the hall? I don't know - sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best solutions.

5/5

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Kyle Baird wrote:
Jonathan Cary wrote:
Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.
We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.
We could make signs with long handles for volunteers to hold up in the 1/2 hour leading up to the Special(s).

Standard of Efficient Mustering

Aura moderate divination; CL 8th
Slot none; Price $6; Weight 2 lbs.

DESCRIPTION

This colorful cardstock sign looks like it could be used to advertise pizza, tax services, or yard sales and includes tape that can attach it to a spear haft or pole running up the middle. It proudly displays the Glyph of the Open Road at the top. If mounted on a spear or pole at least 4 feet in length, it automatically shifts in appearance to display the time and location of the next 2d4 encounters.

When carried into battle, a standard of efficient mustering confers several benefits. As long as the longspear or pole to which the standard is attached is firmly wielded in two hands, its carrier gains a +4 circumstance bonus to her Leadership score. In addition, when so wielded, it grants the wielder and all allies within 30 feet a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws against confusion effects. If the carrier of the banner fails a saving throw against a mind-affecting effect, she may attempt a new saving throw against that effect every round she continues to wield the standard of efficient mustering.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Craft Wondrous Item, anticipate peril, protection from chaos; Cost $3

Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 **** Venture-Captain, California—San Francisco Bay Area North & East

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But leadership is banned in pfs...

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ** RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32

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zefig wrote:
Kyle Baird wrote:
Jonathan Cary wrote:
Kydeem de'Morcaine wrote:


I might suggest printing those info boards a bit larger and put them on the wall about 2-3m up. That way they wouldn't be blocked by the crowds.
We are, unfortunately, restricted in what kind of signs and how big they can be out in the hall by Gen Con/ICCLOS.
We could make signs with long handles for volunteers to hold up in the 1/2 hour leading up to the Special(s).

Standard of Efficient Mustering

Aura moderate divination; CL 8th
Slot none; Price $6; Weight 2 lbs.

DESCRIPTION

This colorful cardstock sign looks like it could be used to advertise pizza, tax services, or yard sales and includes tape that can attach it to a spear haft or pole running up the middle. It proudly displays the Glyph of the Open Road at the top. If mounted on a spear or pole at least 4 feet in length, it automatically shifts in appearance to display the time and location of the next 2d4 encounters.

When carried into battle, a standard of efficient mustering confers several benefits. As long as the longspear or pole to which the standard is attached is firmly wielded in two hands, its carrier gains a +4 circumstance bonus to her Leadership score. In addition, when so wielded, it grants the wielder and all allies within 30 feet a +2 resistance bonus on all saving throws against confusion effects. If the carrier of the banner fails a saving throw against a mind-affecting effect, she may attempt a new saving throw against that effect every round she continues to wield the standard of efficient mustering.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

Craft Wondrous Item, anticipate peril, protection from chaos; Cost $3

Great. Another "X of Y" item. Also, does it have to show the Glyph of the Open Road? These are supposed to be general items, not Golarion-specific! Furthermore, the author couldn't even italicize the names of the spells. Lastly, why do we need to be told a list of the people who might use this item? F-, would downvote.

(Just kidding. RPG Superstar joke.)

Dark Archive 4/5 5/5 ****

thistledown wrote:
But leadership is banned in pfs...

Only from PCs. NPCs can take it as much as they please (and who runs the NPCs? The organizers and GMs).

The Exchange 4/5 5/5

Netopalis wrote:
Great. Another "X of Y" item. Also, does it have to show the Glyph of the Open Road? These are supposed to be general items, not Golarion-specific! Furthermore, the author couldn't even italicize the names of the spells. Lastly, why do we need to be told a list of the people who might use this item? F-, would downvote.

Also, the caster level of the item is wrong for those construction requirements. It seems to be missing a spell requirement for foretelling "the next 2d4 encounters." I would add divination (or possibly contact other plane if the HQ staff is running on short sleep) to the construction requirements.

I DO NOT recommend this item for advancement but I think this shows good creativity and I encourage the author to submit an entry in next year's GenCon Superstar competition.

5/5

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Thanks for the feedback, guys. I'll try to do better next time with the Mysterious Pistolero's Pageant of the Vivisecting Synthetic Peacock.

Grand Lodge

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This was the first time that I have played pathfinder society (I have been playing Pathfinder since beta), but I frequently run large organized events for my job. I was very impressed with the speed at which people were seated. The brightly colored shirts were a lifesaver in trying to find the right group of volunteers that I needed to speak with.

As someone who has not been to GenCon before, I loved the awe and amazement that came with the the large room of players, the raised platform for HQ, and the large banners. It was what initially changed my mind about playing Pathfinder at GenCon. All of the volunteers were very helpful and patient with my questions. Personally, I liked that information and character creation was a bit off in the corner- it felt as if my ignorance was not displayed out in the open (but I may just be hyper sensitive/ over analyzing). When I originally thought I had to go to the HQ table to get my questions answered it did cause a little bit of anxiety since it was such center focus. It was a relief when they pointed me to a drow women in the corner who went over all the details and my specific questions (she was great and very welcoming!)

I am not sure of the evolution of how mustering is done; but I will say that I was impressed with how the play test area at gencon managed to get people seated in to groups while still meeting their testing requirements and it could be a model to potentially look at. Many of the people I talked to with generic tickets just wanted to play and were willing to do any campaign, but had to guess at which banner to muster under to give them the best chance to getting in. I wish there had been a location to muster for people who weren't trying to get into a specific event but were willing to do anything.

Overall- thank you to all the volunteers who made that massive event possible. It was amazing and couldn't have been done with you!

Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

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This isn't so much a 100% PFS suggestion and more 50/50 between PFS and Paizo on the show floor...but for about half of the con, the line to get into the Paizo booth in the Exhibit hall was more than 2 hours long for several days of GenCon - something that prevented me from getting there at all (the one time I had a little bit of time on Saturday the line was still 45 minutes long and I had to get back to the ballroom).

Maybe something could be arranged to get Tier 1-2 GMs (i.e. people running 7+ of the 10 PFS game slots) a "bypass the line" ticket so they can duck inside once during the convention to pick up things they might want/need for the con itself?

This is especially important because after the list of flip-mats and map-packs hit the forums for GMs (too late for ordering and shipping prior to the con), we were told that extras of the still-in-print maps would be brought for sale for GMs who needed them...I ended up loaning many maps out when I wasn't using them to GM friends of mine because they were never able to get to the Paizo booth to buy them...

So, yea, just a long-winded idea for next year :)


Pathfinder Maps Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber

I was told that volunteer GMs could skip the line to get into the booth, for exactly the reason you stated.

Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

Huh...I wish they had told me that when I asked about why they had it all sectioned off...

Dark Archive 4/5 5/5 ****

Mistwalker wrote:
I was told that volunteer GMs could skip the line to get into the booth, for exactly the reason you stated.

I would have liked to know that as well. Never went to the store due to the line.

Oh another thing that would help GMs. If the muster iconic was added to the table assignment, it would help us find our musterer, if needed.

Had one situation when I was running WBG and the players had tickets to WBG too. Made for some confusion.

5/5

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Mistwalker wrote:
I was told that volunteer GMs could skip the line to get into the booth, for exactly the reason you stated.

That definitely doesn't seem to be common knowledge. Would have saved me quite a bit of time...

Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/5 RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 8

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This year was my second time attending Gencon ever, and I volunteered for the second year in a row, so I guess you could say I'm pretty much an expert when it comes to organization.

Bold faced lie

Here are some things my SO and I noticed in reflection on how the whole thing went down.

  • Overall, much improved from the year before. The list is endless basically, but some things that come to mind: stream-lined reporting of ran events, better separation of prize & gaming space, smoother mustering process, GM seat assignment handouts, GMs keeping the same table between slots, outstanding people at HQ/infodesk, kid's track, etc.

  • I like where the prize area was, but as someone pointed out during our closing meeting it ran into the kid's track area. So if we could make maybe a prize station that was separate from all the games happening, that would be awesome.

  • This is more for the players and not the volunteers: relax and have a good time. If you have a ticket to an event, we're going to find you a table. Don't worry about it. I saw a few players getting upset or argumentative with volunteers (heard more than saw) and as someone that's worked a lot in customer service, let me tell you that is the opposite way to behave when you want your way.

  • Getting a process in place for what a GM is supposed to do for any given slot might be a good idea. Something as simple as "check in 30 minutes prior, ensure you are ready to run your table, and notify your musterer (if we wanted to do that) when you are good to go... if your table doesn't go off, talk to HQ. They will either reassign you to a new role or release you for the slot...when your game is finished, return the reporting sheet to HQ, ensure it is filled out correctly. Once your sheet is spot-checked at HQ, you are released from your slot."

  • Lastly, a quick PSA: clean up after yourselves. I threw away a lot of trash that wasn't mine during GenCon this year. The volunteers are there to run games or HQ, not be your mom or a act as janitor. Take a moment after your game and make sure you aren't leaving anything behind.

  • Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ** RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32

    zefig wrote:
    Mistwalker wrote:
    I was told that volunteer GMs could skip the line to get into the booth, for exactly the reason you stated.
    That definitely doesn't seem to be common knowledge. Would have saved me quite a bit of time...

    It definitely wasn't true. I was at the Paizo booth on Saturday and did not realize that the line had been moved outside. Two Paizo employees were chatting in a break in the tape around the booth, and when I tried to go through (not realizing that they were intentionally blocking the way), I was told to go get in line. I did have my purple shirt on.

    5/5

    I ran the Silverhex Chronicles almost the entire con and I have to say it went much better for me than goblin attack did last year.

    I think the biggest thing was having an organizer for our events. Not having to go and look for players for my table allowed me to figure out who was staying and what they wanted to do, give me chance to clean up the space (deal with that trash that Walter and I hate) and then communicate with my mustered to pick extra players to fill out my table.

    The entire process felt less stressful and overwhelming. I didn't even mind gaming the same thing for five slots.

    Shadow Lodge 2/5

    Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber
    Netopalis wrote:
    zefig wrote:
    Mistwalker wrote:
    I was told that volunteer GMs could skip the line to get into the booth, for exactly the reason you stated.
    That definitely doesn't seem to be common knowledge. Would have saved me quite a bit of time...
    It definitely wasn't true. I was at the Paizo booth on Saturday and did not realize that the line had been moved outside. Two Paizo employees were chatting in a break in the tape around the booth, and when I tried to go through (not realizing that they were intentionally blocking the way), I was told to go get in line. I did have my purple shirt on.

    Same here. My cousin and I had heard tales of the ridiculous wait times just to enter the paizo booth. Having GMd every slot on Thursday, we hadn't been to the exhibit hall to see for ourselves. And so, with high hopes, we waited in front of the exhibit hall doors friday morning with expectation of being early in the paizo line (unaware that paizo had already started lined up its queue outside the hall before it even opened). As soon as the doors opened, I beelined for the Paizo booth, and as I approached, there was Lisa Stevens herself waiting in front of the ribbon with seemingly open arms. I'll never forget her warmth and kindness as she looked me square in the face and said "The Line starts outside." (I was wearing my purple volunteer shirt) and so despite spending an hour sitting in front of the hall waiting for it to open, I was found invalidated and would have to return the next day (since I had GM slots all afternoon, I did not want to risk wasting my entire free morning in line.)

    Now, bear in mind, my shopping intentions weren't exclusively for the purpose of getting tools to GM the convention, as evidenced by nearly 200 dollars I spent on what my cousin called "crap you don't need". Had I gotten in on friday, I would have picked up the flip-mat to use in the special, but since I didn't get in until Saturday, I passed on that one.

    Dark Archive 5/5

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    Just GM all the slots Thursday-Saturday and come back on Sunday, no line then ;)

    1/5 *

    I played 5 slots of PFS this year.

    Thursday 7 PM: Asked around outside but had no luck finding a group that wanted my character. Knew about the faction groups from posts on the forum, but nobody else I talked to knew anything about it. Eventually used my tablet to make a sign with class and level and a group found me that way. That group of 6 had 5 different factions. We didn't end up playing my guy's faction, but that's OK. Our GM didn't know if/when we were supposed to be reporting successes and none of us knew if it even mattered.

    Friday 8 AM: Honestly don't remember how mustering went for this one.

    Friday 1 PM: I didn't think this one was going to happen because there weren't enough players, but eventually enough people showed up to play it. We had to rush the end to finish. :(

    Friday 7 PM: Apparently there were too many melee folks around, because I had trouble finding a group that wanted one. Shades of last year, where nobody wanted my bard until there was no space left and I wound up playing a different character in a different tier. Again made a sign, but that was no help this time. Waited outside until the doors opened and completed groups cleared out, and found a group that way. We chose the slower direction and was thus behind for the entire scenario, which is an unfortunate part of the design of these things, but didn't have much trouble with the adventure itself and got out OK.

    Saturday 1 PM - Another get inside and wait to see if enough people showed up for that scenario to play, but it worked out well enough. I had to play a pregen because I forgot the character I wanted to play back in the room. Oops. Other than having a player bail partway through we did well.

    Overall things worked better than last year, but I'm not sure if that's luck, my own experience at finding groups, or actual improvement.

    As far as the Dealer's Room goes, I didn't get to pick up my shipment until Sunday due to the lines. Unfortunate, but not critical as I hadn't planned on playing my only playtest character at Gen Con anyway.


    CanisDirus wrote:
    ...but for about half of the con, the line to get into the Paizo booth in the Exhibit hall was more than 2 hours long for several days of GenCon - something that prevented me from getting there at all (the one time I had a little bit of time on Saturday the line was still 45 minutes long and I had to get back to the ballroom)....

    Must have been the particular times. I went to the booth twice and didn't have to wait in line either time.

    But I would guess part of that would be many of the people would be running or playing events at the same time and all try to head for the booth at the same time.

    5/5 *****

    I found going to the booth mid afternoon meant there wasn't really any line and I was able to walk in both times I visited.

    Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

    I did not hear anything about line-cutting being available for volunteers/GMs. That might have been a one-off from one, or a small group of Paizo employees watching the line. I know I went down on Thursday and Friday and tried to get in on a limited break but was told I had to get into the line. I was concerned about the length, but it took less than 15 minutes to get into the booth and others I spoke to had a similar experience.

    Dark Archive 4/5 5/5 ****

    One thing I wondered about the Paizo store there... and something is probably out of Paizo's control... but is there any way that Paizo could allow GMs (or at least GMs in tier 1 & 2) to get a chance to get into the store, maybe on Wednesday, or some other "off hours" time?

    I know that, as scheduled, I had no time that I could get to the store given my schedule (when I was off, the store was closed)?

    This is probably not at all a PFS question, but was just wondering... and hoping for next year.

    Grand Lodge 5/5

    Silbeg wrote:

    One thing I wondered about the Paizo store there... and something is probably out of Paizo's control... but is there any way that Paizo could allow GMs (or at least GMs in tier 1 & 2) to get a chance to get into the store, maybe on Wednesday, or some other "off hours" time?

    I know that, as scheduled, I had no time that I could get to the store given my schedule (when I was off, the store was closed)?

    This is probably not at all a PFS question, but was just wondering... and hoping for next year.

    I doubt it very much. Getting into the hall on Wednesday to shop is, I think, part of the Gencon VIG program, and people pay good money for that opportunity.

    Now if it was a subscription pick up or something, then who knows, but I bet they wouldnt be allowed to sell anything, though it would definitely be nice.

    Dark Archive 4/5 5/5 ****

    Sure. Makes sense.

    I'm considering upgrading to the VIG next year... and this would be a good reason to do it. Have to see what the swag was like this year (a buddy always does VIG).

    Otherwise, I can look at it as a good way to save money!

    Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

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    One thing that concerns me is the number of people saying their were no instructions for the GMs or for players.

    Jon Cary, Todd Morgan, and I worked on documents with general instructions for both the GMs and the HQ volunteers that were sent out by email prior to the convention. It was clear to me a number of GMs did not read, or at best skimmed, the document. Did we miss something in the details? Did anyone get anything out of the material? Should we bother to do that next year?

    Also, there was a board in front of every pair of doors with instructions on how to muster. Even still, there seems to be a lot of people who claim to have had no idea what to do. My guess is they either couldn't see the boards due to the crowds or just didn't pay attention to them. So, what do we need to do to improve that? Remember that bigger boards, banners in the hallway, or mounting them higher or up on the wall is not an option due to ICC restrictions.

    Horizon Hunters 4/5 5/5 *** Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis

    There were instructions, Bob - in the email that Mike sent to us a few days before Gen Con. The instructions in that document could not have been clearer. I would continue to send it out -if people don't read it, it's their fault, not yours.

    As to the mustering boards: they just aren't visible. The boards are too small, and the handwriting is really not terribly visible. Ideally, we would get a side room to be able to muster in, and then send people to the ballroom, though candidly, that leaves less space for table play.

    I rather liked Kyle's idea of having marshalls holding up a sign or whatever on a pole (at least for the special where you're mustering by level.) We have to figure out something else, because the hallway itself is nearly impassible during mustering for the special.

    Someone mentioned that some event items send you an email with instructions. Perhaps we can add information to that (mustering instructions, etc.) I doubt we would know at that time which scenarios will muster at which iconic, but at the very least, mustering instructions going out to the player base, particular for the specials, must be another way to help.

    4/5 ****

    The boards in front were far too verbose. I finally read one when waiting to muster for Bonekeep and didn't find it especially helpful.

    Silver Crusade 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

    Bob Jonquet wrote:


    So, what do we need to do to improve that?

    Buy Kyle Elliot a plane ticket, give him a costume, a slightly raised stage, a wooden sword, and a bullhorn?

    (I found the documents to be really good and printed a copy in case anyone needed to look at them. Most of the things there seemed like simple and common sense items to me, but my roommates for the con who were mostly new GenCon GMs found the information really valuable!)

    Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5

    Bob Jonquet wrote:

    One thing that concerns me is the number of people saying their were no instructions for the GMs or for players.

    The only general thing I didn't know about was if we had to report to the musterer before sitting down at my table as I saw in other years. Also, thank you Bob for the table assignment sheets, they were stupendous.

    The only thing I didn't know specifically, was the reporting when missions were done for #5-99: Paths We Choose. Was there an announcement beforehand?

    Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ** RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32

    Bob Jonquet wrote:

    One thing that concerns me is the number of people saying their were no instructions for the GMs or for players.

    Jon Cary, Todd Morgan, and I worked on documents with general instructions for both the GMs and the HQ volunteers that were sent out by email prior to the convention. It was clear to me a number of GMs did not read, or at best skimmed, the document. Did we miss something in the details? Did anyone get anything out of the material? Should we bother to do that next year?

    Also, there was a board in front of every pair of doors with instructions on how to muster. Even still, there seems to be a lot of people who claim to have had no idea what to do. My guess is they either couldn't see the boards due to the crowds or just didn't pay attention to them. So, what do we need to do to improve that? Remember that bigger boards, banners in the hallway, or mounting them higher or up on the wall is not an option due to ICC restrictions.

    The only instruction about which I was unaware was the table reporting for Paths We Choose. I actually asked about that before the session, but was informed that we wouldn't be doing anything special-like, so there wouldn't be a GM meeting or any hand signals.

    5/5

    The only difficulty I had during Gen Con was an inability to see the PowerPoint during the second special. I was in one of the rooms corners and the angles for viewing was really bad.

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