Help!! Paizocon newbie doesn't know what to do!

[Wolfsnap]

I knew back in January that I wanted to go to Paizocon, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it (my schedule is busy with work travel this time of year), so I bought a ticket just on the off-chance. Sure enough, things got busy.

However, I was able to finalize my schedule a couple of weeks ago and the weekend is open for me. I dug out my receipt for the con pass. I've got my plane tickets. The hotel is full, so I booked at another nearby hotel. I'll be in Bellevue on Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.

Huzzah, I'm going to Paizocon!

But... I haven't signed up for any events, I don't think I'll know a soul there, and I have no idea what to bring or what to do once I arrive. D'oh!

Can anyone advise on what to bring, who to see, and where to go?

[Liz Courts]

Wolfsnap wrote:

I knew back in January that I wanted to go to Paizocon, but I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it (my schedule is busy with work travel this time of year), so I bought a ticket just on the off-chance. Sure enough, things got busy.

However, I was able to finalize my schedule a couple of weeks ago and the weekend is open for me. I dug out my receipt for the con pass. I've got my plane tickets. The hotel is full, so I booked at another nearby hotel. I'll be in Bellevue on Thursday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.

Huzzah, I'm going to Paizocon!

But... I haven't signed up for any events, I don't think I'll know a soul there, and I have no idea what to bring or what to do once I arrive. D'oh!

Can anyone advise on what to bring, who to see, and where to go?

Go to the Meet & Eat on Thursday night. This will get the "O Hai Who are you" pre-Con jitters out of the way. :)

Sign up for whatever events are open - bring a Pathfinder Society character if nothing else!
Bring dice, paper, and pencil at the very least (along with a bottle of water or drink of choice).
Go to seminars where you can get super-secret info straight from the dinosaur's mouth.
Have a good time!

[mathpro18]

while I've never been to Paizocon specifically I've been to other cons. Things to bring:

1. Money(and if your like me you'll need lots of it)
2. Your dice
3. Laptop/Ipad/other electronic gaming device if permited at tables(depends on what games you join)
4. If your like me along with number 1 you'll need an extra suit case to carry all the crap you bought home with you.
5. Several pencils so when players take yours with out asking you won't be with out.
6. Either premade or blank character sheets depending on what games you sign up for.
7. Camera to catch any interesting things that might happen between/during games.

Thats all that I can think of off the top of my head that would apply here...most of my con experiences have been anime cons so the rest of my list doesn't apply. Though if you want you could probably dress up as one of the Iconics and get extra cool points for doing so. Unfortunately I won't be able to go this year but hopefully next year if I can get a job and find the funds.

[JP Chapleau]

Wolfsnap wrote:

Can anyone advise on what to bring, who to see, and where to go?

I'm a PaizoCon virgin too! :P

Bring:
- basic hygiene products (soap, toothbrush, etc)
- dice/ character sheet/ books
- clothes

Who to look for:
- Your next GM
- Any Venture Captain you can find (I'm follow-able)
- Anyone who doesn't shoo you away (try not to be THAT guy)

JP

[Wolfsnap]

Since I tend to GM more than I play, I was considering bringing along some materials to run a short dungeon adventure. Will there be a time and place for that kind of thing if I'm not specifically signed up to do it?

[SunshineGrrrl]

Wolfsnap wrote:

Since I tend to GM more than I play, I was considering bringing along some materials to run a short dungeon adventure. Will there be a time and place for that kind of thing if I'm not specifically signed up to do it?

Yes. There will be an open gaming room. Might have to wrangle some players though.

[Wolfsnap]

Does the con tend to attract a lot of GMs? I'm just as happy to play. :)

[Paris Crenshaw]

Wolfsnap wrote:

Since I tend to GM more than I play, I was considering bringing along some materials to run a short dungeon adventure. Will there be a time and place for that kind of thing if I'm not specifically signed up to do it?

Welcome, Wolfsnap! I was PaizoCon newbie last year. I think you'll find that this con is a bit different in that there is a strong sense of community and you'll likely be made to feel right at home.

I'd follow Liz's advice. She's a smart cookie(-provider)! ;)

As far as running a game is concerned, there were a couple of rooms set aside for unscheduled gaming last year. I'm not sure if the setup will be the same, but the con pretty much takes over the hotel. You shouldn't have a problem finding someplace to hunker down with a small group.

[Chow'd Mouse]

Yes indeedy. And you shouldn't have a problem attracting players particularly if you run PFS games. Myself and a buddy are going to running one (or hopefully more) games as well. We're not doing Grand Melee or Banquet so that pretty much leaves Friday and Saturday nights open for gaming if you're interested in getting in touch. Waltero is the other fellow and welcome. PaizoCon is a blast! :) (P.S. If the gaming rooms are full the bar also has tables :))

Wolfsnap wrote:

Does the con tend to attract a lot of GMs? I'm just as happy to play. :)

[Wolfsnap]

I suppose I'll have to come ready for anything. :)