Forgites,

My convention experience has heretofore been limited to only a handful of small-ish gigs relatively local to me (the Cincinnati-Dayton-Columbus Triangle; nearest the Cinci point in that geometry), and then only some many years ago.

I did win second place in a Tournament Game once (at the Tin Soldier for anyone who might remember them). While I got some cool swag out of the deal (shop credit, I chose figurines) I have to admit it rather soured me for the notion of organized gaming events. I’ve never even joined a table at the one small-ish con I’ve attended the most (twice, at CTC co-sponsored by The Boardwalk) because of the memory of that experience. I’m all about getting over that, and trying new things now, but that’s beside the point of this post.

Unless something happens to stop me (pluck-o-meter at pegged) I’m coming to Origins, and GenCon Indy this year on Saturday Badges, and I have a few questions for anyone kind enough to lift up my rock, and let a little light shine in…please be gentle with me, I’m a virgin!

1) Day Badges – Is it wise/advisable, in your opinion to come with the intention of buying a badge at the door? Essentially is this doable, or are there risks I won’t get in? I know what the websites say, but what is the practical reality of that from sage advice?

2) Undermarket – What’s the off-radar commerce like at these events? Is it frowned upon to peddle anything without a booth, or are lots of people doing it, a handful, etc.?

3) Joining Tables/Tickets – What’s the situation like for kids who didn’t pre-reg for anything; can they find a game here & there? What’s the ticket situation for at the door day badge sorts of patrons?

Thanx in advance to anyone willing to make my first big step into the wide world of ginormous gaming conventions less traumatic!

Regards, Brad

There are going to be lines for day-badges.  If your attitude is that the convention floor is the experience you want, and any time in line is dead time, then you might want to set something up online.  Personally, I find talking with folks on line (it's not like they have anything else to do either!) is great fun, so that doesn't bother me at all.  But then, it's been a while since I hit a convention without a pass in hand, so that may be my memory bathing past experiences in the golden glow of nostalgia.

At least at GenCon Indy, I haven't seen much of the Undermarket.  I'm sure it's there, but it's driven so far into the shadows that I've got to think that it's being suppressed somehow or other.  Or, again, maybe that's my biased perceptions.

You should be able to find games, though you will (without any doubt whatsoever) see many attractive, interesting, downright seductive games that filled up on pre-reg months ago.  There is, however, always the "Games On Demand" table(s) ... they should pretty much always have slots, because they organize games if and when people come up and get a critical mass interested in a particular system.  That's a pretty indie-oriented group, though, so if you're looking for some D&D or CoC ... well, there should be plenty of other places to do that.

Hope this helps!  Drink lots of water and wear comfortable shoes!

Thanx for the tips Tony!

A few more questions for anyone willing to answer –

1) Demos – Can most of the games on the Forge Bookshelf, or from the fine establishments on the forums be demo’d at either Orignis, or GenCon Indy?

2) GoD Games – I saw the GoD posts, and that definitely looks like something I want to try to do. What would be the one GoD game people recommend to give me first hand experience of the Indie Cutting Edge RPG experience?

3) Indie Cherry – DnD? Naw, I can play that at home. I want my Indie RPG cherry popped hard! What’s a recommendation for a game that is the farthest thing from a traditional RPG as humanly possible?

Regards, Brad

I don't know about Origins, but at the Forge booth at Gen Con demos are limited in time and variety (first year participants were only allowed to demo a single title, and demos were supposed to last fifteen minutes or less).  I bet most publishers would be glad to talk about/demo other games outside the booth environs, though - that's part of what Games on Demand is all about. 

Honestly, there are a ton of great games and the most esoteric isn't necessarily your best choice.  If I were you I'd try anything and everything on offer at the booth, and make specific requests at GoD for games that pique your particular interests.  Posting about your experiences and preferences in the Actual Play forum and asking for more directed suggestions might be more appropriate (and fruitful) if you want specific suggestions.

Thanx Jason,

That feels like really good advice to me. I think I hit the Forge Booth, and test whatever they’re demo-ing.

As for my currently piqued interests, right now I’m liking Capes, Sorcerer, and DitV. Of course that may change between now, and departure time. I'll also check the GoD list before I leave for Indy, to get feel for the menu.

My sense is that I’ll not read any of the free materials on any of them, hit them head on as a full blown John Q Public straight off the street, and post my thoughts on the experience in the Actual Play forum.

Regards, Brad

Hello,

OK, this thread is beginning to turn into socializing about going to the con, or at least I think I can see it headed that way.

So, now that the logistic questions of general interest have been answered, let's have it stop here.

Best, Ron