We are looking for someone, GM or organizer, who can answer questions about DM'ing at Gencon both in general and about next year. Any takers?
Depends on what kind of information you're looking for.
In general, you need to be 18, and a Herald-Level GM for the RPGA to be accepted.
A few months before the show a post will appear on www.rpga.com asking for applications, and listing directions on how to get scheduled to run events.
Dave C has also established a Yahoo Groups mailing list for people interested in news/updates/announcements about the "big shows" (DDXP and GenCon). It's called "Dave's Shows" and the intention is to get you a few days (or more) notice when signups are due to go live.
If you have other questions, feel free to post and myself and others will try to answer them.
Here are some rapid fire questions for you: How did it go this year? Honestly, is it a hassle? Was it fun? Was the material interesting? Are printed maps provided to gms? Is there good support for the dm's? How many players at a table? How many slots do you run? Are there dm events outside the tourney? Are there different levels of judges? Is it possible that if you sign up you wont get slots/be accepted? Do the dms get a hotel code? (and least importantly) Is there swag for the dms?
Here are some rapid fire questions for you: How did it go this year?
I'm told RPGA play was up over 9.4% from last year - which at a show the size of GenCon is nothing to sneeze at.
Honestly, is it a hassle? Was it fun?
Since I volunteer in HQ, it was a little of both for me. I handled ticket counting, and making sure we seated as many people with generic tickets as we could once all the tables had been sent out. We refer to it as "herding cats".
For a GM it's usually pretty straightforward however. You show up to the show, and have had a few weeks to prep your module. You bring whatever supplies you want/need (maps/tiles, minis, pencil, copy of the mod, any handouts you want to give the players, etc).
You show up at the banner for your game, tell the Marshall you're there. The Marshall gets a full table worth-of players, assigns them to you, assigns you all to a table, and you're mostly done. There's a little paperwork at the beginning and end, but we've got things structured so that once you've done your paperwork at the beginning and end (about 5 minutes each) we do the rest. Ticket collection, RPGA Q&A, and other issues should all be handled/routed through HQ.
In short, once you're at the table, your job is to make sure the table has fun. We do the rest.
Was the material interesting?
I've only heard good things about the mods on the whole. There's "this part" of "that mod" that may garner a gripe or two, but our (volunteer) authors are all still adjusting to writing mods for 4E, so that's to be expected.
Once you pass the RPGA Herald-Level judge test, you can order mods yourself if you'd like to check one or two out. You can order one, run it, and get your group's impression as well if you like.
Are printed maps provided to gms?
Not for most events. Your copy of the module will have a scale copy of maps you need, and if you have dungeon tiles, they're simple enough to re-create.
Is there good support for the dm's?
HQ is there to help answer rules questions for player and DM alike. In the (extremely rare) instance you need help dealing with a disruptive player, we play "bouncer" too. Once again, HQ deals with issues, you deal with fun.
How many players at a table?
RPGA events are 4-6 players, plus a GM.
How many slots do you run?
The RPGA hosts 3 slots per-day. How many you run as a GM is up to you. For GenCon runnin 4+ got you a free badge. Running 7+ got you a free room. For each slot you run you get a "perk point" - points get redeemed toward the end of the show for goodies. 2 points for a hardback rulebook, 1 point for Tiles (I think), plus options for D&D Minis Boosters, alt-paint minis, etc.
Are there dm events outside the tourney?
Not quite sure what you mean. The only "tourney" is the D&D Championship, and as far I know they get the same events/stuff/options we get.
Are there different levels of judges?
On paper, at least, there are four levels of RPGA judge. Herald, Master, Grand-Master, and Paragon.
There were tests in 3.5 for Herald, and Master. Grand-Master+ tests haven't existed in a while, and is (if I understand correctly) a holdover from a previous structuring of the system that elevated judges based on how many events they ran.
Is it possible that if you sign up you wont get slots/be accepted?
Possible, but not without a reason. IE - you've caused problems in the past, or we're already over our judge limit for a show, etc.
Do the dms get a hotel code? (and least importantly) Is there swag for the dms?
Answered above.
So lets flip that coin if you don't mind. If I'm interested in just showing up and playing an rpga game at gencon, whats the odds of showing up with a generic and playing? Where is the best place to inquire? Are there pregens? What If I show up with 4 players?
So no hotel code to get into a reserved block that I would pay for, that's unfortunate.
Actually... the DMs that bust their humps and tackle a chunk of slots for HQ just might get their room paid for. I guess the RPGA muckity-mucks like to make sure that their judges are within drunken stumbling distance of the convention center. ;) (by the by: the rooms they got us this year were fantastic)
If I'm interested in just showing up and playing an rpga game at gencon, whats the odds of showing up with a generic and playing?
To show up and play, we will do our best to fit you in at a table but we cannot always guarantee seating for non-standard ticket holders. We didn't turn too many away this year due to some fantastic DMs volunteering to run extra slots!
Where is the best place to inquire? Are there pregens?
The best place to inquire about anything really would be HQ at the show. Unless of course you're asking about potentially being an RPGA DM for next year's shows and then I would direct you to the RPGA.com website and the "Dave Shows" yahoo list. And as for pregens: HQ hides those up on the front table, along with all their other little goodies.
What If I show up with 4 players?
If you manage to round up additional players and wish to volunteer to DM, AWESOME! I don't speak for HQ on this but I would imagine that as long as you had a copy of the adventure prepped and you told the marshal that you had 4 people already and could take 2 more (the RPGA tables fill up ridiculously fast!) I would hope that you'd be cleared for a table.
All in all, the RPGA stuff relies on volunteers and a core of kick-ass people at the shows. This was my first year as a DM for GenCon and based on my experience I will be making it a point to run 7+ slots every year. I've never had so much fun with the game, even considering that I ran EAST1 six times at the show and four times in addition. Truth be told I ran eighteen slots in eight days for the show and Slot-0s.
So no hotel code to get into a reserved block that I would pay for, that's unfortunate.
Actually... the DMs that bust their humps and tackle a chunk of slots for HQ just might get their room paid for. I guess the RPGA muckity-mucks like to make sure that their judges are within drunken stumbling distance of the convention center. ;) (by the by: the rooms they got us this year were fantastic)
Yeah, it's worth noting, the hotel we were in was the Marriott. If you'd really prefer to stay somewhere else, I *think* (depending on availability) you can get a voucher good for 1/4 the cost of a room instead. 1/4 because you're supposed to be sharing a room with others, etc etc.
In a case like this, however, I'd contact Dave Christ immediately after filling out an application to GM to make sure everything can be worked out to your satisfaction.
So lets flip that coin if you don't mind. If I'm interested in just showing up and playing an rpga game at gencon, whats the odds of showing up with a generic and playing? Where is the best place to inquire? Are there pregens? What If I show up with 4 players?
If you manage to round up additional players and wish to volunteer to DM, AWESOME! I don't speak for HQ on this but I would imagine that as long as you had a copy of the adventure prepped and you told the marshal that you had 4 people already and could take 2 more (the RPGA tables fill up ridiculously fast!) I would hope that you'd be cleared for a table.
I personally handed a module to at least TWO players who stepped up to judge because they'd rather run a table for 6 people then be unable to play (and I know there were several others throughout the show). So, yes, show up with four friends, we'll find you a table, hand you a judge shirt, a copy of a module, and probably send two strangers out with you and you'll be ready to run on-site.
If you just wanted to try and get 5 people (yourself and 4 friends) all into the same table with generic tickets, I can only tell you to get to the marshall area for a table about 15 minutes before the adventure is scheduled to begin, since marshals usually seat generics on a first-come-fist-serve basis.
This year, tickets for GenCon sold out in under 24 hours, but we still managed to seat more generics than not (at least from my informal polling), however it's easier to seat small groups (one open seat here, two over there, etc).
Since overall play was up almost 10% this year, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more tickets up for grabs for GenCon09 - the beiggest problem will be finding more room to add tables. Without taking over part of the D&D Minis area, I'm not sure how/where we'd make more room.
Oh, and yes, there are (usually) pre-gens available at HQ. We sell things like that for 25¢ per printed face. (So a front-and-back sheet is 50¢).
So if you are planning on playing you should bring your own characters made up by living forgotten realms rules here?
Good info, thanks.
So if you are planning on playing you should bring your own characters made up by living forgotten realms rules here?
Generally yes. Though as stated, they do have pregens available. Not sure how that will work for next year though when in all likelihood the mods they run will be above 1st level. I suppose that opens up a new question: Is it likely that at GenCon09 there will be a variety of level ranges offered for LFR? This could be key since not everyone will have the same opportunities for playing mods over the next year and as such will not be at the same level.
To answer earlier questions: As someone who has only been a player at GenCon so far (may change next year), I can say that they do try their best to seat as many generics as possible. Last year I got into a Sunday morning table with a generic for instance. I had only reals this year (though one real was do to a trade with another player), so I can't say for sure this year, but I know that the marshalls were trying to seat everyone.
As for the mods themselves, I played in 5 and was for the most part impressed. This is even more noteworthy since I am still not entirely sold on 4th Ed. I did think there were a couple of issues that came up, but nothing too major. My only real complaint was that one mod seemed too easy (we were done in just over 2 hours) and another I just did not like the way it began as it really broke a cardinal rule imho. The difficulty issue could easily be explained by the new system. I figure that there will be some bumps on this road as authors adjust and try to figure out just how much a party of X can handle. The other issue? /shrug, it happens, I realize that there needs to be a certain amount of heavy handedness at RPGA events, but I just thought this particular mod went overboard with the railroading.
Good info, thanks.
So if you are planning on playing you should bring your own characters made up by living forgotten realms rules here?
That's the best plan, since LFR/RPGA play is about playing the character you want.
You can certainly play with the pre-gens, and I haven't looked at the current batch, but a common complaint is that they're often "under-optimized" - fully playable, but could be "better").I realize that there needs to be a certain amount of heavy handedness at RPGA events, but I just thought this particular mod went overboard with the railroading.
Off topic, I suppose, but this is indeed probably the most difficult part of writing RPGA adventures. I've written several myself, and in general I am even more railroady than most.
In many ways how you see it depends on whether you view the game primarily as a chance to visit with friends and have a good time (like I do, pretty much) or as a challenge to be overcome (like many other people do).
Big Mike
Calgary
So would you just whip up some characters of various levels within the constraints to bring along or do they have to be "official"?
Well, my understanding is that all LFR characters will have to start at level 1. There are also certain campaign guidelines which can be found in the downloadables at the main LFR page, but for the most part its pretty straightforward character gen. So, as long as you follow the guidelines, you can whip up a character at home and take it to the con to play with.
Amy: Don't get me wrong, I understand that players cannot be allowed to roam around at their leisure as they might in a home campaign, so I do expect a certain amount of strongarming. As an example, I realize that even in a city like Waterdeep, no matter how hard we look, we're only going to find one job offer. That being said though, there is at least an appearance of choice (we could always say no -- though admittedly that would end the session). This particular mod went well above and beyond that though imho. I still had fun with the mod, and the rest of the mod and session were really good, so all in all it was a minor issue, but it was still a bit irritating the way it played out.
So would you just whip up some characters of various levels within the constraints to bring along or do they have to be "official"?
If you make them according to the Character Creation Guidelines they're official.
So. . . yes, and yes.Well, my understanding is that all LFR characters will have to start at level 1.
So they don't have to be level 1?
So if I show up with a few friends and a mix of multiple 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th level characters we can likely slide into games.
So they don't have to be level 1?
So if I show up with a few friends and a mix of multiple 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th level characters we can likely slide into games.
LFR modules are written to cover a small range of character levels.
The current modules are level 1-4. Any character that hasn't already been through that module, and is in the level range described may play.
Higher lever modules are on the way, and I expect that once they get the next round (5-7) we'll start to see a staggering of modules to suit a wider range of play.
But that's my personal speculation and may or may not have any basis in reality.
Just to be clear, however, characters need to be CREATED at 1st level, and only level based off experience they EARN in sanctioned LFR play with LFR-legal modules.
Just to be clear, however, characters need to be CREATED at 1st level, and only level based off experience they EARN in sanctioned LFR play with LFR-legal modules.
Yes, thanks, that part was confusing me.
I should be able to download and run some of that content if I can ever get my log in to work.
So, if I show up with a 4th level or so legal character for each player we can likely use it to slip into a game or two.
Not to be a pest, but whom do I speak to about that?
So, if I show up with a 4th level or so legal character for each player we can likely use it to slip into a game or two.
If those PCs got to 4th level via playing their way, in LFR modules, from 1st level, up to 4th, then yes, that's legal.
If those PCs got to 4th level via playing their way, in LFR modules, from 1st level, up to 4th, then yes, that's legal.
Yes, thats what I meant. Thank you.
My RPGA number that I used last year to pass the herald test is showing "DCI/RPGA Number you have entered is an invalid number. Please recheck your DCI/RPGA Number and try again."
Not to be a pest, but whom do I speak to about that?
If your number was less-than 9 digits long you'll need to make it a nine digit number by adding 100000000 to the value.
So, if you were RPGA #1234, you're now 100001234.
If your number was less-than 9 digits long you'll need to make it a nine digit number by adding 100000000 to the value.
So, if you were RPGA #1234, you're now 100001234.
Bless you my child. I have but 8 digits.
Bless you my child. I have but 8 digits.
1xxxxxxxx then.
Ok, tell me if im doing this right. So I got logged in as gm and I registered my keep on the shadowfell game we are playing friday. I'm double checking to make sure all the characters are correct by the creation rules. Then after the game i report the info and as they level. I do this for all my games over the next 11 months. Then they will be "legal" to use in gencon games.
Almost.
All LFR games are RPGA games, but not all RPGA games are LFR.
Keep on the Shadowfell is playable as an RPGA game, but isn't part of Living Forgotten Realms. Playing it under the RPGA banner still holds to RPGA rules (including the user of RPGA reward cards and the like) an din exchange the players and GM earn RPGA Rewards points if they're signed up for that program.
A character who finds, say an Uber-Item of Uberness in Keep in the Shadowfell won't be able to bring that character and/or that item into LFR.
Also, as a herald judge, is there any way to get new scenarios that no one has seen for local cons or home games like return to the moathouse?
Exclusive content like that is sometimes truly exclusive to conventions (and if you organize a convention you can apply to run that exclusive content) and is sometimes made available for home play later.
The only way to "premier" exclusive content is to apply for it in conjunction with a regional convention.
Would the xp still be good for the LFR game at a con? I don't think my players care about uber item of anything. They were excited to have found any magic after our previous campaign.
Again, it's not an LFR game. Only LFR content is useable in LFR games. This includes characters and everything tied to them.
Again, it's not an LFR game. Only LFR content is useable in LFR games. This includes characters and everything tied to them.
Aye, if they want higher level characters to take to GenCon next year, they will have to play LFR mods. The good news is that it looks as though there will be a lot of LFR mods (theres already been about 8 or 9 if I'm not mistaken, maybe more if the regions that were not at GenCon have gone live with their mods).
If they would rather play the published mods like KotS and Thunderspire, etc. they can earn RPGA Reward Points, but not LFR XP.
All that being said, there's nothing to stop them from running their LFR character through KotS if they do not want to make two characters. The only problem is that they do not get XP for going through KotS and they are not allowed to keep any of the items found in KotS or the gold, etc.
Personally, if they want to do both LFR and regular published mods like KotS, I would just have them make two characters. The good news is that the characters they make for the non-LFR mods need not conform to RPGA standards if I'm not mistaken.
Aye, if they want higher level characters to take to GenCon next year, they will have to play LFR mods. The good news is that it looks as though there will be a lot of LFR mods (theres already been about 8 or 9 if I'm not mistaken, maybe more if the regions that were not at GenCon have gone live with their mods).
If they would rather play the published mods like KotS and Thunderspire, etc. they can earn RPGA Reward Points, but not LFR XP.
All that being said, there's nothing to stop them from running their LFR character through KotS if they do not want to make two characters. The only problem is that they do not get XP for going through KotS and they are not allowed to keep any of the items found in KotS or the gold, etc.
Personally, if they want to do both LFR and regular published mods like KotS, I would just have them make two characters.
Agreed on all points - for simplicity, just use two different sets of charcters "LFR" and "Everything else." If you want to play a Human Fighter named Bob in both, that's fine, just remember that LFR Bob is not the same as KotS Bob.
The good news is that the characters they make for the non-LFR mods need not conform to RPGA standards if I'm not mistaken.
Officially, if they play it for RPGA points by sanctioning it, they need to follow RPGA creation and RPGA card-use rules. Or at least, so I'd interpret from the "Rules for Home Games" sidebar:
Rules for Home Games
If you’re going to be the DM for a homebrew game, you can choose to follow any or all of the information in this guide. However, if you make your game a RPGA-sanctioned public event, meaning different players can rotate in and out of your sessions, you need to use two rules presented here: characters use Method 1 or 2 for ability scores and characters have use of RPGA Rewards cards (see below). The rest is up to you.
Unofficially? If they run with a pair of shifters and start everyone at level 3, who's really gonna be the wiser, and who's it gonna hurt?
For simplicity sake though, you can just use the same rules, the LFR rules really don't restrict anything anyway.
My understanding (and again I could be wrong) was that was only the case for the "public events" which means that any RPGA member who sees that game listed can go and play. If its simply a private home game, then you can use whatever creation rules you want (though I believe you earn points slower that way -- 1 per session). The Home Game is not considered public (which is why for instance, Weekend in the Realms cannot be run as a Home Game)
For simplicity sake though, you can just use the same rules, the LFR rules really don't restrict anything anyway.
Seems pretty clear to me that if you RPGA sanction your homebrew game you can use/ignore as much of the guide as you like EXCEPT for the creation guidelines (no dice rolling of characters) and you have to allow the use of RPGA reward cards - which is only logical anyhow, as why would sanction RPGA play if you aren't doing it to earn cards to use?
So, if I run KotSF for my home group following those rules and register and report my games the characters (and the resulting xp and items) are usable in non LFR/LGH games at the con.
Officially, yes.
However most cons that run RPGA games are only going to run official campaigns - IE, LFR, LG, or whatever else they create in the next year (rumors abound about an Eberron campaign).
ok... so I need to find LFR games to level some players up... can anyone suggest some/point me to them?
You can order those modules from the Event Sanctioning portion of the RPGA member's site.