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I finally lost patience with my regular pool of potential role players and have reached out to the local community. Ottawa is quite bustling, it turns out, and I've discovered the yearly CanGames event.

I've decided to attend, as a player, and sit at as many tables as possible. I'm hoping that I'll discover some great games and do some substantial networking.

Alright cutting to the chase:

I haven't played with strangers in a while, and never at a convention.

Is there anything that I should know or prepare for in advance?

Should I bring supplies? Pre-print character sheets for the games that I know? Bring my own dice?

Also, socially, anything I should anticipate? I'm socially competent but if there are any taboos or "faux pas" at these types of events? There isn't much on the CanGames website other than general stuff about being courteous and not leaving a game until it's over.

Thanks in advance and comedy suggestions (ie- insults at my naïvety) are welcome as long as they're balanced with equal amounts of actual advice. :)

Relax, have fun, and don't be a dicknozzle.  That really should just about cover it.

Having your own dice, paper, pencils is a nice courtesy.

Try to play as many different systems as you can.

If you really like a system/setting then play those games as well.

Dice are good, some people don't like it when people ask to borrow dice, I don't mind but have seen people get quite upset at the idea. Similarly, bring pens/pencils.

GMs normally bring their own character sheets for players, so I wouldn't worry about those so much. Printing out pregens if you have been sent them is OK, but I normally end up with duplicates.

In games, don't have a strop when things don't go well, don't slag off the GM at the table, don't sulk in games. I've seen all those at conventions and it doesn't work at all well.

Above all, be friendly and, as Gronan of Simmerya says, relax, have fun, and don't be a dicknozzle.

1. Shower regularly.

2. Be ready for other people not to shower regularly, especially after the first day or two.

3. And yes - bring everything that you need to play.

Be nice, be bathed, wear clean clothes. You won't need pre-printed character sheets. :)

never pay the listed price for anything at a dealer table.

Having done alot of cons.

Some things to consider.

A: Plan ahead the logistics. Travel to and from, lodging, entry fees, event fees, dealer room spending.

B: Bring your own dice. but dont be offended if someone asks you to use what they brought themselves.
Bring the bare minimum needed to play the game. Or at least know the system well enough. Players handbook, basic printout of the basic rule points, etc. Moot point if its not a published system.

C: Dont go in with any preconceived notions of whats right or wrong. You are sitting down with a bunch of strangers and probably all have had different experiences or styles. But you may run into some foulmouths or worse. Feel free to ask them to tone it down. If the con has a gaming roster listed for events then glance at it well as sometimes it can clue you in to whats expected. But more often you tend to just have to guess and go with what sounds interesting and hope its not a waste of 2+ hours.

So you could get a railroady DM, bossy players, freeform, modules, NPC focus, random encounter focus, dungeons, wilderness. and many many more styles. This is where glancing at the event pitch can help a little in deciding.

D: dont get irate or depressed if a session doesnt go well. Its to be expected. Consider yourself fortunate if you make it all the way through without a single hitch to any event you attended.

E: Expect to possibly do ALOT of walking.

F: Expect to end up lost in the dealers room for at least a day. :o

Have tremendous fun!!

Cons are a great place to try out stuff you've never played before. Some cons have details about the individual events posted in advance (description of the adventure, level, kill rate, maturity level, system mastery expected, etc). If so, read up on those. Some GMs are looking for players new to the game to convert with a demo, other GMs are looking for people who know the system/setting.

The BIG faux pas at cons are the asshats who pre-reg for game events and then don't show. Its cool to change your mind, but take your name off the pre-reg list as far in advance as possible so other people can take your empty seat. It really sucks for GMs when half their players don't show up and afterwards they learn people who wanted to play saw the full table sheet and walked away.

Bring extra dice, extra pencils, extra scrap paper. So many players show up with the clothes on their back and nothing else. Having a couple extra D20s at the table is a boon to keep the game moving.

Get some exercise between events. There is a lot of sitting at cons.

I suggest green tea instead of sugar soda. I bring 3 of these  (http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/1569)per day to cons. I usually run 2 events per day and play in 1.

Bring some real food with you. Con food is 90% junk.

Are you a GM at home? If so, I suggest bringing a light RPG that you know well, 6 pregen characters and an adventure suitable for 4 hours (or 6 hours if that's the slot size at CanGames). I can't tell you the number of times a GM was a no-show and a full table of players just sat there looking at each other. In those moments, I've pulled out my In Case of Emergency game. The joke is that some of those emergency sessions turned out to be some of my favorites.

Years ago, I posted a bunch of info on making con going cheaper and others chipped in some good ideas. It was for the Palladium Open House, but the tips work for most any event.
http://palladium-megaverse.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=100873

Wonderful advice folks, thanks.

For perspective, I'll be spending all of my time at tables, playing games. While I prefer to GM, I'm eager to learn new games and to observe how others do it behind the screen.

Heh yeah I shower regularly: I'm more wary of other peoples' hygiene skills ('had a few negative experiences with socially awkward catpissmen)..

EDIT (followup question)

Say you're halfway through a game session and you realize that things are going badly. Perhaps the GM is just awful, the social dynamics are awkward or perhaps the play-style just isn't working out for you. To put it bluntly, you're not having any fun for whatever reason.

Now the rules of the convention are clear: don't leave until the session is over. Also, like most socially-adept people, I don't want to make a scene at the table or start up a debate with the GM. I'm there to learn, experience and to make friends, not  to be a douche.

What do you do? Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game? Any methods to constructively make the best of bad session? I'm not the passive-aggressive sulking type.

Quote from: Necrozius;957376...
EDIT (followup question)

Say you're halfway through a game session and you realize that things are going badly. Perhaps the GM is just awful, the social dynamics are awkward or perhaps the play-style just isn't working out for you. To put it bluntly, you're not having any fun for whatever reason.

Now the rules of the convention are clear: don't leave until the session is over. Also, like most socially-adept people, I don't want to make a scene at the table or start up a debate with the GM. I'm there to learn, experience and to make friends, not  to be a douche.

What do you do? Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game? Any methods to constructively make the best of bad session? I'm not the passive-aggressive sulking type.

Players can often lead by example, especially if the problem is an inexperienced or inhibited GM. For example, by getting into the game in ways that the GM, players, and/or game system haven't taken into account, but which are natural fun extensions. A GM may respond by taking on and responding/riffing off a player's inspirations.

Problem players can also often be dealt with by other players reacting appropriately. There are several flavors of this. (Of course, different players have different ideas of what problems and solutions are.)

Quote from: Necrozius;957376Wonderful advice folks, thanks.

For perspective, I'll be spending all of my time at tables, playing games. While I prefer to GM, I'm eager to learn new games and to observe how others do it behind the screen.

Heh yeah I shower regularly: I'm more wary of other peoples' hygiene skills ('had a few negative experiences with socially awkward catpissmen)..

EDIT (followup question)

Say you're halfway through a game session and you realize that things are going badly. Perhaps the GM is just awful, the social dynamics are awkward or perhaps the play-style just isn't working out for you. To put it bluntly, you're not having any fun for whatever reason.

Now the rules of the convention are clear: don't leave until the session is over. Also, like most socially-adept people, I don't want to make a scene at the table or start up a debate with the GM. I'm there to learn, experience and to make friends, not  to be a douche.

What do you do? Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game? Any methods to constructively make the best of bad session? I'm not the passive-aggressive sulking type.

I always try to stick it out and try to nudge things in the righ direction as a player.

However, even bad games are useful as they tell you, as a GM, how not to GM a game.

Quote from: Necrozius;957376What do you do? Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game? Any methods to constructively make the best of bad session? I'm not the passive-aggressive sulking type.

Try to turn the game. If the GM is bad, engage with the other players. Have fun despite the circumstances.

If things get really, really bad, I switch to "anthropology mode". I continue to play, but I focus on watching the other players and the GM. What are they doing? Why are they doing it? Do they have fun? Can I guess their emotions and motivations?

If the referee is floundering (as opposed to being an asshole), play supportively.  Ask for clarifications, ask for clarifications in a very leading way ("Did you mean that you want us to...").

Once again, fantastic suggestions. You guys and gals rock.

You're welcome.

And if worst comes to absolute worst, hell, it's only a couple of hours.  You can ALWAYS claim that three days of greezy meat has gotten to you and spend the last two hours in the can.

Quote from: Necrozius;957376What do you do? Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game?

Smash your beer over the head of the GM and scream "It's go time muthafuckas!!!"

:eek:

When shit trains happen at cons (and its rare), its more often because of a bad player, not a bad GM.

Some douchenozzle wants to rules bitch because their PC took 14 damage instead of 11 points according to Splatbook XYZ, Appendix IV (btw, their PC still has 72 HP left). Or a wannabe weekend warrior thinks playing Call of Duty is the same as serving in Iraq and decides to lecture the table about realism. Same with the college dropout medieval history expert. Or the Twitter activist who decides their politics are more important than your game time.

This is not the time for social politeness. Hopefully the GM squashes that shit quickly, but even good GMs can give bad player behavior too much latitude (especially if that player is a GM's friend). If nobody at the table steps up and the bad player is turning everyone's game into a shit train, I suggest taking the initiative and calmly, but firmly smashing them with a beer bottle OR remind them we're all here for this super fun game and we only have X hours to play, so let's just focus on the game.

However, if the problem is the GM, then the comments from other posters are great suggestions. Watching a bad GM in action can be a great teaching tool. Like Pyromancer says, I have also gone Jane Goodall during a trainwreck to make sure I learned something vital from the time spent.

BTW, even poor GMs can usually handle combat. If the game is boring everyone at the table (you can see it on faces and body language), its sometimes a good idea to just flip the table by breaking out the violence. AKA, if the GM has gotten enamored with set dressing and NPC jibba jabba, then toss a grenade into the mix. Hell, its a one shot game, who cares if your PC goes down in a blaze of glory?

Quote from: Necrozius;957376What do you do?

Shower. Be polite. Be presentable. Keep a flask of liquor handy and take pulls from it if that helps you keep your composure.

Quote from: Necrozius;957376Any tips on just going with a shit train of a game?

If the game is that shitty, you can always stand up and leave. Nothing is forcing you to endure a shitty game.

Quote from: Necrozius;957376Any methods to constructively make the best of bad session? I'm not the passive-aggressive sulking type.

If the game is shitty, but the players are cool - then take over the game. Dispose of the craptastic GM and lead the players over to another table and run your own game for them. You have the chops, you yourself said that you are not the passive-aggressive sulking type, so why not save the day for the whole table and possibly become the stuff of con gaming legend?

Quote from: Necrozius;957376I'm more wary of other peoples' hygiene skills ('had a few negative experiences with socially awkward catpissmen)...

You will meet more than a few people who look at the convention as a marathon of 72/96 hours of gaming, and think of themselves as endurance runners, trying to get through it all with no sleep or showering. I don't get it, but my income is more disposable than others, so that might be part of it.

I will recommend either bringing your own food, or eating off-site. I spent more on food at the last Con for me & my son, than for a ticket in. :(

Always bring plenty of water. Soda, energy drinks, even tea dehydrate you. Water is everywhere, but no one seems to remember to drink enough of it.

But most importantly, have fun!

Quote from: Tristram Evans;957335never pay the listed price for anything at a dealer table.

Eh? I generally always do pay listed price. Compared to the value that they return, most games are woefully under priced. I never do understand why creators take the hit and decide themselves that their own game is not worth so much, ...when so many of the players will devalue the creations without regard for the creator already...

Creators Bill of Rights

For the survival and health of comics, we recognize that no single system of commerce and no single type of agreement between creator and publisher can or should be instituted. However, the rights and dignity of creators everywhere are equally vital. Our rights, as we perceive them to be and intend to preserve them, are:

   
1.  The right to full ownership of what we fully create.

We own what we create

2.    The right to full control over the creative execution of that which we fully own.

We get to decide who else works on our creation

3.    The right of approval over the reproduction and format of our creative property.

We get to decide what media our creations are made out of...

4.     The right of approval over the methods by which our creative property is distributed.

We get to decide who gets access to our creativity

5.     The right to free movement of ourselves and our creative property to and from publishers.

We get to decide who helps us with our projects

6.    The right to employ legal counsel in any and all business transactions.

We get to decide, if and when we need legal counsel...

7.    The right to offer a proposal to more than one publisher at a time.

You are not automatically guaranteed any exclusive rights to any of our creations without an agreement being in place...

8.     The right to prompt payment of a fair and equitable share of profits derived from all of our creative work.

We (not you) get to decide what our products are worth, how much our net profits should be, and how much money we should be able to make off of our creation. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

9.     The right to full and accurate accounting of any and all income and disbursements relative to our work.

If you are working on our behalf, we have the right to know about your sales of our products as well as any expenses incurred in garnering those sales...

10.     The right to prompt and complete return of our artwork in its original condition.

if we provide you original works or artworks for any reason, you are obligated to take care of it, and return it to us in the condition that we provided it to you...

11.    The right to full control over the licensing of our creative property.

We get to decide who else works on our creations... If you don't like it, make you own creations.

12.    The right to promote and the right of approval over any and all promotion of ourselves and our creative property

You have no exclusive rights over how to market our creations, as well as how to engage in public relations , we reserve the right to take advantage of any and all opportunities and to employ any public relations representatives that we choose...


Now this Creators Bill of Rights was written for the Comics Industry after some rather egregious abuses there, but it is equally applicable to the RPG publishing Industry as well...

Reference;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creator%27s_Bill_of_Rights

Quote from: GameDaddy;957516Eh? I generally always do pay listed price. Compared to the value that they return, most games are woefully under priced. I never do understand why creators take the hit and decide themselves that their own game is not worth so much, ...when so many of the players will devalue the creations without regard for the creator already...

Creators Bill of Rights

[(snip)

i'm not an employer or a publisher. The Creator's Bill of Rights doesn't apply. I pay what things are actually worth, whatever a person is willing to sell it for that I'm willing to pay.

Great, constructive thread. For real, in case some think I'm being sarcastic. That the recommendation to shower comes up so often is kinda amazing.

It's kinda amazing that the need to shower frequently when in enclosed hot spaces for a few days doesn't automatically come to mind for everyone who isn't 5 years old and averse to water.

Quote from: Hermes Serpent;957629It's kinda amazing that the need to shower frequently when in enclosed hot spaces for a few days doesn't automatically come to mind for everyone who isn't 5 years old and averse to water.

I agree, but from past experience I continue to be amazed that this doesn't happen.

My local gaming store used to have "the smell" in the basement. An indescribable mix of ass, BO, bad breath, and God knows what else. Then they got a proper ventilation system and brought it down to a dull fart.

I'm thinking of inventing some hypoallergenic, subtle air fresheners for gamers. Maybe they're built into dice trays or towers. Or maybe ones you can stick to the bottom of tables (via suction cups). There's money to be made there, I'm sure.

If you smell dirty socks at your table, run.

Also - I suggest you test-run your game first with home crew, because you could have greatly over- or underestimated the length of your one-shot. Happened to me a couple of times. Oh, and buy swag on the last day, as most merchants'll be willing to haggle just to earn a quick final buck.

And most importantly - relax and have fun. It's a social event, after all.

Quote from: Necrozius;957699I'm thinking of inventing some hypoallergenic, subtle air fresheners for gamers. Maybe they're built into dice trays or towers. Or maybe ones you can stick to the bottom of tables (via suction cups). There's money to be made there, I'm sure.

People who don't need them won't buy them for other people as it might offend them.

People who need them won't buy them for themselves as they are blissfully ignorant of the problem.

What we really need is thick-skinned people who will go up to people and say "You smell, isn't it about time you had a shower?"

However, I am far, far too polite to even consider such an approach.

Quote from: soltakss;957732People who don't need them won't buy them for other people as it might offend them.

People who need them won't buy them for themselves as they are blissfully ignorant of the problem.

What we really need is thick-skinned people who will go up to people and say "You smell, isn't it about time you had a shower?"

However, I am far, far too polite to even consider such an approach.

Lucky for you, I have no problem with telling a dirtbag that he or she needs to wash their ass.

Quote from: Necrozius;957293I finally lost patience with my regular pool of potential role players and have reached out to the local community. Ottawa is quite bustling, it turns out, and I've discovered the yearly CanGames event.

I've decided to attend, as a player, and sit at as many tables as possible. I'm hoping that I'll discover some great games and do some substantial networking.

Alright cutting to the chase:

I haven't played with strangers in a while, and never at a convention.

Is there anything that I should know or prepare for in advance?

Should I bring supplies? Pre-print character sheets for the games that I know? Bring my own dice?

Also, socially, anything I should anticipate? I'm socially competent but if there are any taboos or "faux pas" at these types of events? There isn't much on the CanGames website other than general stuff about being courteous and not leaving a game until it's over.

Thanks in advance and comedy suggestions (ie- insults at my naïvety) are welcome as long as they're balanced with equal amounts of actual advice. :)

As in all things follow the Golden Rules:
-Don't be a dick (Wheaton's Law)
-Bring dice and (help others) have fun! (Asked-to-remain-anonymous' Law)

Seriously, though, gaming conventions can be a lot of fun, and to me are a great way to try games I would not normally try with my core gaming groups for various reasons. If for some reason someone is making your convention experience unfun, it's ok to walk away from a situation, even if it is awkward.
That being said, if I'm having a bad time at a particular game (sometimes the GM's playstyle doesn't mesh well with mine, no biggie) I'll spend the rest of the session trying to help other players have fun, especially if it looks like they're having the same experience as I am. It can make for very oddball bonding experiences.

Oh! I almost forgot. Bring a deck of cards or some "quick to play" card or dice games for some impromptu fun. I met some cool people while waiting for a game to start and just offering for us to play a quick game of Fluxx or Zombie Dice, etc.

WTF is up with the stank ass freaks?  

After nearly 40 years of California conventions, I rarely encounter stinky gamers. Sure, hotels with poor ventilation smell better on Friday than Sunday, but that's happens at non-gaming events too. The stinky gamer thing happened far more in the 80s when the average age was in the teens and young adult. And then it was almost always the mega-fatty or the poor guys who couldn't afford a hotel room and just gamed for 3 days straight with naps on the floor.  

In the past decade, I've smelled a handful of stinkers out of many hundreds of players.

I have WAY more olfactory issues with overdone perfume in grocery stores and restaurants.

Quote from: Rincewind1;957701Also - I suggest you test-run your game first with home crew, because you could have greatly over- or underestimated the length of your one-shot. Happened to me a couple of times.

So true!!

I always overprep, and then remove stuff to make sure we finish by the buzzer. Running the event first is such a boon.

Quote from: Nihilistic Mind;957738Bring a deck of cards or some "quick to play" card or dice games for some impromptu fun.

Great suggestion!

I've been introduced to a few cool card games over the years (Z-man Games, Bohnanza, Bang! come to mind) because somebody broke out something quick and fun while we were waiting between events.

Quote from: jeff37923;957491If the game is shitty, but the players are cool - then take over the game. Dispose of the craptastic GM and lead the players over to another table and run your own game for them. You have the chops, you yourself said that you are not the passive-aggressive sulking type, so why not save the day for the whole table and possibly become the stuff of con gaming legend?

Bonus points if you can save the game for the sake of the other players from within the shitty game itself! Makes for even cooler stories later.

Quote from: Spinachcat;957772Sure, hotels with poor ventilation smell better on Friday than Sunday, but that's happens at non-gaming events too.

They're definitely a minority.  Plus - they're more of an issue for 5 day cons than for 3 day cons.

Quote from: jeff37923;957736Lucky for you, I have no problem with telling a dirtbag that he or she needs to wash their ass.

Then we salute you!

Quote from: Spinachcat;957772WTF is up with the stank ass freaks?  

After nearly 40 years of California conventions, I rarely encounter stinky gamers. Sure, hotels with poor ventilation smell better on Friday than Sunday, but that's happens at non-gaming events too. The stinky gamer thing happened far more in the 80s when the average age was in the teens and young adult. And then it was almost always the mega-fatty or the poor guys who couldn't afford a hotel room and just gamed for 3 days straight with naps on the floor.  

In the past decade, I've smelled a handful of stinkers out of many hundreds of players.

Yeah.  GaryCon had 1700 people in one venue and no stinkasses.

Really, I haven't encountered one in literal decades.

I encounter one almost everytime I wander in my local game store. Perhaps it is young guys taken unawares by puberty?

Convention food is crap and criminally expensive. A snack or two is fine, but make sure to bring food or at least scout out where the supermarket is.

Stay hydrated. The last time I was at a converntion I nearly drove myself into a-fib due to all of the free Bawls Gaurana I drank.

I generally would eat before, or after; if it's not local research ahead of time as to where would be the best place to eat near the convention site.

Quote from: Necrozius;957293I finally lost patience with my regular pool of potential role players and have reached out to the local community. Ottawa is quite bustling, it turns out, and I've discovered the yearly CanGames event.

As it is on May 19-21, 2017, are you planning on letting us know how it was?

Hookers.  Bring Hookers.

Quote from: Spike;960330Hookers.  Bring Hookers.

Been tried. Last GenCon I was at was approached by two after dark while on way to an event in a separate hotel. At first wasnt sure if they were real or attendees goofing off with a joke. Still not sure. Dont wanna know.

At MiniCon though I know there was some wild stuff going on after hours. But that was a pretty wild con and not as much gaming related the times I attended. Was there twice for some social games and a little RPG play and partially business as was at the time finalizing a RPG deal and the IP owner was there. Despite its name it was a huge con and at least once used up all the hotels in the Minneapolis area. Think that was either the one with GWAR or a celtic rock band performing at the con?

Quote from: RPGPundit;960103I generally would eat before, or after; if it's not local research ahead of time as to where would be the best place to eat near the convention site.

And an addendum to that. If theres a Sponsor level and you have it. Then take advantage of the usual sponsor buffet or dinner event some have.

But right there. Check whats local or what your hotel has to offer. Some have really good service at not too bad prices.

Quote from: Omega;960342Been tried. Last GenCon I was at was approached by two after dark while on way to an event in a separate hotel. At first wasnt sure if they were real or attendees goofing off with a joke. Still not sure. Dont wanna know.

At MiniCon though I know there was some wild stuff going on after hours. But that was a pretty wild con and not as much gaming related the times I attended. Was there twice for some social games and a little RPG play and partially business as was at the time finalizing a RPG deal and the IP owner was there. Despite its name it was a huge con and at least once used up all the hotels in the Minneapolis area. Think that was either the one with GWAR or a celtic rock band performing at the con?

But at Minicon, they aren't hookers.  A couple of the local ladies of negotiable affection wandered in once and the hotel security told them "Good luck, girls, it's being given away for free all over the place."  They left after a few minutes.

Let us know how it goes!

Quote from: Omega;960342Been tried. Last GenCon I was at was approached by two after dark while on way to an event in a separate hotel. At first wasnt sure if they were real or attendees goofing off with a joke. Still not sure. Dont wanna know.

At MiniCon though I know there was some wild stuff going on after hours. But that was a pretty wild con and not as much gaming related the times I attended. Was there twice for some social games and a little RPG play and partially business as was at the time finalizing a RPG deal and the IP owner was there. Despite its name it was a huge con and at least once used up all the hotels in the Minneapolis area. Think that was either the one with GWAR or a celtic rock band performing at the con?

I wouldn't talk to them either because:

1)Happily married

2) Pretty sure my local mega convention is crawling with under cover vice. Much like an STD, an arrest record is the gift that keeps on giving.

Quote from: MonsterSlayer;9603932) Pretty sure my local mega convention is crawling with under cover vice. Much like an STD, an arrest record is the gift that keeps on giving.

Wear that arrest for Hooking with PRIDE! Its a freaking, or even a fucking, badge of honor!

Quote from: MonsterSlayer;960393I wouldn't talk to them either because:

1)Happily married

2) Pretty sure my local mega convention is crawling with under cover vice. Much like an STD, an arrest record is the gift that keeps on giving.

Ehh? It has always been no trouble at all to meet a new life companion and/or mistress/paramour at either Origins or GenCon. Origins has all these summer parties going on in the nightclubs across the street from the convention center, and usually they have the Rainbow festival the same weekend as the gaming festival, so it's pretty easy to meet new friends of just about any inclination, or preference. I spend time actively dodging these offers at Origins, just so I can keep focused on the gaming.

...GenCon. Well, there's the GenCon private parties upstairs in the Westin and the Marriott, and if you can wrangle an invitation, you're in. Last two time I been to GenCon I was invited to attend private parties. There's also the dance in the Crowne Plaza on Saturday night, and often private gatherings below that in the basement nightclub of Union Station beneath Crown Plaza. Saturday night is best for those as well. There's the Vampire / White Wolf gathering as well, the girls there have fangs and actually like drinking blood, so look out. Pretty sure they especially like married guys as they can get some leverage, and practice their vampiric arts of extortion, and bribery.

For those of you looking to partake, have to be wary of the jailbait as well, that would be the underage (under eighteen) cosplay crowd, whose moms or daddy also likes to partake in some good old fashioned extortion. Good Luck with all that.

Pretty sure the cops just stay away from the hotels as they have their own security, except in the Indianapolis convention center itself. As a former security chief for the Cincinnati Bengals (who was at the convention center/RCA Dome/Lucas Oil Stadium for plenty of Colts Playoff games and other events), I can tell you they have lots and lots of hi-def security cameras that record every time you scratch yourself.

Quote from: Gronan of Simmerya;960367But at Minicon, they aren't hookers.  A couple of the local ladies of negotiable affection wandered in once and the hotel security told them "Good luck, girls, it's being given away for free all over the place."  They left after a few minutes.

hah! Someone else mentioned that too at the con nearly word for word. (Was that you?) I was dubious till saw the postings for the BDSM party... :eek:

Nope, weren't me.  But if you can't get laid at Minicon, give up.

I have to say, US gaming conventions seem very different from my experience in the UK...

When I went to Dragonmeet in 2015 I noticed their brochure included a new SJW-inspired anti-harrassment policy. Given the gamer culture here that seemed unneccessary bordering on insane. But if US conventions really are hotbeds of sexual activity, I guess I can see why that stuff originated there and then migrated here on SJW wings - our SJW geeks are always looking to copy their US counterparts despite the lack of US cultural basis.

That was, I believe driven by Pelgrane who refuse to attend a con unless there is a anti-harassment policy. I think it might be their female person in charge that dictates that rather than Simon Rogers though.

The US convention culture has also changed.  The 1976 World SF Convention specified in its hotel requirements that skinny dipping had to be allowed.

And a lot of people did, both male and female.  And some of them were quite nice to look at.  And some were not, but nobody said they couldn't skinny dip too, and if anybody had they'd been held under the pool till the bubbles stopped.