The topic for the July 24th RPGChat was Gen Con! Wondering what RPGchat is? Allow us to explain. Interested in participating? Join us next week on Twitter. Just look for the #rpgchat hashtag, and share your thoughts when you’re ready!
Tweets of Note
Today is a very special #RPGchat! It’s the chat before #GenCon and, as is tradition, we’re going to spend it talking about the con.
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
What to Pack?
Don’t pack for #GenCon with “things you think you MIGHT need.” Pack what you use every day/gaming session. #rpgchat
— jess banks (@ProfBanks) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde A good battery backup to charge while sitting at the game table also helps. They are small and can hold a solid charge. #RPGchat
— TheHussman (@TheHussman) July 24, 2015
Having two phone chargers is super handy. One for your convention bag and one for the room. Less shuffling. #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde pregen PCs, pencils, notecards, phone charger, ibuprofin, hand sanitizer
— Kennon C. Bauman (@TheUniverseGM) July 24, 2015
.@d20Blonde Lots of hand sanitizer! #rpgchat
— Hans Cummings (@JediSoth) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde Spare deodorant. roll of T.P. and a water bottle.
— Brian F’n Patterson (@d20monkey) July 24, 2015
.@jkahane1 In the event that you forget any RX meds, the CVS up the street is SUPER helpful and understanding. #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde The stuff for my diabetes, this year adding insulin pens and needles to the mix. Any games and materials I need to run. #RPGchat
— John M. Kahane (@jkahane1) July 24, 2015
@d20blonde Healthy Energy Bars, a durable Water bottle, the best walking shoes you can afford, cash for tips, universal charger, torch.
— chrishanrahan (@chrishanrahan) July 24, 2015
Here’s what I expect every gamer to have: A pencil Dice Notecards/stickies. THAT’S IT. Don’t kill yourself lugging rules around. #rpgchat
— Bill Cavalier (@dungeonbastard) July 24, 2015
Indy’s had a lot of rain this year. Consider bringing an umbrella just in case. #RPGchat
— Brian Dunten (@SiderealKnight) July 24, 2015
General Tips
@d20Blonde #rpgchat re: food trucks… They always take longer than you expect and there is always a rush. Give yourself ample time.
— Brian Dunten (@SiderealKnight) July 24, 2015
Seek meals at off-hours. Eat a big breakfast and then grab an easier lunch at 2 or 3! #rpgchat https://t.co/aWwK2D7UQU
— Kennon C. Bauman (@TheUniverseGM) July 24, 2015
@dungeonbastard Also, that 10 lb. bag of dice? Leave it at home. You only need 2 or 3 sets w/ you, tops. #RPGChat
— TPK-Online (@TPK_Online) July 24, 2015
BE AWARE OF YOUR BACKPACK. I’ve been smacked by SO many of them in the dealer hall. #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde Same goes for cosplay weapons! I got hit one year and needed a few stitches. #RPGchar
— Brian F’n Patterson (@d20monkey) July 24, 2015
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to say yes often at #GenCon. #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
i always pack spare toilet paper, nothing is worse than getting in a stall and discovering no tp left, thanks @sandchigger #rpgchat
— Alpha Ralpha (@Alpharalpha) July 24, 2015
Or put some toilet paper from your room in a zip-loc in your bag. Refresh if you used. Lifesaver. #RPGChat https://t.co/zuQce1X8TW
— Squidquisitor (@cthulhuchick) July 24, 2015
Money Saving Tips
Biggest penny pincher for me is I almost ALWAYS eating at the mall food court. Yup, not as cool, but I save $$$ #RPGchat
— TheHussman (@TheHussman) July 24, 2015
Another $$$ saver. If you see a cool item, wait a few hours. If you still feel the MUST HAVE, then gopher it. Otherwise, no. #RPGchat
— TheHussman (@TheHussman) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde Restaurants are great, but try to bring lunch a few of the days. A small cooler will save time & $. #RPGchat
— Matt Bogen (@mattbogen) July 24, 2015
@d20Blonde hit the grocery before the con, con food is pricy
— thedicegoddess (@thedicegoddess) July 24, 2015
.@d20Blonde I set a strict budget, and only allow myself to buy things with cash. #RPGchat
— Troy Pichelman (@TroyP23) July 24, 2015
Some Do’s and Don’ts
DON’T BE: -a lurker -a creeper -a tongue wagger -acting like it’s all just your own private party DO BE: considerate. #rpgchat
— Bill Cavalier (@dungeonbastard) July 24, 2015
@dungeonbastard @d20Blonde Also, don’t be a rules lawyer. In general, but especially don’t be one -in a game you’re not playing in- #RPGchat
— Kirby Carav (@MumaKirby) July 24, 2015
NEVER touch a GM’s things unless you’re invited. #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
NO ONE REMEMBERS ANYONE’S NAME!!! Do not hesitate to introduce yourself, and take no offense. #RPGchat
— Rob Donoghue (@rdonoghue) July 24, 2015
Pace Yourself
It’s important for EVERYONE to take a midday break. You can’t fit it all in. Don’t wreck yourself. They’ll have it again next year. #rpgchat
— Bill Cavalier (@dungeonbastard) July 24, 2015
One of the things I’ve learned over the years of attending cons is to pace oneself. #GenCon especially can be hectic. #RPGchat
— John M. Kahane (@jkahane1) July 24, 2015
Make frequent trips back to your hotel room. Drop of your loot. Refresh your mind/body, and re-energize. #RPGchat
— TheHussman (@TheHussman) July 24, 2015
Bringing Children?
If you’re thinking about the Zoo as a family #GenCon outing, follow @geekchicxp and @maydaygames who are organizing a zoo event. #RPGchat
— Thomas Deeny (@DenaghDesign) July 24, 2015
The zoo event at #GenCon is Wed 7/29 #rpgchat
— Thomas Deeny (@DenaghDesign) July 24, 2015
Good Links
My Co-hosts and I will be podcasting live from #GenCon the entire con. We just put out a Gencon Tips ep! https://t.co/84jholSZra #RPGchat
— Dustin (@8one6) July 24, 2015
Be sure to read my Gen Con advice series this week, too. I focus on con going w/physically challenged folks. #RPGchat http://t.co/ehcBsp1vB5
— Hans Cummings (@JediSoth) July 24, 2015
We brought Archer to #GenCon when he was 17 months. Hired help from Sitters to the Rescue. Was AWESOME. http://t.co/gHEg18s43T #RPGchat
— The Notorious LIZ (@d20Blonde) July 24, 2015
And Lastly…
One of the best things you can pack for #GenCon? Manners. Say please/thank you. Open doors. Respect personal space. #rpgchat
— Brian F’n Patterson (@d20monkey) July 24, 2015