Keeper, Dungeon Master, Game Master…there are many names for the job. Thinking about taking the reins at your game table? This seminar focuses on concerns common among new GMs.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but all are welcome regardless of experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a game agnostic session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular system. It is about all the other parts of GMing, which might not be as obvious, but are really at the core of what it means to be a good GM. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
Keeper, Dungeon Master, Game Master…there are many names for the job. Thinking about taking the reins at your game table? This seminar focuses on concerns common among new GMs.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but all are welcome regardless of experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a game agnostic session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular system. It is about all the other parts of GMing, which might not be as obvious, but are really at the core of what it means to be a good GM. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
Keeper, Dungeon Master, Game Master…there are many names for the job. Thinking about taking the reins at your game table? This seminar focuses on concerns common among new GMs.
Description:
The primary goal of this seminar is to address the anxieties and concerns that are most common for new and novice gamemasters, but all are welcome regardless of experience level. We will talk about fears, improvisation, safety tools, "session zero", preparation, and many other topics. This is a game agnostic session, and will not focus on the mechanics of any particular system. It is about all the other parts of GMing, which might not be as obvious, but are really at the core of what it means to be a good GM. Bring your questions, bring a friend, but most importantly bring your imagination, an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a sense of humor.
Do your RPG sessions feel stale? Are you trying to take things to a higher level, but feel like you're playing a board game? Come learn about conversational GMing and inject some life into your RPGs.
Description:
A conversational approach is more natural than you might think, and draws in more creativity from players at the table. The more invested everyone is, the better the game. The system you're playing is irrelevant. You can make Conversational GMing a part of anything from D&D to FATE and anything in between. The event is open to all regardless of experience level. Players are welcome too!
Do your RPG sessions feel stale? Are you trying to take things to a higher level, but feel like you're playing a board game? Come learn about conversational GMing and inject some life into your RPGs.
Description:
A conversational approach is more natural than you might think, and draws in more creativity from players at the table. The more invested everyone is, the better the game. The system you're playing is irrelevant. You can make Conversational GMing a part of anything from D&D to FATE and anything in between. The event is open to all regardless of experience level. Players are welcome too!
Do your RPG sessions feel stale? Are you trying to take things to a higher level, but feel like you're playing a board game? Come learn about conversational GMing and inject some life into your RPGs.
Description:
A conversational approach is more natural than you might think, and draws in more creativity from players at the table. The more invested everyone is, the better the game. The system you're playing is irrelevant. You can make Conversational GMing a part of anything from D&D to FATE and anything in between. The event is open to all regardless of experience level. Players are welcome too!
Traditional fantasy cartographers, designers, and encounter map artists explore how maps shape worlds, conflict, strategy, lore, and player decisions to create epic play.
Description:
Whether enriching a battle or encounter, revealing the conflicts of a campaign, or deepening the story of a setting, maps are more than navigation tools—they are narrative devices. This panel brings together fantasy mapmakers and artists from across the TTRPG space—game creators, battle and encounter map designers, and traditional fantasy cartographers—to discuss how maps function as worldbuilding tools for both lore and gameplay. Maps actively shape player decisions, reinforce pacing, and drive story, rather than simply depicting space. Learn how battle map design can drive conflict and shape encounters, and how world maps communicate politics, power, and struggles for resources. Panelists will share techniques and insights for creating maps that do more than guide—they enrich the adventure, blending strategy, narrative, and creativity into unforgettable play experiences.
Maps & Magic: The Art & Industry Behind Fantasy World, Battle and Encounter Maps
Summary:
Ever wonder how fantasy maps are made? Join this panel of mapmakers as they break down the process of creating world maps and encounter maps for TTRPGs, campaigns, and fantasy novels.
Description:
How are the best fantasy maps created? What does it take to design an unforgettable battle map? How can an epic map elevate your next TTRPG game, campaign, or fantasy novel? This panel of industry creators explores the art of crafting immersive worlds and dynamic encounters. Using art, storytelling, and even science, maps challenge players and bring landscapes to life. Learn how battle map design can drive conflict and shape gameplay. Explore how world maps tell stories of politics, conflict, and struggles for resources. Panelists share techniques and tips for creating maps that do more than guidethey enrich the adventure. Discover how maps serve as portals into the minds of world builders and game masters, blending strategy, narrative, and creativity.