Saturday, May 5, 2018

CAR-PGA Newsletter April 2018


CAR-PGa NEWSLETTER

Vol. 27, No. 4
An international network of researchers into all aspects of role-playing games
April 2018

David Millians, Editor
Paideia School, 1509 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA


REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear members,

We will have a three-person Board. Thus far we only have two candidates for it. As a result, the period in which to declare your candidacy will be held open for a further month. Please let me know if you are interested.

Your candidates as of this writing are, in random order:
Paul Cardwell
Ted Skirvin

In service,
M. Alan Thomas II

ARTICLES

Atlanta Science Fiction and Fantasy Expo 2018
Convention Report
By David Millians

I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at this year’s ASFFE. I had not been in several years, and it has grown wonderfully on fan energy and hard work by the organizers. It now fills much of the public space and empty storefronts in North Dekalb Mall, normally a sleepy, even depressed, collection of stores in northeast Atlanta. The Expo filled it with costumes, booths for local and regional authors, artists, publishers, and fan groups.

I would guess that hundreds of people attended over two days, drawing from many parts of Atlanta fan culture. The attendees were majority non-white, a refreshing sight, and roughly evenly split in terms of gender. There was a visible LGBTQ presence in everything from workshops to booth contents to personal expressions by individual con-goers.

My workshop on games and education was Sunday afternoon, right after Maid Café, a Japanese anime-inspired coffee shop concept. I only had a few people arrive for my talk, so I mostly worked with one woman on her game ideas. It was a pleasure, Leslie!

I’m looking forward to next year’s Expo and hope to see it grow again.

Convention Reports
By Louis Zochi

I attended Genghiscon on 16-18 February in Aurora, Colorado. It is a suburb of Denver. It seemed to me that there were 1,500 people attending and half of them were females. All three gaming rooms were filled, and it looks like Dungeons & Dragons 5E is regaining popularity. More D&D was played than Pathfinder, and very few people wore costumes.

On 23-25 February, I attended Pensacon, in Pensacola, Florida. Because this was a comic con, the attendance was about 30,000, of which 4,000 were gamers who walked across the street and went to the second floor, where there was constant gaming. Again, the attendance was half female, and few of the attenders wore costumes. Again, D&D 5E was played more often than Pathfinder.

The SPIEL ´17 in Essen
Part Two: From Science Fiction to Music, Cosplay and Criminal Investigations
By Carsten Obst

Harlands Loch und der Dyson-Gürtel (Harland´s Hole and the Dyson-Belt) is a new sourcebook for the SF-RPG Ultima Ratio, published by the Heinrich Tueffers Verlag. Rare ores can be found in the Dyson-Gürtel, a large asteroid belt, attracting large corporations as well as small companies but also lots of other people, who want to profit from the miners, often by criminal means. Harland´s Loch, also known as the entertainment district of the belt, is the largest mining colony. The sourcebook starts with a history of the belt, where once a space battle happened. As a result, many shipwrecks are still drifting there. Mining colonies, space stations, scientific outposts, medical supply, abandoned colonies, the security forces, the military, and mercenaries are more topics. A gazetteer of Harland´s Loch follows, dealing with finances, computer networks, daily life, entertainment, sports, security, crimes, and tourism. We also get information about the colony´s districts as well as important locations like hotels, shops, and nightclubs. Corporations, organizations, political parties, mercenary units, cults, aliens, crime syndicates, and freelancers, who handle semi-legal or illegal missions in a discreet way, are also listed here. Of great interest for the PCs is the chapter about contacts like artists, lawyers, private eyes, and black marketers. Several important NPCs are also introduced, who may be allies, opponents, or clients. Their intentions can be the start of entire campaigns. Finally, a short adventure familiarizes the PCs with the situation in the Dyson-Gürtel. Altogether Harlands Loch is a valuable expansion of the Ultima Ratio universe, but the setting can easily be adapted for SF-RPGs like Star Wars or Traveller, if you need a mining colony in an asteroid belt. Recommended for all science fiction-RPGs.

In 2016 the German company Pro Indie published as a PDF-file the new SF-RPG Equinox, which is now available as hardcover-books. Two books allow one to explore the grim future. Obviously, dark settings are popular now. The first is the Regel-Handbuch (Rules-Handbook). In the introduction the authors admit that they were influenced by systems like Fate. Character creation uses a point-based system, while a character is based on attributes, skills powers, and magic (Yes, magic in a SF world), which are combined. They form the basis for traits like damage resistance or health. All PCs have mystical powers, which are called magic. Different paths or character classes - like rogue, merchant or pilot – enable them to develop them according to the player´s ideas. With so-called tags (keywords or codes), Fate-like advantages or disadvantages can be used. A list of archetypes speeds character creation, while human subspecies allow even more details. Spaceships and space travel are dealt with in a separate chapter. Six PCs, which can be used at once, and the short adventure “Verborgene Schätze” (Hidden Treasures) complete the rule book. Altogether the Regel-Handbuch offers a well developed system, which may be used with some changes for other games, too. Recommended for fans of SF RPGs.

The Setting-Handbuch (Setting Handbook) is the second Equinox book, which describes the dark and mystical background of the game. Magic increases and decreases in cycles. A renewed strength of the magical power allowed mankind to explore and colonize space by using portals through the astral plane. Even spaceships were equipped with “ghosts” to navigate. As a side effect, new human subspecies evolved, like the giant Hokai or the catlike Gor. So called mystics are able to use magic intuitively. A golden age began, but it ended when demons attacked. During the war Earth was destroyed, and many colonized worlds devastated. Five surviving worlds founded the Konsortium (Consortium), an authoritarian state that enforces its will mercilessly. Mystics in particular are under constant surveillance. Some people even suspect that the Konsortium is actually controlled by demons. The PCs, all mystics themselves, are fighting against the dictatorship, trying to survive against all odds. With the Setting-Handbuch you get a detailed world including history, equipment, mystical creatures, descriptions of the surviving worlds, and the solar system as well as advice for the GM to develop their own locations, NPCs, and plots. A settlement on an asteroid and a space station give the PCs places to start. The Setting-Handbuch offers an unusual but fascinating setting that allows different kinds of SF adventures. Highly recommended for fans of SF RPGs, especially if they like the philosophical TV show Star Trek - Next Generation but complain about the lack of battles.

Finally, Patient Null: Abenteuerpaket (Patient Zero: Adventure Package) is the first adventure book for Equinox. A mysterious plague spreads in the solar system, turning the infected into aggressive madmen before they die. The “Entwined Serpents,” a hospital ship, tries to find a cure, which is an extremely dangerous task: even a touch can transmit the disease. So the PCs are hired as guards for the crew, but it might be doubted that they will enjoy their money. The book includes a description of the hospital ship, several possible PCs, a list of NPCs including their motivations, the adventure “Patient Null” itself, and a list of adventure ideas. Rumors, comments of crew members, and secrets complete the book. Patient Null is a good introduction into the Equinox universe, which offers possibilities for other SF RPGs. After all hospital ships are seldom used, and so with some changes the “Entwined Serpents” can find its way to other universes, too.  Star Trek is again a possibility. A must for Equinox players but recommended for all fans of SF RPGs.

Erdenstern released a new CD to expand its long line of RPG music. With Silicium twenty musical pieces for post-apocalyptic and dystopian backgrounds are offered, usable for settings like Mad Max or Judge Dredd. The destruction of civilization turned Earth into a wasteland, where the survivors wander through the ruins or have entrenched in overcrowded megacities. They lack all resources, while law and order no longer exist or are enforced mercilessly. But somewhere in the ruins something new exists, which may be the final destruction of mankind - or its last hope. The rising tune of “The Future,” the first piece, gives an impression of the destroyed world. “Megalopolis” is a threatening melody, describing the large megacities. The flowing tune of “The Runners Awake” can be used as theme for a group of PCs trying to survive with their abilities, while the rhythmic “Uprising” may emphasize the start of an adventure. “Artificial Intelligence” with its hectic tune gives the impression of a cold AI. “Trouble” is a hard piece, perfect for combat and similar risky situations. “Blood and Steel” has a mighty tune, usable for military units. The calm “Survivors” shows the determination of the surviving people to carry on against all odds. With its rising tune “A New World?” shows the cautious optimism that a new civilization can be rebuilt. Finally the impressive “Silicium” is the right theme for campaigns, which may decide humanity´s fate. Recommended for all post-apocalyptic and dystopian RPGs.

Since 1955 the magazine Mosaik (Mosaic) offers comics for children, first in the former GDR and after the German reunification in the now unified comic market. In 1976 Mosaik begun to publish the series “Die Abrafaxe” (The Abrafaxe), telling the adventures of Abrax, Brabax, and Califax, three teen-like gnomes and their pet-rat. They are some kind of an RPG-group: a fighter, a sage, a healer/cook, and an animal scout. Able to travel through time, they explore the world from ancient Greek to the Roaring Twenties. With Abrafaxe Symphonie (Abrafaxe Symphony), a music-CD is now available. In five sections the symphony tells a musical adventure inspired by the series. In the first section “Adventures on the High Sea,” a treasure map causes the Abrafaxe to travel with a ship to South America, which includes storms, pirates, and a shipwreck. The second section “Through the Jungle” tells of their difficult jungle-expedition. It is continued with “Eldorado”, when they finally discover the legendary golden city. But in “Don Ferrando” their old nemesis arrives, the ruthless Spanish nobleman Don Ferrando. After a dangerous chase, the Abrafaxe flee via time-travel. Finally the last section sees them “In ancient Rome”, where they search for the missing Abrax. The symphony was composed for an audience of junior listeners and adult Abrafaxe fans, who easily identify the original plots, but its melodies can also be used as soundtracks for RPG campaigns with more humorous backgrounds like the classical swashbuckler genre or the old sword-and-sandals movies. Even for adventures in settings like Indiana Jones or Star Wars, the symphony would be appropriate. Recommended for comic-fans as well as for GMs looking for a light background music.

The Redaktion Phantastik expanded the detective RPG Private Eye with Auge um Auge (An Eye for an Eye), a revised reprint of an adventure published in 1994. Let me start with a warning to be aware of the adult topic. Indeed, sex crimes are not among the cases of Sherlock Holmes. The adventure begins with the discovery of a dead woman in the county of Yorkshire. Soon the investigations lead the PCs to Bellington, a little village. Here the woman is identified as Laura Ontkean, whom the authorities suspect to have murdered her father. As the PCs soon learn, much darker secrets are hidden in the village. Unfortunately, the local population is not very cooperative, and so the investigations need lots of time, determination, and diplomacy to find the truth. The fact that the inhabitants of Bellington are Catholics causes further complications. Even if the PCs solve the case, they will face a moral dilemma. Sometimes the truth is more harmful than the crime. As usual the book offers the GM everything to run the adventure, including detailed descriptions of all locations, biographies of the NPCs, maps, contemporary photos, a list of traces, testimonies and evidences, as well as an overview of the relations between the inhabitants of Bellington. The PCs will need this material to solve the case and to uncover the secrets of the village. Auge um Auge confronts the players with an ugly kind of crime, and so they should be experienced enough to handle sensitive topics in a game, but this challenge is compensated for by a complex plot in the best traditions of ancient tragedies. The adventure is a must for Private Eye fans, but it can also be used for steampunk RPGs like Space 1889 or with some changes for horror RPGs like Cthulhu by Gaslight. Highly recommended!

With Frühnebel (Early Morning Mist) Redaktion Phantastik published the first adventure for the announced dark fantasy RPG Seelenfänger (Soulcatcher), even before other books are available. Nevertheless, you can play it at once, because it is based on the German  edition of Fate. It starts with a short description of the Täuscherland (Phony´s Country), the game world. Seven years earlier, during a war, a magician destroyed the enemy and the imperial army likewise. Now called the “Täuscher” (Phony), he vanished after sealing up the borders magically against attempts to leave or to enter the country. As a result, the shattered empire is a dark place. The PCs live in Grünwald (Green Wood), a village in the province Ostraion near the border. When a woman is killed by a beast, the inhabitants suspect a group of the gypsy-like Manuch tribe to be responsible for her death. Now the PCs must solve the crime. The adventure includes information about Ostraion, a description of the village, a list of NPCs, a short section about the Manuch, and ideas for further adventures. Another chapter has information about monsters, while five pre-generated characters can be used as PCs. Altogether Frühnebel is an interesting start for Seelenfänger, which can also be used for other fantasy RPGs with a dark background. In 2018 the sourcebook Täuscherland shall be published. Recommended, especially for fans of dark fantasy.

For Seelenfänger, a small booklet with the short adventure Ein Magiertraum (A Magician´s Dream) was distributed for free as promotion for the announced dark fantasy RPG. It takes place in a little village, where a magician was killed some years before. When the PCs pass through it, they are affected by a curse which burdens the settlement. Will they be able to find a way out? The adventure takes some unexpected turns, while it runs in an unusual way, demanding lots of cleverness from the players. Recommended for fans of dark fantasy-settings and GMs, who want to torture the players (read: all GMs).

For the German fantasy RPG Midgard, new issues 28 and 29 of the semi-professional RPG magazine Dausend Dode Drolle (Thousand Dead Trolls) were available at the game fair. Issue 28 includes the adventure “Ikone des Glücks” (Icon of Happiness) for beginners. In Thalassa, a city in the Greek-like nation of Chryseia, an icon of a fertility saint is stolen, which the PCs shall recover. Rumours complicate their search: some women are said to be sterile, while some men shall have problems with their - ahem, steadfastness. The adventure can be expanded, if the GM wants further action. In “Amulette in Legenden” (Amulets in Legends) a number of amulets, their effects, and the legends are listed. “Das Kloster TienDse” (The Convent of TienDse) describes a convent in KanThaiPan, a China-like empire ruled by evil sorcerers. Here priests train to defend the people against the oppressors. Important NPCs, the history of the convent, the life of the monks and nuns, martial arts-styles, new spells, and the necessary information to create an appropriate character are included. Issue 29 has “Das Buch der schwarzen Namen” (The Book of the black Names) about demons that the PCs can encounter, if they are unlucky. Here even Warhammer GMs will find something to frighten the players. The article about amulets in issue 28 continues in this issue with more material. Finally, in the adventure “Das Fest am Gewundenen Flußlauf” (The Festival at the Winding Watercourse), the unknowing PCs get involved in the machinations of an evil ghost when they visit a temple in the TsaiChen Valley in a Japan-like country. Oh, by the way: one of the male characters must suddenly take care for his sweet, innocent, little baby daughter - so much for one-night-stands. A detailed history of the area, maps, an introduction to the temple´s philosophy, and a list of NPCs complete the adventure. Both issues of Dausend Dode Drolle are valuable additions for Midgard, but they also offer ideas for other fantasy RPGs. Recommended for Midgard fans and for GMs looking for mythical Greek, China, and Japan settings.

Jäger der heiligen Reliquie (Hunters if the holy Relic) is an adventure for PCs of level 12 and higher, which was originally published by the Dausend Dode Drolle team in 2016 for the Midgard Südcon, a Midgard convention. In Kroisos, a city in Chryseia, an old relic is stolen. The temple, where it was stored, hires the PCs to get it back. They follow the thieves to Thalassa, where the situation becomes extremely complicated, because several groups with opposing intentions want the relic for themselves, and they will do everything to obtain it. Even worse: finally the PCs may need it for themselves. The adventure combines investigations, overland tours, social interactions, secret societies, dark magic, and fights. For this reason, the group should have a broad range of skills and abilities, so they can deal with all these situations. Background information, maps, potential expansions of the main plot, lists of NPCs and monsters, new spells, descriptions of the important locations in Thalassa, as well as the city´s history complete the adventure. The final showdown is a special challenge for the NPCs, because all groups clash which each other. Recommended for Midgard fans and for GMs looking for an adventure in a mythical Greek setting.

Für Nathir (For Nathir), published by the Abenteurergilde Midgard e.V., is another new adventure for Midgard, optionally for PCs of low or medium level. Corrinis, a city on the game world, organizes every year a cross-country race to honor Nathir, one of the world´s ancient dragons. For thirty-six hours the competitors make their way through the wilderness. This year seventy brave men and women started, but only fifty returned. At once search parties are sent out to find the missing. Of course, the situation is much more complicated, because the race also has political relevance in the rivalry between two ethnic groups living in the area. The plot combines wilderness adventures with criminal investigations, while it also offers several ways for the PCs to get involved. They may be friends of a missing athlete´s family, join a search party, or even participate in the race. Everything that the GM needs to run the adventure is included: a map of the route, rules for the race, information about the celebrations, a list of NPCs, two sport-related (!) magical artifacts, floor plans of buildings, a history of the event, and a chapter that explains the secret background of the plot. Different introductions allow play with either low or medium level PCs. Recommended, not just for Midgard fans but also for all fantasy RPGs.

The success of the German cosplay magazine Cohaku continued in 2017. At the game fair I got issues 14 and 15, as well as issue 04 of the English edition, all from Get Ready Publishing. Issue 14 offers articles about hand embroidery, shoe covers, knitting, and the use of artificial gemstones as ornaments. Cosplay fans who want to make their own costume will find lots of information here. Make-up, sound effects for equipment, wigs, glowing magic wands, or photo-shootings under water and with birds of prey are more topics of this issue. In the 15 we find further articles about tailoring, the making of hats, painting, hairstyles, attachment of armors, the use of foam material, as well as photography with fire and light effects. The English issue 04 deals amongst other things with sewing machines, the application of leather for costumes, beards, ponytails, and weathering techniques. A number of interviews complete the three issues. Photos of cosplayers like Sandra “Shiru-Sama” Schipp as Maki (colorful), Matt “MattEleven” Elliott as Newt Scamander (mysterious), Nicole “Lenora” Busch as a Mandalorian mercenary (dangerous), Sabrina “Monono Cosplay” Eickhoff as Aela the Huntress (tough), Sophia “Skunk” Ditzell as Triss Merigold (combative), and Daniel “EyeofSauronDesigns” Felber as Darius (strong-willed) give good impressions of this hobby. Recommended for cosplay-fans but also for LARP and RPG enthusiasts, who look for ideas, as well as for GMs searching for illustrations.

The German magazine Kult! 60er, 70er, 80er (“Cult! Sixties, Seventies, Eighties“), published by Good Times, is a valuable source for campaigns between 1960 and 1990. It deals with events, developments, trends, and fashions characterizing these decades. GMs can use this to detail the background of campaigns during these years. The magazine concentrates on Germany, but around 1960 the cultural exchange with other nations already flourished. At the game fair issue 1 for 2018 was already available. Some articles shall be mentioned as examples. “Köstliche Kindheit” (Delicious Childhood) deals with the famous ice-cream of the Langnese company, while “Lederstrumpf” (The Leatherstocking Tales) describes the adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper´s novels in Germany. “50 Jahre Geldautomaten” (Fifty Years ATM) informs the reader about the invention of ATMs, which German banks began to use in 1968. “Daniel Düsentrieb” (Gyro Gearloose) tells about the introduction of this comic-hero in Germany under his new name. With “Von irren Wissenschaftler, Vampiren und Fell-Bikinis” (Of Mad Scientists, Vampires and Fur Bikinis” the horror movies of the legendary Hammer Film Productions are presented. “Geometrie statt Gemütlichkeit” (Geometry instead of Snugness) describes the new geometrical furniture, which replaced after 1960 the plush-furniture of the “Wirtschaftswunder.” “Geschichte der O” (Story of O) presents the famous erotic movie from 1975, which introduced BDSM to the public. A time table informs the reader about important or interesting events, which can also be hints to start adventures. Reviews of books, movies and music allow the GMs further researches. Recommended as a support for campaigns and adventures from 1960 to 1990.

From October 25 to 28, 2018, the SPIEL ´18 will take place, again in Essen. If you want to visit it but need information about hotel rooms or other questions, please send a note to my e-mail-address: swashbuckler.fun@gmx.de.

Below can you find the websites of the publishers, companies, comics, and magazines which were mentioned in the article:

Abenteurergilde Midgard e.V.: www.abenteurergilde-midgard.de
Aborea: www.aborea.de
Abrafaxe Symphonie: abrafaxe-symphonie.de
Cohaku: www.cohaku.de
Dausend Dode Drolle: www.ddd-verlag.de
Erdenstern: www.erdenstern.de
Europäische Spielesammlergilde: www.e-s-g.eu
Heinrich-Tüffers-Verlag: www.htv-shop.de/index.php
Pro Indie: www.pro-indie.com
Scherbenland: www.scherbenland.de
Schnutenbach: schnutenbach.jimbo.com
Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf: www.schwarzkopf-schwarzkopf.de
Splittermond: splittermond.de
Redaktion Phantastik: www.redaktion-phantastik.de
Uhrwerk Verlag: www.uhrwerk-verlag.de

You can order the games, books, comics, magazines and CDs at this game-store:
Buchhandlung Fantasy Reich
- c/o Peter den Hoet -
Wilhelminenstraße 17
D-24103 Kiel
Germany

The telephone- and fax-numbers of the store are: [Germany] 0431/9719370 and 0431/5878658. E-mails can be sent to: info@fantasyreich.net. Languages: German, English and Dutch. The homepage of the store you find here: www.fantasyreich.net/index.htm.

NEW MATERIAL

FROM DAVID MILLIANS

Oh, Ashley (2018 Mar 15) Psychological horror game Detention revisits 1960s Taiwan. www.polygon.com/2018/3/15/17092630/detention-game-ps4-steam-impressions. Creepy history but no knowledge needed to play.

Low, Shaun (2018 Mar 28) Using RPGs to correct misbehavior. www2.rpgresearch.com/Members/lowyhong/using-rpgs-to-correct-misbehaviour. Metacognition and more make RPGs effective tools for addressing misbehavior.

CALENDAR

New listings this month were provided by Paul Cardwell and Lou Zocchi. Others are urged to submit information. If you attend a convention, be sure and check the conventions table and let us have a copy of the fliers (or at very least the when, what, where, and contact information) for upcoming conventions available there. CAR-PGa is international, so this includes anywhere in the world.

Dates, precise venue, contacts' URLs or phone numbers, and other information, where missing from this list, would be particularly appreciated.

"[LARP]" means only LARP events as many RPG cons include at least some LARP, as likewise applies to the mention of specific game systems. The same bracketed information applies as well to game systems when the con will have only those games present.

In an attempt to get more face-to-face meetings of the membership, we list who will be going to what convention, if they will tell us. Get this type of information in at least two months before the convention itself, so we can run it at least once. Support your local cons by helping in the staff. It is a good way to promote RPG and you generally get in free for the brief time spent helping.

A review of any attended convention afterwards for the Newsletter would be appreciated too. These reviews should include demographic data such as attendance, percentage male/female, white/ethnic minorities (or whatever is the majority/white/others), games in addition to tabletop RPG, and more subjective matters such as unusual events, quality of games and dealers' room, encouragement of new gamers, and whatever seems worth reporting. We need to work to restore CAR-PGa's reputation as the media's go-to on gamer demographics, especially since the media are still citing a study that cut off all those over 35 - at a time when that was the median age of gamers - it is closer to 40 now - which indicates we also need to work on recruiting younger players, although some increase in college age players at conventions has been noted.

April 2018

1-8: Swordcraft Quest, Western Oval, Park St, Melbourne, Vic; swordcraft.com.au [LARP]
5-8: Furry Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA; furryweekend.com
5-8: Game Storm, Red Lion Jantzen Beach, 909 N Hayden Island Dr, Portland, ORgamestorm.org
5-8: PAX East, Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St, Boston, MAeast.paxsite.com
5-8: Tekko, Lawrence Conventioner, Pittsburgh, PA; teamtekko.us
6-8: Chicago Comic Expo, South Bldg, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL: c2e2.com 
6-8: CyPhaCon, Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, LA; cyphacon.org
6-8: Fan Expo Dallas. Dallas Convention Center, Dallas, TX; fanexpodallas.com
6-8: JohnCon, Levering Hall, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD: jh.edu/~johncon/
6-8: PLAY, Modena Exhibition Center, Modena, Italy; play-modena.it
6-8: Sci-fi on the Rock, Sheraton Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. Johns, NFscifiontherock.com
6-8: Silicon Valley Comic Con, San Jose Convention Center, 150 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CAsvcmiccon.com
6-8: Tri-Con Spring, Delta Hotel Conference Center, South Sioux City, NE; triconspring.org 
7: DevaCon, Crowne Plaza, Trinity St, Chester; devaconblog.wrdpress.com
7-8: MAG Con, NCISD Annex, 21569 US 59, New Caney (Houston area), TX; magcon.org
13-14: CodCon, Turner Conference Center, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn, ILcodcon.com
13-15: 1d4Con, Holiday Inn, Martinsburg, WV; 1d4con.com
13-15: 221B Con, Marriott Perimeter Center, 246 Perimeter Center Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA221bcon.com [Sherlock Holmes]
13-15: Conpulsion, Teviot Row Student Union, Bristol Square, Edinburgh; geas.rg.uk/conpulsion
13-15: Protospiel, Best Western Plus, 5105 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee WIprotospiel-milwukee.org
14: Transcontinental Gaming Convention, WHS Student Union, 530 E Cherry St. Winslow, AZ; Facebook.com/transcon2018
14-15: Game-on-icon, Hartman Union Building, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH; psugaming.wordpress.com 
14-15: Gamer's Equinox, Holiday Inn, 150 George St, Peterborough, OH; phantasm.pfga.com
14-15: LuxCon, Forum Geeseknäpchen, Luxemburg; luxcon.lu
15-19: DeepCon, Centro Congressi Ambasciatoril, Fiuggi, Italy; deepcon.org
20-22: Cape Comic Con, Osage Center, 1625 N Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO; cape-con.com
20-22: Constellation, Cornhusker Hotel?, Lincoln, NE: constelationne.net
20-22: Filk Ontario, Monte Carlo Inn Brampton Suites, Coventry Rd, Mississauga, ON; filkontario.ca 
20-22: Good Game Expo, Targi Gier, Warszawskie; goodgameexpo.com 
20-22: JordanCon, Crowne Plaza Atlanta, Perimeter Center Pkwy at Ravinia, Atlanta, GA; jordancon.org
20-22: Lexicon, Clarion Convention Center, 1950 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY; lexicongaming.com
20-22 RavenCon, Doubletree Williamsburg, 50 Kingsmill Rd, Williamsburg, VAravencon.com
20-22; Starfest, Marriott & Hilton DTC, Denver, CO; starland.com
20-22: Triway Peak, Glenbarr Historic House, Paris Creek Rd, Stratalbyn, SA; arc-adelaide.com.au [LARP]
20-22: UBCon, Student Union, SUNY Buffalo, Buffalo, NY; ubcon.org
20-22: Vaticon, UCD Student Centre, Dublin, Ireland; vaticon.ie    
21-22: Bookwyrm RPG Convention, Woodward Park Regional Library, Fresno, CA; fievent.com
21-22: GameforLife, Europark Salzberg, Europastraße 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; www.game-for-life.at/index.php/gameforlife-2018
21-22: Marble City Comiccon, Knoxville Convention Center, Knoxville, TN; marblecitycomiccon.com
21-22: Metucon, Middle East Technical University, Ankara; metucon.org 
21-22: Tupelo Comic Con, Tupelo Furniture Mart, Bldg 5, 1879 Coley Rd, Tupelo, MStupelo.net/events/tupelo-comic-con
21-23: D8 Summit, Grad Bear Resort, 2843 Il Rt 178. Great Bear, Morth Itoca. IL; D8summit.com
22-25: Ambercon, Embassy Suites Detroit-Livonia, 19525 Victor Pkwy, Livonia, MIambercon.com [Amber diceless only]
23-25: WillyCon, Student Center, Wayne State College, 1111 Main St, Wayne, NE; wsc.edu/wllycon
25-27: Treklanta: Marriott Century Center, Atlanta, GA; trekatlanta.org
26-29: Calgary Expo, Stampede Park, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary, AB; calgaryexpo.com
27-29: Gaming Hoopla, Doubletree, 510 E IL Route 83Mundelein, IL; gaminghoopla.com
27-29: Farmegeddon, Farmer City American Legion, Stensel Dr, Farmer City, IL; farmegeddon137.com
27-29: Ice & Fire, Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke, VA; iceandfirecon.com [LARP]
27-29: International Steampunk Symposium, Crowne Plaza Blue Ash, 5901 Pfeiffer Rd, Cincinnati, OHthepandorasociety.com/symposium
27-29: OdysseyCon, The Lodge at Crooked Lake, 24271 St Rd 35N, Siren, WI; odysseycon.org
27-29: Oz-Con, West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St, West Plains, MOoz-con.com,
27-29: PandoraCon, Crowne Plaza Blue Ash, Cincinnati, OH; pandoracon.com
27-29: Teck-Con, Mehrgenerationenhaus Linde, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany; rsct.net 
28: ConTroll, Dorchester Corn Exchange, North Square, Dorchester, Dorset; havedice.org.uk 
28: Spiel mit den Wölfen, Stadtmission Wolfsburg, Mühlenpfad 2, Wolfsburgspiel-mit-den-wölfen.de
28-29: North Star, Garrison Hotel, 645 Penistone Rd, Sheffield, S Yorks; northstarcon.org.uk
28-29: Pretzcon, Ralston Arena, 72nd & Q, Omaha NE; pretzcon.org
28-30: Conventus Leonis, Lomder- und Jugendzentrukm Mühlel Brauunmchweig; facebook.com/conventusleonisbs

    May 2018
4-6: Anime St. Louis, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO; eventbrite.com/anime-st-louis 
4-6: Austicon, Austin National Guard Armory, Austn, MN; austicon.com 
4-6: ChupacabraCon, Wingate Hotel, 1209 N IH 35 North, Round Rock, TXchupacabracon.com 
4-6: Crypticon, Doubletree, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WAcrypticonseattle.com  [horror] 
4-6: Demicon, Holiday Inn Northwest, 4800 Meroe Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA; demicon.org 
4-6: Furry Down Under, Mantra on View, 22 View Ave, Surfers Paradise, QL; furrydownunder.com 
4-6: Gojotekicon, Holiday Inn Express, 1392 Enterprise Pkwy, Ashland, OH; gojotekicon.com 
4-6: Heroicon, Decatur Conference Center, 4191 US 36 W, Decatur, IL; heroicon.org 
4-6: No Brand Con, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI; nobrandcon.org 
4-6: Penguicon, Westin Southfield Detroit, 1599 Town Center, Southfield, MIpinguicon.org 
4-6: San Marino Game Convention, Palace Hotel, San Marino; sanmarinogame.com 
4-6: Steampunk World Fair, Radisson of Piscataway, NJ; steampunkworldsfair.com 
4-6: Wholanta, Hilton Atlanta Airport, Atlanta, GA; wholanta.com
4-6: Zenkaicon, Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA; zenkaikon.com 
5-6: Emporium of the Weird, Oddmall, Akron, OH; odedmall.info/ohio/ [Free Admission]
10-13: LinCon, Linköpings Universitet, Linköping, Sweden; lincon.se 
11-12: Hamburger Spieletage, Hamburg Haus Eimsbüttel, Doormannsweg 12, Hamburg; hamburger-spieletage.de 
11-13: Dark Carnival Games, Crowne Plaza, 15500 E 40th Ave, Denver, COdcgcon.com 
11-13: Marcon, Hyatt Regency Hotel, 350 N. High St, Columbus, OHmarcon.org 
11-13: Outlantacon/Gaylaxicon, Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GAoutlantacon.org 
11-13: Sferakon, Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Computing, Unska 3, Zagreb, Croatiasferakon.org 
12: Bellingham Anime Convention, Whatcom County Community Colloege, Main Campus, Bellingham, WA; bellinghamanimecon.com 
12-13: IzmirCon, Tepekule Kongre Merkezi, Izmir, Turkey; izmircon.org 
12-13: RPC, Köln Messe, Messerplatz 1, Köln; rpcgermany.de 
17-20: Geekway to the West, St. Charles Convention Center, St. Charles, MO; geekwaytothewest.com 
17-20: Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA; wizardworld.com 
18-20: Anime Central, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL; acen.org 
18-20: Huzzah!, Doubletree, 363 Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, MEhuzzahcon.com  [mainly wargaming] 
18-20: Motor City ComicCon, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MImotorcitycomiccon.com 
18-21: Eternal Convention, Castle Stahleck, Bacharach; eternal-con.de 
18-21: Frolicon, Sheraton Atlanta Downtown, Atlanta, GA; frolicon.com
19-20: Beer & Pretzels Games Weekend, Town Hall, King Edwards Place, Burton on Trent; spiritgames.co.uk 
19-20: MSP Comicon, MN State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave, St. Paul, MNmcbacomicons.com 
23-25: ACD Gameday, Monona Terrace Convention Center, 1 John Nolan Dr, Madison, WI; acdgameday.com
24-27: Core Con, Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND; fargocorecon.org  
24-27: MegaCon, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL; megaconorlando.com
24-27: Momocon, Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd, Atlanta, GAmomocon.com 
24-27: Phoenix Comicon, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ; phoenixcomicomicon.com 
25-26: BGG Spring, Hyatt Regency DFW Airport, 2334 N International Pkwy, DFW Airport, TXboardgamegeek.com 
25-27: Anime North, Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ONanimenorth.com 
25-27: Comicpalooza, George R Brown Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TXcomicpalooza.com
25-27: ConQuesT, Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center, Kansas City, MO; conquestkc.org 
25-27: MantiCon, Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul, 3800 American Blvd, Bloomington, MNmanticonorg.ipage.com
25-27: Mobicon, Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel, Mobile, AL; www.mobilecomiccon.org
25-27: UnderCon, Sheraton Crown Center, Kansas City, MO; undercongaming.com
25-28: Balticon, Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace, 202 E. Pratt St, Baltimore, MDbalticon.org 
25-28: BayCon, San Mateo Marriott San Franscisco Airport, 1770 S Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CAbaycon.org 
25-28: Gamex, Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CAstrategicon.net 
25-28: Kublacon, Hyatt Regency, 1333 Bayshore Way, Burlingame, CAkublacon.com
25-28: MediaWestCon, Ramada Inn, 7501 Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI; mediawestcon.org 
25-28: Miscon, Holliday Inn Missoula Downtown, Missoula, OR; miscon.org
25-28: Paizocon, Doubletree Seattle Airport, 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WApaizo.com/paizocon 
31-June 3: Colossalcon, Kalahari Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OHcolossalcon.com 
31-June 3: Nexus Game Fair, Clarion Milwaukee Airport, Milwaukee, WI; nexusgamefair.com 

    June 2018
1-3: ConCarolinas, Embassy Suites, 5400 Hammons Dr. NW, Concord, NCconcarolinas.org 
1-3: Niagara Falls Comic Con, Scotia Bank Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave, Niagra Falls, ONnfcomiccon.com
1-3: Nashcon, Franklin Marriott at Cool Springs, Franklin, TN; nashcon.org  [miniature wargame]
1-3: UK Game Expo, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, W.Mid; ukgamesexpo.co.uk
2: HickoryCon, Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave. SE; Hickory, NChickorycon.com
2-3: Lilac City Comiccon, Spokane Convention Center, Spokane, WA: spokanecomicon.com 
2-3: Wellycon, Wellington Girls College, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand; wellycon.org.nz 
2-4: Bayou Wars, Magnusson Hotel, 7059 US Hwy 51, St. Francisville, LA; bayouwars.org 
3: Nerd East, Durham Student's Union, Durham, UK; nerdeast.org.uk 
6-8: In Con Junction, Indianapolis Marriott East, Indianapolis, IN; inconjunction.org 
7-10: A-Kon, Ft. Worth Convention Center, Ft. Worth, TX; a-kon.com 
7-10: North Texas RPG Con, DFW Airport Marriott South, 4151 Centreport Blvd, Fort Worth, TXntrpgcon.com 
8-10: ConDemned, Cafe 2 Klaveren, De Clercq Str 136, Amsterdam; condamned.nl 
8-10: Die Con, Gateway Convention Center, Edwardsville, IL; diecon.com 
8-10: Magic City Con, Hyatt Regency, Birmingham, AL; magiccitycon.com
8-10: NordCon, Schule beim Pachthof, beim Pachthof 15, Hamburg-Hornnordcon.de 
8-10: OMGcon, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY; omgcon.com 
8-10: Southern-Fried Gaming Expo, Marriott Renaissance Waverly, Atlanta GA; southernfriedgameroomexpo.com
8-10: Wizard World Comic Con, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus, OHwizardworld.com
9-10: Flower City Comic Con Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 E. Main St, Rochester, NYfceroc.com 
13-17: Origins, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH; originsgamefair.com 
15-17: Denver Comic Con, Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St, Denver, COdenvercomiccon.com 
15-17: Magic City Con, Hujtsville, AL; magiccitycon.com
15-17: PrairieCon, Assiniboine Community College, 1430 Victoria Ave. E, Brandon, MBprairiecon.com 
16-17: Spielefest Salzgitter, Autohaus Hilgert, Salzgitter-Lebenstedt; spielefest-salzgitter.de 
16-17: SWFL SpaceCon, Lee Civic Center Arena, 11831 Bayshore Rd, North Ft. Myers, FL; swflsacecon.com 
21-24: PortConMaine, Doubletree Hotel, Maine Mall Rd, South Portland, ME; portconmaine.com 
22-23: Fear the Con, Drury Inn, 8700 Eager Rd, Brentwood, MOfearthecon.com 
22-24: PolyCon, University Union, California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, CA; polycon.org 
22-24: Q-Con, Queen's University Belfast, Students’ Union, Belfast, Northern Ireland; q-con.org.uk 
22-24: Ragecon, Sands Regency Casino, Reno, NV; ragecon.com 
22-24: Soonercon, Reed Conference Center, 5800 Will Rogers Rd, Midwest City, OKsoonercon.com 
22-24: Too Many Games, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA; toomanygames.com
23: Raiders of the Game Cupboard, Waterside Community Centre, Heath Rd, Stapenhill, Burton on Trent;  www.raidersofthegamecupboard.co.uk
22-25: Arcon, Weird West, olstadgata 1, Kongshavn, Oslo; spillfestival.no 
23-25: Capital Gaming Expo, Ottawa Event Centre, Ottawa, ON; cgexpo.ca 
29-29: iGBL, Clayton Hotel, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland; igbl-conference.com  [game-based learning]
29-July 1: Animeritime, Fredericton Convention Centre, Fredericton, NB; animeritime.org
30: Lil-Con, American Legion Stephen Sikora Post, North Tonawanda, NY; lilconconvention.com

     July 2018
4-8: Dexcon, Morristown Hyatt, Morristown, NJ; dexposure.com 
4-8: Dice Tower Con, Caribe Royale, 8101 World Center Dr, Orlando, FLwww.dicetowercon.com
4-8: Westercon, Westin Winchester Hotel, Westminster, CO; www.westercon.org
6-7: Salt Lake Gaming Con, Southtown Expo Center, 9575 S State St, Sandy, UTsaltlakegamingcon.com 
6-8: Fan World, Niagara Falls Conference Center, Niagara Falls, NY and Crowne Plaza, Niagara Falls, ON; fanworld.us 
6-8: Go Play NW, Campion Hall, Seattle University, Seattle, WA; goplaynw.org 
6-8: Milwaukee Summer Revel, Sheraton Brookfield, 375 S. Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WIcoldironconventions.com 
7-8: LongCon: Garrison Hotel, Seffield; thedodd.com/longcom 
11-22: Festival Ludique International de Parthenay, all over Parthenay; jeux-festival.com
12-15: Connecticon, Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT; connecticon.org 
12-15: Historicon, Lancaster Convention Center, 2300 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PAhistoricon.org [wargaming] 
13-15: Ad Astra, Sheraton Parkway North, 600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ONad-astra.org 
13-`15: AnimeIowa, Iowa Event Center, Des Moines, IA; animeiowa.com
19-22: Comic-Con International, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA; comic-con.org 
19-22: Geekycon, Renaissance Columbus Downtown, Columbus, OH; geeklycon.com 
13-15: CharCon, Clay Center, Charleston, WV; charcon.org
13-15: Con-gregate, Radisson Hotel, High Point, NC; con-gregate.com
13-15: Delta H Con, Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark, Houston, TXdeltahcon.com 
13-15: KantCon, Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Bvd, Overland Park, KSkantcon.com 
13-15: Quad Cities Anime-zing!, River Center, Davenport, IA; qcanimezing.com
13-16: Tokyo in Tulsa, Tulsa Convention Center, Tulsa, OK; tokyointulsa.com
19-22: Comic-Con International, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA; comic-con.org 
19-22: Geekycon, Renaissance Columbus Downtown, Columbus, OH; geeklycon.com 
20: Kitsunecon, Ki Convention Center, 333 Main St, Green Bay, WIkitsunecon.com
20-22: Wintercon, Fitzroy Pavillion, Canberra, ACT; cgs.asn.au 
20-22: PaizoCon, Asto Conference Centre, Birmingham, W.Mid; ukroleplayers.com 
20-23: Continuum, John Foster Hall, Manor Road, Leicester University, Oadby; continuumconvention.co.uk
20-23: Open Gaming Convention, Holiday Inn, Northeastern Blvd, Nashua, NH; opengamingconvention.com 
21: TolkienMoot, Lawrence House, 1432 W. Lawrence Dr, Spokane, WAtolkienmoot.org
21-22: Berlin Brettspiel Con, Kühlhaus Berlin, Luuckenwalder Str.3, Berlin;  hunterundcron.de 
21-22: Feencon, Stadthalle Bonn, Bad Godesberg, Bonn; feencon.de 
21-23: Flying Buffalo's T&T Con, Holiday Inn Express, 3131 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZflyingbuffalo.com 
21-29: World Boardgaming Championships, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Campion, PA; boardgamers.org 
22-24: Boarder City Game Convention, Nations Tobin Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad Dr, El Paso, TXbordercitygameconvention.com
27-29: Mechacon, Hayatt Regency Downtown, 601 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LAmechacon.com 
27-29: Ropecon, Helsingin Messukeskuksessa, Helsinki, Finland; ropecon.fi 
27-29: WyvaCon, Wythevile Community College, 1000 E Main St, Wytheville, VAwyvacon.com

© Copyright 2018 by the Committee for the Advancement of Role-Playing Games (CAR-PGa), ISSN 1071 7129. The CAR-PGa Newsletter is a monthly publication. For more information contact David Millians, Editor, Paideia School, 1509 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30307 USA, phone (404) 808-1070, fax (404) 377-3491, e-mail millians.david@paideiaschool.org. Back issues are available. Contributions of material from the membership are urged, and the byline is responsible for content. Deadline is the last weekday of the month, email preferred. Permission is granted to copy anything in the Newsletter, provided we get a credit line in the publication copying it, and it doesn't have someone else's copyright on it. Information, including details on joining CAR-PGa, can be obtained on the Internet at car-pga.org.

No comments:

Post a Comment