What does it take to create a compelling fantasy world? Join Keith Baker—creator of the Eberron Campaign Setting for Dungeons & Dragons—for a hands-on discussion of the process of creating a world.
Description:
What does it take to create a compelling fantasy world? Where do you start and how deep should you go? Whether you’re developing a setting for a novel or a TTRPG, whether you’re creating a world to share with your friends or a product for wide release, there are basic principles that can guide you on your journey. Join Keith Baker—creator of the Eberron Campaign Setting for Dungeons & Dragons—for a hands-on discussion of the process of creating a world.
Publisher and veteran designer Andrew Valkauskas and Forgotten Realms creator Ed Greenwood host a talk and Q&A about making fantasy game settings come alive.
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Tips and tricks for how to use an established world setting or how to create a new one. We will talk about our newest in-setting city, Ath Cliath!
Dream of thrilling your players with your own RPG setting? Game designers & worldbuilding experts Janet and Dimitris take you step-by-step through a fail-safe process to create your own world.
Description:
If you've tried worldbuilding RPG settings (or homebrew), you'll know it's a lot of work - and a lot can go wrong! This clear approach, the Agile Worldbuilding method provides tools to build YOUR setting, YOUR way, while avoiding "over worldbuilding", railroading through lack of prep, and the dreaded "worldbuilders disease". Janet Forbes (she/her) is a game developer, fantasy author, and (secretly) velociraptor. She was the lead author of The Dark Crystal RPG, and has written for Kobold Press and Infinite Black. Developer, social psychologist and designer Dimitris Havlidis (he/him), has been building settings for 30 years, and has made more epic, sandbox worlds than he’s had hot dinners. Together, Janet & Dimitris co-founded World Anvil (https://www.worldanvil.com), the award-winning worldbuilding, writing and tabletop RPG platform which boasts a community of over 2 million users.
Dream of creating your own RPG setting to thrill your players? Janet and Dimitris take you step-by-step through a fail-safe process to create the world of your dreams.
Description:
If you've tried worldbuilding RPG settings (or homebrew), you'll know it's a lot of work - and a lot can go wrong! This clear approach, the Agile Worldbuilding method provides tools to build YOUR setting, YOUR way, while avoiding "over worldbuilding", railroading through lack of prep, and the dreaded "worldbuilders disease". Janet Forbes (she/her) is a game developer, fantasy author, and (secretly) velociraptor. She was the lead author of The Dark Crystal RPG, and has written for Kobold Press and Infinite Black. Developer, social psychologist and designer Dimitris Havlidis (he/him), has been building settings for 30 years, and has made more epic, sandbox worlds than he’s had hot dinners. Together, Janet & Dimitris co-founded World Anvil (https://www.worldanvil.com), the award-winning worldbuilding, writing and tabletop RPG platform which boasts a community of over 2 million users.
Writers discuss effective integration of geography into worldbuilding.
Description:
The physical world influences a society’s development. Join our panel of speculative worldbuilders as they discuss how to let the environment shape your fictional culture. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Ed Greenwood, Daniel "Doc" Myers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Writers discuss - and demystify - worldbuilding for your writing.
Description:
Worldbuilding can be an intimidating process. Do you need to develop an economy? How detailed does the history need to be? Should you draw your own maps? Where do you even begin?! Join our panel of experts as they demystify worldbuilding and discuss the different ways you can approach creating your world, no matter your story’s genre or setting. Panelists: Toiya Kristen Finley (moderator), Whitney "Strix" Beltrán, Latoya Peterson, Sheree Renée Thomas, LaShawn M. Wanak. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
Write Like a Pirate: The Use of Nautical Terminology
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Writers discuss techniques for proper use of nautical terminology in fiction.
Description:
Authentic nautical terminology can add spice to a fantasy story, but how much is too much? Join our panel of expert writers as they discuss simple nautical terms, ideas, and the basics to get you under way. Panelists: Chris A. Jackson (moderator), Jennifer Brozek, Richard Lee Byers, Daniel "Doc" Myers, K.B. Wagers. Track: GCWS Worldbuilding.
One last chance to hear from and talk to the Gen Con Writers' Symposium Organizing Committee as we, with tears and smiles, say goodbye to another great year.
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2023 Organizing Committee: S E Lindberg (Chair), Gregory A. Wilson and E.D.E. Bell (Programming), Toiya Kristen Finley (Game Narrative), Matt Jarchow (Volunteers), Maurice Broaddus (Outreach), Marie Bilodeau (Communications), Chris Bell (Sales). Track: GCWS Event.
Join the Gen Con Writers' Symposium Organizing Committee for opening remarks, giveaways, and celebration!
Description:
2023 Organizing Committee: S E Lindberg (Chair), Gregory A. Wilson and E.D.E. Bell (Programming), Toiya Kristen Finley (Game Narrative), Matt Jarchow (Volunteers), Maurice Broaddus (Outreach), Marie Bilodeau (Communications), Chris Bell (Sales). Track: GCWS Event.
Writers discuss techniques for writing fanfic stories that will be adored.
Description:
Join our panel of fanfic writers as they discuss advice on writing community fanfic that will be seen and enjoyed, and how fanfic writing contributes to the development of one's overall writing craft. Panelists: LaShawn M. Wanak (moderator), Jennifer Allaway, Katherine Monasterio, Erik Scott de Bie. Track: GCWS Genre.