GenCon StarSiege Event Posted

[Malperion]

Just letting folks know that my StarSiege game event is posted in the GenCon catalog. Here is the posted info:

Game ID RPG1013052
The Cold Grave of Space

Within the vacuum graveyard of a shattered fleet, a group of explorers are sent to investigate a space hulk of unknown origin and purpose. Only when the nature of the vessel is unraveled will the real adventure begin!

Event Type RPG - Role Playing Game

Game System StarSiege

Rules Edition 1st

Min Players 4

Max Players 8

Age Requirement Everyone (6+)

Experience Required None (never played before)

Materials Provided Yes

Time 08/06/2010 09:00:00 AM

Event Duration 4

[Breakdaddy]

Very nice!

[Omote]

Sweet baby Odin!

~O
_________________
> Omote's Advanced C&C stuff <
Duke Omote Landwehr, Holy Order of the FPQ ~ Prince of the Castles & Crusades Society

[cheeplives]

Not sure if you're using pregens, but I do have a two-page character sheet with all of the skills and such listed on it that might make it easier for newbies.
It's available here
_________________
discreteinfinity.com -- my little corner of the internet.

Author of StarSIEGE: Event Horizon -- Available now from Troll Lord Games!

[Malperion]

My plan was to use pregens so thank you for this link. I considered allowing character generation at the table, since I find that part of the game every bit as interesting as the rest, and would want new players to experience that aspect of the game.

With that said, I may consider allowing players to generate characters at the table within a defined set of parameters, or packages, to both speed up the process and to ensure the characters are appropriate and will have a chance to succeed in the adventure.

[cheeplives]

If you do go the roll em up route, I'd recommend basically using the "Professions" listed in the Field Manual and including a list of suggested skills.

Then I'd just give everyone a pick of four starting equipment packages and move on...

But I'd still probably lean towards pre-gens... rolling up chars in SSEH isn't necessarily time-consuming, but it does take longer than say C&C...
_________________
discreteinfinity.com -- my little corner of the internet.

Author of StarSIEGE: Event Horizon -- Available now from Troll Lord Games!

[Buttmonkey]

I'd recommend starting with pregens as well. Newbies want to play the game, not immerse themselves in chargen options. If they discover they like the game, they can explore chargen later in as much exhaustive detail as they want. Also, chargen also tends to do 2 other arguably bad things:

1. It isolates the players with each one doing the chargen largely independtly. In a short convention block of time, I think it's important to get the players playing together ASAP.

2. Invariably, at least one player is going to be done substantially before the others. This player(s) will be sitting around very bored waiting for the others to catch up.

[Malperion]

Thanks for the feedback. Getting underway quickly and maintaining a good pace is usually what I'm after when running any game anywhere.

I agree pregen is always the best choice for diving right into a game that is constrained by a limited timeframe. There are ways, however, some player choice and customization could be introduced to score some quick player investment in their character and role without unduly impacting getting started on time. Simple, equipment package choices, as already mentioned, is a way to provide that. I'll probably explore that a bit further.

In any case, the goal of getting the game moving and sustaining an exciting pace, that keeps players involved and entertained, needs to remain a priority.