All About PrinceCon

What is PrinceCon? #

PrinceCon is a 46-hour fantasy role-playing game convention. At other conventions, the games take place in designated time slots, the adventures are self-contained and may be repeated multiple times over the day for different groups of players. At PrinceCon, all of the Game Masters (or GMs) are running unique adventures in the same shared world. All of the adventures are related to one overarching theme. Each game is part of the larger events of the con, and as such your actions can have consequences far beyond you. The games begin on Friday afternoon and continue around the clock until Sunday afternoon, followed by a closing ceremony to recap the story and announce how it ends. PrinceCon is a whole campaign in one weekend!

• Getting Started
• The Theme
• The Pantheon

Getting started #

PrinceCon uses the 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons rules. These are predominantly the ones in the Player's Handbook (you will need to have your own copy.) When you sign in you will receive a Conbook which presents information about this year's theme and provides any supplemental rules related to it.

Hireling Hall #

The main room is known out-of-game (and usually in-game) as Hireling Hall ("HH" for short.) Hireling Hall is the hub of activity for the convention.

Hireling Hall is manned by staff members at all times. Feel free to talk to any of them.

Hireling Hall is where players congregate between games to share information and plan their next adventures. A player whiteboard can be found there for players to post messages and other topics toward the progress of the con. Though not required, role-playing in HH is encouraged.

At the front of Hireling Hall is the Desk, from which the staff manages the con. Go to the Desk to register when you arrive and throughout the con if you have any questions or issues.

Your Character #

When you sign in you will receive your PIN for the computer system. This allows you to access the Character Software for the con via the touchscreens in Hireling Hall.

Use the rules in the Player's Handbook and the Conbook for creating a character. When you log in to one of the touchscreens you will be able to make selections to build and manage your character. The software contains all of the character options relevant to this year's con. Ask one of the staff if you have any questions about using the system.

Inventory #

PrinceCon does not extensively track money or minor mundane items - as experienced adventurers you are assumed to have what you need within reason. PrinceCon does keep track of special items, including magic items and objects of interest. When you acquire such an item it will be represented by a 3x5 index card. Possession of that card is possession of that item. You may trade items as you like. (Btw, just because you own an item does not necessarily mean that you know everything about it.)

Some items may be relevant to a specific adventure or to the larger plot. Be mindful if you think you might be holding something whose purpose lies elsewhere (see below.)

Playing at the Con #

Each Game Master runs their own scenario, which plays out in several game sessions over the weekend. A single game session is called a "Run". Runs can last anywhere from 2-12 hours, with an average of about 6-8 hours.

Posters are hanging in Hireling Hall advertising the many adventures available. Each poster shows what is known about that storyline so far, including notes from other players (see below.)

When you want to play a game, gather a group then choose an adventure, or choose an adventure that interests you then gather a group for it, or some combination of those. These are some of the great reasons to socialize in Hireling Hall. Seek out the GM for that scenario and ask if you can play in their game. If the GM (and possibly any existing players) accepts you, give your character sheet and item cards to the GM to join the game. When your group is ready you will move to a private room to play.

Some tips for navigating getting into a game:

• Adventures can fill up quickly so don't take too long to choose one. If you don't get to go on the one you had your eye on, fortunately there are always more out there.

• Runs are usually filled on a first-come first-served basis. In general there are no reserved seats, so if you are very interested in a certain adventure be sure to be present and alert to join it as soon as it begins accepting players.

• If you do find yourself with some time between games, consider reviewing what has been discovered about the plot so far and trying to figure things out. At PrinceCon you do not have to be with a GM to be involved in the story.

• When looking for a group be aware that there are many different playing styles in role-playing games. All of them are valid but that does not mean that they all mesh well together at one table. When considering your potential teammates it is not rude at all to inquire about what you each enjoy in a game and to choose companions who will provide an enjoyable experience for each other. The goal is for everyone to have fun.

Something that makes PrinceCon different from a typical game convention is its interconnectedness. Essential information and items are spread across many sources and the key to success often lies in assembling pieces from a variety of places.

When you return from an adventure it is extremely helpful to the other players for your group to write up an account of your efforts - this is called a "run report". A good run report includes a summary of what you discovered and any ideas you have for the future. Remember that a run report is primarily a resource for other players to use on their quests. If you would like to present an extensive, dramatic retelling of your deeds we welcome that but it should be posted as a separate document and keep the run report focused on being more functional.

Throughout the weekend it is highly encouraged that you read the run reports from all of the adventures and discuss events with your fellow players. The GMs have created the world and its secrets, it is up to the players to investigate the mysteries and solve the problems.

Final Runs #

All games end by 3:00pm on Sunday. As such, the last games for the con (known as Final Runs) usually begin around 9:00am to 10:00am on Sunday. If you want to participate in the concluding adventures, plan to be in Hireling Hall in time to join one of those.

The Conclusion #

After the end of the games at 3:00, all players are invited to gather in Hireling Hall with some of the staff to swap stories and engage in discussions while the GMs sequester to determine the outcome of the con as a result of the players' actions. At 4:00 the GMs return and explain the plot and announce the end of the story and also present awards.

The Location (in real life) #

The convention takes place in various rooms on the Princeton University campus. Remember that we are guests here (even if you are also a current student) - please behave accordingly.

• Obey any instructions given by a staff member or school representative.
• Whatever space you are using, from a game room to a bathroom, leave the area in good condition.
• University policy strictly prohibits sleeping in the buildings; there are hotels nearby if you want a rest.
• Food is allowed in the buildings; there are numerous places to get food on and off campus.

Ask the Desk if you need help locating food or lodging.

If you have any questions at any time feel free to ask a staff member.

The Theme #

All the Game Masters run scenarios in the same world, under the same unifying Theme. You may fight common enemies across multiple scenarios, you may discover information or items in one scenario critical to the success of another, you may just enjoy trying several different approaches to saving the world. But the theme defines the initial challenges and ultimate goals that are common to every GM’s scenario.

Every year the Theme is different and takes place in a different world. Sometimes there are "sequels" set in the same continuity and recurring major characters, but these tend to be rare or for special events.

Also, it is tradition for every prime numbered con to be a Monster Con, where the Players take on the roles of the villians, fighting against the heroes.

Be sure to look at this year's Con to see what the Theme is.

The Pantheon #

Where PrinceCon currently uses the D&D 5th edition rules, it has been around for much longer and has developed its own Pantheon of Gods that play into the consistent meta-lore of the event, regardless of which Theme is playing out.

Enjoy the con! #