As much as I enjoy one-shot convention ttrpgs, I really enjoy the longer form ‘Longcon’, where games last either a whole day, or full weekend. mini-campaign-alicious.
I’ve composed some thoughts, which are below. Please feel free to comment, to help me shape the organisation of such an event.
Premise
Longcon is a convention that is designed to provide a shared space for groups to meet and enjoy all day, or all weekend, games in a familiar atmospheric gaming space with nearby local facilities and overnight accommodation if required. The focus will be on ‘long form’ ttrpg play, where we can break the shackles of one shot constraints and get in a mini campaign or deeper game experience. The space will also allow for in-between socialising with the fellow gamer family.
Different with Challenges
Longcon is different. The longer form play delivers some great opportunities, but also some challenges, which the convention organisation needs to address. Here are two of the main challenges:
RISK: “I’m happy to play in most one-shots, because they are just 3-4 hours in length, but I’m wary of committing to a whole day, or whole weekend game. What do I do if a couple of hours in I realise this isn’t working for me?”
CLIQUE: “Some games seem to be organised fully formed, with no opportunity to join. As someone not as well connected, this feels elitist and exclusionary.”
Ground Rules
Longcon will operate under Garricon safety rules and the code of conduct and Harassment and Inappropriate Conduct Policy. There will also be an expectation of the use of some form of safety tools (see pitches, below).
Game Types
Longcon games will be entered into a shared online place, probably an editable Google Sheet as per some Garricons, so that everyone can see what is being offered. Games on the schedule will either be ‘open’, ‘partially open’ or closed.
- Open Games – those that are available for the game selection process
- Partially Open Games – some places will be available for the game selection process
- Closed – no places available for selection
Game Pitches
GMs running games offering player places, will run an online game pitch during a specified week in the run up to the convention. This session will inform prospective players of the nature of the adventure, an idea of structure, and any other considerations such as likely content, safety tools in operation, how player characters will be generated, all to help inform players as to their interest.
Players can attend as many pitches as they wish. They are designed to help with game selection, so the more the better.
Game Selection
Places in games will be offered on a similar basis to the Garricons. Players will be able to put themselves forward, on a provisional basis for games. If there are enough games then this will allow for multiple ranked preferences.
- Players will be allocated into games matching their preferences.
- The initial allocation will be shared on the open view (probably a Google Sheet).
- Game allocation will then be subject to a confidential moderation process. Let’s be clear, Players and GMs may have difficulties playing with particular people. During the moderation process players may need to move games. This will be managed sensitively by the games coordinator for Longcon.
- A Final allocation will be confirmed on the Google Sheet
Session Zero
All GMs will run an online session zero for their game. This may include Lines and Veils, introductory information, any preparation for the game, potentially including character generation and forging motivation and connection to the adventure.
It is assumed that the place to discuss the game in the lead-up to the event will be the Garricon Hub Discord, however GMs can also create their own places to discuss the game.
Table Allocation
In discussion with GMs, games will be allocated Garrison venue tables for play. Depending on the size of the event, this may be spread over the usual three gaming areas.
During the convention
The LongCon games coordinator, who will also either be a player or GM, will be available throughout the event to support GMs and players as the games progress.
The process above is designed to mitigate the main issues that a Longcon format can introduce. At the end of the day, process can’t predict the multiplicity of human interaction, but it is there to help.