Frequently-Asked Questions
What types of games do you run at OwlCon?
We're a gaming convention, and we run many kinds of games at our convention. We don't host every kind of game, however. The best way to describe the kind of game we like to have is that we want games that you would need to go to a specialty game store to acquire, and sit down with a group of friends to play. To clarify further:
- We don't typically run Monopoly, Scrabble and other 'mainstream' boardgames. Those games are fun, but OwlCon typically attracts gamers who play 'German Style' boardgames. These are games with a high degree of strategy, and with strong historical or fantastic elements.
- We don't run checkers, chess, or standard-deck card games. Likewise, games of gambling or physical skill are not typical.
- We don't typically host computer games or network games. There are many other conventions that do this, and do this well, but that's not our focus.
- We sort our games into a few basic categories:
- Tabletop Roleplay, in which players take on an alternative identity in a shared pretend setting
- Board and Card, in which players play games of strategy and tactics using a physical gameboard
- Miniatures, in which players fight battles in historical or fantastic settings using figurines on tabletop terrain
- LARPs, or Live Action Roleplay, which expands Tabletop Roleplay such that players actually act out their roles
- Organized Play, which allows Tabletop Roleplay in an ongoing setting that persists beyond the duration of our convention.
What materials should I bring to a gaming session?
That varies according to the game you are playing. You should always read the event listing and follow any instructions it lists. In the absence of specific instructions to the contrary, the following rules apply:
- If the game is a board and card game, you generally do not need to bring anything; all materials will be provided.
- If the game is a live action roleplay (LARP) game, you also generally do not need to bring anything; however, you may wish to dress appropriately for your event.
- If the game is a minis game, you generally do not need to bring anything. It is a good idea to bring a pool of gaming dice with you, and I always recommend having a pencil and some paper handy, but these things are not usually required. Any requirement to bring your own minis will be specifically listed by the event.
- If the game is a tabletop roleplaying game, you should probably bring a pool of gaming dice, and a pencil and scratch paper are a good idea too. You do not generally need to bring a character unless the event listing specifically requires it.
- If the game is listed as 'Beginner' level, you do not need to bring (or know) the rules; if you are playing in an 'Intermediate' or 'Advanced' game, you should bring copies of the rules if you have them, but this is not essential.
- If the game is an organized play roleplaying game, you generally need to bring a character. The requirements for this will be contained in the event listing. Otherwise, the above advice for tabletop roleplaying games applies to organized play events as well.
If you have any more specific questions, you can direct them to the Gaming Coordinator who can ask for a clarification from the game host.