On Friday, August 17, 2012, many gathered at Union Station in Indianapolis for the ENnie Awards. The kobolds, who were already pleased at being nominated for various awards, were ecstatic when they learned the results of the fans’ votes: Open Design won gold awards for Streets of Zobeck (Best Adventure) and Complete Kobold Guide to Game Design (Best RPG-Related Product). Congratulations go to all those who added their talent, skills, and passion for gaming to both of these products, and many thanks go to those who voted for these products.
With Gen Con 2012 in full swing now, we have had a sighting of the Chosen Garb for the mighty and fierce Open Design kobolds. Before the convention, Midgard patrons suggested several potential slogans for clothing by which you can identify wise Open Design kobolds, and we have captured this image! So, if you seek out the teachings of the kobolds at Gen Con, watch for the words “The World Serpent Awaits” on our ever-so-wise kobolds. You won’t regret it.
One of the first to see the new shirt was none other than Bill Cavalier, the Dungeon Bastard! He interviewed Wolfgang for the con, and we’ll post the video when it goes live.
Kobolds do more than build traps. They sometimes venture forth to gatherings of creatures and seek to impart their wisdom to these worthy beings. Soon, in fact, you’ll have some proof of this type of activity. Until that time arrives, you can seek out the Paizo booth in the Gen Con Exhibit Hall and pick up one of the titles you see in the picture. (Go! Seek the wisdom of the written word if you’re in the vicinity, then check out one of the panels listed in this handy schedule.)
Holy dire weasels, Gen Con is next week! New Midgard postcards have just been shipped out, along with Midgard t-shirts that the Kobold crew will be wearing at the con. The backs of the shirts will have the Midgard motto that Midgard Campaign Setting patrons voted on earlier — we’ll post photos so you can see which tagline won.
[EDIT 8/16: Brandon Hodge will be coming, so we've added him to several panels below. Hooray!]
Two big changes to our Gen Con program:
Everything You Don’t Need to Know about the RPG Industry has been cancelled because our Kobold-in-Chief is instead going to appear on the Rise of the Runelords 5th Anniversary Round Table panel in ICC room 243
We’ve also had to cancel Wolfgang’s Saturday night game Midgard Adventures: Who Watches the Watchtower? Our apologies to those who signed up.
Here’s the curent lineup of seminars for Kobold Press and Open Design:
Homebrewers Guide to RPG Worldbuilding
Admit it: Sometimes the fun of a game is not playing the game–it’s building the world! RPG designers sit down and talk about how to make your world sharper, more exciting, and 10 pounds lighter. Panelist(s): Wolfgang Baur, Kenneth Hite, T.S. Luikart, Richard Thomas, Rodney Thompson Time/Place: Thursday, 12 Noon, Room 210
Better Adventures
Bored with store-bought adventures? Want to write better adventures quickly? Learn some of the techniques that RPG freelancers use when writing or prepping for a game! Practical advice any GM can use. Panelist(s): Wolfgang Baur Time/Place: Thursday, 2 PM, Room 211
RPG Freelancing 101
Come talk with established and emerging RPG freelancers about what it takes to break into print, in venues like Kobold Quarterly, Open Design, and other markets. Panelist(s): Ben McFarland, Wolfgang Baur, Christina Stiles, Brandon Hodge Time/Place: Friday 9 AM, Crowne Plaza : Grand Central Bllrm
Creating and Improving Your Homebrew RPG Setting
Come hear about developing a larger setting and talk about the considerations, scope, details, and pitfalls learned through the Midgard Setting project. Panelist(s): Wolfgang Baur, Brandon Hodge, Ben McFarland Time/Place: Friday, 10 AM, Crowne Plaza : Grand Central Bllrm
+5 Sword of Epublishing
The games industry was an early adopter of the digital publishing business model. Join our Industry Insider Guests as they discuss ways you can bring your game project to life as a digital release. Panelist(s): Wolfgang Baur, Susan Morris, Gareth-Michael Skarka, Stan! Time/Place: Friday, 1 PM, room 210
Fund Your Game Project With Kickstarter
From publishing your RPG or board game to opening a gaming café, learn how crowdfunding can help you achieve your dream from those who have succeeded (and failed) with Kickstarter. Panelist(s): Tavis Allison, Wolfgang Baur, T.S. Luikart Time/Place: Friday 3 PM, Room 211
Meet the KQ Minions!
Ever wonder what’s keeping a small publishing company like KQ or the Open Design community running smoothly? Minions are the answer! Come meet several of the KQ minions and hear how they do it! Time/Place: Saturday at 9:00 AM, Crowne Plaza : Victoria Stn C/D Panelist(s): Ben McFarland, Christina Stiles, Wade Rockett, Brandon Hodge
How to Start an RPG Publishing Company
Ever wanted to start an RPG Publishing company, but didn’t know where to begin? Come listen to Wolfgang Baur share his experiences as he explains how he started Open Design and Kobold Quarterly— and what you need to know to start publishing yourself! Panelist(s): Wolfgang Baur, Brandon Hodge Time/Place: Sat 10 AM, Crowne Plaza : Victoria Stn C/D
Bladesmith Todd Gdula’s brick-smashing moon hammer video is one of the high points of his Real Steel series here at KQ.com. Now that brick-smashing power can be yours — and you’ll be giving to a worthy cause.
Todd has generously donated one of his moon hammers for auction at eBay, with all proceeds after shipping costs (USA only) going to help Christina Stiles get to Gen Con. He says these typically go for $125 and bidding is currently at $20.
If you win, be sure and send us a photo of you holding your mighty hammer aloft in triumph.
On Friday, August 17, 2012, many gathered at Union Station in Indianapolis for the ENnie Awards. The kobolds, who were already pleased at being nominated for various awards, were ecstatic when they learned the results of the fans’ votes: Open Design won gold awards for Streets of Zobeck (Best Adventure) and Complete Kobold Guide to Game Design (Best RPG-Related Product). Congratulations go to all those who added their talent, skills, and passion for gaming to both of these products, and many thanks go to those who voted for these products.
