Idiots Guide to Consequences?

[Tallarn]

So, I've looked at the website, I'm sending off my cheque in the morning and I've got some people that I'm going with (waves at pogodragon in case she posts here).

I've done some LARPing before (both the hitting people with foam swords version and the story-intensive, character stuff) and done lots of table-top and board-gaming. I've also been a professional actor (although a very unsucessful one).

What I'm asking about, in this case, is the "First-time attendee's Idiot's Guide" to Consequences. What were the things you wish someone had told you before you went the first time? Any brilliant suggestions? How important is costume (because I suck at costume and am not keen on putting lots of effort into it)?

Any friendly words much appreciated!

[Avatar]

To be honest Consequences is by far and away the the most organized Convention I have been to - I think its because there are wimmin involved!

Tabletop has tended to be a bit Ad hoc depending on who wants to play what, bit of trad stuff, bit of Indie.

Other then that Naish is a great venue, and your only 5 minutes drive from town.

Do bring waterproof warm clothes - when it rains it really rains!

[w00hoo]

You get a fair amount of info on the games before sign up and there's a very organised sign up system which should give you a good idea of what the games are and what sort of costuming style might work before sign up starts and then gives you an excellent chance of getting in to your must have game, definitely you'll get in to one or two of your top three.

Blokes are easier to costume than wimmin so that's a bonus, talk to the organisors when the games you want to play go up and see what sort of thing they are expecting. Also ask around once you are in games, but before the Con and people will lend you stuff, or suggest ways to do what's needed. The UK Freeformers yahoo group is handy for that too.

I'm sure an organisor will be along in a minute to give you the full run down

[queenortart]

*Bing* Sound effect of Suey appearing.

I hope there is a load of advice that's useful on the website, but if there are things that you don't know after reading then just ask us. We love answering questions.

Don't sign up for too much, pace yourself.

If you need a bit of frockage then just ask, we have loads of it and are happy to lend it out to nice people.

Read the general advice about cons, there's some on our website and some on the Conception website. Eat food, stay hydrated, try and get some sleep.

Let the GMs know that you're newish, they will not judge you for this but, on the whole and where the game permits, will make sure you get paired in games with people that we know who can give you some support and make sure you meet people, and have a good time. Ask them not to make you a loner if they send you a casting questionnaire and most will.

Play lots of different genres, with different GMs.

Remember it's supposed to be fun.

Bring money for the random cake generator. It'll keep your blood sugar levels up!

Sure I'll think of more but that's a start

[Mist77]

Locate the Smugglers bar.
Locate and memorise times of Carvery.
Ok now you are fed.
Remember that freeform games take more out of you than tabletop games. Three tabletops/day is feasible, two Freeforms/day will be a lot, ok as with all things people vary but...

Note the dates on which the booking system for the freeforms operates. Make sure you have paid for the con before then and use the convention site inside the relevant weeks as games will fill up. Something might fill the first week, popular games will fill the second when everyone gets a 2nd choice.

There will probably be 2-3 tabletop games/slot (despite the fact that i doubt all the taletop games on offer will ever make it onto the web site). There won't be a shortage of scenarios and GM's around, but players possibly. Why well..... but not that many folks see to have the time for full 4 hours slots between their freeforms.

There will also be board games, if certain people are comming again more than you can play.

Costume requirements are not usually at all harsh, some games have been vey basic for costume. You will see some folks in amazing costumes, but there are a LOT of games set in some time periods so folks can reuse frocks and jackets and build up amazing things over the years. Get a game set in an unusual time period or place few folks have the costume for and the improvisiation levels go way up! Don't let that stop anyone signing up to any game, just ask someone or let the organisers know you will be low of costume so they can try to make sure you don't need to look like a prince in a game where they know half the players will be fit for a ballroom. Like Shakespear there will be a place for a lowly and much easier to costume but still fully involved character or few...

[Tallarn]

Thank you to everyone who replied and encouraged me to turn up - I had a fantastic time and will be back next year for sure.