There'll be more details coming soon, but here's the current design:
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Kapcon T-shirts
Each year Kapcon sells t-shirts to commemorate the occasion. They're usually around $15 - $25, come in a range of sizes and colours, and most importantly need to be ordered in advance if you want to make sure you get one.
There'll be more details coming soon, but here's the current design:
There'll be more details coming soon, but here's the current design:
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Kapcon - Playtesting
One way to make sure the game you're going to run at Kapcon will be as good as possible is to playtest it. To do this, you need to have your game/scenario (or at least a rough version of it) ready in advance of Kapcon, and get together a group of players who will play through the scenario and give you a little feedback afterwards.
In the past, I've found playtesting incredibly useful for identifying the good bits of the game, spotting areas that need beefing up, and for stealing cool ideas off the players to make the scenario better (especially at the end when I've asked for suggestions on how to make the game better).
This year Alasdair Sinclair, aka Mash, will be helping Kapcon GMs to find playest groups (as well as doing his best to get into some playtests, since he's going to miss out on playing in the rounds when he's GMing). To do this, he's going to use a tool called doodle. It's a really easy to use website calendar thingy for multiple people to use to indicate availability. Why use it? It gives you access to keen players other than your regulars, and might give you a chance to sneak into playtests you otherwise wouldn't have heard of.
Mash will no doubt have more to say on this, but here's the page for his Fright Night horror game playtest (this one's Wellington based):
http://www.doodle.ch/b3iyprdtmdpkvyhy
Check it out - it's incredibly easy to use!
In the past, I've found playtesting incredibly useful for identifying the good bits of the game, spotting areas that need beefing up, and for stealing cool ideas off the players to make the scenario better (especially at the end when I've asked for suggestions on how to make the game better).
This year Alasdair Sinclair, aka Mash, will be helping Kapcon GMs to find playest groups (as well as doing his best to get into some playtests, since he's going to miss out on playing in the rounds when he's GMing). To do this, he's going to use a tool called doodle. It's a really easy to use website calendar thingy for multiple people to use to indicate availability. Why use it? It gives you access to keen players other than your regulars, and might give you a chance to sneak into playtests you otherwise wouldn't have heard of.
Mash will no doubt have more to say on this, but here's the page for his Fright Night horror game playtest (this one's Wellington based):
http://www.doodle.ch/b3iyprdtmdpkvyhy
Check it out - it's incredibly easy to use!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Kapcon First Round Games Announced
Over on the official Kapcon website, the first 11 games for Kapcon have been announced. Nine of them are in the first round, and registration is now active!
The following games are confirmed as part of the first round:
* Doom Town - Alasdair Sinclair.
* Horror on the High Seas - Liam Jones.
* A Midsomer Night's Murder - Michael Foster.
* Sleeping Ducks - Susan Harper.
* The Last Action Hero - Dan L'Estrange.
* PX Poker Night - Idiot/Savant.
* Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, etc.
* The Strange Affliction and Decline of Dieter Kozier - Grant Robinson.
* Yesterday's Woe - Dale Elvy.
* The Seven Samurai of P-ram - Andrew MacLeod.
Games on Demand is a new idea this year, a dedicated room where non-timetabled games will be played throughout the weekend, with a see-who's-there-and-who-wants-what organisational approach. In the words of Mike Sands and Steve Hix:
Games on Demand: We'll provide a big selection of games and we'll play or run whatever you're interested in. You can also bring your own game to run.
Second round games so far:
* Best Friends - Jenni Dowsett (nee Sands).
* Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, etc.
The following games are confirmed as part of the first round:
* Doom Town - Alasdair Sinclair.
* Horror on the High Seas - Liam Jones.
* A Midsomer Night's Murder - Michael Foster.
* Sleeping Ducks - Susan Harper.
* The Last Action Hero - Dan L'Estrange.
* PX Poker Night - Idiot/Savant.
* Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, etc.
* The Strange Affliction and Decline of Dieter Kozier - Grant Robinson.
* Yesterday's Woe - Dale Elvy.
* The Seven Samurai of P-ram - Andrew MacLeod.
Games on Demand is a new idea this year, a dedicated room where non-timetabled games will be played throughout the weekend, with a see-who's-there-and-who-wants-what organisational approach. In the words of Mike Sands and Steve Hix:
Games on Demand: We'll provide a big selection of games and we'll play or run whatever you're interested in. You can also bring your own game to run.
Second round games so far:
* Best Friends - Jenni Dowsett (nee Sands).
* Games on Demand - Mike Sands, Steve Hix, etc.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Kapcon Scenario Design Contest
For the past 6 years Kapcon has been running a scenario design contest. The challenge is to write a 3 hour con scenario (usually including pregenerated characters) which could be picked up and run by a GM at Kapcon with minimal preparation.
Usually, people who write SDC entries also run them at Kapcon, but you don't have to. In fact, you don't even have to come to Kapcon to enter the competition!
Examples of previous entries can be found at http://www.sdc.rpg.net.nz, the website of the scenario design contest.
Entries are due in on the first Monday in December, so if you feel like entering the sooner you can start writing the better!
More details available on the official Kapcon website.
Usually, people who write SDC entries also run them at Kapcon, but you don't have to. In fact, you don't even have to come to Kapcon to enter the competition!
Examples of previous entries can be found at http://www.sdc.rpg.net.nz, the website of the scenario design contest.
Entries are due in on the first Monday in December, so if you feel like entering the sooner you can start writing the better!
More details available on the official Kapcon website.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Looking for GMs
Who is keen to run games this year?
Can you please either email Kapcon@gmail.com or post up here.
Name:
Blurb:
Facilitator :
Number of Players:
System :
System Knowledge? :
Genre :
Genre Knowledge? :
Style :
RPG Experience? :
Age / Maturity :
Classification :
Energy / Volume :
Scored :
Can you please either email Kapcon@gmail.com or post up here.
Name:
Blurb:
Facilitator :
Number of Players:
System :
System Knowledge? :
Genre :
Genre Knowledge? :
Style :
RPG Experience? :
Age / Maturity :
Classification :
Energy / Volume :
Scored :
Monday, July 02, 2007
Fright Night
When: Saturday, October 27, 2007. Venue opens 16:45. First round 17:00 - 20:00; second round 20:30 - 23:30.
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive, Wellington
What: Two rounds of horror roleplaying
How much: Players $20. WARGS members $15.
16 players only; register here.
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive, Wellington
What: Two rounds of horror roleplaying
How much: Players $20. WARGS members $15.
16 players only; register here.
ConFusion
When: Saturday, August 4, 2007. Sign up starts at 9am. First round 9:30 - 12:30; second round 13:30 - 16:30; third round 17:30 - 21:30.
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive, Wellington
What: 3 rounds of roleplaying, with a 14-player LARP in the final round.
How much: $10 GMs and WARGS members; $15 players
Who: wargs_rpg@hotmail.com
Bring V.
Where: Turnbull House, opposite the Beehive, Wellington
What: 3 rounds of roleplaying, with a 14-player LARP in the final round.
How much: $10 GMs and WARGS members; $15 players
Who: wargs_rpg@hotmail.com
Bring V.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
What's this year's LARP about?
The LARP for January 2008, Kapcon 17, is probably going to be a fantasy based LARP. There's lots of potential for great costuming, and it should be a lot of fun.
Discussion about the LARP is happening at http://www.nzrag.com/bb under the upcoming cons sub-forum.
More information will be made available over the course of the year!
Discussion about the LARP is happening at http://www.nzrag.com/bb under the upcoming cons sub-forum.
More information will be made available over the course of the year!
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Interview on bFM
Matt Cowens was interviewed on bFM this morning about Kapcon and roleplaying in general. There is a 2.4mb mp3 of the interview available at bFM - it won't be there forever, but if you're quick you too can hear Mikey Havoc reminiscing (albeit briefly) about his own roleplaying experiences, and Matt doing his best to make roleplaying sound awesome.
http://www.95bfm.co.nz/default,88824.sm
http://www.95bfm.co.nz/default,88824.sm
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Kapcon 16 was Fantastic
Another year, another Kapcon. This was the second year that Debbie and I were in charge of Kapcon, and it was a great con to run. We kicked things off with pizza and drinks at Syn bar in Wellington on Friday night, a great casual evening (with delicious Hell’s pizza). We left early, having a drive home and an early start, but things were in full swing when we departed.
The number of GMs who offered to run games this year was great, and while a couple of arms were twisted to fill the few remaining spots in the timetable on the day, it was fantastic to have 90% of the timetable filled before the start of the convention.
The quality of games run at Kapcon this year was excellent, and this was reflected on the second day of the convention when a noticeable trend of people having a first choice for a game, followed by ‘anything – they all sound good’ coming through on the game selection forms.
Nick, Nasia, Katrina and Frank put together a brilliant 1930’s era LARP – ‘The Flight of the Hindenburg’, which ran on the Saturday night. 60 players spent an action, intrigue and politics filled night on the Hindenburg, mixing with aliens, a superhero, Nazis, a mummy, a werewolf, a vampire, a ghost, and lots of movie stars, politicians, businessmen, gangsters and other colourful characters. It was a highly successful LARP, and I look forward to hearing more stories of how people’s nights went (in person and over on NZRaG.com)
Evinshir games was present, with a huge display of boardgames and roleplaying products. There was a near-continuous stream of boardgames being played in the main room, and more than one con attendee walked out with a lighter wallet, but a pile of very reasonably priced games under their arm.
In the process of continually improving and adapting Kapcon, there were a few subtle changes this year. One of the more noticeable, and fun for me, was the hiring of a PA and wireless microphone. It made announcements, and GMs describing their games, much more audible. I must also confess that I do love playing to an audience when I have a mic in my hand. We also had colour coded forms to make paperwork easier, and a greater amount of information available to attendees about the schedule, what games they were in and so on, through the use of an oft-updated wall display of blurbs, the timetable, and the list of games, players and rooms for the upcoming round.
Once again a pizza run was done each day, and a candy bar was in operation, for the convenience and sustenance of attendees.
Numbers were very close to last year (final count pending, about 107). As Paul put it, Kapcon’s recent attendance has stabilised at 100 plus 2d10. Kapcon managed its goal of being a non-profit convention, with expenses coming incredibly close to income – closer than I had thought possible to zero.
We are passing the torch onto Paul this year – just as Scott passed it to Debbie and me, and Luke and Sam passed it to Scott before that, and so on. Scott, Luke and Sam were all still heavily involved in Kapcon this year, and will continue to be over the coming years I expect. Debbie and I will also continue to be involved in the running of Kapcon, helping Paul (and Zac, I believe) to make Kapcon the best convention it can possibly be. We all have a lot of love for this convention, a strong will to see it flourish, and a firm belief that Kapcon is a damn good way to spend a weekend. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend possible, those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, GMs who ran games, players who played in them, everyone who had a hand in Kapcon’s success.
My verdict? Kapcon 16 was a blast, a roaring success, and I can’t wait for Kapcon 17, in 2008.
I look forward to seeing you all there,
Matt Cowens
Kapcon Committee Leader, Kapcon 15 and 16
The number of GMs who offered to run games this year was great, and while a couple of arms were twisted to fill the few remaining spots in the timetable on the day, it was fantastic to have 90% of the timetable filled before the start of the convention.
The quality of games run at Kapcon this year was excellent, and this was reflected on the second day of the convention when a noticeable trend of people having a first choice for a game, followed by ‘anything – they all sound good’ coming through on the game selection forms.
Nick, Nasia, Katrina and Frank put together a brilliant 1930’s era LARP – ‘The Flight of the Hindenburg’, which ran on the Saturday night. 60 players spent an action, intrigue and politics filled night on the Hindenburg, mixing with aliens, a superhero, Nazis, a mummy, a werewolf, a vampire, a ghost, and lots of movie stars, politicians, businessmen, gangsters and other colourful characters. It was a highly successful LARP, and I look forward to hearing more stories of how people’s nights went (in person and over on NZRaG.com)
Evinshir games was present, with a huge display of boardgames and roleplaying products. There was a near-continuous stream of boardgames being played in the main room, and more than one con attendee walked out with a lighter wallet, but a pile of very reasonably priced games under their arm.
In the process of continually improving and adapting Kapcon, there were a few subtle changes this year. One of the more noticeable, and fun for me, was the hiring of a PA and wireless microphone. It made announcements, and GMs describing their games, much more audible. I must also confess that I do love playing to an audience when I have a mic in my hand. We also had colour coded forms to make paperwork easier, and a greater amount of information available to attendees about the schedule, what games they were in and so on, through the use of an oft-updated wall display of blurbs, the timetable, and the list of games, players and rooms for the upcoming round.
Once again a pizza run was done each day, and a candy bar was in operation, for the convenience and sustenance of attendees.
Numbers were very close to last year (final count pending, about 107). As Paul put it, Kapcon’s recent attendance has stabilised at 100 plus 2d10. Kapcon managed its goal of being a non-profit convention, with expenses coming incredibly close to income – closer than I had thought possible to zero.
We are passing the torch onto Paul this year – just as Scott passed it to Debbie and me, and Luke and Sam passed it to Scott before that, and so on. Scott, Luke and Sam were all still heavily involved in Kapcon this year, and will continue to be over the coming years I expect. Debbie and I will also continue to be involved in the running of Kapcon, helping Paul (and Zac, I believe) to make Kapcon the best convention it can possibly be. We all have a lot of love for this convention, a strong will to see it flourish, and a firm belief that Kapcon is a damn good way to spend a weekend. Thank you to everyone who made the weekend possible, those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, GMs who ran games, players who played in them, everyone who had a hand in Kapcon’s success.
My verdict? Kapcon 16 was a blast, a roaring success, and I can’t wait for Kapcon 17, in 2008.
I look forward to seeing you all there,
Matt Cowens
Kapcon Committee Leader, Kapcon 15 and 16
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Pre-con Food and Drinks at Syn Bar
Kapcon kicks off tonight with the pre-con gathering at Syn Bar (14 Bond Street, Wellington CBD), a fully licenced family restaurant (according to their website) wo serve delicious Hell's Pizza, sell beverages of an alcoholic nature, and even have a pool table for those who are so inclined.
Feel free to show up any time - the function room (to the left at the top of the stairs) is booked from about 6pm, but there will probably be a group of organisers heading in early, having set up the venue this afternoon.
See you there :)
Feel free to show up any time - the function room (to the left at the top of the stairs) is booked from about 6pm, but there will probably be a group of organisers heading in early, having set up the venue this afternoon.
See you there :)
Kapcon starts soon!
Kapcon starts at Wellington High School at 8.45am tomorrow! Doors are open from 8.15 so come early and hang out, catch up with old friends and make some new ones, or you could purchase a coffee or delicious snack from the Kapcon candy bar (prices below).
Kapcon Candy Bar
Can of Coke etc $1
Bag of lollies $2
Bag of chippies $2
Mini pump $1
Cookie Time Cookie $1
Almond Gold/Peanut Slab $1
Tea/Coffee 50c
Kapcon Candy Bar
Can of Coke etc $1
Bag of lollies $2
Bag of chippies $2
Mini pump $1
Cookie Time Cookie $1
Almond Gold/Peanut Slab $1
Tea/Coffee 50c
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The day after tomorrow...
...it all begins. Two days of gaming mayhem, a LARP, caffeine addiction and bad food. I can hardly wait.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
LARP characters
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
"T minus ten and counting..."
Ten days to go, and another update. Registrations are open for a few more days, so better sign up, as the first round games are filling fast. The latest to fill is Apes on a (Mutha-Freaking) Shuttle, but there's also only one slot left in Firebird and The Station Agent. Fortunately we have a few other first-round games available on the day, so you won't miss out - but if you want a choice, or have to play a particular game, better get in quick.
More new games: Ivan Towlson is running Get Me to the Church on Time, described as "a tale of romance, betrayal, margaritas and blowing up the universe" - which sounds disturbingly similar to Hix's My Life with Master, described as "a game about villainy, self-loathing, and unrequited love" (margaritas optional). Housemonkey also has a fantasy offering, The Long Dry, which uses shared narrative ideas.
We still need a couple more games to round out the timetable, but it looks like it will all come together in time.
More new games: Ivan Towlson is running Get Me to the Church on Time, described as "a tale of romance, betrayal, margaritas and blowing up the universe" - which sounds disturbingly similar to Hix's My Life with Master, described as "a game about villainy, self-loathing, and unrequited love" (margaritas optional). Housemonkey also has a fantasy offering, The Long Dry, which uses shared narrative ideas.
We still need a couple more games to round out the timetable, but it looks like it will all come together in time.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Two weeks to go
Two weeks till KapCon, and we have more news. Firstly, registrations are working properly again, and have been extended till the 14th. So, if you are planning to come, but haven't registered, sign up today.
Second, I Know, Right?" has filled.
Third, we've had two more games added. Jon Ball will be running Star Wars - The Tomb of Freedon Nadd, a quest by five Sith Apprentices attempting to gain the favour of the Dark Lord, and Donna Giltrap will be running WonderQuest (tm), involving a magical tour company offering authentic epic fantasy quest experiences in a world of magic and adventure (all major credit cards accepted).
Second, I Know, Right?" has filled.
Third, we've had two more games added. Jon Ball will be running Star Wars - The Tomb of Freedon Nadd, a quest by five Sith Apprentices attempting to gain the favour of the Dark Lord, and Donna Giltrap will be running WonderQuest (tm), involving a magical tour company offering authentic epic fantasy quest experiences in a world of magic and adventure (all major credit cards accepted).
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Update
Frank has dug the last few week's registration information out of the server logs, and I've just beensending replies to everyone. Again, if you have registered but have not had a response, please contact us. But hopefully things are back on track now.
Another first-round game has filled: Sean Broadley's "The good guys". "The Station Agent" and "Apes..." are looking iffy, so if you want a slot in these games, register now.
We've had another game offered: "Angela's Ashes", a game of Zombie fun in Las Vegas. However, we still need more (we always need more), so if you'd like to volunteer, please let us know or fill out the form here.
Finally, we have orders for seven T-shirts so far from the NZRaG thread, and matt will be putting the order through when he gets back from holiday. So, if you want one, let us know quickly.
Another first-round game has filled: Sean Broadley's "The good guys". "The Station Agent" and "Apes..." are looking iffy, so if you want a slot in these games, register now.
We've had another game offered: "Angela's Ashes", a game of Zombie fun in Las Vegas. However, we still need more (we always need more), so if you'd like to volunteer, please let us know or fill out the form here.
Finally, we have orders for seven T-shirts so far from the NZRaG thread, and matt will be putting the order through when he gets back from holiday. So, if you want one, let us know quickly.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
First-round game filled
Susan Harper's Put on your red shoes and dance the blues has become the first game to fill. So, if you want a spot in any of the other first round games, better try and register now.
Registration problems
Gremlins have struck, and the online registration form seems to be having some problems. If you have registered in the last few weeks and have not received an acknowledgement, then please resend your details (including first round game preferences) via email. In the meantime, hopefully our gremlin-hunter will get on to the problem before the last-minute rush.
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