Wyrd Con - West Coast LARP Convention in SoCal

Wyrd One Convention - June 11-13, 2010

FAQ Table of Contents:
~ About Wyrd Con
~ Wyrd Con FAQ
~ Game Designer/Producer Info
~ Panel Host/Guest Info
~ Volunteering
~ General Contact Form
~ Link To Us!
~ Resources & Other Links

About Wyrd Con:
Wyrd Con is a Live Action Role Playing (L.A.R.P. or L.R.P.) convention focused on bringing Role Players from different backgrounds, standards, rule sets, and game settings to one place to experience one another's diversity. We'll discuss Live Action Role Playing and hold many events that will allow people of all ages and familiarity levels to participate in the diversity of this rapidly growing international hobby. Wyrd Con stands for raising awareness and offering unforgettable experiences for those who wish to learn about the infinite varieties of the art form known as Live Action Role Playing.
Presenters : LARP Alliance & Live Effects are the two Live Action Role Play-focused companies working together to unite and promote the Live Action Roleplay community with this brand new gaming convention, Wyrd Con. Our first year, "Wyrd One", looks to be quite the adventure and we hope you will join us!

WYRD CON FAQ

What's a LARP?
LARP stand for Live Action Role Playing. It's a structured form of play pretend where a group of people use improvisational acting and sometimes athleticism to tell a communal narrative. It's like cops and robbers when you were a kid, except with cooler costumes, props, and rules of play. For more info click here - What is "Live Action Role Play" (LARP)?

Why haven't I heard of you before?
2010 is the debut of Wyrd Con, so please join us to launch the national LARP convention that celebrates all forms of live action role playing: theater, live combat, both, neither, and other!

Where's Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa is a city in Orange Country, about an hour south of Los Angeles.

I haven't LARPed before, can I still participate?
Yes! We are looking for more people who are new to the LARPing world. Most of our designers (GMs) would be happy to have you. Check out the description of each event to see if it sounds like something you'd like to try, and we'll put you in touch with the person running it so they will help you get over any first-time jitters.

I've been LARPing longer than you've been alive. What can you offer me?
Wyrd Con has many veteran LARPers and LARP groups, such as Amtgard for live combat and Enigma Live Game Labs for theater style LARPs. You'll find that they have new and challenging events for even the most seasoned LARPer.

Do I have to make up a character, or will one be provided to me?
Each LARP is different. Contact the Designer of each event and they'll walk you through the process. They will also be contacting players around mid-May if you want to wait, but they'll only be in touch with the people that signed up for their LARPs via pre-registration.

Do I have to pay for each event?
No. Once you have your regular attendee or sponsor badge, you have access to everything. However, many LARPs fill up, so if there's no room, they might not be able to accommodate you. Best to sign up now for the LARPs you want! We will have waiting lists.

What's the difference between a regular badge and a sponsor badge?
A sponsor badge offers access to more pre-registration options than a regular badge. In addition it may allow access to more exclusive activities and events at the convention.

Who are the guests?
John Wick, Larry Niven, and Steven Barnes.

You can read about them here: http://wyrdcon.com/specialguests.html

What's this Summit thing?
The LARP Summit is a conference run by Wyrd Con to discuss issues related to live action role playing, from what it is and how to improve aspects of it. All Summit events are open, so stop by and join the discussion or workshop, which should hopefully inspire you to thinking in new ways about LARPing.

What is the difference between Combat and Theater LARP?
We define them as follows:

Combat Style - Inclusion levels of physical simulated combat using foam swords or nerf guns. A "Heavy" combat level may include some body contact. "Light" is usually viewed as dexterity based combat. Soft packets may be thrown to represent rocks, arrows, darts, or other projectile weaponry or special effect if the game calls for this.

Theatre Style - Little or no physically simulated combat; instead, rock-paper-scissors, stat cards, or other methods are used.

Do I have to wear a costume?
One of the wonderful parts of LARPing are the costumes. We encourage everyone to come in costume relative to the LARPs they signed up for. If you don't have anything to wear, please come anyway, as proper attire is not required for attendance.

Each GM will give tips and advice about the costuming, if any (not all LARPs need costumes). There will also be workshops and summit panels about costuming if you don't know where to begin.

Can I talk to the Designer before the LARP, will they want to talk to me?
Yes. Around the middle of May, Designers will have the list of everyone signed up for your game. Some Designers are accessible beforehand as well. Email info@wyrdcon.com if you want to talk to a Designer before mid-May.

Designers will be able to answer your questions about the LARPs, and they probably will have some questions for you as well. Make sure your email address is current and correct so we can get in touch with you.

I am under 18, can I still come and play?
Yes! However some Designers may choose to restrict games to those above 18. This is managed by each designer; such restrictions are published in the event catalog.

Do I have to wear anything for the dance? What is the theme of the dance? Need Input!
Wear whatever is comfortable for you to dance in, especially shoes. Costumes of any type, if they allow you freedom of movement and aren't obtrusive to others, are encouraged.
This dance event is also what we call a "Light LARP" which means that the event is actually a LARP, however, Role Play and Costume are not required. Basically, you can go just to hang-out and dance.
"Xatrian Crux - Dance Club to Elsewhere" is set on a bio-spaceship, and is sci-fi and fantasy themed. Essentially, the setting is a larger, dance club version of the Cantina Scene from Star Wars - A multi-dimensional nexus. Minor storylines will occur throughout the dance, and major characters will make appearances.
There will be no combat allowed within the dance club for the safety of all. Combat will occur in the Fighters Circle outside.
Costume / Weapon Contest Awards will be officially announced and given out during the dance event by the stage.
Dance Music ranges from modern to fantastic so come get your groove on! (80's, Goth, Swing, Industrial, Trance, Electro, Hip/Pop, Themed Mixes, Remixes, and more)

Rumor has it some participants are making costumes for the dance. Who knows what may show?

Do you have a Facebook page?
Sure do! Right here: http://tinyurl.com/wyrdfacebook You can also connect to us via - This Link

What is the theme of the costume / weapon contest?
The contest has no direct theme this year, instead we are looking for the best costumes in several categories. The categories and awards are:

COSTUME AWARDS (Judges: A. Grady, J. Mead, TBA)
Focusing on costumes you made yourself our costume contest is looking for creativity, craftsmanship and fresh concepts.
*Excellence in Design (style, overall appearance, construction)
Best New Concept (unique/original character)
Best in Craftsmanship (can apply to those w/ exceptional handcrafted armor, leather, or jewelry)
Appearance and Practicality (does it look good & is it practical to actively LARP in?)

PRESENCE AWARDS (Judges: A. Grady, J Mead., TBA)
Sometimes its what you depict that draws the eye, and these costume categories are certainly no exception.
*Audience Favorite
Most Dramatic
Most Humorous
Best Themed Group

COSTUME WEAPON DESIGN CONTEST (Judges: Rob M., Rick M., TBA)
It doesn't have to be a LARP Weapon, being for costume purposes only it could be a faux handgun, a flashy buster sword, or even a proton-backpack. The sky is the limit!
*Overall Design & Style
Most Innovative
Breakthrough in Technical Craftsmanship

STORYTIME WITH LARRY (Judges: Larry N., Ira H., TBA)
Larry Niven seeks to hear new stories, but fabulous prizes may be offered for the best. If your mind has been swimming with moments from your LARP days, or just something inspiring spend 5 minutes and tell the world!
*Best Story
Most Dramatic
Most Humorous
Honorable Mention

Will games be running all day and night?
No. Although some games will run late into the night, we don't have 24 hour programming. Get some sleep! The convention opens Friday at 5:00pm pst and we conclude on Sunday at 12:00pm pst.

Are there scheduled breaks?
No. Events will be going on from roughly 8am to 2am, so keep that in mind when you plan your itinerary. Make sure to leave yourself time to get meals and relax in between events.

What and where can I eat?
There is an eatery in the hotel but it is expensive. We recommend people bring snacks with them to save money. A list of local dining is also available at: http://wyrdcon.com/localdiningguide.jpg

I want to try and run something. Is there still room?
There may be space for a few small events. Although we're near capacity, the convention will continue filling until we can’t fit more. The first step to finding out is to send a completed designer form to info@wyrdcon.com

What's the hotel like?
The Hilton Costa Mesa is a beautiful hotel near South Coast Plaza, one of Southern California premiere shopping areas. It's next to John Waynet/Santa Ana (SNA) airport, and 10 minutes away from Disneyland.

The hotel offers a gym, pool, spa, and other amenities. There is underground parking near the facility at a special discount convention rate of $9.00 per day.

What will the weather be like?
June is a warm month in Southern California. Traditionally, this time of year is 70’s to mid 80’s and slightly ‘muggy’.

I have a question that's not answered here. Do something!
Email info@wyrd.com !

Wyrd Con Staff & Website Information:

Wyrd Con Logo - Devin McCarthy
Website design, graphics, & content editing - Adrianne Grady

Wyrd Con Staff:
Ira Ham
Adrianne Grady
Rick McCoy
Joslyn Field
Jessica Richards

Run a Game at Wyrd Con - "Game Designer":

Run a game at Wyrd Con and make "Awesome" happen. Please download and read the Game Designer files, following the included instructions.
Open Bidding Process For All Event Submissions: Wyrd Con employs an open bidding process for all event submissions. Any submission must be provided to us prior to Jan. 2010, with initial confirmations occurring prior to that date, and final confirmation occurring in January. We encourage and welcome all submissions, with an aim for a balance between all types of Live Action Events, regardless of type, genre, or style.
Documents - Game Designer FAQ | Submission Form | Sample Room Layouts

Run or Join a Panel:

Get a free pass into Wyrd Con by hosting/moderating or participating on a panel. To submit a panel concept for our review (which you must supervise if yours is chosen), or to request to join a panel, please use the contact form below, selecting "programming" as your Subject. More info to come.

Volunteering - Becoming a Wyrd Con "Minion":

We are looking for reliable, committed, and enthusiastic individuals interested in becoming one of our minions. Use the contact form below to let us know if you are one of these awesome forces and why we should choose you. Volunteers get a free weekend convention pass.

Use our Contact Submission Form below for all inquiries:

Link To Us!:

Help us promote Wyrd Con! Download the banner image, then post our banner on your website and link it to http://www.wyrdcon.com

Wyrd Con - Wyrd One Convention - California - West Coast LARP, Live Action Role Playing, LRP

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