PolyCon 2015

As it describes itself, "PolyCon is the premiere gaming convention of the Central Coast of California. Since 1983, we've provided the gaming community with a place to gather to enjoy gaming and fun. PolyCon is presented by students and alumni of California Polytechnic State University, in San Luis Obispo, California."

This was my first time going to PolyCon, and I went with my son Milo. (The Sunday was also Father's Day, and we got to roadtrip and stay in a nice hotel.) .)

• The Thorns of Avalon (Saturday 2PM)
• Pygmy (Saturday 7PM)
• Microscope (Sunday 10AM)

Amber Diceless
The Thorns of Avalon
Gamemaster: Lauren Parzanese
Type: RPG
Time: Saturday 14:00
Length: 4 Hours
Location: UU217 B

It has been 100 years since the silver towers of Avalon were trapped beneath the mysterious mass of thorny vines. Whispers have spread throughout the Shadows that a single red rose has bloomed at the drawbridge to the forsaken castle, yielding the promise of hope for the inhabitants inside. But what does this unexpected sign mean for the slumbering princess along with her subjects under the thorns' prison? What actually stirs beneath the shadowy thorns, and what secrets are clutched in the vines' grasp?

This was a

• Sandra as Meerna, a shapeshifting mermaid from Rebma
• Steve as Hunter, a shapeshifter who was also Red Riding Hood and the Wolf
• Milo as Jack (the Giant-Killer)
• ?? as Gretel, a sly fighter aided by her helpful brother Hanzel (taken as an Item like Morgenstern)
• Jason as Rapunzel, a Logrus-tendril wielding psyche master
• Myself as Adam ("The Beast"), a cursed

Pygmy

Pygmy
Gamemaster: Sean True, The Wastrel, Scott Zumwalt
Type: Miniature
Time: Saturday 10:00
Length: 3 Hours
Location: Chumash Foyer

The Pygmy Chieftain has died....again!
This year, the players will compete to become the next Pygmy Chieftain by putting on a festival. With all new mechanics, cards, and even some new areas to explore, Pygmy Festival will challenge players to recruit performers, stage shows, search for special artifacts, recruit new audiences and generally compete to put on the kind of show that will impress the Pygmy spirits and lead to the throne. In our 8th year, we hope to stage the biggest Pygmy event in our history. We can handle eight players again this year so come join the festival and see who can put on the biggest show.

[....]

Microscope

Microscope
We'll Make One Up
Gamemaster: Emir Sky
Type: RPG
Time: Sunday 10:00
Length: 4 Hours
Location: UU217 B

Microscope isn't so much a game as it is a collective world building system. The participants decide what kind of history they want to create, and then create entire eras, events, and role play scenes bringing that history to life.

[....]