Son Of Ramsdencon
A Beginners’ Guide to SoRCon
Why go to a games convention?
Here are five good reasons: -
- It is an excellent opportunity to play games with people who are just as enthusiastic about them as you are.
- You can play old favourites with a different group of people or try out the hot new titles.
- There will also be the time to play that longer game that has been gathering dust on your shelf.
- You’ll have the chance to make new friends who share your interest.
- Game designers often attend conventions, so you may have the chance to rub shoulders with a creative genius and even play one of their latest prototypes.
Isn’t it just the same hardcore group that attends all the conventions?
There are a few dedicated souls who seem to turn up at all the conventions, but they are the exception rather than the rule. Every convention draws in a fair few first-timers and the majority who attend one or two conventions per year.
Will SoRCon be family friendly?
Children and significant others are welcome to attend and to spend as much time at the convention as they choose. Gamers are generally very tolerant and welcoming of novices of any age.
What sorts of games are played?
Eurogames (the name given to games like Settlers of Catan, Puerto Rico, Carcassonne) are very popular at this sort of convention. However, no type of game is excluded and you will find people eager to fight wars, perform crazy feats of dexterity, build railways, crawl through dungeons, or take all your money in a late night poker session.
What is open gaming?
Organised events or tournaments of particular games are a feature of some conventions. In contrast, SoRCon’s open gaming allows you a completely free choice of what to play, when and who with.
Will it be easy to join in a game?
In a room full of sociable gamers with a very large supply of games? Fear not.
What if there is this one special game that I want to play?
The SoRCon Committee is here to help. We will assist you in finding opponents and arrange a time to play a particular game ahead of the convention.
Playing games for three whole days? That seems a bit much.
Ramsdencon was never just about playing games and we intend to carry on with that tradition. For your entertainment, we may plan to offer a quiz, a charity auction, new and second-hand games to buy, and free form role-playing.
Not tempted by any of that? The Ramada Hotel is just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Colchester. The Castle Museum, with its extensive collection of Roman antiquities, is well worth a visit. Colchester also boasts a wide selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. Your visit to the town would be incomplete without a visit to Lingards Games in Sir Isaac’s Walk.
Here is a link to a useful website:Visit Colchester
Alternatively you could simply choose to relax with a drink in the Ramada’s bar or over a meal in its restaurant.
Should I bring some games?
You are welcome to bring any games you would like to play. Don't feel obliged to pack your entire collection though; other people will be bringing a wide range of games and they will usually be willing to lend them to you.
Can I bring some second-hand games to sell?
Certainly. Though please check that they have all their components before you put them up for sale.
Should I bring some food and drink?
A selection of meals, snacks and beverages will be available at the Ramada throughout the day. Making use of the bar and restaurant will help to ensure that SoRCon is welcomed back in 2009.
What’s all this about Ramsdencon?
Ramsdencon was a games convention that brightened a gloomy February weekend over a ten year period. It took place at Ramsden Hall School, near Billericay in Essex and was organised by Annie Shillabeer, one of the staff at the school. A combination of the unique location and Annie’s personality gave Ramsdencon an ambience somewhere between St. Trinions and a university rag week. Annie moved on to pastures new in 2006, giving her blessing to SoRCon to carry on the tradition of fun and games.