I’m a guest at Norwescon here in Seattle this weekend. “The Northwest’s Premier Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention” is in its 33rd year and I’ll be on hand to talk about all sorts of gaming goodness. You can find me on the following panels.

Wargaming 101
Friday, 11:00 a.m., Evergreen 3 & 4
What is miniatures wargaming? How does one get started? Do you really have to be a good painter? Do games last for hours? What is the difference between skirmish and battle? Is this a good hobby for women? Come learn more about miniatures wargaming, from historical to sci-fi/fantasy and steampunk. Our panelists will explain the attraction to the hobby and what types of games are available for everyone, from newbies to experienced players.
Dylan S. (M), Jason Bulmahn, Chris Pramas

What is D&D;?
Friday, 3:00 p.m., Evergreen 2
D&D; has been through a number of editions, each of which has changed the rules and the core setting around it. In the past few years, games like Pathfinder, Castles and Crusades, and Swords & Wizardry have emerged from the OGL to offer their take on traditional, D&D; fantasy gaming. What is the core of D&D; and what allows it to remain so popular despite the rise of digital games?
Wolfgang Baur (M), Jason Bulmahn, Bruce R. Cordell, Chris Pramas

Family-Friendly Games
Saturday, 10:00 a.m., Cascade 10
Panel experts discuss what makes a family-friendly game and what options are out there for the family that wants to game together. Our panelists will discuss age- and family-appropriate games for all ages, covering everything from board and card games to video games.
Chris Pramas (M), James Ernest, Mike Selinker

The Publishing Revolution
Saturday, 5:00 p.m., Cascade 4
The future of publishing is a big question mark right now as traditional publishing houses shrink along with the economy. At the same time, multiple versions of community-driven new media publishing models are popping up all over the internet; and some of the best fiction being written today is showing up on the web out of small independent publishers. What’s happening, what’s the future of publishing, and how can you become part of the publishing revolution?
Jak Koke (M), Bob Kruger, Chris Pramas, Patrick Swenson

Hope to see some of you there!