Introduction

This is a blog about how to run Table-Top Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) at Game Conventions.

I’m writing it because it’s my main hobby. I love Refereeing TTRPGs at conventions across the UK. I’ve done it a LOT and I think I’m good at it.

I’ve written a book on the topic but before publishing it, I thought I’d release the chapters in a blog once per week.

This is that blog.

Disclaimers

I’m fully aware that there are better TTRPG Referees out there than I am. Maybe you’re one of those.

I’m also aware that I may say things you disagree with. That’s perfectly fair. We could both be right. We could both be wrong. I won’t set out to offend anyone.

This blog is written from the viewpoint of someone who has been playing TTRPGs since 1977 in the UK. I’ve been a player, a Referee, I’ve written games - one professionally published, others self-published - and co-organised a short-lived but successful TTRPG convention. I write and blog about TTRPG conventions and, as far as I am aware, could hold the record for attending more conventions in a year than anyone else. 

So I have a clear - if probably biased, possibly old-fashioned - viewpoint on the matter.

I’ll tell you how I prepare, plan and run convention TTRPG sessions. I think I do a good job. However, there are other ways of doing things. This is just one template.

I’m old and pedantic. I use the term TTRPG rather than RPG because of computer games. I use the term Referee rather than anything else - especially anything using the term “Master” - to represent the fact that I think the Referee’s main job is to respond in an even-handed manner. They need to mediate between the players, and between the players and the world, while being fair to everyone. But mainly being fair to the players.

I have a tendency to ramble on when writing so I’ve tried to keep all the posts on this blog short.

You may notice some repetition when a subject belongs in more than one post. This is deliberate and is for ease of reference.

You may well not find the answers you’re looking for here but I hope you’ll find something of use. 

Cheers!

Simon Burley