conversations.from: system
conversations.value: What horror convention thinks it would be a good idea to hold an event in a supposedly "haunted" venue?
  
  Every. Single. Damn. Horror. Convention. Ever.  I think all of them would, if they could.
  
  YOUR good luck is that your venue is ACTUALLY haunted/possessed/influenced by evil/possessed.  
  
  And WE'RE going to put on an event there!  What could *possibly* go wrong?
  
  Again: *No experience in putting on events, going to events, or fighting ancient evil is necessary for participating in this story*.  Worry not.  Just have some fun.
  
  *WORLD INFO*: Just like our own, assuming we lived in a darkly humorous cult classic movie. 
   Magic is real. Horrible things are real.  Both players and characters can know this from the start.
  
  *PLAYER CONCEPT*: You get to take on the roles of various division heads working on the Con.  You do NOT need ANY experience to do this.  (And in that, the game is being *way* truer to life than most people know).  Don't worry that you'll get a job "wrong" by not knowing about it - just make it up, guess, or blame someone else.  (That's possibly the most realistic element of the whole game...)
  
  *PLOT CONCEPT*: Just like in the real world, people who volunteer to run events have a wide variety of motivations and often complex relationships with what brought them to this point, with each other, and with what they want from the event. There'll be a mixture of character development, action, and decision-making.  Players will have lots of agency to shape the event and to decide how to handle various crises and situations.  There's only one basic rule: The Show Must Go On (Because, Dammit, We've Put Too Much Into This Show To Cancel It, And We Can't Get The Hotel Deposit Back Anyway.)
  
  ====================
  
  Few people know what it's like to run a convention, and that is **totally fine**!  You don't need any knowledge at all; to be totally honest, in my experience, MOST people who put on full-time events have no idea what they're doing.  (If you HAVE experience, feel free to fictionalize and use it as much as you'd like.  But this is NOT about accuracy; it's about creating a great, fun story.  So please, make it up - that's what we *actually* do anyway!)
  
  I can offer something unique: I run a LOT of events, it's my full-time job. I do Steampunk events, Goth events, Faerie festivals, and so forth.  This is my 21st year in the business.  My mind is a MASSIVE database of things that can go HORRIBLY awry when putting events together.  And I've run three horror conventions (Voltaire's Wicked NecroComiCon, Voltaire's NecroComicon, and Dark Side Of The Con.)
  
  Yes, "Dark Side Of The Con" is a real event, but the Vampire Freaks team and I own the name, and we're allowed to use it.  The actual story will NOT be about the actual event, so don't feel at all constrained by the show.  If it helps, you're welcome to steal anything you want (except actual people) from the real show, if you find it useful.
  
  Basic theme of this game: *We were really excited to do this, but now everything has gone horribly, dreadfully wrong.  ...and yet, we're still excited.*
  
  SECRET: That's the actual theme of all the *real* events I've ever done, too.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Fun fact: Did you know that, since the 90s, it's very hard for a hotel to survive if it's not affiliated with one of the major hotel chains?
  
  And that you need to fall below certain kinds of standards to "lose your flag", and have to become an independent hotel?
  
  There are, of course, some excellent, independent, boutique hotels which thrive on their uniqueness and which do quite well.
  
  This hotel is not one of them.
  
  It's got plenty of conference space, though, admittedly, some of that space is non-Euclidean.  There cannot possible be a link to the Bermuda Triangle in the swimming pool.  
  
  The fact that the hotel's management is willing to rent you the hotel dirt cheap, even though it's very, very large...
  
  ...clearly means that the hotel management is exceptionally kind and friendly.
  
  I mean, what other explanation could there possibly be?
conversations.prefix: The Dauphin Hotel:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Larger hotels typically have a reasonably well-staffed, if overworked, sales department.  This hotel appears to just have Ned, plus Ned's secretary.  Ned's secretary has two modes: Unhelpful, and white-hot fury.
  
  The Sales Manager is your point of contact, here to help you and be a liaison between you and the hotel.
  
  Sure would be challenging if he died suddenly, or disappeared, or something like that.
conversations.prefix: Ned, the Sales Manager:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You get to help choose the guests!  
  
  You get to meet the guests!
  
  You get to make sure the guests are happy!
  
  You get to drive the guests to the airport at 4:30 a.m.!
  
  You get to escort the guests to the EMS team when they've mistaken a bottle of amyl nitrate for a five hour energy drink!
  
  You get to field the guests's drunken phone calls when they've accidentally locked themselves outside of their rooms, and locked a puma *in* their rooms, with their travelling companions.
  
  *You have the best job ever!*
conversations.prefix: Guest Liaison:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You help make sure nobody sneaks into the event without buying a badge or receiving one through proper channels.
  
  You make sure attendees stay safe.
  
  You tell attendees that they need to move their cars because the ambulance needs to get through.
  
  You get to handle the Alice Cooper cosplayer who brought a 14' pet python.
  
  You get to deal with everything that goes wrong after everyone else has gone to sleep.
  
  You get to deal with threats of all kind, but don't worry, you've got plenty of resources: a loud voice, a shirt that says "SECURITY", and...a slightly louder voice, for emergencies.
  
  What more could you need?
conversations.prefix: Head of Security:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You help make most of the important decisions about what performers, guests, shows, and events can happen.  It's a fun and creative job, and as long as you can keep track of the (frequently conflicting) needs and wants of a vast assortment of disgruntled performers, speakers, musicians, minor celebrities, and people who don't realize they're *not* celebrities,  everything will be just fine.
  
  Hm.  You're going to need another spreadsheet.  Or six.
conversations.prefix: Artistic Director:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: All you need to do is get consensus out of a group of unpaid volunteers with personal agendas and poor social skills, plus market the event, plus keep all of the attendees happy, plus make sure the hotel is happy, plus do anything else that needs to be done.
  
  It's as easy pie.  Assuming that the pie in question is seven thousand feet in diameter and made out of a wide assortment of combustible, flammable, and explosive materials, and someone's about to drop it into an active volcano.
  
conversations.prefix: Convention Chair:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You fix *everything*.  And everything is *always on fire*.  And that is *not* necessarily a metaphor.
  
  It's not all bad.  As long as nothing goes wrong, you have a relaxing weekend and get plenty of sleep.
  
  This can be easily accomplished by pumping chloroform through the vents of the hotel shortly after everyone has arrived on Friday.
  
  "Stressful" is not an accurate description of how you feel about your job.  "Dante's Inferno, Circles 5-9, Inclusive" would probably be closer to the target.
  
  But still, you're philosophical.  After all, you *like* to fix things.  You *like* to make things better.
  
  You hope.
  
  
conversations.prefix: Head of Operations:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's hard to get a read on Henry.  Is Henry really this optimistic?  Is he oblivious to what's happened before?  Is he trying really hard to stay positive? Does he have some kind of ulterior motive?
  
  It's hard to even know how good he is at his job.  He was *somewhere* in the line of succession, and the whole rest of that line is buried.  Or, in at least one case, scattered into the stratosphere in the form of white-hot ashes.
  
  Henry probably didn't have anything to do with that.
  
  He *does* seem to genuinely want to work through consensus.  He's an organizer, not a dictator.  Unless, of course, that's a facade.  But why would a convention organizer lie?
conversations.prefix: Henry, the Con-Chair:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die (copy):
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six million ways to die (copy):
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your predecessor died; that's why you're here.  How did they die?  Any idea why?  Your answer might provide helpful clues.  It might be useful to your survival.  It might also break the fourth wall and make the other characters laugh, which would be a pretty good start.
conversations.prefix: Six Million Ways To Die:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Henry's leaving the table.  What are you going to say about him?  Someone here must know something about the man.
  
  For one thing, how do you know if you can trust the drinks he's about to bring you?  
  
  But is it safe to refuse him?  Will he be insulted?
  
  Does anyone know?
conversations.prefix: What's The Matter With Henry:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This is going to be wonderful! This is going to be incredible! This is going to be the best thing ever! Everyone will love it!
  
  What is it, anyway?
  
  ________
  
  You're excited!  You're going to find a positive perspective on almost everything!  You're going to tell the world how wonderful this convention's going to be!
  
  Maybe you really see everything as being that fantastic.  Maybe you've just spent so long with a positive narrative that you're going to spin just about anything, no matter how awful.
conversations.prefix: Marketing Chair:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: "Nothing that happens is bad.  Some of it is just an alternate version of what we think of as good."
  
  You *can* and *will* make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.  And lacking a sow's ear, you'll make it out of perspectives, imagination, hope, and/or pure chicanery.
conversations.prefix: Spin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're pretty dedicated to your versions of the truth, even if those versions keep changing, possibly at a desperate rate.
  
  If reality ever hits you harder than you can handle, you could fall to pieces, at least temporarily.
conversations.prefix: This can't be happening:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What is it you do when you're not promoting this convention? Nobody but you knows, and you wish you could forget it.  You are *not* happy with the rest of your life.  So you *will* make *this* event succeed if you need to sell your soul.  And some other peoples' souls.  
conversations.prefix: Need to succeed:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have the signal honor and absolute joy of coordinating the programming!  The guests!  The activities!  The entertainment!  It's possible you don't know anything about this.  It's possible you know WAY too much and are WAY too opinionated.  Either way, don't worry - this job is a cakewalk.  You wonder why the last seven program directors all quit suddenly...
conversations.prefix: Artistic Director:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have the best job in the world - you get to work with people, ideas, and activities that you love, and which fill you with passion!
conversations.prefix: Bring the joy!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Do you know how many things can go catastrophically wrong in creating and enacting the programming for a convention?
  
  Of course you don't.  Science hasn't calculated a number that high.  
  
  The good news is, when things go terribly wrong, you'll be fine.  If by "fine", we mean "simultaneously explode, implode, and possibly set the building on fire".
  
  Remember Jack Nicholson near the end of "The Shining"?  In the original version, he wasn't a writer.  He had your job, instead.
conversations.prefix: Disaster!:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You love to create.  You love putting together a blend of amusements and shows and guests to delight attendees.  And you'll get it *right* this time.  Not like last time.  DEFINITELY NOT LIKE LAST TIME.
conversations.prefix: Creator:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You do stuff. For pretty much everyone. Nobody is *entirely* sure what your actual job is supposed to be, least of all you, but everything seems to rely on you anyway.
conversations.prefix: Nebulously-Titled Assistant:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Not actual juggling, but keeping *metaphorical* balls in the air is your forte. How do you remember everything? Keep track of it all? Nobody knows!
conversations.prefix: Juggling:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: They come with the merch.  You stand ready with the tape measure, a map of the nearby electrical outlets, and a little attitude when you need it.
conversations.prefix: Vendor Coordinator:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The problem with being really good at small parts of all the things is that you're constantly, ceaselessly overworked. And in demand. And losing your mind. Can't they just clone you?
conversations.prefix: Still No Teleportation:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: This was supposed to be a fun weekend! Volunteering for a subculture you love! What could be better than working for something you're passionate about?
  
  Almost anything. 
  
  And nothing. But you *are* determined to go out and have some kind of fun *for yourself* before the weekend's through, dammit.
conversations.prefix: Have Fun! No, seriously.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Some teenagers focus on cars and drinking. Others focus on studying the Dark Arts, the Occult, and black eyeliner.
conversations.prefix: Teen Witch.:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Knowledge gained from hours of reading and searching the web for scraps of strange and mysterious. Some of it is just bizarre or outright ridiculous, but some of its got to be useful, right?
conversations.prefix: Encyclopedia Noir.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Tight, confined spaces set the heart racing. The lack of an exit makes you ill. The walls are closing in. Got to get out! 
conversations.prefix: Claustrophobia.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strict, irrational, and overly religious parents make home almost unbearable. High school is full of shallow and petty problems, I couldn't care less about. I will find my own way, no matter the cost, I will be myself.
conversations.prefix: Know Thyself.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You really, just wanted to make some quick side cash, working a con seemed like a good way to make a quick buck. Rent isn't gonna pay itself after all.
conversations.prefix: Part-Timer:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You take orders well, when the higher up gives direction, you have no problem following it.
conversations.prefix: Obedience:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You can't seem to get much on your own, you tend to need assistance or some sort of guidance. Won't someone tell you what you need to do next?
conversations.prefix: Dependent:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Um, we are still getting paid right? That's the only reason you did this anyway.
conversations.prefix: Get Paid:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You began as a lowly volunteer years ago. You've earned the right to some respect.
conversations.prefix: Commanding:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Everyone at the con knows your name, but it never feels like enough.
conversations.prefix: Kinda Insecure:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The con is the one place where you can live the fantasy that your imagination craves. You'll take the long hours, grumpy vendors, and breakdowns for one true moment.
conversations.prefix: Where Dreams Come True:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a reputation for being calm and reasonable in a way that makes people listen to what you say. 
conversations.prefix: Level-Headed:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are aloof to the point of alienating people you actually like.
conversations.prefix: Secretive:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are aloof to the point of alienating people you actually like. Stop that.
conversations.prefix: Make a Friend:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You don't always give "kids" (anyone under about 30) the credit they're due, and it can come off as pretty snobby. It really stands out from your normally even-keeled demeanor. 
conversations.prefix: Curmudgeon:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A little Duct tape, glue, gum, paperclips, string, and rubber-bands will patch up just about anything. It might be jank but it works... for a bit anyway. 
conversations.prefix: MacGyver that shit:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Candice's mom was struck by lightning when she was pregnant with her, leaving a residual electromagnetic current that resides in her to this day. She regularly zaps herself and others and cannot use any electrical equipment. 
conversations.prefix: Magnetized:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: As if running maintenance for a con were a good paying job. Candice takes all the opportunities she can get, even if it does border a bit on the klepto side. 
conversations.prefix: SWAG and free food.:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You seem to be able to get along with just about anyone and generally are well liked. 
conversations.prefix: Personable:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You couldn't find the piece of paper in your left hand with detailed instructions and a map. Well, maybe you could if you could just find where you put those instructions. Or the map. What were you looking for again?
conversations.prefix: Disorganized :
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You want everyone to have the perfect everything. If it isn't perfect, you will fix it or collapse from exhaustion trying. 
conversations.prefix: Caregiver:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Basically I am the mafia.
conversations.prefix: Make Problems Go Away Quietly:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A perfect storm of emotional / physical / intellectual stress will fatigue Logic Brain, forcing Lizard Brain to tack over - resulting in paralysis
conversations.prefix: Lizard Brain:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Everything is on fire all the time. Too much fire, in fact. I begin to suspect that I have been cursed with bad luck - but why? And by whom? And how do I rid myself of this hex?
conversations.prefix: Exorcism:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You quickly sense people's strengths and weaknesses and leverage them appropriately. You're also good with fine print.
conversations.prefix: Human Resources:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: What is the most important part of running a horror event?  
  
  Presumably, it's the joy of socializing with unspeakable horrors.
conversations.prefix: Demonic(ish) Possession & Giant Pink Things: