LARP (Live Action Role Play)

Remember all the fun you had last year with the Space Cadet LARP on Stella Moat? And with the HG Wells Time Train Mystery LARP?  DemiCon 25 will give you the opportunity to LARP again! Just get ready to be EVIL!!!!

The “Gold Bugs” Steampunk LARP

In 1893- Ronaldo, California was a pleasant little mining town that was supposed to become the county seat. Then Mayor Caltown came to the neighboring town of Kingsford Junction. Next thing you know, Ronaldo's water supply that went through the Kingsford Dam dried up. The gold supply in the bank and at the local gold mine mysteriously vanished. Wells were poisoned, cattle driven off and fields burned in the dead of night by masked men. The town went from thriving to the edge of bankruptcy. 

Then it came. A meteor came roaring out of the night's sky and exploded near the Ronaldo gold field.  Ronaldo's Mayor Sempkins went to investigate and he came back a changed man. He brought together all the townfolk that remained in Ronaldo for one last “party”.

Sempkins said, “They took our water. They took our cattle. They burned our lands and have driven out our people. It is time that the citizens of Ronaldo take something back! It is time that we take back our Gold and reclaim our heritage!”

“The Gold Bugs” is an off-the-wall Steampunk Live-Action Roleplay for 10-15 players who take on the roles of the few remaining citizens of Ronaldo, California that are attempting to take vengeance and steal some gold from a neighboring town. It will be played on Saturday afternoon at DemiCon with LARP registration beginning at 2 p.m. Don't miss this one. It should be fun.

Sign up will start at 2 pm on Saturday of the convention in the LARP rooms (Illinois and Nebraska Rooms). Questions? Email larp@demicon.org.   

Self-Run Programming

Last year we had a couple self-run activities that put you in charge. Hey, let's do it again!

You choose how much time you wish to take and what you do. Just follow the activity's directions, and away you go. Take a look!

The DemiCon Cardio Loop

You say you want a way to start exercising? Or perhaps you are missing your regular workout because you are at the Con? We have the solution for you — the DemiCon Cardio Loop! The Cardio Loop is operational from 10 am to 2pm Saturday, and is an "at your own pace" activity. Simply go to the Hub to sign up, find the stairwell, and start climbing those stairs! Climb to the 5th floor, walk down the hallway, and descend on the other side. Return to your starting point and you have made one loop! Make as may loops at you want, and when you're finished, return to the Hub to pick up your "I survived the DemiCon Cardio Loop" button. There is a place on the button to record the number of loops you completed. Remember, each journey starts with a single step, and you can start that journey and keep it going here!

The Journey of a Thousand Steps

As part of the DemiCon Cardio Loop, we have marked out an option for The Journey of a Thousand Steps. For this option, start in the lower level of the hotel at the junction of the hallway past Registration. The starting place will be marked. Walk toward the main staircase, go up the stairs and left to the elevator bank on the first floor to where the start of the Cardio Loop is marked. Complete two Cardio Loops, then walk back to the Thousand Steps starting point in the lower level to complete the journey. Two of our test subjects managed this in 1000 steps. Your journey may have fewer steps or more steps based on your stride.

Where is Tadao?
Unfortunately Tadao can not join us but his War Doctor Double can. You are welcome to check out Tadao from the Hub in 30 minutes increments and take him around the convention to take pictures with him. 

Rules

Come to the Hub at the bottom of the curvy stairs. Write your name and badge number down on the sign out pages when taking out Tadao.  

Please ...

• Keep Tadao dry, clean and in good shape.

In other words...

• Do not feed or pour drinks over Tadao.
• Do not take Tadao swimming.
• Do not steal Tadao.
• Do not knock off Tadao's head as you walk through doorways with Tadao... he is 6 feet tall. 
• We like Tadao and want to keep him around and in as good of shape as we possibly can.
• The Hub attendees have the right to refuse Tadao being taking out by those who have imbibed to much and may put Tadao in a harmful situation. 
• Take pictures of Tadao. Post on the web at Instagram with #whereistadao as header or https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemiCon/. We will see if we can figure out where Tadao is located.  
• Keep Tadao's online photos PG.
• Return Tadao when your time is up.
  

Special thanks to Christine Amarantus for the use of her picture. 

One of My Favorite DemiCon Costumes

There are some amazing costumes at DemiCon and sometimes you want to show your appreciation.  This year take a couple of the cards provided and hand them out to those who costumes you love.  Maybe write a "LOVE IT" note on the back of the card. 

The recipients can take these cards, putting them on a safety pin or lanyard hooks to wear them around. The more each person gets, the cooler it looks and fans out.  These cards are located in the Hub at the bottoms of the curvy stairs. 

Play-To-Win Special Events

This year we are trying a great idea for all gamers.  We have a couple of innovative and fun games that have been donated by some gaming fans and gaming businesses.  We are going to do a Play-to-Win event through the convention.  Groups are encouraged to borrow the Play-to-Win games, and when around of play is completed, pass the game on to the next group of players. Then, put your name with badge number in a drawing at the end of the convention to win the game.  You must be present at the DemiCon Closing Ceremonies to win.  This is a great way to try out some new games on the market and maybe take it home with you. 

Rules:

• Check out the game of your choice from the Hub, located at the bottom of the curvy stairs lower level.  
• Put your name and badge number on the sheet to check it out.
• Play the game.
• Return the game to the Hub.
• Everyone that played the game can put their name and badge number down on the sheet provided.
• Those list of names will be placed in a drawing.
• Show up at closing ceremonies. You must be present to win the game you played.
• Most of all - HAVE FUN!

Scavenger/Trivia Hunt

In the works, we will have a page just for those who want to hunt up some trivia as well as Scavenger around for some truths. They will be located in the Hub area. Pick up and fill out, then drop off by the deadline. More to come soon.

Writing Contests

REGISTRATION CLOSED. Thanks for checking out the competition. 

The prose and poetry contests return for DemiCon 25.

Rules for the contest are: 

1) Stories and poems are to be written in the genre of science fiction or fantasy. The number “25" and the word “silver” need to be used in the story or poem.

2) Prose is limited to no more than 7,500 words.

3) Poetry is limited to no more than 100 lines. 

4) The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, March 31, 2014.

5) Entrants may submit up to two items, i.e., a poem and a short story, or two short stories, or two poems.

6) A separate youth category will exist for writers under 18 years of age. The entry must include the writer’s age at the start of DemiCon 25.

All entries will be posted on-line after judging is completed and will be available for reading in print form at the convention. In addition to judges’ comments, members of the convention will be invited to give their feedback to the writers.

There will be first-, second- and third-place winners. Judging will be based on an overall ranking and on three broad categories. Winners will be selected based on total points, with any ties broken using the overall rankings.  The categories are Character, Description, and Continuity based on their effective use within the story or poem. Character includes growth of characters, use of dialogue, and believability of characters. Description includes the general use of description, how technological or fantastical items specific to the story are described, and description that sets the scene. Continuity includes consistency of writing, general adherence to the theme, and if the story or poem progresses true to the story’s world.

For DemiCon 25, a special prize will be given for best use of the number “25" and the word “silver” in a story or poem. Extra consideration will be given if silver is used with hi-yo (“hi-yo silver”).

Judges will be well-read individuals who are not professional writers or editors, and may include members of DMSFS. Please proofread your entries in addition to checking the spelling.  Judges do not deduct points for typographical errors, but misspellings and incorrect word usage do distract from the writing

Send your entries no later than March 31, 2014, to contests@demicon.org. RTF is preferred over .doc or .docx files. Entries should include, on the first page only,  the author’s name, the title of the story or poem, and contact information for the author.  The judging will be blind, i.e., the judges will not know who wrote which story or poem. Please mark the end of your stories and poems with “# # #.”

You will be sent an email to confirm your entry was received. If you have not received a confirmation within three days of submitting your entry, please contact contests@demicon.org or concom@demicon.org. If you prefer to submit your entry by U.S. mail, send it to: DMSFS - DemiCon Writing Contest at PO Box 7572, Des Moines, IA 50323.

DemiCon Policies

Convention Rules 

Rule 1 — Weapons Policy:  All weapons must use peace-bonding.  No projectile weapons of any type may be carried or used. If you need an item peace-bonded or if you are uncertain your item would be considered a weapon or a prop, go to the Hub, and it will be determined there. Exceptions may be made for certain weapons that are part of the Masquerade & Cosplay competition, provided that arrangements have been made in advance with the Masquerade & Cosplay Department Head.  Exceptions may be made for certain programming events, provided that the ConCom and Ranger staff are informed in advance and a notice is posted on all entrances to the room. Any violations of the weapons policy or refusal to cooperate with the requests of our staff regarding weapons matters may result in actions ranging from confiscation of weapons to being evicted from the convention.

Rule 2 — Drinking Policy:  The legal drinking age in Iowa is 21. We cannot and will not serve any alcoholic beverages to persons born after May 2, 1993. If you turn 21 during the convention, come see us at Registration so we can arrange a special badge for you. The barkeep has the right to card anyone, even if I.D. has been previously presented. Persons hosting room parties are responsible for ensuring that their guests are of legal age before serving them alcohol. Anyone serving alcohol has a right and legal responsibility to refuse service to anyone who may be imbibing irresponsibly.

If DemiCon authorities determine that a member’s (attendee’s) level of intoxication poses a risk, the intoxicated member will no longer be served or allowed to possess alcohol in con areas, including open room parties, and may be temporarily banned from con areas.  These constraints will be enforced by modifying the left side of the con badge for Friday restrictions, and modifying the right side of the con badge for Saturday restrictions.

Rule 3 — Badge Policy:  Badges are required for all convention functions for all DemiCon attendees. Any attendee not wearing a badge will be asked to produce it, or be escorted to Registration to obtain a badge, or leave the function space. DemiCon does allow the general public to walk through the Dealer Room and Art Show for the purpose of browsing and making purchases. If you lose your badge, report it immediately to the Registration table. If you find someone's badge, please return it to the Registration table. Burden of proof of lost badges rests with the badge holder, not the convention staff. It's our decision whether we replace the badge with a charge or at no charge.

Rule 4 — Kids-in-Tow Policy:  All children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult when in convention areas. Parents/guardians are responsible for controlling the behavior of their offspring/wards. DemiCon is not a day care facility.  

Rule 5 — Concerns and Suggestion Policy:  If you have any problems, suggestions or complaints, please contact a DemiCon staff member or go to the Hub, not a hotel staff person (unless the problem is with your personal sleeping room). There is always a radio at the Art Show and ConSuite if you need assistance summoning a Ranger or member of ConCom.  

Rule 6 — Respect All Hotel Policies:

All areas of the hotel are designated as non-smoking. If you smoke outside, please stand away from the door and dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.

Pool hours are 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. Please follow all pool rules and cooperate if you are asked to leave by our Ranger or by hotel staff. The pool is on the first floor and you need a sleeping room key to access the pool and hot tub area.

Hotel and DemiCon regulations prohibit the ConSuite's food and all alcoholic beverages from being taken from the fifth floor.

Photo/Video Disclaimer

During the convention on May 2-4, 2014, please be advised that unless you expressly prohibit DemiCon’s official photographers/videographers from capturing you on camera, you hereby waive all rights associated with their publication and grant the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd., all publication rights. 

Photos are intended for use only as promotional materials to appear in print, television, DemiCon Channel, Internet advertising, the Paradox publication, and publicity, including video. 

DemiCon members (attendees) should give the courtesy of asking the subject’s permission before taking a photograph of that person. 

DemiCon Membership Transfers

The deadline to submit a request to transfer your DC 25 membership to next year's DC 26 convention is April 18, 2014, if you cannot attend.  This is a straight transfer.  There are no pricing adjustments.  You must contact registration@demicon.org to make your request.  The Registration Department will notify you by e-mail to let you know whether or not your request for transfer to DC26 has been approved.

If you are transferring your membership to another person who is attending this year’s DemiCon 25, the person who is attending in your stead must have a letter signed by you giving the person permission to use your membership.  You must notify our Registration Department in writing (an e-mail to registration@demicon.org will suffice) and provide your full name, plus the full name and contact information of the person who will attend DemiCon in your place.  We cannot transfer your membership to another person without your written consent.  We prefer that you arrange the transfer at least a week in advance of the convention.

If you have any questions, please contact registration@demicon.org.

Harassment Policy of the Des Moines Science Fiction Society, Ltd., and DemiCon 

Definition of Harassment — Harassment is any form of behavior that is unwelcome, unreciprocated and unsolicited which makes an unpleasant, humiliating or intimidating environment for the person who is the target of that behavior. 

To provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all convention attendees/club members and allow for a wide diversity of beliefs, lifestyles and morals, we will adopt and maintain the following behavior protocols.

If you mean NO — say NO.

If you hear NO — STOP!

If you witness someone having trouble saying or hearing NO — get involved using your best judgment.

If you see harassment, contact Con Staff at The Hub or speak with a designated DemiCon Ranger in your area. If circumstances warrant, intervene as good judgment dictates until a Ranger arrives.      

Saying NO — Sometimes out of politeness, people may not be direct when trying to communicate “no.”  We need to make it okay to say “no” and mean “no.”  Do not joke away, ignore, or minimize unwanted attention.  Speak up right away and make your feelings clear.  There is nothing wrong nor is there any shame in saying “no.”

Hearing NO – When someone says “no,” then all relevant actions, verbal and/or physical, must stop immediately.  There should be no questions, clarifications, cajoling, debate, coercion or any continuation of any sort of the unwanted attentions. If someone tells you “no,” you will not wait for it to be repeated, and you will not retaliate in any way.  It is understood that any continuation of the subject in question is incumbent upon the person saying “no” to initiate.  

Witnessing an incomplete NO — There are times when we may be witness to someone struggling or unable to voice a “no,” or there may be someone who has not recognized that “no” was spoken.  In either case, we have an obligation as convention attendees/club members to intercede in the situation to make sure all parties reach the correct understanding.

If there is a complaint issued against you — You will have no direct contact of any sort with the convention attendees/club members registering the complaint(s).  This includes voice, written, electronic, and face-to-face contact.  Inadvertent contact during the course of club and convention events is sometimes unavoidable, and must not be used as a method of initiating unwanted attention.

If you see harassment, contact Con Staff at The Hub or speak with a designated DemiCon Ranger in your area. If circumstances warrant, intervene as good judgment dictates until a Ranger arrives.

Consequences 

Failure to adhere to DemiCon’s policies will result in:     

1. Mediation by the ConCom and convention’s Rangers with all parties involved in an incident

2. Verbal warning

3. Removal of membership and ejection from DemiCon

4. Contacting local law enforcement 

DemiCon/DMSFS is prepared to deal with any violations of our policies as legally, rapidly, and efficiently as possible. We hope that all members will help to make DemiCon an enjoyable experience for all, by respecting the rights of all attendees while in attendance.

DemiCon/DMSFS reserves the right to revoke membership and eject any individual at any time from DemiCon. No refunds will be provided.

If you have questions about any of DemiCon’s policies, please contact concom@demicon.org.