Welcome to AtlantaPFS DragonCon volunteering! Thank you for volunteering your time to help make this convention a success. These instructions are in addition to the Paizo Organized Play Code of Conduct and DragonCon Rules and Policies.
📅 2025 Event Specifics
Event Code: 5284130
Schedule Overview: DragonCon 2025 Master Schedule
2025 Charity Partner: DragonCon Charity Partner
2025 Charity Donation Menu:
- $1 – Reroll (must take result even if worse)
- $5 – +5 to a single roll (must declare before rolling)
- $10 – +10 to a single roll
- $20 – Treat one roll as Natural 20/Critical Success
- $25 – Make GM roll twice and take worse result
- $50 – 🐐 SCREAMING GOAT TIER – Gain ALL above benefits once… IF you scream in character at the table!
Charity Raffle Tickets: $10 each or 3 for $25
Badge Ribbons: AtlantaPFS badge ribbons featuring the screaming goat will be available!
Want to volunteer? Visit our volunteer form to sign up for future events.
📋 Applies to All Volunteers
Arrival & Communication
DragonCon expects all volunteers to arrive 15 minutes before their shift starts to be considered on time
If you cannot make your slot or are running late, contact the event coordinator immediately
Communication Channels:
- Discord: For real-time updates during the convention
- Email: For beginning/end of day updates and important announcements
A separate email will be sent to all volunteers containing contact information for the responsible Venture-Officer
If you have urgent questions or issues during your shift, look for the event coordinator or available Venture-Officers
Flexibility & Contingency Plans
Be flexible – we may need to pivot quickly due to player shortages or volunteer availability
If your assigned table doesn’t fire, report to HQ for reassignment in this priority order:
- Help another table make minimum count to fire
- Cover Quests on Demand or Learn to Play
- Cover/assist at HQ
- Report to DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership for other assignments
Only DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership may release you from volunteer responsibilities
General Guidelines
Be nice until it’s time not to be nice – escalate difficult situations up the chain
If DragonCon leadership asks you to do something during your shift, do it
Remember, we’re all here to have fun, including you!
Your Right to Decline Participation: If you do not feel the convention is taking appropriate measures to safeguard your health and safety, it is always within your power to decline participation in the convention. This right extends to all volunteers, and you should never feel pressured to volunteer if you have concerns about your wellbeing.
🫂 Accessibility & Inclusion
All Are Welcome
AtlantaPFS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind. Every person who approaches our tables is welcome to participate until and unless their behavior demonstrates they should not be.
We do not discriminate based on:
- Race, ethnicity, or national origin
- Gender identity or expression (including respecting preferred names and pronouns)
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or beliefs
- Age
- Disability status
- Physical appearance
- Gaming experience level
- Or any other personal characteristic
Consequences for discriminatory behavior are severe:
- Immediate removal from volunteer duties
- Permanent ban from AtlantaPFS volunteering
- Potential campaign-wide ban from Organized Play
- Reporting to DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership for convention-level consequences
Creating a Safe Space
If anyone feels unsafe in our area, we have failed. This includes:
- Feeling unsafe due to volunteer behavior → We failed
- Feeling unsafe due to player behavior at our tables → We failed
- Coming to us seeking sanctuary from harassment elsewhere → We step up
We are a safe harbor. When someone approaches our area seeking help, safety, or support:
- Provide sanctuary immediately – No questions asked, no judgment
- Offer practical assistance – Including bathroom escorts or safe passage anywhere in the convention
- Form a “Brute Squad” if needed – Multiple volunteers will provide safety escort (Note: This means safety by presence and numbers, NOT physical confrontation)
- Take the situation seriously – Their fear is valid, their need for help is real
- Escalate immediately – Get the Venture-Captain (Joel) and/or DragonCon security involved at the first hint of trouble
Important: Volunteers are NEVER expected to get physical or put themselves in danger. Your job is to create safe space through presence, support, and immediate escalation to appropriate authorities. Leave the “not being nice” part to Joel and DragonCon security.
If you observe harassment of any kind—whether toward players or fellow volunteers—interrupt if safe, support the affected party, and escalate immediately.
Note: The AtlantaPFS Venture-Captain (Joel) has made it clear that they will personally provide escort assistance whenever available – and other volunteers are encouraged to follow this example of community support. If you need to find the Venture-Captain and don’t know who they are, look for the person causing the chaos with the screaming goat, or look for the name badge reading “Joel” with a screaming goat ribbon.
Our responsibility extends beyond our tables. We create an environment where everyone knows they can find help, support, and safety with AtlantaPFS volunteers.
Supporting All Players
AtlantaPFS is committed to creating an inclusive gaming environment where every participant can enjoy the convention experience. As volunteers, we play a crucial role in making this happen.
Key Principles
Not all disabilities are visible – Players may have conditions that aren’t immediately apparent, including but not limited to:
- Chronic pain or fatigue
- Hearing or vision impairments
- Cognitive differences (ADHD, autism, learning disabilities)
- Mental health conditions
- Mobility limitations that may not require visible aids
Believe players when they request accommodations – You don’t need to see proof or ask for details about someone’s condition.
Common Accommodations You Can Provide
Seating Arrangements:
- Priority seating near exits, away from high-traffic areas, or with back support
- Allowing players to remain standing or move around during games
- Ensuring wheelchair accessibility at tables
Communication Support:
- Speaking clearly and facing players when talking
- Providing written summaries of complex information
- Being patient with processing time for questions or decisions
- Using clear, concrete language when possible
Sensory Considerations:
- Keeping table noise levels reasonable
- Being mindful of strong scents or bright lights
- Allowing fidget items or comfort objects at tables
Timing Flexibility:
- Extra time for character actions or decisions
- Brief breaks during longer sessions
- Flexibility with sign-in procedures
When Players Request Accommodations
- Listen actively and ask clarifying questions only about what you can provide
- Collaborate – Ask “What would work best for you?” rather than assuming
- Be flexible within the game structure and convention rules
- Escalate when needed – Contact HQ or event coordinators for complex requests
- Maintain privacy – Don’t discuss a player’s needs with others unless necessary for accommodation
Resources
- DragonCon Disability Services: Available at convention information desks
- Event Coordinator: Contact for accommodations that require advance planning
- Remember: Small adjustments can make a huge difference in someone’s convention experience
Bottom Line: Everyone deserves respect and the opportunity to participate fully in our gaming experience. We welcome all players with open arms, and we have zero tolerance for those who would make others feel unwelcome. When in doubt about accommodations, err on the side of inclusion and helpfulness. When witnessing discriminatory behavior, escalate immediately.
🎯 Volunteer Positions
Table GM
Responsibilities:
Prepare for assigned games by reading scenarios and being familiar with rules
Create RPGChronicles tables in advance using proper naming convention:
- Standard tables: “DragonCon 2025 Slot #, Table #” (e.g., “DragonCon 2025 Slot 1, Table 4”)
- Quests on Demand: “DragonCon 2025 Slot #, Table Q#”
- Learn to Play: “DragonCon 2025 Slot #, Table L#”
Have QR code available at your table for player sign-in
Ensure all players sign in before game ends (though players may opt not to take credit)
Distribute chronicle sheets to players (physical or electronic)
Collect tickets from seated players and turn over to HQ when they collect
Note: DragonCon is transitioning to electronic ticketing in 2025 – specific procedures TBD
Handle charity donations at your table using the provided price menu
Note: Charity donations qualify under the Retail Incentive Plan, and Accessory Perks are always available
For Interactive Special tables: Listen for House GM announcements and appoint a runner to communicate successes
House GM
Role: Only assigned during Interactive Specials (Slots 6 & 9)
Oversee the entire special, monitoring table successes
Serve as timekeeper for all tables in the special
Make announcements to coordinate table progression
Tie together story portions that connect all tables
Create a single RPGChronicles table for yourself: “DragonCon 2025 Slot #, House”
General HQ
Responsibilities:
Player Management:
- Muster players for seating at tables
- Seat Reserved ticket holders first, then Generic ticket holders (up to 10 minutes after start)
- Help players find appropriate games based on character levels
- Answer player questions and provide general information
Administrative:
- Track outcomes in log book (tables run, attendance, etc.)
- Coordinate with DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership
- Handle shift turnover documentation
GM HQ
Responsibilities:
Support Table GMs with rules questions and materials
Monitor game pacing and time management
Assist with GM check-ins and assignments
Coordinate with General HQ on operational matters
Distribute water bottles to GMs (one per shift, provided by DragonCon)
GM Support:
- Check in GMs for each slot
- Distribute materials and QR codes as needed
- Collect tickets and cash from table GMs during slots
Character Creation Station
Responsibilities:
Guide new players through character creation process
Help players choose appropriate pregens or Level 1 builds
Provide new player ID numbers
Offer basic rules instruction
Coordinate with Learn-to-Play GMs for new player placement
🎲 Gaming & Tickets
⚠️ 2025 UPDATE: DragonCon is transitioning to electronic tickets only with scanning systems. Specific procedures are still being determined and will be updated once more information is available.
Ticket Types
Reserved Tickets: For specific games at specific times (seated first)
Generic Tickets: Can be used at any game (number must equal game cost)
Ticket Handling
Table GMs: ~~Collect tickets from players and turn over to HQ during collection rounds~~ Procedures being updated for electronic system
Cash Players: May pay cash but should be encouraged to buy tickets at ticket counter (Note: DragonCon’s move to electronic ticketing may phase out cash payments)
Non-firing Tables: Players must go to ticket desk for refunds/exchanges
Exception: If ticket desk is closed, players may use tickets for non-firing games at other tables in same slot (procedure will likely change significantly with electronic system)
Game Pricing
Standard games: $10 per ticket
Interactive Specials (Charity Events): $20 per ticket
Quests on Demand/Learn to Play: FREE – no tickets required
📊 Reporting & RPGChronicles
Mandatory Requirements
RPGChronicles use is mandatory for sign-in sheets and reporting
Physical chronicle sheets: GMs wishing to distribute paper chronicles must print and bring them themselves. If unable to do so, they must use RPGChronicles for chronicle distribution as well.
Event Code: See current year’s code in “2025 Event Specifics” section (ties all games to event dashboard)
RPGChronicles Setup
Create tables in advance with proper naming convention
Use QR codes for player sign-in at tables
Fill in treasure bundles and reputation earned for players
House GMs: Create a table for yourself to capture participation
Learn to Play: Use “sign-in sheet only, no chronicles” option
Reporting Process
Ensure all players have signed in before game ends
After the adventure concludes: Fill in treasure bundles and reputation earned for players in RPGChronicles
Trigger “Report to HQ” in RPGChronicles immediately when game completes
If chronicle sheets weren’t distributed, note this in comments
Mark tables as “Did Not Fire” if they don’t run
Quests on Demand and Learn to Play also require sign-in and reporting
💖 Charity Support
DragonCon partners with a different charity each year. Current information: DragonCon Charity Partners
Three Ways We Support Charity:
1. Interactive Special Ticket Sales
All Interactive Special proceeds go directly to charity
Note: Volunteers cannot use comp tickets for charity events – must purchase tickets to play
2. Charity Boon Raffle
HQ sells raffle tickets (see current year pricing in “2025 Event Specifics” section)
Display boons at HQ for players to see
Take raffle materials tableside during ticket collection rounds
3. At-Table Donations (Cash or QR Code)
See current year’s donation menu in the “2025 Event Specifics” section above.
Important: Never leave charity money unattended. Take to HQ immediately if you must leave your table.
🏆 Volunteer Perks & Benefits
For 5+ Volunteer Slots:
- Free DragonCon Volunteer Badge (register via Eventeny: New Volunteers | Returning Volunteers)
- Free DragonCon Volunteer T-Shirt
- Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation Day
- Free PDF from Paizo (up to $29.99 value, added to your digital account)
All Volunteers:
- Comp game tickets for convention games
- Exception: Cannot be used for charity events (Interactive Specials)
- Achievement Points for volunteer service
- Recognition in post-convention reporting
📅 Convention Schedule
Beginning of Convention:
- Check in with DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership
- Pick up any items they’re holding for AtlantaPFS
- Verify minimum table count (15-16 round tables for games, 3 rectangular for HQ)
- Set up signage and easels
- Assemble HQ area map
- Set up pregen station and character creation station
Beginning of Each Day:
- Retrieve materials from shared locked room
- Set up HQ and stations for daily operations
End of Each Day:
- Break down HQ and stations
- Store all materials in locked room (cleaning crew discards items left out!)
- Coordinate locked room access with DDAL
End of Convention:
- Break down all areas
- Return easels and signage to DragonCon Campaign RPG Leadership
- Submit log book to Campaign RPG Leadership
- Ensure all personal belongings are collected
- Go to the Winchester, have a pint, and wait for it all to blow over 🍻
📚 Resources
RPGChronicles Guide: GM Event Reporting Guide
Volunteer Registration: AtlantaPFS Volunteer Form
Questions or concerns? Contact information for the responsible Venture-Officer will be provided in a separate communication to all volunteers.
These instructions supplement the Paizo Organized Play Code of Conduct and DragonCon Rules and Policies. Please review those documents as well.