What is Paradigm 2018?
Paradigm 2018 was a live-action role-playing event that brought together an immersive narrative and a cast of complex characters. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and shifting alliances, it challenged participants to navigate a world where nothing was quite as it seemed.
What is Pandaemonium?
Pandaemonium was the featured scenario within Paradigm 2018. The story wove together criminals, burners, reporters, and addicts, all planning activities for Halloween. Tensions ran high as each faction pursued its own agenda, and every interaction carried the weight of hidden motives.
Tickets were on sale for this limited-capacity event. Participants were encouraged to review the style guides before arriving.
Style Guides
Two style guides were provided to help participants prepare for Pandaemonium:
- No Secrets Style Guide — Offered background and character-building guidance without revealing hidden plot elements.
- No Spoilers Style Guide — Covered the tone, costume suggestions, and thematic expectations while preserving the surprise of live play.
Both guides were designed to deepen immersion without compromising the discoveries that made the LARP memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who could participate?
Paradigm 2018: Pandaemonium was open to registered HLG Con attendees. No prior LARP experience was required, though familiarity with role-playing conventions was helpful.
What should participants bring?
Attendees were advised to bring comfortable clothing suited to their character concept, as outlined in the style guides. Costume pieces and props were encouraged but not mandatory.
How long did the event run?
Pandaemonium was scheduled as part of the broader HLG Con 2018 program, which ran October 12–14, 2018 at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City.
Where can I find the full schedule?
The complete event and game schedule was available on the Schedule page, including all marquee LARPs, panels, and workshops.
Pandaemonium was one of the marquee LARP experiences at HLG Con 2018, alongside Blood & Betrayal and the Magischola Escape Room: Detention Breakout.
The High Level Games Convention has long been a gathering place for those who love immersive storytelling and tabletop camaraderie. Among the many highlights of past conventions, the Paradigm series of live-action role-playing events stands out as a testament to the power of collaborative narrative. These games invited participants to step into richly detailed worlds where every choice mattered and alliances shifted like sand. The experience was designed to challenge players, encouraging them to think on their feet and engage with characters whose motivations ran deep. It was a celebration of the art of role-playing at its most vibrant and involving.
Pandaemonium, the featured scenario within the Paradigm 2018 event, exemplified the convention's commitment to complex, character-driven storytelling. The scenario brought together an eclectic cast of individuals, each with their own hidden agendas and personal stakes. As Halloween approached, tensions simmered beneath the surface of every interaction. Players found themselves navigating a web of intrigue where trust was a rare commodity and betrayal lurked around every corner. This kind of immersive experience is at the heart of what the High Level Games Convention seeks to foster: a community where creativity and collaboration flourish around the gaming table.
The convention's dedication to inclusive gaming is reflected in the thoughtful design of its events and policies. Attendees are encouraged to explore a wide variety of game styles, from traditional tabletop role-playing to live-action formats and strategy games. The goal is to create a welcoming environment where both seasoned veterans and newcomers can find something to enjoy. The community thrives on shared enthusiasm for the hobby, and the convention serves as a yearly touchstone for fans to reconnect, share stories, and discover new games. It is a space built on mutual respect and a love for the craft of gaming.
Beyond the scheduled events, the convention offers opportunities for deeper engagement with the gaming community through workshops, panels, and informal gatherings. These sessions allow participants to learn from experienced game masters, writers, and artists who share their insights into world-building, character development, and narrative design. The exchange of ideas is a vital part of the convention experience, sparking inspiration that attendees carry back to their own home games. The High Level Games Convention is more than a weekend of play; it is a gathering of kindred spirits dedicated to the art and joy of tabletop gaming.