Run One-Shot Forge at your con
One-Shot Forge is a portable kit. A convention, game store, or club can run it with a booth, screens, a whiteboard, and an internet connection. Unwhelm doesn't have to be on site.
Cloud or self-hosted: your choice
| Cloud (default) | Self-hosted (optional) | |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | None to buy. AMBA, Wanderer's Guide, and Foundry run on hosted servers. | One or more Linux boxes running Docker on your LAN: AMBA, Wanderer's Guide (with Supabase), and Foundry. |
| Internet | Needs a dependable connection for all traffic. Wired is best. | Venue internet carries only the AI model traffic, which is light text. Plan a wired line or a 5G hotspot, plus a backup. |
| Best for | Game stores, clubs, and first-time events | Larger cons, multiple rooms, and venues with weak Wi-Fi |
| Source | Nothing to install beyond the event client | AMBA source is available on request |
An event API key, not player accounts
Organizers get an Unwhelm API key for the event-supplied AI client, with a per-session spend cap. Teams don't need their own AI subscription, which removes a big sign-up barrier.
Server load is light
In an internal test, an agent built a level-5 character end to end in about 6.5 minutes. About 86% of that time was the model thinking and about 14% was server work. Two to five concurrent rooms look feasible. Concurrency test planned
What you need
Two build rooms is a good standard setup, and the format scales to five.
Per build booth
- Portable walled booth with a door, as soundproof as you can get it
- Large monitor, split between agent chat and AMBA
- Whiteboard and markers
- Microphone
- One inexpensive PC with two monitors, which is also the backup machine
- Laminated guidelines sheet and prompt card
- Space and power for 2–3 team laptops
Per play table
- GM laptop or PC with two screens: Foundry and AMBA
- Players' own phones (AMBA player view and Wanderer's Guide)
- Optional: a flat TV in a frame for a digital table, plus minis
- Optional showcase: a touch-frame digital table from a partner
Event-wide
- Dependable internet: wired or 5G, plus a backup
- Power to every booth and table (confirm with your venue)
- Unwhelm event API key
- Foundry VTT licenses for your worlds
- Curated partner map deck (~10 cards)
- Optional: Linux/Docker server(s) for self-hosting
- A small staff to reset booths and assign modules to play groups
A four-day con, as an example
Build early in the con and play later, so every finished module has a table waiting. Adjust it for a one-day store event or a weekend con.
Live demo
A 20–30 minute preview, with no building. Have a promo video ready for people who miss it.
Build rounds
Modules built today are played on play day 1.
Build rounds
Modules built today are played that evening or on the last morning.
Play & finals
No builds. Play groups rate each module, and contest finalists are announced on the last day.
Small venue? Run a build round in the afternoon and a play session that evening. The loop still closes in a single day.
Ticketing notes
- Two ticket types: a premium build ticket for the team in the booth, and a normal play ticket open to anyone.
- Authors can buy play tickets for other teams' modules.
- Optional keepsake add-on (~$10): a polished print or PDF edition with a cover, team names, your event's mark, and the contest stamp.
- Fund the event from ticket add-ons and partner sponsorships. Check your convention's event-host policy for its fees and room costs.
Ticket prices are set by each organizer. Recommended price ranges will come after timed test rounds. Planned
Gen Con
We're pitching Gen Con as the flagship home for One-Shot Forge. The kit is designed so any other convention, store, or club can run the same format on its own. Planned
Talk to us about your eventBring One-Shot Forge to your table.
Convention organizers, game stores, clubs, and partners: we'd love to show you a live round.