Fantasy
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Immortality in Storytelling
Would you want to live forever? If you could, what would it look like? What are the pros and cons? Our panelists discuss the timeless theme of immortality in storytelling and the art of creating believable everlasting characters.
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: A C Smart, Madilynn Dale, Mark Alfred, Stephen Patrick
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Noon | Location: Boomer B
How to Make an OC
Writers and gamers teach the art of building an original character, or OC. Whether you're crafting a character for cosplay, D&D campaigns, story writing, or art, this will be a fun collaboration between you and the panelists. Come prepared to unleash your creativity and bring a character to life. You will be given prompts designed to spark inspiration, develop backstories, and flesh out personalities. Who will you create?
Moderator: Brook Bullock
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, Brook Bullock, Phoenix Noire BouRey, TattedSith Cosplay
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion, Art, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Noon | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Battle of the Best SF Books of All Time
Join us for the ultimate showdown battle of the books as we pitch the best science-fiction and fantasy books against each other! Panelists will argue for their favorites and vote to see which incredible reads in the championship bracket progress and which don't. There can be only one winner, who will it be?
Moderator: Mrs. Babb
Panelists: Aaron Bossig, Britt Alfred, Buck Berlin, Mrs. Babb, Okie Space Queen
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Meetup, Fantasy, Science Fiction
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Tasty Dungeon Eats
Does it taste like chicken? Using the popular anime Delicious in Dungeon as inspiration, we delve into the depths of the D&D Monster Manual and discuss the tantalizing question: How would each beast taste, and what's the best way to prepare them? From succulent dragon steaks to crispy owlbear drumsticks, we'll use our culinary imaginations to envision the flavors and textures of fantasy creatures.
Moderator: Carolyn Kay
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, James Hollaman, Michael "Gecko" Adams, Red Bard
Tracks: Anime, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Interactive Storytelling and Improv Skills for Role-Playing Games
Everyone knows RPGs are so much more fun when everyone is in character! Let us help equip you with the tools and techniques to take your RPG experience to the next level! Actors and DMs share acting and improv tips to help you bring your characters to life on the fly and make your games even more interactive.
Moderator: Thousand Faces Cosplay
Panelists: Aidyn Cross, David Rike, Shai Fenwick, Thousand Faces Cosplay, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
01:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Taking Flight with Crystal Sully: An Artist's Journey
Artist Guest of Honor Crystal Sully shares her journey through fire to become an illustrator and concept artist for some of the most beloved properties in the gaming industry. Enter the professional world of fantasy-art making and get an in-depth look behind the curtain to see what it takes. Endure painfully uplifting career advice for those looking to forge your own path in a creative pursuit, no matter where you begin!
Moderator: Crystal Sully
Panelists: Crystal Sully
02:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
A Fantastic Time: Time and Storytelling
How does time as a thematic element play into fantasy and adventure stories? Quests are races against time, time has magical properties, the Nothing is nothing ... Debate mythical or religious beliefs regarding time and its influence on characters and plots. Is it cyclical or linear, or altogether something else?
Moderator: Stephen Patrick
Panelists: David J. Pedersen, Lisa Smedman, Stephen Patrick, Ted Pennella, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer A
Greek Gods for the Modern Mortal
From Greek mythology to modern-day heroes, we explore the Percy Jackson series' impact on literature and pop culture. We celebrate its varied characters and imaginative storytelling. Join us for an exploration of Percy's enduring magic that will entertain.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, C.C. Caldwell, Chaz Kemp, Mrs. Babb
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing
04:00 PM | Location: University C
Goofy Clown Show
Self-described goofy clown Sarah shares her impressive skills and comedy.
Moderator: Sarah Abear
Panelists: Sarah Abear
Tracks: Performing Arts, Fantasy
05:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Building Your Own Fantasy World
Embark on a quest to create the perfect realm! Whether you're a Dungeon Master, game designer, or author, a vibrant world can breathe life into your story. Our panelists discuss developing cultures, lore, geography, and magical systems that will make your world a fantastic experience. We'll give you the knowledge and tools to unleash your creativity and imagination.
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: David Carrico, J.H. Fleming, Lisa Smedman, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Gaming
05:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Mad-Lib Art
Many artists – one topic – crazy results! See a Vulcan riding a seahorse in Atlantis OR a frog tossing pizza dough! Artists will be given a subject, an action, and a setting. The audience will vote which three suggestions to use, followed by a quick-draw by each artist! (Supplies provided)
Moderator: Liz Campbell
Panelists: James Hollaman, Jerry Bennett, Johnnie Johnson, Liz Campbell, Terry Southard
Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
06:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Bedlam 2 Boardroom
Upcycled Art: Craft a D&D Beholder!
Learn how to transform ordinary cans into a fantastical Beholder! This workshop is perfect for anyone who would like to explore creative recycling through art. (2 hours. Limit 14 Participants. $15 fee)
Moderator: Joshua Cook
Panelists: Joshua Cook
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
AITA: Fantasy Character Edition
Panelists share an AITA-style story from the perspective of a famous fantasy character. Audience members guess which character the story is about and decide whether they're deemed an A-hole or not. Grab your thinking caps and get ready to play a game filled with plenty of laughs. (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Amber Hanneken
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, Caleb Haldane, Lollalotus, Matt Cavanaugh, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Contest, General Interest
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
Thrifty Revisions: Adding SF Genre Elements to Thrift Store Paintings
Artists insert sf genre elements or monsters into reclaimed paintings and prints. Final works are up for sale in the Charity Raffle. (Supplies provided)
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Hall of Femme, James Hollaman, Joshua Cook, Mike Kennedy, Sherri Dean, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics
10:00 AM | Location: Sooner A
Everyone Has a NeverEnding Story
Bastian, an artist and dreamer, is told to give up fantasy and face reality. Chased by bullies, he escapes into a bookstore where he finds a book that leads to adventure. Sound familiar? Some of us have never left Fantasia. What is YOUR NeverEnding Story? How does an escape to fantastic worlds empower us in the real one?
Moderator: Melinda LaFevers
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Dennis Spielman, Melinda LaFevers, Rook Riley, Sara Felix, Tommy B. Smith
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment
11:00 AM | Location: University C
Goofy Clown Show
Self-described goofy clown Sarah shares her impressive skills and comedy.
Moderator: Sarah Abear
Panelists: Sarah Abear
Tracks: Performing Arts, Fantasy
Noon | Location: Boomer B
How to Design a New Creature
Drawing vampires, werewolves, and other mythological creatures. Which parts should be incorporated into our own artworks? What new traits can be added, while still making them recognizable? How do we avoid derivative or stale monsters? Let's make monsters terrifying again!
Moderator: Jan S. Gephardt
Panelists: J.H. Fleming, Jacob Blackmon, Jan S. Gephardt, Michael "Gecko" Adams
Tracks: Art, Fantasy, Supernatural & Paranormal
Noon | Location: Oklahoma G
Breathing Fire: Designing Dragons for Tabletop Games
Since the dawn of humankind we have brought dragons to life. They're more prominent now than ever in our games and pop culture, in all shapes and sizes, good or evil. Join Artist Guest of Honor Crystal Sully to learn about her fiery creation of believable dragons for major properties such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and many more. Make sure to bring your potions of fire resistance!
Moderator: Crystal Sully
Panelists: Crystal Sully
Noon | Location: Sooner A
Yoda, the Space Wizard: High Fantasy in the World of Star Wars
Even though it's set in space, Star Wars has its share of knights, damsels, magic, and monsters. Join us in a discussion about the fantasy elements of Star Wars.
Moderator: Phillip Drayer Duncan
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Johnnie Johnson, Mrs. Babb, Phillip Drayer Duncan, Ted Pennella
Tracks: Film & TV, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Writing & Publishing
03:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Re-Covered Books, for Charity!
Artists create a new book cover for books in our charity collection. Books and their custom covers will be available for sale in the Charity Sale. (Books and cover paper provided.)
Moderator: James Hollaman
Panelists: Alice-of-Hearts, James Hollaman, Jerry Bennett, Terry Southard, Tim Chessmore, W. J. Hodgson
Tracks: Art, Comics, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment
04:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
How to Start Your Own Homebrew Campaign
Tired of books and modules? Want to create an adventure that's all your own? Our panelists will share their ideas for building your very own RPG adventure from scratch. They will cover world-building, plot development, creating memorable NPCs, and balancing encounters. Discover new ideas and techniques to use in your own adventure.
Moderator: Magician Michael Corley
Panelists: Ash King, Ela Evella, Karen Thrower, Magician Michael Corley, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
04:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
The Guide to Becoming a Better DM
Join DMDave as he guides Dungeon Masters, old and new, in the techniques of storytelling, world-building, and improvisation needed to create unforgettable adventures for your players. (1 hour. Limit 28 Participants. $15 fee)
Moderator: DM Dave
Panelists: DM Dave
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, General Interest, Workshop
04:00 PM | Location: University B
Worlds of Words and Wonder: Q&A with Author and Game Designer Lisa Smedman
Imagine a world where science-fiction novels transport you to distant galaxies, and board games spark lively conversations. This is the creative realm of Lisa Smedman, a multifaceted creator who thrives at the intersection of storytelling and interactivity. A prolific author with 24 books across various genres, Lisa is also an experienced RPG-game designer. Her work bridges the gap between traditional narratives and interactive experiences. In this presentation, join Lisa for a Q&A where she will delve into her works and the creative approach that fuels her passion for fostering imaginative communities.
Moderator: Lisa Smedman
Panelists: Lisa Smedman
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Gaming, Fantasy
05:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
Vampires Across the Ages
Long a staple of Urban Fantasy and other speculative fiction, the vampires of folklore are markedly different from Stoker's Count – even more so from Yarbro's noble St. Germain, or the sparkles from Twilight. We discuss the influences of those early roots, and look at the many changes in the Vampyre.
Moderator: vickey malone kennedy
Panelists: Adam J. Whitlatch, Jeff Provine, Sherri Dean, Steven E. Wedel, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing, Horror, Supernatural & Paranormal, Film & TV, Science Fiction, Comics, History
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer A 18+
Smash or Pass: Hear Me Out Edition
Get ready for a wild ride through the realm of unconventional attractions! Play "Smash or Pass" with notable NPCs and well-known characters of the fantasy genre and make some truly unpredictable matches. It's a game where anything goes, and you never know who might steal your heart! (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Shay Griffith
Panelists: M. Scott Carter, Matt Cavanaugh, Shay Griffith, What's Up Fandom Podcast
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
09:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Who's That Monster
How well do you know your monsters? Join us and try to guess the D&D monster from their silhouettes alone. Who's the very best like no one ever was?
Moderator: Aislinn Burrows
Panelists: Aislinn Burrows, Crystal Sully, Mark Finn, Tim Frayser
Tracks: Fantasy, Gaming, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
10:00 PM | Location: Boomer B 18+
Baldur's Gate 3: The Best Dating Sim?
We came for the D&D lore, we stayed for the romance. Who's the best thirst trap and why is it Astarion? (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Jessica Kenney
Panelists: Jessica Kenney, Sentinelbait, Shay Griffith
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
Midnight | Location: Boomer A 18+
Hazbin Hotel & Helluva Boss Sing-along
Eat your heart out, Rodgers and Hammerstein – no really, this is Cannibal Town! Sing your favorite songs along with Hell's quirkiest characters. (18+ Adult evening programming.)
Moderator: Sentinelbait
Panelists: Amber Hanneken, PrincessPineapple, Sentinelbait, TattedSith Cosplay
10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B
The Last Days Are Upon Us
Good Omens is a celestial journey and a successful blend of fantasy, humor, and cosmic intrigue. Explore a fresh perspective on the age-old battle between Heaven and Hell. Admire the partnership of the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley as they take on the impending apocalypse and beyond! Whether you're a newcomer, a fan of the TV series, or a devout fan of the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, you're sure to be swept away.
Moderator: Tracy S. Morris
Panelists: Court's Cosplay, Magician Michael Corley, Okie Space Queen, Tracy S. Morris
Tracks: Fantasy, Film & TV, Pop Culture & Entertainment, General Interest
11:00 AM | Location: Boomer A
Build Your Own Pantheon
How to create your own array of gods and goddesses for a new world. Will you have a god of hiccups, or a goddess of lint? How will your divinities be served or worshipped? What is their role and how does a religious system enhance the worlds fantastic?
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Chaz Kemp, David Carrico, Laura J. Underwood, Lisa Smedman, Paul Carlson, Selina Rosen
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
11:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: JQH Boardroom presented by Morningstar Storage
Exploring Roll20's Features: A Guide for Game Masters
This session dives into Roll20, the leading virtual tabletop platform for RPGs. Learn how to set up a game, create maps, and design encounters to get your D&D campaign rolling online. Perfect for beginners!
Moderator: Ela Evella
Panelists: Ela Evella
Tracks: Gaming, Fantasy, General Interest
Noon | Location: Boomer A
Fantasy In My Sci-Fi?
Sure, why not? These days, fantasy elements are found in historicals, thrillers, political dramas, mysteries … the list goes on and on. Stories that borrow hallmark plot devices from other genres can delight us and create room for interesting series expansion.
Moderator: Selina Rosen
Panelists: Carolyn Kay, Chris Curtis, Rhonda Eudaly, Selina Rosen, Trina Jacobs
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural & Paranormal, Pop Culture & Entertainment, YA - Young Adult Fiction
Noon | Location: Oklahoma G
Making Monsters: How & Why
Join industry illustrator and concept artist Crystal Sully as she shares her methods of combining imagination with real-world inspiration to make believable monsters for tabletop games. Why does a monster look a certain way, and what kind of adaptations does it have to survive in its environment? From general creature anatomy to incorporating ordinary animals into monsters, there are limitless options when it comes to convincing creature design.
Moderator: Crystal Sully
Panelists: Crystal Sully
01:00 PM | Location: Boomer B
Magical Rules: Writing Systems of Magic
How would you create a world with magic? Will the magicians cast spells by speaking, making gestures with their hands, praying to a god? How does magic interact with the rest of the world? Inventing systems of magic requires creativity and an incredible attention to detail. Creatives discuss their approach to creating memorable magical worlds.
Moderator: Daniel Erickson
Panelists: A. Lee Martinez, Daniel Erickson, Lisa Smedman, Magician Michael Corley, Sally Hamilton
Tracks: Fantasy, Writing & Publishing
01:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room
Computer Art Demo
Teddy Harvia, professional cartoonist, leads a digital art demonstration. He shares his drawing process, from pencil sketches to final art. The audience will help him decide what topics to demonstrate.
Moderator: Teddy Harvia
Panelists: Teddy Harvia
Tracks: Art, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comics
01:00 PM | Location: Sooner A
It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times: Fantasy Movies of the 80s
The decade gave us Conan the Barbarian, but also gave us Conan the Destroyer. Not to mention Krull, Ladyhawke, Legend, Red Sonja, Beastmaster, and a whole host of other fantasy movies that are somehow both Not Good and Deeply Beloved. Join us in a discussion of the highs and lows in 80s fantasy films, and how they shaped our ideas of the genre, for better or for worse.
Moderator: Mark Finn
Panelists: Jacob Blackmon, John Eads/Jim Shorts, Julia S. Mandala, Mark Finn, Neal Hallford, Sara Felix
Tracks: Fantasy, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Film & TV
03:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G
Is Initiative Broken in the Feywild? A DM & Player Guide to Wild Beyond the Witchlight
Join Thousand Faces Cosplay & Gaming as they share player and dungeon master secrets for conquering Wild Beyond the Witchlight! Learn how to handle wacky Feywild encounters as a DM and discover how to roleplay your character in this whimsical setting as a player. Plus, they'll explore the campaign's focus on problem-solving and offer tips for online RPG content creators. Talking weasels and mischievous sprites await!
Moderator: Thousand Faces Cosplay
Panelists: Thousand Faces Cosplay
03:00 PM | Location: University B
Agents of Chaos in Storytelling
Shakespeare’s Puck, DC’s Harley Quinn, Arcane's Jinx. Debate the indispensable character who shakes things up – the jester or class clown, even a wisecracking bad guy like Loki of Norse lore or Efnysien of Welsh mythology. Love or hate them, stories wouldn't be the same without the trickster.
Moderator: Chaz Kemp
Panelists: Ash King, Carolyn Kay, Chaz Kemp, Craig Wolf, M. Scott Carter, vickey malone kennedy
Tracks: Writing & Publishing, Pop Culture & Entertainment, Science Fiction, Fantasy