"Mankind will reach maturity on the day it learns to value diversity—of life and ideas. To be different is not necessarily to be ugly; to have a different idea is not necessarily to be wrong. The worst thing that could happen is for all of us to look and think and act alike." Gene Roddenberry
Greetings, dear denizens of this fantastical realm! It is my delight to inform you that the Con Suite has been imbued with a bountiful supply of ambrosial elixirs such as coffee, tea, soda, and delectable morsels fit for the gods. But lo and behold! Across the hallowed halls lies The Con Suite Annex, a sanctuary designed for you to revel in merriment with your companions. Though the nectar of beer and cider may not flow within the Con Suite this season, fret not! A mystical Bheer Suite has manifested to cater to your desires.
However, heed this whimsical warning: our offerings are but delightful snacks, not grand feasts! So, brave adventurers, be sure to plan accordingly and fortify yourselves with sustenance fit for quests beyond our realm. Partake in these libations, unwind, and bask in the jubilant atmosphere that surrounds us!
Friday November 8, 2024 2:00pm - Saturday November 9, 2024 1:30am CST
Con Suite
Welcome to the heart of gaming euphoria - the Game Room at Windycon! Step into a realm where excitement knows no bounds, and the thrill of play is eternal.
Nestled within the bustling hub of the convention center across from Registration and next to the Main Stage, the Game Room stands as a testament to the diverse and dynamic world of tabletop gaming. Here, enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds converge to embark on epic adventures, forge new alliances, and immerse themselves in a plethora of gaming experiences.
As you enter, you're greeted by the sight of rows upon rows of shelves, each laden with treasures waiting to be discovered - our extensive Games Library boasting over 1000 titles, ranging from beloved classics to the latest releases. Whether you're a seasoned strategist, a cunning card player, or a casual party game aficionado, there's something here to cater to every taste and preference.
Take a seat at one of our spacious gaming tables, where camaraderie flourishes, and friendships are forged through shared victories and defeats. Engage in intense battles of wit and strategy, or simply lose yourself in the immersive narratives of story-driven games - the choice is yours.
But the excitement doesn't end when the sun sets. Unlike other venues, our Game Room remains open throughout the duration of the convention, including overnight. As the rest of the world slumbers, the gaming fervor continues unabated, with round-the-clock sessions fueling the atmosphere with an electrifying energy.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran seeking new challenges or a curious newcomer eager to explore the vast world of tabletop gaming, the Game Room is your haven, your sanctuary amidst the whirlwind of the convention. So come, join us, and let the games begin!
Friday November 8, 2024 4:00pm - Sunday November 10, 2024 3:00pm CST
Spring Room
Here is your chance to be of service to the Queen's Navy, even if you have not joined up! Can you solve the mystery and save the day? Breakout boxes are a portable form of an escape room. You will have to solve a number of clues to open a series of locks to get into the box. This will be set in the Honorverse by David Weber, but you do not have to have read the books to play. If you are interested, this will be set after the events of book 1, On Basilisk Station.
The countdown begins and sudden deep roars cut through the air as all the cars leap away from their starting lines; the Grand Prix is underway. Dust and wind rush past your helmet as you enter the first corner. Pushing your engine to the limit, you almost spin out but tightening your grip on the steering wheel you slide through the corner apex still in first. You got this!
To stay at the front of the pack, you’ll need to push your car to the limit. Will your car endure the long straightaways or will your engine fail in the last curve because you’ve taken too much HEAT?
Based on simple and intuitive hand management, Heat: Pedal to the Metal puts you in the driver’s seat of intense car races. You are jockeying for position to cross the finish line first, while managing your car’s speed if you don’t want to overheat.
Learn to Play with an instructor ready to teach this simple yet fun game!
If you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn! You get a kit with the parts, then you build it at the soldering station. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits. Build-A-Blinkie's mission is as a 501c3 organization dedicated to the teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). We currently run many learn-how-to solder events in the Great Lakes area and are involved in numerous maker events, maker spaces, trade schools, libraries, universities, and area conventions. Fee for materials,
Create your own pendant, ornament, or mini paperweight, and then fuse it by placing it in the kiln for overnight firing. The number of participants is limited by space in the kiln, so stop in the Build-A-Blinkie room to sign up and schedule a time to coordinate/create with Teri. The Friday and Saturday cutoff is 8pm, as the kiln must run overnight (12 hours). Fee for materials.
My aim is to write science fiction you can enjoy. So far that's manifested as what I call Light Space Opera. Imagine space opera as produced by Gilbert and Sullivan, while bankrolled and bullied by Flo Ziegfeld.
Join us at Windycon's monumental 50th anniversary opening ceremonies, where we celebrate "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" in homage to Star Trek's timeless message. Amidst the excitement, we proudly unveil our distinguished guests of honor, each a luminary in their own right. From trailblazing authors to visionary artists, our lineup embodies the essence of imagination and innovation that has defined Windycon throughout its illustrious history. Prepare to be captivated as we honor our past, embrace our present, and explore the boundless horizons of the future, all while embracing the mantra of "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" alongside our esteemed guests.
Welcome to our enchanting mask-making soirée! Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and fun as you embark on a magical journey to design your very own stunning masquerade mask. Explore a collection of luxurious materials, including elegant feathers and sparkling beads, and let your imagination run wild as you craft a mask that truly captures your one-of-a-kind style and spirit. Our masks are thoughtfully designed to fit comfortably over glasses, ensuring everyone can participate and look fabulous without compromise. Whether you’re dreaming of a Venetian carnival look or aiming for a whimsical touch, this delightful event promises an unforgettable experience where your creation will shine like a masterpiece at any grand masquerade ball.
Welcome to the exciting world of anime, right within your school’s halls! This panel is dedicated to guiding students in creating a school-based anime club. It’s a place where the stories, art, and culture of anime aren’t just watched, but experienced and shared. Whether you’re a seasoned anime aficionado or new to the scene, we’re here to help you build a club that becomes a cornerstone of school spirit and community.
Join Us! Take the first step in making your school a place where anime fans can thrive. Our panel will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to start a club that’s all about celebrating anime and fostering friendships. Don’t miss out on the chance to create an anime haven at your school!
ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT... During a hellish thunderstorm, a scream echoes through the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff. The townsfolk rush to investigate and find the beloved local storyteller has been murdered, their body hanging limp from the clocktower. As blood drips onto the cobblestones below, a realization slowly dawns… a demon has been unleashed, killing by night and taking on human form by day.
Can good find the demon in time? Or will evil overrun this once peaceful town?
Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous players and one devious storyteller.
A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.
Game sessions are Dynamic, and Players may come and go as they please, as the length of each game is highly variable.
If arriving late, speak to the storyteller about getting into the game or waiting for the next one.
If you must leave early, please let your storyteller know ahead of time so they give you a special character.
ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT... During a hellish thunderstorm, a scream echoes through the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff. The townsfolk rush to investigate and find the beloved local storyteller has been murdered, their body hanging limp from the clocktower. As blood drips onto the cobblestones below, a realization slowly dawns… a demon has been unleashed, killing by night and taking on human form by day.
Can good find the demon in time? Or will evil overrun this once peaceful town?
Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous players and one devious storyteller.
A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.
Game sessions are Dynamic, and Players may come and go as they please, as the length of each game is highly variable.
If arriving late, speak to the storyteller about getting into the game or waiting for the next one.
If you must leave early, please let your storyteller know ahead of time so they give you a special character.
For an age, the tower lay in ruins. Unbeknownst to the people of the realm, a great evil stirred in its bowels. It started with strange sightings: a flock of crows flying in circles until they dropped from the sky, the lake frozen solid in the height of summer. In time, they could not deny that which they most feared.
The evil had not been vanquished. The darkness would soon fall again. The tower will rise. A “sequel” to the 1981 grail game, Return to Dark Tower is a game for 1-4 players who take the role of heroes. Together, they gather resources, cleanse buildings, defeat monsters, and undertake quests to build up their strength and discern what foe ultimately awaits them.
When the heroes face the tower, the game shifts into its dramatic second act, where the players have one chance to defeat the enemy once and for all.
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Spring Room
I write books, tell tales, and generally spin stories in as many ways as I can. I also like to sing but not on stage, dance but rarely when anyone is watching, and take many pictures of my cat.
Jody Lynn Nye lists her main career activity as ‘spoiling cats.’ When not engaged upon this worthy occupation, she writes fantasy and science fiction books and short stories.Before breaking away from gainful employment to write full time, Jody worked as a file clerk, book-keeper... Read More →
Greetings, dear denizens of this fantastical realm! It is my delight to inform you that the Con Suite has been imbued with a bountiful supply of ambrosial elixirs such as coffee, tea, soda, and delectable morsels fit for the gods. But lo and behold! Across the hallowed halls lies The Con Suite Annex, a sanctuary designed for you to revel in merriment with your companions. Though the nectar of beer and cider may not flow within the Con Suite this season, fret not! A mystical Bheer Suite has manifested to cater to your desires.
However, heed this whimsical warning: our offerings are but delightful snacks, not grand feasts! So, brave adventurers, be sure to plan accordingly and fortify yourselves with sustenance fit for quests beyond our realm. Partake in these libations, unwind, and bask in the jubilant atmosphere that surrounds us!
Saturday November 9, 2024 9:00am - Sunday November 10, 2024 1:30am CST
Con Suite
Come one! Come all! Enjoy a live action role play inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons. Combat, puzzles, and shenanigans galore lie in wait for you and your friends! Be sure to stop by the L.A.R.P. table outside the Dealer's Room to book your Wylde Experience!!!
Saturday November 9, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm CST
Essex Ballroom
Challenge your cribbage skills against all comers, including the current and former Bosuns of the HMS Demon. The ringer from Ireland will be here this year. All level of players are welcome, this will be a single elimination tournament.
If you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn! You get a kit with the parts, then you build it at the soldering station. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits. Build-A-Blinkie's mission is as a 501c3 organization dedicated to the teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). We currently run many learn-how-to solder events in the Great Lakes area and are involved in numerous maker events, maker spaces, trade schools, libraries, universities, and area conventions. Fee for materials,
Create your own pendant, ornament, or mini paperweight, and then fuse it by placing it in the kiln for overnight firing. The number of participants is limited by space in the kiln, so stop in the Build-A-Blinkie room to sign up and schedule a time to coordinate/create with Teri. The Friday and Saturday cutoff is 8pm, as the kiln must run overnight (12 hours). Fee for materials.
Join us for a hands-on journey back in time where you can craft your very own piece of medieval history! Our Chainmail Make & Take session is perfect for both beginners and seasoned armor enthusiasts. What to Expect:
Expert Guidance: Our skilled instructors will guide you through the ancient art of chainmail weaving, ensuring you learn the techniques to create a beautiful and functional piece.
Materials Provided: We supply all the necessary materials, including a variety of metal rings in different sizes and colors to personalize your creation.
Take Home Your Craft: At the end of the session, you’ll have your own chainmail piece to take home, whether it’s a bracelet, keychain, or a patch of armor.
Connect with Community: Meet fellow history buffs and crafting enthusiasts in a fun, creative atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking to add an authentic touch to your cosplay or simply want to try your hand at a new craft, our Chainmail Make & Take session is an adventure not to be missed. Sign up today and forge a link to the past!
Join our distinguished Guests of Honor as they share the stories behind their favorite tabletop games, the paths they’ve traveled, and the defining moments in their careers. In this panel, they’ll discuss the passion, creativity, and dedication that propelled them to success in the world of tabletop gaming. From design and development to storytelling and strategy, they’ll offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges they faced and the games that inspired them. Whether you're an aspiring game designer, storyteller, or just a fan of tabletop games, this is your chance to hear firsthand what it takes to succeed in this ever-evolving world.
You find yourself with ideas for some songs or an audiobook. You would love to make that idea become a full-fledged production. But how?
In this panel we'll talk about music production, how songs go from rough demo to full-fledged tracks and what role engineers and producers play. We'll talk about the current state of the music business and the risks and rewards of putting out music and audio tracks in the age of streaming. We'll also discuss what to expect and how to prepare for working with a studio and/or a producer to make your project come to life.
Come one! Come all! Enjoy a live action role play inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons. Combat, puzzles, and shenanigans galore lie in wait for you and your friends! Be sure to stop by the L.A.R.P. table outside the Dealer's Room to book your Wylde Experience!!!
Saturday November 9, 2024 1:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Essex Ballroom
Welcome to our enchanting mask-making soirée! Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of creativity and fun as you embark on a magical journey to design your very own stunning masquerade mask. Explore a collection of luxurious materials, including elegant feathers and sparkling beads, and let your imagination run wild as you craft a mask that truly captures your one-of-a-kind style and spirit. Our masks are thoughtfully designed to fit comfortably over glasses, ensuring everyone can participate and look fabulous without compromise. Whether you’re dreaming of a Venetian carnival look or aiming for a whimsical touch, this delightful event promises an unforgettable experience where your creation will shine like a masterpiece at any grand masquerade ball.
Instead of arguing if Superman could lift Thor's Hammer, fight about it! Sign up for the TKO boxing game tournament, outsmart your opponent, and go home a champion! The game will be taught at the start of the tournament, with rounds expected to be fifteen minutes or less.
Minimum Donation: $5.00 Prizes: All participants will receive a pin. First, second, and third place will receive additional prize.
Come join The Royal Manticoran Navy Royal Peers in a tasting of beer, cider and mead. This is a 21 and older event. ID's will be checked at the door before admittance.
Saturday November 9, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm CST
TRMN Suite
Step into a world of enchantment at our make and take event, where creativity blooms and magic is in the air. Join us in crafting your own delightful flower fairies, where every petal and leaf becomes a canvas for your imagination to flourish. Dive into a treasure trove of materials and let your inner artist guide you as you bring these ethereal beings to life. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just discovering the joy of creating, this enchanting experience promises to spark joy and wonder for all ages.
Princess Leia; the Bene Gesserit; Lady Jessica; Honor Harrington; the list of strong female characters is impressive and growing. How have they impacted our timeline and shaped Science Fiction of the future?
My aim is to write science fiction you can enjoy. So far that's manifested as what I call Light Space Opera. Imagine space opera as produced by Gilbert and Sullivan, while bankrolled and bullied by Flo Ziegfeld.
Coming back to school after summer is always rough, particularly when you have an eldritch abomination that's decided to be your friend. But the real problem is school. Since coming back, everything has been...stranger than it was before. Something horrifying is twisting the school to its dark whims, and it's up to you and your monstrous friend to figure out what it is before it's too late!
Required Materials: None. Character sheets and dice will be provided. If you would prefer to bring dice, ten 10-sided dice are required to play.
Come one! Come all! Enjoy a live action role play inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons. Combat, puzzles, and shenanigans galore lie in wait for you and your friends! Be sure to stop by the L.A.R.P. table outside the Dealer's Room to book your Wylde Experience!!!
Saturday November 9, 2024 7:00pm - 10:00pm CST
Essex Ballroom
The last ten years has seen Dungeons and Dragons rise to never-before-seen heights of popularity and cultural dominance. Yet since 2022, Hasbro has betrayed the people who made D&D an international success, and has blundered repeatedly, damaging the game and its brand. Historian, Ben Riggs, tells you the true behind-the-scenes tale of the battle for the soul of D&D.
ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT... During a hellish thunderstorm, a scream echoes through the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff. The townsfolk rush to investigate and find the beloved local storyteller has been murdered, their body hanging limp from the clocktower. As blood drips onto the cobblestones below, a realization slowly dawns… a demon has been unleashed, killing by night and taking on human form by day.
Can good find the demon in time? Or will evil overrun this once peaceful town?
Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous players and one devious storyteller.
A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.
Game sessions are Dynamic, and Players may come and go as they please, as the length of each game is highly variable.
If arriving late, speak to the storyteller about getting into the game or waiting for the next one.
If you must leave early, please let your storyteller know ahead of time so they give you a special character.
ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT... During a hellish thunderstorm, a scream echoes through the sleepy town of Ravenswood Bluff. The townsfolk rush to investigate and find the beloved local storyteller has been murdered, their body hanging limp from the clocktower. As blood drips onto the cobblestones below, a realization slowly dawns… a demon has been unleashed, killing by night and taking on human form by day.
Can good find the demon in time? Or will evil overrun this once peaceful town?
Blood on the Clocktower is a game of murder and mystery, lies and logic, deduction and deception for five-to-twenty courageous players and one devious storyteller.
A social game played in person, seated in a circle, each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it. Good players share information to solve the mystery whilst evil players lie about who they are and what they know. The good team wins if they can piece together their knowledge, trust each other, and execute the demon. The evil team wins if the demon can sow distrust, evade detection, and wipe out the village.
Game sessions are Dynamic, and Players may come and go as they please, as the length of each game is highly variable.
If arriving late, speak to the storyteller about getting into the game or waiting for the next one.
If you must leave early, please let your storyteller know ahead of time so they give you a special character.
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 3rd- through 6th-level characters.
A demonic cult recently performed a ritual to great success, part of its leader's grander schemes. Her work near Nerosyan complete for now, she left a token force to guard the site, no longer needing it, and prepared to travel elsewhere for grander plans. This activity, though, has been noticed. The ritual site was supposed to be completely abandoned, but a group of traveling merchants noticed the strange activity. This was reported to the Nerosyan leadership, who in turn have pressured Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury to get involved. Jorsal has decided to send the PCs, to investigate the site itself, assuming that a place so near the city likely isn’t much of a threat.
Written by Michelle Y. Kim
Signups on Warhorn: https://warhorn.net/events/pfs-windy-con-2024/
Greetings, dear denizens of this fantastical realm! It is my delight to inform you that the Con Suite has been imbued with a bountiful supply of ambrosial elixirs such as coffee, tea, soda, and delectable morsels fit for the gods. But lo and behold! Across the hallowed halls lies The Con Suite Annex, a sanctuary designed for you to revel in merriment with your companions. Though the nectar of beer and cider may not flow within the Con Suite this season, fret not! A mystical Bheer Suite has manifested to cater to your desires.
However, heed this whimsical warning: our offerings are but delightful snacks, not grand feasts! So, brave adventurers, be sure to plan accordingly and fortify yourselves with sustenance fit for quests beyond our realm. Partake in these libations, unwind, and bask in the jubilant atmosphere that surrounds us!
Sunday November 10, 2024 9:00am - 3:00pm CST
Con Suite
Come one! Come all! Enjoy a live action role play inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons. Combat, puzzles, and shenanigans galore lie in wait for you and your friends! Be sure to stop by the L.A.R.P. table outside the Dealer's Room to book your Wylde Experience!!!
Sunday November 10, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm CST
Essex Ballroom
If you have never soldered before, this is the place to learn! You get a kit with the parts, then you build it at the soldering station. We will give you as much or as little assistance as you like - we never judge because we remember when we first learned to solder and we want this to be a fun and rewarding experience! You then get to show it off and take it home. If you have soldered before, this is the place to hone your skills with our more challenging kits. Build-A-Blinkie's mission is as a 501c3 organization dedicated to the teaching of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). We currently run many learn-how-to solder events in the Great Lakes area and are involved in numerous maker events, maker spaces, trade schools, libraries, universities, and area conventions. Fee for materials,
Step into a world of enchantment at our make and take event, where creativity blooms and magic is in the air. Join us in crafting your own delightful flower fairies, where every petal and leaf becomes a canvas for your imagination to flourish. Dive into a treasure trove of materials and let your inner artist guide you as you bring these ethereal beings to life. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just discovering the joy of creating, this enchanting experience promises to spark joy and wonder for all ages.
From guitar jamming to drum circles to freeform improv and beyond, there's something special about bringing people together to just make music. But how do you do it?
In this workshop, we'll explore ideas and techniques for making unplanned music together. We'll look at different ways of finding unique things to add to enhance the jam and when to use them, how to start, move, and stop together as a group and more. We hope to have something fun here for everyone whether you are just starting out or a long-time improv fan. Those who bring an instrument (even if it's just yourself) may have the opportunity to participate and have fun making music together.
Come one! Come all! Enjoy a live action role play inspired by games like Dungeons and Dragons. Combat, puzzles, and shenanigans galore lie in wait for you and your friends! Be sure to stop by the L.A.R.P. table outside the Dealer's Room to book your Wylde Experience!!!
Sunday November 10, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Essex Ballroom
As we draw the curtains on Windycon's extraordinary 50th anniversary, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the memories shared and the bonds formed. But fear not, for the adventure continues! Mark your calendars and join us in anticipation for Windycon 51 next year. Together, let's embark on another thrilling voyage through the realms of speculative fiction, where new tales await and old friends reunite. Until then, may the spirit of Windycon live on, guiding us through infinite worlds and endless possibilities.
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 1st- through 4th-level characters.
Many newer agents are often sent to the Three Gates Lodge to make sure that the wildlife on the island isn’t out of control, and that the various allies that the Society made when claiming the lodge are rewarded for their continued aid. The tasks are routine, as the greatest threats were dealt with when initially setting up the lodge, and Venture-Captain Kukuha Mukai performed a ritual utilizing the ley-lines. This ritual is a form of powerful defensive magic and almost guarantees safety from all but the direst threats.
The PCs are the latest agents dispatched for this duty. Unfortunately for them, shortly after they arrive, so too does the direst of threats: a god dies, and a strange rain falls over the island, just as the PCs are being briefed. Now they have to deal with the literal fallout, as no one else is near, and no help can come for some time.
Written by Luis Loza
Signups on Warhorn: https://warhorn.net/events/pfs-windy-con-2024/
