Author: JP Dean

Presented by Jeffrey S. Kupperman & Dr. Bee

Lovecraft features nearly a dozen books of magic and insanity in his weird fiction. Since the 1980s, there have been movements to (re)create the contents of these and to use the Mythos in magical operations.

Many have claimed that Lovecraft had a deep belief in the occult. But did he? We will discuss Lovecraft, his books of dark magic, his relationship with the occult, and the occult’s relationship with him.

Jeffrey S. Kupperman (he/him) is a scholar, artist, teacher, and practitioner. Jeffrey has a master’s degree in religious studies from Lancaster University and, having studied religion at Liverpool Hope University, has a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Liverpool. He has studied religion, mythology, and magic for over thirty years and has taught college courses in religious studies, theology, philosophy, and anthropology. His esoteric studies and practices range from Freemasonry to Neoplatonism, tarot and traditional astrology, Victorian and Edwardian occultism, and beyond.

He was the founder and publisher of the Journal of the Western Mystery Tradition (jwmt.org). He has contributed several papers on kabbalah, tarot, Hermeticism, alchemy, and theurgy and chapters to books on practical occultism and Freemasonry. His first two books, Living Theurgy and A Theurgist’s Book of Hours (Avalonia Books), focus on the philosophy and theurgy of Iamblichus of Chalcis and the religious Platonic revival.

When not hip-deep in research, Jeffrey can be found in pursuit of an ever-revolving series of hobbies, special interests, and hyper-fixations. These include icon painting, creating illuminated certificates, martial arts, bookbinding, D&D, designing coloring books, and so on. An avid member of the steampunk community, he can be found at presenting at conventions. He can be found presenting on a diversity of topics from necromancy, crossroad curses, talismanry, angel- and demonology, and just about anything from the 6,000 years of religious and occult history he has crammed in his head. He currently resides in central Wisconsin with his children.

Dr. Bee (bio coming soon)

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Convention Foam Fighting (CFF) is a free-to-participate physical combat event. Using foam “boffer” weapons, participants take part in a variety of games, from team battles to tournament-style competitions. Participants of all ages and experience levels are welcome to play (participants under the age of 18 will require consent from a legal guardian). CFF supplies all necessary equipment to the participants, and they welcome all experienced fighters to bring their own equipment to be reviewed and approved by their staff for safety.

Convention Foam Fighting is a boffer combat event. Combatants engage each other in battle with foam-padded boffer weapons and equipment. Come play games such as:

• Big Teams
• Capture the Flag
• King of the Hill
• and more!

All ages allowed as spectators. Must be 18+ to participate. Anyone under 18+ must have parental or legal guardian consent before participating.

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Presented by the Steampunk Lady Scientists (Danaus & Sidonne) & Bobbin Beth

Limited to 15 people. Cost $25/student.

Customize your costume with a street dueling parasol and holster! You’ll be provided with a 10″ parasol and cloth holster. Choose from a bounty of findings to decorate them both. Then learn the basics of Western Territorial Parasol Dueling to put them to use.

The honorable genteel sport of parasol dueling takes a slightly less demure path when it comes to street dueling. One must be quick on the draw to set the forms in time, but it should be done with style.

Participants will be provided with a 10″ lace parasol and their choice of cloth holster. From that point they can choose from a bounty of findings to decorate them both as their creativity directs them. Before we finish up we’ll cover the basics of Western Territorial Parasol Dueling so that participants walk away with the skills needed to defend their honor in matters of steampunk.

Danaus and Sidonne delight in the advancement of knowledge as steampunk lady scientists. When they’re not busy adventuring in pursuit of scientific inquiry, they enjoy sharing their love of making with others in workshops and panels. They are also the creators of the Western Territorial Variant of Parasol Dueling. While they may get a little Rowdy and Howdy at times, they are always at the ready to act as Deputies to assist in settling matters of honor with their message of dueling for all.

Bobbin Beth is the support behind the scenes when it comes to the Rowdy and Howdy adventures of Danaus & Sidonne. While they’re running about entertaining the crowd she keeps the airship on course and floating true.

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Presented by Lucretia Strange, Baroness Strange

Lucretia Strange (aka Cassie Beyer) heads the Promethean Society, a secret society of intellectuals dedicated to improving the world whether the world appreciates it or not.

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