Category: Program

Presented by Jeffrey S. Kupperman & The Order of the Ruby Ankh

The Order of the Ruby Ankh presents: Scrying without (hopefully) the cosmic horror. ORCA counts to Chicago Steam!

Join us for scrying in theory and practice. Scrying is the art of seeing what is far away or what cannot be seen with the eye alone. Come learn the theories and basic practices of the art and, most importantly, how to practice it safely.

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.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Presented by Catherine Carr

We all have something we would like to leave behind. Come join traveling sorceress Catherine Carr to do real magic and liberate yourself from the burdens of your past.

This community cord-cutting ritual will be preceded by a talk and Q&A about the history of magic as a revolutionary tool, best practices for consent in magic, divine allies, and spirits of revolution before attendees are invited to cut the cords and liberate themselves to create the future of their choosing.

Catherine Carr is an author, transformation coach, and Pagan theologian with a background in neuroscience and clinical research. She teaches classes and facilitates rituals nationwide at events like Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride and the Parliament of World Religions.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Presented by Jeffrey S. Kupperman & Dr. Bee

Lovecraft has become a standard of modern horror and urban fantasy. His presence looms, while his mythos has moved beyond him into new exporations of social relations and realities.

In this panel discussion, Lovecraft’s historic context and personal biases are discussed alongside ways in which his open-access mythos has grown beyond him to investigate and challenge some of these ideas in games and media alike.

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)

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Presented by Jeffrey S. Kupperman

Join the author in a Reading and discussion of High Magic in the Age of Steam, encompassing intersection of steampunk, magic and the occult, and social subversion and justice.

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.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

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

Learn the steampunk art of parasol dueling. It’s Rock, Paper, Scissors with parasols! We’ll follow the Western Territorial Rules where we use small street dueling parasols and things may get a little “Rowdy and Howdy.” No physical contact shall be made in this duel, but a victor shall be declared!

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.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

• Games Master: Father Henry Astur & Arachne
• Gaming System: Mothership
• Players: 2-6
• Duration: 3 hours
• Sign Up at the main Registration Desk in the Atrium Lobby

The secret Ukweli Research Laboratory was built to study a strange meteorite, the inside of which contained something never seen before by human eyes. Due to an accident, the original scientists have long since died leaving the facility an empty tomb. Are you brave enough to find out more?

Dice, writing implements, and character sheets will be provided.

Kody Raslawski has been running games for a little over ten years now. With a preference for science fiction and horror, he loves bringing stories and worlds to life with his players. He looks forward to working with all the players at the Exposition to create a welcoming and entertaining table to share.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

Presented by Count Gregula’s Crypt

Count Gregula’s Crypt presents Grave of the Vampire (1972), an American vampire film directed by John Hayes, and starring William Smith, Michael Pataki, and Lyn Peters.

Based on the novel The Still Life by David Chase, the film’s plot follows a vampire who sexually assaults a living woman, resulting in the birth of a child who feeds only on blood!

Count Gregula’s Crypt (#TeamGregula) is a major entertainment entity, press outlet, and horror brand. Founder Count Bela Gregula started the franchise in 1998, and it has been running strong for over 25 years and COUNTing. Insert evil laughter here. Bwahaha!!!

The brand became a TV horror host show also called “Count Gregula’s Crypt” that was seen on various cable channels and online outlets from 2005 to 2011. From 2014 to 2015, Count Sam Gregula was a recurring guest with Chicago radio personality Erich “Mancow” Muller. First appearing in 2014 during the “MANCOW!” show on My50 Chicago and then in 2015 during the “Mancow Morning Show” on The Loop 97.9 FM – Chicago’s Classic Rock Station. Most importantly, Count Gregula’s Crypt was well known during a 10 year span from 2012 to 2022 as an entertainment blog on ChicagoNow that was part of the Chicago Tribune Media Group.

Their current entertainment blog is linked to Count Gregula’s main site (www.Count-Gregula.com). Official Crypt Crew for 2025 includes Count Sam Gregula, Countess Lily Gregula, Deadly Dex, and Robert Dicke. New material added on a regular basis.

For more info about Count Gregula’s Crypt, visit their website at: https://count-gregula.com/count-gregulas-crypt/

See the Current 2025 Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

• Games Master: Father Henry Astur & Arachne
• Gaming System: Mothership
• Players: 2-6
• Duration: 3 hours
• Sign Up at the main Registration Desk in the Atrium Lobby

During a routine cargo delivery to a remote station, your aethership crew learns that one of the workers has disappeared. No blood, no body, no records of anyone leaving. Just gone. And that’s not the only mystery either, What’s at the heart of this asteroid in the aether? What do the weird events around the base have to do with it? Who, if anyone can be trusted? And can your crew make it out alive?

Dice, writing implements, and character sheets will be provided.

Kody Raslawski has been running games for a little over ten years now. With a preference for science fiction and horror, he loves bringing stories and worlds to life with his players. He looks forward to working with all the players at the Exposition to create a welcoming and entertaining table to share.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

PRESENTED BY: Wild Snowman’s Workshop LLC

An interactive storytelling experiences in an immersive environment. Experience a fully dressed, animated set as well as a gift shop with handmade art.

The Moonlit Fireplace Experience

• A one-of-a-kind fantasy/science-fiction story with a timed interactive logic puzzle
• Just under 10 minutes duration at $10 per group’s attempt.
• Handmade animated fireplace (contains no real fire or smoke)
• Contained within a 8’x8’x12′ tent
• For all ages

Located near the Main Stage in the North Exhibitors Hallway.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets

• Games Master: Hoss Brock
• Gaming System: Dungeons & Dragons 5e
• Players: 4 – 6 
• Gaming Time: 3 hours
• Sign Up at the main Registration Desk in the Atrium Lobby

Classic D&D with steampunk and Gothic horror twists.

Your team of adventurers has been hired to investigate reports of walking corpses plaguing a nearby hamlet. Follow the evidence of grave robbery and foul play to discover the source of the terror. Step through an eldritch portal to the realm of the powerful wizard who has harnessed the power of fire, steel, and steam to bring his unholy creations to life!

Can you stop this mysterious madman before he disrupts the fabric of life and death . . . and time itself?

Game Master Hoss Brock began GM-ing online during the pandemic, and when in-person gameplay resumed he brought his love of building and crafting to the table. He seeks to provide players an immersive experience through character voicing, visual supplements, and handcrafted props and terrain. While especially passionate about introducing new players to TTRPG’s, seasoned gamers also enjoy his detailed style.

See the Current Program

Buy Your Discount Exposition Tickets