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Panels & Workshops
We aren’t just TTRPGs here at AthVentureCon! Every year we have a full schedule of exciting panels and workshops run by some of the best in the business. This year’s schedule includes topics such as:
- Cosplay
- World building
- Live play D&D
- Voice acting
- Game creation
- TTRPGs for kids & families
Head over to our YouTube channel to check out most of our previous panels to get you excited for AthCon3!
See more on the Extra Fun Stuff page, since sometimes it’s hard to say where things belong.
Satuday Morning: The Making of Wuxia Werewolf
11:00 Saturday in Genovia’s Lecturne for Learned Pigs (The Panel Room)
A talk about how Craig Walsh and several others worked together to independently publish a manga style comic based on a mixture of Irish and Chinese mythology.
Satuday Noon: TTRPG Module Design Panel
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the art and craft of Module Design for tabletop role-playing games!
Whether you’re a seasoned GM or a budding creator, this panel will delve into the intricacies of building immersive adventures, designing compelling NPCs, and crafting memorable encounters. Our expert panelists will share insights on balancing story and mechanics, creating dynamic settings, and making sure your module is both flexible and fun for players.
Whether you’re looking to publish your own work or improve your homebrew campaigns, this is the perfect opportunity to learn tips, tricks, and industry best practices from experienced creators. Don’t miss out on transforming your game design skills and taking your modules to the next level!
Panel includes:
- ✨Doug Kaufman – long time professional game develper and his newest, Wyrmwoven, can be played at his table during sessions 2 & 3 in the main hall!
- ✨Emmet Byrne- former Creative Director with Cubicle 7 and Founder of @oldoakgames , due to launch new TTRPG – Beyond the Woods on March 11!
- ✨Lawrence Schick – decades of experience in the industry and his career started with what is still considered one of the greatest D&D modules of all time – White Plume Mountain!
- ✨one of the @athenryadventurers members who together created their own Mini TTRPG system for a school enterprise project.
Saturday Noon: Warlock Leathercraft workshop
Warlock Leathercraft is back with another workshop this year and this time it is crafting his always popular Mini Dice Keychains!
We can personally recommend both Billie’s workshops AND his mini dice keychains from personal experience. Getting to craft your own dice accessory that you get to carry with you everywhere is pretty cool. And honestly, you never know when you’ll need to roll a d20. It’s better than flipping a coin 😉
When: Saturday 12-1pm
Where: Eugene/Gulbranna’s Medievil Miskillanea (Workshop 3)
Cost: €20
Spaces are fairly limited, so purchase your spot today
Saturday Noon & Afternoon: Learn To Play Warhammer 40K
In Mama Red’s Red Room (Workshop 5 / De Burgo)
Ever wanted to play Warhammer, but didn’t want to shell out the €€ before giving it a go? Well now is your chance!!
Join the battle and learn to play Warhammer 40,000 with Círdan! No experience? No miniatures? No problem! Dive into the action anytime on Saturday afternoon and unleash your inner commander!
This year we have a room devoted to Warhammer 40k for Dummies/Beginners/people that just want to have a chat about all things Warhammer.
Saturday Afternoon: Cosplay / Costume Showcase
Details:
- When/where: 1-2pm in the Games Hall
- Who: any ticket holders ages 12+
- What: Whatever cosplay/costume you want!
- Why: It’s fun! And there may just be some prizes involved
Sign-Up Here!
Here at AthVentureCon we are all about fun and comfort. If you’re a seasoned cosplayer and have something new you want to test out, bring it along! Are you brand new and looking for some experience? Welcome! Do you want to dress up as your D&D character? We’d love to meet them!
Saturday Afternoon: Crafting Characters with Unique Voices
Come join multi-award nominated fantasy author (and TTRPG player) David Green as he talks about crafting characters with unique voices and experiences for use in gaming and writing.
Drawing on his own autistic experience, David will look at the genesis of character creation and how to populate your worlds with unique perspectives with an emphasis on how the neurodivergent way of life – like masking and people watching – can help enrich a character.
Perfect for players and game runners alike – as well as budding writers – this talk will explore techniques in how to make your characters stand out, why someone who might be lawful good in real life might be enamoured with the ways of the chaotic neutral, the importance of wish fulfillment through character and consistency.
Because every character is the hero of their own story, it’s only fair we give them all the background they deserve.
Saturday Afternoon: NPCs: There’s No Such Thing as a Throwaway with Lawrence Schick
Join us upstairs for another masterclass talk from our friend (yes, we said it) Lawrence Schick. This year’s lesson is ‘NPCs: There’s No Such Thing as a Throwaway’ and we can’t wait!
For the last few decades, Lawrence Schick has made a career of creating and bringing characters to life. Schick and his Baldur’s Gate 3 writing team have won countless writing awards over the last couple of years – Nebula, Hugo and a BAFTA!!
Needless to say, he knows what he’s talking about and this is not to be missed!
Saturday Afternoon: Voice technology and TTRPGs by Marek “Przysto Cosplay” Mlynarczyk
Explore the fascinating intersection of voice technology and TTRPGs. How voice technology can enhance the tabletop storytelling experience, making games more immersive for all players while offering accessibility options for people with disabilities. 
Marek is a passionate cosplayer, indie game developer, a professional software engineer, and undertaking Master’s to expand the horizons further. He loves combining creativity and tech to build engaging experiences.
Saturday Afternoon/Evening: Hearthfire Tales: Live Show!
17:00 Saturday in Genovia’s Lecturne for Learned Pigs (The Panel Room)
Join Dylan, Jim and Ryan on an adventure. What adventure? We don’t know, but we promise it will be hilarious and full of fun. Their live shows are always a hit at every event they do and are well-known for getting the audience involved in their shenanigans too!
Dylan, Jim and Ryan
Saturday Evening: Bigby’s Big Baffling Spelling Bee
Legendary archmage and inventor of a wide, elaborate range of spells such as Bigby’s forceful hand, Bigby’s clenched fist, and Bigby’s cool shaka hand shake thingy – this wise wizard of wonder is putting the challenge out to spell casters across the realm.
Can anyone spell as good as Bigby? Find out at Bigby’s Big Baffling Spelling Bee. Guaranteed to be the most frustrating and annoying panel to be a part of, but hopefully a minorly entertaining one to watch – because who doesn’t love to watch people trying to spell? Bee there.
Hosted by Ben Bigby Clifford.
Sunday Morning: Another Warlock Leathercraft workshop
Sunday Morning: Gaming with Family Panel
Join TTRPG designer, writer, and director Douglas Kaufman and his family for an insightful panel discussion as they share their shared passion for tabletop roleplaying games.
Known for his work on classic games like Kings & Things, Star Wars: Star Warriors, and Paranoia, as well as PC greats like Dragonsphere, Command HQ, and Civilization, Doug has been a key figure in both tabletop and digital game design.
Together with his family, they’ll dive into the games they’ve played, the systems they’ve designed, and the memorable campaigns they’ve run. With each family member contributing their unique perspective, this panel highlights the bonds forged through gaming—exploring how collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences have shaped their love for the TTRPG world.
Whether you’re a designer, player, or just a fan of family-oriented creativity, this panel offers a special glimpse into the Kaufman family’s journey in the world of tabletop games.
Back with us again to play host this year is our friend, the always delightful, Grim!
Sunday Morning: Dungeon Master Workshop with Ellen
Ideal for both aspiring and novice Dungeon Masters, this workshop is designed to support those who are new to running tabletop role-playing games.
Participants will have the opportunity to refine and expand upon their existing ideas while gaining valuable insights and strategies to enhance their storytelling and game management skills. For those taking their first steps into the role of DM, this session will provide essential tools, guidance, and creative inspiration to build confidence and craft engaging adventures. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your approach or embark on your DMing journey for the first time, this workshop offers a welcoming and informative space to grow.
Sunday Morning through Noon: Super Smash Bros Tournament
Get ready for an action-packed, lighthearted Super Smash Bros. tournament where fun comes first and competition comes second! Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who just loves chaotic free-for-alls, this event is all about laughs, upsets, and unexpected victories.
Sign up Here
Sunday Morning-Afternoon: Boardgames Hosted By Athenry Adventurers
Join us for a fun-filled board game morning and afternoon where you can learn to play some of our all-time favorite games or bring your own to share with the group! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a total beginner, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy friendly competition, discover new games, and connect with fellow game lovers in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Let the dice roll and the good times begin!
Sunday Noon: Prop making and foam armor crafting for Cosplay
Learn how to use basic cosplay materials, starting from the cheapest and easiest ones for beginners and finishing at professional cosplay making. Learn how to plan the project from the beginning, how to make patterns and blueprints, what materials are best for what and how to use them properly to get the best outcome (and maintain safety while doing so!).
Your host will be Fenek, passionate cosplayer and costume maker since 2018 and your fellow RPG enjoyer!
Photo credit: @humek_foto
Sunday Noon-ish: Dopes and Dragons
Meet the lads behind Ireland’s ttrpg content page Dopes and Dragons as they introduce themselves, discuss topics with audience participation and finish up with a quiz on TTRPGs (mostly DND) to win prizes!! (Quality prizes are not guaranteed) It’s gonna be good craic so be sure to pop along!
They’ve also discussed their trip here on a recent video, so pop over to their YouTube channel and check it out! https://youtu.be/ujvBA5g1qe8?feature=shared
Sunday Afternoon: Making Mundane Maps Magnificent!
Have you seen our amazing map?
Then you know you don’t want to miss this workshop!
What:
Making Mundane Maps Magnificent!
With @jogbrogzin, Creator of the AthVentureCon III map.
Join Jog for an interactive workshop on how to create fabulous maps and how to change real life structures into fascinating alternative versions.
Sunday Afternoon: Scrap Weapon Workshop
This one is ideal for (but definitely not limited to) the young ones. Come create fantasy or cosplay weapons using the cheapest, easiest to find material ever – CARDBOARD!
Last year this activity was a massive hit and we had to start a waiting list! This year, we’re dividing it amongst two seperate rooms to make sure everyone can get in and create their own fantasy weapon.
Step 1: Cut & Build
13:00-15:30
Rymore & Jeff’s Rehearsal Jam
(Workshop Room #2)
Step 2: Decorate
13:30-16:00
Eugene/Gulbranna’s Medievil Miskillanea
(Workshop Room #3)
Sunday Afternoon: Baldur’s Gate 3 Q&A
Join us for an exclusive Q&A with Lawrence Schick, Principal Narrative Designer for Baldur’s Gate 3!
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a critically acclaimed RPG that has earned countless awards (literally, we’ve lost track) and has received widespread praise for its immersive storytelling, deep character development and innovative gameplay.
This game has set a new standard for RPGs, and now you have the chance to hear directly from the mastermind behind its narrative.
We also want to hear from you!
Submit your questions ahead of time and get the opportunity to ask Lawrence Schick about the game, its world, or the storytelling magic behind it.
Don’t miss out on this chance to uncover the secrets behind one of the most celebrated games in the history of…well…ever!
Sunday Afternoon: Establishing the Story – Designing Your Starter Locations
Do you have a wonderful idea for a story, but get caught on where to start? or are you sick of starting all of your adventures in a tavern? Do you want to come up with something better?
Well now is your chance to sit down with the mastermind behind the incredible TTRPG setting, system and podcast – Fey Earth!
Join Neil in Mama Red’s Redroom for a cosy and casual workshop “Establishing the story: Designing your starter locations” – Workshop with Fey Earth TTRPG Creator Neil Byrne
Duration: 3 hrs
Description:
How to create the town/starting point for a starter adventure. What you should consider including and what is important for a simple one shot vs the introduction to a longer running campaign.
While not essential a laptop or notebook is recommended for this workshop
Sunday Afternoon: TTRPG Trials with Judge Ben
15:00 Sunday in Genovia’s Lecturne for Learned Pigs (The Panel Room)
You are about to enter the courtroom of Judge Ben. The player characters are real,the case are real, the ruling are final.
This is TTRPG Trials.
Have you been wronged by a pernickety player? Has your DM done you dirty? It’s time to air your grievances and take them to court. In this panel, the audience submit real stories from the table to be ruled upon by Judge Ben and a jury of his peers. Get the vindication you deserve with a final ruling that puts the case to rest. If the defendant is in the room, they will be given an opportunity to represent themselves or be represented by a state appointed lawyer.
Do you have a case you would like to bring to court?
Submit your case here
Sunday Afternoon: AthVentureHeist Live Play Game
16:00 Sunday in Genovia’s Lecturne for Learned Pigs (The Panel Room)
AthVentureHeist – The greatest adventuring convention in all the lands is in peril!
Evil forces have hijacked the once-glorious AthVentureCon and are planning to rig the games and keep the grand prize.
What can be done!?!
Well, (using a reskinned version of the outrageously-fun Honey Heist system) our players will take on the roles of (classic???) D&D monsters. Are they here to save the convention? NO!
They are going to go on the heist to end all heists and steal the AthVenturer’s Cup for themselves!!!
Join GM Keith and watch the chaos unfold as he leads some of our players in a barely-controlled improv game through this ridiculous scenario before having to go for a lie-down afterwards…
Players include: Fellow AthCon GM Amélie, Emerald Collective’s Fona and two members from Athenry Adventurers RPG Club.
About the GM:
Keith Allen is a huge fan of the real AthVentureCon and the TTRPG scene in Ireland. He has been lucky enough to organise some large-scale D&D games in a real Irish castle which have included some of the best DMs in the country. He also plays and GMs games online with the Emerald Collective and in the real world he builds and runs festivals and events.