Many writers and game designers have only an academic knowledge of modern weapons, much of it drawn from movies and TV, which is either wrong or impractical. Come listen to our panel of experts dispel some of the myths that continue in fiction. This is not intended to be a political panel so please check those agendas at the door.

Dr. Mark Rounds has dived back into music with retirement and did his first post retirement concert at Rustycon this year. He would be up for another one.

My new steampunk novel is coming along and hopefully will be out by then.

The technology of the 1880’s and the steam age is fascinating far more capable that we realize. This panel will discuss the realities of steam punk technology, Charles Babbage’s difference engine and other inventions of the golden age.

From science to history to magic, the world is full of source material for writers if you only know where to look. Our panel of writers, game designers and fellow travelers will discuss how they develop their background to make their creative endeavor more realistic.

So many competing ideas and claims fly around these days. How can an ordinary person know what to take seriously?The virtual link for this panel is:https://zoom.us/j/92947922945?pwd=WjNWV1dVa1FsNkpqaldrZjNNMjZBZz09Meeting ID: 929 4792 2945Passcode: 333392

Ancient computers The most agreed upon definition of computing is that of a device which completes mathematical calculations and is programmable is some form or another and these devices have been around far longer than most people realize.  Come listen to Dr. Mark Rounds, computer scientist with expertise in GIS and Computer Security talk about the history of computing and early computing devices stretching back to 205 BC.

I'll bring armor and weapons, let's discuss the past, present, and future.  You can handle antique weapons and armor, modern recreations, and discuss what the future may hold.

Before we contact extraterrestrial civilizations, we can practice communicating with alien intelligences right here. Researchers are trying to create a lexicon of dolphin vocalizations in the Caribbean, elephants communicate in frequencies that humans are just learning to “see” with spectrograms and, as programmers inch their way toward a general AI, the question is if it will “think” in a way we can fathom.The link for this hybrid panel is:https://zoom.us/j/97046046082?pwd=N...

Archaeology holds many mysteries. We'll discuss the role of re-enactments in understanding how ancient people lived their daily lives.

Isaac Asimov wrote provocative fiction about the about the role of robots in a futuristic society. His three Laws of Robotics made for fascinating reading. Time has marched on and we are on the cusp of modern automation. Are these laws still relevant? Come find out!The link for this hybrid panel is:https://zoom.us/j/94900645006?pwd=bytxY2xtd2FRQzdyMCtOTnNQU0g4dz09Meeting ID: 949 0064 5006Passcode: 667604

We will share the latest gadgets, apps, books, etc. we have run across that can make life easier for dyslexics. That "we" includes not just the panel but the audience.

Does your gaming group work together, or is every player out for himself? Should a GM actively compete against the players? Panelists will discuss this vital aspect of gaming, whether in person or online.This is a hybrid virtual/live panel. Virtual attendees may join here:https://zoom.us/j/95177527125?pwd=WGYvVTZoT3paZkpWOFJHRUkyUlh5dz09Meeting ID: 951 7752 7125Passcode: 722863