The Machinations of Mayhem: A Grand Conclave on the Governance, Gallantry, and Grand Larceny of Steampunk’s Splendidly Sinister Souls, Mad Scientists, and Airship Brigands

“Airships are like steampunk’s version of the Internet: everyone wants to be connected, but the connections are slow and occasionally explode.”

– George Mann

Explore the governance, ethics, and societal structures of a steampunk world, with an emphasis on the roles and influences of its rogues, pirates, and those who operate on the fringes of society.

Discussion Points:
- Piracy in the Skies: Discuss the legitimacy of airship piracy as a form of resistance or redistribution, akin to Robin Hood in the air. What laws govern the skies, and how are they enforced?
- Villainy as Catalyst for Change: How can villains or scoundrels push for technological or social advancement by challenging the status quo?
- The Ethics of Villainy: Explore the ethical considerations of using technology for personal gain versus societal good. Is there honor among thieves in a steampunk world?
- The Role of Scoundrels in Society: How do these characters fit into the societal structure? Are they necessary for balance, or do they disrupt the order?
- Power Dynamics: Discuss how power might be redistributed or contested with the advent of steampunk technology, especially by those outside traditional power structures.
Activities:
- Mock Trial: Stage a trial where an airship pirate is on the stand for their crimes. Panelists and audience members can act as judge, jury, or witnesses, debating the pirate’s actions in the context of steampunk ethics.
- Debate: A structured debate on a topic like “Should pirates be seen as heroes or villains in a steampunk society?” with audience participation in voting or suggesting points.
- World-Building Exercise: Break into groups to design a utopian or dystopian steampunk society where villains and pirates play key roles, either as rulers or revolutionaries.
Outcome:
- A Declaration of Airship Rights: Draft a document that outlines the rights, responsibilities, or even the lack thereof for airship pirates, considering their unique position in society.
- The Scoundrel’s Code: Create a set of principles or a “code” that might govern the behavior of villains and scoundrels in this universe, possibly with humor or irony reflecting their nature.
Setting:
- Transform the room into a steampunk courtroom or a captain’s quarters aboard an airship, using thematic elements like brass fixtures, wood paneling, and maps of the skies.

This panel celebrates the darker, more rebellious sides of steampunk, offering a nuanced look at how these characters shape the world around them, challenging attendees to consider the ethics of rebellion, innovation, and the pursuit of personal freedom in a society bound by gears and steam.

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025

Shane Dykman, Author and Guest

Shane Dykeman was born on March 23rd, 1991 in Lakewood, New Jersey. Now residing in Jackson, he spends most of his time getting inspiration from reading other authors and well known manga creators. His dream is to one day be a well known author of his own and possibly even become a show runner for one of his independently published books. Spreading happiness throughout the world through literature is his highest priority, like so many in the worldwide field of art.

About Tok and the Alliance of Hybrid Heroes:

As criminal activity starts to rise in the lone city of Houndtrocity, Tok the Chrono-Pup is sent on a mission to Planet Earth by Father Time to gather three founding members of an organization known as the Hybrid Heroes in order to stop another war from completely destroying Houndtrocity for good. Along the way there are laughs, struggles, and surprises. All while the Hybrid Heroes grow and hopefully stop any imminent danger.

January 5, 2025January 5, 2025

Theophanes Avery, Chaos Sprite

Theophanes Avery – Bard, Author, Chaos Sprite

Good morrow, fair visitors to this realm of words! Let me regale thee with tales of Theophanes Avery, a scribe, an adventurer, and a sprite of the fairy kind, whose deeds and writings are as enchanting as a bard’s song at a Renaissance Faire.

The Scribe

Hark, for Avery’s quill hath touched upon many a parchment. Their first tome, “Honoring Echo,” doth capture their journeys across the vast lands of the Lower 48, weaving tales of landscapes and folk with the skill of yore’s minstrels. Each page doth whisper the winds of adventure, painting visions of America through the eye of one who wanders.

Thence, “Milking the Cat” emerged, a collection of mirth and musings upon the creatures great and small that have crossed their path. This book doth tickle the ribs with tales of animal antics, revealing Avery’s keen eye for the humor in nature’s tapestry.

And lo, “Achilles in Heels” dost bring myth to life anew, telling of the famed warrior’s youth with a twist most amusing. Herein lies Avery’s love for folklore, spun with threads of modern wit, making old stories dance to new tunes.

The Adventurer

Avery, with heart and boots well-traveled, doth love the lands of New England, where they seek out mysteries in every corner. Their blog, “Catching Marbles,” is a chronicle of such quests, from the autumnal hunts in Newton’s sacred grounds to the vibrant streets of Provincetown. Each story, a guide for the curious, doth blend the lore of the land with the lore of the soul.

But their adventures do not end with mere travel; nay, they extend into arts of sculpting, doodling with the humble Sharpie, knitting, and even the craft of tattooing upon leather. Their vision for “Through the Looking Glass Farm” speaks of a future where they teach the ways of the earth, husbandry of rare beasts, and the art of living in harmony with nature.

The Fairy Sprite

Methinks, when we speak of Avery as a fairy sprite, we mean one who brings light and magic unto the mundane. Their tales do often touch upon the fantastical, where each day holds a spell or a surprise. Through their writings, they beckon thee to see the world as if through the eyes of a child, where every leaf and stone might hold enchantment.

Avery’s spirit shines even in the shadow of illness, known in modern tongues as being a “spoonie,” showing us all that even in adversity, there is beauty to be found and shared.

In Conclusion

Theophanes Avery be a modern-day bard, a storyteller whose tales are as varied as the stars in the night sky. Through their books and digital scrolls, they invite us to join in adventures, laugh at life’s absurdities, and perhaps, just perhaps, believe in a little magic. Visit their digital keep to delve deeper into this tapestry of tales, where each click might lead to a new quest or a moment of wonder.

Thus, with this tale, we close our scroll, hoping to have enriched thy day with the lore of Theophanes Avery. May ye find joy in the upcoming year!

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

Why You Need To Support Authors And Purchase Their Books Or Else The Universe Will Explode Tomorrow

In this panel, you will meet some of our amazing authors, hear about the writing process, and understand that if you don’t spend a great deal of money on their tomes, all of Reality will be unmade, but hey, no pressure.

Step right up, bibliophiles, cosmic enthusiasts, and those who’ve ever wondered if their reading habits might perhaps be the key to universal destruction. Welcome the most pivotal panel at Wonderplace Alpha: “Why You Need To Support Authors And Purchase Their Books Or Else The Universe Will Explode Tomorrow.” Here, we’ll have a nice, cozy discussion with our authors about their work, art, writing in general, and the Universe ending.

The Panel Setup:

Imagine stepping into a room designed like the interior of a colossal, steampunk library where books don’t just sit on shelves; they orbit around you like planets around a star. The walls are adorned with gears that turn with each thought-provoking discussion, and authors, in their space suits, are perched on floating podiums.

Doesn’t that sound awful?

We’ll offer you a nice room with chair and such. It’s the people and the words that matter, after all.

Part 1: The Cosmic Impact of Fantasmic Literature

What would the world be like without Science Fiction and Fantasy literature?

Part 2: The Author’s Plight and Your Role

Wherein we meet our authors!

The Existential Crisis of Authorship: It’s hard enough to put words together on a page, virtual or otherwise. Ransoming them to a happy audience is a unique and challenging skill. It also helps to have great readers.
Writing For A Very Stressed Modern Audience.
Trying To Write The Future Faster Than We Can Invent It

Part 3: The Call to Action

Oh, go ahead…tell us why we ought buy your books!

The Economics of Existence: Sure illustrating how book sales correlate with the stability of time-space continuums.
Interactive Q&A: A chance for the audience to engage with bizarre questions like, “Can horror stories scare away dark energy?” or “Is there a genre that could prevent the heat death of the universe?” Answers will be a mix of playful speculation and real insights into literature’s influence.
The Art of Storytelling as Cosmic Glue: Discussion on how storytelling not only entertains but also binds the fabric of reality together, with each tale adding a thread to the cosmic tapestry.

Conclusion: The Real Stakes

As the panel concludes, the playful threats of universal doom will segue into a heartfelt appeal for the support of authors. The panelists will emphasize that while the universe might not literally explode, our cultural and intellectual landscape could certainly diminish without the continuous creation and consumption of literature.

“Every book you buy supports not just an author but the collective imagination of humanity. It’s about preventing the explosion of our shared consciousness, keeping the spark of creativity alive in an ever-expanding universe.”

Post-Panel Experience:

Book Signing: With each book signed, authors will offer a “Cosmic Stability Certificate,” humorously ensuring the buyer has contributed to universal harmony.
Photo Op: Capture your moment with a giant, mock book titled “How I Saved the Universe by Buying This Book.” Due to the whimsical nature of this universe, you might need to pose, send us your photo, and we’ll photoshop it for you. Compromise is key in the cosmos, after all.

This panel at Wonderplace Alpha is a quirky, yet profound reminder wrapped in humor of why we must support our creators. Because, in a way, they truly do keep our universe from exploding – both metaphorically and in the vibrant world of our collective imagination.

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

Ozno, the Jockey of Discs

DJ Ozno has travelled all about this fair country creating music and making heads nod. Now, he comes to us, to bring us music and the Muse!

Surely you deserve a party where the DJ isn’t just spinning records but also spinning through time and space. Your interplanetary time-travelling DJ, DJ Ozno, arrives in a glow of cosmic energy, his playlist an eclectic mix from across millennia and galaxies. Known for his unique blend of musical styles, DJ Ozno, whose real name is Alfonso Todd, brings the vibe with his mastery of mixes and blends. His journey started from the dance floors of South Beach, Miami, to becoming a pivotal figure in the Imagination Industry, where he combines his love for literature and music. At a multi-genre music festival, the pleasures are manifold. Firstly, there’s the sheer delight of discovery as you wander from stage to stage, each one hosting a different era, culture, or planet’s music. You might start your day with the soul-enriching, bass-heavy beats of a jazz fusion band from 22nd-century New Orleans, then find yourself entranced by the sharp, innovative sounds of an AI-composed symphony from Alpha Centauri.

The brilliantly curated music at these festivals serves as a bridge across time, cultures, and even species, providing a sensory journey that educates while it entertains. The transitions between genres are seamless, each set carefully chosen to complement the next, creating a narrative flow that’s as engaging as any epic saga. You’re not just listening; you’re experiencing a tapestry of sound where every thread – be it reggae from the 1970s or electronic beats from a distant future – adds to the richness of the experience.

Moreover, there’s the communal aspect; shared looks of disbelief or joy with strangers as you collectively witness music that transcends conventional boundaries. The festival becomes a microcosm of human (and intergalactic) connection, where the universal language of rhythm and melody unites everyone in a celebration of diversity. Every note, every beat, is a step into another world, making the festival not just an event, but an odyssey of sound.

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025

The Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher

In the grand amphitheater of Wonderplace Alpha, where the minds of the cosmos gather to ponder the imponderable, there dwells the Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher, a figure as perplexing as he is enlightening. I shall attempt to dissect this enigma with the precision of a scalpel and the humor of a well-aged amphora of wine. (After enough wine, the amphora tells some hilarious jokes.)

This philosopher, much like those of ancient Athens, does not merely converse; he argues, debates, and challenges every notion with the ferocity of a man defending his last piece of ambrosia. His dialectic, however, is not confined to the dusty scrolls of old but is interwoven with the shimmering threads of quantum thought and the subtle dance of theoretical physics. He is, in essence, a Socratic method wrapped in a cybernetic cloak, questioning the very fabric of reality with the same zest one might reserve for questioning the quality of yesterday’s symposium meal.

His method, one might argue, is to make you feel like you’ve known nothing, much like how I might have made my students feel about the nature of existence – or how Socrates might have made you question your own shadow. This philosopher does not seek answers so much as he seeks to dismantle the questions themselves, leaving you in a delightful state of intellectual vertigo, akin to being on a spinning top in Plato’s cave.

He wanders through Wonderplace Alpha, not with the quietude of a sage but with the clamor of a man who’s just realized he’s forgotten to sacrifice to the gods. He engages with all, from the starry-eyed novice to the grizzled veteran of philosophical debate, each conversation an odyssey into the unknown. His attire, one might whimsically note, seems to be a mishmash of togas and tech-wear, as if he’s caught between attending a symposium and a celestial feast.

His discourse is peppered with humor, the kind that might have made even Diogenes chuckle. “Why ponder the infinite when you can’t even agree on the best way to pluck a lyre?” he might quip, bringing the lofty down to the mundane, only to elevate it back into the realm of the profound. His arguments are like the tales of Aesop, filled with wisdom, yet somehow, you leave both laughing and pondering the moral.

In his presence, one feels the weight of the cosmos and the lightness of human folly. He teaches, in his peculiar way, that to argue is to live, to question is to grow, and to laugh at our own ignorance is to be truly wise. For in Wonderplace Alpha, where everything is possible, the Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is as absurd as it is noble, as futile as it is fulfilling.

So, in the spirit of classical humor, I leave you with this: If life is but a series of arguments, then this philosopher is its most entertaining sophist, ensuring that even in the infinite expanse of space, we never run out of philosophical conundrums to unravel or laugh about.

January 3, 2025January 4, 2025

The Rose Whisperers

“Roses in the moonlight, love in the air; it’s like living in one of those stories where the world ends, but our love story just begins, unfading like the scent of these roses.”
-Ray Bradbury

The Rose Whisperers: Brokers of Friendship, Flirtation and Sometimes Even Love at Wonderplace Alpha

We are fortunate to be in the presence of The Rose Whisperers. These captivating beings, clad in attire that reflects the shimmering colors of rose petals*, move through the crowds with baskets filled with the most exquisite, bio-engineered roses. Their purpose? To spark connections and ignite passion among the visitors of this sci-fi wonderland.

Ambassadors of Cosmic Love: The Rose Whisperers are more are interstellar diplomats of affection, fluent in the galactic language of flowers. At least, they say they are. Are you really going to contradict a Rose Whisperer on the love life of a daffodil?

Each rose they offer is imbued with a message, reflecting the nuances of modern space-age courtship. and when we say “Imbued”, we mean, you are welcome to add a short message along with your rose request.. A red rose might signify deep, cosmic love, a pretty blue one could denote friendship in the vast universe, while an invisible white rose represents…something else. Probably. These lovely flowers guide visitors in selecting the ideal bloom to express their feelings, making each gift a meaningful gesture or vow.

Interactive Galactic Romance: Visitors can engage with these Whisperers to pick a rose, often accompanied by a witty or poetic explanation of its meaning. They might participate in futuristic games or challenges where couples can earn roses, infusing their romantic journey with a playful edge. The Whisperers can sometimes be share tales of legendary love stories from across the galaxy or recite space-themed poetry, enriching the romantic ambiance. Or they’ll at least be able to show you cute videos on their phones; close enough, eh, friends?

In their presence, giving a rose transcends into a magical journey, where each bloom tells a story of love in the language of the cosmos. The Rose Whisperers at Wonderplace Alpha aren’t merely selling flowers; they’re selling moments of enchantment, where every rose is a narrative waiting to be discovered in the vast expanse of space.

* Or not. We’re not actually going to tell them what to wear; haven’t you ever heard of thorns?

January 2, 2025January 4, 2025

Friday Night Fairyland

“Faeries, come, take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind, Run on the top of the disheveled tide, And dance upon the mountains like a flame!”

– William Butler Yeats, “The Land of Heart’s Desire,”

Friday night, the Fae of Fable will use the powers of Magic, Sorcery, and LED Garden Lights to transform our World from a mystical Universe to a slightly more Mystical Universe. As twilight descends, the faire grounds will be bathed in a soft glow from lanterns and fireflies, casting an ethereal light that beckons all to a night of enchantment. The air will be thick with the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of whimsical melodies played on lutes and flutes and possibly the occasional giant gong. There might also be flutes.

Imagine the scene: the market stalls, usually bustling with daytime trade, now decked with gossamer wings, shimmering dust, and fairy lights. Except for the shopkeepers who don’t want to change, in which case, there’s not much we can do, unless we want them to chase us out of their stalls with forks. Performers, adorned in delicate costumes with wings that flutter in the breeze, will weave through the crowd, engaging in playful mischief or sharing ancient tales (and modern tea) of the Fae. We’ll host a gentle ball where the music invites everyone to dance under the stars, perhaps even catching a glimpse of a real fairy or two among the revelers, weaving amongst the Martians.

Fable is your host, but all the elements are welcomed!

“I am everywhere — on a moonbeam, in the trembling of a hidden spring, in the moving of leaves that murmur, in the white vapours that rise each morning from the hollow meadow, in the thickets of pink brier — everywhere!”

– Anatole France, Le crime de Sylvestre Bonnard, 1881

January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

The Meditation Labyrinth

Journey Through Time: The Meditation Labyrinth at Wonderplace Alpha

Step beyond the hustle of the fantastical marketplace into a realm of tranquility at Wonderplace Alpha with our new addition: the Meditation Labyrinth. This sacred space, inspired by the ancient paths of contemplation and self-discovery, invites all ye who wander to seek peace, clarity, and a moment of quiet reflection amidst the magical chaos of our faire.

A Path Through History

Labyrinths have been part of human culture for millennia, serving various purposes from religious rituals to personal meditation. Our labyrinth at Wonderplace Alpha is crafted in the style of the classic medieval design, a single winding path leading to the center and back out again, symbolizing the journey inward and outward, mirroring the journey of life itself.

Constructed with natural stones and surrounded by a lush garden, this labyrinth is not just a physical path but a spiritual one, where every step is an opportunity for introspection, prayer, or simply a walk in mindful silence.

The Design and Its Significance

The labyrinth at our faire is laid out in a seven-circuit pattern, reminiscent of the famous Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France. Each twist and turn of the path is designed to engage the walker’s senses, encouraging a meditative state where the mind can let go of the external world and tune into the internal one. As you navigate through the intricate loops, you are metaphorically walking through the complexities of your own life, finding your center, and then returning to the world with renewed perspective.

How to Use the Labyrinth

Whether you come to Wonderplace Alpha for the spectacle or the serenity, the labyrinth offers a unique experience:

Enter with Intent: Begin your journey with a question, a thought, or simply an open mind. As you step onto the path, set your intention for what you seek from this meditative experience.
Walk at Your Own Pace: There is no rush in the labyrinth. Walk slowly, allowing each step to be deliberate. The path leads only one way, so there’s no need to worry about choices; simply follow the path that unfolds before you.
Meditate in the Center: Upon reaching the center, pause. Here, in this small, sacred space, spend time in reflection, meditation, or prayer. It’s a place to receive insights, find peace, or simply be still.
Return with Reflection: The journey back out is just as significant as the journey in. It represents taking what you’ve learned or felt back into your everyday life.

A Community of Peace

The labyrinth is not just a personal journey but also a communal one. We encourage attendees to share this space, respecting each other’s pace and silence. It’s a place where one might encounter a stranger yet feel connected through the shared act of walking the same path, each with their own story, yet all part of the human experience.

Events and Workshops

Throughout the faire, we will offer guided walks, where experts in meditation and historical practices will share insights into the use of labyrinths through time. There will also be workshops on labyrinth walking as a form of mindfulness, with sessions tailored for both adults and children, ensuring everyone can partake in this timeless tradition.

A Sanctuary in Time

At Wonderplace Alpha, amidst the enchantment of magical performances, the wonder of otherworldly crafts, and the celebration of fantasy, the Meditation Labyrinth stands as a sanctuary. It’s a place to disconnect from the present and connect with something timeless, offering a moment of peace that transcends the centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a curious newcomer, we invite you to walk our labyrinth, to find your center, and perhaps, to find yourself.

January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

Dressing For Wonderplace Alpha – A Seminar of Ideas and Assistance

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can wear essentially whatever you’d like! Our seminars of dress and other concepts are here for your assistance and delight. They are only to enhance your experience ~ enjoy them!

We’ve invited Jareth the Goblin King to describe the seminar. He’s not terribly likely to be the one conducting the seminar; but your guides will be lovely, experienced people and/or Goblins.

Welcome, my dear subjects and travelers from realms far and wide, to a most enchanting class at Wonderplace Albion, where I, Jareth, the Goblin King, shall guide you through the art of “Dressing for Wonderplace Albion.”

In this hallowed hall, where magic and fashion intertwine like the vines of the Labyrinth, you shall learn to clothe yourself in the very essence of wonder. We begin, as all great journeys do, at the feet. Here, boots are not mere footwear but a statement of your journey’s intent. Boots laced with silver threads, each step echoing with the chimes of hidden bells, or perhaps a pair of shoes with soles that seem to dance on air, befitting the cobblestone streets of Albion.

Moving upward, we address the trousers or gown, garments that must be as versatile as the paths you’ll tread. For those who dare to wear trousers, I suggest fabrics woven with the threads of twilight, perhaps with pockets that lead to nowhere or everywhere, depending on your whim. Gowns, ah, gowns should flow like the rivers of dreams, with layers that catch the light like the moon’s reflection on water, each layer telling a story of the wearer’s adventures.

The torso, my dear ones, is where armor meets allure. Here, we shall don vests or bodices that are not just for show but for protection against the mundane. Imagine a vest with pockets for your magical trinkets, each buckle and clasp a puzzle piece to your persona. Bodices, for those who choose them, will be corseted with intrigue, adorned with jewels that might just hold the light of distant stars.

Then, we adorn with capes or coats, the final flourish of our attire. A cape can be the wings of your ambition, lined with a pattern of the night sky or the map of Albion itself. Coats, on the other hand, are your armor against the chill of reality; crafted with hidden compartments for maps, potions, or perhaps the key to another dimension.

Headwear, my friends, is not just for keeping the rain off but for crowning your majesty. From the grandest of hats, where feathers might whisper secrets, to a crown that shifts with your mood, each piece is a declaration of your sovereignty in this realm of wonder.

Accessories are the spells you cast upon your appearance. A necklace here might be a vial of captured laughter, a belt buckle could be the face of a goblin ally, and gloves – oh, gloves must be more than mere hand coverings; they are your touch on the world, perhaps even capable of turning doors into portals with a mere gesture.

In this class, you will not only dress but transform, learning to weave the very fabric of your attire with the threads of magic and mischief. We shall delve into the art of illusion, where your clothes might change with your mood or the phase of the moon. Here, at Wonderplace Albion, your attire is your story, your legend, and I, Jareth, will ensure that your legend is one for the ages.

So come, let us embark on this sartorial adventure, where each stitch is a step in the Labyrinth, and every garment you don is a piece of the magic you’ve chosen to live. Remember, in Wonderplace Albion, to dress is to dream, to dare, and to dazzle.