A band of brave adventurers combines their skills to escape a maze of deadly traps and dangerous creatures. Meanwhile, golden-armored warriors face a horde of robotic foes. Elsewhere, wizards duel with spells and try to guess their opponent’s next move.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this is the description of some movie’s plot. In fact, all this and more was taking place at the Chateau Nova Hotel last weekend during Thawcon, an event celebrating the full spectrum of geek culture.
It is the annual spring event organized by Ptarmicon, a group of local volunteers who help provide an opportunity for like-minded gamers of all ages to meet and play various boardgames, collectible card games, miniature strategy games, and videogames. Attendance at Thawcon this past weekend was more than 50 people between the ages of eight and over 50.
Sounds far-fetched? The band of adventurers – a group of people around a table using their collective imagination and wits to solve the puzzles prepared by the designated game master, who adapts the continuing story in response to the players’ actions. What about the golden warriors and robotic hordes? These are represented by dozens of carefully assembled and painted plastic models on a table top set up like a mock battlefield, complete with hills and strange rock formations. And those dueling wizards? Multiple tables with players facing each other with fully illustrated cards in front of them represent wizards dueling each other with spells.
Thawcon and other events organised by Ptarmicon are another option for people to get out of the house and socialize in Yellowknife, distinct from sports or the performing arts. Ptarmicon prides itself on providing spaces where Yellowknifers can enjoy “Good Ol’ Fashion Fun” around a table – fun without the necessity of electronics, where people are encouraged to use their imagination and express their own “geekdoms.” These spaces are judgement-free zones where people can be themselves, and express their inner nerd in whatever way they like. Ptarmicon welcomes all Yellowknifers and visitors to our city to participate in our events, come out and learn something new or share your own favourite ways to express your inner nerd.
Watch this space for more exciting news about what Ptarmicon is doing in Yellowknife! If you are interested in participating, volunteering, or would like to share your ideas about what you would like to see us do please email us at: ptarmicon@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter!