I’m off to WisCon 37 in a couple days, so updates will again will rare until I get back early next week. I’m really looking forward to the con, and I’ll be on two panels that might be relevant here:

Creating a Religion 201

Last year’s “Creating a Religion” panel dealt with topics such as the number of gods, creating mythologies and avoiding common foibles. Let’s talk about some deeper topics in created religions: dealing with the theodicy problem, developing believable schisms, detailing millenial beliefs, charting pilgrimages, describing religions without orthodox beliefs and whatever other interesting paths we may follow.

Lots of good worldbuilding advice will be given there, I’m sure.

Feminism in Gaming, 2013

2012 was a watershed year for discussion of misogyny in gaming, in many ways: Anita Sarkeesian’s Kickstarter to examine misogyny in gaming, the backlash against it, and the counter-backlash; discussion of art direction in D&D Next; attacks on Felicia Day; the launch of the Gaming as Women blog; and other developments. What has happened so far in 2013? Is the amount of backlash more an indication that misogyny is getting worse, or that we’re finally getting around to the painful but necessary conversations? How much progress have we made, and what still needs to be done?

Deep, important discussion… and that’s just the panels I’m going to be on! If this year’s WisCon is like previous years’, the conversations will be deep, thought-provoking, hilarious, moving and meaningful. If you’re around, look for me and maybe talk to me about Blade & Crown! Which, by the way, should be available for purchase at the DreamHaven tables in the Dealers’ Room.