Direbrook 2024 Panels

Curious about a panel of Event on our schedule? Look it up here for more details.

Friday Nov. 1st

[Main Events] 7:00pm - 7:30pm

Join some of Direbrook’s Founders at the Salem Stage in the Dark Market to open our second event and learn a little about what to expect in the Realm of Direbrook.

Opening Ceremonies

[Panel 1] 7:30pm-8:30pm

Join Professional Tarot reader, Anjel as they give a presentation about using Tarot as a tool for self-inquiry and introspection to supplement your therapy or shadow work.

Tarot for Self-Inquiry and Introspection ~ Anjel, Rick, Puppy

[Workshop 2] 7:30pm-9:00pm

Ever been curious how textile artists, quilters, and costumers create that look like paintings and then on closer inspection, find the image was created with fabric? If you have ever wanted to learn this technique, then this workshop is for you. At the end you will have created a fabric

Fabric Collage - The Art of Painting with Fabric ~ Theresa Halbert

[Workshop 1] 8:00pm-10:00pm

Come make your own dark fantasy headdress! Utilizing a little hot glue, fabric, flowers and magic, complete any dark desire outfit you have!

Dark Fantasy Headdress ~ Sagefen Maker Festival ($5)

[Gaming Table 2] 8:00pm-12:00am

Late Fall, 1774 Long before the town of Sleepy Hallow was made famous by the tale of Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman, a real evil lurked in the woods near the small community the town elders are calling for assistance in the matter of Witches. Children have vanished and many people have fallen ill. The town fathers fear that a coven of witches must be poisoning its people. You have been dispatched by your secret order "The Light Bringer society" to go forth and seek justice for the people of Sleepy Hallow. But is this as cut and dry as it seems? Could there be something more sinister at work? Could it be a British plot, or maligned native spirits? Or is it really a dark and powerful witch that legend says haunts the dark woods? You must find out! Join us as we tackle the colonial period on the verge of the American Revolution. Where secret magiks and clock works tech provide the defense against the darkness in this adventure in the early days of Colonial America in a sleepy little town! Bring your tri-corn hat and get ready for adventure. Turn of the card is a dice-less story rpg, that uses Tarot cards for mechanics, rules light that will be taught at the table, this story will have a horror vibe to like such films as "The Witch" "Sleepy Hallow" "The Raven."

Up to 6 Players

Turn of the Card: The Witch of the Western Woods ~ Paul the Storyteller

[Panel 1] 8:30pm-9:30pm

Greetings travelers from Portland! This evening, the Direbrook Community bids you welcome to Terra's Trivial Travails, where our resident keeper performs a nightly tavern quiz for friends, foes, and fae alike. Tonight's quiz is all about fantastical things! So please join us for a night of friendly competition and shared knowledge!

Trivial Travails: The (unofficial) Direbrook Tavern Quiz! “Fantasy” ~ Terra

[Gaming Table 1] 9:00pm-12:00am

3 DMs are here to offer you some Vampire the Masquerade 5e One-Shots. Up to 3 games available with 4 players each.

Ms.McKayla’s Game - “Whack-a-Mole” : The year is 2016. Portland is under the auspices of the Camarilla led locally by Prince Thera. Protecting the Masquerade is rule one. The human public cannot receive proof that Vampires exist. A rival group of Vampires known as the Sabbat believe that they should be able to revel in their dark urges and put the fear of Vampires back in humanity. Your group of young kindred have been recruited to be part of the team that will hunt down and eradicate a Sabbat stronghold. Reminding them that Portland is a Camarilla city. Teamed up with and under the guidance of two of Portland’s most experienced Sabbat hunters, will you be able to find the hide out and clear them out? A selection of sample player characters from different clans will be provided or a player can roll new, but if a player elects to roll new it will be simplified character creation due to time constraints.

VtM: TTRPG (up to 3 games) ~ Elizabeth, Shae, Ms.McKayla

[Panel 1] 9:30pm-11:30pm

Come test your Elden Ring knowledge at this late night jeopardy esque gameshow complete with prizes and hard to pronounce character names. Seriously, why is it like that? I can't remember who is who at all, can you?

Elden Ring After Dark ~ Iron Rose Cosplay and Gidget

Saturday Nov. 2nd

[Gaming Table 1] 10:30am-12:30pm

(Beginner Friendly) A fun indie RPG one-shot! So, you used to be a "chosen one", now what!?

So You Used to Be Chosen ~ Steph Stark

[Main Events] 11:00am-12:30pm

In this workshop participants will learn easy, magical moves in a few different styles. The Void Witch has opened many portals, both in solo and group ritual performances with her current dance medium based mostly in fusion belly dance. Lorraine has focused on the mortal dance forms of Modern, Jazz and Hip Hop with strange Burlesque movements thrown in. Both have extensive experience in creating choreography and working with various troupes. Together these two spell-casters will show how simple intention setting can be paired with basic dance moves to create something powerful. Please feel free to bring water and dress in comfy clothes.

Beginner Magical Dance: Basic moves for spells, performance, and the dance floor ~ Void Witch, Lorraine

[Workshop 1] 11:00am-12:30pm

Join costume designer and maker Alison Jean to learn how to sculpt little mushrooms out of foam clay, and to build your very own mushroom fae crown or accessory!

This will be a two-part workshop!

Day One – we will sculpt beautiful little mushrooms with wire and foam clay, perfect for attaching to any and everything.

Craft a Wild Mushroom Crown (Part 1) ~ Alison Jean ($5 Optional Donation)

[Gaming Table 2] 11:00am-3:00pm

Tabletop gaming using a dice-less system that uses Tarot cards for resolution mechanics.

London, autumn 1888, an alternative steampunk London, people are mostly huddled against the cold of a fall nights, but this year, on the wind, playbills have been fluttering around, telling of a great traveling carnival that has set up in the back parts of London.

People talk about the amazing acts and merriment that can be found there, the food and drinks that are fair priced. All seems well, except, rumors have begun to speak of what the locals are calling Chalkies, pale and twisted clownlike creatures that seem to be hunting the streets late at night.

The homeless and destitute seem to be vanishing off the streets, such darkness must be investigated. Join up with your fellow "Promethean Society" members to see what truly is lurking at the center of this travelling circus. #Diceless #Tarotbasedrpg #Victorian # Horror #Supernatural #Clowns #Steampunk #Magik

Up to 6 Players

Turn of the Card: The Night Circus ~ Paul the Storyteller

Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter, Even When We’re All Pale ~ Elizabeth, Shae, Ms. McKayla

[Panel 1] 11:00am-12:00pm

Why does diversity and inclusion matter? Come join PDX gaming productions as we discuss how and why having an inclusive and diverse group in gaming matters and how we can add more dynamics to our games.

Kimono, A Brief History ~ Martina Fahrner

[Panel 1] 12:30pm-1:00pm

A brief history of kimono and related clothing articles. Some hands-on experience on how kimonos are put together.

Introduction to Leathercraft ~ Garrofir ($10)

[Workshop 2] 12:00pm-2:00pm

A beginner friendly lesson in leathercraft.

The Art of Lip Sync: From Audition to Spotlight ~ Emily, Victoria, BlackFireRei

[Panel 2] 11:30am-1:00pm

Want to know how to audition for a lip sync contest or elevate your performance? This panel is for you. Learn from experienced lip sync veterans about what it takes to nail an audition. Get tips and tricks to take your lip sync skills to the next level.

[Main Events] 1:00pm-3:00pm

Pre-Judging for the Costume Contest, Entrants and Judges Only.

Costume Contest Pre-Judging

Sybil’s Stuffed Monsters ($5)

[Workshop 1] 1:00pm-2:30pm

Bring your own stuffed animal and learn how to turn them into wonderfully grotesque little monsters.

[Gaming 1] 1:00pm-5:00pm

D&D 5th Edition Adventure from Von Richten's Guide to Ravenloft (Up to 5 Players)

You've received a mysterious message: "Your unique skills are needed. That which others see as a curse, we know is a gift. Help us uncover the truth of the House of Lament." Will you answer the call? Perhaps in laying the malign entities of this infamous house to rest, your own spirit may at last know peace.

An atmospheric game of Dungeons & Dragons with a heavy emphasis on dread, party interaction, and discovering truths about a haunted place ... and your characters' own haunted pasts. Beginners welcome

TTRPG: The House of Lament ~ Rob Vaughn

[Panel 2] 1:30pm-2:30pm

Building a new world for storytelling can be daunting. Come pick our veteran storytellers' brains on how they go about it and tricks they use.

Building A Whole New World ~ Elizabeth, Shae, McKayla

[Panel 1] 2:30pm-3:30pm

Mabuhay! You probably know about the Philippines, and you might even know about Spanish colonization that occupied the islands for over 300 years. But did you know the Philippines is rich in mythological lore? Join us as we discuss the fascinating creatures, gods, goddesses, and non-binary representation in Filipino mythology!

Before Colonization: A Deep Dive into Filipino Mythology ~ Rei

Chaos Atelier Unveils: The Arcane Art of Sigil Crafting ~ Melody Star, Antoinette Sparkles, Diana Taylor

[Workshop 2] 2:30pm-4:00pm

Prepare to be whisked away into the mystical realms of arcane wonder! Under the flickering glow of candlelight, you shall craft your very own sigil, a mark of ancient power, imbued with intention and sealed by your will. Let the energies flow through your fingertips as you inscribe a symbol known only to you, destined to bring forth your deepest desires.

All necessary tools of the trade will be provided, ensuring your journey into the unknown is nothing short of extraordinary. Dare to enter, and depart with a talisman of your own making, charged with the essence of magic itself!

[Workshop 1] 3:00pm-4:30pm

Bring a plant and take a plant. Come to the Witchy Plant Swap and learn about plants as well as trade plants with other witches

Witchy Plant Swap ~ Anjel Kitty

Take the Mystery Out of Machine Embroidery ~ Theresa Halbert

[Panel 2] 3:00pm-4:00pm

Many folks have an embroidery machine, but are afraid to use it. Theresa will demonstrate how to set-up the machine, what stabilizer to use, how to hoop and will stitch out a design for you.

[Panel 1] 4:00pm-5:00pm

Discussion on how to successfully run an ongoing TTRPG including running as a live play.

How We Run a Successful TTRPG and you can too ~ Elizabeth, Shae, Ms.McKayla

Costume Contest

[Main Events] 4:00pm-5:00pm

Direbrook’s Costume Contest! Watch our contestants strut their stuff across our stage and show of their hard work. Judged by: Alison Jean, Mishi-chan, Air Bubbles Cosplay. Halftime will be a runway show put on by Koshinko Textiles

Turn of the Card: The Hallow ~ Paul the Storyteller

[Gaming Table 2] 4:00pm-8:00pm

Tabletop Gamming: Dice-less RPG, that uses Tarot cards for resolution. Turn of the Card presents, "The Hallow" Upstate New York, Late Fall, 1774 Long before the town of Sleepy Hallow was made famous by the tale of Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman, a real evil lurked in the woods near the small community the town elders are calling for assistance in the matter of Witches.

Children have vanished people have fallen ill. The town fathers fear that a coven of witches must be poisoning its people.

You have been dispatched by your secret order "The Light Bringer society" to go forth and seek justice for the people of Sleepy Hallow, but also prove the innocents of any Witches in the area.

Yet as you approach this sleepy village is this mystery as simple as it seems? Could there be something more sinister at work? Could it be a British plot, or maligned native spirits? Or is it really the workings of a dark and powerful witch that legend says haunts the dark woods?

You must find out!

Join us as we tackle the colonial period on the verge of the American Revolution. Where secret magiks and clock works tech provide the defense against the darkness in this adventure in the early days of America! Bring your tri-corn hat and get ready for adventure.

Up to 6 Players

Madfics ~ Anna, Bry

[Panel 2] 4:30pm-5:30pm

Remember Mad Libs? Let's do some but make it nerdy and spooky! Join us for a [adjective] time where we will [verb] original Mad Libs inspired by fanfiction with prompts provided by our [adjective] audience! If you enjoy laughing, [verb ending in "ing"], and audience participation, this is the panel for you!

[Workshop 2] 5:00pm-6:30pm

Ink Tense Pencils are a great way draw, color and shade onto fabric without heat-setting. In this workshop we will start with learning several color techniques to create a sampler to keep for your reference. This includes different brushes and fabric mediums to a number of techniques to achieve your artistic vision.

Reimagining Fabric with Ink Tense Pencils ~ Theresa Halbert ($15)

[Gaming Table 1] 5:00pm-8:00pm

3 DMs are here to offer you some Dungeons and Dragons 5e One-Shots. Up to 3 games available with 4 players each.

Elizabeth’s Game: The capital city of Ferlak has seen their food supplies dwindle over the last 5 years, but haven't found the cause. Their last group of investigators never returned. There have been whispers of an unauthorized mine, poisoned farmland, disappeared inhabitants, and strange happenings in and nearby the town. 

Now you have been tasked by the justicar of the city to go back to the town of Aernbrook, and find out what's happening to the food and supplies, where the investigators went, and why the townsfolk have disappeared.

D&D One Shot (up to 3 games) - Elizabeth, Shae, McKayla

Darkness Calling: Writing Love, Lust, and Heat ~ Freydis Moon

[Panel 1] 5:30pm-6:30pm

Dark Fantasy, Dark Romance, Gothic Horror, Fantasy Romance... All our favorite categories borrow from each other in the best way possible: placing our protagonist in a compromising position with the hero, villain, anti-hero, unexpected royal, or shadowy fae regent. But as writers, how do we utilize love and lust to propel the plot forward, enrich our characters, and build a comprehensive world? Join bestselling author Freydís Moon for a deep-dive into what makes a romantic thread stand-out in a complex story.

[Workshop 1] 5:30pm-7:00pm

Interested in making an original character with animal ears but unsure where to begin? Join our workshop to learn how to craft your own pair of animal ears. We’ll provide various patterns and all necessary materials to help you create your ears. You can either follow an existing pattern or design your own. Enjoy a fun experience and leave with a unique pair of animal ears to take home.

Create Your Own Animal Ears: A Hands-On Workshop ~ Double Mischief Cosplay ($5)

The Art of Foamsmithing ~ Iron Rose Cosplay

[Panel 2] 6:00pm-8:00pm

A lecture style presentation about all the basic information needed for someone to get started with Foamsmithing. This panel includes information about types of foam, various foam crafting techniques, priming and painting, and additional assistive practices to ensure the creation of quality and durable foam armor, props, or accessories. We will also focus on accessibility and affordability in terms of materials and convention etiquette. This panel will be interactive as there will be opportunities throughout the presentation for the audience to ask questions or share their personal experiences. The end of the panel will be an open discussion where audience members are welcome to come get a closer look at the props brought along.

Whose Initiative is it Anyway ~ Patty, Anna, Bry, Kent

[Panel 1] 7:00pm-8:00pm

Oh no! I forgot to plan this week’s session and my players are already here!

Can you come help us come up with a grand adventure that will keep these intrepid heroes entertained? Or will this night end in another TPK? The only way to find out is to join us for this panel of big dice rolls and big laughs

[Main Events] 8:00pm-9:30pm

Direbrook's Main Event, a gathering of Monsters, Witches, and everything in-between. Come Dance with your fellow creatures, meet the Monster Prom Court, and cast your vote for our Prom Monarchs!

Monster Prom: The Beelzeball (Court intro @ 8:15)

Floor Show

[Main Events] 9:30pm-10:00pm

It's time for this year's plot to be revealed in a performance by the Denizens of Direbrook, after which we will crown our Prom Monarchs.

“The After Party”

[Main Events] 10:00pm-2:00am

Starting after our Prom Monarchs are crowned, we are here to keep the music going and the Monsters dancing through the literal longest night of the year. Will you join us as your mortal clocks turn back?

Methods of Torture Throughout Time ~ Sybil

[Panel 2] 10:00pm-11:00pm

A panel covering some of the most horrific forms of torture in history. Warning: this panel may depict images gore and violence.

Trivial Travails: The (unofficial) Direbrook Tavern Quiz! “Human Kinks” ~ Terra

[Panel 1] 10:00pm-11:00pm

Greetings travelers from Portland! This evening, the Direbrook Community bids you welcome to Terra's Trivial Travails, where our resident keeper performs a nightly tavern quiz for friends, foes, and fae alike. Tonight's quiz is about to get naughty because it's all about human kinks! So please join us for a night of friendly competition and shared knowledge!

The Road of the Three-eyed Crown - Diesel Empire ~ Jefferson

[Gaming Table 2] 10:00pm-12:00am

(Beginner Friendly) Two millennia of war with the Fae have ended, suddenly, and without the Ascendancy you were promised. All you are left with is Ash. You are knights without kingdoms. Your banners are tatters, and your kings are rotting with the rest. You travel with Asholk's Pilgrims only because they have what little food remains. You are charged with spreading news of the "victory" over the Fae, and in the lands of the Three-Eyed Crown, the path for the Pilgrims must be paved at any cost, either with diplomacy, or blood. Beginners welcome, pre-mades will be provided.

A Matter of Taste: Cannibalism 1310 ~ Professor Balthazar “Bats” LeGhoul

[Panel 1] 11:00pm-12:00am

Tired of mushy manflesh and lackluster ladyfingers? Want to really impress a date, your boss, or the in-laws (and then eat them)? Go from gruesome to gourmet in this examination of choice cuts and how to cook them. Come whet your appetite with the professor, a live model, and some very adult content.

Sunday Nov. 3rd

Yoga ~ Anjel

[Main Events] 9:00am-10:00am

A gentle beginner level Hatha Yoga class taught by certified yoga teacher, Anjel

Betrayal at House on the Hill ~ Rob Vaughn

[Gaming Table 1] 9:00am-12:00pm

Atmospheric Board Game - 6 Spots

Uncover the secrets of a mysterious mansion in this classic haunted house exploration board game. As you split up (!) and wander the manor, encounters with spirits either prepare you for the coming conflict or sap your strength, and omens foretell your fate. As the night carries on and more rooms are revealed, the tension builds, because the turn is inevitable: one of you will betray the others, and it's only a matter of time before the exploring ends, and the screaming begins.

Yarn and Chill ~ Euly

[Workshop 1] 10:00am-11:30am

Like Knitting or crocheting? Join us to do just that. Stay for a little while or stay the whole time. Bring your own stuff or use the things provided. No obligations, Just yarn and chill.

Rat Cellar ~ Mork Börg ~ Spencer

[Gaming Table 2] 10:00am-12:00pm

(Beginner Friendly) Mörk Borg is a pitch-black apocalyptic fantasy RPG about lost souls and fools seeking redemption, forgiveness or the last remaining riches in a bleak and dying world. Along with your party, take on an infestation of rats and explore a sewer that is a world apart from your own. This adventure is beginner-friendly and pre-generated characters will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own character, too.

[Main Events] 10:30am-12:30pm

Learn how to choreograph and perform a stage fight.

Lessons in Stage Combat ~ Garrofir

Wing It Like a Pro: A Beginners Guide to Wing Making ~ Double Mischief Cosplay

[Panel 1] 11:00am-12:00pm

Are you interested in creating cosplay wings but don't know where to begin?

Come to Wing It Like A Pro: A Beginner’s Guide To Wing Making, where the cosplay duo Double Mischief Cosplay will guide you through selecting materials, patterning, and various attachment methods. Explore the art of wing making and discover how this skill can empower you to craft your own unique wings

Modifying your kimono for costuming and everyday wear ~ Martina Fahner ($20 optional Fee)

[Workshop 2] 11:00am-12:30pm

So, you have a kimono and want to know how to modify it for your use. Come brainstorm with the ladies from Koshinko on how to modify your kimono to be able to fit you and how you might be able to incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe or use it to improve your costuming.

Trivial Travails: The (unofficial) Direbrook Tavern Quiz! “Weird Mortal Realm” ~ Terra

[Panel 1] 12:00pm-1:00pm

Greetings travelers from Portland! This evening, the Direbrook Community bids you welcome to Terra's Trivial Travails, where our resident keeper performs a nightly tavern quiz for friends, foes, and fae alike. Today's quiz is all about the weirdness of the mortal realm! So please join us for an afternoon of friendly competition and shared knowledge!

Craft a Wild Mushroom Crown (part 2) ~ Alison Jean ($5 Optional Donation)

[Workshop 1] 12:00pm-1:30pm

Join costume designer and maker Alison Jean to learn how to sculpt little mushrooms out of foam clay, and to build your very own mushroom fae crown or accessory!

This will be a two-part workshop!

Day Two – (optional if you want to take your little mushies as they are) We will craft crowns, arm bands, or whatever type of small accessory you’d like, and decorate them with your mushrooms from day one along with bits and bobs from Alison Jean’s crafting trove! Please feel welcome to bring your own bits to add into your accessory.

Caves of Seven Skulls ~ Pirate Borg ~ Spencer

[Gaming Table 2] 12:00pm-2:00pm

(Beginner Friendly) Pirate Borg is a scurvy-ridden RPG, inspired by history, fantasy, horror, and rum. Along with your crew, explore the Caves of Seven Skulls in search of treasure to plunder. This adventure is beginner-friendly and pre-generated characters will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own character, too.

[Panel 1] 1:00pm-2:00pm

This panel will guide creatives through the process of taking a project from initial concept to final execution, offering strategies for staying organized and maintaining momentum at every stage.

Topics include:

Turning ideas into actionable plans

Setting realistic goals and timelines for creative work

Tools for tracking progress and staying accountable

Balancing inspiration with project management

How to maintain creativity during the planning phase

By the end of the panel, attendees will feel empowered to tackle their next project with a structured approach that doesn’t stifle creativity but instead enhances productivity and execution.

From Idea to Execution: Organizing Creative Projects for Success ~ Sam Roberts

Intermediate Leathercraft Workshop ~ Garrofir ($10)

[Workshop 2] 1:30pm-3:30pm

A leathercraft workshop exploring skills beyond the basics.

The Art of Machine Embroidery Digitizing ~ Theresa Halbert

[Panel 1] 2:00pm-3:00pm

Creating a design for a machine embroidery design takes artistic and technical skills. Theresa will demonstrate the software she uses for her artwork and go through the steps on how a design is created. She'll have samples on hand and will share many different options in creating a design.

Call of Cthulhu ~ SueZeev

[Gaming Table 1] 2:00pm-4:00pm

(Beginner Friendly) Call of Cthulhu is a dark eldritch horror game that is sure to send shudders and delight down the spines of new and experience players alike. Join this beginner friendly table as a investigator trying to unravel a mystery and come out of the situation with your sanity and your life. Beginners welcome, pre-mades will be provided.

Lip Sync Battle Royal

[Main Events] 2:00pm-3:30pm

Direbrook’s Lip Sync Battle Royale! Enjoy Lip Sync performances from our contestants as they try to impress our judges: Riku, Kai Lockhart, Sew-Into-Music. Hosted by Black Fire Rei and Crimson Corgi!

Acing Asexuality in Fantasy ~ Rose Giacomini, Rosiee Thor

[Panel 1] 3:00pm-4:00pm

An exploration of asexual and aromantic identity in fantasy fiction, from authors across the spectrum

[Main Events] 4:00pm-4:30pm

Close out our second event with Direbrook’s Founders and hear announcements about next year!

Closing Ceremonies

[Panel 1] 4:30pm-5:00pm

Hosted by the Mayor and Direbrook Family members, a place to tell us what you enjoyed, or disliked about this year's events. We welcome your feedback, positive and negative. We'll also have an online feedback form after the event if you are unable to attend or wish to stay anonymous.

Direbrook Town Hall

Special Room Schedules

Dark Market

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10am-6pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Raven Haven

Friday: Closed

Saturday: 10am-12am

Sunday: 10am-5pm