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ToshoCON Walking Review and Art Through Contest Winners Walls Chapter 7: Tentacles and Pentacles FREE Original Fiction by UtahGeekMagazine.comwww.UtahGeekMagazine.com DavidPage 1J West Page 2 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Publisher & CEO From the Editor Dennis Lundstrom

Here it is, issue #7, our fi rst anniversary issue. It’s hard to believe Executive Editor & VP Adrian Broadhead it’s been a year since we debuted at Salt Lake Comic Con 2014. Back then, we were just two inexperienced geeks with an idea Contributing Editors to fi ll a niche, and a handful of friends and acquaintances who Alex Sousa, Ricky Alvarez shared the vision, and who were willing to donate some time and some words. Contributing Writers Brian Wiser, Carter Reid, Daniel Yocom, David J. Now, with 7 issues under our belt, we’re still just a couple of in- West, Deborah Moore, Mercedes Roberts, Nick experienced geeks, but we’ve built a team of over 50 contributing & Ashlee Montelongo, Stephanie Sharp, The writers, editors, and photographers. We’re even lucky enough to Ghostbusters of Salt Lake, Zac Johnson have a professional magazine editor on board who has helped us bring new and more professional look and feel to the magazine. Utah Geek Magazine may or may not agree with the views and opinions expressed herein by our contributors. We continue to grow after every issue we publish, and every Copyright Utah Geek Media LLC. Reproduction without event we attend. Our most exciting new feature, the Cosplay Cen- our expressed permission is prohibited. Utah Geek terfold, highlights an epic local cosplayer in a two page pictoral Magazine, UGeek Media, and the UGeek logo are trademarks (TM) of Utah Geek Media LLC. spread. Newly announced this issue is our partnership with VFire (aka Mercedes) from the local cosplay blog Cosplay Stitch and To advertise in Utah Geek Magazine, visit Seam, who will be managing the feature and providing addition- UtahGeekMagazine.com/advertise, or call Dennis at al content on her website, stitchandseam.blogspot.com. Daniel 801.839.4581 Yocom, from the local gaming blog Guild Master Gaming (guild- mastergaming.blogspot.com), will be providing RPG and board Website: www.UtahGeekMagazine.com game reviews. Email: [email protected] We have so much more content planned, and even some stuff already “on the shelf” ready to go, but we’re out of space! Our Follow us on Social Media: main goal over the next year is to increase the size of the maga- Facebook.com/ugeekmedia zine to 24 or 32 full-color pages of content. We’ll have movie and Twitter.com/ugeekmedia video game reviews, anime reviews, gadget reviews, and much YouTube.com/ugeektv more. Within the next few months, we’ll be integrating digital media into the magazine as well. Our print content will include links to extended content on our website, YouTube videos, and a brand We are currently seeking talented new podcast we’re developing with Tom Carr, formerly from the people, like you, to contribute to popular Residual Haunting Revived podcast, and his production Utah Geek Magazine. We are looking company, Bag of Holding Productions. for help with: Do you want to support Utah Geek Magazine, but don’t have the time or ability to contribute work or content? You can now *Ad Sales & Marketing* support or subscribe to Utah Geek Magazine through Patreon, a subscripton-based crowd funding site, through our website at Consulting UtahGeekMagazine.com/subscribe. SALT LAKE Distribution COMIC Copy Editing Finally, be sure to fi nd us at Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 at table CON Content Writing Red 8 and say “Hi”, and keep an eye on our Facebook page for our TAbLE # upcoming launch party in May 2016. RED 8 Video Production - Adrian Broadhead Photography VP& Executive Editor Cosplay Modeling Graphic Designing Original and Fan Art

On the cover: If you are interested in volunteering art by Nathan Parét in any way, or have questions about Nathan Parét has been an active landscape, portrait, and pop culture Utah Geek Magazine, please visit: artist since 1979, receiving many awards. His art appears on ads, UtahGeekMagazine.com/Contribute books, brochures and on many walls. http://nathanparet.prosite.com

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many of them have given these books a fair to talk over the book with River or Nelina In Defense chance. You shouldn’t dismiss a whole genre while they are reading it. based on one book you didn’t like, because All of these skills and benefi ts have trans- there are so many benefi ts to reading them. of Comics ferred over to other books my daughters My friend, Angie, was having a hard time read. They have become avid readers be- By Deborah Moore getting her son to read. When she told me cause of the introduction to graphic novels Photo credits Mark Lewis (MarkLewisDraws. com) & Andrews McMeel Publishing this, I took her to the graphic novel section and comicbooks. That doesn’t mean I think at our library, and recommended books that of them as simply a stepping stone to larger very once in a while I hear a I enjoyed. Some of them included Zita the books. We all still check them out. Spacegirl, Giants Beware, and the Mal and snarky comment about comic- People will still make snarky comments. Chad series. Angie left with a massive stack Ebooks and graphic novels. There will still be stereotypes about graphic of graphic novels for her son. Some people will complain about how novels and comicbooks on children are wasting their time reading That evening, I got a text from my friend television and in them. I can’t help but wonder how that her son had spent the past hour reading other media. It the books. He even gave up TV time so doesn’t both- he could read more of them. He’s not the er me though. exception to the rule, either. I’ve noticed this I’m too busy in other children, as well. reading. Raising Geeks My daughters have both improved their reading and vocabulary skills by reading comics. When River was in second grade, she was obsessed with Calvin and Hobbes and learned words like character and sordid. It’s also easier for me to read over a comic- book or graphic novel, and make sure that it’s appropriate for my daughter, because I can fi nish a book in a day. It also allows me

Page 4 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com cept and how they would fit into game play. for additional clarification, but this didn’t Shadowrun Shadowrun Runner’s Toolkit is a boxed set interrupt the flow of the game very much. of a game master’s screen, table aids such as I am sure with another session or two, the 20th Anniversary reference cards and maps, and five books. intricacies of the individual cards would not Again, the materials and printing are of high be a problem. By Daniel Yocom quality. The screen and table aids are some The game starts as the players enter www.UGeek.us/DanielYocom Photo credit Catalyst Game Labs of the best I have ever come across. the first of a series of unknown rooms. The The reference cards provide easy access rooms are randomly selected and he long-time gamers I know have to a number of regularly encountered game placed in order, face down on the heard of Shadowrun, but it’s all table. There are more room cards mechanics. Each side of the six cards covers Tabletop Games Tright if you haven’t. It’s a creative a specific topic, like autonomous drone than are used in a single game, which cyberpunk setting where fantasy races and combat, with general information and a step results in a different layout with every magic have also come back into the world. by step walkthrough. play. Each of the books cover an area to help Players can play actions and items. start, play, and run games. The first book tells Each player chooses their play and the story of a shadow run and break each locks it in, then the cards are revealed section of the adventure down in terms of in order. Strategy comes into play be- the game mechanics that would be used. cause, by the time it gets to your turn, The next one helps in character creation (a the action you chose may no longer point based system) by providing a number be available. Each round the starting of mix and match kits for traits, skills, and player rotates, so you also need to take gear. Another is a collection of tables from a that into consideration. number of books from the Shadowrun main The end of the game is set by a collection. The fourth is an informational unique counter system. Each round book addressing contacts, types of adven- ends with the threat level of the build- tures, and descriptions of several locations. ing increasing. When the counter reaches 99, The last book is a solid, 55 page introductory the building locks down and the game ends. adventure. Any player still in the building is captured, Get your elf ready for his run, one of the taking them out of the game. The players people he’ll be running into is a troll body- who made it out of the building are scored guard. based on how much data they escaped with. It is possible for a game to end with no For an expanded review of these materi- Shadowrun gives you a place to play your el- winner. als, visit utahgeekmagazine.com. ven street samurai, with bio-enhancements, doing some wet work for “Mr. Johnson.” Shadowrun first came out over 20 years Infiltration ago. Recently, the Shadowrun 20th Anniversa- By Daniel Yocom ry Core Rulebook was released to update the www.UGeek.us/DanielYocom game. Along with the rulebook there is also Photo credit Fantasy Flight Games a box set, Shadowrun Runner’s Toolkit, to help you get started. I played Shadowrun years ou have been hired to steal valuable ago, and decided to pick these up these two secrets from a highly secured corpo- items from a local game shop. Yrate facility. But you are not the only The Shadowrun 20th Anniversary Core Rule- one. What started out as a team effort to get book is a 375 page, hard bound, standard in is now more of an individual effort to get sized game book, which covers the basics out, and to get paid. Therefore, you have to of running and playing Shadowrun. This is a work together, but not too much. high quality piece of work. The materials and That is the theme of Infiltration, a card print are good and the content is good. game created by Donald X. Vaccarino—also The Shadowrun timeline has been moved known for creating Dominion and Kingdom Infiltration is designed for 2–6 players. out 20 years and updated to fit advances in Builder. Set in the dystopian future of An- We were able to complete the game in the the game and in reality. Each major section droid, you use your wits, and a few pieces of upper end of the suggested time limit of of the book begins with a piece of short technology, to get as deep as you dare into 45 minutes. The other four new players said fiction to help the reader understand what the building, download data, and get out they enjoyed the game and they would is being covered, as well as establishing the before the building goes into lockdown. consider playing it again. Our instructor tone and feel of the setting. I had the opportunity to play Infiltration mentioned his group plays Infiltration as a filler game while waiting for people. I found the information easy to follow at a local game day. We had six players total, and comprehend. There are plenty of tables with five of us being new. This is a good, shorter game (30-45 for easy reference, which are indexed in the We were all able to pick up the general minutes) that doesn’t require a lot of setup back of the book to find them quickly when rules and got playing quickly, even though or cleanup. It is recommended for ages 14+ the need arises. There are also examples we weren’t previously experienced with the and I think a few years younger would work throughout the book that explain the con- game. We needed to look up a few points if you have some gaming experience. www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Page 5 The fi rst episode aired was the . It was enjoyable, but not life-changing, and was a confusing introduction to the series. Later episodes like Our Mrs. Reynolds were unbelievably fun with great humor and solid storylines. People were hooked – if only they CELEBRATING could fi gure out when it was being aired and not randomly preempted by a diff erent show. 10 YEARS OF Most fans saw only a few episodes. Unfortu- nately, after airing just 11 episodes, with the last episode being the pilot Serenity that prop- erly introduced the series, Fox cancelled Firefl y. One year after the show’s cancellation, in December 2003, the complete series was & released on DVD, which allowed most people to watch it. Seeing all 14 episodes in the proper order was enough to cause most viewers to fall in love with Firefl y and simultaneously feel a deep loss that the series was cut short. Firefl y was unlike anything previously aired, and fans felt compelled by the story and completely soundtrack, which is extremely beautiful and attached to the entire cast. The fans, cast and Serenity Now memorable, intensifi es the story. Firefl y appeals crew felt a personal connection to Firefl y, to men and women of all ages and all walks of because the writers and Whedon demanded The and life. They connect with the reality-based char- realism that was all too often missing in tradi- Browncoat legacy acters who are both noble and fl awed. tional programming. remains strong The premise is that hundreds of years in the , who co-produced Firefl y, remi- future, people speak of “Earth that was” as if it nisced that Firefl y fans were “a bunch of losers By Brian Wiser who didn’t have a spit’s chance in hell” for @BrianWiser no longer exists. The populated worlds in the universe are varied and extreme. Some of the victory against the network executives – just as Illustration by Nathan Parét the Firefl y crew struggled against The Read Brian’s personal story at UtahGeekMagazine.com/ planets encountered are reminiscent of those Memories-of-Serenity in the fi lm Blade Runner with every modern government. The characters were people living convenience, while others have primitive con- on the edge in a harsh future, struggling to n September 20, 2002, ’s ditions similar to the old West. The old and cob- survive with many forces against them. The science fi ction TV series Firefl y fi rst bled together Firefl y-class spaceship named fans wanted Firefl y. The network wanted it can- aired, changing many lives in ways O “Serenity” carries Captain celled and they succeeded. A dominant theme not imagined. It was cancelled far too soon, and his patchwork crew. They take what jobs in Firefl y and in our current world is standing a few months later, but that wasn’t the end they can – even some that are legal – in order up for one’s beliefs in the face of impenetrable of the story for the fans who call themselves to survive on the raggedy edge of the Black. power and infl uence. Browncoats. In 2002, the few Firefl y ads that aired caught Undaunted by a seemingly impossible chal- Through the combined eff orts of Joss Whe- people’s attention. Unfortunately, the many lenge to get more Firefl ,y fans came together don, the cast and fans, the sequel movie intriguing elements from the ads remained a and engaged in long and strong guerrilla Serenity was released on September 30, mystery until Firefl y’s cancellation, as the marketing campaigns. Besides communicating 2005. That’s an important anniversary episodes were shown out with the studio in many creative and positive that Browncoats celebrate. of order. ways, they strove to increase awareness of Fire- We’re celebrating much fl y and increase the fanbase, thereby increas- more than a great TV ing the potential audience for a sequel. They series and movie. created art, music, and Joss Whedon, Tim Minear, the cast, and produc-

Feature tion crew didn’t just create one of most believable universes with strong characters – they created something special and beautiful that endures. What’s so special about Firefl y? On the surface, Firefl y is a fun combination of a science fi ction and western frontier with Chinese infl u- ence. It’s smart storytelling that merges realistic drama, humor and enjoy- able relationships. ’s Page 6 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com films. Browncoats held shindigs and have come together in the name of celebrated Firefly together. Strang- Firefly to raise money for charities ers became extended families. It important to Whedon and cast, as was, and still is, a strong movement. well as local charities. Donating time As stated by in the and money to charity is an import- documentary filmDone The Impossi- ant part of being a Browncoat. ble, “The words ‘Firefly’ and ‘Brown- The best example of charitable coat’ came to symbolize a sense of fundraising is the annual showing community, family, and a conviction of Serenity in fan-rented theaters that the impossible can be accom- worldwide, called “Can’t Stop the plished. These concepts are at the Serenity” – a play on words from very heart of Firefly and its fans.” the popular line in Serenity, “You 10259 S 1300 E, Sandy, UT 84094 The fans weren’t the only people Can’t Stop the Signal.” The event is a (801) 571-8258 Ad reflects sign-in times. Play begins approximately 30 minutes later. motivated to have more Firefly. chance for fans to volunteer, come Whedon, with the support of his together, celebrate their love for Firefly, and help an important cause. cast and crew, received permission 6pm - Free from Fox to take Firefly to anoth- The effort raises money for Whe- MON er studio. Universal green-lit the don’s favorite charity Equality Now sequel movie Serenity, recognizing that works for the protection of the 6pm - Free Whedon’s brilliance and talent as human rights of women, ending WED 8pm - Free well as the strong fanbase. violence and discrimination against It wasn’t just great TV program- women worldwide. Since 2006, over ming that motivated Browncoats. $1,000,000 has been raised by Can’t The cast started appearing at Stop the Serenity. There’s a second 6pm - Free conventions and connecting screening this year by the Utah TUES with people as people. It became Browncoats on October 10, listed at abundantly clear that the cast, who UtahBrowncoats.com. Besides see- were fantastic on screen and loved ing Serenity, attendees of the event Firefly too, were every bit as special can participate in a panel with Firefly and deep-hearted in person. The costume designer Shawna Trpcic. 5pm - Free fans loved Firefly and loved the cast Over a decade later, it is clear WED every bit as much. that Firefly and the Browncoat Serenity was released in 2005 and movement can’t be contained, and was critically acclaimed, yet box-of- that Firefly will continue to change fice sales weren’t high enough for people’s lives. If you have never seen 6pm - $2 Universal. The studio had relied too Firefly and Serenity, you owe it to THUR Traditional - League much on the fans for marketing, yourself to experience what some and Browncoats certainly outdid have called, “The greatest science 1pm - $5 themselves with their marketing fiction television series ever created.” SAT Advanced - League efforts. Unfortunately, despite Uni- Though they might be biased, versal having the option to film two there’s a whole legion of Browncoats sequels, the rights to Firefly reverted who tend to agree. 6:30pm - $5 Standard - Competitive back to Fox. Copyright © 2015 Brian Wiser. FRI In the last several years, there has All Rights Reserved. Printed with 6:30pm - $15 been a further resurgence with new permission. SAT Draft - League fans and new products available. Dozens of fan films have been About the Author: made, countless games created, Brian Wiser is a producer best known for the and comics from Dark Horse 2006 documentary filmDone The Impossible: 1pm - $5 The Fans’ Tale of Firefly & Serenity. It is hosted by written that extend the Constructed - League Adam Baldwin with voice-over by , SAT storyline. Browncoats and features interviews with Joss Whedon, the continue to watch and cast, crew, and fans. share Firefly, making In 2005, Wiser was cast as an extra in new friends in the Joss Whedon’s movie Serenity and had a few seconds of screen time with Jewel Staite. That process. Firefly is experience inspired him to be a producer and 7pm - $5 stronger today than writer for , a co-founder of SAT New Frontier - League it has ever been. The Utah Browncoats, and to create and co-pro- duce many Firefly-related projects like his 2007 cast and fans remain Browncoat Cruise featuring Firefly cast like Ron passionate about it, Glass and Michael Fairman. www.MysticHobbyGames.com ensuring that Firefly will You can follow him on Twitter at @BrianWis- endure for generations. er. To read about Brian’s personal experiences www.Facebook.com/MysticHobbyGames with Serenity, the cast, and the Done the Impossible documentary, visit UtahGeekMaga- All paid events have a prize pool based on Attendance. “League” denotes 1 pack to every player and Ever since Firefly’s can- additional prizes to top players. “Competative” denotes prizes to top players only. Times, Prices, and cellation, Browncoats zine.com/Memories-of-Serenity Prizes are subject to change. For more information, updates, and special events, please visit our Facebook Page or Website. All logos and images are © their respective owners. www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Page 7 acebook.com/jcaofoto F Cosplayer: Ash Sweetring Ash Cosplayer: Character: Daedric Warrior Character: Daedric Facebook.com/AshSweetring Photographer: Jackie Photography Photographer: Cao

Page 8 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com – Ash Sweetring – Ash Cosplay Tip: Cosplay for All! for Cosplay Tip: Cosplay “I am absolutely all about body, mind and all about body, “I am absolutely understand and apply this thinking“Being able to heart in all yourself positivity! love Being able to is one of the most importantsituations things people who Many do as humans. to forget we that time with the a harder have seem to plus size are down put themselves to of this and tend concept because they are Cosplay to attempt or not even there that you tell to want of rejection. I don’t afraid negative you who will give out there anyone isn’t but all cosplayers, to troll and be a general feedback fi to put on that courage nd the nally fi when you so much time planning, spent you that costume is no be perfectand adjusting to then there you for victory. gratifying satisfaction or more greater beyond life actionsand turn it into has changed my is beautiful and the this beautiful hobby. Everyone see a change you understands that, sooner anyone and admirable.” is contagious in them that Ash Sweetring is a wonderful and inspiring cosplayer. is a wonderful Sweetring and inspiringAsh cosplayer. because is one of the most amazing cosplayers Ash By Mercedes RobertsBy Mercedes www.StitchAndSeam.blogspot.com for and outlook on cosplay She has the best advice everyone! of her spunk, she work her kindness, and the incredible of the pictures and the rest more her craft. For puts into and Seam at Stitch interview visit Cosplay with Ash, www.StitchAndSeam.blogspot.com. www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Page 9 WALKING THROUGH WALLS

CHAPTER 7: TENTACLES AND PENTACLES

BY DAVID J. WEST DAVID-J-WEST.BLOGSPOT.COM

The story so far: cal immunity to my ethereal suggestions. He found myself cut to ribbons for the eff ort. Kenaz, a young information broker, can threw open the wardrobe door revealing my A third time I possessed the foreign body step outside his body to gather secrets. He has body’s hiding place. and this time I kept the other devil-fi sh at been blackmailed by multiple sinister parties to “What is that?” asked the sergeant. “A dead bay, producing a strange prismatic feature retrieve a powerful artifact known as “The Re- body?” I never knew the creatures had, a hypnotic liliqy”. He just stole it. But now it’s sinking into “Course it’s a dead body. One the Grand light show radiating multiple bright colors the demon-haunted sea with his accomplice Sahir must’ve experimented on,” said anoth- from the devil-fi sh body. I told them she was Lysandra. Angry guardsmen are about to catch er. not food and to let her go. Most seemed to him red-handed . . . “No,” grumbled the Captain. “This was one accept such a statement but two decided I of the thieves climbing the walls. Look he was saving her for myself and attacked. ot many people have been dropped has a fresh wound.” Torn in two directions I left the carcass and by a Djinn into the bay at night, but “Did they try and hide him?” asked the entered the stronger of the two and in turn NLysandra has. She gulped a mouth- Sergeant, as he poked me with the end of his divested his cohort of all ability in no uncer- ful of brackish seawater while the magic poleaxe. “He is dead, ain’t he?” tain terms. I followed Lysandra, protecting carpet she had been riding sunk summon- Naturally I would appear so, since my her at a gentle distance until she made it to ing the devil-fi sh. They always fed at night. spirit was watching outside of my body. the docks of Tolburn. Utterly exhausted she Lysandra struggled to reach the surface My suggestions to leave my wounded form strained to reach the ladder upon the dock. against the weight of her knives and light alone didn’t work. Then my spiritual ears I tried one more time to assist her, nudging chain mail vest. Her crossbow pistol was heard Lysandra’s scream out in the bay her legs upward with the jelly-like torso of sadly lost. It sank to the bottom along with where the Djinn had just dropped her. I had the devil-fi sh’s body. Surprised, she accepted the chest that Kenaz wanted so badly. The to help her no matter what the guards might the help up to the fi rst rung. Cortezian Bay was reputed to be very deep. do to my fl esh. Lysandra looked at me in my devil-fi sh No treasure lost there was ever recovered. Instantly I was spiritually beside her. form and wondered aloud, “Kenaz?” I re- She broke the surface, got one breath of A devil-fi sh had gripped her leg and was sponded with the fl ashing discoloration so fresh air and guessed at how far she had pulling her into the hellish depths toward its useful with this variant anatomy. “I lost the to swim. The city lights didn’t look far, but snapping iron-like beak. I’ve never had luck chest,” she sputtered, “I’m sorry.” the threat of ravenous squids made it with suggestion to animals and certainly The chest! Of course, with this amaz- seem miles. I’ve never tried to manipulate devil-fi sh ing body I could try the unthinkable! The Then something in the water but I must attempt it or Lysandra would be humanely impossible! Diving deeper than beneath touched her. It moved slowly devoured. any man is capable of I went past hundreds like a caressing fi nger, probing curi- Leave her alone! Let her go! of the deadly denizens of the deep, packs of ously across her thigh like a shy lover. Nothing, no response from so alien a devil-fi sh and other bottom feeders too hid- It suddenly went tight and pulled her mind as a devil-fi sh. Instead a second one at- eous and cruel to name and by Yig’s beard I down. Her scream silenced by the dark tempted to grab my spirit with its tentacles, found the sunken coff er! waters. though completely in vain. Pulling upon its brazen clasps, I still found *** She was drowning. I had to try something them sealed to even my multi-dexterous I remained invisible, in my astral I’ve never done before. Something that felt limbs. Grabbing the chest with six tentacles, Fiction form, as the Captain of the Guard wrong and gave chills. I pressed my spirit I heaved it upward to that distant ceiling. It searched the wreckage of the Grand into the devil-fi sh and took control of its took all the strength of the body I possessed Sahir’s lair. The aftermath of the sum- mind! to make it but I broke the surface. Lysandra, moning of Kathulos had destroyed It took a moment to navigate its unfamil- breathing hard, reached as I pushed the most of the sorcerous chamber. I tried iar body, but I did it. I had control! I let go of trunk to her waiting hand. She yanked it again to suggest that the Captain and Lysandra and swam next to her face, to try up to the dock and said, “I concede, Kenaz, his men leave, that we thieves had all and tell her it was me. you are smarter than I ever took you for. But escaped aboard the Djinn’s magic carpet. He She plunged her Nybo blade into my much more handsome now,” she laughed. was not buying what I sold and waved his brain! Deader than stone gods! The devil-fi sh “Though I’m still not interested in you.” sword in my general direction, scrutinizing body sank away before being snatched up She was , the Reliliqy inside the chest the unknown. Somehow the pentacle of his by some other nameless horror. was safe and I left the exhausted devil-fi sh Brotherhood of Shadows granted him magi- I took hold of another devil-fi sh and body. I went back fast as thought to my own again tried to help her to the surface, but corpse and whatever ruin the guardsmen Page 10 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com had done to it. Would they pierce and kill magical pentacle of Saboath, I understood “Someone grab Pike to heal Kenaz!” com- my body? Throw me in a dungeon? Toss me why couldn’t read his mind. manded Sal. from the tower? Once thru the gates of his compound Sal “What is going on Sal?” I found myself being carried down a flight had Tubaloth put me into a fine chair saying, “I am declaring you, Kenaz, my heir!” of stairs by two guardsmen. Thinking me “All right Kenaz, I’m sure you’re about, you I’m stunned. I have no idea what amount dead, they were going to dispose of my may as well cease your pretensions and of wealth Sal has but it is indeed vast and body. Perhaps if they just threw me in a inhabit your body.” to declare me his heir? What a fortuitous refuse heap that would do, or even if they He knew my secret? I had tried so hard to happening. “I don’t know what to say.” threw me into the sea I could pretend a protect it. But if the witches of Vavath knew, “Say yes!” moment longer and escape. why wouldn’t The Salamander too? I entered “But I’m not officially in any of the guilds In the courtyard, the Captain gave the my body and took a deep breath. The wound or brotherhoods, I have not as you say, ‘Made order, “All right you lads, take the body to flared me awake to the pain of being alive. My Bones’ with anyone. There is no ‘Blood the gates and cut the head off and put it on “Ah, welcome back to the land of the In-Blood Out’ with me.” a pike!” living. I believe you owe me one, since you “I’ll take care of all of that, you just accept This was bad. were nearly decapitated.” my offer and recover. Pike! Where are you? I would pretend to be dead right until “I am grateful Sal. Things did not go as Kenaz needs healing now!” they would strike with the ax and then I planned.” Pike, the wastrel conjurer, appeared and could give them a scare and escape. “It’s quite all right. Good thing my spiders began casting a healing spell over me. It “Keep him bound until it’s done,” said the told me what was happening.” burned and itched but I felt better. Captain, before disappearing back into the Just when I think I know more than he “Very well, I accept this honor, Sal!” tower. does, the old master surprises me again. “Wonderful, we hold the ceremony on the Nine hells, I hadn’t thought of that. They’d “Where is The Reliliqy now?” he asked. “Is morrow. We shall be as blood kin. Your prob- tied my dead man’s hands and legs together. it safe?” lems are mine and our duties are joined!” This was desperate. Could I try my devil-fish “Safe as houses,” I responded. “Lysandra This good news troubled me. Why the trick on them? I had never taken another has it.” sudden honor and obligation from The Sal- person’s mind before, just giving sugges- He quickly signaled Tubaloth. The giant amander? Why does he keep that pentacle tions but I was running out of options. They black-skinned Valchiki bellowed a command. of Saboath? And why did he want Lysandra brought my body to the chopping block and A dozen of the Valchiki spearmen followed dead? Something stinks tonight in Tolburn. set me down roughly. One spit in his hands him out the gates. and swung his ax to warm up. I had better “What’s that about? Isn’t she your agent?” try something. “Lysandra was mine, but some complica- A knock at the gatehouse grabbed their tions came up just as you were doing your Next Time: Burning Bridges attention and they left me. I heard a familiar errand. I fear she will turn against me now jovial voice greet the guards. “Gentlemen, I and sell The Reliliqy to The Torch.” About the Author: understand you have a body and I need just “Well of course if you are sending your David J. West is the bestselling author of Heroes such a body.” It was Sal! But how did he know goon squad after her, she will,” I said. of the Fallen, Weird Tales of Horror, and The Mad I was here and how did he arrive at such an Sal laughed, “Don’t worry about that Song. His latest novels are the gothic horror In opportune time? pretty thief, this will all be smoke on the My Time of Dying and the historical fantasy The “We can’t give you this one Salamander, water soon enough. We have a celebration Bastard Prince: Serpents Prow. He has an affinity the Captain said his head has to go on a to plan!” for history, action-adventure, fantasy, westerns pike.” “No, Sal. I’m wounded and was nearly and pulpy horror blended with a sharp knife and “Tell you what,” bargained Sal. He held up sucked down the gullet of an angry an- served in a dirty glass—meaning he writes what he knows. He currently lives in Utah with his wife a talisman not unlike the one the Captain ti-god. Now you’re telling me the one person and children. You can connect with him at http:// had and the guardsmen understood. “You I gave The Reliliqy to is about to betray us? I david-j-west.blogspot.com give me that body there unharmed, mind just saved her life not an hour ago—as she you, and I give you two hundred denarii saved mine tonight. So no, I don’t want to Get David’s all of book’s signed at Salt and this.” He produced two bags. One was celebrate. We have to figure out what we are Lake Comic Con, table #Black 15! obviously the two hundred gold denarii and gonna do when The Torch comes after me another that was grotesquely head-sized. and my family in just a few hours. I have only They looked in the bag and agreed. One until daybreak!” took the bags. The other carried my body to Sal grumbled a moment before his usual SALT LAKE Sal’s giant man-servant, Tubaloth, who slung boisterous self returned. “It is taken care of. COMIC me over his shoulder like a sack of grain. We are going to war with The Torch. I won’t “Pleasure doing business with you,” said let anything happen to you or your family. I CON Table # Sal, “but forget that we did, huh?” He then swear.” Black 15 gave a brusque malevolent gesture across “Why would you upset the peace over his throat and the guardsmen nodded. me? I understand we’re friends, but you Tubaloth carried me, following Sal, always put business first. Why not buy him down murkily lit alleys to his estate. For as off? Why a street war?” much as I had thought the old fat man was Sal smiled. “I want it all. I want him out growing—well—fat, I was surprised at his of the way permanently and because the cel- quick pace and keen insights to the hidden ebration I am talking about is directly related passages of the city. His gait suggested to you.” he owned the streets and no footpads or “What?” I asked, more confused than ever cutpurses dared molest him. When I saw his as the pain erupted again.

www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Page 11 Digital1st - Julia Finley, “Fabricated Art hearts” 2nd - Cierra Campbell, “What’s one thousand minus seven?” ToshoCON: 2015 Teen Art Contest Winners

On Saturday, August 1, Utah Geek Magazine had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the annual ToshoCON anime art contest. For the months lead- ing up to the convention, 1st - AdamAges Anderson, “Aladdin, 15-19 Alibaba & Morgiana” teenagers from around Salt 2nd - Stephanie King, “Yone of the Dawn” Lake county submitted 150 3rd - Attiana DeAngelo, “How are you feeling?” individual pieces of art into three diff erent categories: ages 12-14, ages 15-19, and digital art. Voting began on- line, where 1500 votes

Feature narrowed the selection down to 50 fi nalists. The fi nalists were prominently displayed at the convention where con goers cast 250 ballots to pick the eight win- ners featured here. Congratulations to all the 1stAges - Macy Whitecotton, 12-14 “Kaneki Ken” winners, and good luck next year! 2nd - Fernando Augustin, “Anime Gamer” 3rd - Maggie Liu, “Ghibli Studios” Page 12 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com service desk. Natsu Dragneel was there with “They have cute pastel goth and Lolita ToshoCON his cast. So was Sailor Moon! Metroid was there accessories,” said Envy Bishop (aka Sei), who too! Tamaki Suoh greeted the girls at the door thought ToshoCON was “Really awesome! to the Ouran High School Host Club panel with We liked how everything was set up from Convention Report a big smile and, “Hello, Princess!” The panelists the cosplay contest to the panels!” By Stephanie Sharp worked hard, spending most of the day in Costumes for the Cosplay contest were Photo credit Utah Geek Magazine character. “My favorite part of doing a panel amazing! Almost everyone looked like is being in character and interacting with they’d just stepped from the pages of Wandering the halls of the Viridian Events everyone. I love it when people recognize the Center in West Jordan, Utah during ToshoCON their comic. I was impressed with the character I am portraying and ask for pictures variety of characters that were entered. made it feel a bit like walking into the pages of and hugs. It makes me feel good about myself!” my favorite manga. Not only were the charac- The entries for the art contest (all age said Christopher Brothers. categories) showed what great talent ters present, but they had all come to life! Conventions All of the panels were presented by local our young artists have . I found the I walked past Naruto and Kakashi by the teens. Four months of hard work went into pre- faceless one to be the most haunting. paring for the panels. There were great Perhaps one of our readers can tell me Q&A’s, a raffle, and even hand-made which Anime/manga it was from? roses given out to the audience at one Logan Skoy said the best part of panel! ToshCON was, “ Just hanging out with Most of the vendors were teens, too! all the people that have the same The youngest was only 13! There were interests as I do. I enjoy the energy pillows and posters and you could people give off and it was wonderful.” commission your own comic! Brandi’s All in all this year’s ToshoCON was a Gemstones is done by the parent of one well planned event and a great place to of the panelists. This was their second hang out with good friends! year, and they’re planning to be back The Viridian’s next teen event will be again! DMMd’s Sei was spotted buying Fandom Fest on October 28th. jewelery at the KawaiiPowerUp booth.

on King’s work while Michaelbrent was grow- What scares him? The ocean for one thing, Michaelbrent ing up. As a kid, Michaelbrent would hear his which is why he recently published a novel father from the next room either screaming at called The Deep about a deep-sea dive with Collings a Stephen King movie, or typing out his next horrific results. Another one of his greatest book. At a young age, his father let him choose fears is whatever threatens his family, a fear Written by Nick and Ashlee Montelongo what he wanted to read from his library, and abundantly manifested in his horror novels. Photo courtesy of Michaelbrent Collings Michaelbrent’s journey through horror began. What of his books does he recommend to a ichaelbrent Collings is one of the When he realized that he was able to make first time reader? Because he has written such top-selling indie horror writers in a living and provide for his family by writing, a variety of books, he says it would be Mthe country, and speaking with him ­Michaelbrent decided to write full-time. He easier to ask what a person’s tastes are is not unlike reading his books. In five years, he now writes 8 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week. first. You like monsters? Read his novel Author Spotlight has written 35 books in multiple genres from His process is simple. According to him, he The Loon about a scientifically engi- kids, to young adult, to adults. basically sits down and doesn’t get up until neered creature that runs loose in an Michaelbrent grew up in a household where he’s written “a butt-load of words”. Of course, insane asylum. Psychopaths? Definitely horror was a familiar thing. His dad, Michael he also takes time to handle other writing tasks read Strangers, about a family that is Collings, is an expert on Stephen King and such as on-site researching. trapped on their house and tormented started writing book-length scholarly studies Why does he write horror? Michaelbrent by a murderer. Ghosts? Read Twisted. has a variety of reasons for writing horror, but Demons? Check out Apparition. Pure he says there are two main ones: 1. Horror is horror? Darkbound. Eventually, he fun. 2. Horror speaks of things that we yearn broke down and said that one he could for. In other words, a secularized society that recommend, in general, is This Darkness gradually turns from religion still seeks for Light, which is more of a straight-up some kind of spirituality, which can be found thriller that might be more approach- in horror. Horror has the power to talk about able to readers who aren’t used to good and evil, God and the devil, as well as horror. the afterlife, which some genres aren’t able to Currently, Michaelbrent is finishing do. There is a spirituality inherent in his books. up Book 7 of his Colony novels (a zombie Everyone encounters dark times in their lives, apocalypse series) and he recently finished and his brand of horror is usually hopeful. As writing an epic fantasy novel long as his protagonists keep pushing forward, that he considered publishing SALT LAKE they are able see light at the end of the story. traditionally. COMIC “If you push through those times, you can find Check out all of his books on CON something that will make it worth it”, he said. Amazon.com, he won’t let you Table # He also said that the greatest horror novels not down. Teal 32 only pull you apart, but reassemble you, too. www.UtahGeekMagazine.com Page 13 would have had a way to learn about the me- Cher Burbank: chanics behind her creations as a child. Rather than be intimidated by changing technology, she encourages people of all ages Engineering total this as a chance to learn and grow. It excites her to see how toys have advanced and Teaching Moments continue to change. By Deborah Moore When Cher teaches a class she brings in Photo courtesy Cher Burbank approximately 10,000 LEGO® pieces. This includes axles, pegs, gears, motors and blocks. believe that if you get kids in- The volume and variety of supplies allows the volved and up out of their seat instructors to create an abundant variety of “Ithen they learn and remember projects. so much more,” Play-Well instructor “We never repeat the same thing,” Cher said. Cher Burbank said. On a typical day, Cher will show the children Cher Burbank teaches children about a LEGO® creation she made. She will take it even realize it because they are having fun.” engineering through the use of LEGO® apart, put it back together, and explain the Cher teaches a variety of engineering classes bricks and toys. Play-Well, the company diff erent parts and their functions. at Play-Well. These classes are off ered during she works for, is all about hands on After that the children are asked to create after school programs, during their Summer learning. that same item. The children use the same Camp program, and at birthday parties. “You’re never too old to play with basic LEGO® design which Cher used. There are At the birthday parties she creates projects times when the children customize their cre-

GirlsGoneGeek toys and learn,” Cher said. based on the theme. Once, she even did a She is especially invested in getting ations by choosing their own colors or adding Ninjago party. girls interested in engineering. Cher onto it. She researched the show before coming up wants them to see how interesting and “Sometimes we will do something like make with projects for the children and had them fun it can be. a car and a bridge. Then they will get to drive incorporate characters from the show to help “Girls are just as creative as boys,” Cher said. the car over it,” Cher said. Typically they will teach engineering skills. Cher enjoyed the chal- She has seen it inspire girls who are interested cover two or three diff erent projects in one lenge. “It gives me a chance to be a kid again in engineering, but also in architecture and class. The amount depends on the length of and geek out,” Cher said. design. the class and the complexity of the projects. There are three Play-Well locations in Utah. As a child Cher loved playing with blocks “The children are constantly learning while You can learn more about the classes and pro- and building structures. She wishes that she they are playing,” Cher said, “and they don’t grams off ered in your area at play-well.org.

The Ghostbusters

Articleof and Salt photo by The Ghostbusters Lake of Salt Lake

hen it walks through the wall, who ya gonna call? – WAs part of a network of over sixty franchises worldwide, The Ghost- busters of Salt Lake is Utah’s premier Ghostbusters fan group and cosplay/ SALT LAKE costuming charity organization. With an COMIC arsenal of props and knowledge, they pride themselves in spreading the love CON bOOTH of Ghostbusters to a new generation, as #3305 well as fulfi lling the dreams of genera- tions past. Founded in 2007, this fan franchise

Club Connection has a long history of helping out their community through fundraisers and promotional events. They’ve worked with The United Way, The Huntsman out to talk about their props, their group, and up and helping to raise money for charity. Let’s Cancer Foundation, The Utah Food Bank, and most importantly: Ghostbusters. Make sure to be serious now, who wouldn’t want to be a many more. If you have an event you’d like stop by their booth to get your picture with Ghostbuster? them to show up at, send them an email at them or inquire about joining. [email protected]! For more information, check out their ALL Are you ready to become a Ghostbuster? NEW Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Their next big event is Salt Lake Comic Con, Their group would love to help you get geared GhostbustersofSaltLake where they’ll be raising money and hanging Page 14 www.UtahGeekMagazine.com SALT LAKE COMIC CON bOOTH # bLACK 13

Reprinted with permission

GeekBy Zac Johnson Cred Pop Quiz Illustration by Nathan Parét http://nathanparet.prosite.com Which of the following actor(s) What is the name of Serenity’s fi rst were auditioned for the part of mechanic? 3Dr. Simon Tam and ultimately 7 A) Kaylee B) Jimmy not chosen for the role? C) Bester D) Larry A) B) Niel Patrick Harris C) Sean Maher D) Jensen Ackles What phrase was used by Dr. Simon Tam to stop River’s rampage after the Instead of the intended almost 8Miranda message in the movie? hour and a half pilot, Fox aired A) Eta Kooram Nah Smech which episode as the introduc- 4 B) Esta Rona Nan Smich tion to the series? C) Et Koor Nas Mesh Firefl y still has a legion of loyal follow- A) Episode #5 “Safe” B) #2 “The Train Job” D) Eta Koora Mes Mich ers. What term do Firefl y fans use to C) #10 “” D) #3 “Bushwacked” 1describe themselves? In the TV series, it is well known that A) Browncoats B) Westerners What other language besides English Jayne has a favorite gun. What is the C) Wildlings D) Rebels is spoken by the majority of the peo- 9gun’s name? ple throughout the series? 5 A) Veronica B) Lilly What miniaturized Star Wars model A) Russian B) Korean C) Betsy D) Vera can be seen in the background C) Mandarin D) Latin 2throughout the episodes of Firefl y? According to Actor Nathan Fil- A) The Millenium Falcon Which of the following is the name lion, when is Unifi cation Day? B) A model light saber of Mr. Universe’s love bot? 10 A) Dec 5 B) Oct 11 C) Boba Fett 6 A) Bridget B) Yolanda C) Sep 20 D) Nov 18

D) Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite C) Saff ron D) Lenore Answers at www.UtahGeekMagazine.com at Answers

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