CONington's Honored Guest
Tim Kask
Pioneer • Editor • Legend
I am beyond honored to welcome Tim Kask to CONington 2026 as our Honored Guest — a foundational figure in tabletop role-playing and one of the earliest voices to shape the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
A Foundational Force in 1975, Tim Kask became the first full-time employee of TSR, Inc., working alongside Gary Gygax during the formative years of the hobby. He served as editor of The Strategic Review and later became an editor of The Dragon Magazine, guiding the publication that would become a central hub for players, designers, and dreamers. His editorial vision helped solidify the culture of early RPGs, championing creativity, experimentation, and shared storytelling. As Tim himself has said:
“The early days of gaming were all about imagination, community, and shared storytelling. That spirit is still alive today.”
Tim also contributed to seminal early works such as Eldritch Wizardry and Gods, Demigods & Heroes, shaping both the tone and mythology of the game’s earliest eras. At CONington 2026, Tim will be offering two rare opportunities for attendees:
The Legendary Game Session: Six seats will be auctioned off for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in a game run by Tim Kask himself.
All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Center for Great Neighborhoods, supporting creativity, community building, and neighborhood development in Covington.
The OG Gaming Panel: Join Tim as he discusses the early days of TSR, the birth of tabletop role-playing, and the creative energy that drove the formation of the hobby. This is a chance to hear stories and insights straight from the source.
Whether you’ve been gaming since the ’70s or rolled your first die last week, Tim Kask’s influence is woven into the fabric of tabletop gaming. His presence at CONington 2026 connects attendees with the origins of the hobby and celebrates the enduring spirit of creativity and community that continues to define role-playing today.
Featured Cosplay Artist
Larry Hastings
Welcome to CONington, Larry Hastings!
CONington proudly welcomes Larry Hastings, founder and creative visionary behind Vulture Productions - a premier name in cosplay design, prop fabrication, and cinematic artistry. With years of experience bringing fantasy to life, Larry has become a standout figure in the convention scene, known for his impeccable craftsmanship and bold, cinematic style.
Larry's impressive portfolio spans individual commissions, small and large film productions, television, and museum exhibits, (all showcasing his extraordinary range and passion for transforming imagination into reality) from intricately detailed armor and lifelike creature builds to screen-worthy props, his work captures the magic of the worlds fans love most.
At CONington 2026, Larry joins us as a Guest Judge for the Cosplay Contest, where his keen eye for detail, respect for creativity, and love of the fandom community will help spotlight the incredible talent of our attendees.
Whether you're a first-time cosplayer or a seasoned veteran, Larry's presence brings excitement, professionalism, and inspiration to this year's competition.
Join is in giving a warm CONington welcome to Larry Hastings and Vulture Productions - where imagination and craftsmanship truly take flight!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vultureproductions/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wastelandvultures
Featured Artist
Mike Maydak
As a kid, Mike Maydak dreamed of working with big cats like lions and tigers. He failed miserably, and instead settled on being an artist. Today, that "failure" has become our great fortune.
Mike's illustrations are instantly recognizable: a mix of surreal landscapes, whimsical details, and burst of color that pull you into another dimension. His style has captured the attention of comic book fans, art collectors, and gamers alike, with a reputation for sparking imagination and delight. Whether exploring fantastical creatures, abstract shapes, or epic scenes. Mike's art carries a signature balance of humor, depth and wonder.
Mike is the creator, artist and writer of Agnimu Rehpot: The Curiously Astounding Phenomenal Wander - a vivid field guide to a fantasy world entirely of his own imagination. His work blends playful curiosity with bold, dreamlike imagery, inviting viewers to step into worlds that feel both strange and wondrous.
For more information visit: https://www.agnimurehpot.com/
When he's not drawing or painting, Mike Maydak is often sketching concepts for new worlds or characters, driven by a relentless curiosity about how stories can live in images. He continues to expand his fantasy field guide Agnimu Rehpot, a project that combines humor, myth, and exploration into something wholly unique. His creative energy reflects the same adventurous spirit at the heart of tabletop gaming: a love for stories, imagination, and community.
Want to explore more of Mike Maydak's incredible art? Check out his portfolio and follow him on social media for the latest projects, sketches and glimpses into his creative process
Instagram: @mmaydak
Featured Creator
Erica Lowe
Erica Lowe started playing D&D during 4th edition fell in love with the hobby. A forever DM who enjoys homebrewing campaigns, ignoring rules for epic moments at table, painting minis, and building terrain.
Erica is the owner of Broken Brain Games LLC and writer of RagnaBorg. She’s also created 3rd party products for Shadowdark, Dungeon Crawl Classics, Skate Wizards, and 5e.
Erica’s next project is a core rule book for RagnaBorg a Viking hack compatible with Mork Borg and Pirate Borg. Coming to kickstarter this fall.
Ragnaborg
Follow the kickstarter page now!! 🤘
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ragnaborg/ragnaborg
RagnaBorg is a Viking hack compatible with Mork Borg and Pirate Borg. If you purchased the original zine thank you for supporting RagnaBorg:Saga of the Chosen.
The original zine was enough information for you to go on an adventure. This is a core rule book offering you a world to explore. Sail around Broken Midgard during the days of Ragnarok.
In RagnaBorg you will slay no gods. You fight to survive and pray that when your death comes it is a worthy one.
New core book includes: Broken Midgard setting, eight classes, updated Yay Violence, new items, magical mead, ships, rune magic, ASH, Legends of Midgard, and Abbey raid adventure.
Broken Midgard setting
Thank you for reading this far. Please follow the kickstarter page. Kickstarter is coming this fall.
Grab your drinking horn, gather your friends, and die a worthy death.
Art by Matthew Myslinski