Clockwork Con 2012: The Baron Goes Back to Basics

Since the inception of the “steampunk con,” I have found myself stepping up in life and doing something new and exciting everyday. As a member of the performing troupe Wandering Legion of the Thomas Tew, I have been up and down the east coast spreading the “brass sickness” otherwise known as steampunk. Our group has been seen at such events as: Steampunk Industrial Revolution, ConnectiCon, TempleCon, Another Anime Convention, The Great New England Steampunk Exhibiiton, and many more. I have no problem tooting my own horn and saying we have basically become local celebrities. We host many discussions, create new and exciting performances based on each event, and even play with puppets. It’s a wild ride filled with great people, awesome perks, and is one heady tonic that is quite addictive.

However, this past weekend of January 20th, 21st, and 22nd, my travels took me to Austin, Texas for Clockwork Con, and put me into a role I have not done in a long time, Generic Convention Attendee. Now don’t get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with being an attendee. I would be out of a job without all of you; conventions would be out of job without all of you. It’s because of the attendees that we (cons, performers, vendors, etc.) do what we do. Just realize that the tonic I was talking about a moment ago is very hard to give up. Thankfully, I am The Baron, and can pull off elegance even when “slumming” it.

I first learned of Clockwork Con through the performance group of Mr. Saturday and Sixpence. Being from Texas themselves, and the founders of San Antonio’s first Steampunk convention AetherFest, they’re well connected and have a finger on all the buzz. Yes, I was worried about flying all the way out to Texas for a first year con, but with their encouragement I took the plunge. Upon arrival, I was pleased to learn that attendees who had pre-registered were able to pick up their badges the night before. It’s a great way to allow guests to skip lines on opening day, and briefly explore the location so they know the layout in advance.

I was also able to meet the mastermind behind this event, Alex Whisenhunt. Alex must be the youngest con-chair I have met, and yet he has put together a very successful event. As a first year con, he didn’t try to go overboard. His vendors were well chosen and fit the space perfectly. The schedule was easy to read and follow, and he put in con-wide food breaks. No longer will you miss out anything awesome because the whole con is having food at the same time. Incredible!

His performers were well-known steampunk performers/writers/activists from the area, and he even landed himself the well-liked musical talents of Steam Powered Giraffe, Marquis of Vaudeville, and Bones Jangle. There was a gaming room run by the masterminds of Cracked Monocle, creators of the steampunk themed tabletop rpg Tephra. I was able to sit down and get in on a play-test and immediately fell in love. Attendees were put through the ringer by noted author and maker Ben Hamby and his SkyD.o.G.s of the Delirium of Grandeur. The Emperor of the Red Fork Empire himself managed to phase into that particular time and space and made himself known. I managed to pull some strings and got myself up on stage a few times to perform To Whom Does That Line Pertain to by Chance (steampunk improv) with Mr. Saturday and Sixpence, and helped emcee the comedy show featuring the rare magical acts of Roscoe from Biloxi and daring stunts of Cut Thrust And Run.

There was even an event wide roleplay going on that showed off the vicious, yet subtle, political battle between Airship Isabella and the Order. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Alex’s mother during the event. I asked her if she had helped out with cons before or if this was her first. She told me she was fairly new to the scene, but since Alex had this dream, she was there to support him one-hundred percent. That right there actually meant the most to me. Whether the event failed or succeeded, Alex was willing to give it a shot, share his dream, and had the full support of his family behind him. Now before I turn into a cheesy emotional mess, let me end with this. Austin, Texas was definitely served a delicious dish of awesome thanks to this event, and I can’t wait to return and see how it grows and evolves over the years.

******

Photos in this review belong to Robert Cochrum.