 players from across the Great Lakes region will gather in Chicago for the return of the 

, the Chicago Ward Gems first came together to coordinate a Beta preconstructed tournament. Since then, they’ve built a welcoming local scene that connects players across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Now hosting the return of the Free City Conventicle, the this event helps anchor the 

, a player-led circuit that celebrates regionally rooted play and creative community expression.

James Boo, one of the event’s lead organizers, sees the Conventicle as a key moment in growing something meaningful. “It’s fitting that the first Conventicle brought together the Detroit and Chicago players,” he shares, “and now our two communities are collaborating to bring the Explorer Series to the Realm.” He’s especially excited to welcome more players from out of town this year and hopes the event helps forge lasting connections across the wider 

This three-day Conventicle event kicks off on Friday with a custom-curated Cube Draft, a free event built from a carefully crafted pool of cards developed by longtime community member known as Ulavala on the 

 discord. On-demand draft and sealed events will also be available throughout the day.

On Saturday, things heat up with a 32-player Constructed Main Event, featuring six rounds of best-of-one Swiss play. If you’ve been nervous about stepping into a more competitive-style event, James and his team have got you covered. Every participant will receive a custom playmat made specifically for the event, featuring original artwork by a local artist, so that just by showing up and participating in this community event you'll be rewarded. Finally, the weekend wraps up on Sunday with a Two-Headed Dragon tournament, a unique community format created by the 

 playgroup. Players will be randomly paired each round, making for lighthearted and unpredictable games.

“Our aim is to make prep for the tournament incredibly easy,” James emphasizes. “Just bring a constructed deck, and you should be able to get in some incredible games.”

For those traveling from farther away, the venue., 

in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, offers easy access to iconic landmarks like Navy Pier, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Riverwalk. With a mix of formats, flexible participation, and a whole city to explore, the Conventicle is designed to be an affordable and memorable experience for every type of Sorcerer.

And yes, there will be pizza. Three great spots, three very different styles. Expect post-event outings, heated culinary debates, and maybe even a few spicy decklists to match.

You can learn more about the Free City Conventicle and register for their event 

Have an event you’re excited about, or looking to discover more gatherings like this? Join the conversation and share your experiences in 

 and don’t forget that you can search for upcoming events by region on the 

Community Event Spotlight: The Free City Conventicle

 welcomed several new artists into its growing circle of traditional artists, among them 

, whose atmospheric storytelling brings a quiet sense of wonder to the Realm.

illustrations, the concept for the final card begins with a prompt from 

 Founder and Creative Director, Erik Olofsson. For Sam, his first ever prompt was just a single word: “Pond.” 

Yet what he delivered was anything but simple. He created a scene that glows with warmth and a quiet sense of peace.

“I immediately knew I wanted to capture a sense of both serenity and rejuvenation,” Sam shares. “I used a warm golden palette to make the scene inviting, and reflected sunlight to center the viewer’s attention on the pond itself.”

A lifelong lover of fantasy art, Sam grew up sketching castles, knights, and enchanted forests alongside his four brothers, all encouraged by his mother. Though he initially pursued a career in business and marketing, he eventually found his way back to the arts through freelance illustration and graphic design. Today, his self-taught style and passion for nature now inform every brushstroke.

“The natural world has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I’ll often go for walks in the forest to help bring a piece to life.”

For Pond, Sam pulled from the ancient temperate rainforests of England, places like 

, where moss-covered branches twist above the forest floor like protective arms. This influence shows in the trees surrounding the pond, their wiry limbs gently curling inward as if shielding the animals beneath the canopy.

“I wanted the environment to feel like a sanctuary,” he explains. “The trees, the light, even the choice of the stag - it’s all meant to reflect that.”

The inclusion of the stag, a powerful and noble beast rooted in medieval mythology, ties beautifully into the gameplay: Pond allows players to summon beasts at a reduced cost. But more than a mechanical reflection, it’s a symbolic one, an elegant creature standing at the heart of a world that feels both timeless and sacred.

, and I remember feeling a bit stressed,” Sam admits. “I wanted it to reflect my style, but also deliver something technically strong that resonated with the community. I was really happy when people responded so positively.”

While Pond introduced the community to Sam’s sensitivity to light and mood, Vanishment showcases how his style can shift to something more mysterious and narrative-driven, all while still holding onto that signature atmosphere.

The prompt this time? “A spell that conceals a group of knights.”

“I had to find a way to visually depict knights being half-concealed by a magical effect,” Sam recalls. “I also knew it was a protective spell, so it had to feel friendly and safe, not ominous.”

His solution was a flowing fog, envisioned as a long, undulating strand that weaves through the verticals lines of trees, spears, and banners, blurring the boundary between nature and magic. A dark foreground suggests danger ahead, while the white mist creates a buffer between threat and the knights pressing forward.

“In my mind, I pictured the knights marching courageously behind enemy lines,” Sam says. “The fog became a way to show protection without removing the tension of the scene.”

As with all of Sam’s work, small details carry meaning. The leading knight wears a helmet crowned with an ornamental tower, a motif repeated on the shields. It’s a visual nod to defense and fortification, and a subtle layer of storytelling.

“The tower symbolizes protection, tying into the card’s mechanic,” Sam explains. “But I also liked it because it resembles a rook from chess. I’m a big fan of the game.”

Vanishment was the last painting Sam created for the 

 set, and he saw it as a quiet culmination of his Sorcery journey. If you look closely, you’ll find echoes of his earlier work: the water from Pond, the tall grass from Sherwood Huntress, and the warm glow from Yellow Knight.

“I wanted it to be a kind of farewell to the set - something that brought those moments together in a single scene.”

. And the next time you draw Vanishment or Pond, take a moment to pause and feel the hush of the forest and feel the quiet power that flows through the Realm.

You can explore our full roster of Sorcery artists 

Artist Spotlight: Sam McKinnon and the Tranquil Power of Pond

We’re thrilled to announce that celebrated fantasy illustrator 

With a career spanning over three decades, Jeff Menges has captivated fantasy fans worldwide, from his iconic work as one of the original twenty-five 

This year at Gen Con 2025, Jeff will showcase a curated selection of his work, including never-before-seen illustrations from our upcoming set 

booth throughout the week, signing cards, chatting with fans, and sharing how he's helping bring 

 to life...or perhaps we should say, undeath?


Whether you’ve followed Jeff’s work for years or are simply curious about what’s coming next, we can't wait to see you at Gen Con 2025!

Gen Con's event calendar will go live on Sunday, May 4th, and with it, our full lineup of offerings:  learn-to-play events,  gameplay experiences, and our first-ever  

Even more news is getting ready to hatch for 


Mark your calendars for Gen Con 2025 and join the conversation in our dedicated #gencon channel on the 

We look forward to seeing you at Gen Con!

Gothic Shadows Stir - Jeff A. Menges Returns to Gen Con 2025

And that’s just the beginning…

More Articles

Community Event Spotlight: The Free City Conventicle

Artist Spotlight: Sam McKinnon and the Tranquil Power of Pond