An Oklahoma native, Joshua Trope is a Renegade Game Studios playtester and "Play Renegade" GM. A connoisseur of pop culture and a forever DM, his credits include four Power Rangers: Heroes of the Grid expansions and several promo cards for indie games. In his spare time, you can find Joshua wearing his trademark OU hat moderating panels, hosting tabletop for charity, and rooting for his alma mater at home games. Boomer!
Resistance movements are a core element of many popular franchises. This panel explores why stories about defiance resonate across cultures and eras. Discussion focuses on hope, collective action, and moral courage in fiction.
Have you always wanted to take the dive into the wide world of One Piece but the length is too daunting? For newcomers drawn in by the nautical theme, we give an intro to One Piece’s world, characters, and why the sea is the soul of the story. We'll share recommendations for where to start (anime, manga, live-action).
A discussion about characters who appear to be good but are the really villains in various science-fiction and fantasy stories. In The Wizard of Oz, Glinda could have sent Dorothy home at any time, but instead she used the girl to do her dirty work. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda were instrumental in turning Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. Dumbledore's actions, or lack thereof, often put Harry Potter in danger.
Running a tabletop RPG for the first time can feel intimidating, but every great Dungeon Master starts somewhere. This panel walks through the basics of preparing a session, guiding players, and keeping the story moving. Panelists will share practical tips for managing rules, improvising when plans go sideways, and building confidence behind the screen. Perfect for anyone ready to try DMing for the first time.
Everyone has at least one terrible pop-culture opinion. In this moderated panel, participants present their worst takes and try to defend them in front of the audience. Expect passionate arguments, playful debate, and plenty of laughter. Whether you agree or not, the goal is to make the case as convincingly as possible.