Fantastic Initiatives Gord
The Fan Initiatives Gord is a space where a wide variety of fantasy-related endeavors come together – from small fan groups, to conventions, larps and events, to companies, associations and universities. It is a unique place where any initiative can present its activities in a way that will delight Pyrkon-goers!
It is not the place for mere advertising! Here, creativity and interaction reign supreme! Each organization prepares attractions that are designed to be interesting, engaging and memorable, allowing participants to experience what the potential residents of the Castle do. From workshops, demonstrations and games, to presentations and performances – all so that you can get to know the world of fantasy better and remember each initiative as something truly special.
So if you run an event, a company, an association or represent a university that has something to do with fantasy – apply to the Gord! This is a unique opportunity to share your wheelhouse and connect with people who share a passion.
There will be a lot going on in the Fan Initiatives Gord at Pyrkon! It’s not only the groups, but also a variety of attractions! Who will visit us in 2025?
Choose one of the options below to move to the selected chapter or continue reading.
Here is the list of groups:
Ahead of you is an epic journey through the Fan Initiatives Gord, where an experience worthy of true wanderers awaits you. Walk through secret back alleys, discover secrets and have fun at workshops. You can find all the attractions of the Gord under the Pyrkon Program tab, using the appropriate filters.
But now let’s take a closer look at our fantastic groups. Here they are:
Fantastyczny UAM
Get ready for an unforgettable journey where science meets fantasy! Fantastyczny UAM is a unique initiative that shows the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan during the Pyrkon Fan Convention in a whole new light.
Already during previous editions of Pyrkon, their booth attracted crowds of fantasy lovers – now they are developing the project to share their passion for science and culture even more widely.
Mateusz Frankiewicz and Jakub Wojtczak created a space where science becomes a fascinating adventure. The AMU scientists, full of passion and commitment, openly share their achievements, showing that scientific research is not just dry data, but above all inspiring stories and human experiences. This is a unique opportunity to talk to experts who are changing the world with their daily work.
Join them at Pyrkon – learn about the behind-the-scenes work of scientists, discover the secrets of fascinating research and feel the energy that comes from a passion for science and fantasy. Fantastyczny UAM is a place where everyone can find something for themselves, and where learning becomes accessible and inspiring. See you at the Convention!
Fantastyczny UAM – where passion for science takes on a magical dimension!
RawiKon – Rawickie Dni Fantastyki
For the third time, Rawicz invites all fantasy lovers to a unique event, which will also be held this year on the first weekend of July on the premises of the Multi-library.
You’ll meet their team ready to have a good time and talk about all things magical and unusual at the Fan Initiatives Gord Zone! A cozy chillout zone, a board games corner for strategists and adventurers, a fantastic quiz about magical creatures and contests with prizes await you at their booth. Get caught up in the atmosphere of the Rawicz convention even before July!
Larp Vault 47
Imagine the world of Fallout becoming a reality – and for two whole days! Vault 47 is a full-on field larp in which players take on the roles of unique characters, each with their own history, motivation and personality. When you enter the game, you become part of one of many factions – with your own style, aesthetics and goal to achieve.
In the settlement you’ll eat iguana bits and drink a cold Nuka-Cola to the sounds of the greatest classics, but outside the walls? You’d better be on guard – merciless raiders and hungry mirelurks are waiting there.
Visit their booth at the Fan Initiatives Gord! They will tell you about the behind-the-scenes of their game, larps or the title from Bethesda itself.
Stowarzyszenie Larpunk
Since 2022, the Larpunk Association has been passionately promoting the world of larps in Poland – both at major fantasy conventions and at its own events, entirely dedicated to this extraordinary form of entertainment. Their projects involve both experienced participants and those just starting out in larp.
Want to immerse yourself in an epic tale? Or are you just discovering what larps are and feel like trying something new? Stop by their zone – talk, ask questions, meet other enthusiasts and let your imagination soar!
You can follow their activities on Facebook, Instagram, Discord and – of course – meet them at Pyrkon!
Liga Fantasium
An Opole-based group creating an event called Hellgames about games and game dev. On a day-to-day basis, they organize regular meetings with free play and in-house tournaments, which attract both occassional players and true veterans of the joystick. They also organize promotional booths at various events and conventions- this year also at Pyrkon.
Stowarzyszenie Topory + Imaginarium RPG
The largest RPG association in Poland invites you to take part in lectures, sessions and contests! Be sure to check out the Pyrkon Program, but also their booth, as many surprises await you there!
Koło naukowe CDV “LevelUP”
The “Level UP” student club is open to all game enthusiasts, regardless of their field of study, age or interests. They are not limited to game development (gamedev) – they explore all aspects of their world. They have set as their main goal the implementation of projects that combine the passions of people from different fields and show that games are much more than just entertainment. They believe they can educate, develop emotional intelligence, provide valuable content, inspire, integrate people, enrich their experiences, and support professional development.
At their booth you will be able to:
– Test the games created by the club members during the many Game Jams.
– Take a quiz and test your knowledge of different game genres.
– Help them choose the “best game of all time” as part of the live ranking.
You’re welcome to come join in the fun!
Orkon
Orkon is the oldest outdoor game convention in Poland, held annually in July since 1991, in the Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska region. The number of participants in recent years has reached about 200 people. This year Orkon will be held in Czatachowa, from 11-20.07.2025. The convention includes larps in various settings and other non-larp activities. Among other things, the goal of Orkon is to support and promote larp creators, or to give craftsmen an opportunity to showcase their goods or services to Orkon participants.
During Prykon, the Orkon booth will offer an opportunity to hear about the planned attractions at Orkon 2025, the history of larps in Poland and how to get started with larps. A visit there is also a chance to take part in a minilarp, a sleight of hand show, a safety gun fight or a raffle combined with an outdoor game on the Pyrkon grounds. The Orkon team will also regale visitors with interesting stories from the larp world, and there will be an opportunity to take a photo with them in a charming fantasy setting.
Stowarzyszenie OwO
OwO is a community of passionate people whose goal is to promote the furry subculture and build a positive image of this remarkable fandom. Through a variety of activities, such as events, conventions and art exhibitions, they want to integrate creators and fans, and inspire people to explore the richness of the furry world. They are committed to showing that furculture is more than just colorful costumes. They want to share their passion, knowledge and creativity to showcase the beauty of this community. That’s why they invite you to talk, draw together and take photos with the furries, and you’ll see how inspiring their world can be. 🐾
Biblioteka Raczyńskich
The Raczynski Library is the oldest operating public library in Poland, founded by Poznan’s Indiana Jones, or Count Edward Raczyński. At their place you will find out that books are not only a source of excellent entertainment, but also a great means of transportation for travel in time and space!
For Pyrkon they have prepared a special book collection presenting fantasy literature from all over the world. In addition, at their booth you will learn how to write using forgotten alphabets, calligraph a spell for yourself and test your knowledge of fantasy literature. The program will also include a virtual tour of the historic library building, a pop-up book workshop and screen printing for fans of Poznan’s most famous Edward.
Stowarzyszenie Mensa Polska
Mensa Polska is an association of people with an intelligence quotient in the upper 2% of the population, confirmed by a standardized test. Their goal is to promote intelligence as a social resource, foster intellectual development and create a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Their booth features intellectual challenges available throughout the convention: logic puzzles, brain teasers, general knowledge quizzes, perceptiveness tests, and strategy and logic games. Whether you like quick puzzles or complex challenges, there’s something here for you!
Japońska Szermierka Kontaktowa
This group of enthusiasts practises Japanese martial arts: Kendo – sword, Jukendo – bayonet, Tankendo – short sword and Naginata – halberd.
At their booth you will be able to step into the world of the samurai and learn the secrets of using weapons – straight from the “Shōgun” series or the movie “The Last Samurai.” Demonstrations, stories and a chance to see first-hand what real warrior training looks like await you.
Ścieżka Duchów
The first and, until recently, the only such event in Poland, where participants walk through a dark forest and monsters from the best horror movies, legends and regional folk tales appear on a path marked with red candles. The ghost trail originated from scouting traditions, where scouts were spooked by troop leaders during a night rally.
This is a cyclical event that has lived to see its 11th edition. It brings together fans of horror, creepypasta, cosplay artists and decorators – anyone who loves to build an atmosphere of suspense and mystery.
REJECTS
The “Rejects” project by Maro Music returns to Pyrkon! Take a look in the Fan Initiatives Gord, where a unique cyberpunk booth awaits you. The team will take you to the dark world of “Rejects,” offering various activities and challenges prepared especially for the occasion.
Take on the role of a fixer’s helper, test your skills and experience a futuristic live adventure.
Join the world of Rejects at Pyrkon 2025 – we look forward to seeing you!
Podziemia Coruscant
The Coruscant Underground village is organized by the Wielka Armia Republiki cosplay group and SaberArts Academy.
The Wielka Armia Republiki Cosplay Group – a group of Star Wars fanatics and cosplayers, mainly of the Clone Wars and prequel era, that has been active for almost a year. It travels all over the country, gathering fans and introducing people to the world of the Galaxy Far Far Away. With their atmospheric Cantina 79 and war equipment, they are recruiting new soldiers for the war against the Separatists.
SaberArts Academy (ASA)-is engaged in demonstrations and training of Star Wars fans in lightsaber combat, in a variety of styles modeled after films and TV series from the universe. It is stationed in major cities in Poland, and anyone can enroll in their classes or workshops!
Game Studies (Uniwersytet Opolski)
Meet a group of Game Studies students from Opole. There are a lot of attractions waiting for you at their booth: presentations of original projects, mini quizzes with prizes and – new this year – the opportunity to participate in playtests of the diploma game, created as part of a bachelor’s thesis!
As a thank you for your contribution, you will be able to get small gifts inspired by the game. In addition, they will also make sure you get a brief introduction to the world of Dungeons & Dragons – if you’ve always wanted to try it, but didn’t know how to start, this is the perfect time!
They will also be happy to tell you what a Game Studies major is like, what you can expect from it and how it helps you develop your gaming passions.
Stowarzyszenie OKF Fenix
The Opole-based Klub Fantastyki Fenix has been bringing together lovers of literature, games, movies and broadly defined fantasy and pop culture for more than 20 years. They organize numerous events – from large conventions such as Opolcon and Hiwasai – the Festival of Fiery Wings, to intimate gatherings with board games or RPG sessions. They are also the publisher of the “O!Fka. Literacki Kwartalnik Fantastyczny” magazine.
At their booth during Pyrkon, you’ll be treated to a veritable array of activities: fast-paced RPG sessions, paper model making workshops, learning the basics of Japanese handwriting, a drawing for fantastic nicknames, or the opportunity to create your own haiku – and the best ones may get published!
Druga Kostka
In the Castle by Druga Kostka you will take part in a unique RPG adventure!
More than a dozen quests separated into different, mutually influencing sessions await you. Every victory, defeat; every action or inaction will affect the final outcome. Together, you will achieve what would be impossible to do on your own.
In between sessions, Druga Kostka invites you to chat about RPGs! This is an opportunity to talk about all things role-playing games. If you’ve always wanted to try out a system, but don’t know if it’s worth it – or you’re looking for something with a particular vibe – come talk to them!
Share with them the most interesting stories from your sessions. Also look them up if you’re interested in RPG-related initiatives – open gaming, conventions, fan meetings… They’ll tell you what’s up with then, listen to what’s going on with you.
Bykon
As every year, Bykon will be visiting Pyrkon, preparing plenty of attractions for you! Come and find out how we have fun in Bydgoszcz – there will be no shortage of excitement and surprises!
MTSTUDIOS
MTstudios is a one-man project focused on creating unique, hand-modified items with extraordinary attention to detail. He specializes in customizing replica weapons, movie props, movie makeup, masks and other items inspired by pop culture and history. During Pyrkon, the booth will be combined with the booth of his regular contributor Nuke Bear Craft. Together they will present a wide range of unique projects, and visitors will be able to see the results of their work up close, learn more about the creative process and talk about the techniques that achieve exceptional realism.
Nuke Bear Craft, on the other hand, is a one-man project dedicated to creating unique props using 3D printing. He specializes in creating items inspired by movies and games, as well as occasionally for historical reconstruction. Each project is created with extreme attention to detail to reflect the original as closely as possible.
Zespół Tańca Ludowego “Poligrodzianie”
Polygrodzianie have visited 72 countries around the world. They have been invited to concerts by the mayor of New York, the king of the Kota Kinabalu region, the president of Malta or Nepal, the ministers of culture and tourism of: Ireland, South Korea, Mexico and many others. They have won a number of awards at home and abroad, including the most important ones: in 2012, First Prize at the Indian Theater Olympics in the Folk category, and the World Folklore Championship in 2015. They have given concerts for prisoners in the US, on the Mongolian steppe, in the mountains of Nepal, Chile and Mexico, often being not only the first Polish artists, but the first Poles in these lands, on the prestigious stages of Milan or Nashville, at Disneyland or to audiences of over thirty thousand in China. The group was named the “Ambassador of Polish Culture” by the Minister of Culture and awarded the “Gloria Artis” bronze medal, honored with a diploma for merit by the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region.
Visit their booth to see an exhibit of the costumes of the dziady of Zywiec, have your photo taken in a bambers cornet and listen to their music. Stop by for a dance workshop, where you’ll learn the traditional dances of the Beskid Żywiecki region.
Kuglarstwo
Legerdemain is not only a circus art full of colorful tricks, but also an extremely effective pastime that develops the mind, motor skills and coordination necessary in education or sports. It is also a space to unleash creativity and quick decision-making in dynamically changing circumstances or business. Legerdemain is also a tool for boosting courage and confidence, by overcoming the fear of public performance.
Regular sleight of hand exercises can act as medicine for Alzheimer’s because they intensely engage the brain, which can help it recover and stay healthy. And what is Legerdemain for you?
Visit them, get sucked in and check what your power path is.
Międzynarodowy Festiwal Filmów Animowanych ANIMATOR
Animator is the largest animated film festival in Poland, and there are plenty of attractions waiting for you at the booth in the Fan Initiatives Gord! You’ll find out what’s in store for this year’s event, from exciting screenings to meetings with animation creators.
But that’s not all! You will have the opportunity to try your hand at creating animations! In a simple and creative way, you will become the authors of a short animation film, as well as talk to the creators, who will share the behind-the-scenes of their work. Come, discover the magic of animation and feel the atmosphere of the upcoming festival!
Jugger Rewolucja
They are a sports club, actively promoting Jugger in Poland. Their goal is to popularize this unusual and exciting sport throughout the country.
Jugger is a dynamic team sports game in which two teams of five equipped with lagging weapons try to gain an advantage on the field in order to place the ball, the so-called “skull” in the opposing team’s goal. If you want to feel the extraordinary excitement of this unusual game derived from post-apo, come see them – they will be happy to tell you what is what and show you what the gameplay is all about.
Uniwersytet Artystyczny w Poznaniu
The University of Arts in Poznan invites you to three days of various workshops from the world of art. From creating comic books, linocuts, screen prints to sewing notebooks, there is something for everyone.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience – the University’s students and staff will show you everything from the very basics, while answering any question about what it’s like to study at an art university. Participants will be provided with all the necessary materials and tools, and they will be able to take the works they create home with them.
Centrum Kultury ZAMEK w Poznaniu
CK ZAMEK in Poznań is not only one of the largest cultural institutions in the country, but now it is also a time machine that allows you to travel back to the 1990s! At their booth you will learn about the current exhibition “Najntisy Forever! Pop Culture in 1990s Poland.” You will relive (again or for the first time) those times, admiring the pop culture artifacts of the 90s – games, cassettes, comic books or toys. At the booth you will also check out what interesting things they are doing at the CK Zamek, where visual arts, theater, film, music and literature intermingle and complement each other.
Do you dare to face the CK Zamek and the power of pop culture nostalgia!
See you there!
Kaplica Dark Fantasy
Do you like fantasy vibes, but something darker appeals to you? Are you attracted to darkness and a sense of danger? Be sure to check out the Dark Fantasy Chapel! Their booth is inspired by such worlds as the Dark Souls universe, Elden Ring, The Witcher, Bloodborne and Lies Of P. You will find replicas of weapons known from the universes – all to test for yourself.
Or do you have a creative element in you? You will be able to make your own magic medallion and take part in the joint creation of the Painted World. Various competitions also await you, such as hitting targets in time with a sword, or a treasure hunt ending with a Boss Fight.
Klocki Fest
Klocki Fest – Children’s Day at the Kielce Trade Fair is an annual, recurring event aimed at lovers of bricks and creative play.
During Klocki Fest you will immerse yourself in the world of bricks, meet your favorite influencers, participate in inspiring workshops and marvel at extraordinary MOCs built with passion and precision.
The event has been inspiring beginners and advanced builders for years, and will open to new thematic zones in 2026, a preview of which you can already see at Pyrkon.
At their booth you will play board games built with bricks – because nothing brings people together like having fun and constructing together!
