Category Archives: News

F is for Fall and Fun Festivities!

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Shorah and hello!
Fall is here, and we have some great stuff we want to share with you! (And a sneak peek at some room decorations that we’re working on.)

 

Portland Travel Page

The Location page on the website has been updated to reflect a pretty robust list of some really fun things to do when visiting Portland next year.

You’ll notice multiple lists, as things have been broken into categories. Sites you can easily access via public transportation, sites that require a car, and sites that require at least a full day.

We will be adding a list of restaurants and such to that page once we have the hotel contract signed.

Submission Reminders

Submissions are open! We are still accepting submissions for the following:

  • T-shirt designs both front and back
  • Enamel pins
  • Events
  • Activity book pages

Yes, we’ll be printing an activity book this year! So if you have some ideas for that, now’s the time to make it happen. Please head on over to the submissions hub for more detailed information and how to send in your entry for any of the categories.

Prompt Winners

We love the creativity from the community, and the stuff you guys submit is amazing.

August’s prompt winners are:

Written: Khrees (http://www.eldalamberon.com/dni_dict.htm) for 

D’ni Bubbles

.buhbeltee d’nee
treglahstahv
bahreleet zoo biv
k’tsee mot tsahv
.buhbeltee d’nee
bahreleet zoo tahmet
terthkahnradtahv roo dotsahr be
taygahn shem brezuh tso gor
.met kenen breseren pe
rebirahno khoyoo
gah kenen erthbigto b’rish
khe shem gah zoo
.buhbeltee d’nee
treglahstahv
bahreleet zoo biv
k’tsee mot tsahv
.buhbeltee d’nee
bahreleet zoo tahmet
terthkahnradtahv roo dotsahr be
taygahn shem brezuh tso gor

Translation:

D’ni bubbles in the wine (lit. ‘drink’)
make me all happy that I’m alive.
D’ni bubbles make me warm (lit. ‘full of fire’)
with a feeling (lit. ‘thought’) that I’m going to
love you till the end of time.
This is to the moon (lit. ‘light’) above the sea I invoke
and mostly this a toast (lit. ‘blessing’) for you and me.
D’ni bubbles in the wine
make me all happy that I’m alive.
D’ni bubbles make me warm
with a feeling that I’m going to
love you till the end of time.

Visual: Nina (https://bsky.app/profile/monkiinart.bsky.social) for

And September’s winner is:

Jet for

More updates will be posted soon. Have a great weekend!

Kelly & Drea

2026 Mysterium co-chairs

Keep Mysterium Weird

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Shorah and hello!

We are so excited to bring Mysterium to Portland, Oregon for 2026. We’re already rolling on the planning and are thrilled about some of the fun things we have planned for this coming year.


Credits: Local celebrity, the Unipiper, playing flaming bagpipes, shows the heart of Portland.

2026 Theme Announcement

The theme this year is Haven, the prison age from Myst IV: Revelation. It seemed appropriate, as Portland is a temperate rainforest.

MTA

The MTA will be returning to Mysterium this year! First launched in 2017, the MTA stands for Mysterium Travel Agency (or the Mysterium Transit Authority, depending on the day) and it focuses on a bit of a travel agency theme. So, while the theme is Haven, expect a bit of travel agency vibes to accompany it this year.

Submissions

Submissions are open! We are now accepting submissions for the following:

  • T-shirt designs for both front and back
  • Enamel pins
  • Events
  • Activity book pages
  • Writing and Art Table

Yes, we’ll be printing an activity book this year! So if you have some ideas for that, now’s the time to make it happen. Please head on over to the submissions hub for more detailed information and how to send in your entry for any of the categories.

Downloadables

We’ve added the puzzle packet from 2025 to the downloadables page on our website! Head on over if you’d like a challenge.

We’ve got so much fun stuff in store for you this year!

Have a great weekend!

Kelly & Drea
2026 Mysterium co-chairs

Farewell, Big Chicken

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Hello everyone!

It is with mixed feelings that we bid farewell to Mysterium 2025 and Atlanta. We had a marvelous time and are so glad to see that you all did too.

Survey Highlights

Thank you to everyone who completed our 2025 feedback survey. Responses were quite positive, though we’d like to highlight a few trends:

  • We apologize for cutting the Unconference session, which we know many of you were looking forward to. While we did not wish to cut it, multiple factors regarding the Georgia Aquarium excursion contributed to the difficult decision. We look forward to continuing to offer an Unconference or similar-format event in future years.
  • We’re so happy to see that people enjoyed our activities this year. While panels or presentations may not always be available each year, we aim to balance scheduled activity- and presentation-based content to the best of our ability.
  • Excursions continue to be popular, and we will continue to showcase local attractions or activities that are unique, interactive, and Cyan-like. We see that Myst-inspired, outdoor excursions are in-demand and hope to include one next year.

YouTube Videos

2025’s session recordings are now available on our YouTube channel. You can find them all in the Mysterium 2025 Playlist.

Mysterium 2026

With Atlanta (and the big chicken) in our rear view mirror, it’s time to get ready for Portland, Oregon next year! While specific dates won’t be announced for some time, we’ll see you all in July or August.

Leading the charge are our two co-chairs:

Headshot of Andrea "m13" Mountain

Andrea Mountain (m13)

Andrea “m13” Mountain (they/them) has been part of the Myst community for twenty years. Joining the committee in 2011 to run the Rebelsterium when it appeared there would be no official convention, they never left the role behind. In their spare time they enjoy writing, playing video games and coming up with complicated puzzles to torture, or… challenge, their Mysterium family every year.

Headshot of Kelly "Rayne" Coston

Kelly Coston (Rayne)

Kelly hails from the Pacific Northwest and has been drawing since she could crawl. Her days are usually filled with coffee, running a small business, and making a variety of shiny things. Her evenings are usually filled with husband or cat snuggles and video games. A long-time Myst fan, she discovered her Myst family in 2014 and quickly joined the staff as the primary Creator of All Things Pretty and the Tormenter of Attendees on the Puzzle Team. She and the other members of the Puzzle Team are looking forward to tormenting attendees with brain melting puzzles this year!

Creativity Prompt Update

We are currently accepting votes for August’s Creativity Prompt theme, “Bubbles,” and submissions for September’s theme, “Round,” on Discord. Be sure to check it out!

 

Thank you, once again, to everyone who attended in-person and via Twitch. We look forward to seeing everyone back, including this year’s newcomers, in Portland!

With a fond farewell,

Curator and Drew
Mysterium 2025 Co-Chairs

The 2025 Survey

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Happy Sunday, everyone!

It’s hard to believe that we were bidding farewell to each other just two weeks ago. We hope you all had a fantastic time and returned home safely.

Post-Mysterium Survey

As in years past, we invite you to participate in our Post-Mysterium feedback survey, whether you were there in-person or tuned in from afar via Twitch. Your responses are greatly appreciated and help us plan future conventions.

You can access our survey at: https://forms.gle/azc22u3qVKyQUdWM8. Responses will be accepted through Tuesday, August 26th.

Creativity Prompt

July’s “End of Ages” Creativity Prompt winner went to Talashar’s “Twilight of the Gods.” Be sure to give it a read!

Submissions for this month’s theme, “bubbles,” are still being accepted on Discord.

 

The Committee thanks everyone for bringing their energy to Atlanta. We all had a fantastic time, just as we hope you all did!

Curator and Drew
Mysterium 2025 Co-Chairs

Know Before You Go: 2025 Edition

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Hello everyone!

We are about two weeks away from Mysterium and there are only a few days left to pre-register online. Can you believe it? Are you excited?

Before you hit the road, we’ve outlined some important information for you to know.

Escape Room Assignment Survey

If you’re participating in our escape room excursion and haven’t already done so, please check the email you used to register for a survey invitation from us. Your responses will be used to assign you to rooms, plan for transportation needs, and distribute liability waivers.

We’ll begin reviewing responses on Sunday, July 20th. Please complete the survey by then.

Enjoying Mysterium in Atlanta

Atlanta is unquestionably hot at this time of year. This week, high temperatures reached the mid-90°F range with a high heat index. We strongly encourage you to bring a hat; an insulated, refillable water bottle; and sunscreen. Water stations will be available within the convention space for your convenience.

Badge Pickup, Registration, and Swag Flow

Badge pickup, registration, swag pickup, and swag sales will open in phases, as outlined below. These times may change; refer to the schedule for the most recent information. Unless otherwise noted, all registration or swag-related activity will occur inside the Piedmont Ballroom.

Pre-Registered Badge Pickup Pre-ordered Swag Pickup Walk-in Registration On-site Swag Sales
Thursday, 7/31 at 8 PM Open** Closed Closed Closed
Friday, 8/1 at 9 AM Open Open Open (See Below) Closed
Friday, 8/1 after Opening Ceremonies Open Open Open Open

**Thursday’s Pre-Registered Badge Pickup has moved to the hotel’s Media Lounge, located to the left when entering the lobby via the main entrance.

On Friday morning at 9 AM, there will be two lines to enter Piedmont Ballroom. If you already picked up your badge on Thursday night, use the right line. If you still need to pick up your badge, use the left line. Regardless of which line you are in, you will be able to show your badge and pick up pre-purchased swag at the swag table.

Walk-in registrations will open after we have checked in lined-up, pre-registered attendees.

Georgia Aquarium Experience and Policies

If you are joining our Georgia Aquarium excursion, know that the experience is indoors, though some outdoor walking will be required if you are planning to travel via MARTA. Using MARTA is encouraged to avoid downtown congestion.

The Georgia Aquarium only permits outside food and beverage for children or individuals with allergies. Refillable water bottles are encouraged for everyone and may be filled at a number of stations around the aquarium.

For more information, we recommend reviewing the “Need to Know” section at the bottom of this page.

Creativity Prompt

June’s Creativity Prompt winner was redwoodrroad’s envisioning of Gehn’s beach day.

Digital painting of Gehn at the beach. He is standing with a beach chair under his right arm, a how to book in his left hand, sunglasses, and a frilly hat. His extra short swim trunks expose most of his legs.

Submissions are still being accepted for this month’s topic, “End of Ages.” Send them in on Discord!

 

The Committee truly cannot wait to see everyone! This has shaped up to be a fantastic year and we hope you enjoy some leisure, puzzles, and laughs amongst friends.

This will likely be our last post before the convention begins. If you’re attending and aren’t already part of our Discord server, now is a great time to join! Be sure to mark that you’d like to receive on-site announcements in the “Channels & Roles” section so you can get important information as it becomes available.

Safe travels, everyone. We’ll see you shortly!

Curator and Drew
Mysterium 2025 Co-Chairs