I wouldn’t say I’m a newbie Dragon Con goer, but I wouldn’t not say I’m a newbie. This is technically my third year, but my first being here on a Thursday; and after having approximately three conversations, I learned whatever the question is, I don’t know. So, I went exploring. 

Here’s one thing I didn’t know. Every one of the five hotels has a vibe and when I walked into the Marriott for the first time, I felt like I entered an arena. Everyone was armed with their “weapon”—a costume, a posse, a piece of luggage. Then there was me, starry eyed and slightly vertiginous. I would have been dead in under ten seconds. 

Three open levels connected by escalators open to a hive-like warren of rooms that spiral overhead. Loud music played and professional photographers hunted subjects. An absolute giant of a man who moonlights as an attorney (just kidding, that’s his day job) followed me in and peeled off at an alarmingly accurate Nazgul. Notably, I saw a half dozen Jareth’s from the movie Legend, and one woman who might actually have been Sarah.

I expected costumes, revelers, fans in every font. What I did not expect was priests. Three of them. 

Their placard read: “Blessings for All. We bless… Costumes! Animals! Swords! People!” These adventurers are Episcopal priests serving in the Diocese of Atlanta; they call themselves the God Squad which is printed on the little black ribbon they gave me for my badge.

One of the priests asked if I had a particular saint that I resonated with or liked, no specifications on Saint Who or What. She was completely unbothered by my indifference and offered me a “general blessing.”  

After asking if she could touch my head, she gave me a blessing, sprinkled me with holy water and offered me a choice of pink, blue, or glow-in-the dark rosary. 

I would describe myself as post-religious. I check “none” on the religion box on forms, but I’m not unfamiliar with the words she used in her blessing. The most surprising thing about the experience was the way I felt—cared for, looked after, and genuinely affirmed. 

Cons can be a lot. There will be ~75,000 people at this one. Walking into the Marriott was a lot. It felt like there were 75,000 people already there. Getting a blessing was just enough. If you’re feeling a little over stimulated and you see the priests, treat yourself to a side quest and let them bless something—your sword, your costume, your pet, your heart. They’re not picky.