Since last year, fans of fantasy, cosplay, board games, and roleplaying have gathered at RTC FantaCon.
Founded in March 2024, this organization turns imagination into reality through costumes, games, workshops, and gatherings. While based in Zenica, they bring together enthusiasts from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
RTC FantaCon’s mission is hidden in its name, as it covers three spheres of activity: Roleplay, in which players take part in fictional scenarios; Tabletop, which includes board games, cards, and dice; and Cosplay, which allows participants to dress up as various characters from books, comics, movies, and video games.
RTC FantaCon Director Andrej Agačević says that their aim is to create a community in which fans of fantasy, comics, the Middle Ages, and board games feel at home in a common space, where they can turn their imagination into reality. In establishing this organization, they sought to unite two kindred scenes in Bosnia and Herzegovina that already existed but operated as separate groups.
In addition to roleplay, tabletop, and cosplay, they organize costume and prop making workshops, quiz nights, themed playrooms, book clubs, and educational exhibitions. They also engage in publishing, in partnership with the Zenica City Museum.
Adnadin Jašarević, Director of the Zenica City Museum, explained that the books published by RTC are mostly in the fantasy genre, from historical to futuristic fantasy. Copies can be purchased via social media or at the Zenica City Museum.
RTC Fanta Con organizes unique events such as the Medieval Days in Vranduk, which features knightly combat, historical craft displays, medieval music, and games for all ages. They also organize the Cosplay Café, where costume lovers gather to exchange ideas, socialize, share creative works, and participate in workshops and exhibitions. These events offer a space for community learning and artistic expression.
“Our members enjoy a variety of board games, from modern tabletop titles, cards, and strategy games, to traditional games that we revive during medieval-themed events,” explained Agačević. He added that competition is an integral part of their program, from cosplay competitions to medieval games and modern board games.
Out of all their events, Agačević highlights the Medieval Days at Vranduk as a particular source of pride: “It’s a combination of history, education, and fun. We enjoy seeing children and adults learning about the past together through knightly games and costumes.”
Adi Džidić participated in this year’s Medieval Days. He explained that he joined RTC FantaCon because of his love for the Middle Ages, but also for board games such as Dungeons & Dragons.
“The Medieval Days are the perfect opportunity to combine everything – game, history, and community among those who share the same interests,” said Džidić.
RTC FantaCon collaborates with the Zenica City Museum to contribute to local cultural life, through a combination of education, tradition, and modern “geek” culture. According to Agačević, RTC FantaCon is a fantastic convention that lasts all year.
