Legends in the Making
A Cosplay Retreat Where Characters Are Crafted and Legends Are Born
March 20-22, 2026
Step beyond the everyday and into a living story.
Legends in the Making is a two day immersive cosplay retreat at Ancient Lore Village, created for dreamers, makers, and adventurers who long to bring their characters to life. Set within our enchanted Village just outside Knoxville, Tennessee, this immersive fantasy retreat blends movement, creativity, storytelling, and celebration into one unforgettable weekend.
Whether you are new to cosplay or refining a beloved persona, this retreat invites you to train like your character, create with intention, and step fully into the world you imagine.
The Experience
The retreat unfolds like a story across two richly layered days.
Guests are welcomed on Friday evening with a ceremonial opening and shared dinner, offering time to connect, settle in, and begin the journey together. The heart of the retreat takes place on Saturday through immersive cosplay workshops and character embodiment sessions guided by Charity Grace and her team from Whimsy Forge, followed by an evening festival where characters emerge and stories intertwine.
For overnight guests, the experience concludes with a gentle farewell and an optional brunch on Sunday morning before departure.
Choose Your Path
Cosplay Character Classes
When reserving your place for Legends in the Making, you will be invited to choose a character class that calls to you. This allows us to thoughtfully prepare workshops, materials, and experiences aligned with your chosen path.
Upon arrival, you will receive a class itinerary outlining the flow of the day. While all guests share the immersive fantasy experience together, workshops are designed to reflect the spirit, strengths, and creative focus of each class.
The Bladesworn
Warriors, knights, and steadfast protectors
The Bladesworn path is for those drawn to strength, courage, bravery, and heroic presence. Workshops emphasize grounded movement, posture, and physical confidence, alongside the creation of armor inspired costume details that bring a warrior’s story to life.
The Spellbound
Mages, scholars, and wielders of unseen power
The Spellbound path invites those who move through the world with wisdom, curiosity and intention. Guests explore fluid movement, expressive gestures, and symbolic creation, crafting pieces that reflect personal magic and the stories they carry.
The Shadowfolk
Rogues, scouts, elves, and clever wanderers
The Shadowfolk path is for those who thrive in subtlety and adaptability. Workshops focus on agility, balance, and layered expression, paired with practical costume elements designed for movement, mystery, and clever design.
The Grove Wardens
Druids, healers, fairies, and guardians of the wild
The Grove Wardens path honors connection, creativity, and natural flow. Guests explore grounding movement and expressive presence while crafting nature inspired adornments that reflect stewardship, renewal, and quiet strength.
Retreat Flow
Friday
The Story Begins
Arrive at Ancient Lore Village for a welcome ceremony and shared dinner, where you will meet the Whimsy Forge guides and your fellow adventurers. Each guest will be given prompts and materials to begin creating their character. As evening settles in, gather by the fire, wander beneath the fairy lights, and ease into the magic of the weekend.
Saturday
Train, Create, and Revel
Begin the day with breakfast before stepping onto your chosen path.
Morning workshops invite you to train like your character through Embodiment sessions focused on movement, presence, and physical expression, and to create in The Makers Hall, where your character inspired piece begins to take shape.
After lunch, the afternoon opens into free exploration. Guests are welcome to continue crafting in the Makers Hall, search the Village during the Quest for the Medallion, enjoy a mini photo session at the Chronicle Capture, browse vendors offering additional costume pieces and accessories, or rest and prepare for the evening celebration.
The Gathering of Legends
As night falls on the full day of programming, the Village comes alive for The Gathering of Legends. This immersive evening celebration brings all four character classes together for feasting, storytelling, wandering encounters, and moments of wonder tucked throughout the grounds.
Costumes are worn proudly, creations are unveiled, and the stories shaped throughout the day are woven into one shared night of magic.
Sunday
Farewell Morning
Overnight guests may enjoy an optional farewell brunch on Sunday morning before departure.
Your Journey Begins Here
Early Bird tickets start at $315 per guest + tax. Overnight lodging packages available. Early Bird pricing through February 15, 2026.
Choose how you would like to experience the retreat.
Overnight lodging packages include retreat admission.
Keep scrolling for agenda + additional information!
MEET OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
We are honored to welcome Charity Grace and her team from Whimsy Forge as a keynote guide for Legends in the Making.
Charity Grace
Charity Grace is the founder of Whimsy Forge, a creative movement studio rooted in the belief that you do not have to choose between strength and imagination, art and adventure, or play and purpose.
From competing on Ninja Warrior to creating costumes, performing in character, homeschooling her children, and building a business, Charity has spent her life refusing to live inside prescribed boxes. Her work blends embodiment, creativity, and storytelling to help people step fully into who they are becoming.
As a guide for Legends in the Making, Charity brings movement, character embodiment, and imaginative exploration together to help guests inhabit their bodies and their stories with confidence and joy.
About Whimsy Forge
Whimsy Forge is a creative online community platform where fantasy is not an escape, but a pathway to self expression, confidence, and embodiment. Founded by Charity Grace, Whimsy Forge blends movement, costuming, storytelling, and playful challenge to help people explore strength, creativity, and identity in new ways.
Through workshops, challenges, and immersive experiences, Whimsy Forge invites participants to step into character, move with intention, and reconnect with a sense of wonder and possibility. Every offering is designed to be accessible, empowering, and deeply imaginative, creating space for people to become more fully themselves.
Who This Retreat Is For
Legends in the Making is for
Cosplayers seeking a deeper, more embodied experience
Creators who love crafting, movement, and storytelling
Fantasy fans who want something more immersive than a convention
Anyone ready to step into character and into community
No matter your experience level, you are welcome here.
Your Journey Begins Here
What’s Included
Every Legends in the Making experience includes:
The Friday welcome ceremony and shared dinner
Saturday breakfast and lunch
Embodiment sessions where you train like your character
Creative workshops in The Makers Hall with all materials provided
The Quest for the Medallion exploration experience
Chronicle Capture mini photo session opportunity
The Gathering of Legends evening celebration
Overnight Lodging Packages also include on site accommodations in one of our themed dwellings.
Choose Your Journey
Two ways to experience Legends in the Making
STAY IN THE VILLAGE
Overnight Lodging Packages start at $400 per guest, per night based on double occupancy
Perfect for guests who want to fully immerse themselves in the Village and stay on site. These packages include retreat admission along with overnight accommodations for March 20 + 21.
JOIN US FOR THE RETREAT
Retreat Tickets start at $315 per guest + tax
Ideal for local guests or those staying off site who want to participate fully in the retreat without overnight lodging.
Choosing Your Path
After completing your purchase, each guest will select their character path through the client portal. Your path selection helps us prepare your materials and personalize your Saturday itinerary.