From the Pen of Inquisitor Sahaal

Contributor: Adam
Submission: Photography and Prose
System: Lost Eidolons, Accelerant
Character Name: Sahaal (he's been through various titles, but I'm not sure which one he's on currently)

Lost Eidolons is a LARP set in a Lovecraftian, steam-punk world. The players live in the town of Greyhook-- a burgh plagued by weres, spirits, and any number of unspeakable horrors. The writing and flavor of the game leads to in-depth character development and intense roleplay. Father Sahaal, played by Adam, is perhaps one of the best examples of this. Sahaal is an intricately written and performed character-- his actions range from far-reaching religio-political intrigue to cloistered scheming to grand plans of world conquest. He's not evil, and he's not good. Adam also goes far-and-beyond the call of standard costuming: he and his "retinue" sport complicated and realistic clothing, makeup, and weapons. Moreover, the appearance of the retinue fluctuates depending on the group's current situation.


Read below for a taste of Sahaal's religious prose, as well as some picture of the good father. Want more anti-heroism? Read Loralon's account!

Weapons: A New Perspective

Contributor: Chris Wilkins
Submission: Interview
System: Accelerant
Location: Cambridge, MA
Email: christopher.wilkins@gmail.com

Chris is relatively new to Accelerant, and weapons-making, but, in two years, has already made around 20 unique weapons. It's nice to be able to work with someone who can tailor a weapon to match my character's world. Moreover, Chris uses authentic archaeological designs to make his weapons match a flavor. Although some of the weapons are a bit bulkier, they are really fun to use-- especially is you have a character from a thematically specific universe.

And So Begins the LARP Season!

Contributor: Beth Fallon
Submission: non-fiction guide to PELs
System: Accelerant (but all take heed)
Years LARPing: 21
Email: efallon@earthlink.net

With the end of the Mirror, Mirror Revel, and Aralis and Lost Eidolons on their ways (not to mention a host of non-Accelerant games), the Post Event or Summary Letters are probably flooding inboxes. Or they should be. When I first started LARPing, I didn't really care too much about PELs, because I was too busy gushing about The Magic of the First Event (trademarked). Then, as I became jaded (literally and figuratively for Madrigalites), I had my First Real Event Complaint (also trademarked). It was minor, but I was a little devastated. What if staff hated me? What if they told the offending person? What if someone complained about me? What if I hurt the person's feelings-- it really wasn't that big a deal, was it? When I finally sat down to write the letter, however, I was a little dismayed. How could I frame it without sounding whiny, overly aggressive, or mean-spirited? How long should I spend talking about it? What if, in writing about the module, the reader ignored all the good things I had to say about the game? What if they ignored my personal character requests because they were worried about fixing the single bad part of my experience?

I think we've all been here. PELs, especially if something went less than perfect, can be difficult to write. We often have close friends who are on staff, and LARPing is a small community. Therefore, I'm giving you Beth Fallon's guide to PEL writing. As an experience LARPer and staff person, she gives a good perspective on not only how to deal with OoG problems, but also how to make staff aware of IG desires and goals. So, read on, and incorporate her advice into any post-game summary you might submit.

Spotlight on Mirror, Mirror: Highlights

So the Mirror, Mirror Revel, the first of its kind (I believe), has come to an end. It was a huge success, and, despite the mucky ice-sludge, very fun. I invite PCs, NPCs, and staff alike to share their highlights in the comments. Looking forward to the LARPing season here in Accelerant land.

(Tomorrow, as brains defuzz, I'll post an excellent guide to PELs that comes from experienced LARPer Beth F. of Madrigal, Endgame, 7V, and other LARP fame. It may be a useful tool for newer/rusty PEL writers.)

I'll start with my personal favorites:

Discussions with Wiv and Whispers on the ethical merits of being a neutral Death Aspect. Also, Wiv's perspective on reading and literacy was highly entertaining. And it explains a lot.

Asking the Cursed Lord about the feasibility of meeting some dark fae in the Cursed Forest. Judging by his response, I can't help but think he was slightly amused.

LARP Links!

Hello all,
I'm currently stomping blight at the Mirror, Mirror revel. However, I'm more than happy to shoot you a few links and and exciting announcement. My friend, Jyn, of Madrigal and NERO fame, sent me a pile of LARP websites to consider. Give them a look-- I haven't had a chance to yet, but I'd love to get your thoughts.

Blogs:
http://www.larping.org/
http://howtolarp.blogspot.com/
http://www.drlarp.com/
http://elizabethrstark.com/category/larp/
http://larpwright.efatland.com/
http://www.crolarper.com/

Forums/websites:
http://www.larpfinder.com/
http://www.larplist.com/
http://forum.rpg.net/forumdisplay.php?70-RPG-Spotlight-Live-Action-Roleplaying

Conventions: 
(many of which also have blogs/forums)
http://2012.festivalofthelarps.com/events/557 (Boston-area)
http://www.interactiveliterature.org/L/ (Boston-area)
www.ima2012.com (Baltimore/DC)
http://wyrdcon.com/ (California, supposedly the US Knutepunkt?)
http://www.dexposure.com/home.html (New Jersey)

Spotlight on Mirror, Mirror: Thoughts from a Cave

Contributor: Zoe

Submission: Thoughts from a Cave, fiction by Tev

LARP System: Accelerant-Mirror, Mirror

Years LARPing: 2

With the teaser released, the bags packed, and the happy band of (most anti-)heroes ready for adventure, I give you a somewhat anti-climactic end to the Mirror, Mirror spotlight. Check back in tomorrow for another post, and Sunday for a recap of the event. I'll also be posting something else from Beth about PELs-- even for those of us who have written dozens (or hundreds), a refresher is never a bad thing, especially if something goes horribly wrong in the first event of the season. But, for now? Thoughts from a Cave, by Tev.

Spotlight on Mirror, Mirror: Loralon

Contributor: Lawbard of Livejournal, or Trelaine of Madrigal
Submission: fiction, Reflections of Fire
LARP system:  Accelerant - Mirror Mirror
Your Location:  MA
Character name:  Loralon
Years LARPing:  21

A recollection from everyone's favorite totally-not-evil warmage! (Or whatever he is-- war priest, mayhaps?