Facilitators: Kathleen De Smet, Morgan
Set, prop, and puzzle builders: Mel Lu, Anna-Brit Schlaepfe, Eleanor, Kasey Star, Noah Goldberg. Joe Mente, Milo, Fawnn, Tasha Mente, Elyse, Rebecca S., Jenn Hardee, Brian De Smet
Decoration contributors: Jenn Hardee, Suko, Cin Barnes
Snacks: Morgen, Christian Utzman, Alexander, Suko
NPCs and Backstage folks: Kit Meyer, Fawnn, Christian, Eleanor
Book Makers: Brian De Smet, Rebecca, Jenn
Group Assistants: Jenn Hardee, Brian De Smet
Photos: Suko, Andrew Lin, Noah Goldberg
Players (in my group): Andy Blank (Innocent), Gene Mocsy (Hunter), David N (Witch), Sean Nittner (Charming), Sanaa “Saph” Semyon (Trickster), Vanessa McQuay (Godparent).
Players (in the other group): Karen Twelves (Hunter), and five more!
System: airy Tale Experience by Kathleen De Smet and Morgan
Wow, just look at that list of contributors. Even counting that many people were wearing many hats, there were 20 people who put a ton of work into making this larp/escape room/experience an absolute delight!
Without giving away too many spoilers we were in two separate groups that started in different locations and only converged at the end. We played archetypes (innocent, hunter, trickster, etc) that had strong feelings about others in the group (a desire to protect, to confront, to be close to, etc) but no specific memories…they had all been take away by some enchantment.
My group began in the castle with a puzzle to solve, while each of us were still figuring out how we felt about being in this place, unaware of how we got here. The notes I got for Charming were sensual, outgoing, and seductive, but your shadow side is possessive, manipulative, and self-indulgent. I enjoyed flirting with anyone and everyone (especially the hunter as he was the only one I thought I might have touched something real) but since the game involved puzzle solving and decision points I focused most of my amorous attention on myself: preening in the mirror, taking the tiara that we found and affixing it at a suitably jaunty angle on my head, lounging about looking for liquor (which actually helped solve one of the puzzles!), and admiring my own magnificence. It was self indulgent and delightful.
Decisions
We were told in advance that individual characters would make choices that would guide stories. When presented with a choice we were encouraged to consult the group, but ultimately the decision was our own. We were also told that all the decisions would lead to interesting and fun outcomes, which I can confirm. They were all a delight!
As we made decisions I thought my votes, which always centered around hedonism and self-indulgence would be ignored by the other, more noble, characters, but quite a few times by hook or crook we were all (or nearly all) in accord. Each choice led us further through the story and into more and more delightful encounters.
Finally, after our last puzzle and trial, we were united with the last group for the finale…and the special effects of it were incredible! As the twelve us us worked together to break the spell, we rejoiced a fantastic evening! And there were snacks!!
As if the experience wasn’t great enough on it’s own, each group received a custom made book that recounted our adventures. SPOILERS AHEAD!
How cool is this?
This game was originally going to be played June 2020 and all the amazing props had to sit in storage for five years. I’m so glad they were held onto and brought out for an amazing event!
Thank you Kathleen and Morgan and all of the folks who put so much work into making this experience possible, it was incredible!
