I wanted to post this as it earned Mike 2 exp. points. I want stories about things to help you guys with your characters. I am posting this because it is funny and also shows me how my stories affect yours.


My mundane life versus my awakened life

You know, the whole Tradition thing, mage world, and all that can be pretty messed up. I mean, take last week for instance. There was this house that wasn’t a house that contained people that weren’t people, and that’s all BEFORE we went into the Umbra. I mean, really. I couldn’t possibly make stuff like that up, especially the part where most of us are firing bullets at the house and it looks like it’s deflating. A house deflating is generally not accepted as a normally occurring phenomenon.

I’m really glad I have a “normal life” that somehow helps me to keep the weird stuff in check. Every day, I go out on the streets and see the rank and file of the population, everybody from the politicians to the everyday working class joes right down to the bums in the alley. All of that makes a certain kind of sense to me, and that’s what I like to write my songs about. That’s not to say it’s all good, but it’s all there, and no one would dispute it. I don’t know a lot about science and all that, but I do know that the things we do break most of the rules that science sets forth, and everybody’s belief in those rules is what makes us hurt when we do our more blatant magics. I’m just glad that, in general, I don’t do a lot that fits into that category. I just get dragged into it when other people are doing it.

Speaking of which, last week I go from having a philosophical conversation about nudism and how some people are cool with it and some people aren’t and agreeing to help push the envelope in that direction as far as the house is concerned to then trying to exorcise some weird demon to help out a bunch of guys I just met. That’s some freaky stuff. I don’t think most people out there would be able to handle that, to be honest. Heck, I was barely able to handle that. So, then, I’m caught up in this circle of “let’s hunt down these evil magical guys” and “let’s deal with the cops about our dead friend”.

Right there is the biggest problem I have between my normal and magical lives. I want to tell Xiang’s sister everything that happened. I want to make sure the things who did it pay. I know absolutely everything that happened, including why it happened. I didn’t actually see it, but it’s not hard to imagine one of those beasts ripping him up. Unfortunately, neither she nor the cops is ready for that sort of knowledge, and I can’t say I blame them. So, here I am, coming up with some lame excuse to pin the whole tragedy on, and although her ex was a big ol’ jerk, I don’t think sending him up the river for murder is a good idea. But it’s really the only option we have. It’s not like we can say, “Officer! It was these wolf-men that got him!” and they’ll be all “Oh, okay, those guys. We’ve got a lead on them. We’ll get right on it.” More likely we’ll all be stuffed in the nice rubber rooms wearing the vest that lets you hug yourself. So the position that puts me in is doing things I strongly disagree with. Lying to the cops about my friend’s disappearance/death. Bearing false testimony against some dupe, no matter how much of a jerk he is or how much he deserves it. And, most of all, I hate lying to even my dead friend’s sister. I always thought our abilities were supposed to help us out and make things better for the world, but it looks like all being a mage has done for me is make me blur my morality and watch people die.

Mississippi is definitely the territory of the Wyrm, HELP!!! Only another 79 days... then to Spain! Viva!!!

Good! I don't want to go into the umbra again for a very, very long time.

Oh you... your just jealous that your age old totem got his ass kicked by a bunch of wannabe Lovecraft cultlist :P

Actually, Dave, that won't work. Because the next person's post appears on *top* of the last one's, and browsers read HTML from top to bottom, the poster BEFORE the forgetful one would have to close the tags.

Mmmm, tasty time paradox.

By the way, after the beating my character took last week, see if he ever opens up a hole in teh Gauntlet for any of you ever again. Nyah.

If someone knows html, technically the next person can close the tags for the forgetful one, but that would be like picking up someone else's trash.

Thank you to all the players that made this past game session a terrific time for everyone including me!
Dave, Kaine, and Benny - you were a great addition to the Mage Game. I had a lot of fun running some excellent scenes with all of you.
Mike, Solomon, and Jeremy - as always you guys are a joy to ST for. You all care more about story than rules and the game really showed for your efforts.
"NAKED GUY" DJ Ross - Oh you better run for your life if you can little mage, if they catch you it's the end .. little mage!
Terry - Hmmmm... what is up with your dog dude? I guess punk rock shock rocker is a valid concept, I hope you are glad you made the decision to play.

I am really looking forward to the next installment when the Zepher is half completed and the SOEs find out the particulars of your night. This game session has been close to the best we've had yet and I hope to keep it rocking like this. With all of your help I know we will.

Thanks again for your cooperation and effort.

Any chance we can turn html off on this board. I know people like making there posts look cool but the number of people forgetting to close tags is getting annoying. just a thought.

I am willing to give Mark a shot. I have a few ST's that were horrible players but excellent ST's. It will allow Mark the creative process to develop a game from the ground up. If it doesn't seem to be working a couple months we can ask someone else to take over. But to not accept his offer is a slap in the face to everyone that has ever wanted to do it but didn't/couldn't be some one said so. Mark may have been disruptive at times in the past but that was a player. ST'ing is quite a bit different and if he is consistently disruptive as ST then no one will want to play with him.

So in conclusion let's give ChoCho the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks! appreciate it

I'll get you certamen rules tonight in a phone call.

does anyone know where the larp rules for certamen are? i need to know

Well first, there will be no Werewolf players at the game besides maybe skippy, kaine, Benny, Michelle and Jason. everyone is going to Larry Con. It was suggested that this be a skip week, so I said skip week. I would like to give my plot Ideas to the Other St's and show ways to improve the game and perhaps get us somemore players coming. A advertisment eve or a "special event" with good advertisment. (I do not know how to do spaces on here or I would to start my next statement.) See you all the 11th

Mark (Cho Cho),

I am sure that what I have to say is best said now. I fully and completely advocate that there should be a right to choose by all players. If no one else is willing to step up to the task of ST then I see it as clearly - you. Those that don't verbally oppose it at the LARP on Saturday be damned. However, you have no special rights under any charter or posted rules, or hand me downs, making you the heir to the Werewolf game. Also, let it be said that Eric Treanor doesn't care who STs, he laughs when any of us tell him the petty BS that goes on with this forum board.

I will support any ST chosen by the players, it is their game. I will work with anyone who takes it and does right by the players.

There is some conjecture about a point and I want to clerely state ...
There is no head ST.
Seth gave up that position when Skippy took over. We don't need one. If a player needs an authority figure they can look to the genre ST. If people think we need one at a time like this then missed my last post.

The only way you'll lead is if players follow. You have a group of players so tell a story. But, if someone else wants to start a group and has players to follow them then they have just as valid a group and reason to be a part of Fortress as you. So, with that being said... If Michelle wants to ST those who don't want to play under Mark and if the players accept her then so be it. You could even work with her and run two seperate packs. That would be great.

But, overall, what I am saying is everyone has a right to be heard when it is about their game. We ST because players allow it.

Hate me now. I only care to work with someone who is willing to make concessions to the other genres running. When interacting with more than one genre it is the duty of the STs to compromise. I don't think many know the meaning of the word.

yeah, where the *@#$ are the rules for certamen in larp?

Steve,
Excellent summary, my good fellow. Every thing you said was absolutley correct.
Anymore questions?

The Garou ST problem has been solved. I stepped forward, 1 week ago, no one has stepped forward, I am not going to leave this open for a week for people to step forward when ever they want. Steve was to take over, he has handed the game to me, the game has always been handed to people in the garou genre. From Skippy, to Mike & Pyle to Mike, To Seth, to Mike, to Skippy. I do not ever remember whwn we had a voice. Anyways I stepped forward, I have been spending the last week drawing up plot lines. I have character histories as well, it seems they players have chosen. I have wanted to ST the Garou game for a long long time now, and never given the chance. The Players who show up on the 11th, will be a pack after we begin and the story will be told. I hope you all have fun, at LArry con and in the game. It is the goal of this to have fun, suggestions are open from everyone at any time. See you the 11th.

From Amy's post the mage game is closed to new players unless you talk with her (most likely in person) and get your concept and ideas approved. You are only kicked out if amy has no notice of your absences for 2 weeks in a row. So if you are going out of town for a month let her know and you will be fine. She basically doesn't want a huge influx of mages and when the Garou st problem is solved all those character that want to be playing garou to leave and leave alot of uncompleted stories. So if you are going to play a mage you are playing one for the life of your character. Go ahead and correct me if I am wrong in my summery Amy.

Hey, I would like some clerification, from what I read, the Mage section is becoming a closed game that is invite only and if you miss two sessions your out.

My Thesis on Fortress LARP

A long time ago when the game broke off from Darker Images at the MSU Union a group of players who wanted to play together aquired the right to use the Fortress as a gaming spot. People who want to have been fortunate enough to step up and ST even if they are new. I have never known any rules for who can and can't ST. The only way someone is chosen is if they have players to play for them.

If people want to leave due to personal conflicts with the ST choice that is always their prerogative. But, should those players be forced into leavinf because their voices were not heard? That too is something to ponder. It seems to me that the best course of action for all players in any LARP would be that the people who want to play should pick their ST. This means that on Saturday all those who want to play stand up and tell who you are, your experiance, give the reason you want to ST and what kind of a game you want to run. The players who want to decide who to play for can vote on ST in and then work together to build a game that night. The decision is not over when someone who wants to ST says it is, it is over when the players who want to play says it is.

You folks who want to pack it in because this game has gotten bitter and sour to you, please find greener pastures where you can game and be happy. It is after all about the game. When it comes down to rules and fights it loses the meaning that it had.

I think it is not about quality or quantity, but about enjoyment and fun. The reason I like LARP, which is different than why I like Table Top, is that all players are their own ST in a way. They all have the ability to tell a story their way. It is about them. As an ST my job is to make the world go, to populate it, to narrate it to my players. My story is the life they must walk through as they tell their tale.

Only a player can decide who to let ST them. Seth imparted the vampire game to me and no players asked to take up the reigns when the game needed as ST. Of course a couple of players were not thrilled and they eventualy left after giving me a shot. I have a particular style. But, those who play with me I think do so because they wanted to give MAge a try after I switched genres, and because some of them like my style. I have made it clear that if you don't like what I do there are several other LARPs in Lansing.

Anyone, who wants to ST the Garou game can do so on the authority of the players, not by my authority and I hope not by Seth's authority. If there are these rules about STing I haven't seen them and I don't support them. I support a freedom to choose.

As far as players not being able to deal with Cho Cho in a leadership role, you have the chance to prove to him what leadership is about. Leadership is about having the courage to step forward and the strength not to look behind you and wonder if anyone is following. In any case it isn't an easy role, and players don't make it smooth. Sometimes they don't even tell their stories. But, if you choose not to even play mage that is fine, your choice.

At this point I am closing off the Mage genre. Other than concepts that have been being played all Tradition Mages are closed down. I don't want a big in flux of characters. I want people who are interested in telling their tale. I don't want to mix with the Garou until things get settled. So, if some of you are displeased at that my apologies, but we are not ready. When the other genre is set up and the game has been going for a month I'll re open the possibility of interaction, but the Mage players have a story and it is dying to get out.

I have a new rule for the Mage game ...
If a player does not contact me to let me know they will not be at the game and is not there for two weeks in a row (exception being a skip week) the character will be taken by the ST and wraped up in some manner as to make the character unplayable in the genre. A new character will not be offered.

I want consistency in players and to tell the story for them, not saddle them with problems of missing pieces due to player absence.
If you have any questions on the above at all please see me to discuss. I do not like reading my name in posts and not having my actual words recorded. Now that my feelings are known I feel better. I wish everyone all the best in whatever you decide to do.

Why haven't the pictures been updated in such a long time? Penguin and George don't play there any more. Hell, Fish lives in Pittsburg! I won't harp on you for Jacob... he's still registered as the Camarilla game's ST. (Those Cammies are so punctual.) Besides, aren't you a mage game now? You have every genre BUT mage listed in the pics section... Wierd.

Hmm just wondered why my last comment didn't work. Anyways, if someone could e-mail me some more info about this game i would like that. I have played D&D for a whial. Like 5 years or so. I wanted to see what larp is like. I live in lansing. Which isn't to far from East Lansing.

NEWS UPDATE: This weekends Werewolf Game will be a SKIP WEEK, due to Larry-Con. I will be attending Larry Con as most of you seem to be. Sounds like 100% of the Genre is. So NO game January 4th. We will be playing the following weekend assuming CARP isnt playing. So The Werewolf game will be playing the 11th for its opening and first night. See you all at Larry Con. As Far as I know the MAGE game is still on and going.

The game will be modern Day Werewolf, So have your histories made for modern day. I have 4 so far, the begining plot is done. Steve Politowski will be the Stealth Narrator. He will help out when we g et busy as he has came forth and offered his assistance.

This all upsets me a great deal. I had assumed that we were past this silliness the last time. As I've said before, I don't have the time or the energy to spend on this drama. I think it would be best for me, in the long run, to avoid any game involving Mark in any kind of authority position. So, I will be stopping by on Saturday to put forth my last action as ST, and then I will be leaving.

Give it up, Kaine. It's not worth the time you spend typing.

Happy New Year!

I will get together with Amy, and we will modify the rules so they are very clear, to protect the players and st's of our game. If anyone has input or things they would like to see please email me.

To your 1st statment: 1.You havent known me long enough to know what kind of character I can play, if you want more info, email Seth and ask him about Origins. I play Werewolf a certain way, it is the way I beleive and want to play my character. It has nothing to do with the way I ST. 2.I am well aware of the Fortress Larp Rules, I beelive in our closing of the argument, I was in thw wrong as much as other parties were, the correct rule format wasnt following, This comment on this Issue has now ended, for I care not to bring up old problems. 3.I think alot of peoples conduct on the board wasnt very mature or up to perfected levels, do not judge one, but judge all before addressing this subject for you are being selective on your target and verbal statments. 4. The Werewolf Genre may split from the Mage game, it will be run at the same location. That is up to the players however, where they vote is what type of game we will play, the game is about the players having fun, and I am a major fan of that, not how much fun the ST can have. From the sounds of it we will be running a Modern day game, that will have potential contact with the mages. So you need not worry, but if you wish to play in the game, please submit a history for approval and a 7-5-3 character sheet to the email address given above. I think I have answered your "questions/staements" I will see everyone Saturday at 9 O'Clock.

Okay, now is when I actually get annoyed Mark. Hissy fit? These are honest concerns. I have stated nothing about how your game will be. I have said what I've seen and NOTHING more. Deal with what I'm saying. Think over this, I never said all your characters have been disruptive. I said WEREWOLF characters. Also, you have not addressed your flagrant disregard, creation and ignoring of Fortress rules in the past. You pick and choose which parts of my arguements to respond to and half-answering the ones you do deign to answer. *rolls eyes* Anyway, do not bother posting anything more. You won't answer anything and it will only make me more frustrated. To those that have such decision making power, please look over my statements again and then review what Mark has written in reply. Perphaps he has answered my concerns better than I thought. Please review concerns 2 and 4 in my original post as they are the ones which concern me more. If anyone has anymore words on the subject, please email me privately.

oh and Kaine, I am very disruptive at the CAM game arent I? think over that.

Kaine, I honestly dont care if those people play or not. Older players are returning, and some new are coming after a conversation with some Midland friends yesterday. Not this Saturday but soon. Play or dont play, do what you will have fun doing.If you will have fun playing Mage, play mage. The hissy temper fits over who the ST is doesnt exsist at the Fortress anymore. You arent even trying my game but prejudging it. You, Skippy or any of the folks listed have never been in pone of my games. Have a good night, see you all Saturday at 9. ( my plane lands at 8:15 ) I dontg know if Skippy had a wrap up or not, but I will give him those 2 hours if he needs to properly end his game/chronicle.