Even if the did a total reset, it doesn't mean everyone will be on the same level. As for changing genres, I wouldn't play in an all Garou game. The only time I've seen a garou pack solve something through means other than killing it(even in other LARPs) was the former ST pack, and even then, there were a couple of bravos in there.

For the last month we have had new players play Cam only with no gen lower than 10th. However things seem to get worse quicker than better. Andrew is correct about it is up to the storytellers to fix the game. Yet as I recal it was that exact heavy hand type of Storyteling the players wanted us to stay away from. We can easily "Purge" the city with powerfll NPC's but isnt easier just to reset? Or to take a break? There were reasons we switched to Dark age Vampire last year.

Some problems with having all new characters be cam as part of a fix is that most of the experianced players are no longer interested in playing straight Cam. Even those that came into game last week listed as cam essentially played as anarchs. I'm not pushing for a re-set, it's just one option that we're considdering.

You know, I was thinking about Eric's post. If you want a Camarilla-based game, without a reset, make sure all new characters are Camarilla-only (no independants, no sabbat, period, no exceptions), and have the CAMARILLA recruit. I mean, I did it as Sabbat, why can't the Camarilla find a reason to bring the Gangrel back? Find a reason to coax the Sabbat players into working for the Camarilla instead of against it? The Camarilla members of the city MUST realize the position that they're in.

Traditionally, Storytellers bring in things that will antagonize the major grouping of characters. Maybe this time something to guide the characters in a certain direction would be a better idea.

I would even consider switching to a Camarilla character, if it would save the game from a reset.

all right... i havn't been gaming with you peoples very long but i will say one thing... every LARP of course has its problems and story dun go where its supposed to. And i personally have fun. How the characters have been playing is whats taking the story the way its going... I personaly wouldn't like to see the game reset. Something needs to be done to urge the story back were you want it... isn't that the art of storytellers to guide the game as such? Stuff happens all the time... you just gotta take it... and run with it. at least its my opinion and no i havn't been around for all of the problems either... but ones things for sure a game that is all one type... Cam or whatever doesn't sound very fun at all.

Seth,

Sorry if my post slammed the sabbot, I didnt mean it to sound that way. I am not upset with one group in paticular as I am in the hole. Just read Mike's post and the Cam structure. I can understand the sentament "Let the players drive the fate of the city" the problem is that the Storytellers dont want to run the game in its current state. Every meeting is about what can we do to make the game better. I was thinking about Sue's post. What if we did play another genre this summer? I am sure most people are tiried of Vamp characters. What about Changeling? Or Garou? Just other options to think about.

Why can't the LARP do something other then vampire?? I mean, if I remember correclty, Fortress was started as a *different* type of LARP... not just the same ole, same ole vampire game. Why don't you guys give some of the other genres a chance and see what you like. Summer is an excellent time to do that, or perhaps allowing some other genres to play other then vamp but along with them will help things out. I KNOW there are LARPers out there who like to play, but aren't keen on playing in a vampire only LARP... they can go to any of the other 5 million LARPs in this city. Offer something different!!

I guess what I should do now is let everyone know about the 1920's concept that Pyle was refering to. It'll be an alternate timeline plot, therefore W.W. Cannon is not going to be strictly followed. However, I intend to keep the mood very simialar to that originally intended for vampire, dark, dirty, gotham-city-ish. When prohibition started the Sabbat completely controlled Detroit (It'll be set there) and started making buckets of money and power by rum-running from windsor to Chicago and Toledo, ect... The Cam hated this state of affairs dince the Sabbat was suddenly well funded, The Giovanni Hated it because the Sabbat was horning in on their mob contacts and taking alot of money out of the Giovani's influences, and the Settites hated it B/C the Sabbat were running speakeasies getting alcohol to those who wanted it. The three then joined forces an squished the Sabbat in detroit, sending the survivors to toledo. The Cam, in their own patonizing way, patted the heads of the Setties and the Gio's and offered them probationary sect membership in Detroit. The Giovanni basically fliped them the bird by taking over the Windsor side of the smuggeling and putting up a big "no tresspassing" sign up (metaphorcally speaking.) The Settites replied why yesss, we're honored by your offer, where's the primogen meeting? The Cam was held to it's offer. The game starts with the pull-out of the "big-guns" and the establishment of a government, and the return to "normal" mode of opperation. Lemme know what you think.

I only have one humble request of a change in the game. Please change the name of the xp awards at the end of the night. I know that the story tellers want to be fair in distributing the xp but it makes the distribution seem random an makes a joke of the efforts of those who actualy did a good job rather than being a tool to encourage better playing.

Cam game, Player driven game, It's all a moot point. What we have is a lot of individuals with expectations that we as players as well as story tellers are to mysticaly know and fufill each and every Saturday. I don't know about you guys but I haven't mastered mind reading yet. I think that's why I loved the changeling game. It was small and unpredictable but the only expectation we had was to have fun. Correct me if I'm wrong but any one who kept with the changeling genre had fun with it. There is nothing to stop us from making the same with the vampire genre. we just have to find out what peoples expectations are and see how to accomidate them if possible. A major reset does seem on the surface to be a quick and easy way to solve all our problems but people will still fall into their natural way of doing things and we will wind up with the same problems staring us in the face. This is a game with a lot of exceptional individuals, expectaitons, opinions, and imagination. There is no right or wrong.

Well, I disagree that the exp should be transferred over as that completely defeats the purpose of everyone starting on the same level again. Blodgett retired his character about 1.5 months ago. The ratkin is the only long lived character that is still there.

I agree that a reset be made, but instead of having everyone ditch their characters, let them keep the experience they've gained, just reorganize it to suit their "new" character. I had been playing Kastor on and off for most of the school year, and I don't want to have to start over there. I'm sure Blodgett and 'da Rat wouldn't want to either. I also agree with the generation cap... sorta. I've seen a certain percentage of players allowed to be sub-10th gen in some games, but I don't like that rule. I prefer if you have a good reason and the ST agrees. The "I went on a diablerie spree" is not a good reason. That results in blood hunts. Anyway, I hope that's constructive writing.

agreed. I think you summed my long post up in that whole thing. heh

I, as usual, see this as very simple.

If this is to be a Camarilla game, it needs a reset. Period.

If this is to be a player-driven game, then the title of "Camarilla game" needs to be taken off. If the players drive the city to the sabbat, or some other direction, then it goes that direction.

This may be long, so bear with me

I, as many of you know have said many times over the past several months that I'm done, but all of you also know the reasons why. There are two main reasons, the second directly related to the first. 1) The consistant bitching that seems to take place. For what, to me, is a bit overwhelming considering all I hear all day almost 7 days a week is bitching. I come to larp to have 2) fun. When the bitching invades a GAME that I come to for FUN, it no longer becomes FUN. I do apologize to the story tellers for seemingly being so wishy-washy about playing all the time, but I hope you guys understand my reasoning, especially you Pyle considering I live with you. :) I have to say, this last week, I had a forking blast! I haven't had that much fun in a long while! It was nice.

Now for my opinion of what should be done with the larp. That is a tough question. I was talking about it with John and John over at Cho Cho's the other day, Sunday I believe, and John Wilk believes the LARP should be reset. John, excuse me if I've misquoted you, but I believe that was your belief?. I, at the time, whole heartedly disagreed. Yet, the more I think on it, the more I agree with him. Of course as the other John (the pirate) said, that can cause played tension at everything they've done being undone, *poof* all their efforts gone. I can see this point of view as well. But, I believe that there has to be a comprimise of sorts here. Over the past several days, I've come to pretty much agree with John Wilk, we need to seriously think of the "big red reset button". Then, all make new characters, All of 1 sect (if that is what the goal is) and get someone that is a strong role player in as prince. I can think of several people that would be good at that just off the top of my head. Then, you have everyone working on the "same side" so to speak. That does not mean that they will all work towards the same goal. Hell, some may even betray, but that will work itself out. I think the problem that we are currently having comes from the fact that we have too unsturdy of a "base" on which to build those politics of which you speak Pyle. Everyone is working to pull the "rug out from under the cam's feet", including most of the remaining cam players. I mean, look at the current power structure. Prince(me):wants to destroy the city. Council: most, actually all except ONE (the nos) is Sabbat!. The Senechal: not even Cam! I have to say, playing that scene out was one of the funnest scenes that I've ever been in, and I think alot of the people in it would agree. Yet it doesn't yield the result that is wanted of a Cam Game. So, I think if you want a strong cam game, the larp needs to be reset, everyone start on ground zero, except maybe a couple of people (the prince and primogen), so that we have a defined power structure.

That's my opinion... :)

Well, gee, Pyle, whose fault is it that a grim beast got loose and ravaged the city? You're a fine one to be talking about resetting things. As for blaming it on the Sabbat players...that's downright rude.

The topic has come up again. No, not Bianca, I am talking about reorganizing. I look at the current structure of the LARP and try to find bright spots in this perpetual chaos we call the city of Lansing. I have been unable to accomplish my goals of making this a vampire game. Instead we have an episode of the Super Friends. (Large grim creature gets out and it is up to the Hall of Justice to bring it down) Players leave week after week and swear never to come back. So I am left with the age old question, What to do with the L.A.R.P? Continue with the current plot line until there is NO city? Reset it and make players play all Cam? Allow a storyteller to run a game based in the 1920's? I tell you this I am torn. I have always as a storyteller tried to let people play the characters that they want to play. That policy is what has led to most of the problems. But were do you start taking back control? I have already stated all new players will be Cam only, no lower than 10th Gen. Still we don't have a full primogen council and no inner clan politics. Storytellers have wrote me with frustration over direction and structure. I guess all I can say is SOMETHING must be done. Now I will open up the board to suggestions. Please do not post "Leave things as they are", that wastes time. There has to be someway to work with what we have to get to were we should be. I look forward to reading your responses.

I boosted the priority of the CGI scripts for this virtual server - that should take care of the problems with comments not showing up.

Just a quick note:

If your post doesn't show up right away, don't re-post. It looks like they're eventually showing up. Just give the server a little time, and your post will show up. Thanks.

[man at desk] Thank you Candy, and now in other news: Scientists have confirmed that there is at least one wolf living in the Lansing area. Biologists at MSU are puzzeled as to how this animal has come to live here, 600 miles away from it's known territories. However, reguardless of how it got here it has made Lansing it's home and everyone seems to want to be part of the action. The local police, local farming/ranching community members, and sportsmen from all over the mid-west have been flocking here to try to capture the wolf. Athorities claim that the animal is hungry, sick and very dangerous and needs to be removed from this area. But not everyone agrees. [cut to MSU's campus] Michigan State's Biology department has put together an effort to locate the wolf that rivals that of the hunters [cut to professor] Um, We um, hope to find and um study the wolf using the latest in scientific techniques. We um do not wish to injure the wolf in any way, we just want to study it and explore other options such as um re-location. [cut to just outside of potter park, dozens of students wearing T-shirts with wolves on them are holding signs and singing, behind them is a stall selling shirts that say "save fluffy"] Some students have decided to adopt the wolf and name him...Fluffy. [student (phish head)] You know, we've got to stop rejecting , you know nature and all that stuff and like embrace it to our hearts. That's why we named it Fluffy, you know, it's like a real cuddley name and all. And oh yah, hi mom! [cut back to the studio] The city government has yet to comment on the appearance of this animal as it has been preoccupied with the memorial day disaster. This is Max Strong and now a word from our sponsors.

((try posting this again...)) Dearest prince... your deeds have done nothing. Your dishonor will be told in our stories for years to come. I wouldn't expect anyone else besides the Cammerila to put themselves on a pedistal for others actions. And as for the blood hunt i hear you've called upon me... i laugh at your rules, it was worth facing that sabbat coherting sheriff of yours. and to those who descied to follow the blood hunt... i am the hunter. Thorn-- you're welcome. ((please work this time...))

[on T.V.; the reporter stands in front of the former giovanni mansion, i.e. a smoking crater] Hello, this is Candy Carpenter bringing you flash action news. Residents of the Lansing area are still trying to put their lives back together in the aftermath of the F-3 tornado that rocked the downtown area early sunday morning. Without any warning whatsoever, this killer cyclone ripped a path of destruction from the west side of town all the way to Lake Lansing Park; killing 107 innocent people, of whom 40 were police officers valiently trying to get citizens to shelter. [cut to survivor] Me and my family were all asleep upstairs when I's heard a sound lika howlen beast outside and then the wall gets took right off. We don know what we gonna do. [Cut to sceen at a graveyard with fourty coffins draped in flags, a large crowd is gathered and some old, white men are on a podium in front] [candy's voiceover] Memorial Day took on a somber note with the burial of the fallen officers, presidential candidate George Bush spoke at the cerimony [cut to speach] I promice if elected I will get Lansing the money it deserves to re-build ofter this tragady, I will bring compassionate conservatism to the White House. [Cut to Candy] The end of the disaster occured just as suddenly as it started, but far more spectacular. Behind me are the ruins of a once oppulant mansion that was torn from it's very foundations causing a gas explosion of unprecedented purportions. The fireball was seen from every point in the Lansing area and felt in cities as far away as Howel. Mamorial day in Lansing will never be the same again. [cut]

((wheres my posts? *grrrs*))

dearest prince... you deeds have done nothing. Your dishonor and weakness will be passed down in our storied for many years to come... How ignorant, i wouldn't expect anyone but the cammerila to pedistal themselves so high for others deeds... and as for the blood hunt that I hear is on me... i laugh at your rules, and to those who would hunt me... i am the hunter. Thorn... your welcome.

dearest prince... you deeds have done nothing. Your dishonor and weakness will be passed down in our storied for many years to come... How ignorant, i wouldn't expect anyone but the cammerila to pedistal themselves so high for others deeds... and as for the blood hunt that I hear is on me... i laugh at your rules, and to those who would hunt me... i am the hunter. Thorn... your welcome.

Allerton's baby got out?! As for the new Prince, I think you may be a bit overstating your accomplishments. Everytime the Sabbat have been driven out, they manage to respawn in some dilapidated church or graveyard. (OOC - The rest of the post is in Latin) Mr. Thorne, please contact me.

Pyle, I apologize for dragging it out. The person I heard it from didn't have all the facts, and it sounded one sided. My bad...

Did someone drop the Happy Fun Ball?

Don't ever drop the Happy Fun Ball.

I apologize for any inconvenience that might have been caused by the escape of my sire's pet. My thanks to those who assisted in the task of destroying it. The individual responsible for its release has been dealt with.

Due to the hard feelings likely to be aroused by this debacle, we will be leaving the city for a while. I can still be contacted at this email address, but my cell phone will be out of service. We will return when tempers have cooled enough to permit us to continue our work.

I'd like to take a moment to say that, I, as Prince, have done something that no other has been able to do in a long long time. I have ridded this city of the Sabbat threat. *bow* Thank you...Thank you...Now hopefully, we can get on with making lives for ourselves in this city. Have a nice day.

Ok since it wont die I will explain the situation from the storytellers point of view. Bianca at no time was forced to go sabbot. When asked for a vision (Using her Merit) the Storytellers gave her vague descriptions to allow her to make the choice. The only reason why they were vague was her Merit was being manipulated by another player characters merit. (Skippy) Since both merits were of equal value the visions remained vague. After three weeks of this I was asked to INTERPRET Bianca's vision for her. She asked me and I quote "Is The 'One' saying in my vision I should go Sabbot?" thereby asking a storyteller to interpret her vision and make up her mind for her. Even at this time she did not have to go sabbot. Anytime you play a charcter that only does what a merit tells her tod has the potential to be spun by the merit. She was also asked several times during those three weeks if she wanted to play Tabitha as a sabbot vampire, she never gave us an answer one way or the other. It should also be noted for the record that is was Bianca that first approached Skippy out of character and suggested to him that he recruit her in character. I did not want to bring out all the details because it is a personal issue between the players in question and the storytellers. However, the persistent questions and one sided accusations have got out of hand. I warn all of you reading this board. I have seen silly fights like this tear up LARPS in the past. You as players have to trustin us as storytellers or this game will not survive. I really don't think this city needs a 7th LARP so for all of our sakes, LET THIS ISSUE DIE!!!

test test...I've made 3 posts and none are showing...testing testing 1 2 3 ...

The first rule of this city: Don't ask questions.

Note: I won't drag this on, this'll be my last comment on the issue as well - I don't care either way whether it's debated, argued, complained, bitched about etc., or not, but there are several people(I'm guessing more than I've talked to) involved in the game who would like an explanation as to why it happened. I know why Bianca hasn't wanted to discuss the situation, by the way. It makes no sense for the merit she had to be suddenly used against her, when she's had it since September.

Adam,

I WILL not debate the Bianca issue on this board. It is an issue between one player and the storytellers. Currently, everyone but Bianca has come forward and complained and questioned. Neither I nor the rest of the Storytellers well discuss player characters personnal issues on this board. I am official dropping this issue effective immediately. Good evening,

Next time one wishes to release a War Machine near my compound please do in fact WARN me before you do so. I do not like rebuilding my Mansion every week.

Hey, I'm going to be running another demo next month, but I don't have any idea what I should run. Please email me with something you'd like to play, if you're interested. Thanks.

Hmmm... Nah.

Adam, perhaps you should address that question to the genre storyteller in private email rather than in public....

(The Following Message is in Latin, so if you cant speak or read it you cant understand it) I have decided to leave your town for Detroit. I shall be there until i feel I have a need to come back to Lansing. Thanks

I heard an... unusual comment. Apparently, someone was forced to go Sabbat because of a _MERIT_ they had, not a _FLAW_. Would someone be so kind as to explain why this occurred?

Due to alagad's vacation in Florida the e-mail address pyle@alagad.com is no longer valid. Please e-mail all Larp comments/concerns/questions to my new e-mail address:

knowyourrole@monkeypenis.com

Yes, that's unfortunate. Alagad has moved to Florida, and this is on a new local server that is the actual direct host of ofdoom.com. *plug* Anyway, my Nosferatu demo is scheudled for tomorrow (Friday) at 5:30 PM at the Fortress.

So I take it that there are no backups more recent than the one you restored, and that the last week and a half of messages have vanished into the bit bucket?

Testing the new server - 1 2 3...

has anyone seen morbies(the sheriff)he has been missing all week!I found a little girl I need to take to him.she don't Know what she is if you Know what I mean.

Yeah! Actually pay for the retainers background! No more Giovanni ghouled goon squads or packs of 20 inept Assamite ghouls!

Any player who comes to me asking to use X# of ghouls to do Y has to show me on their character sheet where they have the dots in backgrounds. If they don't got it, they can't use it. I recomend that the other STs start checking for that as well. This is why I've been asking for downtimes as well as for a list of backgrounds from all the players under me.

Yikes, more rules lawyering! Judge Judy take me away!! If the allies, herd and retainer backgrounds are going to be regulated for the people that actually *paid* for them, might I at least ask that the people that have them in play (actually using them in attacks against people I might add) but haven't paid for them have them taken away?

I dont want to spoil the fun for the rest of the people and all, but it's only fair eh?

First, I'd like to thank the people that have gotten back to me with their character histories and downtime synopsies. However, that group only includes 4 players up to this point, and I'm sure that there are more than that many out there. So, if you want to have plots geared specifically with your character in mind, please get these to me. Secondly, I've noticed a little confusion as to the rules for ghouls, retainers, herd and allies. Retainers are you faithfull (mostly) servants, these include ghouls as a sub-set both must be bought through XP and rollplaying. As an additional cost; each ghoul you possess lowers your starting blood pool for the night by one. Keep this in mind: Five ghouls with shotguns=five less blood to start with every game. As for Herd: These are just juicebags (can even be literal) they cannot be used for ANYTHING practical, even just picking up your dry cleaning. However, ANY source of blood outside of regular hunting must be paid for through this background at a rate of one XP per blood point available per week. The only possible exception is medical influence, which has the option of being used to procure blood. Lastly, Allies are just mortal buddies who can and will usually help you out. You can purchase this background in two formats: either each dot being an individual spank, or multiple dots being invested into a particular ally to make them more butch or helpfull. Thanks for you time

(OH OH OH!! About the LARPIES! OR maybe the last day before them... Picture day? I know, nobody comes to the banquet dressed up.)

(You realize that RAT doesn't have Internet access and isn't seeing a word you're putting up? Ah well, it's not really intended for him I suppose. Just thought I'd mention it.)

Silly me, I almost forgot. Cheechawawa is an exclamation. You say it in place of PoohPooh or Damn, or that word that refers to sex and starts with an F. Like when you slam your finger in the doorframe, or you're using a hammer and nail and you accidently hit your thumb. You exclaim Cheechawawa! Now you have another dictionary entry. You're welcome. =>

Hey Paranoid Iron Man...how about Chichawawa (Pronounced chee-cha-wah-wah) Just thought I'd add to your dictionary. Tabitha

To anyone who may be interested in the day to day activties of the RAT. I appears that someone matching Dick Feratti's description has entered a day care establishment early one morning and butcherd the children who were there. There is saposedly a vidoe tape that was running at the daycare center that shows the whole thing, keep your eyes one the boob tube. I have chacked my resources and it seams that this is not the first case of this happening, it seams that there are rumors of a very tall man dressed as micky mouse killing children, a inside source say that the poilice are dubbing this child killler the Mickey Mouse Murderer, they are keeping the crimes quite so as not to cause a sceen, but I belive that the media has gotten ahold of a copy of the tape. Just as a warning do not trust anyone who looks like a big RAT no matter how FRIENDLY they seam. And dont let them near the children......

It looks as though someone has pissed off the Hunters....

I am making a dictionary of words that I just come up with in my head somtimes. I have been able to come up with about 300 words so far. If any of you have any words you would like to submit please e-mail them to me. But remember they can't be words that come from any language on Earth.

We have seen what your kind have done to our city.

We have taken note of your deeds.

We will fight back.

To everyone in the Lansing area, anyone who is "related" Antoinio, Mr. Feratti has attacked our "Bussiness" Leader, we can not stand for this! Please let it be known that no one should have anything to due with this RAT. He is lower than scum. Anyone dealing with this RAT should be terminated...... N icholas O rwin S tevenson

I'm sorry to see you go Domonic. I assume that the family will be taking care of our joint business ventures. Should any other of your kin arrive my retainers will do whatever is needed to help them get established once again. Safe journeys.

I have decided to leave your worthless town and return to Italy where there are at least some sain people. Nice meeting some of you the rest of you the hell with you. Mr Thorn, Please contact me, i feel you could gain some ground in my leave. Dominic

There were hookers?

Hookers.

::taptaptap:: Guys ... hey guys...? Im really bored and stuff ... ::Slightly whiney voice:: Guuuuys! I hate missing LARP .... ::STOMPS OFF in search of something to do to occupy my time while all of you are at some new resteraunt breaking in new waitresses and discussing events of the night::

A new resteraunt?? But the waitresses were just getting our orders memorized! That means we have to break in new ones!! And ... we had the seating arrangements ... and .. you know ... I was wondering, what *did* ever happen to Steak and Shake??

Congratulations John on being appointed storyteller, it looks like I'll be able to be there tonight so I'll get to experience it first hand as a regular spin. As for resteraunts... why dont we discuss and try a new one this evening? The worst it can do is ruin one after LARP night.

First of all I'd like to thank the ST staff for giving me this opportunity to add to the quality of the game through storytelling. Now for business, my STing technique tends to be a very personal and reflexive one. i.e. My stories tend to reflect your character's psycology and actions. Therefore, in order for me to deliver plots that are as engaging as possible, I need to have your character histories and a summary of your rcent down-times (this gives me an idea as to what your characters have been up to.) Independents only please, and thank you for your cooperation.

Andrew, Fred, and Tabitha: I need to see you at the tree as early as possible on saturday. Things of great import are occuring.

Skippy: Sorry I missed your B-day. I bet it was the best skippy mocking marathon in ages. Hope it was grand. Also, please e-mail me as the only surviving copy of my character history is in the box and I need to get it to Pyle. Thanks.

I hear you boys been eatin' my kind. Now its time to pay. Don't think that just 'cause I'm a deer, I don't know about your powers and shit. I've taken down the best hillbillies america has to offer. I can take you down to. Pray to what ever pathetic human gods you degenerates worship, for I am the avatar of deer rage.

My Wild friends and I would love if you would come kill us after your larp, and eat well and healthy after allthe Deer population is a bit high : snarls :

Sarah: I am sorry to hear that you plan to leave the city of Lansing, and even sorrier to hear that you are headed for Detroit--I have friends there. May our Eldest Ancestor grant that you never meet them. Farewell.

Antonio: I do not hold much hope that you will last long enough in your new position to acquire even a shadow of your predecessor's wisdom. If you will not countenance peace, however, perhaps we can still manage detente. Call on me at any time; you have my number.

Comments on the restaurant issue:

• Steak and Shake only accepts cash. I know I'm not the only LARPer who almost always pays with plastic.
• Steak and Shake's service is incredibly slow.
• Steak and Shake has no vegetarian-friendly menu items, meaning that Vanessa can't eat there (and I can't eat there when Vanessa is along).

For these reasons, I am strongly against Steak and Shake.

Aw, John's the Independent ST now?! There goes all my competition for the Pinky and the Brain award for next year....

I am pleased to announce that John Wilk has agreed to take over my former position as Independent Storyteller. I, of course, have taken over dave Beck's former position as "Overlord" (Anyone think of a better title?) My responsibilties will be to oversee all the plots and make sure that everything runs smoothly. As I stated in the past the plots will be based around character's actions and backgrounds. If you have not sent in a character history to me please do so a.s.a.p. at pyle@alagad.com. This is worth three points IF YOU GET IT TO ME BEFORE SATURDAY. Past Saturday it is worth one pat on the back. So the current storyteller core looks like this:

Aaron "Pyle" Ledger, "Overlord"

Seth Garner, Cam. Storyteller.

John The Pirate, (w/Skippy) Sabbot Storyteller.

John Wilk, Independent Clan Storyteller.

Someone raised the possibility of going to somewhere close by, like bells or georgio's, over the summer. With the students mostly gone, these places could probably handle a group our size, plus they're closer to where we game. 'Course, we'd probably have to find a new place in the fall, but this would give us more time to find an ideal place.

my problem with the windmill has always been it already has two larps eating there.

I know that the windmill shouldn't have a problem with us because the larp i used 2 go 2 went there

John touched on the problems we had with Steak and Shake. In the past there was an issue with Wandering Gypsy Dog. The waitress did not allow him to order breakfast because it was 2 minutes before Breakfast was scheduled to start being served. To compound the matter she allowed someone two seats down from him to order breakfast. Other issues that were brought forth was on occassion the service was slow and they only accepted cash. Just thought I would throw out all the facts... There is a reason we have continued to go to Theio's. Keep posting!

Oh, and as far as the eatery after ... Steak and Shake is good, although, I have to agree with Adam on one point, we all have opinions.. but then again, I have never seen the man's show, so ... I guess that some things just have to be overlooked as ignorance on the part of the speaker, yes?

My idea... Since it is a vampire LARP ... what about something similar to a Gangrel telling, honoring certain members of the LARP or deeds done, perhaps acheivements of a Prince (No, that was not a hint cos of Sarah!! LOL) It could be made to be all spooky and eerie, the equivilent of sitting around a campfire and telling these stories. Just a thought.

L

If you need a camera, i could bring mine. Also, Pyle, i am going to drop Ahara for the summer after this weeks LARP, do i still need to turn in my history?

Pyle, To address a previous post of your's regarding the LARPie's "How can we make the feast longer?"

A number of ideas come to mind. I've attended many feasts in the SCA and some just run way too long....but that's another story.

Here are a few ideas.... 1. Entertainment. Songs, skits, mocking. Ode to joy...is that Skippy I hear singing already? Seriously, guitarists, magicians, storytellers, comedians or anyone who just wants to get some limelight they haven't had a chance to get in the game might be interested in entertaining. When have you ever heard an eshu tell an epic story in the game? Or a Toreador actually sing?

2. Group participation events. Anything that gets everyone involved, whether its a food fight or something less messy. The "civilized food fight" is always good for some stories and laughs. For someone who has never been in one, here's how it works. It starts with a grape, or piece of bread. You recruit a runner to bring it to someone else on the other side of the room, and that person relates the story on how it was thrown, or how it hit the other individual. Then the person who was hit, should be motivated to respond in an even more elaborate fashion. We've had chicken bones delivered, soup bowls, and daggers sent to others with some pretty wild descriptions of how they were sent.

3. The type of feast...having a potluck is the best way to get a lot of different types of food and keeps any one person from having to cater to a lot of others. However, serving the feast by the course instead of as a potluck will make the feast longer but it comes with it's own set of problems.

4. Post revels...these are little private parties held after an event. Get togethers of friends after the event where people break out the beers and just chill. No movies, no video games, just an opportunity for friends to get together and hang out and chat. The bigger the gathering the better. Bonfires are great for this type of thing - one of my personal favorites, if you know someone with the land for it. The "lair of lazyness" has been hosting these types of post-revels for some time. But when post revels are at private homes, people should respect those attitudes.

So those are just some of my thoughts.

we used to go on shake and steak, but stopped for some reason. I don't remember why; assuming it wasn't anything too severe, I'd say we should start going there again.

Steak and shake works

Also taking suggestions as were to go other than theio's. Perhaps Steak and shake? Denny's is always packed and the Windmill already has 2 other larps eating there... Keep posting!

It's no news that I never likes Theio's to begin with. I am always one to vote that we go somewhere else.

I vote to boycot thio's

One other note, which I forgot earlier. Right now, sabbat is capped at 6-8 players. There are right now 3, so 5 more would be the theoretical max. That's not set in stone however, and if the summer LARP goes significantly down in size, we may reduce that. Just wanted to let people know who may be considering playing sabbat.

I have to agree with Kirk on this one. I had no idea that Mango, as we refer to him, owned Theio's. I have no desire to funnel my money to Mango. I'd really prefer not to eat at Theio's anymore.

Wow! Even though I don't LARP regulary anymore, Aaron and I have been known to pop in from time to time to eat and talk with you guys after Theois. I know who Kirk is talking about and that guy is the biggest ass I have ever seen. I know that I will never go to Theois again just for my own little form of protest and I would *strongly* encourage the LARP to seek another place. If possible, maybe Kirk or someone else could bring in a tape or newsletter of his show so that everyone can see exactly the size of his hate for all groups.

Sorry Kirk, but I could care less who owns what restaurant as long as they don't put rat poison in the food. I'm not against non-christian religions, but I don't see how a person's stance on other forms of religion matters all that much on where I eat. While I disagree with his position on education, I'm considerably more conservative on several issues. However, I don't agree with how this guy conveys his opinions by any means. After all, they're just opinions... it's not like this guy is very influential. If he were, I'm sure we would have heard his name before.

Alright, couple of things here. As Pyle said, I am going to give xp bonuses for players coming in as a sabbat pack. This isn't a freebie however. If you are going to get the bonus xp, I will want a pack history, some examples of the pack ritus, and stuff like that. The better and more fleshed out your history, the more xp I'll give. A second note concerns blood magic and the large number of players wanting to play characters with thaumaturgy. While I'm not going to deny Players the option of playing tzimisce koldun or assamite viziers, keep in mind that these things are VERY rare. If you want to play one of those alternate groups within the clans, I'm going to want a good history explaining a) why your character was chosen to learn this stuff, and b) why the hell they're in Lansing.

Please read the following message from Kirk and comment on how you feal and what we should do as a L.A.R.P.:

Hi Pyle, I wanted to pass on some information to you and make a request. It's come to my attention that John Mengopolus owns the Theio's chain of restaurants in Lansing. Who is John Mengopolus? He has a cable access show in East Lansing where this guy spews forth some of the most rabid ultra-conservative crap that makes Rush Limbaugh look like Mary Poppins. He is anti-public education, anti-gay, anti-pagan and against anything that isn't white, christian and conservative. I'd like to ask that the LARP stop patronizing his business. The LARP brings in considerable money to his business and places a substantial amount of money into this hateful bigot's pocket. In my opinion, this guy is one step left of Hitler. There are other alternatives to restaurants after the LARP. Dennys, and the Windmill are both open 24 hours. BW3 might also be an option downtown East Lansing and they have beer. If the group still decides to patronize his business, I just want you to know what you are doing.

Coming out of the LARPIEs my initial impression is that it was a great success. A couple of questions for the group: How could this banquet be LONGER? Also, How can we get more people to attend. I have been thinking of other banquets that I have attended and have come up worth a couple of ideas. First, besides the annual awards that people vote for I am considering coming up with individual awards so everyone would be included. Second, most banquets have a video that is like a compilation of images from the year. If anyone has a camcorder I could start compiling scenes for next years awards. As for incentive on attending I agree with Dave, everyone who attended gets one experience point. Anyone who may have suggestions to make the banquet better for god's sake e-mail me. Also, many of you have not sent me character histories. Remember you will receive 3 points even if you have already submitted it once. The Larp will be help this Saturday business as usual. Anyone interested in making a character be aware of this: Sabbot characters are open. John has made it known that if you can come in as a pack with a pack history you shall get an exp. bonus. I have temporarily closed Gangrel... getting out of hand there. Setite is closed as well. Giovanni has one maybe two openings. Players are encouraged to make Cam vampires as the city is moving towards a Cam plot. Any other questions can be e-mailed to me at pyle@alagad.com. Thank you as always for playing.

Michelle - They're on their way. They're not up yet because I'm a lazy ass. :) Oh yeah, and watch that caps lock key. Looks like you're shouting.

Interested Larper - We're continuing the current storyline. John and I will be tag-teaming the Sabbat Storyteller position, Pyle will be the Independant Storyteller, and Seth Garner will be the Camarilla Storyteller.