Alison Drinks Alone

Scene 1: River (#4)

Dakota was still mostly immersed when they muscled their way to the bar. You weren't about to stop them. You were a little worried that they might have called for the death of the bartender. The waitperson let Dakota have their way, so they could take your order. A sloe gin fizz would be perfect. Sure, it's a little old fashioned (and not an Old-Fashioned), but you like the taste, and you need something to help you step out of the LARP.

This is all so new to you. You're new to LARP at this size and scale. One of your friends dragged you into a game when they needed a replacement, you'd had some theater experience, and you loved it. Before long, you were an integral part of the group. It was great to have a group of people who understood. You didn't have to memorize any lines. You just had to be fast on your feet, and everyone messed up now and then.

But this. This convention. These games. These people. It's like going from rank amateur to the pros. Everyone is friendly, but some of these people are a bit scary. You had two LARPs with this young woman who was just brilliantly evil and scheming. She said hello in the hallway with a big smile, and you didn't know if it was the start of some plot. No, she wanted to thank you for your play, and hoped you'd play in one of her games at some point. She told you about a party later tonight, and invited you to come talk.

And then there was Consensual Pirate Sexy Throne Time Games. It was bigger, faster, and more detailed than anything you've ever played before. When some of your friends decided they were coming to the convention, they made you come along. They all told you that you had to sign up for one of Alison's games. Her games always filled quickly, in the first round of signups. You got in!

You almost backed out when you got all the game materials, but they were interesting and important to your character. You did the best you could at costuming, and then felt completely underdressed when you walked into the room. As soon as the LARP started, Dakota's character took control of their faction, including your character. It just raced from there, ramping up in intensity, from the Ur Scrolls to the soul-wrenching Vortex of Forever.

And where did that great dragon sex mechanic come from? It was SO HOT, and not just from the open flames. How did that get past the hotel and con staff?

You just HAVE TO talk about this. Yes, you were sworn to secrecy, but whoa! You just don't think you can keep it in.

Alison says that port is a LARP tradition. For now, you're going to stick to something you know. The gin is either going to make you even happier or more talkative. How do players cope with this?

Your partner does not understand the appeal of LARP. They have no interest in playing. The problem is that they don't like you going away and spending a lot of money on a 'hobby'. They are NEVER going to understand the power and intensity of your experience in Consensual Pirate Sexy Throne Time Games, let alone what you did in game. Oh my! You ARE blushing at the very thoughts of them.

There have been enough arguments that you know it's over. You're going to need a new partner, someone who understands LARP and how it calls to you. The challenge will be to find someone with some emotional maturity and overall sanity. There are a lot of odd people here.