An in-character social gaming event set in the LARP world of Empire
The in-character tavern will open during the evening of Saturday 11 November until the early hours of Sunday morning. It is set in the LARP world of Empire by Profound Decisions. This is a social event, with no combat or plot, designed to be suitable for everyone, whether you have never live role-played before, or have LARPed but are unfamiliar with Empire, or have an existing character within Empire. The focus of the evening will be on playing in-character card and board games, such as those designed by The Guild of Good Games, or games which can played with The Journey Deck, and will include Temeschwar Hold’Em (poker). There will also be socialising, stories and songs around the fire – both within the tavern and around the campfire outside.
Everyone attending the tavern will be a citizen of The Empire. You do not need to know anything in advance about Empire to play, although if you are not already familiar with the setting, you may want to read this brief overview in advance to give you a basic understanding of the general background. We will also provide a pre-event verbal brief beforehand to explain to non-Empire players key things your character would know; that will be a chance to answer any questions you might have. There will also be several experienced Empire players attending the Getaway who will be very happy to explain more about the world of Empire.
You may want to consider in advance which of The Empire’s nations your character will be from as each nation has a different feel and style of dress – that will help in deciding what costume you might bring. If you do not have costume, we suggest you wear neutral clothing and bring a thick leather belt which you wear at your waist over a simple linen shirt. We will have some simple costume, accessories and hats suitable for the different Empire nations that can be borrowed for the evening. If you are an experienced Empire player and have spare costume or accessories which you are comfortable lending to new players, then please bring that along. Please also bring a tankard, goblet or other suitably in-character drinking vessel if you have one. And if you’re musical, please also feel to bring appropriate in-character instruments along as well.
Background brief
The Crimson Reapers and The Guild of Good Games cordially invite all to an evening of games, stories and songs to celebrate the re-opening of The Black Well Tavern and Hearth.
This ancient tavern and meeting place nestles in the dark woods on the border-crossing between Temeschwar and Karov, where the Blood Red Road known as ‘The Owl’s Way’ leaves The League‘s region of Metri on its way to Vorota and Delev in Varushka. The tavern was a frequent resting place for Lorenzo ‘La Volpe’ von Temeschwar when he was Bourseholder of The Fortress of Salt, the extensive mithril mines nearby. It is said he would delight in playing games while staying there, enjoying the company of locals and passing travellers alike, introducing them to games he had designed for The Guild of Good Games, and listening to tales from Varushkan storytellers around the hearth-fire outside.
But several years ago a darkness crept into the shadows under the woods. Folk said the place was haunted by heralds of the Hag Queen. Travellers ceased to visit, the hearth-fire went out and the tavern fell into ruin. Earlier this year the Empire took action to deal with the horrors haunting Metri. Under the leadership of magicians from The Rod and Shield the Hag Queen’s beasts were slaughtered and the area made safe once more.
The Crimson Reapers recently acquired the tavern and have just finished refurbishing it. Now they are reopening it as a place to meet, drink and play games once more. They have invited Shauni Di Vergo, one of the executors of The Guild of Good Games, to host an evening of games in memory of Lorenzo ‘La Volpe’. They will ceremonially re-light the hearth-fires inside and out, with everyone welcome to tell tales and sing songs. All are welcome.
Attending Game for a Game in the Black Well Tavern is free for anyone attending The Gamers’ Gaming Getaway. Tickets for which are available here.
If you just wish to attend Game for a Game, then please buy a Saturday only ticket (£20) which will also entitle you to attend other events and activities at the Getaway throughout the Saturday.