Triffic fun as usual. 24hr time in, metal money etc. Individual briefing before and after the event from friendly ref.Main IC camp (ringed with oil lanterns) four times the size of the OOC camp, as most people sleep IC.IC camp also included a rather nicely dressed tavern, and a nearby cottage acted as a hunting lodge. There was hot food available (in the tavern and at the hunting lodge) at regular intervals (Saturday night was two different roast meats, roast veg, 2 types of potato and Yorkshire pudding, an amazing meal to eat at a camping event, IMHO.) The jugs of coffee at breakfast were also much appreciated.

Explosions, flares at night and coloured smoke during the day indicated significant magical effects. Walking though the woods and unexpectedly coming across indications of rituals put the wind up some characters nicely, and some characters found aspects of their backstory turning up in person. There was hunting down of criminals, nightmares, organising the entertainment for a festival, and religious and financial discussions/arguments. We got ripped off by local peasants, intimidated and manipulated by local Lord, and plotted to execute a couple of other nobles.

I survived, even after doing a ritual with no time to practice, which involved a blood sacrifice. One successful poisoning, one serious betrayal, a couple of thefts, some singing and story-telling and a step or two up in the paranoia stakes. I got to threaten someone, and had a brief hand-to-hand fight in the tavern with a massive fur-covered and fanged creature, which was particularly cool. Really looking forward to next event.

http://www.nyctophobia.org.uk/next event is 27-29th April at Candlestone, Bridgend

Pics are here!!

Its a box with a pixie inside that paints your picture real fast my lovely............

www.myspace.com/transmitblame

Great event, I can safely say the second best I have been to at Nycto (this was my 5th). Why?

The plot(s) were great, loads going on, characters were spoilt for choice at some points as to which plots they wanted to get involved with, highlights include: 

• All being turned blind and then finding the solution which involved holding a ritual 
  
• Role playing outside of the safety of the caravan and having to carry out a ‘performance’ to rich hunting nobles – the alternative was to be one of the hunted. 
  
• Having to find some lost Romarians by running around the forest in the dead of the night which did not seem the wisest choice at the time but we accomplished our mission, despite literally running into the strangest of creatures.

Trading was good for those that took advantage of the different trading characters who entered the caravan and a lot of IC metal coinage was exchanged. The trading characters added variety to the core group in the caravan and if people were clever enough they could learn a lot too.

Fantastic role playing amongst players – some skuldruggery amongst our own caravan also added some spice – you know who you are and I don’t forget (ever)!

The costumes amongst the crew were amazing – this enabled us to truly believe that we were talking with a character and not a crew member. In fact player/crew status often got blurred which is the way it should be.

Aztecs were particularly amazing – costume, knowledge and trading prowess - am looking forward to meeting more of them in the Jaguar Sun on the next event

The highlight for my character was Saturday evening when darkness entered the caravan, my magic light potion failed to work, and then the evening became a blur of frightening noises, whisperings and ways to freak us players out – and for me Nyctophobia lived up to its true name that evening!

Downside:
I now know what trench foot is like! But I have no one to blame as it was a brilliant role playing weekend running around in mud and through an amazing forest like a loon!

Magdala - Proprietor of The Ever Full Cups Tavern