straz@MEDIA-LAB.MIT.EDU@caip.RUTGERS.EDU (01/31/86)
From: Steve Strassmann <straz@MEDIA-LAB.MIT.EDU> Last fall, I sent a blurb about SILiCON to this list, since it seems to have the audience most likely to be interested. Since the entry deadline's coming up, I figured I'd give it one more go. SILiCON is a marathon role-playing game/convention that'll be held in the Boston area on March 21-23, 1986. Basically, the Society for Interactive Literature (SIL) is a bunch of students who've run a similar game at Boskone (the Boston SF convention) for 4 years, and it's been so successful, we decided to start our own con just for the game. The emphasis is on both Interactive and Literature. In each of 6 games, there's 60 or so players and 3-4 gamesmasters. When you apply, you select a game and fill out a brief personality questionnaire. We then mail you a confirmation and the slimmest of descriptions about your character. On Friday of the game, you arrive at the hotel where we hand you a thick envelope containing your character's description and situation, the rules, and random possessions like money or tokens representing game items. You then have 48 hours to interact with your fellow players in the halls and rooms of the hotel, resolving crises and cooperating, blackmailing, trading, and generally living the story. We easily write 300-400 pages of supporting material for each of the games (there are no minor characters, all players are major protagonists), but how the events resolve is left open to the creativity of the players. The six games are Rude Awakening: On a spaceship, the (a)crew (b)passengers (c)cargo is restless. See Jane Run: Within Jane's body, fight infections with antibodies and skill. Road to the Future: Time travelers have problems with the space-time continuum. Rule Psix: At the Psionic Olympics, the athletes (and visitors) are preparing. Shadows of Sundown: After WWIII, it takes more than muscle to survive. Twilight of the Gods: Based on Wagner's Ring Cycle, a world of Good vs. Evil. If you're interested, please reply soon, since the deadline is Feb. 21. Please reply directly to me, since I'm not on SF-Lovers. I'd also be interested in any comments you have. Me: SIL: Steve Strassmann Society for Interactive Literature 3 Ames St. [or] 130 Morrison Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139 Somerville, MA 02144 Net: straz@media-lab.mit.edu Phone: MIT dormline 6280 or (617) 577-1520