Random Inc presents a Phenomenon Labs games convention

• Pheno 2009

• Games
• The Triptych
• RPGA
• Freeforms
• Team games
• Boardgames
• Miniatures
• Special events
• Schedule
• Entry form
• Location & map
• Banquet & food
• What's a Phenomenon?
• Writing for Pheno
• Terms & conditions
• The crew & writers
• Contact Pheno

Freeforms

Freeforms, also known as Live Action Roleplays (or LARPs), are the 'other blue meat' of roleplaying.

• By a Dark River — by Travis Hall & Sarah Western (1 session, 20 players, Greek myth)
• Canberra: The Big Divi — by Lawrence Flower (1 session, 10-30+ players)
• Chaos Ends — by Ingrid Bean & Shane Donohoe (1 session, 10 players, Warhammer Fantasy)
• The Erebus Incident — by Xole Karman, David Hollingworth & Andrew Smith (2 sessions, 15 players, Fading Suns)
• The Queen of Love and Beauty — by Belinda Kelly (1 session, 20 players)
• Regency Revels — by Philippa Borland (1 session, 26 players)
• The Retreat — by David James & Nadina Geary (1 session, 17 players)
• Singles' Night — by Alicia Cameron & James Wright (1 session, 14 players, Old World of Darkness)
• Tales from the City: Exogenesis — by Simon Boot & Alicia Cameron (1 session, 19 players, A|State)
• A Tangled Web We Weave — by Marissa Harris (2 sessions, 13 players, Cthulhu Live)
• 100 Years Ago Today... — by Random Event (1 session, 6-30 players)
• (Back to the main games page)

By a Dark River

By Travis Hall and Sarah Western

Far below the world in which mortal men dwell, beyond the World-River and the sunset, in a cavern so large no eye may make out roof or wall, lies a land of gloom and mist unending. Here, guided by Hermes' hand, come the shades of the dead to wander the shores, 'til Charon the ferryman comes to carry them o'er the Stream of Woe to Hades' realm.

At this land's farthest reach, there is a place where the Acheron flows into the Styx. There no mortal man nor shade nor child of Zeus himself may press on unaided, and so gather there wanderers to rest and wait by a bloodied pit under the flickering red light of distant fire.

None has ever gone farther than these travelers upon their own feet. What drives them to walk so far, to stand on the bank and search the darkness? What destinations draw them on? And who shall they meet, to become companions or enemies upon their journeys yet to come?

A chance meeting of 20 heroes, shades and other wayfarers waiting for their travels to continue.

+top 

Canberra: the Big Divi

By Lawrence Flower

This alternative 1950s Canberra is one where Canberra holds 3 million people. Poverty is rife and slums abound. The main centres of Canberra are huge, gothic and high-rise. The have and have nots are defined by the level you live on: the ground dwellers are the lowest of low and the privileged live in the penthouses of the sky towers. Crime abounds on all levels.

Canberra is mostly under the control of the big gangs but still small gangs fight for their share. Big Bob Molloy, head of the Irish Teamsters, has called a meeting of the all the mobs and gangs of Canberra. Each Gang may bring only two or three members. Everyone from the Yakuza, to the small street muscle gangs have been invited. Big Bob’s goal is to divi up Canberra so that the turf wars stop and organised crime can flourish. Big Bob also wants to form a council of three to oversee the future of crime in Canberra.

Costuming appreciated — 1950s gangster, street thug or prostitute would be good.

+top 

Chaos Ends

By Ingrid Bean & Shane Donohoe

We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are.
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

— Alfred Lord Tennyson, Ulysses

The hordes of Chaos are taking over — we are the last few who hold against them. Whether we shall prevail, or whether we shall fall, we shall not yield.

The Halfling Moot, the heart of that incorruptible race, has been built into a mighty fortress — the last bastion of the forces of light.

Within, our armies await the coming hordes: hoping against hope that we can stand.

Set in the Empire of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, this is a systemless multiform for 10 characters not willing to yield.

Previously run at Arcanacon 2008.

+top 

The Erebus Incident

By Xole Karman, David Hollingworth & Andrew Smith

Sir Miguel Domicu de Lorengos Camastra Hazat Wishes to Remind his Companions that the CSS Galaxias will leave at NINE BELLS, local time. On behalf of The Young Master I wish to Stress the Delicacy of this mission, so I ask that his Dear Cousin Keeps his Rapier Peace-Bonded this time.

— Alfredo Scorby, Reeves Guild, in the service of Sir Miguel de Hazat, Order of the Sheath, etc.

The companions of Her Ladyship Souvrain Annoushka Mahdin Al Malik are respectfully reminded to gather at the CSS Galaxias. Now that the Decados have endorsed our visas (Pancreator be thanked!), Her Ladyship expects a pleasant cruise around the Pandemonium system. As the mediator for the Hazat Matter is of the Urth Orthodoxy, her companions should dress appropriately. At launch I will lead a short prayer asking for the Pancreator's blessing.

— Brother Paulus of the Eskatonic Order of the Universal Church of the Celestial Sun, confessor to Her Most Sublime Ladyship

Positions vacant: purser, pilot, engineer, deck-hands wanted for tourist work in local system. Current financial Guild members only. Apply Capt Solomon Harrow, CSS Galaxias.

— Capt. Solomon Harrow. Charioteer's Guild. Self employed.

...They come... not long now...

— portion of an unidentified message captured by the Decados Navy listening post at Pandemonium

A 2-session Fading Suns freeform for 15 players.

+ Character list and costuming notes
+ The Fading Suns — setting notes

+top 

The Queen of Love and Beauty

By Belinda Kelly

It is the final day of a grand tourney, held at the vast and crumbling towers of Harrenhal. The King himself is in attendance, the first time he has left the Red Keep for years. Today, champions compete to decide which lady shall be crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty. In the background, the noble houses plot intrigues against each other; feuds must be settled and passions declared before the game of thrones can start in earnest.

A one session freeform for 20 players set in a fantasy, medieval tournament by Belinda Kelly (brkelly AT lotusvine.com) based on the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. No knowledge of the series is required. This is a prequel to the events of the books and should not be held as canon. Events and backstory elements have been tweaked slightly and compressed to make a more effective and exciting game. Costuming encouraged by not necessary (fantasy medieval is fine).

Previously run at Sydcon 2008.

+top 

Regency Revels

By Philippa Borland, assisted by Belinda Kelly & Keat Tan

It is with great delight that Sir Arthur and Lady Chesterfield cordially request the pleasure of your company for the birthday party and coming-out ball of their daughter Aurelia to be held on the evening of 2nd June 1813 at Chesterfield Hall.

A freeform of romance, mystery and intrigue for 26 players.

Inspired by the works of Jane Austen, W.M. Thackeray and Georgette Heyer.

Period knowledge helpful but not essential, and costuming is encouraged.

Previously run at Sydcon 2007.

+top 

The Retreat

By David James & Nadina Geary

1921, Hunter Valley, Australia

Patrons have always been the life blood of the artist. No matter what the field, artistic endeavours never pay well until you are either famous, or dead, or both.

In Australia, Mr and Mrs Charrey are the patrons to have. Each year they choose five fledgling artists and support them for the year, starting with a three month sabbatical at their winery in the Valley. The five they choose never fail to go on to fame, to riches and some even become the darlings of the courts of Europe or find fame in the glamour and glitz of Hollywood.

Every year they succeed in creating stars.
Every year they only choose five.
This year, will you be one of them?

A single session freeform for 17 struggling artists, sculptors, musicians, models and playwrights attending a weekend workshop at the Charrey Estate, attempting to impress their hosts with how well they can work and play together.

Expect passion, jealousy, sabotage, shady deals, burgeoning feminism, explosive scandals, promises, lies, deceit and murder.

You know — a typical day in the life of an artist.

Please note that NO actual artistic talent is required to play and that the Charreys will also be PCs in case you feel like being the ones with the money.

+top 

Singles' Night

By Alicia Cameron & James Wright

Speed dating — the hottest new trend to hit the dating scene. The Pentex Dating Service offers a small, select group of romantic individuals an evening of several speed dates at an upmarket, inner-city bar, followed by an exclusive singles' night at that same bar. Book your place now for a night that promises to be full of surprises in your quest for true love.

A one session freeform for 14 players set in the Old World of Darkness.

+top 

Tales from the City: Exogenesis

By Simon Boot & Alicia Cameron

Longcoat Jack Kills Again

By Muriel Halliday, 06/04/997

The eighth known victim of serial murderer "Longcoat Jack" was discovered by TCMAA provosts late last night, just inside the border between the Three Canals Metropolitan Area Authority, and Mire End. The victim has not yet been identified, but is reported to be a young man, who had been flayed alive before the signature removal of his organs.

Mire End mayor, Herbert Goreshiny, has called an emergency meeting for all interested citizens, to be held in Shale Hall on the 13th of this month at 1900.

Exogenesis is a 19-player freeform set in A|State's The City. Please note: Exogenesis involves adult concepts and possible trigger material, and is entirely unsuitable for those under the age of 18.

+top 

A Tangled Web We Weave

By Marissa Harris

You are cordially invited to an evening of music and merriment upon the premises of the late Lord Victor Aldenby: Aldenby House, Beacon Hill by the shore.

The evening is guarenteed to be an adventurous one, as we explore the mysteries of Aldenby House — a manor which has remained closed to all but its late owner for over 20 years!

None shall enter before our party, so its secrets shall remain pristine, until we arrive to pry them from its dusty rooms and corridors!

To delve further into the unknown, the twelve members of our party shall together call upon the etheric realms to speak with that house's very own late master! It shall be a delight!

Yours, etc...

Lord Ernest Aldenby and Miss Minerva Fortesque

A small 2-session "Cthulhu Live" freeform set in Boston, Massachusetts, Fall 1923, for 13 intrepid young socialites determined to participate in the thrill of the latest upper class fad: Seances!

Costuming is greatly encouraged, as is registering your interest in playing the game. For more information, please visit www.twilightdreams.org/tangledweb/ or email marissah <at> optusnet.com.au

+top 

100 Years Ago Today...

A Random Event Production

“...and today marks the 100th anniversary of the historic treaty negotiations on Gamma 4 between the human race, and the Na'ru.

“The Na'ru, or Space Elves as they are called, have had 100 years of peace, as agreed on during those historic talks. The treaty itself expires very soon, and the plan had been to initiate new discussions for the purpose of extending the treaty, however civil unrest on Epsilon 2 has resulted limited travel Earth and Epsilon 2, and Epsilon 2 and the outer colonies.

“A Earth Corp negotiating team has managed to procure travel to Gamma 4 in recent days, so the treaty negotiations should be occurring as we speak.

“However, this will be a vastly different table than the last one. Now, instead of just being the human race and the Na'ru, there are two additional alien races to deal with, both discovered very recently.

“The Grishna look like nothing more than a pool of slime when in a relaxed state and have only within the last few years discovered space flight, while the Keltarn have indicated they have been in space longer than the human race while giving the impression that you are about to be eaten by an eight foot tall lizard man.

“The negotiating team will have a tought time of it, I'm sure.

“In other news...”

A systemless freeform/multiform for 6 to 30 intent on working out their place in an increasingly crowded corner of the galaxy.

More information about this game

+top