Random Inc presents a Phenomenon Labs games convention

Phenopocalypse 2012

Phenopocalypse 2012

The Triptych and Diptych

Triptych (trip-tick) n. A picture or carving on three panels able to fold over the centre; a set of three associated works so placed esp. as a centre piece; a set of three writing tablets hinged or tied together; a set of three artistic works; such used as an altar piece; a treatise in three parts.

Diptych (dip-tick) n. A picture or carving as above, except one of the panels has been nicked.

Each year Pheno invites respected designers to present bespoke single-session games: a set of three more serious games (the Triptych) and a pair of lighter, more humorous games (the Diptych).

These games have tended to be systemless (emphasising characterisation and drama over rules use and tactical simulation), and showcase what we consider the best of Pheno roleplaying: characterisation, genre, entertainment, innovation.

Players and teams can enter each game by itself and the games will be judged separately, but complete teams finishing all three games of the Triptych will also be eligible for the Triptych Perpetual Trophy. Teams finishing both Diptychs will be eligible for the Diptych Perpetual Trophy.

The Triptych

The Triptych games may not be always dark and angsty, but they will be pretty serious in tone. All are for 5 players.

An end of the world

The only connection between these three games is thematic: there is no need to play all three games, or to play them all in a specific order. 

Priests, prophets and survivalists have predicted that the end of the world is nigh, although the interpretation of how it will manifest is a matter for debate.

Some claim the end of the world is the end of everything worth living for, some claim that everyone's experience of it will be unique, and some claim that our existence will continue beyond life as we know it.

The end of the world is a story worth telling, a story worth knowing and a story worth exploring. In 2012 Phenomenon Labs are interpreting the end of the world with three stories on soul-searching, survival, and transition.

We will be offering a story of those left behind after a death, a story of those who have died, and a story of those who are caught in between.





The Diptych

The Diptych games are a light brain cleanser after the Triptych. They may be silly, they may not. They are for 5 players.

Previous triptychs

2011

Jacinta Thomler and Stuart Barrow — Eternal Companions

James Riley and Terence Janssen —Project Legacy

Ingrid Bean and Shane Donohoe — The Sacrifice of Immortality

2010

Andrew Smith — Body Corporate

Ryan d'Argeavel — The Cabinet of Doctor Makundi

Michael Hitchens — Floodland

2009

Mik Bonsall — Dead Man Walking

Fi McConachie — Silence of the Bush

Nick Argall — Vengeance of the Vampire Lord

2008

David Hollingworth — Crime and Punishment

Andrew Smith — The Fall of the Family

Mike(y) and Liz Argall — The Group

2007

John Hughes — Quest: Mask of Heroes

Jacinta Thomler — Six Soldiers

David James — Those Left Behind

2006

Liz Argall — Being There

Joe McNamara — Killing De Villefort

Ingrid Bean — Rebirthing Eden

2005

Stuart Barrow — The Mask and the Moonlight

Xole Karman — Familiar

Andrew Smith — Something Wonderful

2004

Robbie Matthews — Mayhem Over Manhattan

Peter Rousell — Last Night in Eden

Eric Henry — The Fishbowl

2003

David James — Can you go home again?

Mike Walker — Psi

Ingrid Bean — Silence

2002

Ben Hunter — Project Hydra

Robert Barbetti — Something Wicked

Mark Bruckard — This Way Comes

2001

Larry Larkin — Once upon a time

Ryan d'Argeavel — I knew she was trouble the minute she walked into my office

Jon Naughton — They don't advertise for killers in a newspaper

2000

Michael Hitchens — You are Number 4, I am Number 6

Caitlin May — What is Honour?

Tony Guyot — Citius Altius Fortiu

1999 [The year Pheno ate Cancon]

Richard Canning — Memory Lost

Jo Ellem — Signor Jacemo's Circus of Wonder

Morgan Morningstar — Redemption

1998

Liz Argall — When I Meet My Family

Felix White — Lost Highway

Scott Walton & Daniel Wilks — Spazmo

1997

Andrew Smith — Fatalism

Diana Leithead — The Charity Gig

Antti Roppola — Understanding Ellen West

1996

Richard Percy — Covenant

Mark Barnes — Prometheus Rising

Brent Steves — Graenlendinga Saga

1995

John Hughes — Fallen Angel

Madi — Freaks

Grant Allen & Lindsay Beaton — Portents

1994

Ian Wanless — The Breaking

Robert MacLean — Faded Giant

Chris Slee — Uncle Jurgen's Happy Hour

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