Friday, April 30 - Sunday, May 2, 1999
at a private home in Hagerstown, Maryland
In August 1969, group of young people, mostly students, gathered at the home of two art professors for a pre-Woodstock party. When the party was over, many of them made an eight-hour drive to Bethel, New York, to attend the Woodstock Music Festival, August 15-18 at Max Yasgur's farm. Before the night was over, some of them started a band called The Vine. Some of them burned their draft notices and fled to Canada. One of them changed his name, and another was "reborn." All of them had experiences they will never forget.
Woodstock and its music went down in history as one of the grooviest happenings of all time, and stopped all traffic on the New York Thruway. On December 6, 1969, the Rolling Stones tried to recreate the Woodstock experience by organizing a free concert at the Altamont Raceway in California. Instead of bringing peace and love, Altamont erupted in mayhem and murder. The lesson? We don't presume to know. Maybe it was a bad idea to pay "security" in beer?
Join Moonbeam and Rainbow on a weekend visit to Dandelion, Doug and Greg at their Canadian commune. Whether you were at either of the last Stardust events or not, you are welcome. For one weekend, become a young person dealing with the hopes and fears of 1970.
Warning: this event contains art and art byproducts.
Registration:
$30/$25 LARPA 10/5/98-at the door
Registration fee includes lodging and meals.
Virginia Interactive Arts
c/o Stephanie Olmstead-Dean
36 East Avenue
Hagerstown MD 21740-4977
Frequently Asked Questions about Stardust - The Commune
- What's the point?
- Will players actually use drugs?
- When can we expect character sheets and other materials?
- What are the character sheets like?
- Does the game last the entire weekend?
- Can I change when I arrive?
- Do I have to pre-register?
- What are the facilities like?
- Do I have to be familiar with the previous episodes of Stardust?
- Can I play a specific character?
- What are these characters like - are they good or evil?
1. What's the Point?
By running this LARP, we hope to give our players an idea of what it was like to be a young adult in the late Sixties and early Seventies. We aren't going to try to promote any particular morality or political thought. We just want to throw a full weekend house party where people can experience a more innocent time, when people thought they could change the world, and they did. Your goal as a player will be to enjoy your character's experience, be it good, bad, or indifferent.
2. Will players actually use drugs?
While the authors of this event feel that individual adults should make their own decisions regarding use of controlled substances, we are trying to create a roleplaying environment that does not pose a threat to the security clearance or livelihood of any player. Therefore, there will be NO illegal substances of any type on the premises during this event. Players are NOT permitted to bring any controlled substances to the event. We are serious about this. Illegal substances will be simulated by appropriate legal facsimiles.
3. When can we expect character sheets and other materials?
Character sheets and other background materials will be provided to preregistered players at least a week in advance. You may arrive at any time after 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 30 until Sunday, May 2 at Noon. If you give us some idea of when to expect you, we'll write it into your character.
4. What are the character sheets like?
The character sheets and other background materials are fairly light reading, intended to give you a feel for the period and an idea of your character's mindset. You can expect your character sheet to be reasonably brief.
5. Does the game last the entire weekend?
The game will start at 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 30, and end Noon Sunday, May 2. Players can show up at any point between these times. This is not a closed scenario, so your character can drift in and out of the house. Meals will be communal events where a number of people will cook and everyone will be recruited to clean up. 7-Eleven runs are appropriate to the period and setting and will be encouraged.
6. Can I change when I arrive?
Please show up in costume and in character. Be sure to see Rainbow privately to pick up the hard copy of your character packet.
7. Do I have to pre-register?
Not really. However, even if you plan to pay at the door, please let us know if you plan to attend. It will help us to prepare your character packet and to purchase sufficient provisions in advance.
8. What are the facilities like?
The site is a spacious three-storey private home located in Hagerstown. There are 4 full bathrooms and 14 other rooms.
Click here to read more about the site. Sleeping will be primarily dormitory-style, on the third floor. Bed space is limited. We recommend that you bring a sleeping bag and pillow.
9. Do I have to be familiar with the previous episodes of Stardust?
Not at all! Anyone with a mind open to new experience can play. If you played Stardust 1969, you are welcome to play your previous character, even (especially!) if your character fled to Canada; if you prefer, you may take on a new role. There's room for everyone. Here, have a flower. Peace.
10. Can I play a specific character?
We regret that we cannot honor requests for specific characters of the period. If you prefer a particular character type, please let us know, and we will cast you accordingly. All characters will be original, and while they may be modeled on popular archetypes, they will not include actual historical figures.
11. What are these characters like - are they good or evil?
We don't believe the characters in this LARP fit the typical definitions of "good" or "evil." They are human beings with complex motivations and personalities. Characters will be appropriate to the setting, and will not, generally, include Vampires, Politicians, or Dragons.
Like all web sites, this one is under construction, and will change as the run date grows closer. Tune in, turn on, check back soon!
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