Practical
Location and accessibility
The larp will be played in the most science fiction looking school building we have ever seen. We have three full weeks with the building at our disposal just for propping the scene as the starship ESS Odysseus. The building is located in Helsinki (roughly 10 km from Helsinki-Vantaa airport). It is easy to arrive from the airport or from the train station by using public transportation. We look into options for picking players up from the airport. You can learn more about the location in our blog post!
We aim to create an inclusive and accessible event. The game will take place on two floors, and there will be many props and structures created in the space. However, there is an elevator between the two floors, and most of the spaces should be fully accessible. So e.g. visual or moving impairment does not hinder participation.
The location has very good facilities: there are plenty of water toilets, and sinks available for everyone throughout the larp. There are two shower rooms with five showers in each. Showers will be available throughout the larp. One of the shower rooms will be marked for male/non-female and the other for female/non-male players. From 2pm to 6pm, both showers are reserved for those who are not comfortable with sharing the shower room and want to have a private shift. It is possible to reserve a 15 minute slot for a private shower.
We have some fridge space so players who have need to store special diets, medicine, or such are able to do so.
Language policy
The first run of the larp will be played in Finnish. The second and the third runs are international in which the game language will be English. All the materials before (characters, briefings, etc.) and during (announcements, documents, programs, etc.) the game will be in English for all runs. However, live interaction with the organizers, NPCs and between players (including pregame workshops) will be in Finnish in the first run and in English in the international runs.
The larp will be played in the most science fiction looking school building we have ever seen. We have three full weeks with the building at our disposal just for propping the scene as the starship ESS Odysseus. The building is located in Helsinki (roughly 10 km from Helsinki-Vantaa airport). It is easy to arrive from the airport or from the train station by using public transportation. We look into options for picking players up from the airport. You can learn more about the location in our blog post!
We aim to create an inclusive and accessible event. The game will take place on two floors, and there will be many props and structures created in the space. However, there is an elevator between the two floors, and most of the spaces should be fully accessible. So e.g. visual or moving impairment does not hinder participation.
The location has very good facilities: there are plenty of water toilets, and sinks available for everyone throughout the larp. There are two shower rooms with five showers in each. Showers will be available throughout the larp. One of the shower rooms will be marked for male/non-female and the other for female/non-male players. From 2pm to 6pm, both showers are reserved for those who are not comfortable with sharing the shower room and want to have a private shift. It is possible to reserve a 15 minute slot for a private shower.
We have some fridge space so players who have need to store special diets, medicine, or such are able to do so.
Language policy
The first run of the larp will be played in Finnish. The second and the third runs are international in which the game language will be English. All the materials before (characters, briefings, etc.) and during (announcements, documents, programs, etc.) the game will be in English for all runs. However, live interaction with the organizers, NPCs and between players (including pregame workshops) will be in Finnish in the first run and in English in the international runs.
Off-game breaks
There will be an off-game room in which you can chill or talk to organizers if needed, for example if you are experiencing an emotional overload or need to readjust your game.
Smoking breaks outside (always off-game) are allowed, but if you intend to be offgame for longer period, please inform the game masters so we will know.
There will be an off-game room in which you can chill or talk to organizers if needed, for example if you are experiencing an emotional overload or need to readjust your game.
Smoking breaks outside (always off-game) are allowed, but if you intend to be offgame for longer period, please inform the game masters so we will know.
Sleeping arrangements
There are about 70 sleeping spots ingame and another 30 offgamae. Most of the ingame spots are in three big sleeping rooms with bunk beds, and the offgame sleeping room will be fitted with camping beds and mattresses on the floor. Players need to bring their own sleeping bags or blankets and pillows. Characters with ingame work shifts will share a bed with someone from the other shift, while there should be at all times enough space for those who do not sleep on a designated shift to sleep whenever they want to. Each day will have an 8 hour period on which both work shifts are awake, so when they have their off-duty time there should be beds available for having a nap.
Sleeping will take place in sleeping quarters, and even though they are ingame areas, they should be kept quiet and dark. The ingame sleeping quarters consist of three classrooms which will each house sleeping facilities for around 20 players. There are no alarms or other sound effects in the sleeping quarters, but we recommend to bring earplugs as the sounds from the hallway might cause some noise. We are planning to put a dim light in each of the classrooms to indicate the ship’s state (normal, code yellow and code red), so if woken up it is up to the player to decide if they want to react or not. We also plan to have a list of passengers outside every sleeping quarter where you can mark if you are sleeping and if it is okay to wake you up or not. It is also possible to opt out from sleeping ingame and sleep in the offgame room.
Sleeping at the location the night before and after the game is completely optional and we encourage those who live nearby or wish to stay at their friends or a hotel to do so since there will not be enough beds for everyone. You can bring your own camp bed for the offgame nights. However, we will have sleeping mats available so rest assured, a soft spot will be arranged for everyone for the offgame nights as well.
Meals
The following off-game meals are included in the game fee:
During the game, there will be some snacks available at all times, as well as cold water, tea, and coffee. There are three warm meals a day for each shift, as well as the possibility to pick up and warm a meal outside the meal times.
Most of the available food is vegetarian/vegan and lactose free. Other allergies and diets are considered case by case, with the aim to provide full meals for all allergies. For some rare cases we might need to ask you to bring extra food. We will publish menus closer to the game, so you can check beforehand that there is suitable option for your diet.
There are about 70 sleeping spots ingame and another 30 offgamae. Most of the ingame spots are in three big sleeping rooms with bunk beds, and the offgame sleeping room will be fitted with camping beds and mattresses on the floor. Players need to bring their own sleeping bags or blankets and pillows. Characters with ingame work shifts will share a bed with someone from the other shift, while there should be at all times enough space for those who do not sleep on a designated shift to sleep whenever they want to. Each day will have an 8 hour period on which both work shifts are awake, so when they have their off-duty time there should be beds available for having a nap.
Sleeping will take place in sleeping quarters, and even though they are ingame areas, they should be kept quiet and dark. The ingame sleeping quarters consist of three classrooms which will each house sleeping facilities for around 20 players. There are no alarms or other sound effects in the sleeping quarters, but we recommend to bring earplugs as the sounds from the hallway might cause some noise. We are planning to put a dim light in each of the classrooms to indicate the ship’s state (normal, code yellow and code red), so if woken up it is up to the player to decide if they want to react or not. We also plan to have a list of passengers outside every sleeping quarter where you can mark if you are sleeping and if it is okay to wake you up or not. It is also possible to opt out from sleeping ingame and sleep in the offgame room.
Sleeping at the location the night before and after the game is completely optional and we encourage those who live nearby or wish to stay at their friends or a hotel to do so since there will not be enough beds for everyone. You can bring your own camp bed for the offgame nights. However, we will have sleeping mats available so rest assured, a soft spot will be arranged for everyone for the offgame nights as well.
Meals
The following off-game meals are included in the game fee:
- Pre-game evening snack
- Pre-game breakfast
- Pre-game lunch
- After-party dinner
- After-game breakfast
During the game, there will be some snacks available at all times, as well as cold water, tea, and coffee. There are three warm meals a day for each shift, as well as the possibility to pick up and warm a meal outside the meal times.
Most of the available food is vegetarian/vegan and lactose free. Other allergies and diets are considered case by case, with the aim to provide full meals for all allergies. For some rare cases we might need to ask you to bring extra food. We will publish menus closer to the game, so you can check beforehand that there is suitable option for your diet.
Preparation schedule
07/2018
Odysseus is officially announced and our trailer is published!
12/2018
Sponsor tickets available (9.12.2018)
Standard ticket sign up open (16.-23.12.2018)
01/2019
Player selections announced (6.1.2019)
Deadline for Standard ticket purchase (whole or part 1) (14.1.2019)
Casting questionnaire send to participants
Deadline for player responses on the casting questionnaire (31.1.2019)
02/2019
Casting (2.2.2019)
Short descriptions sent to players
03/2019
Deadline for Standard ticket payment part 2 (15.3.2019)
04/2019
Character sheets and group briefings sent to players
Deadline for cancellations with refund (200€) (30.4.2019)
06/2019
Deadline for uniform rentals payment (1.6.2019)
Deadline for cancelling with reduced refund (up to 100€) (15.6.2019)
Odysseus will embark for the first run (26.6.2019)
07/2019
Odysseus will embark for the second run (3.7.2019)
Odysseus will embark for the third run (9.7.2019)
Game schedule
Wed 26.6. / Wed 3.7. / Mon 8.7.
18.00 Players can arrive to the location (optional)
Possibility to ask questions and get familiar with your contacts
20.00 Evening snack
Thu 27.6. / Thu 4.7. / Tue 9.7.
09.00 Breakfast
10.00 Welcome and short introduction on the workshops and briefings (Everyone needs to be at the location.)
10.30 Group 1 Workshops / Group 2 Briefings
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Group 1 Briefings /Group 2 Workshops
14.30 Tours on the ship in small groups
15.30 Time to discuss with contacts
16.30 Propping up
17.00 Speed larping
17.30 Last minute preparations
18.00 Starship Odysseus will embark
19.00 Journey begins on Solaris, Atlantis and Velian players
Fri 28.6. / Fri 5.7. / Wed 10.7.
Journey filled with tragedies, action, drama, and excitement!
Sat 29.6. / Sat 6.7. /Thu 11.7.
18.00 Game ends (+/- 1 hour transition possible)
19.00 Debriefing
20.00 After-party, (non-alcoholic) drinks, and evening meal available (possible to leave)
00.00 Volume toned down for people to be able to sleep
Sun 30.6. / Sun 7.7. / Fri 12.7.
10.00 Breakfast
12.00 Event ends, time to leave
Note: Both the pre-game and game schedules are subject to small changes. You can make your travel arrangements with these schedules!
07/2018
Odysseus is officially announced and our trailer is published!
12/2018
Sponsor tickets available (9.12.2018)
Standard ticket sign up open (16.-23.12.2018)
01/2019
Player selections announced (6.1.2019)
Deadline for Standard ticket purchase (whole or part 1) (14.1.2019)
Casting questionnaire send to participants
Deadline for player responses on the casting questionnaire (31.1.2019)
02/2019
Casting (2.2.2019)
Short descriptions sent to players
03/2019
Deadline for Standard ticket payment part 2 (15.3.2019)
04/2019
Character sheets and group briefings sent to players
Deadline for cancellations with refund (200€) (30.4.2019)
06/2019
Deadline for uniform rentals payment (1.6.2019)
Deadline for cancelling with reduced refund (up to 100€) (15.6.2019)
Odysseus will embark for the first run (26.6.2019)
07/2019
Odysseus will embark for the second run (3.7.2019)
Odysseus will embark for the third run (9.7.2019)
Game schedule
Wed 26.6. / Wed 3.7. / Mon 8.7.
18.00 Players can arrive to the location (optional)
Possibility to ask questions and get familiar with your contacts
20.00 Evening snack
Thu 27.6. / Thu 4.7. / Tue 9.7.
09.00 Breakfast
10.00 Welcome and short introduction on the workshops and briefings (Everyone needs to be at the location.)
10.30 Group 1 Workshops / Group 2 Briefings
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Group 1 Briefings /Group 2 Workshops
14.30 Tours on the ship in small groups
15.30 Time to discuss with contacts
16.30 Propping up
17.00 Speed larping
17.30 Last minute preparations
18.00 Starship Odysseus will embark
19.00 Journey begins on Solaris, Atlantis and Velian players
Fri 28.6. / Fri 5.7. / Wed 10.7.
Journey filled with tragedies, action, drama, and excitement!
Sat 29.6. / Sat 6.7. /Thu 11.7.
18.00 Game ends (+/- 1 hour transition possible)
19.00 Debriefing
20.00 After-party, (non-alcoholic) drinks, and evening meal available (possible to leave)
00.00 Volume toned down for people to be able to sleep
Sun 30.6. / Sun 7.7. / Fri 12.7.
10.00 Breakfast
12.00 Event ends, time to leave
Note: Both the pre-game and game schedules are subject to small changes. You can make your travel arrangements with these schedules!
Ingame shifts
There are two ingame shifts: Lunar shift and Solar shift. The crew of the starship and those drafted to a position before or during the game are assigned to either of these shifts. These characters will have 12 (8+4) hours on-duty time, 8 hours of sleep time, and 4 hours of off-duty time.
There is a 15 minute overlap during shift changes, so that the previous shift ends quarter past while the next shift begins on the hour. Work shifts do not apply to the civilians, and they are able to sleep whenever they like. There should be enough spots for them to sleep regardless of the time.
There are two ingame shifts: Lunar shift and Solar shift. The crew of the starship and those drafted to a position before or during the game are assigned to either of these shifts. These characters will have 12 (8+4) hours on-duty time, 8 hours of sleep time, and 4 hours of off-duty time.
There is a 15 minute overlap during shift changes, so that the previous shift ends quarter past while the next shift begins on the hour. Work shifts do not apply to the civilians, and they are able to sleep whenever they like. There should be enough spots for them to sleep regardless of the time.
Why shifts? We considered several different options, but in the end this was the system that made most sense. We did not want three shifts: it would have made it harder to balance the game schedule. We also reasoned that the most interesting aspects of the larp (for the characters on shifts) are the things that happen when on-duty. Thus it made sense to have more duty time and not as much off-duty time (other than the sleep cycle).
The larp will be paced so that even though there are very hectic times, there is also downtime. Thus on-duty doesn’t mean you sit 12 hours in front of a computer or run fixing things. We didn’t want to have a full night shift but decided to split the night so that the other shift needs to stay up late and the other gets up really early so as to not mess up the sleeping cycle entirely (we’ll ask you in the casting questionnaire if you are a morning or evening person). There is an off-duty shift between the on-duty shifts, which makes it possible to have a nap.
Update: The shift schedule has been decided, and is as originally planned
What to pack
What do you need to bring with you?
What we provide:
What do you need to bring with you?
- Sleeping bag & Pillow
- Earplugs
- Sleep mask
- Hygiene supplies
- Towel
- Underwear
- Change of clothes
- Medicine and other relevant items
- Costume or part of a costume (for those not having a rental uniform or a part of a uniform)
- Shoes suitable for indoors
- Shoes suitable for outdoors (marines and those expecting to take part in the land missions)
- Latex or similar semi-realistic melee weapon replicas (for those whose characters might carry one)
- Any personal items your character might carry with them (pictures, wedding rings, lucky dice, etc.)
What we provide:
- Rental uniforms
- Nerf guns and darts
- Military equipment (tactical vests, etc.)
- All plot related items (eg. letters)
- Earplugs
