Introduction

This year at Fallcon I've decided to try something a little different. This is a game I wrote for the Fantasy & Science Fiction Games Society at the University of Gloucestershire, and which was first run by my friend Axel in Toronto in 2001, then by the FSFG in early 2002 to mark Lorna Keen's birthday. It was heavily influenced by Polly's great love of the Harry Potter Books of J.K.Rowling, and does mention names and locations from those books. No challenge to copyright is intended, and while the game is certainly harmless and hopefullly in the spirit of the books it is not intended as a serious simulation of things Potter, but merely as a light hearted fan tribute!

The game runs with a team of referees, and is a very simple freeform, with a freeform magic system which is guaranteed to cause much amusement and to cause considerable chaos. The gme has been run twice before, but for the Fallcon version there have been major revisions based on the feedback from the earlier runs, and a new and hopefully more atmospheric version of the magick system is being adopted.

No knowledge of the Potter books is required, but playing in the spirit of them, Anthony Buckeridge's Jennings books, Frank Richard's Greyfriars novels, the Molesworth chronicles or St Trinians books, The Famous Five, or any other examples of English school fiction would be admirable. Characters should if possible speak with pre-war slang, upper class accents, and generally act like the heroes of public school ficion. Chaps can be oiks, cads, rotters or bounders or decent fellows. Everyone should strive to be frightfully good chaps or chappesses, and the all proceedings conducted with dignity, decorum, a sense of fair play and a stiff upper lip... and lashings of ginger beer!

Dress for the game as you feel comfortable: all characters are supposed to be sixth formers visiting John Dee University, a prestigious establishment for those who have completed training at one of the magical schools dotted around Europe. The majority of characters of course come from Hogwarts, as detailed in the Potter books, but some come from other more exotic places, and a brief description of each is given on this site... Costume wise school uniform would be entirely appropriate, the more archaic the better. Some characters have costume hints attached, but anything from Victorian schoolwear to ultra-modern trendy casual (or whatever you turn up to Fallcon in) is appropriate, so don't stress.

A Prop can be fun and handy: I encourage you to make a wand. It's not strictly necessary, but technically to cast a spell one should draw and wave a wand, and a wand can be as complex or simple as you wish - polished wood set with a prism and carved with runes, a simple black wand with a white tip, or some garish affair sparkiling with streamers and feathers. Use your imagination, and don't worry if you can't find or make one. A spell book can also be a nice touch, and a satchel or holdall if you want, which may also come in handy. This is meant to be fun however not hard work so just turn up and play if you want!

It is a light hearted game: you will be able to wander over the whole convention while playing. It has one central area, where most of the action will take place. However short visits to fetch coffee, visit the loo or to visit trade stands are perfectly acceptable - the game is set in a University after all, at an Open Day, and some plans may require you to manouvre a bit. But don't interfere with muggles! (non-players...) All players will be given a name badge which they are asked to wear at all times during the game!

Player Introductions
World Background (what you all know)
Who's Who?
The Magick System

NOTE: The website is not complete. I shall continue updating it as time allows over the next few days....

Last updated: 12th September 2002