The Object of the Game

Elphie

Games are a big part of our lives in Kymer. But there are games being played that are much more subtle than Trivia, and there are no rare prizes. Often the prize is hidden from all parties, perhaps only to be discovered twenty years later during psychotherapy. Here are only a few of some popular games I have watched and even (I confess) played.

Sybill: (Split Yourself By Indulging, Lying and Luck)

The object of this game is to split yourself into two identities, and keep them from knowing each other. One avie may be attached to a partner and faithful, while the other is free to roam and play. Once your two avies are identified by the Opponent (your spouse or mate) the game is over. This game is exciting and mysterious, and can last for years with a skillful player and not too many clues. In a championship match, your alter may be seducing the alter of your spouse, while neither one knows it. A top notch player can detach so successfully as to convince him/her self that he/she does not even know their own other avie. The risk is that one might sometimes meet and seduce oneself and thus be disqualified.

Charlatan:

This is a game of power. It is best played by Oracles and Mages, but can be played to good effect by Acolytes and even regular avatars. It must be played in secret. Some of the secret titles used in Charlatan are : Angel, Helper, Psychic Advisor (or Spirit Guide), Messiah, or anything with the word "Crystal" in it. New Age religion is helpful in winning this game and the prize is an abundance of White Light directed at your aura.

Cops and Robbers:

My personal favorite! In this game, the player who is "IT" must be an avie without any community spirit. The object of the game is to take advantage of anyone you can and get away with it. The Opponent must attempt to expose and prove that you are, indeed, playing the game. You may attempt to butter up the players who are Cops, using flattery and pressies, and if they fall for it, you win. It is important to have a Get Out of the Void Free card, which is good for one use only.

Mage Monopoly:

The object of the game is to make a Mage like you. The only rule is that you must appear to be interested in what the Mage has to say, while not really listening to a single word. Spouting as many profound things as possible is one way to play and extra points are awarded for the use of words no one knows.

I Told You So, You Cretin:

The object of ITYSYC is to engage another avatar in an emotional relationship, while at the same time warning them off. The most skilled player can tell the truth and make it look like a lie. Example: "I cannot have a relationship with anyone, as I always end up hurting the other person." Once this true statement has been clearly made, the player who is *IT* must convince the other players that this statement is false. The game is won when the player who is *IT* convinces the Opponent that he/she is a good person and is not dangerous. The minute this happens, the Opponent is tagged with a GOTCHA!, is stabbed through the heart, and the winner runs off with the prize...Which is getting to say, "I did end up hurting you after all. I told you so , you cretin."

Purity:

A variation of ITYSYC in which the player who is up states clearly that they will abstain from intimacy. After which, all attempts are made to engage the other players (or Suckers) in sexual situations. The minute the SUCKER responds, the person who is up, wins by saying... "no, I can't, I told you so (I don't do that, you cretin)."

Trust Me or, To Be Honest:

Another variation of ITYSYC, this is a simple and entertaining game requiring a modicum of skill on the part of the player who is *IT*. After saying,"Trust Me", the player proceeds to tell an outrageous and boldfaced lie while keeping a secret agenda.

Finders, Keepers, Losers, Weepers:

In this game, the player who is up,the Loser, (usually a female avie) appears with a marker (boyfriend or husband) at which point, the other players (the Finders) attempt to score points by breaking up the relationship. The most common technique is to flatten one's avatar against the marker (husband or lover) of your Opponent. This is called a Tag. Saying seductive things by ESP, is considered cheating and is encouraged. The tagging player usually announces his/her score by saying {{{{HUGGGGGGGGGS}}}}} (translation: hurry up, grab!)

Suicide is Painless:

In one variation of the game the player who is *IT* attempts to garner attention by faking a death or other departure. When you are up, you must clearly state, "That's It, I've Had it I'm Leaving". The object of the game is to get as much as possible, whether it is attention or tokens, while sustaining minimal pain or suffering. You get more points for really leaving WA.

BRB:

BRB is a lot like poker. The player who is *IT* needs to get away, to win the game. Points are scored by how many of those left behind expect or actually wait for the player's return.

BBL:

A variation of BRB. BBL is more advanced, however. Be Back Later, requires the players left behind to believe in the scoring player's return..sometimes indefinitely. Points are scored if the other users miss meals or other events to await the "L" portion of the game.

The End Justifies The Means:

In this game one player gets to be the Machiavelli and wins by achieving the goal (the END), using any means, no matter how ruthless. This game has no rules and should only by played by skillful and experienced players using heavy padding. The object of the game is attain the goal without leaving a trail of blood.

Wanna See My Turf:

WSMT is pretty straightforward. Usually, everyone wins, unless the other players are playing Cops And Robbers.

All of these games are contact sports and I suggest a long period of observing and understanding the risks before getting on the field. Or do as I am now trying to do, and stick to Bingo.

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