Otherlings

Otherlings is a freeform larp that explores the non-binary experience through analogy. The game is set in Alteria, a temporary waiting area for beings whose friends and family never knew or understood some important part(s) of their identity. Souls who come to Alteria cannot move on to their next phase of existence, until another soul accepts and names who and what they are. Try to get them to name your truth, without any hints or direct prompting, before time runs out.

Long Description

Otherlings is a game that explores the non-binary experience through analogy. This game takes a broad, philosophical view of what “non-binary” can mean: outside of binaries, not trapped by false dichotomies, un-constrained by dualistic thinking. In any situation where someone says, “you must be this, or that”, there could always be a third option. Often, there’s a fourth, fifth, and still more. Embracing a non-binary experience in our minds can help us embrace the complexity of the world, rather than trying to force it to be simple.

The game is set in Alteria, a temporary waiting area for beings whose friends and family never knew or understood some important part(s) of their identity. It appears as a plain white conference room with tables and chairs, whose windows overlook the interior of a train station. Once in a while, beautiful and distant voices can be heard singing. There’s also a door to the train station, but it won’t open until the end of the game.

Souls who come to Alteria cannot move on to their next phase of existence, until another soul accepts and names who and what they are. Like ghosts, otherlings have a deep need to resolve some of the unfinished business from their former lives. Whoever runs this place has only left you a cryptic sign, suggesting that getting to know each other will help speed things along. Once some of everyone’s truth is revealed, you can all move on to reincarnation, eternal slumber, or another afterlife. Somewhere, unlike here, where you can find a new home.