Light the Sky on Fire

Not so long ago in a galaxy not so far away, the inhabitants of the small backwater planet of Kalsu gather together to enjoy their favorite watering hole's last night of operations, as an encroaching intergalactic Empire prepares to take over the town for good. But the people will not go quietly into that good night, especially once they find out the planet's new Governor is stopping by for a drink. What will you do on the night that lit the sky on fire? A LARP inspired by Andor, the Star Wars Holiday Special and Casablanca.

Long Description

A beautiful yet remote little planet located at the furthermost edge of the furthermost galaxy, Kalsu was always known as the place to get away from the dangers of the universe, especially after said universe was consumed by the collapse of the Autonomy, the galaxy's well-meaning but ineffectual government. When said collapse was followed by a galaxy-wide war between Autonomy troops and the burgeoning authority that would soon be known as the Union, Kalsu became an even more attractive proposition, as long as newcomers were okay with abandoning a few of the high-tech commodities found in most major cities. Here, one could find something even better than peace: a chance to start anew and to leave the past behind.

But that was then and this is now.

Twenty two years ago, the Union destroyed the Autonomy, enacting its iron law over the galaxy. Every year, more and more systems fall under Union rule, as its authoritarian policies have completely changed the face of the galaxy. The Consul says these draconian methods are only a temporary measure needed to preserve the Union's hard-earned peace throughout the galaxy. For twenty two years, the Union has ignored Kalsu, deeming it a low-value target not worth the fuel it'd cost to get there. Kalsu has boomed over these two decades, not with people but with passerbys, folks who are eager to forge a new identity and get on the first ship out of the system. And the center of all of this activity is the Kalsu Cantina, a place where everyone can grab a drink, listen to the world's clunkiest robot DJ and chat with your fellow man (if that fellow man happens to be a smuggler or a dissident, well, nobody asked so keep your mouth shut).

But that was then and this is now.

Seven days ago, one of Kalsu's old-timers struck metaphorical gold when they found a vein of groneium, an incredibly rare mineral renown for its military applications. Turns out Kalsu's rich with the thing, it's just nobody's had the tech to find it. Now, the Union has declared Kalsu a high-priority target, and it deigns to turn it into its next crown jewel. Planetary transport has ground to a halt, limited to a few cunning smugglers and Union-approved ships. The streets are now filled with Union troops, their emblazoned uniforms making them seem like unfeeling automatons. Everything is set to be modernized, standardized and put under constant surveillance. And now, the Union has declared that the Kalsu Cantina is to be shut down, as it will be replaced with a military recruitment center. Tonight is the last night of operation for the Kalsu Cantina. The new incoming Governor has announced they will be visiting the cantina to share a drink with the populace, firm in their belief that Kalsu's people are thankful for the Union's help.

But that was then and this is now.

Light the Sky on Fire is a shortform LARP inspired by Andor, the Star Wars Holiday Special and Casablanca. It takes place in the last night of operations for the Kalsu Cantina, which is set to receive a visit from its new Union administration. Players will play either civilians (the kind that can light a spark and start a fire), scoundrels (think smugglers and gangsters), Cantina staff members (eager to make good on what might be their final night of employment), Union-aligned characters (from the Governor themselves to the Union troops assigned as their bodyguards) and insurgent characters (the rebels who are trying to keep the Union from becoming an empire). Each character will have their own connections, desires and opinions of the incoming Union administration. Some might be trying to escape Kalsu that very night, whilst others might be trying to use the very important visitors as a stepping stone to greatness.

Characters are pre-written and will be assigned via a casting form. Will you be the Kid, who wants to get on a ship out of Kalsu and join the rebellion? An Union toadie who's having second thoughts about their allegiance? Or maybe you'll be the android DJ, who holds more than a few secrets of their own? A workshop will occur before game to go over safety mechanics, player relationship negotiations, and an opportunity to get to know players whom your character has a connection to. Knowledge of Star Wars is not required as this is an original setting, so don't be afraid to sign up even if you don't know your Wookies from your Watto.