State of Caducus (Feast Cancelled)

[Rorik]

We have just found out that the Chelsea camp is closed, maybe permanently. This means that we currently have no camp to run our events at. We have talked it over and really do not want to run only one day events at Island Lake or use rustic cabins all year. Also, because of the current economy all of our jobs are in question for the foreseeable future. This has led us to the decision that we are going to offer up Caducus to our player base to continue but we wish to step down from running it.

Because of this we are going to cancel the feast. We do not feel right having an event and taking money when there may not be a game continuing past this event.

We would like everyone's thoughts on this. Please contact us through the message boards, e-mail or phone with your thoughts.

Also, if anyone is interested in running Caducus, please contact us.

Thank you,
Doug, Becky and Kurt
Caducus Staff

[Jennifer]

My initial reaction was "No!"

I understand your reasons, and actually agree with them to a fair extent. But when I rethought my knee-jerk reaction, I still don't like that the feast is canceled - especially this close to it - and I figured out why:

It feels unfair to just suddenly stop the game. We've been making plans. And I don't even mean the long term plans we all have for our characters, or the long term plot plans. I mean plans for the feast. We've gotten excited to finally get to play again. We've been pulling out our gear and getting things ready. And we weren't expecting to be able to play after Saturday again for at least a couple months. Why not use that span of time to see if players are able and willing to step forward to continue instead of three days beforehand? Some of us had cool and fun things to share on Saturday.

On top of that, I don't like a game just up and ending, because there's no closure. Leaving it hanging in uncertainty or possibly even just over sits wrong with me. I'm not saying you should put a lot of effort into an event trying to find a place to run and cool stuff to do and making props and trying to get NPCs and PCs to show up, but it would certainly make me feel less let-down if we had at least one little event to say goodbye, and possibly even wrap up some of our short term goals. If not, I'll get over it, I assume most everyone will. This is just how I feel now.

-Jennifer

[forestelf86]

Like Jennifer, my initial reaction was "NO!". I also completely understand your reasons and am bumming about Chelsea because it was an awesome camp. That being said, even though I can't attend the feast, I would still say not to cancel it, especially not so close to the event.

As for the future of Caducus as a whole...I must admit if it just goes away my heart will be broken. I'd really loved the way it was set up, and I have to admit, if it weren't for Caducus I probably wouldn't LARP at all. I don't have the means to take it over, but if I did, I would in a heartbeat to keep the game going. This definitely needs further discussion with all the people who have participated.

[forestelf86]

Some issues that maybe should be talked about:

Would people be willing to drive further if the camp didn't cost as much?

Also, would anyone be interested in prepaying for events? Not prepaying like we do now, but once a camp is picked, be willing to pay for an event upfront in order to reserve the date. Kind of a, okay, we're thinking this weekend, we have to request it by this date, and if not enough people prepay, just don't request it. That way no one is fronting a ton of money and ending up short. Also, if someone prepays and then can't make it cause of something that came up after the camp was paid for, maybe give not just full CB, but a little bonus, like acouple shade points, extra CB, or something like that. I don't even know if this is feasible, but it would be worth looking into.

[Zookie]

I think we all said a huge "NO!" when we read that email, and I really agree with Jennifer and Stefanie too, let's have that one last get together, wherever it is, in game, so our characters can wrap up their own things, and so we players can say our goodbyes and/or exchange contact info (there are several people that I DO NOT want to lose contact with). I, like we all do I think, understand your motives and reasons, and this had to be a very hard decision for you guys. Thank you so so so much for all the work and lugging and setting up and tearing down and typing and planning and cooking you've all had to do, we appreciate it so much!!! Hopefully, whatever the future of the game, we can all get together!

[flemingb]

Doug and I would like to invite everyone over to our house this Saturday. Anytime after 1pm would be fine, BYOB and a snack to share (if you'd like). It won't be in game, but feel free to come in costume if you'd like. Doug feels that if he runs an "event," it will be spoiled by him knowing it was the last time. I'm still in denial. When I got that email today from Gary, the camp guy, telling us that the camp is closed until further notice, I wanted to cry. That camp is awesome and it's a shame that it's not going to be used at all. I'm optimistic in that we'll win the lotto Friday and can buy the camp. I'm sure that's where it's headed.

If you come over on Saturday, Doug has agreed to let you scream at him , beat him up, or cry on his shoulder .

Believe me, Doug and I don't want the game to die, but we can't go through the camp crap again. I'm trying to think of it as hitting the pause button for now.

Hope to see you all on Saturday.
Becky

[Wisperia]

*wants to cry* Let me first say that I love the game!!! I always feel surrounded by the events when I go and was hooked from day 1. I was very sad when Jen called me today to tell me to get online and look at the boards. But with the economy, sites closing, and worries about what will happen tomorrow I can understand. I'm applying to grad school for the comming fall semester and was having to think about what was going to happen depending on who would accept me.

*sigh* I wish there was something more I could do to help with the game but would be unable to dedicate the time needed that doug has been soooo willing to give. I am sad that with this comming that there is no feast. I know that it is hard for it to come to an end but would still like to maybe have one more event if possible even if it is a one day. If not, I will think of it like becky a hopeful pause button!

I still would like to come out to the house with everyone on saturday but won't be there till about 3 since i do have to work till 2. If anything changes please let me know my costuming is ready at a moments notice! lol.

Hi my name is allison and i am a caducus addict!! lol hope to see everyone on saturday!

[Lucas]

I've grew up a bit in LARPING cause of this game. I hit better, take hits, role play, pwn n00bs(mike fry), and have costuming now. I know it's not gonna go to waste cause I still have hope for the game. I know that I'd still be willing to go somewhere and do it, but larping won't be at same without Caducus. I just like everyone have bled for the game(some more literal), and I don't think of it as ending just a direction change.

It's gonna be sad but I'm sure it will get better, it might be a winter thing happening. Keep positive I guess is what I'm trying to say.

"You humes are all alike."
Lucas