Welcome. My name is Romilly, and I'll be your Hostess for this Entertainment. For more information about me personally, see my homepage.

About the Game

Queen Victoria ascended the throne of England in 1837. What we call the "Victorian era" truly begins in 1855 or so and extends to the turn of the century. It was a time of long, flowing skirts and proper gentlemen.

Castle Falkenstein, published by R. Talsorian Games, Inc., is an heroic game. This means that in general, good will overcome evil. If not now, then later. It is designed to be melodramatic, and characters tend to be larger-than-life.

The game Castle Falkenstein is based upon the historical fact of 19th century Europe. It has had the additions of fantastic elements, such as real dragons, and high faerie folk walking among the populace. History and literature have been played with, and in a Falkenstein game you may as easily meet Charles Dickens and Pip lunching together -- or Captain Nemo and Jules Verne.

Unlike some LARPs (Live Action Role-Play), the charm of Castle Falkenstein centers around the intellectual. There is very little action in terms of combat, but there is much in the way of social and political sleuthing. Goals of characters in a game will not include "kill so and so." It just wouldn't be proper in public. If you are interested in fisticuffs and duels, I would suggest joining a "tabletop" version of the game. Copies of the tabletop rules and background material are carried at Emerald City Comics in Eugene, Oregon. (And most other game shops throughout the U.S.)

Because of the emphasis on social interaction, etiquette and social mores become very important in the game. For example, in Britain, the era was typified by an exultation of home and "family values." This doesn't mean there was no cheating on spouses, or running around having all manner of adventures. It means simply that everything was done in it's own place, and following its own rules of procedures. Every action, from sitting down to a meal to calling on friends, whether formally or informally, was performed according to detailed rules of etiquette. These rules varied from country to country, but the big differences were between the Continent, Britain, and north America. "Foreigners" often got away with doing things that would be scandalous to a countryman or countrywoman.

Some International Values of the Victorian Era

• Your word is your bond
• Honesty is the best policy; the truth will out
• Good Works are their own reward
• You are your brother's keeper
• Always protect those weaker than yourself
• Knowledge is valuable for its own Sake
• Believe in a Higher Good

Simple Rules of Etiquette

• Always offer the lady a chair
• Open the door for the lady
• Be courteous at all times
• Conversation is a two-way street: don't dominate it
• Don't hold hands in public
• Do not kiss in public (except for the cheek kissing in greeting)
• The betrothed or wife should be placed on your right hand when walking, lovers on your left (I'm not sure about this. I was taught that the gentleman always walks nearest the street, in case of splash from horse or carriage, but M. Pondsmith, through Tom Olam, says otherwise... And in Renaissance Dancing, the lady is always "right" i.e., on the gentleman's right.)

More Information:

• Costuming for Live Action Castle Falkenstein -- Men
• Costuming for Live Action Castle Falkenstein -- Women
• Resources for the LARP genre
• Return to Romilly's Falkenstein Page
• Return to Romilly's Creative Arts Page