SonsbeekLive is a exerimental live action role-playing game that will evolve over 7 events during the Summer of 2008 in Arnhem, Netherlands. Each game will have 30 players each, with a EUR 40 fee. It is a part of the large international sculpture exhibition Sonsbeek 2008: Grandeur. It is a multi-genre fusion between retro futuristic sci-fi and classic fantasy.

Issue 2: Game time
For the most immersive game possible, we are asking players to arrive on the Thursday of the game weekend at 20:00 for a workshop/question and answer session (alcohol included), wake up in character on Friday morning, and wakeup Sunday out of character. Given the fact that people have jobs and this is short notice, this may be hard for some. We would like first see which players can actually do this, and accommodate the others the best we can (who knows, some characters may have longer journeys to the holy park than others, and may have to duel for prime sleeping quarters). We would love if you could confirm your early presence at the game on Thursday, as well as contact us if it is a problem. Then we will go from there. It is our feeling that the immersion into the game world is best accomplished with the overnight transition period into character.

Issue 3: World Background
The Sonsbeek Park is the most holy place for all the nations and chiefdoms on the continent. It has been worshipped as the origin of life. Since the beginning of time all nations have sent their best to Sonsbeek with the hope that the Immortals would favor their nation for the generation to come. This is done through various rituals and trials given to the bands by the Forest Guardians. These guardians are the Immortals’ representatives on this plane of existence and their orders comes directly from them. Each band will represent their people. The nations are very different and their use of technology and clothing is very different. From tech dark elf samurai to half demon tribal shamans and cloned Berzerkers. This is a world where all is possible but one thing is sure: The Immortals must be respected and the future of the nations are in the hands of the bands.

Concerning technology
The world of Sonsbeek is a strange and fantastic one. It is scattered with technology. Technology is not invented but is rather given to the people and nations by the Immortals. Why the Immortals give some kind of tech and not other is quite unclear. One thing is sure: it is unwise to question the Immortals' motives. Be thankful for the things they provide, and avoid complaints about the things they don't.

Concerning Race
Only one sentient race exist in the world of Sonsbeek. Normally the look is humanoid with simple physical variations, but physical appearance can sometimes vary greatly. Occasionally the deeds and personality of the individual or group is so pure and strong the appearance is changed by the Immortals. This change evolves over many years.

Issue 4: Bands
Signup as a entire band is NOT mandatory. The game will run with 6 bands of 5 players each. There are 5 character types in each band that have important functions. It is our intention to accommodate groups of friends to play together by allowing group band signups, but also allow solo players to signup as well. We will attempt to arrange bands for solo players, taking their class and band member suggestions into account. We will discuss this via email with each player before the game. And for those hardcore lone wolves and rebels who’s entire band was lost during the journey to the holy park, we can accommodate a few players who insist on no band affiliation whatsoever.  

Issue 5: Costumes/Characters  www.sonsbeeklive.org/characters.html
This is a multi-genre game in terms of character visual style. The period limits are early medieval to napoleon, with added retro-sci fi and fantasy elements. Obviously your choice of costume and character class will determine much about your ritual styles. We suggest masks or face covering for costumes during the day to assist immersion and if necessary protect identity. Band visual similarity is interesting, but not mandatory. We are very willing to answer any and all specific questions on the forum or by email.

Issue 6: Encampment and Facilities  www.sonsbeeklive.org/encampment.html
We are excited to say that our 12 meter high encampment tower has been approved and construction will begin next week. There will be private toilet facilities on the edge of the encampment. We have private sleeping space for 30 players in small units inspired by Japanese capsule hotels. Please bring a white sheet, sleeping bag, and pillow if necessary. There will 2 large hot meals in the evenings (roast pig procession for the meat eaters), and open self service food access during the day (healthy sandwiches, soups, etc.) Alcohol is FREE of charge each night, but if you have a special preference, 2000 year old whiskey for example, please bring it. I have essentially bought a entire store of cool retro 60's dishes, utensils, and drinking glasses, but feel free to bring anything you feel may enhance your character.

Issue 7: Language

Although the games will be multi-lingual, language has magical significance and is a priviledge, and will be used sparsely and only under certain circumstances with the assistance of special items.

Issue 8: Rituals and Duels

Rituals are very important and will be common during the game, and the execution of these will show how well the tribes stand with the Immortals. Fighting is a highly ritualized and symbolic matter where the rules are set by the Immortals and are only broken by the vilest of creatures.

Issue 9: Weapons

There will not be ranged weapons, nor futuristic weapons, but edged and blunt melee weapons and combat will be common. Combat will be ritualistic and mostly symbolic to avoid deaths.

Issue 10: Visual Style

SonsbeekLive will be a fusion between retro futuristic sci-fi and classic fantasy. Think leather and plastic.

Issue 11: Art Exhibition www.sonsbeeklive.org/exhibition.html

SonsbeekLive is different than traditional larps, as the event is part of the art exhibition Sonsbeek 2008: Grandeur.

Issue 12. Procession  www.sonsbeek2008.nl/read/en/news/5
The procession is a unique and important part of the Sonsbeek 2008 art exhibition. On June 8, for 1 hour, 26 works of art will be carried on carriers by the inhabitants of Arnhem (and hopefully some of our players) in a solemn procession through the city. In the case of our project, the players are the art, and one larper in costume will be carried on a decorated carrier by 20 volunteers.Participation in the procession is not a mandatory requirement for attending the games.

Issue 13: Organization  www.sonsbeeklive.org/organizers.html
Brody Condon is the game producer, and the artist chosen to make a project for the art exhibition Grandeur: Sonsbeek2008.
Bjarke Pederson is the game designer and event manager.
We have the great opportunity to work with the professional organization and production team of the Sonsbeek2008 exhibition.
I just learned that we will be possibly be working soon with students from the Interactive Theater program at HKU in Utrecht who specialize in sound, costume, and lighting design, so the team is expanding all the time.
And a special thanks to Wouter Luth, who has taken on the difficult task of larp community publicity for this project.