If you could embody any historical figure, who would you choose?

Those who have already lived understand that there must be a better way to do things.

Given the opportunity for intervention in the world of the living, groups of notable figures from the past gather in virtual café-style settings to determine if and how they should provide humanity with a helping hand.

As a participant in this multi-session live action experience, you will assume the historical identity of your choice.* In your first two sessions, you’ll share coffee, tea, or another beverage with a small group of other historical notables (approximately six); and in the final session, you’ll find yourself grouped with like-minded people in the larger café of the afterlife.

You may discover that in tackling humanity’s problems, there is more left to learn about yourself. Conflict, intrigue, friendship, and even romance may await you as you interact with others in the afterlife. Your agenda here may matter as much as it did when you were alive, so what’s your play?

Will you play a saint or a sinner? A Hollywood ingénue, or a political mastermind? An ancient genius, or a sports hero from the last century? For the dead can teach–and they may have more to learn about themselves and each other just yet.

What Does This Larp Include?

  • Character survey (choose your own character or leave it up to us)
  • Detailed, bespoke character sheet full of motivations and mementos–as well as suggested connections to others in your group
  • 10 hours of workshopping and moderated play time
  • Discord server for between session play
  • Character development and conversation guide (PDF)

When Can I Play Café Afterlife?

  • Group 1: October 24 and 25, 1-4 PM (Weekend; Euro-friendly time)
  • Group 2: October 28 and 29, 8-11 PM (Wednesday and Thursday night)
  • Group 3: November 2 and 9, 7-10 PM (Monday nights)
  • Group 4: November 15 and 22, 1-4 PM (Sundays; Euro-friendly time)
  • Group 5: November 25 and December 2, 8-11 PM (Wednesday nights)
  • All group final session with breakout rooms: December 6, 1-5 PM (Sunday, Euro-friendly time)

All times in Eastern (New York).

ALL RUNS HAVE SOLD OUT. Thank you to the generous donors who sponsored accessibility tickets!

Ticket Cost: $46

*Historical figures are applicable at the discretion of staff. This experience will not include fascists and direct perpetrators of genocide. We enter into this experience with the understanding that historical figures portrayed may have directly or indirectly contributed to suffering, and we make an effort to avoid primary offenders. 

How Does the Café Afterlife Digital Larp Work?

It’s simple: participants connect via Zoom and interact with each other. Interaction is not narrated, but person to person. An embedded game master guides the story and assists participants. There is no significant prep work required: just show up and play!

  • Session 1 covers safety protocols, introductions, brief character workshop, and start of play.
  • Session 2 concludes business for the group and includes a group debrief.
  • The final session includes all groups. Characters are segmented into factions based upon their beliefs and values.

Emotional Safety and Character Portrayal Guide for Cafe Afterlife

We want you to wear what is most exciting and comfortable for you. Whether you’d prefer to play a highly costumed Cleopatra or a president in their bathrobe, comfort is important.

Costuming restrictions: No skin darkening or black face. Do not change your skin tone in any way to portray a historical figure in this larp.

We require sensitivity in portrayal. We ask for sensitivity and understanding in that many players are playing close to home here. We encourage players to consider exploring their own feelings of marginalization and powerlessness. Those wishing to explore struggles other than their own must think hard about this decision, perform precise research, and proceed with extreme empathy. Playing another’s experience is extremely sensitive subject matter when it comes to marginalization. Participation means understanding and acknowledging this point.

Verbal and symbolic restrictions: Derogatory language and symbols of any kind are prohibited. Marginalized players wishing to play empowerment scenes may do so, but some scenes may require a content warning for other players.

Always consider real life contemporary context.

Players must agree to the TGI Safety, Consent, & Inclusion Policies.

Any player violating these important safety rules will be ejected with no refund.

We are currently finalizing sensitivity consultant and character writer agreements. All character requests and sheets are reviewed by multiple people prior to distribution.

Cafe Afterlife Digital Larp FAQs

  • May I play the same character in multiple groups? Yes. Simply indicate so on your character sheet submissions. You will get an update on your character sheet before your second group.
  • Does my portrayed historical figure have to be world famous? No. They need only to have been historical. In fact, we encourage portrayals of historical figures who did not receive adequate recognition for their work.
  • May I play a religious figure? We will consider this, if your religious character was historical, for example, Joan of Arc. To respect Islam, portrayals of the Prophet Muhammad are forbidden.
  • Will there be multiple versions of the same character? No. Once you get a character, it’s yours for the 2020 iteration of this larp.
  • Can I sign up with someone else and play characters who were historically related in some fashion? Yes. Let us know during character sheet submissions.
  • What if I can’t make the final session of the larp? That’s okay. We hope you can be there, but your real life needs come first. It is not mandatory to participate in the final session.
  • How many players are in each session? 5-8, including the GM character.
  • Can I custom schedule an additional session for my group of 5-7 friends? Absolutely. Email tgilarps@gmail.com to custom schedule this or any other larp you have in mind. Your group must purchase at least five tickets for this option.

Cafe Afterlife: Credits

  • Game Design and Organization: Tara M. Clapper
  • Sensitivity Reader: Announcement Coming Soon (already cast)
  • Character Writers: Tara M. Clapper, Announcement Coming Soon (already cast)
  • TGI Administrative Assistance: Shayna Cook and Anna Smyrski
  • TGI Financial Administration: Manny Hishmeh
  • Moral and Emotional Support: Spanky the Pug

Financial Assistance

Accessibility, including financial accessibility, is a focal point of this game design.

Are you unable to afford a ticket to Café Afterlife? Give us an email: tgilarps@gmail.com.

Want to sponsor a scholarship? PayPal: tgicontentservices@gmail.com and note “Café Afterlife Scholarship” – thanks!