The podcast delves into two notable events in the realm of fantasy culture: Alfia, a medieval-themed festival that combines elements of music and cosplay, and Facts, a traditional comic convention. We, Noor & Laurent, provide a thorough exploration of the unique characteristics of Alfia, emphasizing its enchanting atmosphere, where attendees often don elaborate costumes reminiscent of a bygone era. We describe the event's enchanting location, typically held at a castle, which adds to the whimsical experience. With multiple stages hosting a variety of performances throughout the day, Alfia thrives on a sense of community and immersive engagement, allowing attendees to revel in both music and medieval aesthetics. Additionally, we share ourpersonal experiences, including the joy of being photographed by professionals amidst the scenic backdrop, ultimately conveying a sense of wonder and appreciation for this vibrant cultural gathering.

In juxtaposition, the discussion transitions to Facts, a comic convention that, while familiar and comfortable for the speakers, lacks the novelty and immersive quality that Alfia offers. We note that Facts showcases a more commercial vibe, with a focus on buying merchandise rather than fostering a community experience. We recount our past experiences at Facts, highlighting the excitement of meeting celebrities and exploring the geek market, yet we do express a sense of fatigue with the repetitive nature of the event. We convey a yearning for the novelty that Alfia provides, ultimately concluding that while both events cater to fantasy enthusiasts, Alfia stands out for its immersive and magical atmosphere.

The latter part of the podcast shifts focus to our literary pursuits, as we share our personal 'to be read' (TBR) lists, revealing a diverse array of fantasy novels. The conversation highlights the thematic elements present in the selected books, which often intertwine nautical adventures, mythical retellings, and character-driven narratives. We reflect on the significance of well-executed retellings, emphasizing the delicate balance between honoring the original stories while providing fresh perspectives. By discussing our reading experiences and preferences, we invite listeners to engage with fantasy literature in a thoughtful manner, encouraging exploration beyond the confines of traditional narratives. This segment not only showcases our enthusiasm for the genre but also serves as a call to action for listeners to delve into the rich tapestry of fantasy literature that awaits.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we delve into the whimsical world of Alfia, a festival that uniquely blends medieval fantasy and music, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
• We also share personal experiences from the recent Facts convention, highlighting the nostalgic comfort it provides despite its repetitive nature over the years.
• The discussion reveals the contrasting atmospheres of Alfia and Facts, emphasizing Alfia's enchanting setting in castle grounds versus the commercial ambiance of conventional Comic Cons.
• Listeners will gain insight into the burgeoning popularity of nautical fantasy literature, with several notable titles currently being discussed and recommended in this episode.
• Engagement in LARPing is explored, particularly through the lens of a recent mini LARP event at Facts, illustrating its appeal and accessibility to newcomers.
• The episode concludes with an exploration of anticipated fantasy literature, indicating a promising trend towards maritime themes and retellings in contemporary fantasy narratives.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Elfia
• Facts
• Game Master Worlds
• Hera von Dernat
• D and D
• Sarah J. Maas
• Liv Grossman
• Douglas Skelton
• H.M. Long
• RJ Barker
• Ivan Laycombe
• Alan Moore

Sam.

Okay, and welcome to Rolling Into Fantasy.

This is our 20th episode and it took us, as always, a bit longer than we had it anticipated.

It's part of the brand by now.

It's part of the brand.

Yeah.

Okay.

I'm not sure about that branding quality.

Oh, boy.

But.

But anyway, we.

We did manage to include quite a lot, at least in the topics that we want to cover.

We'll see if we'll under an hour to cover it.

So let's dive right into it.

So today we're gonna cover some events that you attended being Alfia and facts.

Latest edition.

Exactly.

And then I want to talk about some books, all of my TBR lists because I've been reading in the past few weeks.

I've been reading non fantasy just, you know, to give myself a mental, not a breakdown, but just a break from fantasy and other sub jars.

So that's why I was just looking at my very high pile of TBR books.

But let's dive right into it.

So you're going to cover Elfia first?

Yes.

So first of all, what is Alfea exactly?

Alfia?

If I had to describe it, it's a festival, a music festival crossed with like a comic con.

That is honestly the best way I can describe it, but with a more medieval fantasy feel to it.

So both applying to the music as well.

Yes.

And the.

Okay, yes.

So what does that mean?

A lot of people will come dressed in medieval fantasy attire, but you will also find other cosplays.

Like I've seen hunt tricks, I've seen Mario.

So like cosplay wise, you will see a lot of cosplays that definitely do not fit the medieval fantasy theme, but that is what most people will be dressed as.

Think Renaissance Faire attire is what most people will wear, but definitely not everyone.

It is always held at a castle.

They have multiple locations, but it's always held at a castle.

You have multiple stages where they will be playing music throughout the entire day.

And it's all very much in a think.

Folklore, pirate music, medieval music, that kind of theme.

And there's also a lot of stand holders.

And they mostly sell obviously food, meat, jewelry, clothing, think anything that could fit the medieval theme.

You'll most likely find it there.

Okay.

Leather armor.

I've also seen a lot.

And all the little tents are like these white tents that you often see in like movies when they go out to battle and then they have to set up camp.

That is what all the stand holder tents look like.

There's also a stage for like the General public, where you can say, like, yo, I would like to perform tonight.

Okay.

And that happens from like lunch till the evening.

Then people can perform there as well.

Like I said, they hosted at several locations.

The previous two locations were Aksum and Herzale.

Okay.

But their last addition at this location was in April.

So they're going to, I think, stop hosting the event in Hagsala.

And the new location that will replace this is Vorin.

It's also in the Netherlands.

Yeah, it's always in the Netherlands.

So it has been going for quite a while by now.

And they always host it twice a year, hence why there are two locations previously that was Arsen and Herzelle, and now that will be Arsen and Voron.

Okay.

Obviously I also went completely in full costume.

In full attire.

I had to.

Obviously, at some point we're going to have to share some pictures, if you have any.

I do.

I have to ask one of my friends for them again.

Because the fun thing about Elfja as well, there are a lot of photographers walking around.

So professional photographers.

Professional photographers, if they see you taking pictures with your friends, they will often approach you and ask if they can also take pictures of you.

Free of charge.

Free of charge.

And then they will leave their contact information with you.

And then in a few weeks, obviously you have to contact them and they will send the edited pictures to you.

Okay.

So that's also really fun.

And considering it is always held at a castle and the castle grounds, the scenery is also very, very pretty.

At least I can say this for oxen.

The castle grounds were absolutely stunning.

So that also made for a lot of very beautiful pictures.

So I definitely want to do this again next year because it was a really fun experience.

And then the second event that I attended was Facts, which it's your normal Comic Con experience.

Nothing new, like, not a lot new has come there.

You have the geek market, you have the creator alley, you have the cosplay area where and the area where all the celebrities will be signing, etc.

Etc.

There were two things that were new since this edition that I found very interesting.

And the first one was there was a mini LARP event.

Okay.

Which Obviously, having started LARPing very like, just since this year, I found this very exciting.

And this mini LARP event was called Saving Grunk's Tavern.

And it was a collaboration between Game Master Worlds and Hera von Dernat.

You might know Game Master Worlds from towns and villages for D and D, for example, That's a book they published.

And Heere van der Nat is a medieval LARP community.

Okay.

Or an organization that creates larp.

How it was really fun to do, the way that it worked was first you went to like kind of the courtyard before the stalls where they explained there is this goblin and that has been terrorizing the tavern, Gronk's tavern.

And you have to defeat him, but before you can defeat him, you have to grab a few items to fight him with.

Okay.

And then there were like four stalls that you could go into.

Obviously you couldn't see it because they were veiled.

You had the alchemy shop, I think you had the oracle.

You had the dwarven shop and then the wizard shop.

Okay.

I've done the LARP three times.

I've done all the stalls except the wizard one.

I just know that the wizard had a beholder that was going to give you a spell to use against the goblin.

The dwarves obviously give you weapons.

The oracle often gave you words to fight with the goblin thing, basically just bullying him verbally.

Okay.

And the alchemist often gave you potions.

Okay.

So you always got something out of that interaction.

Once you did two of those four stalls, you went into the actual tavern and you fought the goblin.

And after that you went out to like the information area.

Like, what is larp?

What is this organization?

And just a general shop area, which it was really well done.

The interactions never.

Like every stall took about five minutes max.

So it's like 15 minutes total.

It's a very quick interaction.

It's a very easy going introduction to LARP as well.

It was very low stakes.

Okay.

So I, I really enjoyed doing that larp.

And the other thing that was new is there was a tattoo village.

Oh, okay.

So you could go to Facts and get a flash tattoo.

I also did.

Because you had to buy a ticket for that, but it was like free, but you just had to have virtually pay for it.

Yeah, virtually.

Just like a reservation.

Exactly.

Because everyone under 18 is not allowed in there.

So you just have to be able to show like, yo, yeah, I'm allowed to be here.

Unfortunately, I did not have the time to go check that out.

I'm really sad.

Okay.

Because I was going to ask, was there any, Anything really fantasy?

I mean, I was, I would expect, I would also expect, you know, fantasy themed.

Yeah, I, I, yeah, I would, I wouldn't necessarily expect a lot of fantasy things.

I would expect a lot of nerd things.

Oh, okay.

Because Comic Con is not only fantasy.

True.

It's true.

It's more general like that.

So sure, I can see a lot of fantasy tattoos, but I'm just imagining a lot of more nerd themed tattoos in general.

All right.

Yeah.

Those are the two events that I attended.

Wow, that was a quick run through.

Did you.

Which one did you enjoy most?

Because I'm feeling Alfia was definitely Alfia.

Okay.

Because if I had to compare the two.

The thing is, Alfia for me was very new.

It's the first time that I went, so everything still carried that novelty to it.

I was experiencing everything for the very first time.

I was surrounded by a lot of friends as well, so there never really was a moment where I had nothing to do.

Whereas facts, I've been going since I was a child.

So there's a level of comfort there because I know what I'm getting into.

There's a level of comfort and I really like going there.

But at the same time, it's always the same.

Yeah.

I mean, I skipped this year and to me, you know, the novelty is a bit.

I wouldn't say lost, but it's harder to find.

It's like you said, it's.

To me, it feels always the same and it's like, to me, it feels like a big market and the focus is really on buying stuff.

Yeah.

It's just this edition.

The main thing that I did, I'm not gonna lie, is do the mini LARP event.

I've not really done anything else that's, I mean, which wasn't meant to buy.

That was.

Oh, you know, you're having a 15 minute experience of what LARP is and then you get more explanation on what the LARP is that organized this event at fox.

Okay.

So there was no buying attached to.

It, which is good.

But does it do justice to the.

The LARP concept?

If you can try it out for 15 minutes, it seems so short.

It is very short.

But I can't say if it does justice to medieval LARP because I've not done that yet.

But just LARPing, just in general LARPing, I would say yes.

It was obviously very low stakes because they're presenting it to people who most likely never even heard about larp.

So these people will be very hesitant to interact.

One of my friends played an NPC at the event, so I've heard from the perspective of the people that played the NPCs there, sometimes they really had to drag out.

Something from the audience because they're not used to larp.

And then it's better to have it very low state.

I think the best way to, to.

To compare it would be a live improvisation act implying the audience and.

Exactly.

And the way that they did it, by making it a kind of quest, they very clearly tell you the tavern is under attack.

You have to get two items to fight the Goblin.

There are four locations where you can go to.

You have to pick two and once you've gathered those two items, you go fight.

That's very to the point.

It's very short, very low stakes because obviously you're going to win as well.

Okay.

And I think that's what made it for me at least it felt really successful.

If LARP would be introduced to me that way, I would have been excited.

If I've never larped before.

Sure.

Granted.

Yeah.

I mean, I see how that would work.

I, I'm really sad that you didn't get to experience this with me because I would have bullied you so much.

Really.

I.

Listen, I've never larped with you before.

I would have.

I would have been really excited to have that experience.

More hesitant if you're gonna bully me.

But like in, in a, In a nice way.

Oh, sure.

Okay.

Okay.

Like we don't bully each other in real life anyway.

It wouldn't be much different.

Okay.

Okay.

Fair.

All right, so.

But I do suppose that I liked Alfia more also because it had a more coherent theme compared to Fox considering that it is in like on the grounds.

It's in open air, there's a lot more breathing space where fucks.

It's always inside.

There's a lot of people who are constantly on each other.

There's also a lot more ambiance in like Alfia because you can go there to buy stuff, but you can also just go to enjoy the music and dance.

There's even like a part, like a foresty part where you can just walk through that they have like little interactions in.

So it's less like, oh, you have to buy stuff unmarketed.

And it felt kind of like almost a LARP setting.

Okay.

Whereas facts, you know, it's a Comic Con.

Yeah.

And we've been there, done that.

Yeah, true, true.

I mean, even though it still is fun, but it's a very commercial approach.

And Elfia felt less commercial to me.

Still very commercial because there were a lot of stand holders selling stuff.

Obviously there is some commercial part to it, but compared to like a Comic Con, it's less.

Yep.

Okay, cool.

So.

And are there any other fantasy related events upcoming or.

Well, I wouldn't Say it's upcoming.

But I really, really.

Yes, I really want to go.

It's Castle Fest, also in the Netherlands.

So that's why I'm kind of hesitant.

And I would also would very much like to go multiple days because of the journey.

I would just get more out of it by staying multiple days.

It's very similar to Alfia from what I've heard, but it's like the better version.

Oh.

So that really intrigued me.

Okay.

And I really want to go, obviously.

So we'll see.

All right.

Excellent.

And as mentioned, I mean, I haven't read any fantasy or horror themed books of late, but in the huge pile that I have, or piles plural, I did pick out six books that I.

And I wouldn't say randomly, but like, in the same manner that I pick my books when going through a bookstore, the COVID does it or it doesn't.

Obviously it's very important.

It is.

And you know, these six books, there is a.

There's a theme going on here.

I mean, it goes from, you know, sword raised out of starlit water to ships carved from dragonbone, you know, and even all the way up to London.

So they're definitely fantasy, but there is some nautical theme going on.

I know it's not your thing.

The one thing I do not really enjoy in fantasy, but it's perhaps because.

You haven't read the right one just yet.

True truth, there's always that.

It's just in my mind is you're stuck on a boat on a sea.

There's not a lot to do except sea creatures.

Yeah.

But not always.

I mean, I mean.

Okay, let's dive into it.

There is currently one book and it's.

It's not.

Not at all a C book, but there is a series that is still very dear to my heart.

And in one of.

It's a series of five books, which is a Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Sure.

And I. I don't know exactly which one it is, but there is one where we do have a whole sea adventure that takes up like at least half of the book.

But it's done so well because the time on the boat is so short.

That's why you like it.

They just use the boat to go to like a pirate haven, like a pirate port.

And then after the pirate port, you have like a battle on the ships and then they go to a different land.

Like they just use it as a way of transportation.

But they just, they don't sit there for weeks, talking on a boat.

Okay, okay.

But I think you have somehow a misconception of maritime fantasy.

Okay.

It's not always just spending time on a boat and cleaning the deck.

That's what it is in my mind.

Sure.

I get it.

But, you know, the first one I wanted to kick off with, because I have a soft spot for, you know, myths, and I would even say, you know, traditional myths, and one of them is definitely linked to the tale or the myth of Arthur, you know, Arthurian legend.

Right.

And the one that stood out.

Actually, I have it here in my hand.

I just need to check from which here, because I think it's quite.

It's quite funny because I'm also currently in a TTRPG that is also based on the Arthurian legend.

So it's not that old, but not that recent either.

It's called the Bright Sword and it's by Liv Grossman.

Now.

Now, again, why is it something that I was really intrigued.

Obviously, the Arthurian legend, but it's a retelling, so.

Like modern retelling or different.

So this is what the backflip.

So the fourth cover says, I'll just read just a few lines.

So it goes like this.

So when gifted young knight Colm arrives at Camelot to compete for a place on the Round Table, he quickly discovers that he's too late.

The king died two weeks ago at the Battle of Camlann, and only a handful of knights of the Round Table are left.

Oh, no.

And the survivors aren't the heroes of legend either, like Lancelot or Gawain.

They are the oddballs of the Round Table, like Sir Palamite.

Is that another comedical.

Well, I don't think so.

Okay.

Because so far it sounds very comedy.

It might be.

But, you know, actually, for those oddballs, and I think not really in a comical or not necessarily in a comical way, but it's up to them to rebuild Camelot in a world that has lost its balance.

So even God abandons Britain and the fairies and the old gods are returning, so led by Morgan Le Fay.

So they must reclaim Excalibur and make this rune world whole again.

So where does the nautical theme come in?

Oh, not yet.

Come in.

I'm coming there.

I'm coming there.

It didn't apply to all the books, but I was really intrigued there.

I mean, Lev Grossman, I haven't read any of his work just yet, but he's said to have reshaped modern portal fantasy with his Previous book, the Magicians, where, you know, the focus is really on being emotionally honest.

So that's why I'm saying I don't think it's necessarily comical or really funny.

There might be some funny parts in it.

But his style, sorry, is really acts towards, you know, literally self aware fantasy.

So opening doors to the character being first and really epic genre.

So I'm, I'm really interested in this one.

And I don't think that I have read that many retellings.

I know that you have read at least one or two, I guess.

And it's all or nothing with me because Excalibur, I mean that's very epic.

And if you give it a total different swing, I don't know how it's gonna go down.

For me, it's.

Yeah, retelling can be really great or it can be a total flop.

For me, a retelling needs to be recognizable.

Like.

Oh yeah, I can definitely see the elements of this, this folklore still in the story or this fairy tale or whatever.

But it also needs to feel unique.

Like if you're just telling the same story but in your, your words, then I, I have the feeling like, what was the point?

Like, I already know this story.

Sure.

And finding the balance between being unique and new, but still having those very recognizable elements of the retelling that you're giving can be, can't be really easy, I think.

Yeah.

Because I'm a bit afraid that I'm gonna.

And I think that's the normal way to, to digest the reading of that retelling is you're go.

I mean, unavoidable.

You're gonna always compare to the original one.

Right.

And that's why it has to be so novel and new.

Exactly.

While still having those elements of.

Oh yeah, I recognize this.

This obviously this is a retelling of that story because I can find all the important elements of that story back into this.

But it's novel, it's new, it's unique, then it's performed well, in my opinion.

Okay.

But if those two components are not balanced, perfectly balanced, then yeah, then, so it's always dangerous in my opinion.

But it can be done.

You know, again, it's, it's like a 650 plus pages book.

So I'll work my way through it.

But anyway, to, to reconnect with your question, where's the sea?

Well, here, book number two, it's an Honorable Fee by Douglas Skelton.

Now this one is the first book in the Company of Rogues series.

I think up to now they're like, if I'm not mistaken, five books out.

So this is the first one and again haven't read it just yet but the, the premise was for me really intriguing.

So I'll just, just read the backflip back cover.

So it's, you know, there's this at least historical setting that is accurate and I always like that.

So it's fantasy, it's fiction but there is this reference context, you know, referring back to real history.

Janus Flint, an ex soldier and reluctant member of the company of Rogues, a shady intelligence group run by ruthless spymaster Nathaniel Charters, is ordered to recover a missing document on her deathbed.

Queen Anne may have promised the nation to her half brother, the old pretender, rather than to the new King George first, but the will has been lost.

It contents could prove devastating in the wrong hands.

And then we trail, you know, the trail takes actually Jonas from the dangerous streets of London to Edinburgh in chaos where he finds others on the same hunt.

And when streets come to light about the crown and about his own past, Flint will learn that some truths once discovered can never be untold.

So it is like an espionage thriller but set in the 18th century.

And it has this rogue almost, I wouldn't say pirate but it has some aspect there.

You have London, you have a first little link to, to the sea as well.

And you know I like always a good espionage or thriller but in this case it's set in, in a fictional time frame in the 18th century obviously.

So that's one, then a third one.

And this is a trilogy.

I got all of them.

Let me see here.

There we go.

And this is by H.M. long and it's the trilogy called the Winter Sea.

Okay, okay.

And first home is the Dark Water Daughter.

Second one is called Black Tide sun and the last one, the third one is Red Tempest Brother.

Now this is definitely different although you know, you can still expect, expect, you know, cutlass floats type of boat, you know, and really swashbuckling but also sorcery.

So there you go.

You can expect sea w witches, privateers, weather, bent magic and I mean the author, H.M. long, she specializes in myth, touch high adventure, fantasy and you know she's been said to be really part in, in this wave bringing back the big hearted peril in the wild storytelling.

And this is what I like, you know, those epic things and, and I really like my context when I think about, you know, epic piratey things but with a little touch of fantasy.

I mean for me that's.

Epic.

I don't know.

Which one am I referring to?

Pirates of the Caribbean.

Oh, right, yeah.

Oh, right.

Yeah.

I don't really love Pirates of the Caribbean.

Okay.

Like, if it wasn't for Johnny Depp.

Like, if it wasn't for.

I forgot his name.

He's like the main character.

Johnny Depp is the main character.

But yeah, no, I'll get there.

I'll get there.

Jack Sparrow.

If it wasn't for, like how funny Jack Sparrow is, I wouldn't have liked it at all.

Okay.

Because it's like I said, they're just sailing the sea most of the time.

Yeah.

But.

But again, it gets.

It not only gets them from.

From A to B, but you have all this mythical level, you have the magical level.

And so they can go on.

On several levels, let's say.

I know, don't get me wrong, the.

The movies are really, really good and I do enjoy watching them, but reading.

No.

Yeah, no.

And, you know, having said that, that nautical fantasy is said to come back.

I mean, really coming back in force.

And that's why there are quite a lot of books coming out.

Yeah, I can see that by your pile.

Yeah, I know.

And these are not even like recent ones.

But you have two more, right?

I have two more.

Yes, yes, yes, enlighten me.

All right.

And then another one.

This is actually a debut novel which has been really covered by most excellent reviews.

So that's why I was.

Sounds promising.

I was really intrigued because I read first, actually some.

Some reviews.

And especially, you know, if this is your first book and you're getting so much, you know, wonderful reviews, then okay, why not?

And it's called Angie Kills a King by Ivan Laycombe.

I hope I pronounced the name correctly.

So apologies if I misread the name.

So this, as said, this is a debut novel and it promises lean, relentless storytelling.

And the debut is often new in balances, but it's resolving without grimdark despair, and it keeps the field really fresh.

Now, what is it about?

Yes, what is it actually about exactly.

So let me just read the backside.

So Angie works as a castle servant, cleaning laundry for a king she hates, of course.

So when a rare opportunity presents itself, she seizes the chance to cut his throat.

Oh, okay.

Pop off, Queen.

Then she runs for her life.

In her wake, the kingdom is thrown into disarray, while a bounty bigger than anyone could imagine lands on her head.

On her heels are the fabled mercenaries of the menagerie, whose animal shaped masks are magical relics rumored to give them Superhuman powers.

It's the hawk who finds Angie first, a surly, aging swordswoman who has her own reasons for keeping Ange alive and out of the hands of her fellow bounty hunters, if only long enough to collect the reward herself.

So, well, that for me is quite cool because you start immediately with a murder and then she has to run and you have this fan and then.

She'S on sea for the rest of the book.

And it's really said to be a refreshing new note or a new take on this genre.

And it's not too long.

That's what I also like because I always take out these big books and it's like 320ish.

And it's a standalone.

Yeah, I'm not so certain about that one.

Okay, never mind.

No, hang on.

It can never be a standalone.

Yeah, right.

I don't think I'm a bit afraid that.

Let me quickly see.

I think if I.

If I'm not mistaken, that there is at least a second book.

Yeah, you see, because this apparently is in a series.

It doesn't say how many, but.

So Angie Kills a King is the first one in the series called the Rising Tide.

And next year, end of next year in October, the second album or second tome is supposed to be published and that is called Angie in Shadow.

Okay, okay.

But I'm really keen on reading this one.

All right.

And then after that I have.

Yes, see, here we have another link to.

I would say maritime, but at least some.

Some water.

And it's the Great when by Alan Moore.

And why did I pick this one up?

Okay, obviously again, the COVID I mean.

It has, it has a bridge.

The bridge.

Yeah, Bridge of London.

Right.

And this is a bit different.

Yeah, because it's set in London for starters.

For starters.

But it is also.

It's in the 20th century.

But hang on, hang on.

So I'll read it.

So this year.

The city London.

Amidst the smog of the capital is Dennis Knuckleyard, a hapless 18 year old employed by a secondhand booksh.

One day, on an errand to acquire books for sale, Dennis discovers a novel that simply does not exist.

It is a fictitious book, a figment from another novel.

Yet it is physically there in his hands.

How Dennis has stumbled on a book from the great Wen, a magical version of London beyond time and space, where reality blurs with fiction and concepts such as crime and poetry are incarnated as wondrous, terrible beings.

But this other London must remain a secret.

If Dennis Cannot find a way to return this book to where it belongs, he risks bizarre and disastrous repercussions such as his body being turned inside out or worse.

Well, you know what this kind of reminds me of?

I think I know, but do tell it.

It reminds me of a movie that I'm pretty sure that you don't or you're not thinking about the same thing as I am.

I thought you.

I think you thought I was going to say the Starless Sea.

Yeah, exactly.

Yes, but no.

Yes, but no.

It kind of remind me of a movie that happens in Paris.

I think it's called as above so below.

Basically in the movie, these people go down to the catacombs of Paris and they explore it and then they come out on like if this is Paris, you have the catacombs, they go down again and they come back up to a different, different version of Paris.

So it sounds like Stranger Things.

It is a horror movie.

So.

Okay, okay, okay, I'll have to to dive into that.

I think it's called AZ above so below, but I'm not sure.

We'll have to check it out.

But anyway, you know, know late forties London and then.

Yeah, this magical thing.

Yep, absolutely want to give it a try.

There is however, one more event that I completely failed to mention that I have been considering going to.

I. I didn't commit to anything yet.

And that is mainly because I cannot go to like the information session which will be happening next week, Saturday.

So I'll have to wait until the all the more more information comes out to the public because unfortunately I will be working that day so I couldn't attend.

But what is this event?

Well, for starters, surprise, surprise, it is a LARP event.

Again.

So why this one?

What's different about this one?

Why?

I'll tell you why.

First, what is it?

The LARP is called Danse Macabre.

It is a homebrew setting based on the vampire the Requiem Tabletop role playing game.

Okay, so they use the Tabletop role playing game source book as the base, but they might exclude or include certain elements because again, it's homebrew.

Okay, so the world is set in the Chronicles of Darkness version of Belgium.

It's a place very much like our world, sharing the same history, culture and geography.

Yeah, it's not working, but you know the word geography?

Yes.

Superficially, most people in the world of Danse Macabre live lives like we do.

They eat the same food, wear the same clothes and waste time watching stupid television.

However, this world has silently and slowly devolved into a dystopia compared to ours, corruption is rife, as is crime, people go missing with alarming frequency, and unexplained phenomena are quickly glossed over.

The gap between haves and have nots is wide, and industrialists actively try to turn the world into a concrete wasteland.

As such, while it is similar to our world, it has taken a different turn sometime in the past, leading to many subtle differences.

It is a world where creepy run down houses amid strange sighs and uncertain nights of the year.

A world where urban legends are whispered into the ears of children by invisible spiders.

In this world, the horrors and nightmares of legend aren't just bedtime stories, they're real, even though most don't realize it it.

So now that you I've given you the small introduction, why do I want to join this larp?

There are multiple reasons.

One, it's a vampire larp, which sounds really interesting, you know, why not fun.

So you're playing as a vampire.

As a vampire you were killed and turned into a vampire.

And then you have to choose your bloodline, your clan, etc.

Etc.

Etc.

Second of all, it is their first mark in their chronicle, so their first LARP.

So you would start from the very beginning of this story, which is always really exciting because you'll know the same as everyone else does, basically.

Second, a third reason it is the 31st of January and the 1st of February, so it's pretty soon.

And the most important reason why I was so intrigued is because it's very close to home.

Actually, it's in Wegmau.

Oh, okay.

So I was like, you know, that's super close to where we live.

I need more Belgian LARP friends.

I beg.

So it sounded really interesting.

It's some like vampire larp.

Sounds interesting.

It's just two days.

It's really close by.

So up until this point I've only had like reasons to go.

And it's also part of an organization that hosts a lot of different role plays.

So they're very.

They're already professionals.

Like they know what they're doing.

Okay.

That's important.

Exactly.

It's not a novel organization.

It is part of the Oneros visit.

Sure.

Which, sure, I believe you.

There are so many different roleplay larps that they do.

And I found it because again, a friend of mine who's been doing LARP longer than I have is involved in one of the other LARPs that they are doing.

All right.

So I've been considering going there.

Sure.

Well, thank you for that segue.

Sorry.

That's okay.

And then just to finish it off, the.

The last book that I had on my pile.

I thought you were finished.

No, no, no.

You caught me off at the fifth book.

There's a sixth book.

Okay, sorry, I lost count.

And this one, again, was definitely the COVID I mean, I had read some.

Some reviews of it, and yeah, for me, the.

The COVID really made it.

I mean, you have this very stylish.

Oh, it's very medieval themed again.

Yeah, very medieval.

Of course you chose it.

And it has a dragon on it.

You know, drawn dragon.

I can see it.

Now this.

When having read even the review, but even the back cover, it really reminded me of Robin Hobbs, Lifeship Traders series of book.

You know, Ship of Magic.

Where do I know that name?

I swear I know that name.

Huge author.

What else has he written?

She.

Sorry, She.

I mean, she has.

So you have the Life Ship Traders.

You have Tawny man, that's also a series.

You have the Fitz and the Fool.

You have the Rainwild Chronicles.

You have the Farseer Trilogy.

I think I've seen a lot of her books on your bookshelves.

I think that's why it looks so familiar to me.

Exactly, exactly.

It has very like Lord of the Rings overall vibe to it.

She's really good.

I mean, just like looking at the covers, it really brings.

That gives me that very epic.

She has a very good style.

They're thick books, so it's always, you know, but it's never a big task, you know, to read her books is pure enjoyment.

Okay, Just.

Just read them.

But anyway, so this did remind me, at least as far as the theme was concerned, you know, it did remind me of the Life Ship Traders, Ship of Magic, where the ships are actually also sentient beings.

So it's not just.

Right.

We already covered this.

Okay.

Like the Moving Cities thing.

That's also a book.

Yeah.

So.

And here, I mean, in Robin Hobbs, Liveship Traders, Ship of magic, you know, the ship themselves are alive, let's say.

Okay.

They're sentient beings, like creatures.

Yes.

And here I'll just read from the back cover.

So for generations.

The Hundred Isles.

That's the name.

The Hundred Isles have built their ships from the bones of ancient dragons to fight an endless war.

The dragons disappeared, but the battles for supremacy persisted.

Now the first dragon in centuries has been spotted on a far off water.

And both sides see a chance to shift the balance of power in their favor.

Because whoever catches it will win not only glory, but the war.

And it goes on.

And further, it says it's brilliantly imagined saga of honor, glory and warfare.

The Bone Ships starts an epic new trilogy.

So I was really intrigued by this one.

Again, this is the first one by RJ Barker.

It's called the Bone Ships.

And that was enough for me to dive into this book and add it to my to be read list.

Unfortunately, again, it's.

Let me see.

It is close to 500 ish pages.

As is often the case with these kind of books.

But anyway, so this is my pick of six books out of my TBR list.

And actually if I had to make like a very quick decision because two of them are really, you know, not thick at all.

So the Honorable Thief set in the 18th century or this totally fictional Angie kills the King.

And you know what?

I'm gonna go with Angie kill the King because I really.

It's one of the shortest ones.

Yeah.

But not only that, but it has.

Has been receiving so much.

Right, right.

You know, positive.

And so I'm.

I'm really curious about that one.

Anyway, that's it from my to be red list.

That's all from.

That's all from now as well.

Yep.

Sorry for interrupting you so.

That's okay.

What we didn't cover is that, you know, a lot of new games came out.

You know, something like it always does.

Yeah.

Like magic.

I mean, you had like the whole Spider Man.

Yeah.

There wasn't really a lot of traction for Spider Man.

I wouldn't know why.

Yeah, well, I wouldn't know.

As someone who, you know, I know works in a shop that sells this stuff usually when we really like new magic set releases, most of that stuff is gone within a week.

Yeah.

And now.

Not at all.

It just.

I think it's still on the shelves.

Even like.

Yeah, there was not a lot of traction.

Okay, that is weird because.

No, I do get it because it's just Spider Man.

Like, I wouldn't.

I wouldn't.

Okay.

Do you know the one that.

Or for me, Magic the Gathering is like fantasy, not.

I know.

Superheroes.

So you're looking more towards Lauren Eclipse.

And this is like one.

One of the, let's say areas where they already have been previously.

And this is totally fantasy.

Right.

But there's still one.

It's.

It's a little bit.

Yeah.

Superhero.

Ish.

But I'm actually looking forward to this one.

Is Avatar like the.

The Blue people or like Avatar.

No, no, not the Last Airbender.

Okay.

Yeah, that one.

One.

I'm really.

Because the art that I'VE seen so far is so cool.

And it really lends itself perfectly to magic.

I know you were into Avatar the Last Airbender.

Well, I didn't know myself, but I started watching, you know, the series without me.

Wow.

Yeah.

You, you.

I know.

Now we have to watch it together.

Because I actually, I really liked it.

It's.

I mean, obviously started with the first episodes and it's.

Well, it starts very childish, but it goes like a lot of animated series.

I find that when they say, oh, that is not for children.

That's because it often starts very childish, but then kid proof.

You mean not childish, but kid proof.

Yeah, yeah, kid proof.

Or PG13.

You know, it often starts that way to kind of get a feel of, like, the world and the characters, and then suddenly it gets dark.

Yep.

See, And I'm looking forward to just to see what all the hype is.

But up to now it's really good.

I've.

I've just seen like the first five episodes and I really liked it.

Although it was really very obvious.

Kid proof, you know, But I really like it.

It's a really good series.

And having seen then, you know, in contrast the.

The previews of the cards coming out, it's so made for magic.

I think the reason why I love Avatar the Last Airbender so much is because they draw much inspiration from real cultures.

Yep.

Like every.

You know, you have the water benders, you have the airbenders, the fire benders, earthbenders.

I think I have to make sure that I don't say anything wrong here.

That's okay.

The firebenders, I think, is very much inspired from Chinese culture.

Yeah, I can imagine that.

And for one very clear example is the food that they eat.

Like, but also the, the costumes.

The costumes, the rituals, the.

Exactly.

It's.

It's.

It sounds resounds so much in everything that they do.

They do.

They did so much research into so many cultures to make them feel so different from each other.

But, you know, for example, the airbenders, they really remind me of monks.

Yeah, sure, absolutely.

But what really annoyed me so I started watching this on Netflix and I don't know for what reason, but you can still watch like the first two, three episodes and then like episode four.

Oh, guess what?

You know, you're.

Nope, that is out of the library.

So they, like different episodes.

That's weird.

Are not available anymore.

And I mean, yeah, that does suck.

So I had to go to a next one jumping I don't know how many episodes.

But anyway, so, yeah, that's also on my pile of things to cover.

But that's enough for now.

And we'll do our utmost best to come back in less than, you know, a few months.

This concludes our episode, so until next.

Time, stay enchanted, stay curious, and keep the fantasy alive.

Sam.