Let’s begin with the assumption that you know nothing about the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society. The first part is Howard Phillips Lovecraft, author of numerous macabre tales. If you don’t recognize the name, then let’s call him a cult figure of some talent who influenced others. If you do recognize the name, then you either A) read all his stuff incessantly no matter how obscure; B) find his writing a wee bit ponderous, but grant him some credit for accomplishing this or that; or C) you recall an acid rock band that swiped his name. The “Historical Society” portion of their name bears no resemblance to the historical societies which dot the small town landscape. The term signifies an interest in the past. The curious thing is how this interest manifests.

The members of the HPLHS like to live-action role play, (imagine Dungeons and Dragons without the table). Games like Vampire: the Masquerade and Killer have been encouraging players to move beyond dice rolling, but these people have clearly moved on to a whole different level. They have traveled to Great Sand Dunes National Monument in southern Colorado and the British Museum in London. They usually portray 1920’s-era Lovecraftian versions of Mulder and Scully faced with the best that their imaginations can throw at them. The individuals who design these investigations utilize Hollywood-style props and surprise guests. They simulate combat and camp together (you decide which is the more dangerous).

All right- it does sound like a murder mystery weekend gone haywire, but they have been at it for over twenty years. Hundreds of people have participated. Maybe I’m a little too susceptible, but it has top be quite a bit better than watching more CSI or Law & Order. Did I mention that their motto is “Ludo Fore Putavimus” (“We thought it would be fun”)?

December, 2006