Fastaval

When I first messaged Kristian (Bach Petersen red.) in 2010 I had no idea it would lead to a trip to Denmark in April 2011. He mentioned our game FreeMarket and I responded, saying I’d love to run the game in Denmark. The next thing I know, Kristian is private messaging me on the site to tell me about a roleplaying convention called Fastaval, to be held “sometime around Easter.” I was excited to go but couldn’t afford the trip. Kristian said there might be a travel allowance for me and Luke to attend the convention.

Fast-forward a few months later and there was no news. I did get to meet Kristian and his wife Mette in February when they visited New York City. It was a great time, sitting at our favorite Indian restaurant to talk about games, but sadly the travel money wasn’t available and the convention was only two months away. In March an email arrived: the town of Silkeborg had a meeting and the travel expenses were approved. Luke and I were going to Fastaval — and a month later we were on an SAS flight to Copenhagen. To say we had fun would be an understatement. The convention was amazing and we made some great friends while there. The various games we played, the organization of the con and the passion of the attendees/volunteers were all eye-opening. Like Luke said after we left, “I feel like I leveled up as a game designer.” Between us both we played the scenarios “Fifteen Men,” “Heart of Metal,” “Sex Drugs & Rock n’ Roll,” and “Easter: a Tragedy” as well as our own RPGs, some board games, some swordplay and a kubb match out on the lawn. It was a fantastic time.

We would love to return next spring and do it all again, hopefully with even more Americans in tow to show off the fine Danish tradition of rolle spille.

So to all the fine people we spoke to and played with, thank you all for a wonderful time.

With warm regards,

Jared and Luke