The Night Of Definitely Not Summoning Cthulhu

Totally not Cthulhu.


The Night Of Definitely Not Summoning Cthulhu:

(Definitely not based on Writer’s Block For Cthulhu Cultists — Jeff Mach Writes.)

Gather, acolytes, under the starless night for the vaguely sacred Ritual of Definitely Not Summoning Cthulhu. We speak the forbidden words:

“PLEASE, CTHULHU, DON’T EAT US”

and so forth,

each syllable twisted with Hyperborean wisdom, ensuring the slumbering beast remains undisturbed. We trace the ancient eldritch symbols in the darkling air.

The Gathering in the Shadow of R’lyeh:

In this hallowed hall, we wear the robes of the ancient cultists, our garments a whisper of the depths, though our intent is far from the abyss. The air carries the scent of incense, not to summon, but to cloak our gathering in an air of playful mystique. We sip “The Elixir of the Deep,” dark in hue yet probably not poisonous, a nod to the rituals of old without the dire consequences except maybe death and being eaten by wombats.

We discuss the mythos in..did we already say “hushed tones”? Hushed tones again, then.


Ritual of Not Summoning Cthulhu:

Assemble in a circle around the makeshift altar, an old table draped in dark cloth. Light candles, their flames flickering with mock solemnity.

Chant:
“Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn… not!”

Draw a protective circle with chalk

Gesture:
Raise hands towards the sky, palms outward in a gesture of mock defense, then quickly lower them: “Just kidding!”

Invocation:
“From R’lyeh’s depths, we call not thee,
For tonight is for mirth, not eldritch glee.
Stay thy slumber, oh Great Cthulhu,
For our gathering is insufficiently cooked.”

The Mohican Resort Hotel

Mohican Movie.

In the shadowed heart of Lake George, NY, lies the Mohican Resort Motel, a sanctuary for those who dance on the edge of intrigue, the ideal setting for the mysterious conclaves of WonderPlaceAlpha.com. Here, where the Adirondacks guard their secrets, you’ll find Efficiency Units, each a covert chamber with two queen beds, a kitchenette, and a private patio that whispers of clandestine meetings under the cover of night. For those seeking deeper seclusion, the 2 Bedroom Deluxe Apartments are a fortress of luxury with a king bed, a queen bed, equipped with a full walk-in kitchen and a dining area for five, perfect for plotting the next phase of your adventure.

The Mohican Resort Motel is where your narrative unfolds. Dive into the outdoor pool, a liquid mirror reflecting the sky, or slip into the warmth of the heated indoor pool, a place where whispers are lost in the steam. The game room and exercise room offer the perfect facade for espionage or relaxation. Whether you’re here to court danger or to escape it, the resort’s dedication to quality ensures that every moment is charged with the tension of a thriller.

As you weave your plans for Wonderplace Alpha, consider the Mohican Resort Motel for its opulent, lush, and enigmatic ambiance. With a meticulous eye for detail, this motel provides an escape into a world where your event can unfold with the intrigue of a spy novel. Secure your stay and let the Mohican cloak your gathering in an aura of mystery. Visit mohicanmotel.com for more details and to claim your own covert retreat in the heart of Lake George paradise.

Winfield Winfield, Darkling Guest and Horror Author

Winfield Winfield.

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About Winfield Winfield

Winfield Winfield is an acclaimed international author recognized for his gripping works in body horror, psychological horror, and science fiction. With a unique narrative style that intertwines the macabre with deep psychological insight, Winfield has carved a niche for himself in the horror genre, captivating readers with tales that linger long after the last page.

Born with an insatiable curiosity for the eerie and unexplained, Winfield’s journey into storytelling began early. His Amazon author page reveals a childhood fascination with local music and a deep-rooted passion for exploring the darker aspects of human nature. This curiosity led him to become an “Editor’s Choice” award winner for his early work, setting the stage for a prolific writing career.

Winfield’s novels, such as “Cult of the Eclipse,” exemplify his talent for blending horror with profound themes. The novel, described on Amazon as an “electrifying ride of body horror, delusion, and why people are lured into malicious cults,” follows a mother’s desperate search for her runaway child, only to uncover sinister truths in a seemingly familiar town. His ability to portray the grotesque alongside human vulnerability has earned him a dedicated following.

Beyond his writing, Winfield is deeply engaged with his community of readers and fellow horror enthusiasts. His professional page on a prominent social media platform highlights his active participation in discussions about horror’s role in literature and its reflection on societal fears. He often shares insights into his creative process and the inspirations behind his chilling tales, fostering a vibrant dialogue with his audience.

Residing in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Winfield remains a local music nut and can be found engaging with fans on various online platforms, where he shares updates on his work and delves into discussions about the horror genre. His website offers a comprehensive look at his bibliography, including reader reviews and personal reflections on his writing journey.

Winfield Winfield’s presence in the literary world is marked by his commitment to exploring the depths of human emotion through the lens of horror. His works not only entertain but also challenge readers to confront their fears and question the boundaries of reality and imagination. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his haunting narratives, Winfield’s stories promise an unforgettable journey into the unknown.

The Zombie Invasion

Zombies.

“I like my zombies slow and I like my zombies stupid.”

~Seth Grahame-Smith, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”

It’s almost certainly not fatal to RSVP for this event on Facebook, if you’re on Facebook.

And then it’s Saturday afternoon and time for the Zombie Invasion! If you wish to hang about our Wasteland area, our Zombies will be emerging from Darkling and entering the Wasteland.

Our Zombies are members of the cast. They are not likely to actually eat your brains, smart though you are. They will, instead, most likely offer you a sticker to turn you from (whatever you currently are now) to (a zombie version thereof).

They’ll be stumbling/shambling your way with only one thought: time to eat your brains!

…give you stickers.

Time to give you stickers!

You’re welcome to run from them, interact with them, take pictures with them, invite them to your parties…hey, they’re not OUR zombies. We don’t own them or anything.

Captain Dante’s Fight Show

Matthew Martino

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”

~Alexander The Great

Banned from the Pubs

  • Description: A highly immersive and interactive show that features games, audience participation, and rabble-rousing cheers! Captain Dante has travelled the world over, and at every port and tavern he visited, there was too much drinking, wenching, gambling, and fighting. Now, banned from the pubs, Captain Dante must resort to doing all his drinking, wenching, gambling, and fighting in public among the fine people attending the faire! Join Captain Dante as he starts a fight with you!

About Matthew Martino

  • Background: Matthew Martino has been a performer and producer of immersive and interactive events for nearly a quarter century. He graduated from Fairfield University with a focus on Visual and Performing Arts and has performed all over the country. He launched Savage Grace Entertainment in 2003 to produce stage shows, Halloween events, and theatrical games. Currently, he serves as an Immersive Experience Consultant with Sage Interactive Consulting.

Where Matt Has Performed:

  • King Richard’s Faire
  • The Arizona Renaissance Festival
  • The Carolina Renaissance Festival
  • The Sterling Renaissance Festival
  • The Colorado Renaissance Festival
  • The Robin Hood Faire
  • The Kang Arthur Faire
  • The Southern Connecticut Renaissance Faire
  • The Midsummer Magick Faire
  • The Vermont Renaissance Faire
  • The Massachusetts Renaissance Faire

The Temple of the Shark – Near Funky Sharky

The Temple of the Shark!


Welcome to the Temple of the Shark – Buckle Up!

Here’s your guide to an experience so delightfully off-kilter, it’s like discovering a perfectly tuned banjo in the heart of a black hole:

  • The Great Shark Summoning: Together, at the appointed time, we shall stand in a circle and summon the appropriate number of Sharks to
  • Dance of the Thousand Fins: Participate in what could be the universe’s most eccentric dance party. With your fin on, you’re part of a spectacle that’s as likely to realign your chakras as it is to make you question your life choices, in a good way.
  • The Oracle of the Deep: Get your future told by an Oracle whose advice is as reliable as a compass on a magnetized planet. Here, your fortune might come with a chuckle, not a chianti, and the only thing you’ll hear screaming is your sense of normalcy.
  • The Shark’s Roar: When the roar echoes, it’s like the universe pausing to raise an eyebrow at us. The silence that follows isn’t the quiet of lambs; it’s the moment of cosmic suspense before the universe decides whether to laugh or applaud.
  • The Blessing of the Waves: Step through our water tunnel, and you might find yourself in a reality where water is actually made of pure, undiluted weirdness. It’s a “you scratch my back, I’ll confuse your reality” deal with the sea.
  • Feast of the Finned Ones: Enjoy shark-shaped delicacies, where the only thing endangered is your diet plan. It’s a feast where even the most elusive cryptid would stop to savor the moment, possibly pondering if they’ve finally found their tribe.
  • The Shark’s Eye Challenge: Peer through the eye of the shark, and you might catch more than just hidden items; perhaps a cryptid or two, lost in the sauce of our dimension. If you see something, remember, in this universe, seeing is believing, sometimes.
  • The Great Fin Parade: March in a parade where chaos reigns supreme. While we can’t guarantee cryptid sightings, if one joins us, it’ll only add to the event’s charm, like an unexpected guest at the universe’s most bizarre dinner party.
  • The Call of the Abyss: Listen for the ocean’s reply, which might just be the confused murmur of a cryptid wondering where it took a wrong turn. If you hear something, it’s not the ocean; it’s the universe snickering at our antics.
  • The Blessing of Speed and Strength: Get ready for activities that’ll make you feel like you’ve channeled the spirit of a dozen cryptids. It’s like PE class if it were run by a cosmic jester with a flair for the dramatic.

So, dive into the wildness at the Temple of the Shark, where the laws of reality are more like suggestions, cryptids might just be your new best friends, and every moment is a testament to the universe’s love for a good laugh. Here, the silence isn’t of lambs; it’s of everyone holding their breath in anticipation of what happens next.

Jream’s Semi-Traditional Welcoming Goth Night: Brought To You By Darkling

Goth it up.

“‘Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick
The one that makes me scream,’ she said.
‘The one that makes me laugh,’ she said,
And threw her arms around my neck…”

~The Cure

Also known as our Goth Disco, thanks to our special guest, The Painting Badger.

This is a traditional old-school Goth night, except instead of being held in secret in the back of an abandoned church at midnight on the Feast of the Very Annoyed Saints when the Moon is full and Robert Smith is visiting telepathically…

…it’s held at our Festival, and whether you’ve been Goth since 1984, or whether this is the first time you realized that the Visgoths have returned… we’d love to meet you. All are welcome!

FRIDAY NIGHT, IN THE “DARKLING” AREA! When we say all are welcome, as always, we mean it – young and old, Goth or otherwise, come out, come out! But be aware that many of us will be dressing in our finest Goth colors of black, slightly darker black, slightly lighter black, and also, black. And we’ll dance the night away!

Entertainment: We’re picking a DJ. Or, really, our DJ will pick us and let us know.

Libations: Indulge in a selection of goth cocktails at our bar, each crafted to match the dark aesthetic of our gathering. From classics like the..the.. are there classic Goth cocktails? For real? What are they? … to our own concoctions inspired by the night, there’s something to suit every dark palate.

Atmosphere: Revel in the terrible lighting we all cherish, casting long shadows and creating an intimate, mysterious ambiance perfect for dancing or just being in dark and slightly uncomfortable spaces together. Our playlist will feature the timeless tracks that define our culture, ensuring your feet can’t help but move to the gothic rhythm, unless that’s not how you Goh, in which case, all good.

Quiet Retreats: For those who prefer the whisper of solitude, we’ve arranged several quiet areas nearby. Here, you can escape the crowd, reflect, or share hushed conversations amidst the quietude.

Smoking: And yes, for those who still hold a candle for the old ways, you can enjoy the rare pleasure of smoking clove cigarettes, should they still exist in this modern world.

Join us for a night where darkness meets…mostly more darkness, and everyone can enjoy the Darkling Element, and where we prove that the spirit of Goth thrives not on extravagance, but on the shared passion for the night. Let’s make this an unforgettable evening, proving that our community’s heart beats strongest in the shadows.

Saturday Halloween Night at Wonderplace Alpha

Halloween!

“The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled the sidewalks in invisible treads like unseen cats. Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve. Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold or orange velvet. Smoke panted up out of a thousand chimneys like the plumes of funeral parades. From kitchen windows drifted two pumpkin smells: gourds being cut, pies being baked.”

-Ray Bradbury

Our Halloween evening unfolds like this:

First, we activate our Time Distortion Device so that it becomes October 31st. Admittedly, the device is from 1972 and runs on two D-volt batteries. So it has an effective range of, oh, say about seven acres.

Now, it’s not requisite that you wear costumes, demand sweets, or visit a haunted house and marry a ghost.

But you certainly can if you want to.

And there’s more…

Costumes: The night is a costume extravaganza where attendees are encouraged to don costumes from any era or genre, reflecting the venue’s theme of timeless and timelessness. Whether you’re a cyberpunk knight, a Victorian time traveler, or a Renaissance Faire jester, there’s a place for you here. The atmosphere is filled with characters from various worlds, making it a visual feast of creativity and imagination. (Please do keep the feast ‘visual’ and do not eat anyone’s costume, even if it’s Chiquita Banana.)

Trick or Treating: Wonderplace Alpha transforms into a labyrinthine wonderland of trick-or-treating! Mostly because we really love candy. The event features a special Halloween In May Goblin/Vendor/Oddities Market where vendors offer not just regular treats but also magical trinkets and oddities. (They really are ‘trinkets’ – please do not be upset if they are not solid gold, even if you are a leprechaun.) These vendors, along with roaming characters, distribute candy and other surprises, making every corner of the venue a potential spot for treats or tricks.

Magic: Magic is in the air, quite literally. Magic shows, street performers, and even the environment itself contribute to the magical aura. You might encounter a fire player casting spells with flames, magicians performing close-up magic, or even participate in carnival games that have an element of enchantment. The whole setting is designed to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, where every turn could lead to a magical performance or an unexpected surprise.

Fun: The fun at Wonderplace Alpha’s Darkling Halloween is multifaceted. There are interactive games, live performances, and a chance to engage in empire-building or combat scenarios if you’re in the mood for some role-playing. The event includes a mix of solo adventures or group escapades, where you can engage in quiet contemplation or join in the lively interactions. There are also areas for relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle or even participate in Cyberpunk explorations or Steampunk adventures.

The entire evening is designed as a perpetual Halloween celebration, where the night never truly ends, and the magic of Halloween is felt at every moment. It’s a place where the rules of physics are more like suggestions, and the joy of Halloween is not just in the scares but in the boundless creativity and communal experience of everyone involved.

Also…

SO MUCH CANDY!!!!!!

A Toast To All Adventures

A cocktail menu.

“I drink to the joy of our meeting, to our long friendship, and to all our adventures together.”:

Event Theme: “A Toast To All Adventures”

Time: Around 9 p.m., post-dinner

Venue Setup:

  • Ambiance: Dimmed, atmospheric lighting with candles in various colors, creating a mystical, multi-world feel. Use curtains or screens to divide the room into different “realms” – each with its unique, subtle theme (e.g., a dark forest for Fantasy, a neon-lit corner for Sci-Fi).
  • Music: A playlist that shifts from one genre to another, with ambient tracks that could be from an adventure game soundtrack, enhancing the feeling of exploration.

The Toast:


“To the stars we’ve yet to conquer, to the spells we’ve yet to cast, and to the foes we’ve yet to best! May our swords stay sharp, our minds stay quick, and our friendships grow stronger with each epic tale we share. Here’s to epic quests, magical nights, and the bonds that bind us through time and space. Cheers to the next adventure, and may our legends never fade!”

Cocktails:

The Tome of Tales (For a magical, literary feel)

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz Gin (for the crispness of a new chapter)
    • 1/2 oz St-Germain (elderflower liqueur, for the sweetness of adventure)
    • Top with tonic water (to symbolize the endless possibilities)
    • A sprig of rosemary or lavender for garnish (for that touch of enchantment)
  • Instructions:
    1. Fill a glass with ice.
    2. Pour in gin and St-Germain.
    3. Top with tonic water.
    4. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or lavender.

Genre-Specific Twists:

  • Fantasy: a dash of edible glitter for that magical effect.
  • Sci-Fi: a dehydrated lemon wheel, for a futuristic twist.
  • Horror: A dash of black food coloring at the bottom for a dark surprise when mixed.
  • Mystery: Serve in a smoky glass (dry ice or a smoking cocktail technique) to add an element of intrigue.

Closing:

  • We conclude with everyone holding their glasses up to a central light that captures the essence of all elements at once!

Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena

(Stonehenge not included.)

“There’s a need for the scientific study of UAPs and a requirement to assemble reliable evidence, something that could not be so easily ignored by science.”
~Kevin Knuth, a former scientist with NASA’s Ames Research Center

Explore the mysterious skies with our presentation on UAPs—objects in our skies that defy explanation. Delve into historical sightings, government investigations, and the latest in scientific inquiry into these enigmatic phenomena. From the famous Project Blue Book to recent declassifications, we’ll discuss the Lake George UFO sightings from 1955 and the ongoing debate about what these sightings might signify for our understanding of the universe. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this presentation promises to open your eyes to the unexplained.

Embark on a fascinating journey into the skies with our panel on UAPs—those mysterious objects that have sparked intrigue and debate for decades. We’ll zoom in on Lake George, which has been a notable UFO hotspot since at least the 1950s. A significant sighting in 1955 captured national attention, leading to an investigation by none other than the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book. Our panel will explore this and other historical cases, discussing the findings from Project Blue Book’s files, which are now housed in the Archive of The Impossible at Rice University. Whether you’re curious about government involvement or the cultural impact of these sightings, this session will delve into the unexplained, offering insights into how these phenomena have shaped our understanding of the cosmos.

Oh, and here, check out the Mt. Etna object.