Subreality Cafe/SCRRs

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Locations · Muses · SCRRs
Collaboration
Name: SCRRs
Members: Rowan Seven SCRR moderator; Rossi THOSD moderator
Date(s): 1997-2002
Focus: Round Robins
Fandoms: Multiple
External Links:  Subreality Round Robins (Wayback)
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Originally hosted on the Generation X Fanfic Archive and then relocated to Inside the Web, the Subreality Round Robins (or SCRRs, or RRs) were extensive, multi-author stories. Someone would start the RR on the board with an introductory post, outlining the idea. Another would then add to the story, replying to the first post on the message board, and so on. Frequently someone would have to "pull back" the thread from scrolling off the side of the screen by reposting what had gone on before, and sometimes posts would be eaten by the board, or negated by someone who had gotten in first. The three Subreality rules[1] applied, although it was also considered polite to ask someone before you killed them off. Unless you were in a Halloween RR, in which case it was a free-for-all.

There were two types of SCRRs, open and closed. Open RRs meant that anyone could join in, which could result in significant chaos if there were a lot of newbies joining in. Closed RRs were usually held on a private message board by invitation only. Kielle archived a number of both types of round robins on Subreality Central, although they are only a selection of what was produced. Dex and Seraph were particularly known for starting (or making more prominent) many of the round robins.

SCRRs could be silly, serious or downright horrifying - sometimes all three at once as some writers added their own spin to the existing mood. There were several "generations" of RRs, starting approximately in October 1997[2] on the original message boards hosted by Jelpy and Mirage's Gen X/X-Force Fanfiction Page (this page later became the Gen X Fanfic Archive and then FicWorld); these generations were defined by the writer turnover. The "1st Generation" ran approximately from 1997-1999; the "2nd Generation" from 1999- 2000 and the "3rd Generation" from 2001-2002.

The messageboard was moderated by Rowan Seven. A selection of the round robins is provided below - it is by no means exhaustive, as many were never actually archived.

SCRRs

Round robins set either in the Subreality Cafe or its environs, with fictives, established Subreality entities, Muses and/or writer avatars. Avatars were fictionalised personae for the Writers - some did not differ much from the real thing, while others were far more fantastical.

Halloween Massacre

The Halloween Massacre RR was a tradition in Subreality (since 1998, any way), where the writers were invited to take part in a "party" at the Cafe where by the end of the night all but two would be horribly murdered in true slasher movie tradition. Carte blanche was given for anyone to write anyone's death, and the two survivors were selected by a vote among the players. The Big Bad behind the deaths changed every year.

For 2001, Dex attempted a three-part story via email, each part named after one of the Fates and with different participants and locations. Unfortunately, this version was never finished and has been lost.

For 2002, upon hearing of Kielle's cancer diagnosis, another Halloween RR was planned as a gift for her; unfortunately, she passed away only a couple of weeks later and the project was abandoned.

The House of Strange Dimensions

The House, or THOSD, was a off-shoot of the main SCRR board, moderated by Rossi. The concept was that the House existed in Subreality as a place for Writers to live and both round robins and individual stories were written about the House and its residents.

Characters

While the cast of the RRs changed over time, there were some regulars whose avatars became as much a part of Subreality as the Cafe itself. Some avatars were very similar to the writers they represented, while others were more like fictives.

  • Kielle - The Scribe. The "creator" of Subreality, Kielle's avatar was usually dressed jeans, t-shirt and a rainbow-coloured vest. She was known for her love of sushi and reluctance to be the hero (but having to use her extended Writer's powers as Scribe to save everyone's butts).
  • Falstaff - responsible for much of the early creation of the Cafe and its environs. Known for his bowler hat and gentlemanly demeanour.
  • Tapestry - Along with Kielle and Falstaff, Tapestry was considered one of Subreality's Founders. Short, noticeably younger than everyone else (at least at first) and noted for her sarcastic drawl.
  • Dex - The Bastard. Also the one of the three Brothers Drunk. Dex was also known as a flirt and a reprobate, but one who knew the deeper aspects of Subreality.
  • Phil Foster - One of the three Brothers Drunk, Phil was a English rugby player, short, shaven-headed and known for being hard to rattle. Phil was frequently written into RRs by other writers without participating himself; this was called "Playing the Phil Invocation Card".
  • Abyss - The third Brother Drunk. Abyss is known for his sense of humor, prehensile toes and the Predatory Cannibalistic Bunny Slippers, Nudge-Nudge and Wink-Wink. The Slippers were fond of Guinness, gummies, a good cigar and eating unwary fictives. Abyss was largely active from 1997-1999, but he (or the Slippers) were often referenced after that.
  • Lady Seraph - The Angel, also called Wings by Dex and others. An Australian with angelic wings, halo and smiting sword, she and Dex would often go off on side-plots together. Security Officer for the House of Strange Dimensions.
  • Rossi - The Keeper of the Key, as the moderator of the House of Strange Dimensions. Another Australian, usually wearing hiking boots, jeans and a Red Dwarf t-shirt.
  • Jess Willey - The Cabbage Wielding Angel of Death. Known for his absurd asides, talking furniture and turning people into cabbages.
  • Epona Harper - The Doctor. Became Security Officer for the House of Strange Dimensions after Seraph left.

AU RRs

Round robins with characters based on writer avatars, but in a completely different setting.

Blues Night (and Day) - March 1998 - concept by Seraph

Subreality Cafe Noir - June 1998 - concept by Alec Wire

Tales from the Court of Miracles - July 1998 - concept by Contrail (Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four)

Contrail's Raiders (aka The Subreality Western) - November 1998 - concept by Falstaff

THOSD: Reality Strikes I, Reality Strikes II and Reality Strikes: Spring Break - 2001(?) - concept by Dex. The House is university student housing, the residents students. Not archived.

Notable Non-RRs

References

  1. ^ Subreality Central - Details - Rules
  2. ^ Taken from a discussion with Dex Farkin, January 27, 2023.
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