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Questions Answered

What is this?
Obiegame is a combination treasure hunt, brain teaser and interactive story. To quote one of our planners: "Lo! You shall experience woeful dreams trying to unravel the plot, but until you have reached the final chapter, the dreams shall be in vain." We're thinking that 'senior thesis' of his finally took him over the edge.

Point is it's a fun little diversion whose details we can't spill right now because it would ruin the fun.

I'm not going to need dice, am I?
No, this isn't a role-playing game. But feel free to call yourself Saurick, Warrior God if it helps you to enjoy things more.

How long will this take?
Some people burn through some clues in minutes while other peoples (and other clues) take a little more time. The game itself will be over before finals, and even the over-committed amongst us should be able to fit it in around things like classes, eating, and philosophical discussion on the sidelines of rugby matches.

How much does it cost?
Ummm... how's nothing? Is nothing okay for you? We thought so.

Why do I need to register?
We tried keeping track of the very first game on the back of an envelope. It didn't work so well. We're pretty sure we still owe several people a small prize, and this note here is either about how many players made it to the third clue, or about Tony's heart medication. So we thought a little more organization couldn't hurt.

Do you really need my phone number?
It's pretty useful for a couple of planned aspects of gameplay. And we promise we won't use it (or the other information you provide) for anything non-game related, sell it to telemarketers, or burn all your minutes talking to you about our commitment issues.

However, if you're really not cool with giving us a phone number, email us at staff@obiegame.com before you register and we'll figure something out.

Who put the 'bomp' in the 'bomp-shoo-bomp-shoo-bomp'?
We can't prove it, but we blame the Soviets. Damn Commies.

Do I need a team?
Nope, although many players have found it both easier and more fun to tackle the puzzles and gameplay with at least a partner. We also have a 'lone wolf' option where we'll assign you to a team of other teamless people.

How many people can be on a team?
One to ten friends, acquaintances, Mongolian marauders, and so forth. We instituted the ten-person cap after a 15-person team just bulldozed through ObieGame '05. Also, you're splitting the prize money – these rules are here to protect you!

Can people outside Oberlin play?
Sorta. At least one person needs to be on campus or in town. The rest of your team members can be anywhere, so long as they can communicate with the folks in town. But every ObieGame has involved at least some 'real world' experiences. While you won't be penalized if your whole team can't be at a particular place for a particular event, anyone not here in town may miss out on the fun.

What do I (or possibly we) get out of this?
Like the ads said – cash money (well, gift certificate money) to the winners. And we've got some nice stuff as parting gifts for everyone who makes it to the end, regardless of whether you were first or thirty first. Oh, except the people who finish nineteenth. You get nothing.

Note: the prize money increases as the number of teams increases - competition is the very basis of our great and glorious society, so don't just sign up your own team, be sure to encourage others to sign up too.

Who set us up the bomb?
Our lawyers have advised us against answering this question.

When does it start/run?
Right... now! Quick! Look behind you!

Gameplay typically happens in mid-spring. Get on the mailing list or check back here to find out when registration opens.