RETRO-CULT RP

[Our Way Out]

Genre: Cult/Vintage Role Play
Location: Shelter Valley, California
Date: March 1969

The Breakaway

The 1960's were undoubtedly revolutionary times. The battle with Vietnam raged, Richard Nixon had been elected President of the United States, A man was set to step foot on the moon and the counterculture movement was advancing rapidly, thus bringing about major turmoil amongst co-workers, neighbors, political candidates and especially relatives.Homes were being divided-sons no longer wished to be like their fathers and daughters weren't as eager to wait for wedding bells with the sexual revolution swarming the country. The 1950's golden rules were fading fast for the new generation-the liberals, the eco-freaks, the protesters, the sexually devious, the curious, the experimental druggies-most felt suffocated by society and/or their parents hierarchy.

The Runaways

California, the heart of the movement. Kids rebelling against social norms, fleeing to the sunny state to find a new life and purpose, to find themselves in a time of discovery and lost inhibitions. Fueling their journey with a mixture of sexual exploration and drug stimulation, the youth of the 60's started a revolution that would become a staple in the history of the nation. Panhandling and hitchhiking were prevalent during this time, especially for the teenage vagrants. Solace was often found on communes where congregations of 'free thinkers' would build their homes together and open their doors to one another-connected by beliefs, thoughts, ideas and love.

The Hideaway

In 1969 Shelter Valley, California was definitely not one of the most sought after destinations that the state had to offer, in fact it paled in comparison to San Fransisco. There were no marches, no protests, no folk concert fairs but there was plenty of land. An abundance of abandoned property and freedom as far as the eye could see. Inspired by the farmlands the city had to offer, a small eclectic trio settled there, nestled in a old and worn, yet comfortable ranch-secluded from an unwelcoming society.

With the endless possibilities of making their 'family' grow, the small group set out to recruit members, to open their doors to their peers, to their friends and to their fellow liberals. They offer beds and a roof, companionship and faith, love, adoration and understanding but of course this all comes at a price.

The Castaway

Cults are as old as recorded history, but contemporary interest in cults became amplified during the late 1960s as numbers of educated middle class youths abandoned traditional religions and embraced beliefs and practices that were deemed more suitable to the kind of lifestyle they aspired to obtain. Cult leaders often applied similar tactics and tendencies when interacting with their 'followers' as a means to manipulate and gain control over the set of individuals through great shows of love and protection from all the wrongs in the world.

Many join these cults to fulfill their own psychological needs, to gain a sense of hope and belonging in the arms of people who ‘truly understand’. There are of course the rumors of sexual abuse and unholy rituals but then again, who can truly make these allegations without witnessing first hand? Many who join these cults seem to acquire a keen sense of attachment and understanding and often feel passionate towards fellow members and leaders-embracing a love that might have been missing from life previously. Indeed, the main route for these cults appears to stem directly from religion, and especially in the little commune of Shelter Valley.

The tight-knit little community that takes its base in a little farm setting, seems to be quite the loving place to be- with everyone knowing everyone, and seemingly living in harmony. They are blessed, you see- by the Christ of Oklahoma, who came to the commune with his younger brother and his benevolent partner in the early hours of the morning to bring a whole new light to the sunshine state. If there is any wrongdoing going on in this peaceful little community it is indeed a surprise, for their hospitable nature is known well enough to draw in teenage runaways to claim sanctuary.

Fade Away

With the times rapidly changing, and the ideal and moral conflict raging throughout the nation, there comes a time when each individual is faced with a choice-standing alone at a crossroad. The Valley Ranch, offering community and a haven so to speak, sits on land of freedom with its doors always open. Will you break away from society and its stranglehold and enjoy the fruits of life? Freedom of sexual expression, the welcoming of drugs and rock and roll await you-a profound sense of liberation. Don't waste time, and don't let society waste your life.

It's... OUR WAY OUT