This game is "NW Inspired." What does that mean exactly? What is NW? Well, let’s start with talking about who the author is, what book series (NW) we are using as a foundation and why this isn’t a flat out LJS game. Let’s get cracking!

Who is LJS?

LJS are the initials of the author Lisa Jane Smith, published as L.J. Smith. She wrote primarily for the Young Adult genre and is a fan favorite among many. She wrote several series which are listed in the box below. Her novels were fantasy based, specifically on that of the supernatural (i.e. vampires, werewolves) as well as filled with Norse folklore. Each series was it’s own distinct story and none of them crossed over into the other, though fans often mesh the worlds into one using role playing games and fan fiction as their form of art medium.

Miss Smith has started to publish books again and the release of "Strange Fate" is imminent. However, even with her reemergence in the author world, this game continues to focus on her previous material rather than anything new she is putting out.

Want more info on LJS and her series? Visit Joylandpark.Org. While it has not been updated in awhile, it still holds a treasure trove of information.

List of Works Series The Vampire Diaries (5 Books) The Secret Circle (3 Books) The Forbidden Game (3 Books) Dark Visions (3 Books) Night World (9 Books) Companion Books Night of Solstice Heart of Valor Soon to Be Released Strange Fate

Which series are we using? The series we are using as a basis for this game is that of The Night World which is her longest running series and unfortunately her only incomplete one. The books themselves are difficult to find and purchase since most are out of print, but you can find general information about them at Joylandpark.Org. You don’t have to have read the series to understand what’s going on in the game, but I highly recommend you read them anyway if you enjoy fun Young Adult fantasty books. Her books are currently being republished as compendiums and can be found in your local bookstore for a fairly good price. Her oldest works are still difficult to find. Your best bet would be to go to eBay or half.com, but just as a warning it will get pricey.

What this means to you!

This game does not use or take place in the same time period or area that the Night World series occurs in. In fact, much of what you will read in the books, character wise and such (i.e. Wild Powers and the whole millennium propechy) are not included in the game. I merely took the information based on the species of characters and created a separate game in a different world. However, the witches from the Harman family are allowed but they cannot be related to anyone or any story from the books, because the modern characters (i.e. Edgith, Thea, Blaise) aren't included here (see the Witch section for more info). I am allowing vampires with the last name Redfern as well, but like the Harmans in the game, they are limited spots (same with Old Souls). No shapeshifters from the Drache family are allowed. Just read through the Rules page for more details on that. Characters and events which happen in the book have nothing to do with this game whatsoever. That is why we are "NW Inspired" or "loosely based" rather than an actual NW game.