An elder has come to DeKalb to manipulate politicians to suit his own means. To prevent his menacing takeover, do you involve yourself in area politics, use your special ability to communicate with animals for information or contact your sources in the Underworld for assistance?

This is a situation from “Vampire,” a role-playing game in the form of a book, and its participants include a group of devoted NIU students.

The game takes place in “The World of Darkness,” which is based on the modern world. Players deal with problems such as crime and politics and sometimes must battle with evil elder vampires. The players, or gamers, are, of course, vampires too, and must find a solution to their problem based on who they are.

One player takes on the role of storyteller, whose responsibility is to create a plot for the players to interact with.

The vampires all share different traits and abilities, but share one common inability – they can’t be exposed to daylight. They can use the Internet, forensic procedures and files to get information to solve their problems, just like mortal beings.

The variety of vampires includes the Baali and the Losombra. The Baali are the worst of the worst, but consider themselves good, academic vampires. Legend has it that the Baali worship Satan, but they really don’t.

“They’d say that they would just to mess with people,” said senior philosophy major David Healy, who also is a host and storyteller.

Losombra vampires have no reflection, meaning they can’t be seen in mirrors or photographs, and hold special power within the church during their mortal lives.

“Both sides have their right and wrong perspectives,” junior theater major Steven Cothard said.

But more down-to-earth vampires exist as well. Healy’s current character is a Korean War veteran who turned into a vampire upon returning from the war. His character experiences conflicts with younger vampires who don’t understand the war and what he stands for. Healy researched the war and possible problems the veteran would encounter upon his return.

“You get to learn about the mind-set of the person and what was important to them when they were around,” Healy said.

Many gamers belong to the Camarilla organization, an international group that offers world-wide conventions, a quarterly magazine and other benefits.

An important aspect of the Camarilla organization is that it’s a non-profit, charitable group. Members donate blood regularly to the Red Cross and participate in clothing drives.

“No one is profiting from this in any way,” Healy said. “We try to do a lot of public good and not just have fun.”

Cothard likes the fact that the game is in book form and offers such diverse characters and situations.

“It’s perfectly valid for reading good fiction,” he said. “A lot of what they do is well-thought up and well-planned.”

Freshman English major Jeff Pyritz appreciates the chance to immerse himself in another world other than his own stressful environment.

“It’s very good escapism,” he said. “It lets you worry about the drama of a certain character.”

To people unfamiliar with role-playing games, this all may sound bizarre or juvenile, but gamers take their hobby seriously.

“This isn’t a thing where a bunch of geeky kids hang around,” Healy said.

Those interested in the Camarilla organization or participating in a game can call Healy at 899-9192 or coordinator Michael Klaas, a junior journalism major, at 754-2059. The organization’s Web site is www.camarilla.org.Jenny Gembala photo

Senior philosophy major David Healy and junior journalism major Michael Klaas draw (rock, paper, scissors) to see which move they will make next.