eduweb: portfolio: Betwixt Folly and Fate

Game Scenario

In 1774, King George III's largest, wealthiest colony was Virginia. And the largest city in Virginia was its capital, Williamsburg, with just under 2,000 residents. But some Virginians were growing upset over the latest policies of their government, the government of Great Britain. In a few short months, every colonist would have to decide whether rebelling against these policies was an act of folly or of destiny—of fate.

But in May 1774, few Virginians could imagine such a choice. Instead, the people of Williamsburg faced the choices and challenges of ordinary life. Yet even on ordinary days, the simplest choices can determine your future. The best decisions are made by those who know the difference between folly and fate.

Eduweb collaborated with Colonial Williamsburg on Betwixt Folly and Fate, an immersive 3-D role playing game that places players in 1774 Williamsburg as one of four characters:

In each role, players face the challenges of daily life in early America while learning about the social classes and customs of the time. For example, Henry, a free black carpenter, must find enough work as a journeyman to pay his mother's rent. As Henry seeks carpentry work and other tasks that come his way, the player learns about facets of ordinary eighteenth-century life as well as the opportunities and constraints facing a free black tradesman in 1774.

As players pursue their characters' goals, they explore a large portion of eighteenth-century Williamsburg, Virginia, roaming the streets and meeting people in shops, taverns, the Courthouse, and private homes. The town is populated with dozens of characters, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. Players may also bargain for goods with shopkeepers and try their hand at several colonial games.

Betwixt Folly and Fate game is one component of Colonial Williamsburg's A Day in the Life program, which includes an eight-episode DVD series and teacher materials. Go to A Day in the Life Web site for more information, a preview video, downloadable demo, and ordering information.