a review by
colintheshots
Jun 11, 2010
A form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. ... see full wiki
A live action role-playing game (LARP) is a form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with each … more
Before the game can begin, one person or a group of individuals must create an epic storyline for the game. Writing the story requires creativity and a well-informed understanding of how the game-play works. The first part of this step is establishing the genre. Maybe you will decide to play a fantasy game based on Tolkien characters, or perhaps a mighty battle is taking place in medieval Europe between rival clans. Once the genre is determined then a storyline must be created, taking into account the number of players and the duration of the campaign. The more complex the story the more fun for those involved. It is best for each participant to be given an equal role to play in the quest. Depending on your desires, the story may or may not have an ending, it just depends on how long you and your buddies want to enjoy the epic quest on which you have embarked.
There are three roles to be delegated: the Game Master (GM), the Non-Player Characters (NPC), and the Player Characters (PC). No role is more important than another, and each one carries with it a grave responsibility to uphold the integrity of the game. The GM is typically the one who created the campaign storyline. The GM should be the one to explain the scenario to the characters as well as facilitate the gameplay by making rulings on actions attempted by the players. The NPCs are the lifeblood of the game and have the responsibility of sharing advice, rumors and even objects with the PCs. Their role is crucial in helping the PCs complete their quest. The role of the PC is to complete the mission or quest they have been sent on. Throughout the course of the game, a PC may develop and learn new skills such as new spells or fighting techniques. They will encounter NPCs and other PCs with whom they must interact while having nary a clue of what the outcome may be.
In order for the game to go smoothly, this step is vital and must be taken with the utmost importance. There are a few things that must be determined regarding character interaction. These include map boundaries, non-character zones and dispute resolution. The GM should be the one to establish and explain these guidelines. First, the characters must know the boundaries of the land in which they are role-playing so that no one strays beyond, hindering the development of their quest. Non-character zones must also be determined. In order to experience a rewarding LARP game, everyone must remain fully in character while on the map, but there should also be a designated area in case anyone MUST go out of character for any reason. If any disputes should arise, the GM is the only one who can resolve it. This may mean that there can be a time out where players can go out of character, but that’s for you to decide!
There are two basic ways to decide who is the victor of a LARP battle; they are Live Combat (LC) and Theatre Combat (TC). In LC, the battles are acted out in real life with foam-covered weapons. In this scenario it is up to the characters to be good sports and agree on who actually won the battle depending on how many blows are received and where they are struck. TC is similar to a normal RPG game where dice are thrown to determine the outcome of a battle. Rock Paper Scissor is also another simple TC style that makes game-play fast and efficient.
Once all the ground rules are established, it’s finally time to embark on the incredible journey you have created. Be sure to remind the characters to stick to the rules and to have good sportsmanship. Whether you are the GM, a NPC or a PC this is your time to shine. Go all out, learn new skills, find special items and learn new incantations. The more you embrace your character role the more rewarding it will be for you and the rest of the characters.
As you play the game, amazing events will transpire. Characters will lose hit points, others will gain attributes, some will die and some will even be resurrected. It is imperative that each character keep with them a device to track each of these developments. You may want to consider using a “life ring” on which you attach disposable tabs to help track the changes. Others pass out a simple character sheet on which you write down the updates. Whatever it is you decide to use, make sure it is fast and efficient and that it doesn’t take away from the game-play itself.
Did you have fun? If the answer is yes, then you’re a winner! Often times LARP campaigns really have no final ending, but like any good fantasy novel the story morphs and twists around endlessly as characters continue to develop until they reach demi-god status. Everyone who plays is a winner in LARP! Don’t you want to be a winner too? If the answer is yes, then consider joining the LARP community. You will be grateful you did!
