This weekend we used a new camp for Exiles. We were drawn to it by its promises of bunks (with mattresses!), fully functioning kitchens, running water, and air conditioning. Yes, the site we had before was not so fancy - for some of you used to deluxe locations, you're probably cringing right now :) Unfortunately as a small game, we have a small budget, so we're only now getting to the point of being able to afford a nicer site.
Problem is, we can't buy out the whole camp. As a Girl Scout camp, that means we're sharing with, well, girl scouts. We've got the main lodges in the center of camp, but they're still there at some of the tents. And I'm sure we're not the only LARP group in a similar situation.
So, what to do if you are sharing your site?
First, set some ground rules with the site and any rangers. Ask the ranger/camp coordinator to tell any other groups not to wander through. If nothing else, there's the safety issue.
This helps to protect both groups from the actions of the other, since outside groups won't have signed your waivers.
Be clear with your site about what you're doing, and how it might affect other campers. Most LARPs are up late yelling about strange things (and maybe swearing), and that you might have props and set ups in certain places. Let them know that you like your privacy (if you do) and see what suggestions they have to help.
If you're getting people coming through your reserved area, nip it in the bud early on. Take the issue to Staff. If Staff can't get a hold of the ranger, or already have, someone should talk to the other group's leader and work something out. Choose someone who's not scary :)
Try to have someone take a look at the location ahead of time to see if you can use some other, out of the way areas for your mods. A lot of sites are okay with groups using unreserved camping areas, so you can avoid interruption by taking the action there.
You can also plan more mods inside, if your buildings allow for it, and keep out of the way of oglers.
Make sure and mention to your people that the camp is shared, and ask everyone to be on good behavior. Know the camp rules and follow them, since you don't want a violation getting you reported and possibly deported. :)
In the end, you'll probably still know the other group is there, and the immersion is going to be broken a bit. So I guess it's up to each group as to whether or not it's worth it. For us, it seemed like everyone was okay trading some minimal interruption for air conditioning and showers. But it may not always be the case.
What do you think? Are nicer facilities worth sharing? How do you compromise with sharing a camp?
Showing posts with label Exiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exiles. Show all posts
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Week In LARP - June 18th
This Week In LARP
Sorry for the confusion regarding the NERO Indiana event. I was going off of the NERO Cinci cross-chapter events, and thought it was this week.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 22nd and ending on Sunday, June 24th. The game will be held at Camp Rolling Hills (Lodges) at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC. As always, this includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday.
NOTE: THIS GAME IS BEING HELD AT A NEW CAMPSITE. Well, at least new to Exiles.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Pre-Registration: Hot or Not?
Our little LARP, Exiles, just launched a pre-registration program before our last event. There's a whole 'nother series of why and how, but it occurs to me that I've seen such systems come and go in other places and I wonder why?
The benefits for the game runners are that they know who's coming, so they can plan encounters, logistics, and even food. For the players, they can streamline their check-in process, don't have to worry about bringing cash, and give Staff a heads up that they'll be attending so that everything is ready for them. All great, things, right?
I've seen games offer rewards for prereg. Sometimes it's money off the event fee, sometimes it's goblins or their equivalent. Even better!
But just based on casual observation, it seems that the system isn't used as often as I'd think. A lot of people don't know until the last minute if they can make it. Or they can't scrape together the money to pay in advance. Or they just don't feel like pre-registering :) The rewards, where they're the goblins or equivalent, are set at a level to be fair, and that fair amount doesn't seem to be enough to really tempt people. Even offering a discount for the event fee didn't seem to work as well as I'd expect where I saw it at WAR. People just have situations where they can't commit to a hobby in advance, and pre-registering isn't something that works for them. If they do it, it looked like it was more for the convenience than the reward in a lot of cases, especially if the game doesn't offer that game fee discount (which can be hard to do for smaller LARPs).
On the back end, setting up the system can be a bit of a pain, as it requires a little more effort from your financial person to monitor everything coming and going at all times. And it might even cause unnecessary work for Staff who prep logistics or plot, only to have the player not make it.
Financially, using something like PayPal incurs a fee for every transaction. For your average event of $40, it's actually around $2 that is lost. Add that to any discount, and games can lose a considerable amount.
So then, is pre-registration worth it? Maybe it wasn't, and that's why games have dropped it!
I like the idea of knowing who's coming, especially at a small game where every individual can make a big difference to our plans. But I wonder the best way to make a system effective.
What do you think? Does your game use a pre-reg system? Is it effective? Do you use it? What do you like about it?
I'm curious to see how things work at other games!!
The benefits for the game runners are that they know who's coming, so they can plan encounters, logistics, and even food. For the players, they can streamline their check-in process, don't have to worry about bringing cash, and give Staff a heads up that they'll be attending so that everything is ready for them. All great, things, right?
I've seen games offer rewards for prereg. Sometimes it's money off the event fee, sometimes it's goblins or their equivalent. Even better!
But just based on casual observation, it seems that the system isn't used as often as I'd think. A lot of people don't know until the last minute if they can make it. Or they can't scrape together the money to pay in advance. Or they just don't feel like pre-registering :) The rewards, where they're the goblins or equivalent, are set at a level to be fair, and that fair amount doesn't seem to be enough to really tempt people. Even offering a discount for the event fee didn't seem to work as well as I'd expect where I saw it at WAR. People just have situations where they can't commit to a hobby in advance, and pre-registering isn't something that works for them. If they do it, it looked like it was more for the convenience than the reward in a lot of cases, especially if the game doesn't offer that game fee discount (which can be hard to do for smaller LARPs).
On the back end, setting up the system can be a bit of a pain, as it requires a little more effort from your financial person to monitor everything coming and going at all times. And it might even cause unnecessary work for Staff who prep logistics or plot, only to have the player not make it.
Financially, using something like PayPal incurs a fee for every transaction. For your average event of $40, it's actually around $2 that is lost. Add that to any discount, and games can lose a considerable amount.
So then, is pre-registration worth it? Maybe it wasn't, and that's why games have dropped it!
I like the idea of knowing who's coming, especially at a small game where every individual can make a big difference to our plans. But I wonder the best way to make a system effective.
What do you think? Does your game use a pre-reg system? Is it effective? Do you use it? What do you like about it?
I'm curious to see how things work at other games!!
Monday, May 7, 2012
The Week In LARP - May 7th
This Week In LARP
Expedia sucks ass. More to come on that.
NERO
The NERO Indiana has been canceled due to a booking conflict with the camp. For more information, visit their website at the link above.
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, May 11th and ends on Sunday, May 13th. The game will be held at Sycamore State Park. It's $40 to PC ($35 if you're new) and is free to NPC. The event fee includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday.
Trials of Terra Nova will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Saturday, May 12th and ends on Sunday, May 13th. The game will be held at the Bradford Woods North Lodge (IN). It's $10 to PC each cycle ($30 for all three cycles) and is free to NPC.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
LARPing while Injured - Know your Limits!
This post was inspired by my sprained ankle, and the fact that I've got an event coming up (two, actually) that I may not be 100% for.
It's tough when you are unable to perform at your best during a LARP game. It's even worse when you're hurt and further strain might cause more of an injury.
For me, the question arises on whether or not I'll be able to function as a non-combatant at the events.
Exiles is a very combat oriented game, and my character there is combat oriented, so being unable to run may be a no-go. That, or start another gentleman character.
However, at NERO, my current character is a merchant who is very economically and politically motivated, so it would be very easy for me to play light or even go completely non-combative.
It's of the upmost importance for a good LARPer to know where they have to draw the line. It would be selfish of me, to both other players and game staff, to try and LARP beyond my capacity. If I were to get injured, it could put them in hot water and could stall the game for my fellow players.
I've seen far to many people try and push past their injuries, and more often than not, it ends up backfiring on them.
So here's the PSA: If you're hurt, don't try and be a hero and don't be selfish. If you don't think you can do something, don't do it.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Jaded
A lot of LARPers have been playing for a long time. They've seen so much and heard so much. They've experienced highs and lows, both IG as their characters and OOG in the community.
So it's no surprise that so many people end up jaded.
Hell, I myself am jaded when put into certain situations. I often have to take a step back and ask myself why I'm getting all worked up or upset about something that often has no real bearing on me.
This post is a response to something I noticed at Exiles. I'm not saying these people are bad people in any way, but we have a few players who are known for being jaded at NERO.
But you know what? You would never know that by playing Exiles with them. Having them around was a blast.
This clearly indicates to me that it's a problem with a particular community rather than a player themselves. If someone is mistreated too many times, or has the goals that he has for a LARP game (immersion, gamist, storytelling) broken too many times, that player is more likely to become jaded. LARP communities have the same problems as any other community, such as gossip, cliques, and the like. We people stop acting decent to each other, players get jaded.
The obvious solution is just to start being nice to each other.
So next time you see a player who's jaded, just be aware that there's a good chance that there's a reason why they're jaded. And if your particular game breeds jaded players, then maybe a holistic look at the health of that community is in order.
Oh yeah, and do your best not to be a dick.
Monday, April 9, 2012
The Week In LARP - April 9th
This Week In LARP
Spring LARPing is finally here. Let's hope the weather stays dry!
NERO
NERO Cincinnati will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, April 13th and ends on Sunday, April 15th. The game will be held at Cub World at the IG location of Framingarhalan. It's $50 to PC and is free to NPC.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, April 13th and ending on Sunday, April 15th. The game will be held at Lewis Arboretum at the IG location of Redemption Hills. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on Saturday are included in the event cost.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Stepping It Up With Sound Effects
With Exiles coming up, I'm reminded of one of the things that really helps build the atmosphere in that game.
Sound effects and background noise.
You see, we do a lot of steampunk stuff and a lot of vehicle modules (train, riverboat, stagecoach), and it's often very hard to represent that stuff on a shoestring budget. Our buddy Ryan is fully capable of building amazing props using just camp foam, yarn, and duct tape (don't ask me how he does it), but that stuff only gets so far.
But with the addition of sound effects, you make it that much easier for the players to imagine that they're in a factory, or on a boat, or in the middle of a battlefield with explosions going off.
So if you have the capability to do so, I highly suggest the use of Sound effects or background noise to make you modules more immersive.
Sound effects and background noise.
You see, we do a lot of steampunk stuff and a lot of vehicle modules (train, riverboat, stagecoach), and it's often very hard to represent that stuff on a shoestring budget. Our buddy Ryan is fully capable of building amazing props using just camp foam, yarn, and duct tape (don't ask me how he does it), but that stuff only gets so far.
But with the addition of sound effects, you make it that much easier for the players to imagine that they're in a factory, or on a boat, or in the middle of a battlefield with explosions going off.
So if you have the capability to do so, I highly suggest the use of Sound effects or background noise to make you modules more immersive.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Week In LARP - October 3rd
Last Week In LARP
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
Starting to get cold. Wear warm clothes!
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, October 7th and ending Sunday, October 9th. The game will be held at Lewis Arboretum at the IG location of Redemption Hills. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
Triumph will start running their haunted trail this weekend in Beavercreek, OH. If you'd like to help out, they'll be running it every weekend until the end of October. For more information, visit their website.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
Starting to get cold. Wear warm clothes!
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, October 7th and ending Sunday, October 9th. The game will be held at Lewis Arboretum at the IG location of Redemption Hills. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
Triumph will start running their haunted trail this weekend in Beavercreek, OH. If you'd like to help out, they'll be running it every weekend until the end of October. For more information, visit their website.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Week In LARP - September 12th
Last Week In LARP
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
It's fall, one of the best times to LARP.
NERO
NERO Cincinnati will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, September 16th and ending Sunday, September 18th. The game will be held at Camp Graham at the IG location of Ironpost. It's $50 to PC ($45 with prepay) and is free to NPC. This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
Dagorhir
Einherjar will be hosting their September battle this weekend on Sunday, September 18th at Plum Creek, South Side in Medina. Weapon Check starts at Noon and fighting starts at 1:00 PM. It's $3 and minimum garb rules apply.
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, September 16th and ending Sunday, September 18th. The game will be held at the Sycamore State Park group camping location at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
It's fall, one of the best times to LARP.
NERO
NERO Cincinnati will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, September 16th and ending Sunday, September 18th. The game will be held at Camp Graham at the IG location of Ironpost. It's $50 to PC ($45 with prepay) and is free to NPC. This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
Dagorhir
Einherjar will be hosting their September battle this weekend on Sunday, September 18th at Plum Creek, South Side in Medina. Weapon Check starts at Noon and fighting starts at 1:00 PM. It's $3 and minimum garb rules apply.
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, September 16th and ending Sunday, September 18th. The game will be held at the Sycamore State Park group camping location at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Favorite Prop
I have been on a kick lately about props. As such, I figure it's probably appropriate to ask the readers about their favorite prop that they've ever seen/made for a LARP game.
My Favorite Prop - Two and a half years ago, we had the season/town finale at Exiles. Devil's Perch just had the worst two days of it's life, between the deadly smallpox outbreak, brutal zombie assault, and crazy preacher with a bomb threatening to blow up the town.
That bomb prop was ridiculous. From what I've been told, it was a built-up version of an operation game (it was so well done I had no idea), with layer upon layer of metal pieces that had to be removed in a specific order to prevent it from going off. Each time it buzzed, a card was drawn from a deck to see the effect. If the Ace of spades was pulled, then it was good game for all the PCs (yes, they were prepared for a full town wipe).
Definitely an invigorating module, and probably one of the best modules I've been on in my 11 years of LARPing.
What's your favorite prop?
My Favorite Prop - Two and a half years ago, we had the season/town finale at Exiles. Devil's Perch just had the worst two days of it's life, between the deadly smallpox outbreak, brutal zombie assault, and crazy preacher with a bomb threatening to blow up the town.
That bomb prop was ridiculous. From what I've been told, it was a built-up version of an operation game (it was so well done I had no idea), with layer upon layer of metal pieces that had to be removed in a specific order to prevent it from going off. Each time it buzzed, a card was drawn from a deck to see the effect. If the Ace of spades was pulled, then it was good game for all the PCs (yes, they were prepared for a full town wipe).
Definitely an invigorating module, and probably one of the best modules I've been on in my 11 years of LARPing.
What's your favorite prop?
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Week In LARP - August 15th
Last Week In LARP
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments! Also, did you want to see who won the Anniversary contest? Check it here!
This Week In LARP
Insert Witty Comment Here.
NERO
NCN will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, August 19th and ending Sunday, August 21st. The game will be held at Camp Tuscazoar at the IG location of Syrinx. It's $45 to PC ($40 with donation to the troops) and $2 to NPC (for insurance purposes). This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
NERO Cincinnati will be starting their 9-day event this weekend on Friday, August 19th. The game will be held at Cub World at the IG location of the Framingarhalan. For information on pricing and preregistration, visit this page. This game wll be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, August 19th and ending Sunday, August 21st. The game will be held at Lewis Arboretum at the IG location of Redemption Hills. It's $40 to PC ($35 for new players) and is free to NPC, but please let the staff know if you're coming (so they can prepare enough food).
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments! Also, did you want to see who won the Anniversary contest? Check it here!
This Week In LARP
Insert Witty Comment Here.
NERO
NCN will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, August 19th and ending Sunday, August 21st. The game will be held at Camp Tuscazoar at the IG location of Syrinx. It's $45 to PC ($40 with donation to the troops) and $2 to NPC (for insurance purposes). This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
NERO Cincinnati will be starting their 9-day event this weekend on Friday, August 19th. The game will be held at Cub World at the IG location of the Framingarhalan. For information on pricing and preregistration, visit this page. This game wll be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, August 19th and ending Sunday, August 21st. The game will be held at Lewis Arboretum at the IG location of Redemption Hills. It's $40 to PC ($35 for new players) and is free to NPC, but please let the staff know if you're coming (so they can prepare enough food).
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
How Does Your Plot Team Meet?
Tonight, our plot team for Exiles has a meeting. We're discussing the best way to do it, and I figured it would be a good idea to ask the readers a question.
What is your preferred method for remote plot meetings?
Obviously, meeting in person is probably your best bet. But if you have to do a meeting, what do you use? Conference call? Vent? Skype? Chat program?
Me, I'm partial to Skype/Google Docs in tandem (it's what Mickey and I use for the podcast). How about you?
What is your preferred method for remote plot meetings?
Obviously, meeting in person is probably your best bet. But if you have to do a meeting, what do you use? Conference call? Vent? Skype? Chat program?
Me, I'm partial to Skype/Google Docs in tandem (it's what Mickey and I use for the podcast). How about you?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Organize Your Gear!
I figured I'd post about storage and organization, seeing as we just organized all our gear in our basement. This isn't so much a how-to post as it is a "How do you do it?" post.
None of these tubs include weapons. We keep these all separate.
Jenn's Plot Tub (NERO)
Jenn's got a lot more years on plot than I do, and with it comes a ridiculous amount of totally awesome goodness - Puzzles, masks, intense props, furs, and other goodies.
My Exiles Plot Tub
I've only been running plot for a year for Exiles, which uses a different prop set than other games. As such, it's a smaller tub filled with fake bugs, snakes, steampunk gear, and some random costuming.
My Exiles PC Tub
My PC at Exiles uses a lot of stuff to set up a doctorin' table. Tablecloth, candles, glass jars filled with various herb-like items, and more glassware. On top of that, I've got my costuming and my various doctor bags. All that is enough to fill up that tub.
Our NERO PC Tub
Between the two of us, we can get our PC gear into one, larger tub. Both of our costumes and props are relatively light (except stuff for my table which is stored in the Exiles PC box). Still, it's an important tub.
General Costume/Prop Tub
Everything that doesn't fall in the other tubs goes here. Whether it's stuff from previous characters, old plot stuff, or various things that have made it into our LARP collection from various pieces of junk found at flea markets and garage sales. We also have stuff for secondary PCs in here. Fills up a big ol' tub.
So that's how we store our stuff. How do you do it? Do you separate costuming/clothes from props? Do you store all your PC stuff together? Do you have a plot tub (if you run plot)?
None of these tubs include weapons. We keep these all separate.
Jenn's Plot Tub (NERO)
Jenn's got a lot more years on plot than I do, and with it comes a ridiculous amount of totally awesome goodness - Puzzles, masks, intense props, furs, and other goodies.
My Exiles Plot Tub
I've only been running plot for a year for Exiles, which uses a different prop set than other games. As such, it's a smaller tub filled with fake bugs, snakes, steampunk gear, and some random costuming.
My Exiles PC Tub
My PC at Exiles uses a lot of stuff to set up a doctorin' table. Tablecloth, candles, glass jars filled with various herb-like items, and more glassware. On top of that, I've got my costuming and my various doctor bags. All that is enough to fill up that tub.
Our NERO PC Tub
Between the two of us, we can get our PC gear into one, larger tub. Both of our costumes and props are relatively light (except stuff for my table which is stored in the Exiles PC box). Still, it's an important tub.
General Costume/Prop Tub
Everything that doesn't fall in the other tubs goes here. Whether it's stuff from previous characters, old plot stuff, or various things that have made it into our LARP collection from various pieces of junk found at flea markets and garage sales. We also have stuff for secondary PCs in here. Fills up a big ol' tub.
So that's how we store our stuff. How do you do it? Do you separate costuming/clothes from props? Do you store all your PC stuff together? Do you have a plot tub (if you run plot)?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Manual Labor
Today's post comes in light of a module that we went on at the last Exiles event. We were doing a module where we were fighting bandits on horses. Now, for those of you who don't play Exiles, I would say the most unique thing about the game is the exciting "vehicle" modules that appear at pretty much every event.
A "vehicle" module is one that has some sort of non-standard environmental effect that the players have to work around. Sometimes you're on a runaway train, and you have to keep a hand braced on something to walk. Sometimes you're on a riverboat and you have to turn the ship in the right direction while dodging obstacles like low branches and rapids. We've had mine carts, horse chases, airships, and stagecoaches, each with different rules. And it's ton's of fun.
But it also takes some time to explain.
The module at this event was lots of fun. But it took the better part of half an hour to explain, and there were still some questions about mechanics in the middle of the module, which breaks immersion.
So what can you do to avoid these awkward pauses?
Write a Manual. An IG Manual.
A lot of times, you can explain the effects of a module using terms that would make sense IG. That way, players can learn how to do the module before hand in an IG way. And even in situations where the manual cannot be fully IG, you can make sections of the manual OOG (last few pages, section on each page). And, in situations where it's applicable, the time it takes to read the manual might be a significant challenge in a module.
For example, you could have to start a car, boat, or train to get away from a group of zombies. Most of the party is fighting off the walking dead while one or two players read through the book to learn what actions must be performed to start the vehicle (thus ending the module).
And as a final benefit, having a document like this means that the mechanic can be as uniform as possible. Different plot teams will know exactly what rules govern a stagecoach, horse, or train module (with leeway for special circumstances, of course).
So get to work on some manuals!
And as an added bonus, having a manual for
A "vehicle" module is one that has some sort of non-standard environmental effect that the players have to work around. Sometimes you're on a runaway train, and you have to keep a hand braced on something to walk. Sometimes you're on a riverboat and you have to turn the ship in the right direction while dodging obstacles like low branches and rapids. We've had mine carts, horse chases, airships, and stagecoaches, each with different rules. And it's ton's of fun.
But it also takes some time to explain.
The module at this event was lots of fun. But it took the better part of half an hour to explain, and there were still some questions about mechanics in the middle of the module, which breaks immersion.
So what can you do to avoid these awkward pauses?
Write a Manual. An IG Manual.
A lot of times, you can explain the effects of a module using terms that would make sense IG. That way, players can learn how to do the module before hand in an IG way. And even in situations where the manual cannot be fully IG, you can make sections of the manual OOG (last few pages, section on each page). And, in situations where it's applicable, the time it takes to read the manual might be a significant challenge in a module.
For example, you could have to start a car, boat, or train to get away from a group of zombies. Most of the party is fighting off the walking dead while one or two players read through the book to learn what actions must be performed to start the vehicle (thus ending the module).
And as a final benefit, having a document like this means that the mechanic can be as uniform as possible. Different plot teams will know exactly what rules govern a stagecoach, horse, or train module (with leeway for special circumstances, of course).
So get to work on some manuals!
And as an added bonus, having a manual for
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Week In LARP - July 18th
Last Week In LARP
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
These are the months were we separate the men from the boys. Real men LARP in July.
NERO
NERO SWV will be hosting a 1-day event this weekend on Saturday, July 23th. The game will be held at Camp Cherokee (KY) at the IG location of Stoneforge Highlands. It's $20 to PC and is free to NPC. This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
NERO Detroit will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, July 22nd and ending Sunday, July 24th. The game will be held at Camp Kiwanis (MI). It's $30 to PC ($25 per person for a group of four or more), but I do not know the cost to NPC. This Event will be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, July 22nd and ending Sunday, July 24th. The game will be held at Sycamore State Park group camping location, at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
These are the months were we separate the men from the boys. Real men LARP in July.
NERO
NERO SWV will be hosting a 1-day event this weekend on Saturday, July 23th. The game will be held at Camp Cherokee (KY) at the IG location of Stoneforge Highlands. It's $20 to PC and is free to NPC. This game wll be using 9th edition rules.
NERO Detroit will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, July 22nd and ending Sunday, July 24th. The game will be held at Camp Kiwanis (MI). It's $30 to PC ($25 per person for a group of four or more), but I do not know the cost to NPC. This Event will be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, July 22nd and ending Sunday, July 24th. The game will be held at Sycamore State Park group camping location, at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
And the Winners Are...
Thanks go out to everyone who sent in their information for drawings last week. I've had time to process the results and have come up with the list using a sophisticated method to determine the winners *cough*excelrandfunction*cough*. And here is the list, with the order of the winners!
1. Michael Jones - Free WAR Weekend
2. Eric Kociecki - Free Cinci Weekend
3. Mark Henry - Free WAR Gameday
4. Ben Mathis - Free NCN Weekend
5. Chrsitine Bair - Free Cinci Gameday
6. Vincent Errico - Free WAR Gameday
7. David Jurns - Free Exiles Weekend
8. Tera Boster - Free NCN Gameday
9. Angela Kroger - Free Cinci Gameday
10. Mark Mora - Free NCN Gameday
11. Sarah Canton - Pass
12. Jordan Selch - Free Wastelands Weekend (New Player)
Alternate: John Siemon - 10 Free Rads (Wastelands)
Congratulations to our winners!
Here's the way we're going to do this thing.
I'm sending an email out to all the winners to let them know that they've won, and each person will have 24 hours to pick their prize before I move on to the next person. Once a person selects their prize, I'll move on to the next, while editing this post with what that person selected.
In the case that the people at the bottom of the list do not want any of the remaining prizes, I have selected alternates to receive prizes, who will be contacted separately.
For reference, here is the list of prizes (which will be edited as prizes are selected.
-Free weekend at Cinci - Taken by Eric
-Free weekend at NCN (Non-transferable) - Taken by Ben
-Free weekend at WAR - Taken by Michael
-Free weekend at Exiles - Taken by Dave
-Free weekend at Wastelands (New Player Only) - Taken by Jordan
-Free game day at Cinci (2) - Taken by Christine, Angela
-Free game day at NCN (2) - Taken by Tera, Mark M.
-Free game day at WAR (2) - Taken by Mark H., Vincent
-10 Rads at Wastelands (Non-transferable) - Taken by John
1. Michael Jones - Free WAR Weekend
2. Eric Kociecki - Free Cinci Weekend
3. Mark Henry - Free WAR Gameday
4. Ben Mathis - Free NCN Weekend
5. Chrsitine Bair - Free Cinci Gameday
6. Vincent Errico - Free WAR Gameday
7. David Jurns - Free Exiles Weekend
8. Tera Boster - Free NCN Gameday
9. Angela Kroger - Free Cinci Gameday
10. Mark Mora - Free NCN Gameday
11. Sarah Canton - Pass
12. Jordan Selch - Free Wastelands Weekend (New Player)
Alternate: John Siemon - 10 Free Rads (Wastelands)
Congratulations to our winners!
Here's the way we're going to do this thing.
I'm sending an email out to all the winners to let them know that they've won, and each person will have 24 hours to pick their prize before I move on to the next person. Once a person selects their prize, I'll move on to the next, while editing this post with what that person selected.
In the case that the people at the bottom of the list do not want any of the remaining prizes, I have selected alternates to receive prizes, who will be contacted separately.
For reference, here is the list of prizes (which will be edited as prizes are selected.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Friday, June 10, 2011
Anniversary! Prizes! No Tuberculosis!
Today, we're celebrating the Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary for the LARP Ohio blog. Sunday will be 1 year for the blog, making it official that this blog lasted at least 10 months longer than expected.
We've had our ups and our downs. Discussions a plenty. Maybe an argument here or there.
Tim asked me "Now that you've done a year of LARP blogging, what do you plan on doing next?" To which I responded, "I'm going to Disney World." But seriously. I am. And I leave on Sunday.
ENOUGH ABOUT MY AWESOME VACATION.
So, here's some statistics for the blog.
Posts: 254
Posts/Week: 4.875 (pretty close to the goal of 5 per week)
Views: 35,000+ (since Google started tracking it in July)
Comments: 1025+
Quantity of Rock: Too much rock for one hand.
But seriously, none of this could be possible without the support of the local players and especially the local games.
The local games,
The ones who are going to give you stuff,
For free,
Free stuff,
Free stuff for you,
Get it?
We're giving 12 prizes away, courtesy of the local games. 12 prizes! Total value is worth more than $350! Interested? Better read on!
We've had our ups and our downs. Discussions a plenty. Maybe an argument here or there.
Tim asked me "Now that you've done a year of LARP blogging, what do you plan on doing next?" To which I responded, "I'm going to Disney World." But seriously. I am. And I leave on Sunday.
ENOUGH ABOUT MY AWESOME VACATION.
So, here's some statistics for the blog.
Posts: 254
Posts/Week: 4.875 (pretty close to the goal of 5 per week)
Views: 35,000+ (since Google started tracking it in July)
Comments: 1025+
Quantity of Rock: Too much rock for one hand.
But seriously, none of this could be possible without the support of the local players and especially the local games.
The local games,
The ones who are going to give you stuff,
For free,
Free stuff,
Free stuff for you,
Get it?
We're giving 12 prizes away, courtesy of the local games. 12 prizes! Total value is worth more than $350! Interested? Better read on!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Operation Pick This Lock
Still looking for guest posts for next week. If you've got something you've wanted to throw out for public consumption, no matter the size, send it in to larp.ohio@gmail.com.
I've got to give a shout-out to Nathan, who runs plot at Exiles' Silver Springs Camp, for this gem. Got to give credit where credit's due. I apologize in advance if this is something that's supposed to be super secret.
We're always trying to think of alternate ways to do lock picking in LARPs. In some games, picking locks is simulated by, well, picking locks. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of ways for players to practice that (although I do remember another guy and I carrying around a set of luggage locks in high school for study hall - yeah, we were those guys). As an added pain, lock picks are less than legal in some states.
Recently, though, I got to experience a really ingenious way to do lock picking.
Operation
I know, Operation is the catch all for puzzles and has been done a million times. But before you dismiss this idea, you need look how well the game matches the mechanic.
First off, lock picks are a consumable, IG item. No actual OOG lock picks are required (other than some sort of rep). You can probably carry around as many as you want, but you'll have to find/buy them and having lock picks might be illegal in the game you're playing.
So now that you've got your picks and your ne'er do well character has rolled up on a lock, it's game time. The difficulty of the lock is set by the difficulty of the Operation game*. If it's an easy lock, there might only be 1-2 pieces to remove. If it's a fairly difficult lock, it might require removing all the pieces from the game. The time to play the game obviously translates to the time it takes to pick a lock.
Every time the player picking the lock fails (makes the game buzz), it means that their pick has broken in the lock. What's more is anyone who hears the buzz can hear the lock pick breaking (which may wake someone up from a sound sleep if a cat burgler breaks a pick). If the player has more lock picks, they can continue working on the tumblers from where they left off.
Obviously, you can spruce the puzzle up a bit to make it harder (I am fairly sure that I will regret this). Use metal pieces to make it so that pieces touching the walls will set it off as well. Use pieces that have to be manipulated to fit through the hole instead of being pulled straight out. Find some way to add motion into the mix.
I was really impressed with this mechanic, so I'm bringing it to you guys. It works particularly well in games where there are no rules for lock picking, as it doesn't actually require and IG skills or OOG equipment on the players, as it's effectively another puzzle that players need to tackle.
*Obviously, you aren't limited in using the off-the-shelf Operation game. The concept behind that game is fairly simple and anyone who can use a hobby-grade soldering gun could build their own version of the system if you really wanted to make it difficult. But as the guys at Silver Springs showed, an off the shelf, spray painted operation can look pretty bad ass.
I've got to give a shout-out to Nathan, who runs plot at Exiles' Silver Springs Camp, for this gem. Got to give credit where credit's due. I apologize in advance if this is something that's supposed to be super secret.
We're always trying to think of alternate ways to do lock picking in LARPs. In some games, picking locks is simulated by, well, picking locks. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of ways for players to practice that (although I do remember another guy and I carrying around a set of luggage locks in high school for study hall - yeah, we were those guys). As an added pain, lock picks are less than legal in some states.
Recently, though, I got to experience a really ingenious way to do lock picking.
Operation
I know, Operation is the catch all for puzzles and has been done a million times. But before you dismiss this idea, you need look how well the game matches the mechanic.
First off, lock picks are a consumable, IG item. No actual OOG lock picks are required (other than some sort of rep). You can probably carry around as many as you want, but you'll have to find/buy them and having lock picks might be illegal in the game you're playing.
So now that you've got your picks and your ne'er do well character has rolled up on a lock, it's game time. The difficulty of the lock is set by the difficulty of the Operation game*. If it's an easy lock, there might only be 1-2 pieces to remove. If it's a fairly difficult lock, it might require removing all the pieces from the game. The time to play the game obviously translates to the time it takes to pick a lock.
Every time the player picking the lock fails (makes the game buzz), it means that their pick has broken in the lock. What's more is anyone who hears the buzz can hear the lock pick breaking (which may wake someone up from a sound sleep if a cat burgler breaks a pick). If the player has more lock picks, they can continue working on the tumblers from where they left off.
Obviously, you can spruce the puzzle up a bit to make it harder (I am fairly sure that I will regret this). Use metal pieces to make it so that pieces touching the walls will set it off as well. Use pieces that have to be manipulated to fit through the hole instead of being pulled straight out. Find some way to add motion into the mix.
I was really impressed with this mechanic, so I'm bringing it to you guys. It works particularly well in games where there are no rules for lock picking, as it doesn't actually require and IG skills or OOG equipment on the players, as it's effectively another puzzle that players need to tackle.
*Obviously, you aren't limited in using the off-the-shelf Operation game. The concept behind that game is fairly simple and anyone who can use a hobby-grade soldering gun could build their own version of the system if you really wanted to make it difficult. But as the guys at Silver Springs showed, an off the shelf, spray painted operation can look pretty bad ass.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Week In LARP - May 30th
Last Week In LARP
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
Happy Memorial Day!
NERO
NCN will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at Camp Tuscazoar at the IG location of Syrinx. It's $45 to PC and is $2 to NPC (covering insurance). This event will be using 9th edition rules.
OGRE will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at Camp Myeerah at the IG location of Oasis. It's $40 to PC and is $10 to NPC. This event will be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at the Sycamore State Park Group Camping area at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC, and all food is included.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
Did you attend a LARP event last weekend? Let us know how it was in the comments!
This Week In LARP
Happy Memorial Day!
NERO
NCN will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at Camp Tuscazoar at the IG location of Syrinx. It's $45 to PC and is $2 to NPC (covering insurance). This event will be using 9th edition rules.
OGRE will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at Camp Myeerah at the IG location of Oasis. It's $40 to PC and is $10 to NPC. This event will be using 8th edition rules.
Independent
The Exiles will be hosting a 2-day event this weekend starting on Friday, June 3rd and ending Sunday, June 5th. The game will be held at the Sycamore State Park Group Camping area at the IG location of Silver Springs. It's $40 to PC and is free to NPC, and all food is included.
If you've got a game running this week and we didn't mention you, either drop a comment here or shoot an email to larp.plot.tips@gmail.com, and we'll add you as soon as possible!
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