LARP Craft - Chapter 1 - Concept and System
The last post was more or less me saying that I have been thinking about running another LARP. Well since so many people responded to my first LARP Craft post I figured I would make another one.
A good game needs a good concept behind it. This is true for both live action games and table top games. A good game concept give the person/people running the game focal point to use when they are creating a story.
A good concept will also draw players to the game and this is especially important in a LARP situation. I think players are more then willing to come to a game if it has a really good concept behind it. Some of the best games that I ran/played in had solid concepts behind them.
What is a concept?
In my mind a games concept includes a bit about the plot/scenario that the game is exploring. For example in the last LARP that I ran the scenario that we explored was the effects of large amounts of time had on Kindred and Kindred society. Another thing a concept includes is the genre of the game. A game could be a modern horror game, a fantasy game, a science fiction game or any number of other genres. In many cases the concept will include the games setting. For instance a Call of Cthulu game might be set in Victorian London. The final thing that I think a concept might include are the rules set that will be used in a game.
Some Sample Concepts:
One Week in Monte Carlo - A modern times game set in the famed casino of Monte Carlo. The game would be a tale of mystery, intrigue and international espionage. The system would be The Rules to Live By rules.
The Don and The Prince - Toronto is a city that has long been divided. The Kindred of the Camarilla and the Kindred of the Giovanni family have been vying for control of Toronto for decades. On the surface it seems that the two groups have cordial relations with other. Under the surface the groups have been fighting a shadow war against each other for decades. This game would be a game of modern political and personal horror. This would using the MET - Laws of the Night Revised rules set.
The King's Tourney - The King of Westeros has announced a Tourney in honour of his youngest daughter's wedding. He has gathered some of the finest entertainers in all of the realm to perform for his daughter. He has decreed that the largest tournament in memory has been held. The greatest Knights, Warriors and Archers of the realm are competing for a generous prize. This game would be a tale of court love and courtly schemes.
Age and Treachery - The Prince of Toronto is aging and it is rumoured that he will be soon entering torpor. Many whisper that he is looking to groom a replacement. Elder Kindred are hoping that with the Prince entering torpor will allow their bids for the throne to succeed. Younger Kindred are fight over lesser roles such as Master of Elysium, Sheriff and Harpies. Neonates hope to make a place for themselves in Kindred society. Precious hunting groups are fought over like dogs fighting over table scraps. All Kindred watch for a knife that is being plunged into a their back. Age and treachery will outlast youth and beauty any night. This game would use MET Requiem.
Hopefully my thoughts on game concepts interest you.
A good game needs a good concept behind it. This is true for both live action games and table top games. A good game concept give the person/people running the game focal point to use when they are creating a story.
A good concept will also draw players to the game and this is especially important in a LARP situation. I think players are more then willing to come to a game if it has a really good concept behind it. Some of the best games that I ran/played in had solid concepts behind them.
What is a concept?
In my mind a games concept includes a bit about the plot/scenario that the game is exploring. For example in the last LARP that I ran the scenario that we explored was the effects of large amounts of time had on Kindred and Kindred society. Another thing a concept includes is the genre of the game. A game could be a modern horror game, a fantasy game, a science fiction game or any number of other genres. In many cases the concept will include the games setting. For instance a Call of Cthulu game might be set in Victorian London. The final thing that I think a concept might include are the rules set that will be used in a game.
Some Sample Concepts:
One Week in Monte Carlo - A modern times game set in the famed casino of Monte Carlo. The game would be a tale of mystery, intrigue and international espionage. The system would be The Rules to Live By rules.
The Don and The Prince - Toronto is a city that has long been divided. The Kindred of the Camarilla and the Kindred of the Giovanni family have been vying for control of Toronto for decades. On the surface it seems that the two groups have cordial relations with other. Under the surface the groups have been fighting a shadow war against each other for decades. This game would be a game of modern political and personal horror. This would using the MET - Laws of the Night Revised rules set.
The King's Tourney - The King of Westeros has announced a Tourney in honour of his youngest daughter's wedding. He has gathered some of the finest entertainers in all of the realm to perform for his daughter. He has decreed that the largest tournament in memory has been held. The greatest Knights, Warriors and Archers of the realm are competing for a generous prize. This game would be a tale of court love and courtly schemes.
Age and Treachery - The Prince of Toronto is aging and it is rumoured that he will be soon entering torpor. Many whisper that he is looking to groom a replacement. Elder Kindred are hoping that with the Prince entering torpor will allow their bids for the throne to succeed. Younger Kindred are fight over lesser roles such as Master of Elysium, Sheriff and Harpies. Neonates hope to make a place for themselves in Kindred society. Precious hunting groups are fought over like dogs fighting over table scraps. All Kindred watch for a knife that is being plunged into a their back. Age and treachery will outlast youth and beauty any night. This game would use MET Requiem.
Hopefully my thoughts on game concepts interest you.