Current mood:

contemplative

A view on larp or plot types.

A view on larp types.

Inspired by Olga’s last blog entry, I decided to write about the different larp types, I did or I have heard about. Most of these variants have several layers of complexity or overlaps, which I won’t do here because I don’t have the time to write a novel. Each type has it pro’s and cons.

1. The linear plot.

This is by far the simplest form. It works like this A happens, followed by B, followed by C, etc, etc. (A letter can be a monster, a puzzle or any kind of encounter or obstacle) It usually has big finish. (Can be an end boss, ritual or whatever.) This type is excellent for specials, quests or rule tests. The downside is that there is a danger you are doing a lot of railroading and almost forcing the players down a narrow path. In my experience this type can be good fun for an afternoon and can be done very cheaply if you do these in a public nature park and by in your own food in a local super.

2. The flowchart plot

A bit more complex form of the linear plot, in which you have situation A and if the players do option 1 then B happens or if the players do option 2 then C happens. You have to make sure that these are real choices or dilemmas. Death or some other horrible fate is most of the time not a choice at all. Also don’t always betray the players for a “bad” choice. Apart from this using this type can spice up a linear plot or even is a good plot type for an entire weekend.

3. The situation plot.

This is a lot more freeform then the linear plot. Simply toss a situation at the players and see how they handle it and go with the flow with the group. Off course some stupid actions should not succeed but keep an open mind. A plot like this could for instance be a group of player defending a castle under siege or vice a versa. You will act here more as referee.

4. The agenda plot

This is almost the opposite of the linear plot. In this larp 90% of all the SL work is done up front. Your job is to give the players relations to each other and objectives/motivations/agendas of each of the players in the setting. Off course some of these should be contrary to each other. Then lock them in a building and watch the chaos. Add weapons/powers for mayhem.  You are there as crew or referee and to control the setting. An example would be a political council. I have also seen this kind of thing together with a war-game. In which the players were the politicians and generals. They would play in turns of halve an hour and then give orders. Which would be then worked by the SL’s as war-game. The players would be given the results of their plans and then the plotting would start again.

 Conclusion

Well these are in my eyes the 4 most important larp or plot types and they can all be used for doing a larp story. A larpweekend will usually consist of a series of several types of plot.

For instance: An allied army (the players) is trying to siege a fortress of evil. They have several options to reinforce or augment their final assault but can’t choose all of them. (Plot 2) And they end up choosing as one of the options to get the battering ram of doom of the lizard men. They do a quest for the battering ram. (Plot 1) After doing their stuff the players plan the final assault and execute it. They try to swim the shark invested moot (bad idea) and batter down the gate with the battering ramp of doom. (Good idea) The Sl`s act as referees during this assault. (Plot 3) After taking the fortress of doom, the allies confer a war council to decide who gets what spoils and what to do next. (Plot 4)

Well signing off after this rant.
Any comments would be welcome.

Onno