Aftermath & Season 11

Aftermath and Season 11

Ahoy, Hellions! Thank you for your patience while restructured for the new season. Director roles were recently announced, and you can expect the Specialist Guide roles to be announced shortly. No doubt you are wondering what to expect this weekend at our 4-day Premier event, “Aftermath” as well as in the new season. Wonder no more!

RSVP Mod Descriptions

will go up tonight, with signups opening tomorrow at 8pm. Please note that is one day earlier than usual (because guess what? So is game!)

Feed the Trawls

Early in the weekend of Aftermath, survivors will have the chance to help Sans Califia Sails construct tools for their Trawling Barge. This will unlock a Zone of Mechanics which functions per the Helscape Mine blueprint, with an added option to select Spire Fragments in place of Named Scrap. Why the change in flavor? We just thought digging a big hole might be ill-advised at the current moment, due to the…

Shifting Tides

After the detonation of the town’s spiretech device,Painted Lady, the area was stricken with a series of quakes and a tsunami. While the waters have receded somewhat, water levels are both higher and less predictable than before. With the High Tide come water-related zone effects and threats, while the Low Tide brings mud, sand, and the things that dwell beneath it.

Extended Augments

Following a module at Aftermath to unlock the improvements, Augments crafted at the Artisan bench may be fitted with Spiretech to last longer (on a local plot card). For a cost of 5 Spire Fragments (any color) such augments will last for an additional 3 months. They will also carry the Spiretech keyword, which is totally safe, trust me. Standard augments may also be extended, but once written on a local plot card they cannot be reverted. This change is to encourage more engagement with the Augment system, which is one way to specialize your character (especially in combat). You can also expect Lineage Threats to have augments for their gear as well, and you can take it from their dead hands.

Favor Cards

Another new local system is that of Favor cards. These represent being owed a favor by someone in the wastes, and can be cashed in for various benefits during a module. Favors are divided into four familiar categories - Combat, Civilized, Wasteland and Anomaly. Here’s how they can be earned - modules that involve helping out someone of influence are tagged with one or more of the favor categories. Success on the mod rewards a number of Favor cards that belong “to the town” and are kept by Story. They can be spent by consensus of LCs (i.e. have a meeting about it). Moreover, individuals with a Profession Focus Achievement can generate additional Favors for themselves by participating in a related mod and spending 1 Resolve, once per event. Personal Favors are the same as town favors, but can be kept, traded, hoarded, or combined with others (but never stolen). For example, a scouting module is tagged as Wasteland Favor. On completing the module, the town earns 3 Wasteland Favor, which Story keeps. An LC who has a PFA in any Wasteland skill can spend 1 Resolve to earn a personal Wasteland Favor, which they keep. Later on, the town decides they want to spend Wasteland Favor for the zone effect “Silence is Golden.” They’re a bit short on Favors, though, so some survivors contribute from their personal stash. The national Ark currency can also substitute for any amount of Favors to pay for a single effect (all the way up to the highest cost of 25 Favors). Only 1 effect paid for with Ark may be active at any time, and spending Favors always needs to be reported to Ops in the twelves prior to use.

Slaughter

Several chapters have this as a local keyword, and we are following suit. Damage that causes a target to enter bleedout and is accompanied by the keyword “Slaughter” drops that target’s bleedout timer to 1 minute. Effects that prevent Cannibalize also prevent this effect.

Post-logue: "Burning Bridges" (August 2023)

BROKEN COAST RADIO interrupts your regular broadcast for this important headline!

[TRANSCRIPT]

We interrupt your normal broadcast for this important headline: The AX Seaport is now in a state of open war with the Magic Kingdom.

In addition: Parasol has accused Blackridge of industrial sabotage.  Blackridge denies these accusations, but levies the same at Parasol.

Meanwhile in Eureka:

Eureka felt fear course through their body.  From the looks on their faces, the other Legion born felt the same way.  Hearing the story of the former Unificationist…of the horror that was being created from their people…made them feel sick.  

“We must send a message throughout the wastes warning those like us of this danger, this terrible threat.  We need them to know that there is a better way to be together again. It won’t be like before, but we can look after each other and keep each other safe.   We all must be vigilant.”

Prologue: "Burning Bridges" (August 2023)

They ran as fast as they could, past pulsing crystal lights, gnashing teeth, and ever-changing geometry looking for a way out.  Any means to escape this hellish place!   Memories passed before their eyes - how could they have been so foolish?  So easily manipulated?  The hole in their heart left when they were split apart ached and yearned for connection that they could no longer feel.  How they had longed to be together again, but not like this.   Not Like This.  They had watched the others, seen what they had become, and could not bear it.  Anything was preferable to…….THAT.  They blinked away tears as they remembered the horrible sounds, sounds that could no longer be considered voices, the horrible satisfaction on those strain’s faces.  No time for reverie, they could hear shouts behind them.   In the distance they saw what could only be described as a Glass Palace, perhaps they could hide in there until they find a way out of nowhere.

---

The Iron slammed his hand down upon the invitation, disgusted,  “The audacity of it all.  We will not be attending.”

The Saltwise, cool as the salt laden air that filled the room, gazed at her companion with a gleam in her eyes.  “Of course we won’t, not officially.  However such gatherings are the perfect place to send a message…”

The Iron leaned back in his chair.  “Do what you have to do.  Make sure they know it was us.”

Post-logue: "Trouble in Paradise" (July 2023)

Letter from Eureka to Hell Dorado, read aloud in the Tavern:  

“Hellions of El Dorado,  

I wanted to personally thank you for sending aid in defending my town against the Unifier Rebels.  Thanks to your efforts we were able to survive the siege and capture one of the rebels alive.  We have questioned the defecting rebel and they, who have chosen the name Infinity, have revealed some insights.  It seems that they have made a camp within the strange doorway at the direction of someone they only know as “friend”, who periodically visits them to give them aid in one form or another.  They could not give me any more details than that.   We have since rebuilt our defenses and we have stationed guards 24/7 to look out for any more of those strange doorways.  Some of those who were living in Eureka have decided to leave, some because they feel they would be safer elsewhere and others because they simply do not feel comfortable staying in one place.  I hope that if any come to you, you will welcome them.  

Thank you again.

Eureka” 

Prologue: "Trouble in Paradise" (July 2023)

Eureka surveyed the grounds of what had once been their slice of hellscape paradise. Around her, bodies were just starting to sink. The aftermath of what had started out as a simple disagreement and escalated into a full-fledged bloodbath, still smoldering, was strewn out before her. In their crystalline heart felt something foreign, yet familiar, like a memory suddenly brought into stark reality. Their hands trembled in clenched fists as she looked at the perpetrators, bound and stabilized, kneeling before her.

She basked in the experience of the powerful emotion that surged through her. Hate. These Legion-born were their siblings. They had been unified and together in the pearl, but now that they were free how could it have gone so awry so fast? They felt sick as they thought of the slain Legion-born and felt their Gorger teeth grinding together, the Evolved muscles straining to be let loose and deal vengeance on those who had brought death and destruction to their safe haven.

But how could they? They were Legion-born too. They were siblings, no matter the atrocities that had just been committed in the name of togetherness. After all, they just wanted to be together too didn’t they? They wanted what Eureka themself wanted, to be close again. To be together again. But these…..These wanted to be more than that. They were willing to take away the choice of others who did not want it. These had crossed the line. With grim purpose they strode up to the bound Legion-born. Around them the others watched, some with fear in their eyes, others respect. The bound looked up at Eureka with one motion, moving as one.
Eureka’s lips curled. “Leave. You are no longer welcome here.”

Defiant eyes met theirs: “We will be one.”

Telegram from the AX Seaport to The Magic Kingdom: We politely request that you cease your expansion by means of navy into our sovereign waters. If you wish to learn the topography of the local islands you need only ask.

Reply from the Magic Kingdom: We had no intention of expansion. We merely found it prudent to counter movements by what could be considered a heavily armed fleet. We will cease our activities so long as you no longer send warships into our territory.

Reply from AX Seaport: Heavily armed escort is necessary due to the activities of the Yellow Jackets and the Pirate Consortium. The trade routes must be maintained. While we are not interested in conflict, if your vessels attempt to intercept our merchant fleet, actions will be taken to ensure the safety of crew and cargo.

Reply from Magic Kingdom: Such an action would be considered an act of war. Consider this your warning.

RSVP Mod Systems & Etiquette

What are RSVP Mods?

These are the modules (“mods”) that Story lists on the network database for the event. Players can read a short description, and signup to participate in that mod if they are interested. The description tells them where to meet, and when. It may also list a player limit, and any required skills. The database will hide mods that have an assigned skill requirement if none of your characters in the system are eligible. Story lists as RSVP mods that are opt-in. If a mod is coming into town to engage with whoever it finds, there’s no need for it to be RSVP. Most mods run during the weekend are not RSVP mods - these are but a portion of what we plan for you each month!

Why Use RSVPs?

Some mods need a player limit for practical reasons. For example, only small groups can fit inside a maze, or work on a single puzzle at the same time. Others may need limits for narrative or engagement reasons. A stealth mod with a dozen people doesn’t feel very sneaky or dangerous. A fight against a badass monster doesn’t feel as threatening when it can be swarmed. Some mods don’t need a player limit, but the Story team wants to see what level of engagement they can expect. We can then adjust the mod, and also the other content running at that same time for players who are engaging elsewhere. Finally, some mods are keyed to skills that give rewards based on a mod’s success, and we want players to be able to find those mods. This describes Criminal, Finance, Hunting, and Sailing mods, to name a few. Sometimes we list a mod as RSVP just because we think it's cool, and we want everyone to know about it.

Benefits of RSVPs

A lot happens at LARP. For everything you experience, there are numerous other things that you’re missing out on. Our hope is to create an event so awesome that you wish you could do it all. Sadly the self-cloning technology has not advanced past the experimental stage. With RSVP mods, you can at least prioritize certain experiences and plan the rest of your time around that. RSVPs also make plot more transparent and available. Just sign up and you’re in.

Waitlisting

For now, we’ve chosen not to enforce a global limit on signups. If our content is overly popular, we first attempt to expand the scope of the content, such as by hosting multiple runs (with minor or major differences). Still, sometimes we have to leave people on the Waitlist. If you are on the Waitlist, you can show up to the meetup location on time, and after a short grace period we will fill vacant spots.

RSVP Etiquette

Show up on time.

Being late affects everyone else on the mod, and can cause a “traffic jam” on the Ops end. A grace period is offered, but if you are late or a no-show, your spot may be given over to the Waitlist. LARP time can get off-schedule pretty quickly, and sometimes Ops might be the party that is late. We might be waiting on NPCs to finish up another mod, or a shift change, or any number of complications. When Ops is the cause of a delay, we try to send a runner to communicate the delay and give a new ETA. If you’ve been waiting for 10 minutes or more with your crew, and haven’t seen a Guide, feel free to send a runner to Ops to ask for an update. We do not consider this rude - we’d rather know that you’re ready and waiting.

Be generous.

Some players don’t follow the plot closely and are happy to make their own fun. Others vacuum up every crumb. Sign up for the things you care about most, and leave some of the rest. You can always add more signups after a few days, once others have had a chance. If you see a big Waitlist filling up under you, see who it includes. New Players? Travelers? Newcomers to that plotline? A group of players who signed up together? Maybe reach out to the players involved to see everyone’s level of involvement. If you already have a booked weekend, consider withdrawing and adding yourself to the Waitlist.

Read the mission and expect to follow it.

If you are a newcomer to the plot, you owe it to everyone else on the mod to have some idea what you’re getting into. Read the description. Spend time at game investigating, planning, and interacting with the team before the mod takes place. Everyone on the mod should be aiming to succeed at the mission. Do not sabotage the mission, or derail it chasing down squirrels (unless chasing down squirrels is the mission). If you want to work at cross-purposes to whatever the premise of the mod is, instead talk to the Story team. You might be able to request a separate mod (through a Personal Plot Request, for example) that allows you to work toward your character’s goals without stifling others’.

Stay In-Game While Waiting.

Unless the meetup location is Ops, meetup locations are IG. For the sake of everyone’s immersion, both those on the mod and in the area, stay in-game and in-character. Talk about strategy, why you’re all doing this, what you hope or fear might happen. The more you stay IG before the mod, the more seamless the launch of the mod will be.

Don’t say “mod.”

“Mod’ is an entirely OOG term. While in-game, don’t say “mod!” You can say you are on a mission, a quest, going out of town on business, or describe whatever it is you are doing. Just don't call it a "mod!"

Story Recap Triple Feature: Oct, Nov & Dec 2022

October 2022 “The Final Countdown”

Steamboat Party Sunk by Own Weapon

Telegraph messages from an informant inside the Steamboat Party tipped off the Hellions to the dispossessed monarchy’s plans, which included the use of a blue spiretech weapon called Project Bandersnatch. Led by Commander Dippy Dawg of the Goof Troop, the Hellions mounted an attack against Melancholy Hill while an infiltration team set the weapon to detonate. The blast’s powerful psionic shockwave obliterated all of Melancholy Hill. Dippy Dawg and Prinx Florian are assumed to have been deleted on both a physical (atomic) and metaphysical (Imprint) level. What remains has yet to be scouted in detail, but airship pilots now refer to the area as Melancholy Crater.

Nemesis Night ends in Romero’s Final Curtain

The Nemesis Cult continued their tradition of terror on Halloween night, enacting their scripts and demanding that Hellions play along. Faith experts noted departures from the scripts with a focus on spire crystals. This became clear when Romero (aka Pyramid Head) arrived seeking shelter, claiming the other Nemeses had made a deal with the gravemind entity called Legion, exchanging spire crystals for power. The Hellions responded by finishing the assassination themselves, and destroying the pyramid helmet.

Marsh Mischief

Bizarre swamp critters were observed both in the swamps and stampeding through town. These “Hybrids” shared features and behaviors of Delfini, Sin-Eaters, and Psyotes. Green crystal residue was discovered coating some of the critters. A patchworked green spiretech device in the swamps was discovered to be the source of the ooze.

November 2022 Premier, “Strange New World”

Wasteland Violence Federation sponsors Red Ledger Competition

The W.V.F. wants to see the strongest, toughest, and sharpest of El Dorado compete for the championship belt. Various ongoing matches are now available. The individual with the most Clout will take home the belt in February, May, August, and November.

Raiders Finding Faith?

Marsh raiders were observed encroaching further into town than normal, including gathering at the Rad Tree around a collection of small totems. They were later observed performing what appeared to be a faith ritual on some Warpath raiders, and chanting “Vodneek,” the name of a little-understood plant creature that the swamp folk regard as a guardian spirit.

Marsh Meltdown Leads to Spiretech Discovery

Bernardino Townsfolk, apparently the ones responsible for the bunker of spiretech devices in the swamps, sought help in preventing a further ecological disaster in the Lowtown swamps. The Hellions were able to prevent the breakdown and salvage the parts of the abandoned project for their own experimental use.

Mortis Vibrations Hint at Sinister Presence

Aberrants in town, and Grave Attuned in particular, felt what they described as a “mortis wave” emanate through town, with the morgue as its origin. They sensed the now-recognizable presence of Legion, envisioned as a prismatic pearl encasing a sinister presence. Sages believe that this presence may be one of the so-called Archons, the extradimensional horrors from the abyss beyond death, and that it is somehow encapsulated and contained by Legion. At least for now.

Ants Go Marching On

Mutant ants invaded town in search of food, including Lineage flesh. Hellions marched on the ant hill, due in no small part to the urgings of Overlord Billie. They discovered that the tunnels extend for miles upon miles, and that they are cohabitated by Recluse Raiders. They were able to recover some clutches of eggs before demolishing the tunnel entrances closest to town.

Oxline Railroad Spike Driven, Coastal Rail Line Work Continues

Construction of the Oxline Railroad was finally concluded with the driving of the golden spike. The completion of the railroad project, which was delayed years due to the circumstances of the Wandering, connects El Dorado directly to Bravado, and indirectly to other settlements beyond. Meanwhile, the railway north to Sinn & Conn Valley remains under construction from both ends.

Town Defends Mothra from Hybrids

Mothra, enraged by exposure to crystal ooze and pursued by Hybrids, stormed through town on Saturday night. The Hellions rallied to defend her from the vicious critters while simultaneously attempting to clean her carapace of the ooze. The mighty Kaiju was able to make it to the Rad Tree and burrow so that she can regenerate. Hopefully enough ooze was removed to prevent any long-term effects.

December 2022, “Prometheus”

Legion Imprints Given Body, Named Eureka

A pioneering Gravetech / Spiretech experiment conducted at the castle of local nemesis Dr. Frank N Stein successfully splintered off several Imprints from Legion and housed them in a composite Lineage body. The rest of the Legion hivemind expressed hostility. This new person(s) chose the name Eureka, and was sheltered in El Dorado.

Legion Speaks of Past, Present, and Future

Various Lineages passing through town were, on several occasions, revealed to be devoted to Legion when they began speaking in chorus. During these moments of possession they spoke of Legion’s creation, present state, and predictions for the future. Scholars have gleaned that Legion was created by the Grave Mind from Spire Crystal matter and Imprints in response to invasion by an otherworldly creature - one of the so-called Archons. Presently this Archon is imprisoned by the “pearl” that is Legion. Legion is known to be actively seeking their own escape from the Grave Mind, which would leave the door open for this Archon to free itself. Legion themselves do not appear concerned with the ramifications of this, caring only about their own release.

Technology Successfully Severs Legion Influence

Lead researcher Santana successfully developed a blue Spiretech device that can free a person from Legion’s influence. While Legion has made good on “deals” struck in the past, it appears they are under no obligation to abide by any terms, and a Legion “deal” of any kind allows the entity complete control of the individual for an unknown period of time.

Krampus Seeks Naughty Legion Devotees

Krampus and his elf acolytes made their usual Giftmas rounds to punish the naughty, specifically seeking those who remain devoted to Legion.

Enemy at the Gatekeeping

In my previous blogs on the topic of plot, we discussed how to find plot, request plot, and engage with plot. This time I will discuss Gatekeeping as it relates to plot, how to prevent it, and how to handle it when it occurs.

What is Gatekeeping?

Gatekeeping is the activity of controlling or limiting access to something. Simply put, it means exclusion on an OOG level. This can be deliberate or unintentional. Deliberate gatekeeping is against our Community Standards, as “Dystopia Rising is a cooperative gaming environment.” When Gatekeeping does occur, it is much more likely to be unintentional. That’s good news, because it means it can be solved through communication. Gamerunners are happy to assist with mediating any discussion around possible gatekeeping.

Example #1, Gatekeeping Character or player ability

“We need people who are stronger fighters. You should stay in town.” This is gatekeeping because one player is limiting another due to their character build or OOG abilities. Giving a player a warning that a combat might be dangerous is entirely fine - that gives them the information they need to make an informed decision. However, a player should not be telling another that they cannot participate. This applies to all skills, not just combat. Some blueprints or zones of mechanics may require a higher level of skill to engage with mechanically, but a small effort to be inclusive goes a long way. You could say “this needs a higher level of expertise to complete, but why don’t you help us out by [insert task here]?”

Example #2, Gatekeeping Plot Items

One character searches a corpse and finds a unique plot item. Another character asks them, “Did you find anything interesting?” and they reply “not really.” This is gatekeeping because the item is clearly intended to further a plotline. By hiding it, the player is controlling who can continue to interact with that plot. In this case, the best practice would be for the player to keep the item, but offer to show it to interested parties. This is not to say that LCs cannot have secrets from each other. If a found note were addressed to the player’s LC directly, or the item was directed to an in-game secret society, keeping it secret would be fine. It would also be good to negotiate OOG on the topic. The player could go OOG and say, “I’m really invested in this plot, do you mind if I get first crack at this, and I’ll share it later?” Consider that notes and unusual plot items are seeded as a way for players to find and further plot, and limiting access to these limits other players’ ability to engage with that story. Such “plot cookies” taste best when shared!

Example #3, Gatekeeping Information

You find some spire crystal fragments and want to know what to do with them. You ask another LC what they are useful for, and they reply “That’s gravemind bullshit. I don’t fuck with that, and neither should you.” This is gatekeeping because they are becoming a dead-end because of their LCs perspective. Best practice here would be to say “That’s gravemind bullshit; I don’t fuck with that. I let [invested LC] and the eggheads at Parasol deal with that stuff.” Think of this as redirecting rather than dead-ending. If you feel like all your avenues are coming up short even with cooperative play, try involving a Support Character (played by the Gamerunners) and we can open up some new routes.

Example #4, Gatekeeping Membership

You want to be baptized into a faith, or join a society. You find someone who can baptize or induct you, but they tell you that you have to practice for a year first, because that’s what they did. This is gatekeeping because they are adding a limitation that isn’t part of the faith or society’s requirements. Note that their character has agency, too. They can’t be forced to baptize you if they don’t want to - but they also can’t prevent you from being baptized, or give you crap for it if you get baptized elsewhere (unless you consent to that social CvC). Best practice would be to decline, but do some OOG negotiation. Maybe they can refer you to someone else, or come up with a trial requirement that you both agree would be fun. Note as well that most societies and faiths in SoCal can be joined with a simple Action Request and some OOG conversation with currently involved players.

Non-Examples

Some modules do have requirements, such as a particular skill or society membership (cough crimes cough murder). Let’s say you stumble into such a scene, and ask “Hey, what’s going on?” You’ll likely get an answer like “Don’t worry about it.” Either party may wish to drop OOG and clarify that this is a private mod. This is not gatekeeping because the player is not adding a limitation - story added the limitation to make the module deliver a certain experience. Part of the fun of “secret” plot stuff is that it feels secret. Sometimes story will add skill or item requirements to add value to a player’s choice to spend XP or resources in a particular way (we try to make such cases more a bonus than a requirement, but sometimes it really only makes narrative or practical sense that way).

Similarly, it is not gatekeeping to have a private scene. Maybe it is a highly emotional scene, or a pivotal moment built upon a shared history between certain characters. If someone stumbles into your private scene, you can drop OOG to say as much. If you want to continue the longstanding ‘Merican tradition of “barging,” ask for OOG permission.

The Gatekeeping Rule of Thumb

Ask yourself, “Does this limit another player’s event experience?” If the answer is “yes,” then it is gatekeeping, and you should steer another direction. If the answer is “maybe,” then you should drop OOG and negotiate. If you’re not sure, any Gamerunner can help you figure out how to proceed.

Give Feedback

We’re always looking for feedback on how to improve the event experience. What are your thoughts on gatekeeping? Let us know by filling out the Event Feedback form, or by getting in touch with your local gamerunners.

Next Time…

Oh no! It’s the consequences of my own actions! Let’s talk about how Story responds when LCs poke the hornet’s nest and act as “Gluttons for Funishment.”

Engaging with Plot (Part 2 of 2)

Now that you know some ways to find existing plot from Part One, let’s discuss how you can request new plots, and some ways to engage with plot once you find it.

Request the Plot You Want

Certain skills at the Master level (Criminal, Finance, Hunting, Sailing) allow you to request a module. In SoCal, we generally offer each of these every event, even absent a request. If you have those skills and want to influence the direction of those story arcs, submit a request. If your character qualifies for a Professional Focus Achievement (PFA) you must submit an Action Request, and while you can learn from another LC you can also request a plot arc as well, ranging from one to three months.

Finally, players can submit a Personal Plot Request (PPR) with no prerequisites whatsoever. This requires that you have some idea of the plot you want to be involved in, whether that’s a current plot or one that you want to suggest. The story team has discretion on such requests - we aren’t going to accept a request to meet a Casted Character if the sole purpose is a thugging, for example. If you are interested in bringing your approved Character Backstory from the background into the spotlight, this is the way to do it. The more players you can involve in the request, the more likely we are to accept it.

Okay, I Found Plot. Now What?

So you found a plot that intrigues you, and you spot a Casted Character and their entourage walking out of Ops. What now?

You might feel shy or awkward at first, but Mods are written with a hook. The NPCs are actively looking for people to interact with - that’s you! You’ve probably been on the receiving end of this during your casting shift, where you went on a mod and the players just wouldn’t bite. Didn’t you feel relief (and excitement!) when a player engaged with you enthusiastically? The main tool of experienced plot-chasers is simply that they jump at the opportunity. Don’t worry about “doing it wrong” - we’re all just making it up as we go along!

Plot Branches

To return to my point about story vs. plot from Part One of this topic, plot isn’t a static thing. You’re not just along for the ride; you are actively shaping it. Would it be too Church of Darwin for me to make an evolutionary analogy? Plots that have high levels of engagement tend to grow. Plots that have low engagement tend to fade to the background. Sometimes plots mutate and change course unexpectedly - maybe players did something unexpected, a key player was absent or someone else stepped up, a better idea came up in the writers’ room, or two separate plots collided and made sweet, sweet love. LARP is full of opportunities for happy accidents if we embrace them.

Give Feedback

We’re always looking for feedback on how to improve the event experience. What are your thoughts on finding and engaging with plot? Let us know by filling out the Event Feedback form, or by getting in touch with your local gamerunners.

Next Time…

Next time I will tackle the problem of plot gatekeeping: what it is, how to prevent it, and how to deal with it when it happens. Until next time, survivors, see you in Hell (Dorado)!

Finding Plot (Part 1 of 2)

Do you see other players “chasing plot” or finding themselves in the middle of exciting events, and think to yourself “I want to be involved with plot, how do I do that?” Maybe you haven’t found a plot that speaks to you. Or maybe you have, but you always seem to miss it when it comes onstage. Or maybe you’ve felt like plot was kept from you - more on that in a future post. As for this post, here are some tips on how you can find and engage with plot, and feel your character’s impact on the game world.

Defining “Plot”

I’ll be honest, I dislike the term “plot,” and I say that as the principle person responsible for creating it at DR: SoCal. I greatly prefer “story” to “plot.” To my ears, “plot” sounds like what an author or screenwriter does during prewriting - they plot out what will happen. In LARP, we don’t have a single author, and we don’t know what will happen until it does - that’s the beauty of it!

For the purposes of this blog, though, let’s define “plot” as the subsection of story that relates to Leading Characters’ interactions with modules, with Casted Characters, and their influence over the offscreen elements that frame the game world.

Okay. Putting the soap box away now.

Plot Awareness

To engage with plot you first have to be aware of plot. Alert! (Okay, it’s a bit more complicated than that - but not as much as you might think). If you’re a new player, a returning player, or just recently becoming interested in plot, you owe it to yourself to read through the Setting & Story section of our website and recent Game Recaps so that you can get the broad picture. It’s a lot easier to pick up on plot once you start to recognize the names of important people and factions. Don’t worry about absorbing all of it - find the bits that speak to you, and learn those. You can allow your web of plot knowledge to grow from there.

Ask Around

Another way to become aware of plot is to ask other characters what’s going on. Players who are invested in a plot usually can’t wait to tell you all about it. Asking other people about plot has the added benefit of creating ties between your character and theirs. Just be aware that a character’s understanding of plot may not always be accurate or objective. Characters have viewpoints and biases (and Fractures!) or limited information, and even minor miscommunications can amplify over time (the “LARP “telephone” effect). The best way to account for this is to get multiple perspectives, preferably from characters in different social circles (which has many other benefits, too!)

If you’re not sure who to approach about a particular plotline, look for any of the Gamerunners. Our characters are Supporting Characters, and we can point you in the right direction to learn more.

Write Letters

You can attempt to send an IG letter to any story character or faction just by dropping it off at the post office, free of charge. Not all story characters accept mail or send replies, but the Ops Guide will still receive it, and this helps pass valuable information OOG to the story team about what players are interested in. It doesn’t replace a formal Action Request, but it does create a trail for the story team to follow up on while the game is in progress.

Check the Bullet Board

The “Bullet Board” / windows of the post office often have postings from Ops about plot events that are either scheduled or ongoing. Admittedly, sometimes we post a “fetch quest” or the like to keep players busy and maybe put a few Tickets in your supply bag. That said, major plotlines have sprung from less. If Story is promoting a thing by posting about it, it’s at least worth keeping an eye on.

Sign Up for Mods

We post RSVP Mods on the Monday before game, with signups opening that Wednesday. This gives everyone a chance to plan their weekend around certain events. Some mods have capped attendance, or require certain skills, but many do not. RSVP Mods are usually linked to one or more plotlines, so you’re finding plot just by signing up and showing up.

Give Feedback

We’re always looking for feedback on how to improve the event experience. What are your thoughts on finding and engaging with plot? Let us know by filling out the Event Feedback form, or by getting in touch with your local gamerunners.

Next Time

Now that you know some ways to find existing plot, next time I will discuss how you can request new plots, and some ways to engage with plot once you find it. Until next time, survivors, see you in Hell (Dorado)!