Creating larp rules
Why do we have rules?
Rules exist to give us a common framework of consequences. Or if I hit Bill with a sword will Bill be hurt? Although I think we can all answer yes to that one. That’s the point. Rules mean that if a certain thing happens then we can all understand the outcome.
So if in a larp the rules my character is good at something, and I try and do that something then I can expect to have a good chance of success. I can predict the performance of my character because the rules tell me how things work and that’s good for my ability to play the character.
Rules can also create an even playing field when creating a character. If each player starts off with the same base and evolves from the point then in theory even though characters will be different, the differences between them will be fair. We all like fair play.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Even though rules provide a fair structure, not all LARPs have the same rules. LARPS don’t even have comparable amounts of rules. Some LARPs have on the surface almost no rules. Some need to put their rules into specialised volumes.
If rules are good, why all the difference?
The actual need for rules depends on the culture of the game, how many players there are, the subject matter, the aim of the larp and how the larps creator feels the players should be interacting. LARPs are fundamentally an artistic creation. So often it comes down to I want to create a experience for my players. Part of that answer will be in how the mechanics of the game will work. From there we can derive rules (or total lack of them)
Figuring this out vitally important. Take advice from others but always let your guiding light the vision of how the players will interact with each other and the game. Also remember things that work in one larp may not work in another. So, take the ide and role-play it a little and if it feels good then it probably is good. If it feels off, then discard. it. Rules are an experience, so we can learn if they fit or not simply by a little Role Play.
Is There Help with creating Rules?
Yes. If you are figuring out rules for your larp then getting help is not bad. Larp has an amazing community so never be afraid to ask a question. If you need to ask something like "is X a good idea" then ask it in several online communities. Sit back and start comparing all the answers I say several online communities as each forum / group etc tends to have its own bias. Asking in the question in several places will give you a rounded set of answers.
Once you get past chatting here are some other places you could look
Larp Rule Resources
Larpbook.
Take a look at our Rules section. Yes its flagrant self promotion time but do collect rules and rules idea.
Crolarper – 15 Rules of LARP
The diary of a Croatian larper did a great take on the classic (read old), 15 rules of larp from the UK. Old they might be, but the ideas are good.
Nordiclarp.org
No discussion of larp rules could be complete with Nordiclarp.com. The bias is unashamedly Nordic. The quality of discussion and exposition is very high.
Larpages.co.uk
Larpages is a great collection of larping resources. The link here is to their larp rules library. You’ll find lots of inspiration here
The Peckforton Papers
This is a free PDF book. It studies the British larping scene. Covering the past but more importantly here the evolution of ideas and responsibilities. If you’re thinking about larp its worth a taking a look at
larpx.com
The X stands for experiences and its a blog that focus on the experience of larp. Some of its posts are pertinent to larp design and larp rules. Those about Strange Larp are particularly worth taking a look at
Playtest!
I’ve mentioned this before but its important so…
You’ve put the rules together and everything else makes sense. This is how it should be; you are now the world expert on the topic of your larps rules. The big question is that must be answered is "how will other people respond to them?" At best run a playtest with a small trusted group. What matters here is honesty. Players need to be honest with organiser and an open dialogue is essential. Sometimes its not practical to run a playtest. In that case the first run is the test. In this case the crew need to on the lookout for problems. Players need to feel enabled to ask questions and make suggestions. The organiser needs to show that any problems will be / have been addressed,
This evolves your idea into something that is playable long term,
Things to pay attention to
So we’ve talked about many rules (anything from zero to a multi-tomed encyclopaedia. Where to get help. and the importance of testing. But just what do you need to documet?
Character Creation
The process of getting a character to a player is vital. Players must understand where there characters come from in a dramatic sense and what they are as individuals. The process of explaining how characters are created is critical
Skill and ability
What does your character know? What can it do? How competent is the character? The player needs to comprehend this in order to play well
Conflict Resolution
LARP portrays drama, with drama comes conflict and maybe violence. Its essential larp can handle this. How your larp enables or mediates the violent act is something that just has to work.
Who Am I ?
Somewhere in the rules, mechanisms and mechanics there needs to be space that will allow the player to ask the question "Who is this character?". Make space to the player answer the questions of origin.
Policies and Procedures
LARP Rules are not just about the rules or mechanics of play. Its important to have ready responses for the social contracts that come with running a larp event. This matters as you could well be asked questions about diversity or about your policies for dealing with less desirable behaviours. Here are some of things that need to be thought about.
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Disability: Not all players are the same. Do you have advice or have you thought about how to talk to and work with people who have needs you may not have thought of
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Ethnical diversity: What’s you position on making sure people of all ethnicities are treated fairly during the larp?
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Dealing with Prejudice: The last two points are vital topics that cannot be ignore but what about prejudicial behaviour in general. There is a vast array of prejudicial behaviours that exist do you have ideas on dealing with these
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Safety and safeguarding: As an organiser what’s your plan for dealing with situations that makes players feel unsafe or worse still puts them in contact with a person who is unsafe or predatory?
The Social Contract
Thinking about the kinds of problems that I’ve just highlighted is in itself a kind of solution. Knowing where you stand and where you larp has to stand and what behaviours you need to avoid is a critical start.
Take a look at building a social contract with your players.
If you want ideas for this then take a good look at this post in Nordic Larp. . Its a great help in thinking about establishing solid community rules.
Follow your instincts
Never ever forget that creativity is the soul of larp. You’ve had the strong creative impulse to start a larp. Regardless of whether your larp has universal or niche appeal. Or how conventional or daring it is in concept don’t forget that you are creating something. So yes look how things have run and always think about people. But don’t let that stall your from doing something wonderful.
Doing so has huge rewards.
