So I have mentioned a few times now that I have been working on a low rules, low mechanics larp system of recent times.
I started this project a while back because I wanted to see where I could take a typical New Zealand and UK flavoured fantasy larp system and see where I could take it to.
My intent has been twofold. One reason has to have a go at producing a system which I think might sit well with larpers in the US and one that I would want to either run or play in myself.
There is, in some circles, quite a lot of noise amongst some people in the US larp scene about improving game standards. Avegost, a turku larp has taken a leap of change towards the full immersion larp style popular in Nordic larp circles.
But there is a lot of mixed opinion around this kind of larp. A lot of people see the Euro larps like Mythodea and Drachenfest and wonder why their US larps don't match up.
My thoughts is that this is a false comparison because the similarities between the average US larper and the nordic larper are quite extreme. However, there are larps internationally which are a lot closer to what people living stateside might be comfortable with. I say this because first a population must want change and then they need to make the move.
I don't feel that you can go from very gamist duct tape boffer larp to very immersionist Nordic larp in one go. And I am less convinced that everyone should or even has the inclination to do so.
So what is closer to the average US larp? Well. It's those from the distant land of England. That's right Whovian's and Sherlockian's. England has very high quality larp but with concepts and systems which I feel sit much closer to the needs of the average US larper than the Nordic scene.
Examples like Dumnonni Chronicles, Empire LRP, Hero Fest and Curious Pastimes, I feel would sit much better with the US larp psyche more easily than the purist concepts involved in Nordic larp.Â
So with this in mind, I have come up with an open fantasy larp system based on my larping experience here in New Zealand and my contact with UK larps which I feel could conceptually be used by many a US larp group who wanted a change from the very complex to something a bit more refined but not quite as intimidating to the average person.
And I have decided it is time to start gathering some feedback.
Have a look and let me know what you think. I won't respond to flaming trolls but I will take on board what people have to say.