a little magic

8/3/2019 A Little Magic

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A Little Magic


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A Little MagicJ

Shifting Forest Storyworks


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Creator: J Li

Lead Editor: Rebecca Ganetzky

Editing: Henry Towsner

Technical: Henry Towsner

Chief Playtester: Matt Brown

Thanks to all our playtesters!

Copyright 2005 by Shifting Forest Storyworks

Menlo Park, CA

All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction without permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden except for

purpose of reviews and for the Parlor Larp General Rules section, which may be

reproduced for private use only.

www.shiftingforest.com


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Table of Contents

General Information 3What is a LARP? 5What is a Parlor Larp? 6How to Use this Book 7 A Guide to Directing 9Parlor Larp General Rules 11The Tale of Bob the Miller: Rules Examples 15

Game-Specific Information for Director 17Public Background Overview 19Secret Background Overview 20Character Overview 21Game Overview 22 Advice on Setup 24 Advice on Casting & Running 25

Larp-Specific Rules and Announcements 26Character Summary Chart 28Character SheetsDirector Copy 31

Player Materials 47Rules Summary 49Public Background Overview 51Larp-Specific Rules and Announcements 52

Character SheetsPlayer Copy 53


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General Information


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Alarpisanactivityinvolvingseveralpeopleinwhichtheparticipantsactoutastory.Likeaplayortraditionalimprovisationaltheater,eachparticipantgenerallyactsoutonecharacterinrealtime.Unlikeaplay,theeventsandendingofthestoryarenotpredetermined.Unliketraditionalimprovisation,thestartingsituationandnatureofthecharactersispredetermined. Allbutoneoftheparticipants(thePlayers)depictcharactersinthestory.Theychoosetheirowninterpretationofwhateverdetailsareunspecifiedabouttheperson-alityandbackgroundofthecharacter,andusethistodecideonthedialogandactionsoftheircharacter.Theyareresponsibleforthestrategicandthematicallysignificantdecisionsofthecharacterandthinkingoftheideasthatthecharacterislikelytothink

of.Somevalueplayingacharacterforthestrategicchallengeoftryingtoachievethecharactersgoals.Othersvaluethevicariousexperienceofdramaandemotion. Thelastparticipant(theDirector)isresponsibleformanagingthelarpandper-formingthemanynecessarytasksotherthandepictingmaincharacters.Theseincludegeneralorganization,playingminorcharacters,keepingtrackoftheresultsofactionsandtheconsequencesofhiddenaspectsofthesituation,sometimesintroducingnewelementsorinformationtomanagetheplot,andadjudicatingrules.TheDirectordoesnothavetheauthoritytodictateactionsofotherparticipantscharacters. Rulesexisttorepresentskilldifferencesbetweencharactersthatdonotexistbetweenplayersandtoresolveactionsthatcannotbedirectlyactedout,either

becausetheyareunsafe(likefighting),orsimplyimpractical/impossible(likemagic).

Lookingformoreexplanation?Justcheckoutthedetailedguideavailableonourwebsite,www.shiftingforest.com.

Definitions:Player:Aparticipantwhosesoleroleisthedepictionofoneimportantcharacter.

Director:Theparticipantmanagingthelarpwhoperformstheothertasksdescribedabove.TraditionallycalledtheGameMaster.

PC:Acharacterdepictedbyaplayer.

NPC:AcharacterdepictedbytheDirector.

InCharacter(IC):Descriptiveofactions,dialog,eventsordecisionsactuallymadebythecharacterandtakingplaceinthefictionalworld.

OutofCharacter(OOC):Descriptiveofactions,dialog,eventsordecisionsinvolvingtheparticipantsintherealworld.

Roleplaying:Theactofthinkingasacharacteranddecidinganddepictingtheiractions,usingthecharactersowndecisionmakingprocess.Anactionthatisroleplayediscarriedoutbyactingratherthanabstractedwithintherules.

Game:Aspecifictimealarpisplayed.

the firstruleof larping: AlwayskeepICandOOCknowledge/motivationsseparate.

What is a LARP?


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formatanD mission: ParlorLarpsaredesignedtoprovidemaximallyaccessible,artisticallysatisfyinglarpexperiencestoarelativelysmallgroupof-8playersandDirector.Allrequirelittleornopreparation,anormalsizedlivingroom,andtake-hours.

the art form: ParlorLarpsareintendedassomethingmorethanjustagame.Whiletheyarecertainlyaleisureactivity,theyaremeanttobethoughtofasexercisesinartaswellasentertainment,andinthatsensearemoreliketheatergamesthanboardgames,or

evenmanytraditionallarps. Likeaplayornovel,theyaredesignedtoprovideanexperience,provokeanemo-tionalresponseormaketheparticipantsthink.Whileelementsofentertainment,funandchallengewillcertainlybepresentfrequently,manyoftheParlorLarpsarenot,andarenotintendedtobe,entirelypleasantexperiences.(Asuccessfulportrayalofafrighteningatmosphereisrewardingeventhougheveryoneisfeelingfrightened.)Theselarpswillbemuchmoresuccessfulandenjoyableifallparticipantskeepthisgoalinmind.

CharaCter Development: Unlikemanyothersingle-sessionlarps,ParlorLarpsaskplayerstofillinmanyde-tailsoftheircharacterbeforebeginningtoplay.Thispersonalizationprocessisguidedbyasetofquestionsattheendofeachcharactersheet.Ithelpsturnthecharactersfromacollectionofgoalsandbackgroundinformationintoreal,fully-fleshedpeople,andalsoallowseachplayertoidentifybetterwithhis/hercharacter. Allcharacterscanbeplayedbyeithergender,thougheachgamehasonepre-ferredmaleandonepreferredfemalecharacter.

Dont Conflate playeranD CharaCter suCCess! Whileeachcharacterhashisowngoals,andmanycharactershavedirectlyoppos-inggoals,itiscriticaltorememberthattheplayersarenotcompetingwitheachother.Thegoalofeachplayeristoeffectivelysimulateandportrayhischaracterandworkwiththeotherparticipantstobuildarewardingstory.Thisistrueformostlarps,andisvitaltothespiritofParlorLarps. Remember:Ifyouproduceadramaticandcompellingstory,everybodywins.

What is a Parlor Larp?


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How to Use this Book

general information: AllparticipantsshouldreadthissectionthefirsttimetheyplayaParlorLarp,(excepttheGuideToDirecting,whichneedonlybereadbytheDirector.)

DireCtors seCtion: Directors,andonlyDirectors,shouldreadthisentiresectionaheadoftime.Thissectioncontainssecretstoryinformationandadvicenecessarytodirectthelarp,aswellasDirectorcopiesofinformationgivenouttoplayers. DirectorsshouldreadthePublicBackgroundOverview,andthenLarp-SpecificRules&Announcementstoplayersatthestartofgame.

PublicBackgroundOverview:RelevantbackgroundinfothatallthePCsknow.SecretBackgroundOverview:RelevantbackgroundinfothatnotallPCsknow.PlayerCharacterOverview:AquicksummaryofPCsandtheirrolesinthelarp.GameOverview:Aguidetotheplotandprogressofthegameitself.Larp-SpecificRules:Rulechangesoradditionsforthisparticularlarp.Announcements:UsefulOOCremindersandotherinfofortheplayers.CharacterSummaryChart:AquicksummaryofmajorrelevantinfoforallPCs.CharacterSheets:TheDirectorscopyofeachcharactersheet.

player materials: ThissectioncontainsperforatedpagesthattheDirectorcantearoutofthebookletandhandtoplayersasappropriate.Keepinmindthatbydefault,playersshouldnotseeotherplayersCharacterSheetsorGameMaterials.

RulesSummary:AshortenedversionoftheParlorLarpRulesforreference.PublicBackgroundOverview:Acopyofthepubliclyknownbackgroundinfo.RulesandAnnouncements:Acopyofthelarp-specificrulesandannouncements.CharacterSheets:8charactersheetstobegivenout,oneperplayer.GameMaterials:Somelarpshaveadditionalmaterials.SeeSetupAdvice.

iC/ooC: Agreeonasymbol(e.g.crossedfingers)toindicatewhenspeakingOOC.

interpreting CharaCter sheets:Names:[Maleoption/Femaleoption]Lastname.Or,FirstnameLastname.CharacterStyle(seenextpage):Foundinupperleftcorner.Age:Foundinupperrightcorner.(Certainlarpsdontincludeages.)ApparentIdentity:Generalideaofwhattypeofpersonthecharacterappearstobe.RealIdentity:Generalideaofwhattypeofpersonthecharacterreallyis.Goals:Acharactersgoalsatthebeginningofthelarp.Notsetinstone;can

changethroughneweventsandroleplaying.Giveninroughlydecreasingpriority.Abilities/Resists:SeeRulesInventory:AlistofnonobviousitemsthePChasatthetimeQuestions:Thesequestionsrefertoaspectsofthecharacterthatwerenotprevi-

ouslyspecified,thattheplayershoulddevelopatstartofgame.Makesuretoanswerquestionsinaccordancewiththespiritofthespecifiedpartsofthecharactersheet.PotentiallycontroversialanswersshouldbecheckedwiththeDirectorfirst.


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a noteon genDer: AllPCscanbeplayedaseithermaleorfemale,thougheachlarphasonechar-acterthatispreferentiallymaleandonepreferentiallyfemale.However,forthesakeofsavingspaceandstandarization,allPCs(andsomebackgroundcharactersofunfixedgender,suchasJohn/JaneSmithsspouse)willbereferredtobydefaultashe.

priorityof CharaCters: While8charactersarealwaysprovided,eachlarpcanrunwithasfewas. IntheCharacterOverviewandintheorderingofcharactersheets,PCswillalwaysbelistedinorderofpriority.Thismeansthatthefirstshouldalwaysbein-cluded,andeachsubsequentcharactershouldbeaddedwitheachsubsequentplayer.Usingthisorderiscriticaltothebalanceofthegame--dontchangeit.

CharaCter styles: Eachcharacterhasa-lettercoderepresentingitsCharacterStyle.Thiscodeis

meanttodescribewhatitsliketoplaythecharactertohelpplayerspickcharacters.

G/E:GoalorEmotionoriented.Gsaremorerewardingtoplaywhenfocusingonpursuinggoals,andEsaremorerewardingwhenfocusingondepictingemotions.

L/D:LightorDarkpersonality.Howdepressing/disturbingthePCis.S/C:Simple/Complexpersonality.ComplexityofthePCspersonality/motivations.

Eachlarphasonecharacterofeachstyle.Alllettersaregivenrelativetotheothercharactersinthelarp(soinaDarklarp,theLswillbedarkerthaninaDark). Ingeneral,allLscanbedarkenedandallSscanbemademorecomplexiftheplayerdesires,buttheconverseisnottrue.

QuiCk-DesCription ClassifiCationfor parlor larps

(see upperrightofbaCkCover): Theclassificationsystemisdesignedtodescribetheemphasesofeachlarpinordertogiveanideaofwhatitwouldbeliketorunandplay.

priorities:Theopeninglettersoftheclassificationrepresentwhichoffivemajorelementsarepresentasprioritiesinthelarp,indecreasingorderofimportance.

A:Atmosphere.AparticularmoodorfeeltothelarpD:Discovery.TheexistenceofICunknownsandtheneedtofindoutaboutthemM:Morality.MoraldilemmasandcomplicatedmoraldecisionsR:Relationships.ComplicatedorchangingrelationshipdynamicsS:Strategy.Aneedtomakestrategicdecisionsinpursuitofgoals

sCales: Anumberfrom0-.0=barelypresent.=average.=maximal.Dark:TheprevalenceofdepressingordisturbingelementsDIR:TheamountofDirectorplotinterventionrequired,difficultyofDirectorroleNPC:TheamountoftimeandefforttheDirectormustexpendplayinganNPC(s)

Content aDvisories:NC:Normalcontent.Teenagersandoldershouldbecomfortableplaying.AC:Adultcontent.Containsthemes/elementsthatmaynotbesuitableforteens.DC:Disturbingcontent.Containsthemes/elementsthatsomeadultsmaynotbe

comfortablewith.Considercomfortlevelofeveryoneingroupbeforeplaying.


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the basiCs

What Doesthe DireCtor Do? TheDirectoristhepersonwhomanagesandsimulatestheuniverseofthestorysothattheplayerscanfocusonroleplayingtheircharacters.Heknowseverythingaboutwhatisreallygoingon,andobservesallaspectsoftheplotasitunfolds.Hemanagesthegame,givesdescriptions,answersquestionsabouttheenvironment/situ-ation,propogateseffectsofPCsactionsontheenvironmentandonNPCsactions,mediatesAbilityuse,andsometimesmediatesConflicts. TheDirectoralsofiltersinformationsothateachplayeronlyknowswhathe

needstoknowinordertosuccessfullyplayhischaracter.Mostplayersfindthathav-ingalotofsignificantknowledgeOOCbutnotICcangetdistractingorconfusing.

npCs: InsomelarpstheDirectoralsophysicallyroleplaysanNPCatthesametimeashisotherduties.Whendoingso,itsfinetomoveinandoutofcharacteraslongasitsclearwhichiswhich.However,heshouldtakebothroleplayinganddirectingresponsi-bilitiesintoconsiderationwhendeterminingtheNPCsactionsandtiming.

the DireCtors objeCtives:

TheprimaryobjectiveoftheDirectoristoproduceasatisfyingexperienceforallparticipants.Therearetwopartsofthis:makingsureeachplayerissatisfiedwithhisPCsinvolvement,andmakingsurethattheflowofthecollectivestoryissatisfactory. ThefirstinvolvesmakingsurethateachPCcaresaboutwhatsgoingon,alwayshassomethingtodoandiscapableofseriouslyaffectingeventsthatmattertohim. Thesecondinvolveskeepingtheflowofeventsroughlywithintheintendedprogress,guidingthestorytorisingaction,climax,andanendingthatfeelsconclusive,aswellastimingeventstobeasinterestinganddramaticasreasonablypossible.

step-by-step guiDeto DireCtinga parlor larp

MakesureyouarefamiliarwithalltheGeneralInformation.ReadalltheGame-SpecificInfo,ideallyatleastanhourbeforeplaying.Makesure

youknowallofit,includingcharactersheets.Importantdetailsmayonlybestatedonce.

SetuptheroomaccordingtoAdviceonSetup.Gatheryourplayersandexplainthegistofthegame.GothroughPCs.Describethembyname,style,age,andApparentIdentity.Distributecharactersheets,butdontlettheplayersreadthemindetailyet.Iftheplayersdontknowtherules,gooverthem.ReadaloudPublicBackgroundOverview.

Lettheplayersreadandanswerthequestionsontheirsheetsinprivate.Whentheyaredone,quicklygooverthecharacterwiththem--youdontneedtoknowtheanswertoeveryquestion,butgetanideaofeachcharacter.Giveoutpropsatthistime.

HaveplayersofPCswithsignificantrelationships(e.g.marriedcouples)goovertheirPCspersonalitiesandrelationshiptogetherbeforestartofgame..

GathereveryonetogetherandreadtheGame-SpecificRulesandAnnouncements.Runthegame!Afterwards,playerstendtoenjoyawrapuptodiscusswhatwasgoingon.

A Guide to Directing


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aDviCeon DireCting

physiCal behavior: Maintainingatmosphereandkeepingeveryoneincharacterasmuchaspossiblearecriticaltoasuccessfullarp.ThustheDirectorsinvolvementmustbeveryunobtrusivewhennotplayinganNPC:Stayinanunusedcorner.Dontinteractwithanyprops

(evenchairs).Askandanswerquestionsasdiscreetlyandquietlyaspossible.Avoidinterruptingimportantmoments.Dontrefereeconflictsthattheplayerscanmanagethemselves.TheDirectorisinvisibleIC,andthereforeshouldntbeasocialpresence. However,youshouldstillmovearoundandqueryplayerseveryonceinawhilesoastokeeptrackofwhatisgoingonwitheveryone.Youwillalsooccasionallyhavetogiveexpositionsofeventsorpeopletoallpartiespresent--atthesetimes,interrupt

clearlyandbriefly.Makesureeverybodyhearsyouthefirsttime.

unDerstanDing playersanD CharaCters: ThemoreyouunderstandeachPCsprioritiesandwayofthinking,themoreeas-

ilyyoucanguideeventsindirectionsthatwillseriouslymattertothecharacters.Thestoryisaboutthem--itshouldevokeideas,themes,andinteractionstheycareabout.

paCinganD aCtion: Timingmakesthedifferencebetweenastoryandathree-hoursequenceofevents.TimebackgroundeventsandNPCactionssothattheycontributetoratherthandetractfromtheflowoftheplot.Eachconflict/situationshouldbethoroughlyaddressed:Dontinterruptsituationsthathavenotbeenthoroughlyexploredwithnewproblems.DontintroduceaneventuntilafewPCsareinapositiontoproperlyaddressit.Dontaddlesserplotpointstoamajorplotpointinsuchawaythattheywilldrawattention

awayfromwhatreallymatters.Keepinmindthateventhingslikeresponsesfrombackgroundcharacters(likeservantsonerrands)willcontributenewmaterial. BeawarethatatmanytimesnothingwillappeartobehappeningfromtheDirec-torspointofview,butthesamemaynotbetrueoftheplayers.Donotbeafraidoftwentyminutelulls.Ontheotherhand,docheckwithplayersinalulltoseeiftheyfeelinvolved.Iftheyrenot,dontbeafraidtogiveadviceor,inmoreextremecases,tweakeventstomakesurethingsgetrollingagain.Ahalfhourlullisaproblem. ParlorLarpsarewrittentotakeapproximatelythreetothreeandahalfhours--thegamewillbemostrewardingifyoupaceittolastaboutthatlong.

making

up

ansWers

: Youwillfrequentlyhavetoanswerquestionsaboutagivensituation.Whendoingso,answerbasedonwhatisconsistentwithbookletinformationandpreviousanswers,generallylogical,appropriatetoatmosphereandgenre,compatiblewithpacing,inter-estingfortheplot,unlikelytoupsetorderailtheplot,feelsfairtotheplayers,andwillleaveyouampleroomlatertoguidethegameinavarietyofdirections.

exerCising initiativeanD making exCeptions: ParlorLarpsarewrittentosavetheDirectorfromhavingtospontaneouslytakemajorguessesormakeupimportantplot.However,everyDirectorwillrunintositua-tionswhereitseemsmostbeneficialtothegametodepartfromoroverrideaspects

ofthescenario.Thefollowingisadvicetokeepinmindwhendoingso: Understandthescenariosothatyouwillbeabletounderstandtheconse-quencesofyourchanges.Beselfish:alwaysleaveyourselfasmuchroomtomaneuverasyoucan,andcommittoaslittlefutureimprovisationasyoucan.Rememberthatthebiggerthechange,themorelikelyitistogetoutofhand.PaycarefulattentiontohowyourchangedrawsthePCsfocus,andwatchoutforpacing. Mostimportantly,identifyandplaytoyourownstrengths.Makeitsothatanyadditionalworkyouhavetodoisworkthatyouunderstandandcomesnaturallytoyou.


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rulesin larping: Inalarp,mostnormalactivityissimplyactedout,withroleplayingandcommonsensedeterminingtheeffectivenessofsocialinteractions.Therulesexistasameanstosimulatecharactersactionsandcapabilitiesthatcannotbesafelyoreffectivelyactedout.

funCtion levels: Eachcharacter,bydefault,startsatFunctionLevel.AcharactersFLrepresentstheconditionthecharacterisinandtheirabilitytoact,bothphysicallyandpsychologi-cally,andcanincreaseordecreaseoverthecourseofthelarpasaresultofharmor

recovery. Ingeneral,acharacteratFLisessentiallyunharmedandingoodshape,atFLisinanunpleasantbutnotparticularlydisablingstate,atFLissomewhatdisabled,atFL2cannotperformmostactivities,andatFLcandolittleotherthanspeak.IfacharacteriseverreducedtoFL0,s/heisoutofthegameandcompletelyunabletoaffecttheplotthereafter.ItisimpossibletogohigherthanFLorlowerthanFL0.

DamageanD reCovery: DecreaseofFLiscalledDamage,butrepresentsanylongtermharmtoeffective-ness,notjustphysicalinjury.IncreaseofFLiscalledRecoveryandrepresentseither

fixingormakingupforpreviousharmtothecharacter.Changeingeneralisabbrevi-atedDR. DRismostlydonetoacharacterthroughAbilities.EachAbilitycausesDRinaslightlydifferentway,soItiisimportantthateachplayerkeeptrackofwhatspecificinjuries/recoverieshischaractersDRrepresents,aswellaswhatFLthecharacterisat. Inmostcases,DRisexplicitlycalledforbytherules,butifaplayerdecidesthathischaracterwouldbeseriouslyaffectedeitherwaybywhathashappened,hecanchangehischaractersFLaccordingly,subjecttoDirectorapproval.

removalfromthe game:

AcharacterthatistakentoFL0isremovedfromthegame.Specifically,heisremovedbythetypeofdamagedealtinthatlastblow.Allpreviousdamageissimplyinterpretedasmakingiteasiertodealthelastblow.Thus,ifacharacterisremovedbybeingpunched,heisprobablyunconscious,butifheisremovedbybeingintimidated,heisprobablyhidinginacornerunabletodoanything.

abilities: Abilitiesareactionsthatacharactercantakewithsuccessdeterminedbyrulesratherthanroleplaying.AbilitiesaredividedintoConflictAbilitiesandNon-ConflictAbilities.Non-ConflictAbilitiesalwayswork;ConflictAbilitiesstartConflictsinwhich

othercharacterscanuseotherabilitiestoopposethem. Abilitiesaregiveninthefollowingformat:

Namex[#ofuses](RaNgeof fLs)[bonus]:DescRiptioNof effect(amtDR)(resisttype)

Examples:Intimidatex(-):Makesomeonebackdown(-FL)(S)Flatterx(-):Makesomeonefeelundulyproudofthemselves(+)(E)Spark(-):Brieflycreateatinyflamebymagic

Parlor Larp General Rules


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#ofuses=thenumberoftimesthatabilitymaybeusedduringtheLarp.Ifnoneislisted,theabilitymaybeusedasmanytimesastheopportunityarises.

RangeofFLs=therangeoftheusersFLsatwhichtheabilitymaybeused.IfacharactersFLisoutsidetherange,hemaynotusethatability.

Bonus=anumberfrom-tothatrepresentsthecharacterseffectivenessatusingthatabilityagainstopposition.+/-=significant,+/-2=extrordinary,+/-=world

class.(Conflictabilitiesonly.)AmtDR=DRcausedbytheability,ifapplicable.-/+FL#indicatesthatittakesthe

targetdown/uptothatFL,respectively.-/+#indicatesthatthetargetloses/gainsthatnumberofFLs.

Type=typeofResistrequiredtoblocktheability.P=Physical,S=Social,E=Emotional,NR=NotReistable,P/S=PhysicalorSocial,whicheverishigher.OtherlettersforotherResists.(Conflictabilitiesonly.)

SpecialexceptionstoabilitiesaregivenintheSpecialsectionofthecharactersheet

ConfliCts:

Aconflictoccurswhentwoormorepeopleuseopposingabilities.Conflictsneednotbephysical;twopeopleattemptingtointimidateeachotheralsocounts. WheneveranybodyusesanabilitylistedunderConflictAbilities,everybodyabletoparticipateintheconflictisinvitedtodososimultaneously.Toparticipateisnotnecessarytobedirectlyinvolvedintheactionthatstartstheconflictonesimplyhastobetakinganactioninreactiontootheractionstakingplace. Ifaplayerthinksthathis/hercharacterwouldbetoosurprisedtoimmediatelyrespond,heshouldwaituntilaftertheconflicttorespond,thoughhestillResists.

ConfliCt resolution

DeClaring aCtions: Conflictresolutionworksasfollows:First,participantsstatetheirintendedactions.Othersareinvitedtoparticipate,stopparticipating,orchangetheirownintendedactionsinlightoftheintendedactionsofothers.(Intherarecasethatthiscausesanendlesscircle,everybodyshouldchooseactionssimultaneouslyinsecret.) Aparticipantcandeclarehis/herintendedactionascontingentonthesuccessorfailureofanotheraction(e.g.onlyrunningawayifhispartnerdies.).Hecanalsodeclarethatheisnotacting,andsimplyfocusingonResistingasaprimaryaction.

resisting: EveryparticipantinaconflictisalwaysbydefaultResisting,evenifheisperform-inganotheractionatthesametime.Thismeansthatthecharacteristryingnottobeaffectedbyhostileactionsofothers.TherearethreedefaulttypesofResists:Physi-cal,Social,andEmotional.CertainlarpsmaychangetypesofResists.AcharacteralwaysusesallResistshehasatthesametime. EachtypeofResistbehaveslikeanabilitywithabonusoftheResistnumber(seebottomleftofcharactersheet)whoseeffectistopreventallundesiredactionscor-respondingtothattypeofResistfromaffectingtheuser. Notethatmostactionsdontneedtoberesisted.Bydefault,especiallyinsmall

conflicts,aplayercanchoosetojustpermitanactiontargetinghisPCforsimplicity,orbecausehewantsittosucceed.. AnabilitythattakesaResistiscalledaability.

biDDing: Afterallintendedactionsareestablished,allparticipantsthensimultaneouslyBidDamage.Biddingmeanssecretlychoosinganamountofdamage(inFLs)theplayeriswillingforhis/hercharactertoriskgettinginordertoincreasethecharactersactionschanceofsuccess.


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Thisisnottosaythatthecharacterexplicitlydecidestogetdamagedinordertosucceed--whetherandhowmuchtobidisanOOCdecisionthatisbasedontheplayersjudgmentofhowlikelythecharacteristoseriouslypushforhisintendedresultdespitechanceofphysicalorpsychologicaltrauma. Nomatterhowdedicatedthecharacteris,however,bidsizesarealsolimitedbytheamountofdamagethecharactercanplausiblygetintheconflict,andeachpartici-

pantisresponsiblefordeterminingaplausibleICreasontotaketheamountofdamagehebid..Forexample,inmostcasesitisimplausibletotakemorethandamageinapettyargument,butanyamountofdamageispossibleinagunfight.KeepinmindthatlosinganFLisimportant,andbydefaultplayersshouldnotbid. Bidsonlyapplytoacharactersprimaryaction.Thismeansthatifacharacterisdoinganormalaction,thebiddoesnotincreasehischancesofResisting.If,however,heisonlyResisting,thenthebidwillincreasethechanceofallResistssucceeding.Damagethatwasbidonlyactuallyoccursiftheactionisinanywaysuccessful. Whenallbidsaredecided,allparticipantsholdout0-fingersbehindtheirbackscorrespondingtothesizeoftheirbids,thenshowthematthesametime.

ranking: Participantsthencalculatetotalsbyaddingtheirabilitybonusandbid.(Werec-ommendthenholdingoutfingersfortotals,forefficiency.)IfacharacterisprimarilyResisting,anybidhemadeisaddedtoallhisResisttotals. Atthispoint,participantssortoutwhichattemptedactionsexecutebyrankingallparticipantsbytheirtotals,fromhighesttolowest,withtiesbrokenrandomly(suchaswithrock-paper-scissors). Actionstakeplaceinorder,startingfromthehighest.IfapreviousactioncausesacharactertohavetoolowanFLtoperformhisintendedaction,orsimplypreventsthatactionfromoccurring(e.g.aResist),thatactioniscancelled.Inessence,aResist

cancelsalllower-rankedeffectsoftherelevantResisttypeonthatcharacter. Ifanypartofanactionsucceeded,thenthebidgoesintoeffectimmediatelyaftertheactionexecutes. Itsimportanttonotethatwhenanintendedactiongetscancelledbecauseofeffectsofearlieractions,anylimited-useabilitiesspenttoattempttheactionarestillusedup,butanydamagebiddoesnotoccur.

artifaCts ArtifactsareitemsthatmakeiteasierforacharactertocauseDR,oftenasacon-flictaction.Themostcommontypeofartifactsareweapons,whichobviouslycause

damage.However,artifactslikedrugsmaycauserecovery. Certaincharactersmayhaveabilitiesthatmakethemgoodatusinganartifact,butbydefault,characterssimplyuseartifactswiththeirGeneralPhysicalability.Ifanarti-factuseactionsucceeds,thenthetargetisDRedanamountaccordingtotheDRamountoftheartifact(exactlythesameasusinganabilitythatnormallycausesDRonitsown). Incertaincases,artifactuseabilitiesoverrideDRamountsonanartifact,eitherbythedescription,orbybeingthemselvesfixedDR(i.e.-/+FL#).ArtifactuseabilitiesthatarethemselvesunfixedDR(i.e.-/+#)stackwiththeartifactsownDRamount. Bydefault,knivesare(-)andgunsare(-2).

after resolution:

Aftertheaboveprocessiscomplete,charactersmayelecttousemoreabilitiesinresponsetotheresults.Thisopensanewroundoftheconflictinwhichanybodyinvolvedcanuseabilitiesandtherulesforresolutionarethesame.Thisprocessrepeatsuntilaroundhappensinwhichnobodyusesanability.Thenroleplayingcanresume. Afterablockofconflictisresolved,werecommendplayingoutasmuchofthedeterminedactionsaspossible(withoutreallyhurtinganybody,ofcourse).ThisisespeciallyhelpfulwhenaconflictabilityusedcorrespondedtoICdialogitisusefulforfuturedialogtoknowexactlywhatthecharacterssaid.


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BobtheSurgeonisstrollingthroughapark,enjoyingtheflowers.Hiswife,MegtheEngineerusesherGetBobtoComeHomeability.(Shechoosestodothisbe-causeshehastheabilityifshedidnt,shecouldstillsimplytrytotalkhimintogoinghomethroughroleplaying.) Bobdoesnotwanttogohome,andchoosestoResist(inthiscase,onlyhisSo-cialResistmatters,sincetheonlypowerbeingusedagainsthimissocial).BobsplayerthinksthatBobfindsthisisimportantenoughthatheshouldbidtoResist,whichhedefinestorepresentdamagefromthefrustration.MegsplayerdecidesMegdoesntconsiderthematterimportantenoughtobid.Bobhasabonusof0toSocialResistandMeghasabonusoftoGetBobtoComeHome.Consequently,bothofthem

havetotalsof. Thetieisresolvedbyrock-paper-scissors.BobwinshisSocialResistisrankedhigher,andthereforeexecutesfirst,blockinganySocialpowersusedagainsthimfortherestoftheround.Sincehehasbidtouseit,heisreducedtoFLassoonasheresists.Whentheyplayitout,Megstillactsouttryingtotalkhimintogoinghome,butheispreparedtosayno,althoughhegetsfrustratedather.Megsabilityisusedup,soshecannottryagain.

Bobhasanon-conflictabilitycalledIndependencewhichallowshimtorecoverFLofdamagewheneverhesuccessfullyresistshiswife.SincehesjustresistedMeg,

hecanuseit,andheisrestoredtoFL.Sinceitsanon-conflictability,itdoesntcre-ateaconflictandMegcantpreventit.

Afterthishasoccurred,Megdoesnotdroptheconflict,butstartsanewonebyimmediatelytryingamoredesperatetactic.SheusesherGuiltTripability,anemotionalattackwhichdoesactualdamage.Bobdecidestofleethepark;sincehedoesnthaveaspecificabilitythatletshimdothis,itcountsasaGeneralPhysical.ZagrabastheRestauranteur,whoisalsowalkingby,useshissocialabilityTeaseonBobtoembarrasshimintostayingandstandinguptohiswife. BobhasaGeneralPhysicalof0,andagainbids.MeghasaGuiltTripof,and

doesntbid.ZagrabashasaTeaseof0,butaspecialabilitythatgiveshimabonusoftosocialabilitiesimmediatelyaftertakingarefreshingwalk.Inaddition,ZagrabascaressomuchaboutencouragingBobtostandupforhimselfthathisplayerdecidesthathebidsFLofdamage,representingthesocialawkwardnessofforcefullyintrudingonaprivateargument.ThisgivesZagrabasatotalof2,whileBobandMegbothhavetotalsof. Zagrabasgoesfirst,beatingBobssocialresistof-,andforcesBobtostay;rightafterhisactionexecutes,hisbidexecutes,reducinghimtoFL.Bobsactioncontra-dictsthisandwouldhaveexecutedafter,soitgetscancelled.Sincehisactiondidnthappen,hisbidgetscancelledaswell.Megcanstilldoheraction,andshebeatsBobsemotiionalresistof0.HerpowerimmediatelytakesthetargettoFL,andsinceBobs

currentFLisgreaterthanthat,heisreducedtoFL. Theypausetoactouttheactionsoftheround.Bobturnstoleave,butZa-grabasstartsmockingBobforcavingintohiswife,whomhedescribesinunflatteringterms.Bobturnsbacktoconfrontherasshestartsmakinghimfeelguilty.

BecauseZagrabassucceededduringthepreviousround,Bobstandsupforhim-self,usinghisComplainabilitytododamagetoMeg.Meg,meanwhile,triestogetrevengeatZagrabasforwhathesaidabouther,usingherGeneralPhysicalabilityand

The Tale of Bob the Surgeon:A Few Examples of Conflict Resolution


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herunusual,extra-heavypurse(whichdoesthesamedamageasaknife).ZagrabasgetsangryatMeg,andusesEmbarrass(anemotionalattack)tohumiliateherforFLofdamage,hopingshewillthenleave.ApasserbyusesInstantlySummonPolice.WhenMeglearnsthis,shedecidesthatsheonlywantstoattackZagrabasifthepolicehaventarrivedyet.Atthesametime,anunnamedshadycharacterwishestoslipoutbeforethepolicearrive,usingaGeneralPhysical.UnktheLawyer,inthe

escalatingargument,triestousehisThreatentoSueabilityonZagrabasbecausehehatesrestaurateurs. Meanwhile,UnkspetplatypusEggyandZagrabaspetechidnaEtcheachfighttohelptheirmasters.EggydeclaresthathewantstousehisSpeedyAttackabilitytodophysicalinjurytoZagrabas.Hearingthis,EtchdecidestoattackEggyinhismastersdefense.Eggydeclaresthatifheisbeingattacked,hewouldratherfighthisattackerinsteadofZagrabas,andEtchdecidesthathestillwantstoattackEggyanywaytodemonstratehisloyalty.SoEggyinsteaduseshisabilitytoattackEtch,whileEtchuseshisGeneralPhysicaltopokeEggywithhisspines,eventhoughhecantactuallycausedamageusinggeneralphysicalwithoutanartifact.Thusthefightbetweenthetwo

petsbecomesacompletelyseparateconflicthappeningatthesametime. Bobsbonusis-2,andheissodrainedbyMegsguilttripthathehasnothingex-tratothrowintoit,sohedoesntbid.Meghasabonusof0,andbidsbecauseshesgottenangryandreckless.Zagrabashasabonusof2,butallofhisResistsare.HewouldliketobidtoincreasehisResists,butbecauseheisperforminganactionbesidesResisting,hisbidcouldonlyapplytotheaction,sohedoesntbid.Thepasserbyhasabonusof,theshadycharacterhasabonusof,andUnkhasabonusof2.Finally,thepetsbothhaveattacksof-2andallResistsat-(beingonlypets).Noneofthesepeopleareinvestedenoughtobid. Theshadycharactergoesfirstat,andleaves.Sincenobodysactioniscontra-dictedbythis,everyoneelsesactionsstillhavethepossibilityofhappeningnormally. UnkandZagrabasaretiedat2.UnkbeatsZagrabasResist,buttheordermatterssinceZagrabascanonlyuseEmbarrassatFLorhigher,iscurrentlyatFL,andUnkslawsuitalwaysdoes2damage.Zagrabashasasingleusenon-conflictabilitythatletshimwinatieduetobeingextremelylucky.Heusesit,andhumiliatesMegbeforeUnkthreatenshim.ThenheisreducedtoFL2. NowMegandthepasserbybothhavetotalsof,andZagrabashasaphysicalre-sistof.MegwontattackZagrabasifthepolicearethere,andhastobeatZagrabasResist,soallthreethrowrock-paper-scissorstogether(eventhoughitdoesntmatterwhetherZagrabasorthepasserbygoesfirst,aslongasoneofthembeatsMeg).Megwins,andhitsZagrabaswithherpurse,sinceshewontreacttosomethingthathasnt

happenedyet.HerpursealwaysdoesFLofdamage,soZagrabasisreducedtoFL.Thenthepasserbysummonsthepolice,whoseeeverythingthathappens,butaretoosurprisedtoreactuntilthissetofactionshaveresolved. Now,at-2,BobcomplainstoMegandbothanimalsattackeachother.Noneoftheseactivitiescontradicteachother,sotheorderdoesntmatter,butalltheactionslosetothecorrespondingResist. Nowthatthepolicearehere,MegsplayergetsDirectorapprovaltotakeFLofvoluntarydamagetorepresentherfearofgettingintroubleforcaughtdisturbingthepeacebyhittingpeopleinapublicpark,bringingherdowntoFL.

Sincethepolicearepresent,peoplehavetobecarefulaboutwhattheydo.Unkusesasocialability,Slander,tomakeZagrabasouttobeaviolentcriminal.Bobde-cidestotrytomakeMegfeelbetterusinghisShelterability,whichrecoverssomeoneFLbyofferingtoprotectthemfromdanger.Megissosurprisedatthisthatshefailstotakeanyaction,butshedecidesthatthewayBobishelpingheristoodemeaning,andResistsit.Sincethepolicedontcareaboutthepets,EggyandEtchattackeachotheragain,andthistimeeachbid2because,withZagrabassoinjured,theyrebothwillingtoriskseriousphysicalinjurytotrytohurttheother.Nooneelsebids. Unkhasabonusof2,whichovercomesZagrabasResistof.ItdoesFLof


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damage,reducingZagrabastoFL0.Zagrabasissoreviledasacriminalthathecannolongeraffectthegame,andisremovedfromplay.Hispreviousdamagecontributestothisforinstancethebruisefromthepursemakeshimlooklessrespectablebutitisthefinalabilitywhichdetermineswhyheisremoved.Bobhasabonusof0,whileMegsResistis,soBobisunabletohealher.Finally,EggyandEtchhavetotalsof0,soEggydoesFLofdamagetoEtchwhileEtch(whousedaGeneralPhysical)suc-

ceedsinpokingEggywithhisspines,butdoesnodamagetohim. Finally,theyactouttheresults,withUnkopenlyaccusingZagrabasofbeingacriminalandBobtryingtocomfortMegandsherebuffshim,whilethepetsfightdedicatedlyinthebackground.


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Game-SpecificInformation for Director


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8


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BrookviewisaNewEnglandtownofabout200,000people.ItwasbuiltuparoundtwofocitheKingstonfamilyinvestmentsandRidleyCollege.Mostofthetownspopulationconsistsofarelaxedbutenthusiasticmiddleclass,althoughpoli-tics,business,andculturearedrivenbyasmall,old,andsnobbyelite. TheKingstonfamilyisatthetopofthiselite.TheirvariedbusinessesdominatetheBrookvieweconomy,andlittleofnoteisdonetothetownwithouttheirap-proval.Rumorsaboundoftheirmafiaconnections.However,theirindifferencetoanduninvolvementwithactualBrookviewlifemakesthemfeeltomostpeoplemorelikeatownfixturethananysortofpresentorloomingpower. RidleyCollegeisasmallliberalartscollegeabouttwohundredyearsoldatthe

edgeoftown.Itsfriendlyprofessors,energeticstudents,andstronginvolvementinthecommunitymakeitquitepopular.

ThegameissetonaneveninginlateNovember,ataninformalgatheringatM.Shelleyshouse.M.Shelleyisastudentwholivesathome.AllcharactersarestudentsatRidleyexceptforJ.Kingston,theonlychildoftheKingstonfamily. Outside,thenightiscoolandclear,withalovelyfullmooninthesky.

thefolloWinginformationisknoWntoeveryoneexCept j. kingston:

(j. kingstonshoulDleavetheroomorjustignorethisinfo) ProfessorP.Baxley(nobodyknowswhatthePstandsforrumorsayshisfirstnameisreallyjustProfessor) isthemostnotoriousandwell-lovedprofessoratRid-ley.Hesportly,jovial,andeccentric.HehasbeenteachingatRidleyforfortyyears,andiswidelyspeculatedtobeimmortalhelooksinhisearlyfifties,andconstantlytellsstoriesofhiswildandrambunctiousyouth. HeteachesNaturalHistory0infallsemester,awidelypopularclass,especiallyforfreshman,andadvisestheNaturalHistorymajor.Heislikethesortofprofessorinarchaeologymovieshegoesaroundinanexplorerhat,andhasahugeofficefilledwithoddfossils,driedplants,bizarrethingsinjars,andotherartifacts,includingwhat

heclaimstobeanextremelyrareiguanaskeleton. Baxleyisalsoslightlynotoriousforbreakingrules,makingbargainswithstudents,involvinghimselfinstudentsnon-academiclives,etc,butisbenignandpopularenoughthatthecollegedoesntbotherhimverymuch.CurrentandformerNaturalHistorystudentstendtoformalooseacliquecenteredaroundhisofficehours.OfthePCs,M.ShelleyandR.vanFleckbelongtothisclique.E.Richmondusedto,butstoppedtwoyearsago.

Public Background Overview


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Themagicinthisstoryisoftheurbanfairytalevariety.Friendlyoldwitchesdominorspellsandjinxesusingobscureherbsintheirkitchen,havelotsofcats,anddrinkmintteaeveryday.Anoccasionalimporspritelurksonaparkbench,tradingandcollectingantiquesandtrinketsfortheirownincomprehensiblepurposes.Minorcursesorcharmsworkandmakelifealittleeasierandalittlemoreenchantingandquaint.Majorspellsareverydifficulttoachieve,andtendtobackfireorhaveunintendedconsequences.Magicistheprimaryelementofnooneslife. Bluemoonsarethesecondmooninamonththeyhappenaboutonceeveryfouryears.Bythelightofabluemoon,newlycastmagicisstronger,andoldmagicisweaker.

PolyphemiusBaxleyisaprofessoratRidleyCollege./sprite,heisquiteinvolvedwithmagic,oftenwithobscurespellsandresearches.Heallowsthishobbytomanifestinthenormalworldasadetailedandeccelecticknowledgeofnaturalhistory,whichheteachesatRidley. Baxleyisalmostahundredyearsoldbecauseofhisnature,hecanbeimmortalifhelikes,andhasbeenacomfortablelate-fiftiesinappearanceforthepastfortyyearsorso. Morethanfiftyyearsago,inhiswildandrambunctiousyouth,Baxleywasinlovewithtwodifferentwomen.Wantingbothofthem,hesimplycouldntdecidewhichto

marry.Thedecisionwastakenoutofhishandswhentheylearnedabouteachother,fellinlove,andbothdecidedtodumphimtostartafamilywitheachotherinstead. Baxleywasfurious,triedtotalkthemoutofit,andwhenthatfailed,threwtogetheradirecurseunderabluemoon.Hecursedthemsothat,astheyabandonedhim,sowouldtheyandtheirchildrenincreasinglyneverfindtruecompanionship. Thecurseworked,andthewomeneventuallybrokeup.Lateron,bothofthemmarrieddifferentmen,wereneverquitehappywiththeirrelationships,andhadchildrenwhohadevenmoreofthesamedifficulty. Baxleyeventuallygotoverthem,matured,startedteachingatRidley,andgradu-allybeganoncemorewantingachildofhisown.Twenty-twoyearsago,hehada

briefliaisonthatproducedhischild,Devon/Deva(themotherwasuninterested,andleftshortlyafterthechildwasborn).However,asD.grewup,Baxleyrealizedhehadaproblemthepowerofdirecursescamefrombalance.Becausehehadcursedthetwowomenandtheirlinestoloneliness,hisownsonwastwiceasincapableoffriend-shipandcompanionship. AsD.gotolder,moreobnoxious,andmorefriendless,Baxleybegansearchingforwaystobreakthecurse.Hefinallyrealizedthattheonlywaytobreakitwaspara-doxicalhehadtocauseittofailonce:thatistosay,makeboththeirdescendantsfindlove.Butbecauseofthepowerofthecurse,theonlytimethiswaspossiblewasbythelightofabluemoon. C.FisherandJ.KingstonarethegrandchildrenofBaxleystwolovers,bothunat-

tached,andofanappropriateage.Baxleyhasdecidedthatthemostefficientwaytogoaboutthisistowaituntilthenextbluemoon,thensaveeffortbymakingthemfallinlovewitheachother.

Tothisend,hehasgatheredagroupofstudents,someofwhomowehimfavors,someofwhomheconvincedbymiscellaneousothermeans,tosetupC.andJ.(Hehasnttoldanyofthemwhy.)Thus,theeveningsgathering,underabluemoon,isBaxleysplottobreaktheeffectsofthebacklashofthecurseonhisownchild.

Secret Background Overview


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j. kingston (preferreDmale): eDC. KingstonistheonlychildandheiroftheKingstonfamily.Hisfatherisextremelystrictaboutpropriety,andcontrolshislife.HeistheonlypersonwhodoesnotgotoRidleyheispresentvisitingM.Shelley,hisonlyfriend.Hisgrandmother,whomarriedintotheKingstonfamily,wasoneofBaxleyslovers.Forconvenienceofcasting,heisbisexual.

C. fisher (preferreDfemale): elC.Fisherisalsoanonlychild,bornandraisedinBrookview.Heisahappyandstraightforwardbutsomewhateccentricperson.HeisalsobisexualHebelievesinmagicbecausehehadateacheroncewhoknewsome.HismaternalgrandmotherwastheotherofBaxleyslovers.Sheisgenerallylucky.

D. baxley: gDC.D.BaxleyistheonlychildofProfessorBaxley.Becauseofthecurse,heismediocreateverything,resentfulofeveryone,andconsequentlyextremelyobnoxiousandincapableofmakingfriends.HeespeciallyresentsM.Shelleyforbeingsopopular.Heknowswhoisfatherisandknowsaboutmagic,butnotaboutthecurse.

m. shelley: gls.Shelleyisanextremelysweetandnicepersonwhotakescareofeverybodyandiseverybodysbestfriend,butiseasytopickon.HeisthehostofthegatheringbecausehefriendswithJ.Kingston,andKingstonenjoysgoingto

Shelleyshousetogetawayfromhisfather.HeowesBaxleyafavorforpassinghiminNaturalHistorytwoyearsagowhenhewastooupsettotakethefinal.

r. van fleCk: glC.VanFleckisoneofthepeoplewhoconsidersShelleyhisbestfriend.HeispassionatelydefensiveofShelley,thoughShelleydoesnotknowthis.HealsohatesD.Baxley.HealsoowedProf.Baxleyafavor.

a. grouse: els.GrouseisFishersbestfriend.Heisfromoutoftown,andcametoRidleytostudycreativewriting.Heiscreativeandromantic,veryattachedtotheideaoflove,andwantstofindlovehimself.Hewastaughtaboutmagicbyhis

greataunt,andcandoalittlehimself.

jean frommer: eDs.FrommerisafriendofShelleyandVanFleckwhoiscur-rentlytakingNaturalHistorywithFisher.HeisdeeplyinlovewithFisherheaskedhimoutlastmonth,butwasrefused.HealsoowesBaxleyfornotturninghiminwhenhetriedtostealfromhimearlierintheyear,buthasunderstandablymixedfeelingsaboutsettingFisherupwithsomeoneelse.Heisgenerallyunlucky.

e. riChmonD: gDs.RichmondwasBaxleysstudentthreeyearsago.HeisresentfulofBaxleysblatantlyunethicalfavor-collectingandtheNaturalHistory

studentssocialgroup.HeowesBaxleyagreatdealandisdelightedatthechancetofinallyreturntoacleanslate,butpreferstobreakupandcausetensionamongtheothersifhecan.

Character Overview(Listed in order of decreasing necessity for smaller-group games.)


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the situation: BaxleyhastoldShelleytoinviteallthecharactersexceptKingstontoacasualeveninggatheringathishouse.HehasalsousedalittleluckspelltomakesureKings-tonwoulddropbyShelleyshousethatnight.

the storm: Abouthalfanhourintothegame,Baxleywillcall.Hewillexpressanxietyandmentionthatamajorunpredictedstormisheadingin,willarriveintwoorthreehours,andthathoweverlongtheteamwasplanningtotake,theyonlyhavethatamountoftime.Hewillcomplainabouttheunreliabilityofweatherpeople,butneverexplain

whatthestormhastodowithanything.Itsthejobofthepersonwhoanswersthephone(probablyM.Shelley)todiscreetlytelleveryoneelseofthisdevelopment. Inactuality,thestormisrelevantbecausethecloudcoverwillcompletelyblockthemoonfortherestofthenight,abruptlyshorteningthetimeframeinwhichthecursecanbesuccessfullybroken.

falling in love: KingstonandFisherdonotactuallyneedtofallinlovewitheachothertheyjustneedtobothbeinrequitedlovewithsomebody.Atthefirstconvenientmomentafterthishappens(dontinterruptanimportantscene),gotoendgamenarration.

Loveisdefinedasthesortofromanticcrushinwhichthepersoninquestionwantstospendtimewithandshareliveswiththetarget.Itdoesnothavetobedeeporprofound.Theydonthavetofeellikesoulmates,orwantmarriage.

professor baxley: Afterthefirsttimewhenhewarnstheteamofthetimelimit,Baxleywillcallintermittently(everyhourorso)tocheckuponprogressandgiveencouragementandadvice.Ifthingsaregoingbadlyoruncertainly,hewillbepalpablyanxious,repeatedlyaskforreassurance,insistthatheknowstheycandoit,andmuttertohimselfalot.Ifthingsaregoingwell,hewillbeexcited,complimenttheirwork,andcalllessoften.

Hecanbeeasilyliedto. Hewantsverymuchforthemtosucceed,andconsequentlywantstomakethemunderstandhowimportantthisis,butisnotwillingtoletthemknowmuchaboutwhatsreallygoingon.Hemay,ifpressed,admitthatmagicisinvolved. Heisnotpresenthimselfbecausehesafraidthathispresencemightsomehowinterferewiththebalanceofthecurse,andalsobecausehefeelslesscertainofhim-selfonthesubjectofthecurseandwouldratherotherpeopledealwiththeproblem. IfBaxleygetsincreasinglydesperateinthelasthalfhour,hemayresorttopressinghardenoughtomakehimselflookbadofferingbribestotheteamiftheysucceed,tellingthemtojustsetbothpartiesupwithanybody,etc.

KeepinmindthatBaxleyonthephoneisthebestwayfortheDirectortofeedinformationand/orprioritiesintothegame.Feelfreetoasktospeaktodifferentpeopletogetdifferentreportsorgivedifferentadvice.

luCk: Luckisathemeinthisstorybecauseitistheprimarywaymagicworks.Variouscharacterstendtohavegoodorbadluck,andvariousabilitiesaffectluck,eitheringeneralorinspecificareas.Keepthisinmind,andoccasionallymakeminoreventshap-

penreflectingthewayluckgoes.

Game Overview


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the mysteryanD baxleys Culpability: ItsfineifKingstonand/orFisherstartsuspectingthatsomethingstrangeisgoingonBaxleyisnotaverygoodconspirator.Itisalsofineiftheteamstartsfeelingsuspiciousabouttheassignmentasthenightgoeson,aslongastheyhavespentalongperiodoftime(abouttwohours)pursuingit. ItremainstruethatBaxleysmotivesinthisarenotpristine:Hewantstoset

uptwonotnecessarilycompatiblepeopleforthebenefitofhisownson,regardlessaboutwhetheritwouldmakethemhappy.Heliedabouttheircompatibilitytogettheirfriendstocooperate.IfitlookslikethecharactersaregoingdowntheroadofuncoveringBaxleysmotivesandbehavior,havehimsaymoreandmoresuspectthingstohelpthemalong.

enDgame: Thegameendsinthreepossibleways: Inthefirstcase,everyonedecidesprematurelytorejectBaxleysmission,discussitwithKingstonandFisher,andeverythingsociallyresolvesbeforetimerunsout.

Inthesecondcase,thestormcomesinandthemooniscoveredbeforeKingstonandFisherbothfindlove.Atthispoint,D.Baxleyexperiencesavaguesenseofhope-lessness.Atthesametime,thecursegoesbackintoeffect,functioningtobreakupanycompellingrelationshipseitherofthemmayhavefoundorbeenontheirwaytofindingoverthecourseofthegame.Kingstonsfathercallsandordershimhome,pos-siblyevenangrilyforbiddinghimtogotoShelleyshouseinthefutureifappropriate.InventexcusesforFisherasnecessary.ProfessorBaxleywillalsocallagain,knowingthatthecursedidnotbreak.Roleplayhisreactionsasappropriatetoeverythingthathadbeengoingonwithhimthroughoutthenight. Inthelastcase,thegameendsatanappropriatemomentafterbothKingstonandFisherhavefoundlove.Atthatpoint,moonlightspillsinthroughthewindow.Bothofthem(andthepeopletheyarenowattachedto,ifsaidpeoplearenoteachother)suddenlystarttwinklingwithapalegoldenlight.Thelightreachesoutfromthetwoofthem(andonlythetwoofthem)toD.Baxley,untilhebeginstwinklingtwiceasbrightly.Thentheconnectionthinsandsnapsandthelightgraduallyfades,withasenseofconclusiveness,positiveness,andtriumph. KingstonandFisherwillfeelastrongsenseofconnectionandpossibility.D.Baxleywillfeelasthoughagreatweightthatneverknewwastherewassuddenlyliftedfromhim,andthateverythingisnowpossible.Inthelongrunthereafter,D.Baxleywillbecomegraduallymorepersonable,andProf.Baxleywillbeextremelyhappy,gratefultotheteam,andwillingtousealittlemagictomakeKingstonsfather

moreinclinedtopermithisromance.


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2

Ifyouhavealargerspaceormultipleroomsavailable,usethem.Themoreprivacypeoplecanget,thebetter.Sidebedroomswouldbeespeciallygood.

Setupfurnitureintheroomtomakesmalltwo-orthree-personconversationsratherthanentire-groupconversationsmostconvenient.

Haveasmanyobjectsconducivetoaromanticatmosphereavailableasyoucangetdrinksandwineglasses,flowers,candles,etc.KeepthemsomewhereunobtrusiveuntiltheyareusedIC,butitsniceforthecharacterstobeableto

getthemiftheywanttousethem.

Haveaselectionofromanticmusicavailable.AfterFishersandKingstonsplayershavefinisheddevelopingthecharacters,discreetlytrimtheselectiondowntoincludeprimarilymusicthattheywillfindmusicallyandthematicallymoving.Addmusicsuitedtootherromance-pronecharactersifconvenient.

HaveaphoneorphonepropintheroomsothatProf.Baxleycancallonceinawhile.Thebestthingtodoisbrieflyleaveandactuallycallinwithacellphone.

MakesureShelleysplayerisfamiliarwiththedrink/snackareasohecanhost

Haveshortpartygamesavailable.

Designateawindowthroughwhichthemooncanbeseen.Anoutdoorpatioareawouldbeidealifpossible,butifnot,useawindow.Iftherearenowindows,putupapieceofpapertorepresentone.

Advice on Setup


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aDviCeon Casting:

Formostgroups,itisstronglyrecommendthatKingstonandFisherbeplayedbypeopleofoppositegender.Theyarethepreferredmaleandfemale,respectively,butitismostimportantforthemtobeopposite.

Similarly,KingstonandFishershouldnotbegiventoplayerswhoareforotherOOCreasonsaredisinclinedtointeractwitheachother,ifsuchexist.

Lastly,itisveryimportantthatbothKingstonandFisherbeplayedbypeoplewhocanroleplaythenaturalprocessoffallinginlove.

ItisimportantthatD.Baxleybeplayedbysomebodywhoiswillingandcapableofbeingextremelyobnoxious.

aDviCeon running:

IfD.Baxleyisbeinginsufficientlyobnoxious,prompthim.Thepremiseofthe

gamewillfailifpeoplecanlookathimandsay,hedoesntseemthatbad...Makesurehestaysrealistic,though.

TakespecialcaretogooverFishersandKingstonscharactersatstartofgametomakesuretheyareatleastmildlycompatible.Iftheyrenot,discreetlysuggestchangeswithoutgivingawaytoomuch.

Arrangeforpeopletodiscreetlysignalyouinsomewaywhentheyhavefallenin/outoflove,andwhotheyhavefallenin/outoflovewith.

Remembertooccasionallymakethingsgofor/againstthefavoroflucky/unluckypeoplefornoreason.(Fisherislucky,Grouseisalittlelucky,Frommerisunlucky.)

Advice on Casting & Running


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larp-speCifiC rules:

Thisgameimplementsamajorrulechange:TherearenoConflicts.AllabilitiesareNon-Conflictandalwayssucceed.Actionssimplyexecuteintheordertheyaredeclared.

BecausetherearenoConflicts,therearealsonoFunctionLevelsorResists.

TheResistareaofthecharactersheetinsteadgivesageneralideaofhowgoodthecharacterisatdealingwithPhysical/Social/Emotionalthreats,simplyforroleplayingpurposes.AbilitieswillalsoincludeacorrespondingtypeofResistifrelevant,againonlyasahelpfulreference.

Abilitiesthatchangepeoplesmindsorattitudesarenotsetinstonetheycanwearoffnaturallyinresponsetofurtherevents.

beginning announCements:

Thisgameissetinaworldthatdoeshavealittlemagicinit,thoughmostnormalpeopledontbelieveinit.Thestyleofmagicfollowstheurbanfairytalegenre:relativelybenign,quaint,basedoffofherbsandcharms,anelementofdreamsandromanceineverydaylife.Everyoneshouldusethisgeneralintuitionofthenatureofmagic.Forthosewhowantmoredetail,asktheDirectortoreadyoutherelevantsectionofSecretBackgroundInformation.

Keepinmindthat,althoughthelarpisonlythreehourslong,itisaromancestory.Loveisintheair,andcharactersareexpectedtofallinandoutoflove

overthecourseofthegame.Playyourcharacterswiththisinmind,andupdatetheDirectorregularlyonyourfeelings.

Youwillfindoverthecourseofthegamethatyouwillhavetomakeupalotofsmalldetailsaboutyourdailylife,RidleyCollege,andBrookviewingeneraldontbeshy,feelfreetoimprovise!

Larp-Specific Rules andBeginning Announcements

(Read this to your players at start of game)


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CharaCter style age year

yr took

nh101

[Julian/Juliet]Kingston

EDC 20 Pre-College Never

[Cole/Connie]Fisher

ELC Freshman Freshman(Now)

[Devon/Deva]Baxley

GDC 20 Junior Freshman(yrsago)

[Mike/Mina]Shelley

GLS 2 Junior Freshman(yrsago)

[Ren/Renee]

vanFleck

GLC 2 Junior Freshman

(yrsago)

[Andy/Amy]Grouse

ELS Freshman Freshman(Now)

JeanFrommer

EDS 20 Sophomore Sophomore(Now)

[Eli/Eliza]Richmond

GDS 2 Senior Freshman(yrsago)

Character


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Why they are here

knoWleDge

magiC other goals frienDs

JusthangingoutTimeawayfromfather

No Havefun M.Shelley

InvitedOtherwisenoidea

Yesformerteacher

LearnaboutpeopleSetupA.Grouse

A.Grouse

InstructedbyBaxley YestaughtbyBaxley

BetheonetosucceedUpstageM.Shelley

None,ofcourse!

OwesBaxleyforpassingNH0,ownshouse

No Benice/hostJ.KingstonR.vanFleckJeanFrommer

OwesBaxleyforwriting

arecommendation

No ProtectM.Shelley M.Shelley

BaxleysaidKingstonandFisheraresoulmates

Yesgreataunt

Findlove C.Fisher

OwesBaxleyfornotreportingtheftattempt

No InlovewithC.Fisher

M.Shelley

PaybackhugedebtstoBaxley

No Makepeoplemadateachother

None

Summary Chart


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0


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A Little Magic

ED

C

[ Julian / Juliet ] Kingston

Age20

apparentiDentity:OnlychildandscionoftheKingstonfamily

real iDentity:Suppressedyoungpersonconstantlyforcedtomeettheexpectationsofhisfather

baCkgrounD:YouaretheoneexpectedtocontinueontheillustriousKings-tonfamilyname.Yourmotherdiedwhenyouwereveryyoung.Yourfatherhasalwaysruledhisfamily,histown,hisbusiness,andyouwithanironfist.Hehasverystrictrequirementsofyou,andinsistentonkeepingappearances.Becauseofthis,youhaveneverreallyhadanyclosefriends.

Youwere,ofcourse,privatelyschooled.YourfatherhasarrangedforyoutogotoOxford,startingthecomingJanuary.HehasalsoarrangedforyoutobecomeengagedtoanequallyrespectableFrenchheirwhomyouwillmeetthere.Youknowvirtuallynothingaboutthisperson,butyouhaveheardru-morsthathisfamilyisinvolvedinillicitdealings,andthatyourfatherislookingtogetbackintothebusinessnowthatyourgrandparentsaredead.

Youhavealwayssecretlywantedlove,andarefrustratedthatyouarenotallowedtohaveit.Youveneverhadarelationshipbefore.Youarealso

bisexual,thoughyourfatherwouldnevertolerateitifhefoundout. YoufrequentlycometoM.Shelleyshousetogetawayfromyourfather

andservants.Youarealwayswelcomethere.M.isprobablyyourbestfriend,butyoufeellikeevenhedoesntreallyunderstandyou.

goals: Relaxandenjoyyourtimeawayfromyourfather.

non-ConfliCt abilitiesEtiquette:Failtomakeasocialmistake.(Ifyoudosomethingwrong,usethis

abilitytotakeitbacksothatitneverhappenedIC)PowerfulStarex:Makesomeonefeelchastisedbylookingatthem(S)PublicSpeaking:Holdanaudiencesattentionwhenyoutellastoryormake

aspeech.AirofMysteryx:Addanairofmysterytoagestureoraction.Intimidate:Makesomeonefeelintimidatedbyyou.(S)

resists

Physical DecentSocial GoodEmotionalAverage

speCials

None

inventory

$200


36/74

2

other knoWleDge:TheKingstonsarenot,infact,criminals.Theywereoverfiftyyearsago,but

whenyourpaternalgrandmothermarriedyourgrandfather,shediditontheconditionthathecleanuphisactsincethen,yourfamilyhasbeentheperfectlylegalsortofextremelyelitistandaloof.

Bluemoonshappenaboutonceeveryfouryears.

relationships :YouarefriendswithM.Shelley.YouknowhisfriendR.White,butnooneelse.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whataresomereasonsyouhaventbeenabletobeabletogetreallyclosetoanybodyinthepast?

Whatwasyourmotherlike?Howwelldoyourememberher?

Doyouspendalotoftimewithyourfather?Whatdoyoutalkabout?

Howdoyoufeelaboutbeingbisexual?Howdidyoufindout?

Whatistheonethingyouliketodomost?Howoftendoyoudoit?

Whatdoeslovemeantoyou?Whydoyouwantitsomuch?

Whatdoeshomemeantoyou?

Whattypeofmusicdoyoulistento?Whatbooksdoyouread?

Haveyoutraveledalot?Wherehaveyoubeen?

Whataresomeofyourfavoriteitemsthatyouhave?

What,inlife,doyouconsidertobetrulyimportant?

Howdoyoufeelabouttheideaofyourfamilybecomingacriminalagain?

WhatdoyoupicturetheFrenchfiancebeinglike?

Whatwasthebestthingthateverhappenedtoyou?


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A Little Magic

EL

C

[ Cole / Connie ] Fisher

Age19

apparentiDentity:EccentricfreshmanatRidleyCollege

real iDentity:Youareprettystraightforwardlywhatyouappeartobe.

baCkgrounD:Youareanonlychild.YouvelivedinBrookviewallyourlife.Youarebrightandcleveryourparentswantedyoutogotoawell-knowncollegeoutofstate,butyouinsistedongoingtoRidleybecauseyouloveithere.

Youvealwaysbeenalittlebiteccentric,tendingtodoyourownthingdespiteinconvenienceordisapprovalfromothers.Youarefundamentallyahappyperson,engagedbylifeandcomfortablewithyourself.However,becauseofyoureccentricities,yourfriendshipstendtoberocky,inconsistent,andultimatelykindofunsatisfying.

Youarebisexual.Youveneverhadarelationshipbefore.JeanFrommeraskedyououtlastmonth,butyouturnedhimdown.

Youbelieveinmagic,insecretwonderfulthingsthatlurkineverydaylife.Youhadateacheralongtimeagowhoknewalittlemagic.Youareentrancedbymysteryandnewexperiences.

knoWleDge:YouareinNaturalHistoryrightnowwithA.GrouseandJeanFrommer.A.GrousewantstofindloveItsabluemoontonight,atimewheremagiciseasierandanythingispossible.

resists

Physical PoorSocial SuperbEmotionalDecent

speCials

None

inventory

Luckyworrystone

non-ConfliCt abilitiesWishx:Wishuponastar,andtelltheDirector.TheDirectorwillchange

circumstancessothatitismorelikelyforyourwishtocometrue.Soliloquizex2:Forcepeopletolistentoyougoonaboutanesoterictopic

thatyouandfewotherpeoplecareabout.Nothingmeaningfulcanbesaidorachievedaslongasyoukeeptalking(nomorethanmins).

Understandx:Intuitivelyknowtheanswertoanyyes/noquestionaboutapersonspersonality,motivations,issues,ordesires.(E)

Luckx:Causeanyeventthatcouldhappenbychancetogoinyourfavor.


38/74

goals:Gettoknowpeopleandhaveagoodtime.SetA.Grouseupwithsomebody.

relationships :

YouareclosefriendswithA.Grouse. YouarecasualfriendswithM.ShelleyandJeanFrommer. YoudontknowJ.Kingston,R.vanFleck,orE.Richmond

Questionsto ansWer:

Inwhatwaysareyoueccentric?

Whatfascinatesyou?

Whataresomeofyourfavoriteactivities?

Whatdoesmagicmeantoyou?

Whatfrustratesyouaboutyourparents?Whataboutyoufrustratesthem?

Describeyourrelationshipwithyourfamily.


Whatdoyouloveaboutthistown?

Whatisyourmajor?Doyouknowwhatyouwanttodoforaliving?

HowdoyoufeelabouttheKingstons?

Whatmakesyouangry?

Whatdoeslovemeantoyou?

What,inlife,doyouconsiderimportant?


39/74

A Little Magic

apparentiDentity:ObnoxiouschildofProfessorBaxley,JunioratRidley

real iDentity:Bitterfriendlesspersonwhoismediocreateverything

baCkgrounD:YouareProfessorBaxleysonlychild.Yourmotherwassomewomanwhoagreedtohaveyoubutdidntwanttoraiseyouandtookoff.Yourfathercaresaboutyou,buthestheonlyone.Allyourlife,youhavebeenmediocreateverything,andasyouwatchedeveryonearoundyouconstantlybeatingyou,outshiningyou,gettingthecreditandrecognition,yougrewmoreandmoreresentfulofthem.Yourresentmentmanifestedasanobnoxiousattitude,winningyouevenlesspopularity.

knoWleDgeof prof baxley:Youknowmagicisreal.Yourfatherdoesit.Hesaquartersprite,andhasbeenaroundforalmostahundredyears.Hedoesabunchoflittlemagicstufftomakelifemoreconvenient.Youvetriedtolearn,butofcourse,yousuckatit.HisrealnameisPolyphemius.

the assignment: Yourfathercameuptoyouthismorningandtoldyouthathewasassigningyoutoaveryimportanttask,withthesortofwinkthatsuggesteditsprobablypartofsomesortofmagicproject.HesaidthathesdispatchingyouandabunchofhisformerstudentstohangoutatM.ShelleyshouseandmakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinlove.Everybodyisin

onitexceptthetwoofthem.Itsveryimportantthatithappentonight.

non-ConfliCt abilitiesAnnoy:Knowwhattosaythatwillmakesomeonemoreannoyed.UnwantedPresence:Stronglyfrustratepeoplebybeingpresentwhenthey

dontwantyou.Targetx:Makeeveryoneintheroompayattentiontowhatyouredoing.Indifferencex2:Upsetsomeonebysheerforceofhowmuchyoudontcare

abouttheirproblems.

Cursex:Makesomethingbadhappentosomebody.Thecursewillbalancesothatacomparablebadthinghappenstoyou.

Charmx2:Causeatrivialeventthatcouldsucceedbychancetooccur.

[ Devon / Deva ] Baxley

GD

C Age20

resists

Physical AverageSocial PoorEmotionalPoor

speCials

Whenyoutrytousemagic,flipacoin.Ontails,youfailandwastetheability.

inventory

Nothingremarkable


40/74

goals:Betheonewhomakesthemfallinlove.Trytomakesurenobodyelsegetstherefirst,soyougetthecredit.UpstageM.Shelleyinanywaypossible.Subtlypickonhim.

other knoWleDge:Tonightisabluemoon.Bluemoonsaregoodtimestocastmajormagicalef-

fects,butalotofoldmagictemporarilystopsworking.M.Shelleyisdisgustinglynice,andreallyeasytotakeadvantageof.

relationships : YouvemeteveryonebutJ.KingstonbecausetheyallgotoRidley. YoukindofhateM.Shelleybecausehessobrightandsweetandpopular.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whataresomethingsyouvetriedandfailedat?

Whatwastheclosestyouveevercometohavingafriend?Whydiditfail?

Whataresomethingsyoulikedoing?

Whatisyourrelationshipwithyourfatherlike?

Howdoyoufeelaboutmagic?

Doyourealizehowobnoxiousyouare?Ifso,whydontyoustop?Ifnot,whydoyouthinkpeopledislikeyousomuch?

Ifyoucouldhaveonething,whatwoulditbe?

Whatdoyoupictureyourmotherbeinglike?

Whatdoeslovemeantoyou?


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A Little Magic

non-ConfliCt abilitiesKindness:Makesomeonefeelbetterbybeingnicetothem.(E)Empathyx:Understandwhysomeoneisupset.(E)HumanNaturex:Understandwhatsomeonereallymeanswhentheysay

something.Cannotbeusedtodetectfactualdeception,onlysocialoremotionalobfuscation.(S/E)

BeTherex2:GettheDirectortoalertyouthenexttimeaparticulartypeofeventtakesplace(e.g.J.Kingstongetsangryatsomeone).

Recover:Recoveremotionallyfromsetbacksorbeinghurtinareasonablyshorttimebyforceofoptimism.

apparentiDentity:Bright,friendly,charismaticandnicejunioratRidley

real iDentity:Verysupportivepersonthattendstogettakenadvantageof

baCkgrounD:Youareanextremelyniceandcaringperson,manypeoplesbestfriend.However,youarealsosensitiveandeasytopickonortakeadvantageof.

YoutookNaturalHistoryyourfreshmanyear,alongwithD.BaxleyandR.vanFleck.Attheendofthesemester,youhadamessybreakupwithyoursignificantother,andwastooupsettotakethefinalorturninyourpaper.Prof.Baxleyofferedyouabehind-the-scenesdeal,inwhichhewouldpassyouanywayifyousworetoowehimafavorinthefuture.

the assignment: ProfBaxleycalledyouuplastweektocallinthefavor.Hehasassignedyou,severalotherstudents,andhissontoarrangetohangoutatyourhousetogether.Hesaidthatearlyintheevening,J.Kingstonwilldropby.ThegroupofyouhavetomakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinloveev-erybodyisinonitbutthetwoofthem.Hesaidtheywillmakeeachother

veryhappy,butthatitsvery,veryimportantthatithappentonight.

goals:Makethemfallinlove.Beagoodhost.

resists

Physical AverageSocial PoorEmotionalBad

speCials

None

inventory

Nothingremarkable

GL

S

[ Mike / Mina ] Shelley

Age21


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8

other knoWleDge:IncontrasttohowfriendlyProfBaxleyis,hissonD.Baxleyisreallyobnoxious.

Nobodylikeshim.Youwouldkindofratherhenotbehere.J.Kingstonisoppressedbyhisridiculouslystrictandelitistfather(hismother

diedalongtimeago).Youvebeenfriendsforafewyears,andheisalways

welcomeatyourhouse.Hecomesbyalottogetawayfromhisfather.Aromanticrelationshipwouldbegoodforhim.YouknowC.Fisherfromschool.Hesadecentperson,butkindofeccentric.

relationships :YouareJ.Kingstonsonlyclosefriend.

YouarealsofriendswithR.vanFleck(Junior)andJeanFrommer(Sophomore).

Questionsto ansWer:

Whyareyousonice?Wereyoualwaysnice?

Whatareyourparentslike?Whatisyourrelationshipwiththem?

Whataresomeexamplesofpeopletakingadvantageofyouforyournice-ness?Doyourealizehowoftenithappens?

Whatdoesfriendshipmeantoyou?

Whatsyourmajor?Whatareyourcareerplans?

Whatdoyoulookforinasignificantother?

Howdidthatbreakuphappen?Haveyoudatedanyoneelsesince?

WhatdoyouactuallythinkofProfBaxley?

Whataresomeofyourfavoritethingstodo?

Haveyoutravelled?Wherehaveyoubeen?

Whatdoyoudislikeaboutyourself?


43/74

A Little Magic

apparentiDentity:FriendofM.Shelley,JunioratRidley

real iDentity:SecretlyardentdefenderofM.Shelley

baCkgrounD:YoutookNaturalHistoryyourfreshmanyear,alongwithD.BaxleyandM.Shelley.Youwereunremarkableintheclass,butlaterneededProfBaxleysrecommendationforaninternship.Heofferedyouabehind-the-scenesdeal:hewouldwriteyouastunningrecommendationifyoupromisedtoowehimafavorinthefuture.

the assignment: ProfBaxleycalledyouuplastweektocallinthefavor.Hehasassignedyou,severalotherstudents,andhissontoarrangetohangoutatyourhousetogether.Hesaidthatearlyintheevening,J.Kingstonwilldropby.ThegroupofyouhavetomakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinloveev-erybodyisinonitbutthetwoofthem.Hesaidtheywillmakeeachotherveryhappy,butthatitsvery,veryimportantthatithappentonight.

goals:WatchoutforM.Shelley.Makethemfallinlove.

[ Ren / Renee ] van Fleck

GL

C Age21

non-ConfliCt abilitiesHit:Makesomeonesociallycowedforawhilebyhittingthem.(S/P)DetectLiex2:Tellwhensomeoneislying.(E)Improvisex:Soundlikeyouknowalotaboutaparticulartopic.(S)Intimidatex2:Makesomebodykindofscaredofyou.(S)Pressx2:Makesomeonegiveyouadditionalinformationwhentheyoriginally

werenotplanningto.(S)

resists

Physical AverageSocial DecentEmotionalPoor

speCials

None

inventory

Nothingremarkable


44/74

0


Nobodylikeshim.Youheardhismotherleftbecauseevenshecouldntstandhim.

M.Shelleyalwaysgetspickedonortakenadvantageofbecausehessonice.

relationships :M.Shelleyconsidersyouafriendjustlikethetwodozenothershehas,but

youaredeeplydevotedtohim.Youconsiderhimoneofthefewextremelygoodpeopleintheworld,andareveryprotectiveofhim.Youhaventtoldhimthisbecauseitwouldmakehimfeelself-conscious.

YoucanstandD.Baxleylessthanmostpeople,especiallybecauseofhowcruelhetendstobetoM.Shelley.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whatsyourmajor?Whatareyourcareerplans?

WhydidyoutakeNaturalSciencefreshmanyear?

Whatdoyoulikeaboutyourself?

Whatdoyoudislikeaboutyourself?


WhatdoyouactuallythinkofProfBaxley?

Whatisyourattitudetowardsrelationships?

WhydoyouvalueM.Shelleysomuch?

Whatisyoursexualorientation?

Whatcharacteristicsofapersondoyouconsiderimportant?


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A Little Magic

apparentiDentity:FriendofC.Fisher,freshmanatRidley

real iDentity:Idealisticyoungpersonwhowantslove

baCkgrounD:Yourparentsneglectedyou,soyoutendedtodowhateveryouwanted.Youarefromoutofstate,andchoseRidleyfortheircreativewritingprogram.ItfeelsalittleoddbecausemostpeopleatRidleyarefromthearea.YouaretakingNaturalHistorywithC.FisherandJean.Frommer.

Youbelieveinmagic.Agreat-auntofyoursusedtoknowasmallamount,andtaughtyousomeofit.

the assignment: ProfBaxleycalledyouuplastweekwithaproposal.Hewantedyou,severalotherstudents,andhissontoarrangetohangoutatM.Shelleyshousetogether.ThegroupofshouldmakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinloveeverybodyisinonitbutthetwoofthem.Hesaidhethinkstheyresoulmates,butthatitsvery,veryimportantthatithappentonightbecauseJ.FisherwillsoonleaveforOxford.

goals:MakethemfallinloveFindloveyourselfOthergoalsasyoudeterminethem

[ Andy / Amy ] Grouse

EL

S Age19

resists

Physical PoorSocial PoorEmotionalDecent

speCials

Mustmakeasmallhandgestureorsayafewwordswhenusingmagic.

inventory

Nothingremarkable

non-ConfliCt abilitiesIndependentx:Haveaneasiertimesucceedinginadiscreettaskthatdoes

notinvolveotherpeoplewhenyoudoityourself.Kiss:Makesomeonefeelmoreclear-headedandhappyormakeaphysical

injurystophurtingasmuchwhenyoulightlykissthem/it.Massage:Giveagoodrelaxingmassage.Storytell:Tellanengagingstory.

Jinxx2:Causeanyminoractiontofail.Charmx2:Causethenextfewrandomeventspertainingtoasingleobjective

tofallinyourfavor.(Directorwillmanagethis).Blessx:Undergoasignificantritualtomakesomeoneelseslightlymore

lucky.Needsabunchofspices,wax,andhalfanhourtocastthespell.


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2

other knoWleDge:C.Fisherisreallycool,butkindofeccentric.Hedoesnthavealotoffriends.JeanFrommeraskedC.Fisheroutlastmonth,butgotturneddownTonightisabluemoon,aspecialtimeformagic.Bluemoonsareveryrare.

relationships :YourebestfriendswithC.Fisher.Youdontknowanybodyelseverywell.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whatdoyoulikeaboutcreativewriting?

Whatsortsofthingsdoyouwriteabout?

Whyisloveimportant?Whatdoesitmeantoyou?

Whatunusualhobbydoyouhave?

Whataresomeotherthingsyouliketodowithyourtime?

Whereareyoufrom?Whatwasitlikethere?Haveyoumovedoften?

Howdoyoufeelaboutyourparents?

Whattypeofmusicdoyoulistento?

Whatdoyouwantoutoflife?

Whatareyourcareerplans?

What,intheworld,doyouconsiderimportantormeaningful?


47/74

A Little Magic

apparentiDentity:FriendofC.FisherandM.Shelley,SophomoreatRidley

real iDentity:UnluckypersondesperatelyinunrequitedlovewithC.Fisher

baCkgrounD:YouareinNaturalHistorywithC.FisheranA.Grouse.YoufelldeeplyinlovewithC.Fisherinthefirstfewweeksyouknewhim,andaskedhimoutlastmonth.Heisobviouslynotinterestedinyouandturnedyoudown.Youdidntmakeafuss,butarestillinlove.

Earlierthisyear,youwereshortonmoney,andtriedtostealProf.Baxleysrareiguanaskeletontopawnformoney.Hecaughtyousneakingintohisof-ficeatAM(heavenknewwhyhewasthereinthefirstplace)and,aftersomenegotiation,agreedtoletyougoifyousworetoowehimafavor.Youdoubthecouldproveanythinganymore,butyouwouldntputitpasthimtotrytogetyouintroubleifyoudontcarryitout.

the assignment: ProfBaxleycalledyouuplastweektocallinthefavor.Hehasassignedyou,severalotherstudents,andhissontoarrangetohangoutatyourhousetogether.Hesaidthatearlyintheevening,J.Kingstonwilldrop

by.ThegroupofyouhavetomakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinloveev-erybodyisinonitbutthetwoofthem.Hesaidtheywillmakeeachotherveryhappy,butthatitsvery,veryimportantthatithappentonight.

goals:Figureoutwhetheryouwanttocooperatewiththeassignment.

non-ConfliCt abilitiesSleightofHandx:Anysleightofhandaction(pickpocketing,theft,magic

tricks,etc).(P)Speed:Moveveryquickly.Sneakx:Physicallyhideinacornerorshadow,ormovebetweentwoplaces

withoutbeingnoticedwhenunobserved.Overhearx2:Overhearaconversationwithoutbeingnoticed.Insult:Deliverastingingandeffectiveinsult.(S)

ED

S

Jean Frommer

Age20

resists

Physical GoodSocial AverageEmotionalPoor

speCials

None

inventory

Pocketknife


48/74


Nobodylikeshim.C.FisherandA.GrouseareclosefriendsM.Shelleyalwaysgetspickedonortakenadvantageofbecausehessonice.

PeoplesayC.Fisheriseccentric,butyouthinkhescreative,individualistic,honest,confident...

relationships :YouareinlovewithC.Fisher.YouarefriendswithM.Shelley.YouknoweveryoneexceptJ.Kingstonfromschool.

Questionsto ansWer:

DescribethewayyouareinlovewithC.Fisher.

Haveyoueverbeeninlovebefore?Ifso,whathappened?Ifnot,whatisyourimpressionofit?

Whydidyoutrytostealtheskeleton?Haveyoueverstolenbefore?

DoyouthinkProfBaxleyknowsaboutyourfeelingsforC.Fisher?

WhatdoyouthinkofProfBaxley?WhydidyoutakeNaturalHistory?

Whatisyoursinglefavoriteactivity?

Whatsyourmajor?Whatareyourplansforthefuture?

Whatdoyoumorallyvalue?

Whatdoesfriendshipmeantoyou?

Whatdoyoudislikeinaperson?


49/74

A Little Magic

non-ConfliCt abilitiesOverhearx:OverhearaconversationwithoutbeingnoticedDiscreetx:Causesomeonetoreceiveapieceofinformationwithoutknow-

ingwhereitcomesfrom.(TellDirector).ObscureReferencex2:Makesomeonefeelstupidfornotunderstandinga

referenceyoumade.(E)Uninvolvementx2:Makepeoplenotpayattentiontoyouwhenthereisa

conflictunlessyouareinsomewayobviouslyinvolved.(S)Glarex2:Causeapieceofminorbadluckintheformofarandomeventto

befallsomeonebyglaringatthem.

resists

Physical PoorSocial PoorEmotionalAverage

speCials

None

inventory

Nothingremarkable

GD

S

[ Eli / Eliza ] Richmond

Age23

apparentiDentity:FormerBaxleycliquemember,SenioratRidley

real iDentity:StudentdeeplyindebtedtoBaxleybutresentfulofhim

baCkgrounD:YoutookBaxleysNaturalHistoryclassyourfreshmanyear,gothooked,anddecidedtomajorinit.FortwoyearsyouwerehappilyintheBaxleyclique.Duringthattime,youmadefreeuseofyourconnectionwithBaxleyandhisowninclinationforfavor-tradingtoyourownbenefit.Thenoneday,earlyinyourjunioryear,youlookedupandrealizedjusthowmuchyouowedBaxley,andhowharditwouldbetopayitallback.

YoustartedresentingBaxleyforlettingyougetsofar,andresentingthewholesocialgroupandthephenomenonitrepresented.YoudroppedoutofthecliqueandstartedavoidingBaxley,butseeingallthosepeoplesoinno-centlyandignorantlycorruptmakesyouirrationallyangryatallofthem.

Forthepastyear,youhavebeenrunningsmallfavorsforBaxleytomakeupyourdebt.Untilrecently,youdidntthinkyouwouldevergetoutofit.

the assignment: ProfBaxleycalledyouuplastweekandtoldyouthathe

hadsomethingveryimportantforyoutodo,andthatifyoudidit,youwouldfinallybeeven.Hehasassignedyou,severalotherstudents,andhissontoar-rangetohangoutatyourhousetogether.Hesaidthatearlyintheevening,J.Kingstonwilldropby.ThegroupofyouhavetomakeC.FisherandJ.Kingstonfallinloveeverybodyisinonitbutthetwoofthem.Hesaiditsvery,veryimportantthatithappentonight.


50/74

goals:Fulfillyourdebt,makethemfallinloveMaketherestoftheteamfighteachotherSpecifically,breakupM.Shelley,R.vanFleck,andJeanFrommersfriendshipTakeadvantageofM.Shelley,howeverconvenient

other knoWleDge:Yourenotsure,butyoubetalotoftheotherpeopleontheteamarehere

becausetheyalsooweBaxleyalot.ProfBaxleyssonD.Baxleyisreallyobnoxious.Nobodylikeshim.M.Shelleyisridiculouslyinnocentandnice,andveryeasytotakeadvantageof.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whatwasyourlifelikebeforecollege?

WhatweresomeofthedealsyoumadewithBaxleyearlyonthatgotyousofarindebtforfavors?Doyouoweanythingotherthanunspecifiedfavors?(E.g.,kepttradingforgoodgradessoyoucouldskipclass,tradedforrecom-mendationsandinternships,academicconnections,borrowedmoney,etc.)

Whywereyousowillingtotrade?

Howdidyoucometorealizeyouwereintrouble?

Whodoyoublame?

WhynotjustignoreyourdebtstoBaxley?

WhatdoyoumissfromyourBaxleycliquedays?

AreyoustillaNaturalHistorymajor?Whatareyourfutureplans?

Whatisyourlovelifelike?Whatdoeslovemeantoyou?

Whatactivitiesdoyouenjoydoing?

Whatareyourpoliticsviews?


51/74

Player Materials


52/74

8


53/74

funCtion levels, Damage, anD reCovery: Bydefault,eachcharacterstartsatFunctionLevel.AcharactersFunctionLevel(FL)representstheconditionthatthecharacterisin,physicallyandpsychologically,andcandecreaseorincreaseoverthecourseofthelarpasaresultofharmorrecov-ery. Ingeneral,acharacteratFLisessentiallyunharmedandingoodshape,atFLisinanunpleasantbutnotparticularlydisablingstate,atFLissomewhatdisabled,atFL2cannotperformmostactivities,andatFLcandolittleotherthanspeak.IfacharacteriseverreducedtoFL0,heisoutofthegameandcompletelyunabletoaf-fecttheplotthereafter.Exactlyhowthecharacteristakenoutdependsonthenature

ofthedamagethatreducedhimtoFL0. AplayercanrequestthattheDirectorapproveanFLchangeevenwhentherulesdontcallforit,ifhethinksthatprioreventswouldcausethechangetohappen.

abilities: Abilitiesaregiveninthefollowingformat:Namex[#ofuses](RaNgeof fLs)[bonus]:DescRiptioNof effect(amtDR)(resisttype)

Examples:Intimidatex(-):Makesomeonebackdown(-FL)(S)

Flatterx(-):Makesomeonefeelundulyproudofthemselves(+)(E)Spark(-):Brieflycreateatinyflamebymagic

#ofuses=thenumberoftimesthatabilitymaybeusedduringtheLarp.Ifnoneislisted,theabilitymaybeusedasmanytimesastheopportunityarises.

RangeofFLs=therangeoftheusersFLsatwhichtheabilitymaybeused.IfacharactersFLisoutsidetherange,hemaynotusethatability.

Bonus=anumberfrom-tothatrepresentsthecharacterseffectivenessatusingthatabilityagainstopposition.+/-=significant,+/-2=extraordinary,+/-=worldclass.(Conflictabilitiesonly.)Thiswillmodifythecharacterschanceof

successwhenusingtheability.AmtDR=DRcausedbytheability,ifapplicable.-/+FL#indicatesthatittakesthetargetdown/uptothatFL,respectively.-/+#indicatesthatthetargetloses/gainsthatnumberofFLs.

Type=typeofResistrequiredtoblocktheability.P=Physical,S=Social,E=Emotional,NR=NotResistible,P/S=PhysicalorSocial,whicheverishigher.OtherlettersforotherResists.(Conflictabilitiesonly.)

SpecialexceptionstoabilitiesaregivenintheSpecialsectionofthecharactersheet

ConfliCt

resolution

DeClaring aCtions: Conflictresolutionworksasfollows:First,participantsstatetheirintendedactions.Allothercharactersareallowedtoparticipate,stopparticipating,orchangetheirownintendedactionsinlightoftheintendedactionsofothers.(Intherarecasethatthiscausesanendlesscircle,everybodyshouldchooseactionssimultaneouslyinsecret.) Aparticipantcandeclarehis/herintendedactionascontingentonthesuccessorfailureofanotheraction(e.g.runningawayonlyifhispartnerdies.).Hecanalsodeclarethatheisnotacting,andsimplyfocusingonResistingasaprimaryaction.

Rules Summary


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0

biDDing: Afterallintendedactionsareestablished,allparticipantssimultaneouslyBidDamage.Biddingmeanssecretlychoosinganamountofdamage(inFLs)thattheplayeriswillingtoriskhis/hercharacterreceivinginordertoincreasethecharactersactionschanceofsuccess. Regardlessofthecharactersdedication,bidsizesarelimitedbytheamount

ofdamagethecharactercouldplausiblygetintheconflict,andeachparticipantisresponsiblefordeterminingaplausibleICreasontotaketheamountofdamagehebid..Forexample,inmostcasesitisimplausibletotakemorethandamageinapettyargument,butanyamountofdamageispossibleinagunfight.Keepinmindthatlos-inganFLissignificant;aplayersdefaultbidshouldbe0. Bidsonlyapplytoacharactersprimaryaction.Thismeansthatifacharacterisdoinganormalprimaryaction,abiddoesnotincreasehischancesofResisting.However,ifheisonlyResisting,thenabidwillincreasethechanceofallofhisResistssucceeding.Damagethatwasbidonlyactuallyoccursiftheactionisinanywaysuccessful. Whenbidsaredecided,participantsholdout0-fingersbehindtheirbackscorre-spondingtothesizeoftheirbids.Allparticipantsthenshowtheirbidsatthesametime.

ranking: Participantscalculatetotalsbyaddingtheirabilitybonusandbid.(Werecom-mendthenholdingoutfingersfortotals,forefficiency.)IfacharacterisprimarilyResisting,anybidhemadeisaddedtoallhisResisttotals. Atthispoint,allactionsarerankedbytheirtotals,fromhighesttolowest,withtiesbrokenrandomly(suchaswithrock-paper-scissors). Actionstakeplaceinorder,startingfromthehighest.IfapreviousactioncausesacharactertohavetoolowanFLtoperformhisintendedaction,orsimplypreventsthatactionfromoccurring(e.g.aResist),thatactioniscancelled.AResistcancelsalllower-rankedeffectsoftherelevantResisttypeonthatcharacter. Ifanypartofanactionsucceeded,thenthebidgoesintoeffectimmediatelyaftertheactionexecutes. Itsimportanttonotethatwhenanintendedactiongetscancelledbecauseofeffectsofearlieractions,anylimited-useabilitiesspenttoattempttheactionarestillusedup,butanydamagebiddoesnotoccur.

artifaCts ArtifactsareitemsthatmakeiteasierforacharactertocauseDR,oftenasacon-flictaction.Themostcommontypeofartifactsareweapons,whichobviouslycause

damage.However,artifactslikedrugsmaycauserecovery. CertainPCsmayhaveabilitiesthatmakethemgoodatusinganartifact,butbydefault,PCssimplyuseartifactswiththeirGeneralPhysicalability.Ifanartifactuseactionsucceeds,thenthetargetisDRedanamountaccordingtotheDRamountoftheartifact(exactlythesameasusinganabilitythatnormallycausesDRonitsown). SpecificartifactuseabilitiesmayoverrideDRamountsonanartifact,eitherbythedescription,orbybeingthemselvesfixedDR(i.e.-/+FL#).ArtifactuseabilitiesthatarethemselvesunfixedDR(i.e.-/+#)stackwiththeartifactsownDRamount. Bydefault,knivesare(-)andgunsare(-2).

after resolution: Aftertheaboveprocessiscomplete,charactersmayelecttousemoreabilitiesinresponsetotheresults.Thisopensanewroundoftheconflictinwhichanybodyinvolvedcanuseabilitiesandtherulesforresolutionarethesame.


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BrookviewisaNewEnglandtownofabout200,000people.ItwasbuiltuparoundtwofocitheKingstonfamilyinvestmentsandRidleyCollege.Mostofthetownspopulationconsistsofarelaxedbutenthusiasticmiddleclass,althoughpolitics,busi-ness,andculturearedrivenbyasmall,old,andsnobbyelite. TheKingstonfamilyisatthetopofthiselite.TheirvariedbusinessesdominatetheBrookvieweconomy,andlittleofnoteisdonetothetownwithouttheirap-proval.Rumorsaboundoftheirmafiaconnections.However,theirindifferencetoanduninvolvementwithactualBrookviewlifemakesthemfeeltomostpeoplemorelikeatownfixturethananysortofpresentorloomingpower. RidleyCollegeisasmallliberalartscollegeabouttwohundredyearsoldatthe

edgeoftown.Itsfriendlyprofessors,energeticstudents,andstronginvolvementinthecommunitymakeitquitepopular.

ThegameissetonaneveninginlateNovember,ataninformalgatheringatM.Shelleyshouse.M.Shelleyisastudentwholivesathome.AllcharactersarestudentsatRidleyexceptforJ.Kingston,theonlychildoftheKingstonfamily. Outside,thenightiscoolandclear,withalovelyfullmooninthesky.

thefolloWinginformationisknoWntoeveryoneexCept j. kingston:

(j. kingstonshoulDleavetheroomorjustignorethisinfo) ProfessorP.Baxley(nobodyknowswhatthePstandsforrumorsayshisfirstnameisreallyjustProfessor) isthemostnotoriousandwell-lovedprofessoratRid-ley.Hesportly,jovial,andeccentric.HehasbeenteachingatRidleyforfortyyears,andiswidelyspeculatedtobeimmortalhelooksinhisearlyfifties,andconstantlytellsstoriesofhiswildandrambunctiousyouth. HeteachesNaturalHistory0infallsemester,awidelypopularclass,especiallyforfreshman,andadvisestheNaturalHistorymajor.Heislikethesortofprofessorinarchaeologymovieshegoesaroundinanexplorerhat,andhasahugeofficefilledwithoddfossils,driedplants,bizarrethingsinjars,andotherartifacts,includingwhat

heclaimstobeanextremelyrareiguanaskeleton. Baxleyisalsoslightlynotoriousforbreakingrules,makingbargainswithstudents,involvinghimselfinstudentsnon-academiclives,etc,butisbenignandpopularenoughthatthecollegedoesntbotherhimverymuch.CurrentandformerNaturalHistorystudentstendtoformalooseacliquecenteredaroundhisofficehours.OfthePCs,M.ShelleyandR.vanFleckbelongtothisclique.E.Richmondusedto,butstoppedtwoyearsago.

Public Background Overview


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2

larp-speCifiC rules:

Thisgameimplementsamajorrulechange:TherearenoConflicts.AllabilitiesareNon-Conflictandalwayssucceed.Actionssimplyexecuteintheordertheyaredeclared.

BecausetherearenoConflicts,therearealsonoFunctionLevelsorResists.TheResistareaofthecharactersheetinsteadgivesageneralideaofhowgoodthecharacterisatdealingwithPhysical/Social/Emotionalthreats,simplyforroleplayingpurposes.AbilitieswillalsoincludeacorrespondingtypeofResistifrelevant,againonlyasahelpfulreference.

Abilitiesthatchangepeoplesmindsorattitudesarenotsetinstonetheycanwearoffnaturallyinresponsetofurtherevents.

beginning announCements:

Thisgameissetinaworldthatdoeshavealittlemagicinit,thoughmostnormalpeopledontbelieveinit.Thestyleofmagicfollowstheurbanfairytalegenre:relativelybenign,quaint,basedoffofherbsandcharms,anelementofdreamsandromanceineverydaylife.Everyoneshouldusethisgeneralintuitionofthenatureofmagic.Forthosewhowantmoredetail,asktheDirectortoreadyoutherelevantsectionofSecretBackgroundInformation.

Keepinmindthat,althoughthelarpisonlythreehourslong,itisaromancestory.Loveisintheair,andcharactersareexpectedtofallinandoutofloveoverthecourseofthegame.Playyourcharacterswiththisinmind,andupdate

theDirectorregularlyonyourfeelings.

Youwillfindoverthecourseofthegamethatyouwillhavetomakeupalotofsmalldetailsaboutyourdailylife,RidleyCollege,andBrookviewingeneraldontbeshy,feelfreetoimprovise!

Larp-Specific Rules and

Announcements


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A Little Magic

ED

C

[ Julian / Juliet ] Kingston

Age20

apparentiDentity:OnlychildandscionoftheKingstonfamily

real iDentity:Suppressedyoungpersonconstantlyforcedtomeettheexpectationsofhisfather

baCkgrounD:YouaretheoneexpectedtocontinueontheillustriousKings-tonfamilyname.Yourmotherdiedwhenyouwereveryyoung.Yourfatherhasalwaysruledhisfamily,histown,hisbusiness,andyouwithanironfist.Hehasverystrictrequirementsofyou,andinsistentonkeepingappearances.Becauseofthis,youhaveneverreallyhadanyclosefriends.

Youwere,ofcourse,privatelyschooled.YourfatherhasarrangedforyoutogotoOxford,startingthecomingJanuary.HehasalsoarrangedforyoutobecomeengagedtoanequallyrespectableFrenchheirwhomyouwillmeetthere.Youknowvirtuallynothingaboutthisperson,butyouhaveheardru-morsthathisfamilyisinvolvedinillicitdealings,andthatyourfatherislookingtogetbackintothebusinessnowthatyourgrandparentsaredead.

Youhavealwayssecretlywantedlove,andarefrustratedthatyouarenotallowedtohaveit.Youveneverhadarelationshipbefore.Youarealso

bisexual,thoughyourfatherwouldnevertolerateitifhefoundout. YoufrequentlycometoM.Shelleyshousetogetawayfromyourfather

andservants.Youarealwayswelcomethere.M.isprobablyyourbestfriend,butyoufeellikeevenhedoesntreallyunderstandyou.

goals: Relaxandenjoyyourtimeawayfromyourfather.

non-ConfliCt abilitiesEtiquette:Failtomakeasocialmistake.(Ifyoudosomethingwrong,usethis

abilitytotakeitbacksothatitneverhappenedIC)PowerfulStarex:Makesomeonefeelchastisedbylookingatthem(S)PublicSpeaking:Holdanaudiencesattentionwhenyoutellastoryormake

aspeech.AirofMysteryx:Addanairofmysterytoagestureoraction.Intimidate:Makesomeonefeelintimidatedbyyou.(S)

resists

Physical DecentSocial GoodEmotionalAverage

speCials

None

inventory

$200


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other knoWleDge:TheKingstonsarenot,infact,criminals.Theywereoverfiftyyearsago,but

whenyourpaternalgrandmothermarriedyourgrandfather,shediditontheconditionthathecleanuphisactsincethen,yourfamilyhasbeentheperfectlylegalsortofextremelyelitistandaloof.

Bluemoonshappenaboutonceeveryfouryears.

relationships :YouarefriendswithM.Shelley.YouknowhisfriendR.White,butnooneelse.

Questionsto ansWer:

Whataresomereasonsyouhaventbeenabletobeabletogetreallyclosetoanybodyinthepast?

Whatwasyourmotherlike?Howwelldoyourememberher?

Doyouspendalotoftimewithyourfather?Whatdoyoutalkabout?

Howdoyoufeelaboutbeingbisexual?Howdidyoufindout?

Whatistheonethingyouliketodomost?Howoftendoyoudoit?

Whatdoeslovemeantoyou?Whydoyouwantitsomuch?

Whatdoeshomemeantoyou?


Haveyoutraveledalot?Wherehaveyoubeen?

Whataresomeofyourfavoriteitemsthatyouhave?

What,inlife,doyouconsidertobetrulyimportant?

Howdoyoufeelabouttheideaofyourfamilybecomingacriminalagain?

WhatdoyoupicturetheFrenchfiancebeinglike?

Whatwasthebestthingthateverhappenedtoyou?


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A Little Magic

EL

C

[ Cole / Connie ] Fisher

Age19

apparentiDentity:EccentricfreshmanatRidleyCollege

real iDentity:Youareprettystraightforwardlywhatyouappeartobe.

baCkgrounD:Youareanonlychild.YouvelivedinBrookviewallyourlife.Youarebrightandcleveryourparentswantedyoutogotoawell-knowncollegeoutofstate,butyouinsistedongoingtoRidleybecauseyouloveithere.

Youvealwaysbeenalittlebiteccentric,tendingtodoyourownthingdespiteinconvenienceordisapprovalfromothers.Youarefundamentallyahappyperson,engagedbylifeandcomfortablewithyourself.However,becauseofyoureccentricities,yourfriendshipstendtoberocky,inconsistent,andultimatelykindofunsatisfying.

Youarebisexual.Youveneverhadarelationshipbefore.JeanFrommeraskedyououtlastmonth,butyouturnedhimdown.

Youbelieveinmagic,insecretwonderfulthingsthatlurkineverydaylife.Youhadateacheralongtimeagowhoknewalittlemagic.Youareentrancedbymysteryandnewexperiences.

knoWleDge:YouareinNaturalHistoryrightnowwithA.GrouseandJeanFrommer.A.GrousewantstofindloveItsabluemoontonight,atimewheremagiciseasierandanythingispossible.

resists

Physical PoorSocial SuperbEmotionalDecent

speCials

None

inventory

Luckyworrystone

non-ConfliCt abilitiesWishx:Wishuponastar,andtelltheDirector.TheDirectorwillchange

circumstancessothatitismorelikelyforyourwishtocometrue.Soliloquizex2:Forcepeopletolistentoyougoonaboutanesoterictopic

thatyouandfewotherpeoplecareabout.Nothingmeaningfulcanbesaidorachievedaslongasyoukeeptalking(nomorethanmins).

Understandx:Intuitivelyknowtheanswertoanyyes/noquestionaboutapersonspersonality,motivations,issues,ordesires.(E)

Luckx:Causeanyeventthatcouldhappenbychancetogoinyourfavor.


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goals:Gettoknowpeopleandhaveagoodtime.SetA.Grouseupwithsomebody.

relationships :

YouareclosefriendswithA.Grouse. YouarecasualfriendswithM.ShelleyandJeanFrommer. YoudontknowJ.Kingston,R.vanFleck,orE.Richmond

a little magic

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