Integrated Larp Style
There is no one singular American larp tradition. Across the states, there is a diversity of play systems and philosophies, from boffer games with stats and hit points to parlor games with no competitive rules. Our style of larp was originally developed by Brian Allison and Howard Moody over thirty years ago. The Adventure Game, as they called it, has been refined by the Wayfinder Experience over the past decade and a half. Event Horizon is calling this style Integrated Larp.
Integrated larp balances story, emotion, and mechanics while emphasizing collaboration and community building. Integrated larp utilizes light mechanics and some pre-planned overarching game plot, drawing elements from various traditions, including what is often called Nordic larp. The core tenets of integrated larp are player empowerment, intense character interaction, play-to-story (as opposed to play-to-win or play-to-lose) conflict creation and resolution, and self-exploration through play.
We encourage our players to collaboratively build scenes that are interesting and empowering to as many participants as possible, instead of just playing to their objectives. This may mean loudly voicing a contrary opinion, making a serious blunder, or needing assistance from others. While combat is not the central focus of the game, we do include play with foam swords. There are no stats or hard rules to determine the outcome of a duel, but rather both players must work together to create a dynamic fight scene.
Integrated larp is also about facing difficult decisions. The world of Event Horizon is not black and white — there is no evil villain, and players are not pitted against each other on two sides. Rather, the characters and stories of Event Horizon are filled with nuance and complexity. We want our players to have the opportunity to push their boundaries, be it by playing someone completely different from themselves, facing a fear, or facing a difficult challenge.
Event Horizon will include challenges of all kinds for players. Some of those will be provided by us, in the form of plot elements meant to catalyze player drama. Much of the excitement will come from you, though. Players are encouraged to come up with their own personal storylines, with props and NPCs available on request throughout the weekend. Our intention is for player-generated plot and organizer-generated plot to coexist and interact, leading to exciting emergent storylines that none of us can predict.
Integrated larp balances story, emotion, and mechanics while emphasizing collaboration and community building. Integrated larp utilizes light mechanics and some pre-planned overarching game plot, drawing elements from various traditions, including what is often called Nordic larp. The core tenets of integrated larp are player empowerment, intense character interaction, play-to-story (as opposed to play-to-win or play-to-lose) conflict creation and resolution, and self-exploration through play.
We encourage our players to collaboratively build scenes that are interesting and empowering to as many participants as possible, instead of just playing to their objectives. This may mean loudly voicing a contrary opinion, making a serious blunder, or needing assistance from others. While combat is not the central focus of the game, we do include play with foam swords. There are no stats or hard rules to determine the outcome of a duel, but rather both players must work together to create a dynamic fight scene.
Integrated larp is also about facing difficult decisions. The world of Event Horizon is not black and white — there is no evil villain, and players are not pitted against each other on two sides. Rather, the characters and stories of Event Horizon are filled with nuance and complexity. We want our players to have the opportunity to push their boundaries, be it by playing someone completely different from themselves, facing a fear, or facing a difficult challenge.
Event Horizon will include challenges of all kinds for players. Some of those will be provided by us, in the form of plot elements meant to catalyze player drama. Much of the excitement will come from you, though. Players are encouraged to come up with their own personal storylines, with props and NPCs available on request throughout the weekend. Our intention is for player-generated plot and organizer-generated plot to coexist and interact, leading to exciting emergent storylines that none of us can predict.