Unconventional fantasy setting

[Eminence_Grise]

Hi everyone,

We're in the early analysis in starting a boffer larp in our region. We're currently asking friends and potential players what they're looking for in a boffer larp. We sent out a questionnaire and we're looking at the answers.

One thing that seem to make consensus, is that they are tired of traditional tolkien-like fantasy (which is well served by the other boffer larp in the region).

I'm asking EN World for recommandations, on what unconventional fantasy settings are out there.

I have a few ideas, but I'm sure I'm missing a few gems that could serve as inspiration.

 

[VariSami]

Well, having attended a few larps myself, here are some pointers:

1. Boffer doesn't even need to equal fantasy. Other genres are quite possible. For example, cyberpunk, steampunk, science fantasy, sci-fi, horror... You get the idea. It's also notable that many of them could be categorized as sub-genres of fantasy in the non-Tolkien meaning. Some of these with boffers that I've attended include a Buffy the Vampire Slayer larp (in which only one or two characters were armed, though) and "Anime larp" which was set on a soldier academy quite in a world not unlike Final Fantasy VII.

2. Think about history. Tolkien clearly followed in the footsteps of romance and its medieval idealization. However, there are other cultures ripe for fantasy exploitation. Ancient Romans? Slavic cultures with their mythologies? Nordics? Different Asian and Middle-Eastern cultures? And so on. Many of them still include weapons which can be simulated by boffers. Oh, and I mean this as focusing on one or two of them. Not combining them all to a world in which each has a representation. That's returning to a post-Tolkien modern fantasy setting like that of Eddings'. So basically, returning to Tolkien.

3. In case you want ready made settings, I think there are too many to really list. However, Planescape is something that's captured my heart and that could be an interesting change of pace for those fed up with moden Tolkien fantasy. It still has that but also so much more. Might need a bit of propping up, though.

 

[howandwhy99]

Dune, Star Wars, Song of Ice and Fire, Wheel of Time, Al 'Qadim...

 

[Eminence_Grise]

Hello again everyone,

I'm guessing there's a ton of unconventional settings that aren't mainstream and passed under my radar. They do not have to be a rpg setting, they could be a series of book, tv series, obscure russian movie, etc.

There's a few post-apocalypse larp in the region, but I'm not really interested in starting one. I would prefer a medieval fantasy larp, because our player pool are already equiped for that. Otherwise, the costume would be a hurdle to recruit potential players. We could still recruit a few players, but not enough to cover the costs (incorporation, insurances, costumes for npcs, etc.).

I'm mulling 2 ideas right now, to present to the other organizers : something similar to Ghostwalk by Monte Cook and an asian-inspired setting, similar to Rokugan (legend of the five rings).

 

[gamerprinter]

I'm mulling 2 ideas right now, to present to the other organizers : something similar to Ghostwalk by Monte Cook and an asian-inspired setting, similar to Rokugan (legend of the five rings).

Well not as well known as Rokugan L5R, there's Kaidan (Japanese horror) PFRPG. Not only is Kaidan horror (Kaidan means 'ghost story' in Japanese), but L5R is a game of samurai, courtier and magic priests, whereas Kaidan is the entirety of Japanese society: yakuza rogues, Japanese pirates, gypsies, commoners as farmers, fisherman, merchants, samurai, the priesthood, monks, etc. Kaidan is a full society of Japanese fantasy, not a play one samurai caste of classes, such as L5R. (Plus Kaidan is a heck of a lot more authentic to Japanese, than that other game system).

 

[Mengu]

A crossover universe, somewhat like the TV show Once upon a Time would be pretty easy to larp with the materials readily at your disposal. Harry Potter universe is another possibility where you can put your existing costumes to good use.

L5R is pretty awesome, but I'm not sure if you can capture the right feel with just traditional medieval fantasy costumes.

 

[gamerprinter]

I'm not sure if you can capture the right feel with just traditional medieval fantasy costumes.

I didn't see where the OP needs to use traditional medieval costumes for what he's looking for now. I assume, the LARPers would be making whatever costumes are required to fit their new theme. I mean if they chose a Steampunk theme, medieval costumes wouldn't work there either.

 

[Mengu]

I didn't see where the OP needs to use traditional medieval costumes for what he's looking for now. I assume, the LARPers would be making whatever costumes are required to fit their new theme.

I just happened to read his second post before replying.

I would prefer a medieval fantasy larp, because our player pool are already equiped for that. Otherwise, the costume would be a hurdle to recruit potential players. We could still recruit a few players, but not enough to cover the costs (incorporation, insurances, costumes for npcs, etc.).

 

[GreyICE]

Hi everyone,

We're in the early analysis in starting a boffer larp in our region. We're currently asking friends and potential players what they're looking for in a boffer larp. We sent out a questionnaire and we're looking at the answers.

One thing that seem to make consensus, is that they are tired of traditional tolkien-like fantasy (which is well served by the other boffer larp in the region).

I'm asking EN World for recommandations, on what unconventional fantasy settings are out there.

I have a few ideas, but I'm sure I'm missing a few gems that could serve as inspiration.

Ebberon - Your go-to high fantasy setting. Here, lemme try and summarize Ebberron. House Orien created lines of enchanted magical stones that railcars ride atop of. Large Earth Elementals push these railcars, and as they move, lightning is generated by the magic (the Lightning Rail). Airships roam the skies and strange contraptions of magic and technology are common. A very compelling setting, with a lot of room for intrigue, and also for straight up fighting.

Dark Sun - Magic has drained the land. Wizards may draw life force from the earth to power their spells. Great Wizard Kings have destroyed a once-fertile world, rendering it endless sea of hostile desert, with mageborn monstrosities roaming the land. Very dark/dangerous setting.

Spelljammer - Fly through space in a magic ship with sails! Encounter Giant Space Hamsters! Too silly for words, to be honest, and that can make it magical. Best in small doses (which might make it perfect for an occasional LARP).

Planescape - the City of Doors. May be problematic for large-scale battles, because they don't really fit with the setting, but hey, planar travel is often as easy as turning the handle to the left when you open the tavern door. All manner of strange and exotic creations.


Outside of D&D, I'd look at Dresden Files FATE system or Exalted (be prepared to butcher the rulebook, but hey, have fun with it, you can't break it worse than it already is).

 

[gamerprinter]

I just happened to read his second post before replying.

Ah, I didn't notice that. But if you're a LARPer and you don't want to make new costumes for a new theme - you're a lazy (and cheap) LARPer. If you can't get into character why LARP at all. Maybe they should LARP being LARPers in a different setting... or wait, that's really dumb.

Me, I just wear jeans and T-shirt when I game - Larping's not for me.