Games for Chimera 2010

Auckland Chimera
#1

I know it may be a little early for some to be thinking about next Chimera, but I created this topic so people could share ideas and get other players thoughts on games that people are thinking about running at next Chimera. I myself have an idea and I would like to hear what other people think about it.
I am thinking about writing a comedy larp in a similar style to Spy Hard except instead of being about spys, it is about superheroes and supervillains. I am thinking of a parody of comic-book superheroes of today, beings with superpowers but aren’t quite the cream of the crop. Superhuman strength, but they’re as thick as the wall they just ran through. The Evil Genius who wants to take over the world but has to take the first step, moving out of home. Ridiculous situations, ridicuolous powers, ridiculous flaws. Thoughts? Ideas?

Games that have been discussed (I shall add them to the list as they are discussed below)

Superheroes - Superheroes and Supervillains who aren’t as great as you’d think
Super Sparkle Action Princes GX: The TV Series - Actors on the TV show dealing with the stress of being on set.
Foundation - A Strategic/Negotiation larp based on the Foundation book series
Metal Vikings- Vikings as portrayed by Heavy Metal Music
Ancient Cultures - Many ancient cultures meet to find Atlantis

#2

Foundation

I am currently drafting a ruleset for a LARP based on the Foundation novels by Isaac Asimov. The game would be based on events that are referred to in the books but never actually described. It will be mostly non-combat (read: a negotiation and strategy game that may on occasion be broken up by moments of sheer terror) and feature costumes straight out of War of the Worlds era science fiction. :smiley:

Once I have a basic outline of the rules, I will be happy to post a draft to Diatribe if people would like to see it.

There are dozens of events to choose from in the series, so I’m looking for a co-writer who has some knowledge of the novels (or who is keen to read them) and can help me to improve the ruleset and clarify some of my draft sketches for possible three-hour scenarios.

Any thoughts or comments are more than welcome.

#3

Is that because “violence is the last refuge of the incompetent”?

#4

Is that because “violence is the last refuge of the incompetent”?[/quote]I thought it was just cause its so much more satisfying to beat your opponent by outsmarting them :wink:

I’ve got half an idea kicking around in my head about Metal Vikings i.e. not the Vikings of history, but rather roughly based off how they’re portrayed in metal music, likely mostly incorporating the differing styles prevalent in Scandanavia. But like I said, its half an idea, and I’m not sure how to make it not suck yet. And how serious or comedy style it should be.

#5

WOOT!!! I Will SO be playing that game!

I’m writing a one off where a lot of the ancient cultures clash… possibly surrounding the dissapearance of atlantis…

Also considering a game about the aftermath of the death of ceasar…

#6

hmmm interesting…

#7

I’ve already been kicking around a few ideas in this genre myself actually, so I’d be keen to help!

#8

The superheroes/villains one sounds rather like Dr. Horrible which would be AWESOME.

Alan was thinking of doing a pirates game this past year so that’s still a possibility.

And a wedding with a dysfunctional family(ies) could be all kinds of fun.

Oh, speaking of dysfunctional, and kind of a spin on the soap opera larp could be a talk show á la Jerry Springer.

#9

This sounds coincidentally very similar to an idea me and Derek kicked around in a private forum, which was about a larp set in the post-Alexander Hellenistic empire where creatures of myth start appearing through mysterious portals. Animal-headed types in Egypt, satyrs and centaurs in Greece, etc. They turn out to have travelled forward in time to escape the drowning of Atlantis, and they teach the humans magic. Let me know if you’d like to read any of the stuff we came up with while brainstorming that.

#10

[quote=“Derek”]Is that because “violence is the last refuge of the incompetent”?[/quote]Large-scale violence is hinted at right throughout the series, just never described in detail. Put it this way, if someone blasts you in the head, I figure that unless you are in possession of a disruptor, it shouldn’t matter how many hit points you have, you die. So the logical alternative is to be “competent” like Salvor Hardin and talk fast before they shoot you. :smiley:

So, Derek, since you’re at least somewhat aware of the story, are you volunteering to help? 8)

#11

Cool thread, I’m glad to see people getting excited about writing games! I’ll post the guidelines for running games shortly to help people with preparation, as we have some guidelines we are quite strict with, mainly to do with the logistics of games.

(I know, I know, there I go talking about rules and expectations again…unfortunately, it has to be done)

#12

Chimera’s goal is the kind of event where a newbie can pretty much walk in off the street and start playing. In addition, we have a LOT of games crammed into a weekend, so simplicity and preparedness are our watchwords.

The criteria for our games are as follows:

  • Characters must be prewritten, and mechanics must be reasonably simple.
  • The game must take no more than three hours to run, including set up time, briefings and debriefings. That is to say, if you’re in the 10am-1pm slot, you’ve only got those three hours.
  • One-off games are strongly preferred. Campaign games are invitation only. Campaign games that are invited are asked to write “stand alone” type games, to be easily accesible by newbies and out-of-towners.
  • Your game must be completed by August 1st so we can be sure to have a ready game on the day of the convention.
  • Reruns are okay, but only with permission of original author.
  • Games should have between 12 and 25 participants, including GMs and any ‘crew’.
  • Timeslot and game space to be decided by Anna and Moo in conjunction with organiser.
#13

Here’s a concept for the 21st Century…

Hostages in a situation that is rapidly spiralling out of control with your usual mix of heroes, victims, people in the wrong place at the wrong time… oh and a pregnant lady.

Terrorists have taken some hostages (including a pregnant lady) and are demanding the release of some of their fellow brothers in arms languishing in jails around the world… demanding that the powers that be rattle their sabre for their cause…

Counter-Terrorist agents have limited time in which to resolve a situation that is rapidly gaining much media attention (due to an undercover reporter)… and if it all goes bad the whole world will be watching.

This will not be fluffy folks…

#14

I want to play that game Joel. That sounds absolutely fantastic.

#15

No! :smiley:

Not with game writing anyway. I’m always happy to help with props for pretty much any game, but I am not a writer. Fortunately, I know I’m not a writer, so people shall be spared trying to read my precises, terse, flavourless style of writing.

#16

I feel sorry for the players who play hostages that gets shot 5 minutes into the game, just to make the point that the terrorists are serious.

#17

That’d be hilarious.

prays it isn’t him…

#18

[quote=“Joel Williams”]Here’s a concept for the 21st Century…

Hostages in a situation that is rapidly spiralling out of control with your usual mix of heroes, victims, people in the wrong place at the wrong time… oh and a pregnant lady.

Terrorists have taken some hostages (including a pregnant lady) and are demanding the release of some of their fellow brothers in arms languishing in jails around the world… demanding that the powers that be rattle their sabre for their cause…

Counter-Terrorist agents have limited time in which to resolve a situation that is rapidly gaining much media attention (due to an undercover reporter)… and if it all goes bad the whole world will be watching.

This will not be fluffy folks…[/quote]

Particularly if the Terrorists arn’t what they seem.

#19

[quote=“Cameron”][quote=“Joel Williams”]Here’s a concept for the 21st Century…

Hostages in a situation that is rapidly spiralling out of control with your usual mix of heroes, victims, people in the wrong place at the wrong time… oh and a pregnant lady.

Terrorists have taken some hostages (including a pregnant lady) and are demanding the release of some of their fellow brothers in arms languishing in jails around the world… demanding that the powers that be rattle their sabre for their cause…

Counter-Terrorist agents have limited time in which to resolve a situation that is rapidly gaining much media attention (due to an undercover reporter)… and if it all goes bad the whole world will be watching.

This will not be fluffy folks…[/quote]
Particularly if the Terrorists arn’t what they seem.[/quote]Unpleasant, well-equipped thieves? Led by a distinctive British guy pretending to be German? :stuck_out_tongue:

#20

that sounds like a great game Joel. me and Vanya have similar taste for the phycological or modern horrors. as i said b4 i have about half done a larp about obama and friends