Article:
LARP Plot Tips: Knowing Your Limits

There's a lot to keep track of when you're running a LARP event. Players have actions they want to do between games, personal plot they want to pursue, contacts they want to consult with, and bad guys they want to kill. When your the plot person in charge of doing these things for 30-50 players, things can get a little hectic. While organization helps, it can only go so far.

I am a firm believer that you can only know your limits until you've exceeded them. Running an event, you will reach a point where you've bit off more than you can chew, and you'll need to know how to handle yourself. Here are some things you'll want to keep in mind when that happens.

Identify the Situation
There will come a point where you will be in over your head. Don't try and convince yourself otherwise. You are a leader and others are depending on you. The only way you'll be able to resolve the situation is if you come to terms with the fact that you've reached your limits. Just be aware that it's not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when."

As a corollary, learn to identify the signs of one of your fellow plot members struggling.  They might be too proud to admit it, but you can offer to help them without them having to ask.

Ask for Help
It's important for you to be able to identify when you've got too much to do. But just as important is knowing When that happens, swallow your pride and ask for help! When you're stretched too thin, the quality of the game, and therefore the players, are the ones who suffer.

It happens to everyone who gets serious when running LARP games. Your ultimate goal should be to provide the best game possible, and if that means delegating work to others, then do it!

Don't Stifle Creativity
Some people shut down when they've got too much on their plate. Don't let the stress prevent you from running with a player's ideas. Sometimes, the lucid moment you need in order to make everything work is sparked from a player's input. Keep rolling with the players and keep them interested, despite the tough time you're having juggling everything at once.