User Blog:
LARP Plot Tips: Outsider Players

One of the biggest things that plot teams fail to do is to involve new players and players coming from another chapter (if you play a national game). These outsiders are paying you just as much as the normal players and expect to enjoy an immersive story as well. While it might be harder to write plot for people you don't know, it's well worth getting them involved, because these people are the number one source of growth for your game.

Here are a few tricks on involving these types of players into your plot lines.

Overarching Plotlines
You have no guarantee that these players will be back for your next event. Giving them a reason to come back to your game will greatly increase the odds of their return. Get them involved in one of your overarching plotlines that extends from event to event. Don't make them a lynchpin though. You want to make sure you don't write yourself into a corner if they don't show up next time.

Middle-Man Strategy
A lot of times these players don't know any of the town's staple players and nobility. Have a plot line where the new or traveling players act as an intermediary between an NPC and the nobility. If nothing else, it will get these players a foot in the door to start conversation with nobility and to build relationships with other players. Getting to know people can be the most intimidating thing for an unfamiliar player.

Work With Them
New and traveling players may not be used to the way things are run in your game (or in any LARP game). Instead of shooting down an idea that would normally be considered impossible or out of place, meet them halfway. Give them something to do along those lines and let them know how you normally do things. However, don't let the players bully you by doing it over and over again. Once you've explained how it works, they should be able to follow the same rules as everyone else.

Out-Of-Game Mingling
Most returning players in your game now know each other in and out-of-game. Being an outsider can be intimidating for anyone. Go out of your way to find out more about these players out-of-game. Not only will you make them more comfortable, but you can find out more about what they like and dislike, which makes writing plot for them easier.  And who knows, maybe you'll make a new friend!