Freeform RPGs

Freeform RPGs (also known as Parlour LARPs) are characterised by a typically larger group of players acting as their characters directly, often in real-time. Usually there will be more than 6 players, and sometimes more than 20. In a typical freeform RPG, all players gather into one large room or open space for the game session.

 

In freeform games, emphasis is on character interaction rather than dice-based gaming. Costumes are usually not required, but are often encouraged.

Be the Change You Wish to Sea

Presented By: Nikki
Written by: Ace Tayloe, K. Depski, Laura Willard, Anna Rose O’Shea, and Evanleigh Davis (The Crystal GMs).

Beginner Friendly

Sit down, you scattered sea-folk: listen as the Spirits sing of the world that was. Of green hills and sandy shores, now swallowed by the rolling waves; of the great cities of old, starting with the wondrous Atlantis, drowned long ago.

Nearly all of the land has sunk beneath the sea, and those who survive have been confined to ships, living as adventurous pirates; transformed into merfolk to remain among their sunken ruins; or are born new into an old world as easy-going selkies.

Fortunately, some have started to dream: in their dreams is a prophecy of a new world about to hatch from the Spirits of old. The chosen dreamers can change this new world – and it can change them. Pirates, merfolk, and selkies alike journey forth to the last remaining island in the world to gamble with the Sea Spirit for a chance at shaping the future itself.

“Be the Change You Wish to Sea” is a game of gambling and diplomacy. Bring your dice, bring your dreams, and try not to let the sea swallow you whole.

Player Capacity: 5 to 14
Scheduled: Saturday 12:30pm.
System: None
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: PG. Gambling, Grief, Death in character backgrounds.
Seriousness: Moderate, but on the less serious side. (2/6)

Broken Promises

By: Random

Beginner Friendly

The feud between the two families had lasted hundreds of years, so long that the history books no longer recorded what had caused it. Both families insist the other’s ancestors had insulted their ancestors in a manner most vile, and they would not let it rest until apology was given.

And yet, all things must come to an end. It has been decreed that peace must reign in these lands, and to that end marriage has been arranged between the son of one house and the daughter of the other. Finally, two great houses divided by enmity will be united in holy matrimony.

Today is the day, most auspicious for such an occasion, when the vows will be made. But also, today is the day where both the bride and groom have disappeared.

Loud voices on all sides throw accusations and threats, but peace, true peace was the goal! Who would do such a thing, to allow this horrible war to continue, when both sides had made their oaths that this was to be?

Who is responsible for these broken promises?

Broken Promises is a freeform for 27 important members of society locked in the grand hall while others search for traces of the missing dignitaries. And if some of the all important social aspects of such an occasion happen anyway, while in that grand hall? It is, after all, not often that people of such calibre have time on their hands…

Setting is generic historical fantasy, so extravagant costuming of any historical period or fantasy setting is strongly encouraged.

Player Capacity: 24 to 27
Scheduled: Friday 12:30pm
System: N/A
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: M.
Seriousness: Moderate, leaning toward serious. (4/6)

Expand for the Broken Promises character list
  • Duke Diego Boyd – Head of House Boyd, married to Duke Consort Ashton Boyd. Middle-aged, he is still quite a show-pony and is well dressed in the latest fashions.
  • Duke Consort Ashton Boyd – Married to Duke Diego Boyd, a few years younger than his husband and also very well dressed, however his outfit is deliberately crafted to compliment his husband without outshining him.
  • Magister Daugherty – So dedicated to their role as head of the Duchy they have forsworn their name and are their position in thought, word and deed. A stern, serious and intelligent individual, they are dressed appropriately, but sternly, with no fripperies or unnecessary accessories.
  • Duchess Consort Abigail Daugherty – Wife to Magister Daugherty, she obviously loves her spouse, but seems much concerned with their dedicated to their role. She is dressed more extravagantly than her spouse, but is still understated.
  • Duchess Storm du Bree – A young Duchess, her father died three years ago elevating her to the Head of the House and Duchy. She is wearing what could be considered the platonic ideal of what a woman of her stature should wear to such an occasion.
  • Duchess Consort Joyce du Bree – Rumours exist that she was a commoner before her marriage to the Duchess, but of course no one takes any of them seriously. The Duchess Consort delights in extravagant dresses in pastels, and her outfit today is no exception. She is slightly older than her wife.
  • Duchess Consort Guinevere Foxham of House Foxham – Mother of the groom, a stately older woman, with strength and grace.
  • Duke Lucas Hartmon – Newlywed, this is the first social outing after their wedding a month ago. He is well dressed but looks nervous.
  • Duchess Consort Victoria Hartmon – Newlywed, this is the first social outing after their wedding a month ago. She is very well dressed and looks cool, calm, and collected.
  • Duke Consort Braithwaite Houndsly of House Houndsly – Father of the bride, old but still strong, and obviously weighed down with emotion.
  • Duchess Constance Patterson – A recent widow, her husband passed away just under a year ago. She will continue to wear black, even at a wedding, until the year is up. She is still considered young enough to marry again after her mourning is over.
  • Duchess Jade Snow – Wife to Duke Consort Boyd, early middle age but looks much younger, her dress is absolutely stunning, and she is made up in perfection. She doesn’t match her husband’s outfit.
  • Duke Consort Gianni Boyd – Husband of Duchess Snow. Early middle age, dressed in the finest outfit, which doesn’t match what his wife is wearing.
  • Lord Mason of House Pax – Lord of the King’s Peace, tall and well muscled, visibly armed, responsible for security for the event.
  • Lord Alexander Rose – Guinevere’s brother and the groom’s Uncle. Dressed well but in an understated manner, as befitting the younger brother of the mother of the groom.
  • Lady Allissia du Bree – Braithwaite’s sister-in-law, and the bride’s Aunt. Dressed well but in an understated manner, as befitting her position as the younger sister of Duchess Houndsly.
  • Lady Tru Dominguez – A socialite who technically wasn’t invited but always manages to finagle her way in to these sorts of events. She is extravagantly dressed, and potentially will outshine the bride.
  • Lord Jayden Rose – Son of Duke Lainly Rose and heir to the Duchy. The Duke recently broke his leg in a riding accident and couldn’t attend the event, so has sent his son and daughter-in-law to represent the House. Lord Jayden is in his late 20s, and is stylishly, but tastefully dressed.
  • Lady Nia Rose – Married to Lord Jayden Rose, she is slightly younger than her husband, and is also stylishly, but tastefully dressed.
  • Archbishop Nova Felice, of the Church of the Eternal Sun, head of the religion of the Empire – they are wearing formal vestments for the occasion.
  • Bishop Maxwell James – Bishop for House Gardrich, here to officiate the wedding, a middle aged man he is wearing his formal vestments, which are much more understated than the Archbishops.
  • Ivory Perez – Head of the Merchant’s Guild. Dressed in fine business attire. He is responsible for much of the logistics of the event.
  • Halo Davenport – Head of the Armourer’s Guild. Dressed in fine business attire. Heads of the other Guilds were invited, but most chose to stay away from what will obviously be a very political event.
  • Crew Melton – A very successful businessman, dressed in fine business attire.
  • The Amazing Jaxxon Jackson – a bard and the entertainment for the reception. Overdressed, as appropriate for being the entertainment.
  • Mary Taylor – a member of the House Gardrich staff.
  • Colin Smith – a member of staff, brought on to help handle the extra work for the event.

Of Cards and Convenience

Presented By: Fi
Writen By: Fi and Renee

July 25 1810 – London Gazette

  • Napoleon writes “Nature intended women to be our slaves… They are our property we are not theirs. They belong to us just as a tree which bears fruit belongs to the gardener. What a mad idea to demand equality for women! Women are nothing but machines for producing children.” The Suffragette movement is reportedly outraged.
  • The Gentleman of the Road, the roguish highwayman who has been accosting unwary travellers for the prior 8 months struck again some 4 nights ago. This time closer to London than ever before. The bounty for his capture has increased to a remarkable 200 pounds.
  • We are pleased to announce that the momentum behind the Luddite movement is slowing with no further disruptions to industry since February.
  • A fine of 50 pounds for any Ships Captains found to be engaging in Slavery are being enforced by the Naval Attache at all English Ports as of this month.
  • The Prince Regent has invited a select group of this season’s debutantes to a Garden Party at Vauxhall this evening. Surely one of THE social highlights of the season.
  • The wreckage of another vessel lost with all hands echos demise of the Paragon along the Dover Coast. Something must be done to stop the loss of trade goods and lives!
  • Rumours of the Catholic influence within the court have been grossly exaggerated
  • The Plimpton’s formally of St Lucia are pleased to announce the debut of their eldest daughter into society. Word has it that the dark skinned beauty will be in appearance along with many of the season’s finest debutantes at the Prince Regent’s Party.

“Mary Agnes! Have you finished helping Hortense with her toilette, it would not do to be late you know”

“Dammit man, do you take me for a greenhorn and a rum cull? I need that money tonight. My whole future depends on it.”

“I can’t let anyone find out. The scandal will see me cast out of the Ton.”

Tonight Prince George, Regent of England and the Empire has invited one score and two elegant personages of the Ton to join him in an evening of refined society to celebrate Beauty of Season.

Of Cards and Convenience is a one session Regency Freeform of politics, money, betrayal, families, and mistaken identities for 22 players by Fi and Renee.

(This game has previously been run at a convention or two many years ago)

Player Capacity: 22
Scheduled: Sunday 4:00pm.
System: N/A.
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: M. Slavery, Racism, murder, illicit affairs.
Seriousness: Moderate, leaning toward serious. (4/6)

The Devil his Due

By: Aaron Fenwick

Beginner Friendly

So what kind of trouble have I gotten myself in this time?

Starts off with a client wanting me to look into their shady lawyer, made off with all their cash. Then a second client wanting the same shady lawyer looked into.

So I find the guy, held up in a resort in Florida. I tip off my clients and head there.

I find ten more of the crooks clients have turned up to confront him, and now he’s dead in the lounge with a suitcase full of barer bonds handcuffed to his arm. Things couldn’t be worse.

The cops are on the way, held up by a tropical storm. I need to work out who is responsible for this or be stuck on Miami for a month while the flatfoots investigate.

I had better plans for my summer…

“The Devil his Due” is a Film Noir murder mystery freeform. Players play suspects trying to avoid the blame for the murder of their embezzling lawyer while the detective (the GM) tries to piece the puzzle together. It’s Cluedo by way of a storytelling freeform.

Player Capacity: 12
Scheduled: Friday 7:30pm.
System: None
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: MA 15+. Content warnings for many of the topics touched on by Film Noir; Betrayal, Murder, Infidelity, Drug use, Substance Abuse and Dramatic improv.
Seriousness: On the serious side. (5/6)

The Diaries of Trask: Book 3: The Army of Darkness

By: Pagrin

In the year of our Lord 1109, the Earl of Trask was reborn as a Vampire.
In 1223, he returned to his estate and reclaimed his heritage.
In 1546, he vanished from both the worlds of mortals and Vampires alike.

A letter arrived at my secret haven tonight. It was handwritten and addressed to me by name. An invitation to meet at a house in Williamstown, along with no more than two of my thrall servants.
Who is this person who summons me and knows both my name and where I am most secret?

1972, Melbourne, Australia. Trask has returned.

This is a one-session Freeform for 22 Vampires and Thralls, set in Williamstown, 1972. While this is the third Trask Freeform, you do not need information from the previous two to play.

Player Capacity: 22
Scheduled: Sunday 12:30pm.
System: N/A
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: M. Horror and Adult themes.
Seriousness: Average. (3/6)

Pride and Extreme Prejudice

Presented By: Rhydian
Written By: Rhydian and Lance

Beginner Friendly. Some characters older kid friendly, see content warning.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single pilot in possession of a good mech, must be in want of a spouse.”

It is the year of our Dark Lords 1802, in a twisted version of Regency England. The place is a fantastical mish-mash of the real world and the strange – the invention of clockwork mechs, and the British Empire’s cult-like worship of the Dark Between the Stars – has rather affected the political makeup of the land and the war with the French. An uneasy truce has been declared, giving some a chance to foster peace, lick wounds, and make blood sacrifices to the servants of the Dark. But in the minds of many aristocrats gathering at the estate of Duke Radcliffe for a party today, there’s something much more important: marriage!

This game is a farce. It plays with elements of classism, etiquette, war, the supernatural, and Empire, and encourages you to make fun of these things. Women and queer people have more freedom in this world than typically depicted in this genre due to equalising pursuits such as mech piloting, sorcery, and mad science; but tensions remain between who is the heir to a fortune, and who needs marriage to survive. Of course, this means there are themes of love and romance, too.

It’s more like a dark and silly fever dream of the regency period than the real deal, so don’t worry if your history is a bit rusty.

Based on the one-page tabletop RPG of the same name by Grant Howitt. Further inspirations taken from Fallen London, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and other regency stories such as Downton Abbey and Bridgerton.

Player Capacity: 22 to 30.
Scheduled: Saturday 7:30pm.
System: N/A
System knowledge required: None. System will be taught during the session.
Rating: PG. This game is a supernatural satirical period drama. It has themes of romance, war, trauma, and ritual sacrifice / murder. The intensity of which depends on the characters. Some character roles could be made available to play for children, with recommendations from the writer on discussion with a parent. It sounds dark but it is a silly game that might appeal to your Wednesday-Addams-types. Likely more suitable to the teenage age brackets rather than younger, for the satire and period drama aspects. Parental discretion is advised.
Seriousness: Moderate, but on the less serious side. (2/6)

Spire: The Masks We Wear

By: William Arnott

Beginner Friendly

Spire. A mile-high city, ruled by cruel high elves, in which the drow have been oppressed for centuries. A nightmare warren of twisting passages and structures, built and rebuilt, atop itself. A city of a thousand gods.The furthest bastion of a terrible and burgeoning empire. A structure of unknown make that houses a blistering, rotten hole in reality at its centre where the sane dare not tread.

You have been invited to an aelfir’s masquerade ball, which is shaping up to be the event of the season. A party to die for, and for at least one guest an invitation to kill for.

Spire: The Masks We Wear is a freeform designed for 24 players, filled with politics, intrigue, betrayal and murder, based in Christopher Taylor and Grant Howitt’s Spire setting. Play as a cruel aelfir, a member of the drow underclass, or a human outsider, while managing hidden agendas and plots.

Player Capacity: 19 to 24.
Scheduled: Saturday 4:00 pm.
System: N/A
System knowledge required: None. System will be taught during the session.
Rating: MA 15+. Fantasy racism, slavery, imperialism, colonialism, mentions of blood, bloodletting, violence, artwork of and mentions of spiders, drugs, alcohol, infectious diseases, torture.
Seriousness: Average. (3/6)

The Trial of Lucifer

By: Travis Hall

By many names has he been known. Satan, the adversary. Samael, poison angel. The Serpent. Lucifer, the Light-Giver. To all has he been known. And to none.

Deceiver.

Before Creation, he rose in rebellion, a third part of Heaven at his command. In the Garden, he lifted the fruit to Eve’s lips. On Earth, he stands against humanity. At the end of all, he rises from the Abyss to devour the world.

Sinner.

At last, he is bound. In the hands of his brothers, at the word of his Creator, he is held. His is accused and accursed. When all is done, the debt of his crimes will be paid. The time of judgement is at hand.

Prisoner.

When evil is judged, will justice be done?

A freeform for 24 assorted angels, demons, mortals and others, by Travis Hall.

Player Capacity: 24.
Scheduled: Friday 4:00 pm.
System: N/A
System knowledge required: None.
Rating: MA 15+. Mentions of domestic abuse, drug use, sex.
Seriousness: On the serious side. (5/6)