[UA] Australian gaming jargon (was: UA larp)

[Patrick O'Duffy]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Liam Astley" <esp.horsepie at btinternet.com>

> what are "multiforms" and "theatreforms"? and what's the difference (in
your
> view) between LARP and "freeform"? i'm not being argumentative here, i
> honestly haven't heard of half these things  :)
> round our end of the world most people seem to just refer to live action
> stuff as LRP, there aren't really any further distinctions made (apart
from
> of course the genre, setting and timeframe). i'm curious to hear more
about
> these different definitions.

These are game formats developed on the Australian convention circuit. For
some reason, quite a few RPG innovations developed in Australia (though not,
unfortunately, up in my region).

A 'freeform' is a live RP event; it's debatable whether Australians invented
the non-boffer style of live gaming. The difference between a freeform and a
LARP is mostly one of focus, style and cohesion. As per the name, freeforms
are less rigid and defined than LARPs. You don't have a system - you often
don't have rules at all - nor is there a method of generating characters.
The designers do all of that, putting together characters and plotlines
without player input.

The Shadowrun game I'm running next weekend is a freeform, for instance. The
plot and characters were developed by a friend, and I put together a
barebones set of rules. The players have full control once the game starts,
of course, but no input into the design process. That's pretty much the
oppositie of the American LARP setups, which aim to translate a tabletop
game directly into live play.

A 'multiform' is a game that involves tabletop and live elements, and
possibly other elements as well. You might start at a table with sheets and
dice and play there for a while, then break up into live play in different
rooms, then back to the table. I've also included things like ICQ chats in
game time (me in one house, the players in another), leading the players
through games of hopscotch, locking people in a 'dungeon' (storage room)
with no lights for a few minutes, real-time card games and so forth.
Multiforming is a way to remove some of the abstraction and distance of
tabletop, while still maintaining the useful elements of the system.

As for 'theatreforms' - well, I'm not the expert, since those are mostly a
southern thing. Brisbane's very traditional; some people find my
multiforming ways a bit radical. But as I understand it, a theatreform
involves actual scripts and direction for at least parts of the game. You
actually get on stage (or the centre of the room) and perform for an
audience, in a way that doesn't allow for much individual freedom.
Variations might include a 'directed' scene; you act out while a director
(GM or player) guides you from the side. I have a background in improv and
theatre, so I'm comfortable with this setup - but not as a form of roleplay.
I don't mind some structure or guidance from a GM, but I would like to be
the one putting words into my character's mouth if possible.

(I could be wrong on the theatreform thing. Hopefully James can correct my
mistakes.)

--
Patrick O'Duffy, Brisbane, Australia

Brothers and sisters, I have a dream. Journalism is a ticket to ride, to
travel deep into the dark heart of the pictures you see on your TV and
feeds. And I'm going to take you on a ride with me. A short weird ride into
the heart of darkness.

 - Spider Jerusalem, TRANSMETROPOLITAN #35



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