• In Character
  • Out Of Character
  • Behind The Scenes
  • Making
  • Galleries
  • Politics
  • About
LARP.GUIDE
In Character 0

To Die, To Live – Roleplaying Death in Low-Rules LARP

By Sam Bellamy @capnbellamy · On November 20, 2015

When it comes to low-rules systems there’s an elephant in the room: how does character death work when there are no hit points, calls or classes?

There’s been a recent increase in the amount of no- or low-rules systems across the UK, with none of the traditional death or injury mechanics we’re used to in more standard UK LARP. Without a bleed count or hit points, all you can do is react to the blows you take and roleplay the hell out of an injury. How badly you end up being wounded is entirely your choice, as is your reaction (although, I find falling over works in almost all circumstances).

Character death, then, is also a choice. In these systems, only you can decide whether or not a blow lands heavily enough to knock you out or is roleplayed enough to consist of a killing blow. I assume you’re now thinking to yourself that every character inevitably lives forever; nobody really wants to lose a character, especially after they’ve invested heavily in both time and kit.

However, one of the only rules found in these games are the most important ones; ‘react to everything’ and ‘don’t take the piss’. Taken a blow to the arm? Maybe it’s broken, but it’s most likely not fatal. Six close-range musket shots in the back? You’re dead. Really.

The tricky part comes when the interaction could go either way. A major wound could theoretically be fixed if you’re lucky or it could spell your end. At times like these, the choice becomes more difficult. Regardless of how realistic it may or may not be, think about how your reaction will look and feel. Is it more immersive to die quietly in a bush where nobody gets any real roleplay, or should you heroically stagger back to safety to be healed? What is going to be cool for yourself and the other players? The standard fest-LARP death (in the middle of the night on the way to the toilets, or with twenty other players in a heap) is really a bit dull for both you and those around you. Make it memorable when you are roleplaying death.

In the end, character death is entirely up to the player in these systems. There are some guidelines, and some systems have elements that may control your decision somewhat, but otherwise it will be down to you. You’d be surprised how much more honest it feels when it isn’t a matter of mentally counting down for a bleed count. Just remember: Don’t take the piss, and make sure it’s awesome.

DeathLARPLow RulesLRPPlayingRoleplay
Share Tweet

Sam Bellamy

Serial LARPer, writer and editor. Plays everything from high fantasy fests to no-rules film-sim. Really should stop buying armour at this point.

You Might Also Like

  • In Character

    Colour at LARP: Sumptuous vs Austere

  • In Character

    Beginner Mistakes in SFX Makeup

  • In Character

    How to Create Realistic Wounds Using Latex

No Comments

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow on Instagram
Follow larpguide
  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Tags
  • Clothes Not Costume – How to layer and improve your LARP costume!

    August 21, 2015
  • LARP has a Woman Problem

    February 20, 2015
  • Feminism at LARP – and Why We Need It

    August 9, 2016
  • That event is too expensive

    August 28, 2015
  • Just Say No

    April 3, 2015
LARP LRP Costume Running a game Gallery Making Sculpting Mandala LRP Cosplay Photography Minion Mondays Mask Making Creating a game Photographs Inspiration Empire Airsoft Empire LRP

Find us on Facebook

Tagcloud

Cosplay Costume Creating a game Gallery LARP LRP Making Mandala LRP Mask Making Minion Mondays Photographs Photography Running a game Sculpting
  • In Character
  • Out Of Character
  • Behind The Scenes
  • Making
  • Galleries
  • Politics
  • About

TWEET US

My Tweets

CATEGORIES

  • Behind the Scenes (84)
  • Gallery (46)
  • Garb Inspiration (9)
  • In Character (45)
  • Interview (2)
  • Making (59)
  • Mandala's Minion (72)
  • Out Of Character (44)
  • Politics (8)
  • Reviews (1)
  • Shopping (5)
  • Site Operation (3)
  • Slider (1)

Latest POSTS

  • Staying Creative for LARP During Lockdown

    January 18, 2021
  • Free Crafting Classes for the Pandemic

    March 26, 2020
  • featured on larp guide

    Get Featured on Larp.Guide

    February 10, 2020
  • Designing Logos for Larp

    December 10, 2019
  • Simple Handmade Notebooks DIY for LARP

    November 24, 2019

SEARCH

ADVERTISING DISCLOSURE

LARP.guide may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.

© 2013 Solo Pine Designs, Inc. All rights reserved.