Author: Jon Cole

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Larp House Presents: Good Society

Good Society: A Jane Austen Larp. An elegant lady with dark skin in a yellow dress turns to look at a Regency ball where many people are dancing.

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Join us on Saturday May 3rd, 2025

 

“There is no place where finding one’s position in society is quite so difficult as one’s home. When we were young our futures seemed so clear and crisp, like a fresh autumn morning. But now it turns out that in family, duty, and the heart, little proceeds as expected.”

The year is 1810. The place, the country town of Habershire, but three days ride from London. The sun blossoms as the last of spring ends, and those who seasoned in London return. As old friends and rivals gather again in the same place, a new tension pervades our town. The balance of this town is changing, and duty, position, and family will change with it. Now is the time to act upon your dreams, obligations and desires before you find the town has shifted without you.

What

Good Society is a Regency larp by the creators of the award-winning Good Society RPG. This game inspired by Jane Austen’s literary works is set in a country town full of family tension, unspoken romantic longing, and possible impropriety. It features characters of all ages, and revolves around familial pressure, scandal, and class.

You might enjoy this game if you are a fan of Jane Austen, literary romance, or period dramas. The setting is within a historical and literature tradition, but no prior knowledge of Austen’s works is necessary to play. Continue reading “Larp House Presents: Good Society”

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Salon du Larp House: The Pitbull

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Join us on April 28, 2024

On the 13th and highest floor of the tallest building in the city a crew of dastardly individuals bask in their own glory. They drink, they laugh, they banter. Each one knows that they are the greatest to ever live. The people of this town are but mere pawns in their dastardly schemes, and as they’d be happy to tell you in monologue fashion, it would be impossible for something to ever change that. Bwahahahaha!

However, today is not a normal day for our group of despicable villains, for The Pitbull has come to town and they seem distressingly capable of the impossible…

What

The Pitbull is a larp about being a ridiculous Supervillain. Throughout the game, you will create an over-the-top character, gloat about how great you are, and come up with a cunning plan that cannot fail, only to watch it fail. Come play for the campy hijinks, stay for the schadenfreude!

Beginners Welcome! We wrote this game with new larpers in mind. If you can come up with a really dumb plan, let loose a cackle, or say “impossible” in three different intonations, you can play this larp!

Designed by Tom Fendt and Ben Francis

Organized by Ben Francis and Tom Fendt
Admin Support by Jon Cole, Olivia Montoya, Katherine Shane

This event is a playtest. The Pitbull isn’t totally finished, though it will be a complete play experience. We have playtested it before, but there might be some parts that still need more polish. If this game sounds interesting to you even though it is not in its final form, we will be very glad to have you join us!

When

Sunday April 28, 2024, from 12 pm to 5 pm Continue reading “Salon du Larp House: The Pitbull”

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Larp House Presents: Blood Feud MegaGame

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Join us on March 23, 2024

The vampire sects of New York City are in upheaval. The very secret that allows them to hunt unseen amongst humans is threatened. For years the elder vampires have struggled to contain the rebellious young vampires’ uprising bubbling beneath the surface. Then, a few government agencies discovered the existence of vampires, beginning a Second Inquisition. As government agents swarm the streets seeking to root out the bloodsuckers, unlifetimes of animosity bubble over in the chaos. This is that night. Who will rise to power? Who will fall? Every soul has an ambition, and tonight is your chance to triumph in this blood feud.

What

Vampire: The Masquerade – Blood Feud is a MegaGame about vampires, and their eternal struggle to control New York City. Join one of many vampiric or criminal factions in a game for up to 32 players. Within this extra-large board game, there is lots of room to roleplay as the characters steering your faction towards victory or defeat. Gameplay is enhanced by strategic and diplomatic thinking, but is not required to have fun.

Tone: A supernatural political power game

You might enjoy this game if you are a fan of media about disturbing ancient parasites such as Succession, House of Cards, or Interview with the Vampire. The setting is within the World of Darkness franchise of games, but no prior knowledge of the system or franchise is necessary to play. Continue reading “Larp House Presents: Blood Feud MegaGame”

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Larp House Presents: Strictly Between Us

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Join us on November 4th, 2023

 

Strictly Between Us is for roleplayers who want to move and dancers who want to tell stories. It blends the expression of partner dance with the emotional storytelling of larp. Strictly explores the dynamics of a relationship either coming together or falling apart, by playing with the physical and emotional connection between two people.

The game eases players into character with dance exercises exploring emotion through movement. Over three sets of scenes, players will work through their feelings about their dance partner, before getting to show off in the community jam where they will put their sentiments in motion for an audience.

So put on your dance shoes, learn about the blues community, listen to some incredible music, and dance your heart out!

What

A live action game that is also a beginner blues dance workshop.

Duration: 4 hours. 2 hours workshop and dance instruction, then 2 hours play

Players: 2 to 24 players Continue reading “Larp House Presents: Strictly Between Us”

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Larp House Presents: Hell Is Other Vampires

a red-tinted full moon

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Join us on September 2, 2023

It’s 1993, when grunge music is all the rage, hacker kids are dialing up to this new thing called “the Internet,” and discontentment ripples through the secret world of the vampires.

In Chicago, Prince Lodin has dominated the vampires here for decades and kept various factions at bay. However, his days of dominance and absolute monopoly are numbered, and there are whispers of a revolutionary plot against his iron-fisted reign.

As a downpour pummels the streets outside the crumbling ruins of the City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana, a small cabal of vampires gather inside to wait out the storm and plot to overthrow the Prince. That is, if they don’t all kill each other instead…

What

Hell Is Other Vampires is a larp about, well, vampires, but also an interpersonal drama about whether the group can put aside their personal problems to achieve their common goal, or if they succumb to petty squabbles instead.

Tone: A supernatural goth early ’90s gritty drama

You might enjoy this game if you are a fan of vampire media such as The Daybreakers or Interview with the Vampire, with a touch of No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre and Reservoir Dogs. The setting is within the World of Darkness franchise of games, but no prior knowledge of the system or franchise is necessary to play.

Run Time: 3 to 4 hours, including approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of active play time

Players: 3 to 9 players

Facilitators: one

Written by Evan Torner
Organized by Tom S. Tea
Admin support from Katherine Shane and Jon Cole

When

September 2, 2023, from 2–7 PM

Continue reading “Larp House Presents: Hell Is Other Vampires”

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Salon du Larp House: Velveteen Hearts

A collection of assorted stuffed animals sit of a bed facing the viewer, as if waiting patiently for play to begin.

Join us on June 17, 2023!
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Updated: The title of this work-in-progress larp has changed from “Batting Hearts” to “Velveteen Hearts”

As soon as I saw you, I knew an adventure was going to happen.

A day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day.

If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.

―Winnie the Pooh

What

Children at preschool enter the land of make believe with their stuffed animal companions. This is a physical play experience, where players literally enact childsplay and wind through the rambling-dream logic of stories children tell. How does the child’s inner life come through make-believe play with their stuffie? When hardship comes and fears threaten to overwhelm, who supports who and how? Leave this game feeling a little more grown-up and a little more connected to childlike parts of yourself.

Written and Organized by Jon Cole
Admin Support by Olivia Montoya, Katherine Shane

This event is a playtest. Velveteen Hearts isn’t totally finished, though it will be a complete play experience. There might be some missing pieces or rough patches in play. If this game sounds interesting to you even though it is not in its final form, we will be very glad to have you join us!

When

Saturday June 17th, 2023, from 1 to 4pm

Continue reading “Salon du Larp House: Velveteen Hearts”

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Salon du Larp House: Charm School playtest

It’s 1925 and some experienced grifters—hustlers, sharps, and general crooks—gather to teach a group of younger, less-experienced con artists the tricks of the trade. Of course everyone brings their own bag full of secrets, and sometimes the best con is the one you don’t even know you are running…

Professors teach their signature cons, honed over years of practice, to promising new comers.

Students can gain experience, insight, and possibly a mentor as they learn various cons.

And as anywhere old and young gather, stories will be shared, grudges aired, and feelings bared.

What

Charm School is a game about being low-down dirty-rotten crooks who exchange tips, stories, and grudges. Sometimes the best con is the one you don’t even know you are running.

Run Time: 3 hours, including 90 minutes active play time
Players: 6–10
Facilitators: 2, who play as well
Tone: Self-serious characters played in a light-hearted way

You might enjoy this game if you are a fan of such films as: The Sting, The Usual Suspects, Reservoir Dogs, Now You See Me, Catch Me If You Can, The Brothers Bloom, or the Ocean’s Eleven franchise.

Written by Jason Morningstar
Organized by Kevin McIntrye and Kelley Vanda
With admin support from Katherine Shane and Jon Cole

This event is a playtest. Charm School isn’t totally finished, though it will be a complete play experience. There might be some missing pieces or rough patches in play. If this game sounds interesting to you even though it is not in its final form, we will be very glad to have you join us!

When

Saturday March 25th, 2023, from 1 to 5 pm Continue reading “Salon du Larp House: Charm School playtest”

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Larp House Presents: The Harvest Festival

The hands of person with pale skin wearing blue uses blue clay on a rustic wooden table to create molds for silver charms.

A rural village craftspeople prepare for the annual Harvest Festival. At the festival each craftsperson will present their proudest works to other members of the community as a symbol of gratitude, forgiveness, or apology.

During the day, you sit with an elder perfecting your craft and seeking advice from your peers about your personal life. At night, wander the cozy streets of the hamlet to visit with other villagers to put that advice into practice (for better or for worse). After the third day, we will celebrate the Harvest Festival and give away the things we created.

What

The Harvest Festival is a pastoral game about interpersonal conflict and support networks. Inspired by Animal Crossing and Harvest Moon, join us to live out a hygge cottagecore fantasy for one afternoon.

Written by Marshall Bradshaw
Organized by Jon Cole

When

Saturday January 7th, 2023, from 1 to 4pm

The fingers of a person with pale skin delicately manipulate wet clay on a pottery wheel. The hands are wet, covered with shiny clay.

Continue reading “Larp House Presents: The Harvest Festival”

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Larp House Presents: Glamourous Night

People dance in a dimly lit room. Two move lean into one another, sharing weight. One person the the foreground thrusts out an outstretched hand to another person.

In the old, old, half forgotten times, magical beings spin helplessly through realms of music and magic. Tragic are they! These wizards, fae, humans, and magical animals do not see that they already possess the power to change themselves. To take control of their vulnerable situation, each group dominates the minds of the others in turn, each more wickedly than the last. Mind control scars both the leader and the follower, but each has a chance to heal. In the end, only True Love can redeem them and break their bonds. When they have the chance to escape, will they want to?

What

Glamourous Night is an immersive game about hurting others, and having a chance to redeem yourself for 8 to 30 players. It is an abstract, mostly non-verbal game that is played to music. Players use two movement techniques to resolve their characters’ conflicts, either mutual spell casting or mind control. Players will be on their feet and moving during most of the three hour workshop and the two hour game.

The setting is a fantastical medieval Europe where all the folk tales are true. The characters are powerful magical beings who go on an accidental journey between dimensions. They are tempted to mind control each other before escaping, scarred. Only True Love can break mind control bonds and redeem their actions. Finally, each character decides which of the three dimensions they will make their new home.

Written by Jon Cole
Organized by Steve Stolpman and Jon Cole

When

Saturday January 28th, 2023, from noon to 5pm

Read on for more details!
Continue reading “Larp House Presents: Glamourous Night”

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Salon du Larp House: Glamourous Night – second playtest!

enchanted forest

Wizards, humans, magical animals, and faeries attend a mundane community’s summer solstice festival. Magic is in the air, voices are stilled, and dreams can come true at a cost. Tonight a journey between realms will grant attendees terrifying mystical power to pursue their desires. How far will you go to get what you want? When you are all-powerful, what is actually important to you?

What

Glamourous Night is a larp about faerie magic and wizards’ hubris for 15 to 25 players. It is an abstract and musical experience exploring the themes of mind control and healing from trauma. This event is a playtest for a larp designed by Jon Cole.

In Glamourous Night, players use two movement techniques to perform ensorcelling magic as their characters. Characters will experience joyful exploration and tempting darkness as they share, subjugate, and are subjugated. Continue reading “Salon du Larp House: Glamourous Night – second playtest!”