The Great Trust Adventure: Navigating the Wilds of LARPing S10E6

Welcome, brave adventurers of the imagination, to another thrilling episode of LARPcast—the blog where we dive headfirst into the foam-padded world of Live Action Role Playing! Today, we’re embarking on a quest most perilous: the quest for Trust. Yes, that elusive beast that makes our games not just good, but legendary! Why Trust is Your […]

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
All right, let's dive in.
Today we're exploring the world of LARPing,
but with a focus on something, well,
pretty fundamental to the whole experience.
Trust.
You got it.
Trust.
We're going deep
on why it's so crucial, how it shapes the game,
and what we can all do to build it up.
Our guide for this adventure.
I'm intrigued.
Tell me more.

(00:20):
A really insightful blog post called The
Great Trust Adventure through all our cast.
You know that blog all about LARPing.
Yes, I've read a few of their pieces.
Always insightful.
So
what struck you most about this great trust
adventure?
Well, they made this comparison that I
thought was spot on.
They talk about trust as being like, well,
enchanted armor for LARPers.

(00:41):
OK, I'm listening.
Enchanted armor, huh?
I like that, right? Instead of protecting
you from, you know, hacktual blows,
it protects you from that feeling of being
cheated.
Like manipulated by the game itself.
That makes a lot of sense.
When you trust the GM's, the
other players, the whole system, you can
really dive in, you know, totally.
And the blog even uses this image of

(01:01):
players diving in with the gusto of a
dragon hoarding gold.
Love it,
right?
It really captures that sense of freedom
and commitment you get when you trust the game.
You're not holding back, you're all in.
But on the flip side.
The blog also warns about what happens when
that trust breaks down.
It can turn into like
a PVP nightmare.

(01:22):
Oh yeah, they actually call it player
versus plot.
Exactly.
You're not just playing the game anymore,
you're fighting against it.
Every twist and turn feels suspicious, like
the game itself is out to get you.
That sounds awful.
Like you're stuck in a dungeon where the
walls keep shifting
and you can't tell friend from foe.
And that brings us to another major trust
Buster that the blog tackles head on

(01:42):
favoritism.
Oh yeah, they had some strong.
Wrong words about that, didn't they?
Definitely.
They called it the Dark Forest, where many
a LRP has lost its way.
It's evocative, right? Oh, for sure.
You get that sense of danger of being lost
and unsure who to trust.
It's like you're wandering through the
story and suddenly you realize, wait a
minute, some people seem to be getting
preferential treatment here.

(02:03):
Like they've got a map and I'm stumbling
around in the dark.
It undermines the whole experience.
It makes you question.
If it even matters what you do, yeah,
exactly.
And I thought the blog's analogy for this
was really powerful.
They said it's like everyone paid for
passage on the same adventure ship, right?
But some folks are getting the first class
treatment
while others are stuck down in the bilge.

(02:25):
Precisely.
And that's just not right.
Every player deserves to feel like
their actions have meaning, like they have
a chance to contribute and shine, no matter
what their character's status is or how
much experience they have, right?
Everyone deserves a fair shot 100%.
And that's
where the role of the game master becomes
absolutely critical.
And the blog had some fascinating advice

(02:47):
for GM's on
how to build trust, starting with this idea
of being a what
was it? A
listening lore keeper? Oh yeah, I loved
that image.
Like a wise old owl perched up high,
watching over the game, listening to the
players, weaving their feedback into the
story as it unfolds.
It sounds so cool.
Yeah, so much more engaging than just
like.

(03:07):
Dictating the plot from on high,
for sure.
It's about being attuned to the player's
desires, incorporating their ideas, making
them feel like they're a part of shaping
the world.
And that brings us to another awesome bit
of advice from the blog,
which is about embracing what they call the
flexible fable.
I see where you're going with this, right?
Game masters need to be adaptable,

(03:29):
roll with the punches,
be open to unexpected player choices.
Let the story emerge organically.
Absolutely.
That's where things get really exciting.
Imagine an LRP where
the player's actions genuinely have an
impact, you know,
where the narrative twists and turns based
on the choices they make.
It's like those choose your own adventure
books we all loved as kids.

(03:50):
You're not just following a rigid script,
you're actually part of creating the story.
Exactly.
But to make that work, there has to be a
lot of trust on both sides.
Oh, totally.
Players need to trust that the GM's will
respect their choices.
And weave them into the story.
And the GM's need to trust that the players
won't abuse that freedom and will make
choices that are, you know, in the spirit
of the game.

(04:10):
Yeah, it's a delicate balance to strike.
But when it works,
oh, it's magical.
That shared ownership over the story,
that feeling of truly collaborating to
create something unique.
That's what makes LR Bring so special.
But to get to that point,
to build that kind of trust.
I think transparency is absolutely key, and
the blog has this really cool analogy for that.

(04:31):
They compare it to the Palantir,
that magical seeing stone from Lord of the Rings.
Oh yeah,
I see the connection, right? It's about
being up front,
laying all the cards on the table, clear
rules, open communication, no hidden
agendas or surprises that make people feel
cheated.
It's about knowing where you stand, what
the rules of the game are, and what you can
expect.

(04:51):
No nasty surprises lurking around the
corner.
And just as important as having clear rules.
Absolutely. It's
like a just
king ruling his realm.
Everyone knows what the laws are and that
they will be enforced fairly no matter who
you are.
Consistency builds trust.
If one player gets a second chance,

(05:12):
everyone should.
If a certain action is rewarded in one
instance,
it should be rewarded every time, right? It
creates an even playing field where
everyone feels like they have a fair shot.
And that, in turn, reinforces that sense of
trust, allowing players to just relax and
enjoy the game
without constantly worrying about, you know,
hidden agendas or favoritism.
And now I'm dying to hear what the blog had

(05:33):
to say about
achievement systems and NPCs.
Those seem like crucial elements in
building a truly immersive LARP.
Oh, they definitely are.
And there's a lot to unpack there.
But let's save those fascinating topics for
our next segment.
Stay tuned.
We'll be right back.
Welcome back.
Now, where were we?

(05:54):
Uh,
yes, trust in LRP,
you know.
It's fascinating how those principles of
transparency and consistency,
they really show up in the actual game
design.
Oh, absolutely.
The blog posts we're looking at, the Great
Trust adventure.
It talks a lot about the importance of
having a clear achievement system, right? Right.
So players know what they're working
towards, how their actions actually move
them forward in the game.

(06:15):
Exactly.
Like, it's like having a quest log,
right? Clearly laid out objectives, the
rewards you get for completing them.
Gives you a sense of purpose.
You know, you're not just wandering around
aimlessly.
Exactly.
Players understand how their actions
contribute to their progress, and they're
more likely to be invested to really
participate.
It fosters a sense of agency.

(06:35):
It's not just about, like,
racking up experience points or collecting
loot, though.
Oh, definitely not.
The challenges should be meaningful.
Yeah, yeah.
Something that actually tests your skills,
makes you think creatively,
forces you to work together with other
players, right?
The rewards should feel earned, like, you
know, a badge of honor,
something that reflects your

(06:55):
accomplishments, what you contributed to
this story.
And that feeling, that sense of
accomplishment,
I bet it's even stronger when you achieve
it as part of a community that's built on trust.
Oh, absolutely.
Like reaching the summit of a mountain
together.
You know,
you supported each other every step of the way.
It's powerful stuff.
That shared sense of accomplishment
really brings people together, strengthens

(07:16):
the community as a whole for sure.
And Speaking of community, we got to talk
about the role of.
NPC's in all this
building trust.
Yes, the NPC's.
Yeah, the essential part of any LIRP.
Absolutely.
And the blog really emphasizes that
they shouldn't just be treated as
background characters or, you know,
mindless enemies.
I mean, who wants to just be whacking foam
swords at cardboard cutouts all day?

(07:37):
Exactly.
NPC's can be so much more than that, right?
They can be mentors, rivals, allies.
Even just sources of comic relief, right?
They add depth, complexity, make the world
feel more real, more alive.
I always love it when an NPC remembers
something my character did in a previous
game, you know,
or reacts to my choices in a way that
feels genuine, like they have a history.

(07:59):
Oh, it's so immersive.
Makes you feel like you're really a part of
that world.
And when players trust that the NPC's are
there to enhance the game,
not to
like.
Throw a wrench in the works or play
favorites.
It opens up a world of possibilities.
So much potential for interesting
interactions and unexpected storylines,
right? It goes back to that idea of Co
creation, right? Yeah,

(08:20):
exactly.
It's not just the GM's telling the story.
The players, through their interactions
with NPC's and the choices they make, they
become active participants in shaping the
narrative.
And that's where the real magic happens. I think
when LRP ING becomes less about following a script
and more about this like.
Dynamic, interactive storytelling
experience.

(08:40):
Absolutely.
When players feel empowered, like they can
really contribute to the world around them,
it creates a sense of ownership, of
belonging that's
incredibly powerful.
But we've focused a lot on the GM, the
mechanics of the game itself.
What about the players themselves? Oh yeah,
What role do they play in all this?
Building a culture of trust, right? I mean,

(09:01):
it can't all be on the GM, can it?
Definitely not.
It's a collaborative effort, as the blog
points out.
Players have a huge impact on shaping the
community's culture.
Like, think of it like building a
cathedral.
A cathedral.
OK, I'm listening.
The GMs, they lay the foundation, but it's
the players with their individual talents
and cashions.
They're the ones who actually construct the

(09:22):
soaring arches,
the intricate stained glass windows, all
the details that make it truly
breathtaking.
Wow, I love that analogy.
It really captures the spirit of
collaboration that's at the heart of
arping.
So if we think of players as these, like,
skilled artisans,
what are the tools they can use to build
a culture of trust? Well, the BLOB

(09:42):
highlights 3 key principles, communication,
respect, and accountability.
Simple concepts, but I bet they go a long
way in a LARC setting.
Oh, absolutely.
But you know, let's delve into those a bit
more after a quick break.
We'll be back to explore how players can
build a high trust LRP community.
And we're back, ready to finish our deep
dive into trust in LARPing.
We've covered how important game masters

(10:04):
are in setting the stage, but like the LR
Pitcast blog reminds us,
players play a big role too, right? For sure.
They really do.
It's a team effort, you know,
totally. So
to use the blog's cathedral analogy,
if the GM's lay the foundation,
the players are the ones actually building
the arches, putting in the stained glass
windows,
making it all come together.
Exactly.
And those 3 principles we touched on before

(10:26):
the break, those are the tools they use.
Communication, respect, and accountability.
Yeah, simple ideas,
but so powerful when you actually put them
into practice. So
let's break them down.
First up,
communication.
We all know it's important,
but what does that actually look like in a
LARP setting?
I think it starts with being upfront

(10:46):
about what you want out of the game.
What kind of experience are you looking
for? What are your boundaries? What are you
hoping to bring to the table?
Sharing that stuff openly with the GM's,
with other players, helps set everyone on
the same page from the start, right? Like
establishing the ground rules for the whole
collaboration.
Exactly.
But it's not just about stating your
expectations.
Active listening is crucial.

(11:07):
Really hearing what others are saying, even
if you don't agree with them.
Asking questions to make sure you
understand their point of view.
Having a real conversation, not just
waiting for your turn to talk.
And sometimes that means having some tough
conversations, right?
Like when conflicts come up.
Oh yeah, sometimes it does.
But trying to avoid conflict altogether,
that can actually make things worse.
You know,

(11:28):
erosion of trust can happen if stuff is
just swept under the rug.
So you're saying it's better to address
things head on
if it's done respectfully? Yeah,
with a genuine desire to find a solution
that shows you're committed to maintaining
a healthy community.
Makes sense.
So that's communication.
What about respect? That feels like a
pretty fundamental element of any

(11:48):
relationship, really.
Absolutely.
And in LR Painting, it shows up in lots of ways.
It's about valuing every player's
contributions, recognizing what makes them
unique,
making sure everyone feels comfortable
expressing themselves, taking risks, really
being present in the game.
Treating each other with kindness and
consideration, whether you're in character or not.
It's more than just being polite, then.

(12:09):
It's about creating a space where everyone
feels safe.
Exactly.
And it also extends to respecting the game
itself, the rules, the setting, the lore,
all that stuff.
Playing fair, not trying to game the
system.
That shows respect for the shared
experience you're all working to create.
And I imagine that also means being mindful
of how your actions impact other players,

(12:30):
the overall story.
Oh yeah, totally.
You're not just playing for yourself.
You're part of this collective.
Your choices, they have consequences.
All right, last one.
Accountability
kind of goes hand in hand with respect, right?
It does.
And it starts with owning your mistakes.
We all mess up sometimes, especially in LRP.
Things move fast.
You're improvising.
But instead of making excuses, a player

(12:51):
who's really accountable.
They own up to their errors,
apologize if necessary,
and most importantly, learn from it.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Understand that they affect other people. Yeah,
exactly.
And it's not just about holding yourself
accountable.
Sometimes it means,
you know, gently holding others
accountable, too.
Not like
being the LRRP police, though, right? No, no, no.

(13:12):
It's more about offering constructive
feedback, reminding each other of the rules.
You know, supporting each other in creating
a positive game environment.
So accountability done well can actually
strengthen trust.
Absolutely.
It shows you're all committed to
upholding the community's values, creating
a space where everyone can relax and get
fully immersed in the game. OK, so

(13:33):
wrapping all this up, building that culture
of trust in LR Arping.
It's a two way St.
It is.
You need GM's who are transparent and fair,
and players who are open, respectful and
accountable for their actions.
And when all those pieces come together, magic,
you get players who are willing to take
risks, try new things, really contribute
their talents to the story.

(13:54):
It becomes less about winning or losing,
and more about just the pure joy of
creating something together.
And that, my friends, is what it's all about.
Trust.
The foundation of amazing friendships,
incredible stories,
and the heart of what makes LRPing so
special.
So true.
So as you head off to your next LRP
adventure, remember what we've talked about today.

(14:15):
Keep those lines of communication open,
show respect to each other and to the game,
and hold yourselves accountable.
And most importantly,
trust in the power of collaboration.
And if you're looking for more awesome
insights into LRPing, check out Alarcast.
That's where we found the inspiration
for this deep dive.
It's a great resource, and that's it for us.
Until next time, keep your imagination

(14:36):
sharp, your hearts open,
and your trust in each other strong.
Happy LARPing.