What is Odysseus?
Odysseus is a Finnish style larp for 104 players. It can also be described as a Nordic larp, but due to some distinctive elements that are different from what is commonly seen in Nordic larps but very typical for Finnish larps, we decided to call Odysseus a Finnish style larp.
Why a Finnish larp? Already for two decades, the majority of all larps played in Finland represent the writing and play style used in Odysseus. Here we describe a few common elements in our larp culture, since these are strongly present in Odysseus. We also give short descriptions of Nordic larps and larps in general.
Odysseus is a Finnish style larp for 104 players. It can also be described as a Nordic larp, but due to some distinctive elements that are different from what is commonly seen in Nordic larps but very typical for Finnish larps, we decided to call Odysseus a Finnish style larp.
Why a Finnish larp? Already for two decades, the majority of all larps played in Finland represent the writing and play style used in Odysseus. Here we describe a few common elements in our larp culture, since these are strongly present in Odysseus. We also give short descriptions of Nordic larps and larps in general.
What is larp?
Larp is an acronym for Live Action Role Playing, but it is nowadays used as a name itself. Larp is an artform that can be described as theater without an audience, a story created by the players. In addition to player input, a larp requires pre-written information from the game masters. As the bare minimum, this information provides the setting of a game, but more typically it also contains descriptions of the world and the characters.
In a larp, a player assumes the role of a character for the duration of the game; this duration typically varies from a couple of hours to several days. During a game, players (in the roles of their characters) interact with other players’ character without a pre-determined script. The characters might have some goals to achieve during the game, or they could just live out their everyday lives.
Larp is an acronym for Live Action Role Playing, but it is nowadays used as a name itself. Larp is an artform that can be described as theater without an audience, a story created by the players. In addition to player input, a larp requires pre-written information from the game masters. As the bare minimum, this information provides the setting of a game, but more typically it also contains descriptions of the world and the characters.
In a larp, a player assumes the role of a character for the duration of the game; this duration typically varies from a couple of hours to several days. During a game, players (in the roles of their characters) interact with other players’ character without a pre-determined script. The characters might have some goals to achieve during the game, or they could just live out their everyday lives.
What is Nordic larp?
Nordic larp is a term for shared larp traditions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. What sets the Nordic larp traditions apart from others is a strong emphasis on collaboration and collective creation, unobtrusive rules, as well as a rich variety of play styles and settings sometimes including heavy themes.
Steeped in societal traditions of non-profit self-organization in the Nordic countries, larps in the Nordics often are both created and played in a very collaborative way. The starting point usually is that all participants take equal part as players in a game with a shared responsibility for the atmosphere, story and experience.
Different styles within the Nordic larp traditions have very varying levels of costuming, props and sets. Story, drama and atmosphere are held in high regard. In games with conflict, winning and losing most often serves these ideals more than player against player out of game competition. Rules are few when the exist at all and are often designed to break immersion as little as possible. Characters are generally described with personality traits, background and motivation without stats or numbered skills.
In the Nordic larp tradition larps can be viewed as a artistic endeavor and a valid form of expression that can be deeply meaningful to the participants. Larps that explore serious themes and ideas are common in many different genres and styles, but it’s not universal. There are lighthearted black-box larps as well as thematically heavy weekend fantasy games.
Text abridged from https://nordiclarp.org/what-is-nordic-larp/
What is Finnish larp?
Finnish larp is not an idiomatic term, but we have decided to use it for Odysseus, as calling our game a Nordic larp did not feel quite right, even though it is a close relative. Most of the aspects that define Nordic larps (Immersion, Collaboration and Artistic vision) also apply to Finnish larps, but there are a few other aspects that are common to larps in Finland.
Story driven. A game is not a free sandbox in which the players can create their story. Instead, players co-create the story based on heavier pre-game input from the game masters than is typical in Nordic larps. Inside these limits, players are free to experience and shape the story to their preferred directions. The games usually have multiple pre-defined intertwining plots and dynamics that together create the whole story, as well as mechanics that carry the story forward. Often there are several ways to accomplish the goals the characters may have, and the more personal plots and relationships do not have a pre-determined outcome – it is entirely up to the players to make the most out of them.
Characters. Each player receives a pre-written complex character that has a unique history, story, plots, and a network of connections. The characters are assigned to players based on a casting questionnaire, on which the players are asked their preferences on plots, relationships, and overall experience. Players rarely create contacts or plots by themselves – instead, these are delivered by the game masters. There is some room to make adjustments based on player preferences, but the larps rely heavily on players respecting and playing the plots they are given. However, it is of course possible and even encouraged to create new contacts and relationships in-character during the larp.
Emotions. Many Finnish larps drive to stir strong emotions in the players, to give them an experience of stepping into someone else's shoes and living their life, feeling their losses and joys. Players are encouraged to maximize the drama, to cry when their characters are sad, to yell when they are mad, and laugh when they are happy.
Players’ role. Finnish larps rely strongly on players being active and respectful. Players are expected to memorize all the relevant details of their characters and to respect the plots they are given – but to also make their characters their own and bring them to life in a way they feel comfortable with. It is strongly encouraged to discuss with your pre-defined contacts before the game to make the connections between the characters deeper. Whether it is a pre-written romance, friendship or a mentor-mentee relationship, players should discuss beforehand what they expect from that particular contact and what boundaries they have.
Secrets. Secrets and surprises are a typical ingredient of Finnish larps. Each player’s character might have information the other characters do not have. The story is designed to slowly unfold throughout the duration of the larp, and shocking revelations and mysteries are meant to provide play for the whole duration of a game.
Fully ingame. Players immerse themselves in the lives of their characters for the whole duration of the larp. There are no pauses or acts. No one should be offgame other than in designated offgame areas, or if there is a need to have a quick discussion to set up a scene or to adjust boundaries. Usually there is also a signal to alert the players that the end of the larp is drawing nearer, so the players have a chance to tie off plots they still want to play.
We want to welcome you to experience a Finnish style larp with complex characters, intricate plots and drama pre-created for you to then make the character your own and steer your experience to a direction you want!
Nordic larp is a term for shared larp traditions in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. What sets the Nordic larp traditions apart from others is a strong emphasis on collaboration and collective creation, unobtrusive rules, as well as a rich variety of play styles and settings sometimes including heavy themes.
Steeped in societal traditions of non-profit self-organization in the Nordic countries, larps in the Nordics often are both created and played in a very collaborative way. The starting point usually is that all participants take equal part as players in a game with a shared responsibility for the atmosphere, story and experience.
Different styles within the Nordic larp traditions have very varying levels of costuming, props and sets. Story, drama and atmosphere are held in high regard. In games with conflict, winning and losing most often serves these ideals more than player against player out of game competition. Rules are few when the exist at all and are often designed to break immersion as little as possible. Characters are generally described with personality traits, background and motivation without stats or numbered skills.
In the Nordic larp tradition larps can be viewed as a artistic endeavor and a valid form of expression that can be deeply meaningful to the participants. Larps that explore serious themes and ideas are common in many different genres and styles, but it’s not universal. There are lighthearted black-box larps as well as thematically heavy weekend fantasy games.
Text abridged from https://nordiclarp.org/what-is-nordic-larp/
What is Finnish larp?
Finnish larp is not an idiomatic term, but we have decided to use it for Odysseus, as calling our game a Nordic larp did not feel quite right, even though it is a close relative. Most of the aspects that define Nordic larps (Immersion, Collaboration and Artistic vision) also apply to Finnish larps, but there are a few other aspects that are common to larps in Finland.
Story driven. A game is not a free sandbox in which the players can create their story. Instead, players co-create the story based on heavier pre-game input from the game masters than is typical in Nordic larps. Inside these limits, players are free to experience and shape the story to their preferred directions. The games usually have multiple pre-defined intertwining plots and dynamics that together create the whole story, as well as mechanics that carry the story forward. Often there are several ways to accomplish the goals the characters may have, and the more personal plots and relationships do not have a pre-determined outcome – it is entirely up to the players to make the most out of them.
Characters. Each player receives a pre-written complex character that has a unique history, story, plots, and a network of connections. The characters are assigned to players based on a casting questionnaire, on which the players are asked their preferences on plots, relationships, and overall experience. Players rarely create contacts or plots by themselves – instead, these are delivered by the game masters. There is some room to make adjustments based on player preferences, but the larps rely heavily on players respecting and playing the plots they are given. However, it is of course possible and even encouraged to create new contacts and relationships in-character during the larp.
Emotions. Many Finnish larps drive to stir strong emotions in the players, to give them an experience of stepping into someone else's shoes and living their life, feeling their losses and joys. Players are encouraged to maximize the drama, to cry when their characters are sad, to yell when they are mad, and laugh when they are happy.
Players’ role. Finnish larps rely strongly on players being active and respectful. Players are expected to memorize all the relevant details of their characters and to respect the plots they are given – but to also make their characters their own and bring them to life in a way they feel comfortable with. It is strongly encouraged to discuss with your pre-defined contacts before the game to make the connections between the characters deeper. Whether it is a pre-written romance, friendship or a mentor-mentee relationship, players should discuss beforehand what they expect from that particular contact and what boundaries they have.
Secrets. Secrets and surprises are a typical ingredient of Finnish larps. Each player’s character might have information the other characters do not have. The story is designed to slowly unfold throughout the duration of the larp, and shocking revelations and mysteries are meant to provide play for the whole duration of a game.
Fully ingame. Players immerse themselves in the lives of their characters for the whole duration of the larp. There are no pauses or acts. No one should be offgame other than in designated offgame areas, or if there is a need to have a quick discussion to set up a scene or to adjust boundaries. Usually there is also a signal to alert the players that the end of the larp is drawing nearer, so the players have a chance to tie off plots they still want to play.
We want to welcome you to experience a Finnish style larp with complex characters, intricate plots and drama pre-created for you to then make the character your own and steer your experience to a direction you want!