Plot-Flange
There are various definitions on what constitutes an LRP “Flange”.
My definition is simply “when the actions of the players are so unexpected that without some kind of intervention and amendment to the way the game is progressing that the game will suffer”. A “flange” is then used to return the plot in the direction that is should be heading. This does not mean giving the players a second chance as such. It means keeping the game running to a satisfactory conclusion.
If they kill a major NPC who was meant to impart knowledge that was essential for the game to continue, then that information must somehow be reinserted into the plot. Give the players a way to do this but don’t make it easy on them, if things have gone wrong for them, its because they’ve allowed them to go wrong.
In the first instance you should try and think around the plot that you’ve written. There will always be a degree of planning in games (unless it is a complete freeform) and the plot-writer will have a vision of where the game should be heading. If the players go off this track, see if there’s a way to allow them to continue down that track without reducing the quality of the game, or that’s unlikely, then at least get them back on the track. If the players destroy your plot, you need to either rebuild or repair
If the players have killed a major plot, can you turn the game around and completely re-write the plot?
That is the ideal situation but is often impossible to do considering the last minute arrangements that may be required. If you can find another direction to take the game (i.e the players have killed a major NPC, what are the repercussions of this, perhaps their friends will come for revenge, perhaps the authorities arrive) However you decide to re-write the plot you must ensure that the game flows.
Alternatively you can attempt to repair the plot. If the players have killed the major NPC, have them find a pocket notebook on his body detailing about how he’s spoken with his brother and told him everything. Insert said brother and have him tell the players the important information. Don’t make it easy for the players to do this, if they want to make amends for their mistakes, they should pay accordingly.
If absolutely necessary, you can also “cheat” to allow the plot to continue. Maybe the NPC really isn’t dead but is severely wounded and with some medical attention my still be able to impart what he needs to. This should only be used as a last resort as nobody likes a cheat, and that includes the referees
Under no circumstances should you ever have to resort to stopping the game and “re-writing history”. If the players have done something stupid then they’ve done it. It will severely damage the flow of the game (and your credibility as a good referee) if you have to say “actually pretend that that did not happen”.
One of the most important abilities that an organiser needs is to be able to think on their feet, to adapt the story to fit the ideas of the players and to cope with problems as they arise. This comes with practice
My definition is simply “when the actions of the players are so unexpected that without some kind of intervention and amendment to the way the game is progressing that the game will suffer”. A “flange” is then used to return the plot in the direction that is should be heading. This does not mean giving the players a second chance as such. It means keeping the game running to a satisfactory conclusion.
If they kill a major NPC who was meant to impart knowledge that was essential for the game to continue, then that information must somehow be reinserted into the plot. Give the players a way to do this but don’t make it easy on them, if things have gone wrong for them, its because they’ve allowed them to go wrong.
In the first instance you should try and think around the plot that you’ve written. There will always be a degree of planning in games (unless it is a complete freeform) and the plot-writer will have a vision of where the game should be heading. If the players go off this track, see if there’s a way to allow them to continue down that track without reducing the quality of the game, or that’s unlikely, then at least get them back on the track. If the players destroy your plot, you need to either rebuild or repair
If the players have killed a major plot, can you turn the game around and completely re-write the plot?
That is the ideal situation but is often impossible to do considering the last minute arrangements that may be required. If you can find another direction to take the game (i.e the players have killed a major NPC, what are the repercussions of this, perhaps their friends will come for revenge, perhaps the authorities arrive) However you decide to re-write the plot you must ensure that the game flows.
Alternatively you can attempt to repair the plot. If the players have killed the major NPC, have them find a pocket notebook on his body detailing about how he’s spoken with his brother and told him everything. Insert said brother and have him tell the players the important information. Don’t make it easy for the players to do this, if they want to make amends for their mistakes, they should pay accordingly.
If absolutely necessary, you can also “cheat” to allow the plot to continue. Maybe the NPC really isn’t dead but is severely wounded and with some medical attention my still be able to impart what he needs to. This should only be used as a last resort as nobody likes a cheat, and that includes the referees
Under no circumstances should you ever have to resort to stopping the game and “re-writing history”. If the players have done something stupid then they’ve done it. It will severely damage the flow of the game (and your credibility as a good referee) if you have to say “actually pretend that that did not happen”.
One of the most important abilities that an organiser needs is to be able to think on their feet, to adapt the story to fit the ideas of the players and to cope with problems as they arise. This comes with practice
