Network Advisory Board meeting 2025 q2
Q1 Labor Summary and Accomplishments Michael Pucci presented a summary of Q1 labor, highlighting the release of books for plot kits, extensive blueprint support, and database enhancements led by Gloria (00:03:43). He also mentioned significant basic business support items, including accounting, trademark updates, and contract revisions (00:05:16).
New Player Quick Start Guide Michael Pucci identified the creation of a new player quick start book as a top priority due to feedback from new players at Defcon who found the existing rulebooks overwhelming (00:05:16). This guide aims to provide essential basics without excessive detail, focusing on getting players involved and connected with local branches, rather than bogging them down with extensive character creation rules, which can be a barrier to entry (00:06:28).
Zone Mechanics Book Rework and Narrative Focus Michael Pucci stated that the "zones of mechanics" book would undergo a full rework to focus on the philosophy and "how-to" aspects with examples, rather than just being a collection of predefined mechanics (00:09:48). He emphasized a shift in focus for the remainder of the year from mechanics to narrative and player experience, providing support tools for storytelling and emotional engagement, ensuring player well-being even when characters face challenges (00:14:32).
Future Publication Projects Michael Pucci outlined several upcoming publication projects, including a "choose your own apocalypse" guide for module writing that draws on decades of experience in creating adaptable stories with player agency (00:09:48). They also plan to release short stories that serve as world-building and marketing tools, offering digestible narratives to engage new players without requiring them to read extensive encyclopedias (00:12:08).
Zombie and Raider Retooling Michael Pucci detailed the retooling of zombie and raider mechanics, allowing for custom creation and expansion of existing designs like the critter guide. This includes specific mechanics for different types of raider rages, immunities, and the implications of a lineage falling to "bad brain" (00:13:22).
2026 Branch Applications and Expectations Michael Pucci discussed the 2026 branch applications, introducing a new pre-application checklist that will require branches to outline their focus, demographics, and promotional strategies (00:15:49). This is intended to ensure clear expectations and commitment from branch owners, promoting a positive player experience and network growth (00:17:14).
Addressing "Us vs. Them" Mentality Michael Pucci expressed frustration with the "us vs. them" mentality between network support and branch owners, emphasizing that they are all on the same team (00:18:30). He acknowledged the hard work of branch owners and stressed the importance of mutual respect and collaboration for the overall health and narrative consistency of the network (00:19:41).
Support for Branch Owners Michael Pucci encouraged branch owners to utilize the owners' chat and owners' area for support with business, demographic analysis, and storytelling, as network support can provide advice and assistance (00:23:06). However, he clarified that as a licensor, they cannot and will not dictate specific actions or mandate training sessions due to various factors, including the busy schedules of owners (00:24:05).
Transparency in Local Game Culture Michael Pucci introduced the idea of implementing a transparency page for each local game to describe its style of play, combat, and general culture, acknowledging state, regional, and individual differences within the LARP community (00:39:23). Robert Marietta supported this by sharing an incident where cultural differences led to significant conflict and the difficult decision to advise a player that their money might be better spent at another chapter (00:44:22). Will Lulham also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that transparency documents are crucial for managing player expectations and preventing emotional disconnects between different game vibes (00:48:17).
Player-to-Player Communication Michael Pucci encouraged the group to encourage players to communicate directly with each other regarding game issues, such as combat etiquette, before escalating to staff mediation. He stated that staff intervention should primarily be for complex mediations and clarifications, not routine player-to-player communication. Stated that lack of trust and communication between players often results in staff being involved as a surrogate for players feeling comfortable talking to one another which is not healthy (00:47:07).
Branch Owner Character Sheet Edits Michael Pucci opened a discussion about branch owners self-editing their character sheets, noting that while an ideal world would rely on radical trust, there have been instances of self-edits for various reasons (00:51:57). Robert Marietta, who frequently self-edits for system training and experimentation, stated their neutrality on whether an approval process should be implemented, prioritizing community confidence (00:54:16). Will Lulham and KC NY also supported the idea of branch owners being able to edit their own sheets, emphasizing the need for accountability and visible adherence to rules while acknowledging the logistical challenges of requiring external approval for every edit (00:56:06). Michael Pucci clarified that this discussion was not about penalties but about establishing a clear standard for future practices (00:58:31).
Owner Character Sheets Michael Pucci initiated a discussion about owners and directors editing their own character sheets, prompted by approximately 20 instances of such modifications. Jonathan Loyd expressed disinterest in enforcing rules for this, viewing it as an owner's responsibility to maintain trust with their community (00:59:50). Phil Grau and Jenna Harbin shared their experiences, noting that editing sheets can be a valuable tool for demonstrating mechanics and guiding players, provided it is done in good faith (01:02:17) (01:04:44).
Trust and Transparency Michael Pucci emphasized the importance of transparency and conversation among owners to address potential issues arising from sheet modifications, particularly when they might impact different branches (01:01:08). Catie Griffin and Robert Marietta supported the idea of owners using their characters as narrative tools, advocating for transparency with players and communication with other games (01:09:49). They stressed that changes should serve a purpose, such as advertising concepts or improving community experience, rather than personal gain (01:12:10).
Defining "Editing Sheets" Ren L sought clarification on what extent of sheet editing was considered concerning (01:12:10). Michael Pucci clarified that network-level enforcement of sheet changes is not feasible, and their primary concern for monitoring would be intentional rule circumvention like granting infinite infection or monthly strain changes (01:13:15). They added that minor changes or additions of societies would not typically be tracked, emphasizing trust among owners to do what is right for the game (01:14:20).
Owner Character Intent Michael Pucci stated that owner characters effectively function like NPCs, aiming to enhance the player experience (01:08:09). Dystopia Rising: The Anvil Owner agreed, noting that owners should adhere to the same processes as players for things like national societies or strain changes (01:15:27). Michael Pucci also highlighted the importance of owners playing their own games to maintain the "vibe," though ensuring player enjoyment remains the top priority (01:16:12).
