Crew:Costume, Props, Make-up, SFX
Costume
Costume is sorted in monster by nation, and NPCs are generally able to sort it for themselves. Dhiamara Coulson manages costume, and can be asked to make special stuff like particular heraldry. Give as much notice as possible!
Most foreign nation kit briefs are currently being reworked. Check in with Dhia as early as possible if you’re planning on sending out someone from any non-Imperial nation.
For large creature costumes, like monsters and bespoke armour requests need to be emailed directly to info@mandalastudios.co.uk ideally 6 weeks before the event to ensure they are still safe to use and get them on site, 4 weeks at a minimum. Some do not belong to PD, and so have a cost to rent - coordinating with other writers so they see good use is encouraged.
Props
The monster tent has boxes full of all kinds of props. If in doubt as to whether you’ll be able to find something, ask Paul Cope or the Empire Plot Production facebook group.
There is a moderate plot budget for sourcing new props. Every writer has an individual plot budget assigned to them (the exact amount varies, ask Jon Fry how much) and there is spare money set aside for bigger commissions. Send any receipts to graeme@profounddecisions.co.uk along with your bank details, and a note that the money should come out of the Plot Writer budget. Please try to get a VAT receipt if possible, it allows PD to claim some money back as a business expense.
Make-up
Lineage, heralds, horrible gore, and more. It’s best to be specific. Not everyone doing make-up has a detailed knowledge of the system, so don't assume they know what a particular herald or monster looks like.
SFX
Straightfoward lighting & sound requests just need to go in Plotmatron field. This is best done as general mood suggestions, IC words are far less useful (for example “haunted tomb” or “busy city street”, rather than “winter realm” or “the centre of Sarvos”) For anything more specific, contact Phil, Head of Plot Production. (Stuff like: lighting or sound changes during the encounter, pyrotechnics, any SFX in the skirmish woods)
More complex requests
The Plot Production team generally only take a detailed look at the requirements tab on the plotmatron two weeks before the event. It’s essential to get as much as possible in by that time so that they can plan their event out, but for encounter tents and more complex props, costume and makeup, you need to start a conversation much sooner:
Step 1: Find the right person, through a post in Plot Production
Step 2: Start with a short brief of the effect you want to achieve, both OC and IC. Try not to rely on in-game words like a specific eternal or foreign nation, and instead use colours, shapes or common cultural touchstones. For example: “OC I need a larp-safe sword with an elegant, glittery look. IC it’s an ancient blade forged from the stars” “OC I would like a set where 6 players can sit comfortably and talk to an NPC, but with a creepy, decrepit atmosphere. IC it will be a meeting with an ancient ghost in a crumbling tomb”
Step 3: Flesh out the details together. They may have feedback on what is feasible, or suggestions for things that will help realise your vision
Step 4: At a certain point you should get a proper confirmation of what will be done, and a quote for costs if necessary. Plot Production will usually set this out for you, but you’re encouraged to chase for one if you need to move things along.
Step 5: Plot Production will get to work, and ask you any questions that may come up. For tent encounters be sure to still give a detailed description of what you want in the relevant plotmatron fields, otherwise it may not make it onto their schedule!