03/04/2023
So, you’re thinking about coming to monster for Steamweave?
Well, we would LOVE to have you!
Naturally, there is no fee to come and monster a Steamweave event.
Joining the Monster Team for SteamWeave LARP is the opportunity to step behind the scenes and play a number of roles over the course of a weekend. These may well vary from friendly NPC’s to nefarious villains with their own aims and wants as directed by the GM’s, all with the aim of giving the players a fun and exciting event.
We have many roles available, and we always make any suitable adjustments to take into consideration the individual needs and capabilities of the monster team members involved. We tailor our monster experience to each attendee, to ensure you are comfortable with your role/s.
We have roles for those who prefer to step into something a bit talky, or those who enjoy the spotlight and relish some theatrics... If you like to get into the thick of combat, and enjoy the opportunity to get into a few battles then we have everything... Mindless zombies, sly assassins, gun-toting bandits, trolls, demons, demi-liches and everything else that slithers, crawls or lurks within the game of Steamweave.
There will always be the opportunity to get stuck in, and Steamweave monsters are not simply functionless critters for no other purpose than to provide a bit of fighting. Our monsters each have a reason, purpose and enough detail to allow individual crew to enjoy the experience whilst providing a fully immersive and involved game world.
How does monstering work at Steamweave?
All attendees at Steamweave must do a 2 hour slot monstering to earn their 5 XP for the weekend. As experience points tend to be quite valuable, this means that we tend to see players actually come and offer the slot. Attendees that monster get to play what we call ‘WANDERING MONSTERS’. These roles tend to be the more numerous, perhaps less terrifying, roles.
We do this to help avoid any player gaining an insight into the plot or stories within Steamweave that might otherwise spoil their game play experience by giving away spoilers or providing too much insight into secret things!
Wandering Monsters tend to not be overtly powerful on their own, so this helps prevent anyone who might try to take advantage of being a monster for personal ‘pvp’ style revenge (sadly it does happen, though we robustly and actively work to see everyone play in the spirit of the game).
This means that the big monsters, the special monsters. Well… They need a dedicated team. Folk who can know the secrets, plot and plan the deviousness that a horror themed event such as Steamweave indulges free from risk of influencing the players out of character.
More importantly. We listen to the monster crew. Sometimes as you are playing your role/s you will have inspiration and ideas that perhaps were not the intended scope of the role. Let us know your thoughts… Many encounters extend beyond the original scope through memorable and enjoyable un intended interactions. Steamweave LOVES organic monster development.
What do I need to bring?
Well, accommodation and catering options (see eating and sleeping below) are simply a MUST. Provided you can find somewhere to sleep and something to eat, we can provide the rest, you do not really need to bring any kit or costume.
Not to say we don’t welcome this, or course we do! Bring as much or as little as you wish!
We provide the crew with a wide range of props, kit, make-up, weapons, armour and prosthetics to turn you into the various roles, but we are always happy for you to bring and use your own preferred weapons/armour (providing they pass the weapons check).
The week before each event we also announce the Wandering Monster Generic Kit, so that players (and monster team) have an idea as to what they might like to bring with them if they so choose to do so.
Bring a character! Bring some spare kit with you if you have some (or borrow some of ours if you don’t!). There will be times when you can go and relax / socialise in the game world, so why not do so as a fleshed out, living, breathing individual… We find this keeps the game more ‘realistic’ populated by all manner of individuals so that no-one can simply ‘second guess’ what your motives might be!
Monstering an event also gives you 5 XP banked to use at Steamweave when developing your own character for future events. After the event is done, crew members are also invited to submit a downtime action for their own character to represent their actions ‘behind the scenes’, representing that the character will also have had the opportunity to learn and develop.
Eating & Sleeping
Steamweave events are hosted at ‘The Grange’, and as they do not have a bunk room we unable to provide bunks for the monster team you will need to bring appropriate camping gear. However, there are excellent toilet and showering facilities on site. Throughout the event the monster crew have access to warm, dry seating areas.
This means that you will either camp at Steamweave, or perhaps stay nearby in a hotel etc. Unfortunately our budget won’t stretch to paying for meals or hotel rooms, however camping is free and we provide ample hot / cold drinks and other snacks throughout to keep you motivated!
You are welcome to ‘self cater’ at the event, however The Grange also offer a wonderful meal ticket and there is an onsite cafe that is open each day, with a number of bistro-style foods and drinks available for purchase. Many of the options presented make suitable meal time purchases!
Additionally, if this is not to your liking there are a number of shops and other venues in the local area that are within walking distance.
Part time monster?
Want to join in, but can only commit to a number of hours or days of the event?
We certainly wont penalise you for that! Without a monster crew our world becomes rather less exciting, so we welcome any and all assistance in populating our game world!
Do I need to learn the WHOLE rule book?
Gods no. What you need to know will be quickly explained on arrival, and we keep this simple for the monster crew so as to avoid overwhelming you!
There is a LOT of in game information… History, politics, stories of all kinds… You aren’t expected to memorise any of this! If your role requires you to know something, you will be briefed in time to remember it, and also have a written ‘cheat sheet’ for you to reference in case you need to check some notes!
How to get involved?
Wherever you have seen this advert, we welcome you along and simply ask you to register your interest in joining us at a Steamweave event as a member of Monster Crew, by emailing us at [email protected] .
We look forward to seeing you at an event,
Haeran Young
SteamWeave LARP
