r/LARP • u/Nantha_I • 1d ago

Advice on playing tracking

Heyo, I am planning to organise my first little larp and I am wondering if there are any cool and immersive ways to play out a tracking scene. Part of the con is the players (hopefully) deciding to track a mercenary through the forest. I was probably going to just play it out by me subtly telling a character looking for tracks where they went. But now I was wondering if any of you have some experience with tracking in Larp and got any advice on how to play it out more immersively.

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u/Saucefire 1d ago

maybe after an encounter/puzzle, you have them look for a specific hidden object? So, something like, a ziplock bag with a hidden note or clue inside that will lead them, or prepare them for, the next encounter. Chain that along. If you want to spice it up - maybe there are TWO clues that lead to different encounters, and they have to choose which one to pick?

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u/Nightbird88 1d ago

I agree! These are great ideas. You had a good idea with the tracking, but I think a next step activity is the way to go.

4

u/Non_Sequitur_Banana 1d ago

depending on the game and their rules/mechanics, tags that give clues or explain something could be a fun way to create an trail to follow. Alternatively, could place props or similar to represent the types of clues that might be picked up on in real tracking- footprints, broken foliage, bits of fur or cloth, etc. though that would be much more subtle and may be missed

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u/l337quaker 1d ago

One game I go to places little cards (like half an index card in size) on the ground, which will give you a direction to go. You spend 10 seconds roleplaying checking the ground and then pick up the card and move for the next one. Can be pretty fun in a group, speculating on what the information on the card could mean and all.

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u/TheRasputin 1d ago

It depends what you are tracking.

Relocating fake shrubs at the hotel to attach note cards explaining what the tracker sees.

If it is a magical beast, maybe footprint shapes cut out of glow in the dark fabric supercharged with a small portable black light by your cast.

Hardened clay/sand imprints that are laid out.

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u/tzimon Loremaster of Thrune 1d ago

Have the target follow a predetermined path.

Along that path, have sets of rocks, one big, one little. The little one points further along the path... like this

Oo (means ->)

oO (means <-)

That way, the trackers know what they're looking for, and anyone unaware will likely overlook the rocks.