We’ve talked about Character versus Character (CvC) conflict (several times), but we never really addressed the role-play aspects of in-character rivalries. In a setting like Requiem, our focus on CvC doesn’t mean that we just have to deal with the direct conflict between characters, but the role-play of having another player character as an enemy. How do two players… who we expect to cooperate out-of-character… play bitter enemies? Here’s a few pieces of advice to help you navigate this dilemma.
Your Character Isn’t the Good Guy…
And your enemy isn’t the bad guy.
Here’s a quick gut check: do you think you play a good guy? Are you engaging in violent CvC? Because you can’t really answer “yes” to both questions. Batman, for example, isn’t a “good guy,” he’s a billionaire who beats up low-income criminals, putting them in a hospital because he won’t see a therapist. That said, he’s not really a bad person either: he at least uses his skills and abilities with restraint (refusing to kill) and to oppose murderous forces like the Joker at great personal risk. So Batman is a mixed bag. So is your character.
Your enemy is also a mix of good and bad - and most likely isn’t much worse than you. The first thing to accept when you’re role-playing a rivalry is that you are not the main character; nor is the other character your personal villain.
You Should Be Friends With the Other Player…
Or at least friendly.
Think about the characters with whom you have conflict. Now look at that player. Have you ever sent them a text or a message about something other than the larp? Have you hung out in real life away from the game? Then be careful, because you really don’t know the other player, except for the character you’re trying to defeat in CvC.
People generally make friendly ties with their friends, and find enemies through role-play. Often, the conflicts arise organically, as two players find that their characters are at odds. However, this is an explosive situation, as there’s no relationship of trust and respect between the players. If you have a rival in-character, consider reaching out to the other player, acknowledging the rivalry, and perhaps having a conversation about something other than the fact your characters hate each other.
Role-Play at Game, But Don’t Trash Talk Online
Role-playing conflict can be intensely rewarding. Seeing someone talking about how they’re going to kill your character rarely is. CvC is anxiety-inducing - you don’t know what’s going happen, and you might want to joke or even posture in front of your friends. But while your role-play is in character, talking about how your character is going to smash another is an out-of-character action: now you’re addressing the person.
A better way to do it is to remember that game happens at game. If you want to reflect on the rivalry, focus on memories, and share them with the player of your rival. Building camaraderie between the two of you will result in a better story, and less stress on everyone involved.
A rival can, in a way, be the closest and most interesting character tie you can make. A long-term rivalry can end in defeat, but that relationship can also evolve, like Professor X and Magneto. By making sure you don’t let the CvC develop into a conflict between players, you open yourself up to a healthier and more engaging story.