Being ‘good to play with’ is more important than winning

What to Expect

What is Medusa?

Medusa creates experiences that are a cross between theatre & game. There is no separation between actor and audience – everyone in attendance is part of the world, and has the power to shape it. This is sometimes called Live-Action Role-Play, or Responsive Theatre. Who you play in the world is up to you, making it a uniquely intimate and transformative experience…

No one knows what will happen, since every attendee is as much a “main character” as the next. You are free to explore and shape a living, breathing world.

Making a Character

You create your role. Consider your character’s background, faction, and goals, and submit a character sheet before the event if you want to be included in the world-building. A completed character sheet includes your character’s full name, backstory, faction, and any ideas you have about specific traits or abilities they may have.

The Medusa System

Factions and Goals

All Medusa games have two or more playable factions, which you join when you purchase your ticket. Each faction has a unique flavour, story, and shared goal. Your faction will be your team on the night. Detailed information about your faction and goals will be provided via email and social media before each event.

Classes and Ability Cards

On arrival at a Medusa game, you will be given Power Cards. These allow you to perform special actions or abilities within the game. Sometimes the kind of Power Cards you receive are determined by your faction. Some Medusa games also have character classes that determine the kind of Power Cards you receive. Some Power Cards are reusable, and some must be torn up after a single use. Some Power Cards can be traded. All Power Cards have the instructions for their use written clearly on the card.

Focus on making other people feel comfortable, and they will do the same for you

Terminology

Player Characters: The players themselves, who are riding the story by the seat of their pants. This includes you!

Non Playable Characters (NPCS): Characters who are part of the world with special roles, objectives, and stories pre-determined by the Game Masters.

Game Masters (GMs): The organisers. We will be in character as well, and will be your point of contact if you want to discuss the game out-of-character or perform any special actions or abilities. We will at times address the entire party to orchestrate scenes.

Half-Moose: To speak out of character, place one thumb against your temple with your hand open, fingers pointing upwards. This allows other players to know you are not in character. Use this gesture to talk to GMs about rules and abilities, and to check in with other players about consent or boundaries.

“Yes, and”: This is a concept from improvisational theatre which is essential for the flow of play. In essence, it means that you should work with the people around you to tell the story, champion their ideas and performances, and rely on them to do the same for you.

For example, if someone said to you:

“Weren’t the Caucuses just beautiful last year?”

you should immediately reply with something which says ‘yes, and’ to their remark:

“Beautiful? They were breathtaking!” or “Ah yes a trip I’ll not soon forget, did you ever find the buffoon who stole your cigarette case?”

The goal is to create a back-and-forth of evolving scenes that invite new people to participate and create a sense that our shared world of imagination is alive!

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.” -Anais Nin

Our Expectations

Consent and Safety

Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, use the "Half-Moose Gesture" to step out of character and talk to a Game Master immediately.

Rules

  1. Respect Others: Harassment, discrimination and bullying will not be tolerated. Medusa games cannot run without fairness, inclusion, and safety. Seek and respect the radical consent of other players, remembering that this consent can be revoked at any time.

  2. Obey the Power Cards: Play fairly. If someone touches you with a Power Card, you must read and follow its instructions.

  3. No Physical Touching or Verbal Abuse without Consent: Use the ‘Half-Moose’ gesture to check with other players before attempting something more adventurous.

  4. Stay in Character: Use your character’s name once play begins and remain in character until the end.

  5. Out of Character Area: All Medusa venues will have a designated Out-Of-Character area, where you can take a break from the game. Use this area or the ‘Half Moose Gesture’ if you need a break from being in character. Otherwise, you must remain in character at all times.

  6. Commit to the Bit: Winning is about being fun to play with, not being the best.

Be Good to Play With!

Together we can create magic! Your goal should be to make each other look good. Say “yes, and” to each other’s drama and ideas, and make everyone feel welcome.

FAQs

  • No experience is necessary! The game mechanics are explained in the first 5 minutes. Role playing is more natural than you think.

  • We don’t provide your role - you do! Take a look at the available factions on the page for the game you want to play and consider what you’d like to be.

    When you buy your ticket you’ll receive a link to our character sheet creator which has prompts and instructions - be sure to submit by the cut-off date if you want us to include you in the world building.

  • Some people become their most conniving self, others their most flamboyant, and others their most dramatic. The world comes alive with intrigue, schemes, alliances, betrayals, games, thievery, and banter. By the end of the night we’ve left reality behind completely.

  • Be fun to play with. That’s it. The “winner” isn’t the person or team with the most points, money, territory, whatever - it’s the person who had the most fun.

    Focus on being a joy to play with, help other people feel confident and comfortable and safe, let us handle the rest.

  • All you need is a costume and a name for your character. When you go to get your ticket you will have to choose a faction, which will determine who your kin are for the event. When you arrive you will be asked to pick a class which will determine what abilities you have.

    All the information you need to decide will be on the page for that event.

    If you’re someone who likes a little more depth in their roleplaying you can also complete a character sheet before the event and write a backstory - this will enable us to write you into the world before the event, which could mean that other characters know you already, or perhaps something is waiting for you in the game world somewhere…

  • Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any point, use the "Half-Moose Gesture" to step out of character and talk to a Game Master immediately.

  • Our events are generally designed for adults aged 18 and older. However, some events may be open to younger participants with parental consent.

    Send us an email if you’d like information specific to an upcoming event.