Monster Characters
Many players have the dream of playing monster characters as their PCs. The thought of playing a goblin PC or werewolf PC or vampire PC can be lots of fun for the player but is not allowed by the REFUGE LARP rules. The REFUGE LARP game system is designed to be balanced between all the classes. Monster abilities were never meant to be given to players, because it would throw that balance off.
PC “monsters” only foster unwanted conflicts between players. PCs playing these monsters are bound to be attacked or hunted down by other players, and the hard feelings that erupt from players who are trying to play true to their monster form often turn into OOG arguments. PC versus PC conflicts are important to the game, but when one PC is seen as having an unfair advantage due to powers that cannot be achieved by other PCs, then out- of-game arguments ensue.
Most importantly, it should be noted that monsters are all controlled by the Plot Committee. This allows us to monitor and properly scale events to make sure that the challenges out there are proper for the level of the player base. It also allows us to decide when Cast characters enter the game and how they will act, and when to pull them if things are getting out of control or if the direction of the game needs tweaking.
PC monsters throw all that out the window, because unlike Cast, PCs have free will. With PC monsters out there, the Plot Committee spends all its time trying to deal with these wild cards instead of running its own plots. If you become cursed to turn into a vampire or werewolf IG, you will be completely under the control of the Plot Committee for the time when you are cursed. You will only be allowed to change into your new form when the Plot Committee tells you. Once changed, you are a temporary Cast under the control of the Committee and must act as the Plot Committee instructs you, even if it is harmful to your character.