Method and apparatus for improvisational interaction in role playing events

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a method and apparatus for facilitating personal interaction at an event, and particularly in the context of playing an role playing game (“RPG”), live action role playing game (“LARP”), or other event. The instant invention preferably utilizes portable, compact, information bearing and/or action initiating devices which guide game play and encourage improvisation and socialization by and between participants. In one embodiment of the invention, the information bearing and/or action initiating devices may take the form of standard or customized playing cards, sheets, or other compact devices. When such compact devices are utilized in a LARP, the event is referred to herein as a CardLARP.

1 . A structured improvisational interaction within an event, wherein said structure of said interaction is suggested by information provided on one or more information bearing devices, and wherein said information bearing devices also serve to track the progress of said improvisational interaction leading to a conclusion of said event.  
   
   
       2 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more information bearing devices comprises a character card.  
   
   
       3 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more information bearing devices comprises an action card.  
   
   
       4 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said improvisational interaction is a CardLARP.  
   
   
       5 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said improvisational interaction is a political election.  
   
   
       6 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a vampire theme or genre.  
   
   
       7 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a military theme or genre.  
   
   
       8 . The structured improvisational interaction of  claim 1 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a science fiction theme or genre.  
   
   
       9 . A system for inducing improvisational interaction, said system comprising: 
 a first information bearing device characterizing a character; and    a second information bearing device for tracking the progress of said improvisational interaction;    wherein said first information bearing device and/or second information bearing device contain information which induces said improvisational interaction.    
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said first information bearing device comprises a character card.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said first information bearing device comprises an action card.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said improvisational interaction is a CardLARP.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said improvisational interaction is a political election.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a vampire theme or genre.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a military theme or genre.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said improvisational interaction comprises a science fiction theme or genre.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein said character card further comprises information related to a character's motivation, abilities or background.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein, said action card further comprises a manner in which a character may acquire said action card.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein, said action card further comprises a point value associated with said action card.  
   
   
       20 . A method for inducing improvisational interaction comprising the steps of: 
 distributing a character card to a participant, wherein said character card contains information related to said character; and    distributing an action card to a participant having a character card, wherein said action card contains information related to a particular action, and wherein said information on said character card and/or action card induces one or more improvisational interactions.