Oliver Jones and the Turbulent School LARP

Long Description: ​Set in 2049, two generations from Harry Potter's day, this is a time of hope
and a time of turmoil at Hogwarts. The wizarding world has been shaken up, and the new
Hogwarts students are stranger than ever - mixing not just muggle-borns and purebloods, but
also half-giants, goblins, and even house elves. This is a character-based larp about difficult
adjustments, with various Harry Potter references and a dollop of magic.

Short Description: ​Set in 2049, a time of hope and turmoil at Hogwarts. The new Hogwarts
students are stranger than ever - mixing not just muggle-borns and purebloods, but also
half-giants and even house elves. A character-based larp about difficult adjustments.

Introduction
The setup will be "in media res" -- as if we are in the middle of the first "Oliver Jones" book,
which is a similar spin-off of the Harry Potter books. The larp beginning will be where the
Headmistress (and some staff) are questioning Oliver Jones and his friends about the
suspicious activities going on. Meanwhile, a group of rival students are spying on them. The big
evil is a post-modern incarnation of Dementors sent by a shadowy council, manifesting here as
well-dressed apple-headed men and flower-headed women. They are trying to cause a
scandalous incident that will oust Lovegood as headmistress. They exist in the space between
world-views, and can continue to sidestep efforts against them as long as people around are
locked in opposition.

Lovegood can bring people to permanently see these, but it will require a psychological test to
see other worldviews. Alternately, Nagnok has a offensive device that causes temporary
insanity that lets people see them (and be insane in another way).

"Book" Overview
Oliver comes to school with his family under great official scrutiny, with his family's muddled
support. Incidents include: (1) the incident on the train, (2) the sorting scene, (3) the Quidditch
tryouts and Harriet's incident, (4) the break in to Slytherin, (5) the scuffle at night.

Chapter 7 - The Crowded Tower

Headmistress Lovegood has called Nagnok and Oliver to talk to them about what happened last
night, and Oliver's friends have come along to stick up for him.
Ever since the incident on the train when Eustace Crabbe fell mysteriously ill after insulting
Oliver, rumors of his secret powers have run among students and been hushed by the
professors. Everything seemed better after the sorting, when Crabbe predictably went to
Slytherin and Oliver found new friends in Hufflepuff. Harriet flubbed in the quidditch tryouts, and
then got into trouble when she snuck into Slytherin to look into who might have sabotaged her.
(Oliver saw her, but turned invisible so she got caught and he didn't.) Then last night, Professor
Malfoy spotted some small masked creatures - like possibly house elves or goblins - sneaking
into the school.

Secret Plot Overview

Nagnok ordered a secret delivery of expensive goblin goods, and pays off caretaker Goyle to
cover it up. Professor Malfoy spots little figures with a package (goblin deliverymen) and chases
them away. They left behind some clues of what they are doing.

Meanwhile, though, someone has it out for the headmistress. There are apple-headed men and
flower-headed women - the Faceless - who have wandered into the headmistress' tower, and
they are engaged in distorting and twisting magic to their own ends.

Rules
This is a game about magicians, but not a game about magic. There will be an unseen force
that is manipulating what happens to magic at this time and place. Thus, the rules for spells is
that everyone should cooperate to portray that magic works, but magic should never be a
successful way to solve the major problems.

When a player casts a spell, then anyone else can give a "thumbs down" signal to indicate that
it doesn't work. As long as no one gives a thumbs down, the spell caster should describe what
happens and everyone else should role-play reaction to that. If someone does give a thumbs
down, then they should take over and describe how the spell goes wrong and everyone should
follow that instead. (You can also give a thumbs down to your own spell.)

As players, most spells should work. You should a thumbs down at rare random times
(10%-20%) or if the spell would seriously mess with your goals/issues (as indicated on your
character).

Characters
● Headmistress Luna Lovegood - Formerly the prophetic madwoman type, a classmate of
Harry Potter's in the later books. Now she is much older and supposedly fine, but still
prophetic.
● Professor Scorpius Malfoy - The only son of Draco Malfoy and protagonist of the play,
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
● Caretaker Gregory Goyle - A staff member who partially witnessed some of the strange
events that Oliver is being questioned about.
● Oliver Jones - The titular house elf now in a first-year at Hogwarts. He is in Hufflepuff
house, usually regarded as the lowest in standing. Takes great pride in his clothes and
impeccable fashion, and even more pride in the traditions and history of Elves, from both
before and after they were enslaved by wizards. Has innate(?) Elvish wandless magic,
which potentially includes limited teleportation, telekinesis, and other abilities.
● Jehan Khosla - An openly half-giant girl classmate of Oliver's, a first-year in Hufflepuff.
Smart jock type with good problem-solving skills - like Kate in Mysterious Benedict
Society. Her Giant heritage gives her a strong resistance to magic.
● Francis Clarke - A human friend and classmate of Oliver's, a first-year in Hufflepuff.
Extremely dramatic and angsty British poet type.
● Nagnok - A rich goblin child and older student - one of the first non-humans to openly
attend Hogwarts, and a bit of a snob.
● Harriet Travers - An enterprising Ravenclaw student, the arch-rival of Oliver. She is an
amateur detective who idolizes Harry Potter and fancies herself a hero much like him.
She is following up on dark house elf secrets.
● Mallory Grant - Ravenclaw friend of Harriet's. Does extremely well in their classes, but
this is actually because they're just good at sneaking and cheating, not because of any
special wizarding talent. Harriet still thinks they can be a good Nerdy Sidekick like
Hermione was for Harry.
● Donnie Grimblehawk - Ravenclaw friend of Harriet's. Clumsy cheerleader type, not too
bright in some ways but also really likes animals and does well in their Magical Beast
classes. Harriet thinks she can make a good Comic Relief Sidekick like Ron was for
Harry, and calls her “Don” to make her name sound similar.
Headmistress Luna Lovegood

Long ago, you were a student here and a member of Dumbledore's Army - helping in the fight to
defeat Voldemort. Since then, you have done many things in your life - being a naturalist, a wife,
a mother, and much later a professor and now Headmistress.

During that time, the wider world has stopped seeing you as a madwoman who sees things -
and have become a respected member of the establishment. In truth, you've become much
more selective in telling other people what you see. You see far less Dabberblimps and Moon
Frogs than you used to, but once in a blue moon a parade of strange figures march through the
room, and you try not to comment on it.

You were posted as Headmistress of the school just last year. You know that there are those
who don't want you to succeed - so it has been very stressful but also very rewarding. This year,
you want to get a handle on things, and start to make the place your own.

● (Ability) Authority:​​ You are both a skilled wizard and the headmistress of the school.
You have the final say over what is done here.
● Questions:
○ What made you seek out this post, given the heavy responsibilities it bears?
○ What do you think will be the result of integrating non-human students?
○ What are the problems you most worry about in your school?
Professor Scorpius Malfoy

You are Scorpius Malfoy, the only son of Draco Malfoy. Years ago, you had been a student here
at Hogwarts and best friends with the late Albus Potter. You were suspected of being the son of
Voldemort, but you proved yourself good by helping stop his daughter. You’ve come a long way
since then, with plenty of adventures and achievements behind you. Now, you have the
privilege of teaching Potions at Hogwarts - filling in the role once held by the heroic Severus
Snape, one of your idols.

These days, people tend to judge you more by your own achievements than by the crimes of
the Malfoys, but you remember all too well what it was like to grow up under the shadow of
suspicion. Based on this, you look forward to the ongoing integration of non-human students
into Hogwarts, and sympathize with some of the obstacles they face. That doesn’t mean you’re
about to give them special treatment, of course; no one can get through ​your​ class without
being seriously challenged. After all, the strict discipline you enforce in your class is only
preparing them for the real Wizarding World.

From what you have seen thus far of the new class, they are a disappointment - self-involved
and squabbling. You saw a terrible lot of Quidditch tryouts and poor work in your potions class.
The only student who seems keeping up is Mallory, and even they seem a little off and slow to
answer.

Last night, you were walking beside the quad when you saw some small figures carrying a trunk
towards the Hufflepuff tower. You approached them quietly at first, and then pointed them out to
Goyle who was also nearby. He was surprised and chased them, but they swiftly levitated him
and disappeared before you could get a good spell on them. They were wearing robes and
cowls, but they were definitely not human - perhaps house elves or goblins. You and Goyle
searched for clues, but all they left behind only a bag of expensive chocolates.

● (Ability) Inquiry: ​You are good at getting to the truth. Once per character, you can ask
them out of character if the last statement they said is a lie, and they must tell you.
● Questions:
○ Do you care if students still see you as tainted by your family's crimes?
○ How do you feel about working for Headmistress Lovegood?
Caretaker Gregory Goyle

A long long time ago, you were a student here at Hogwarts. You were even friends with Draco
Malfoy. But you were never good as a student, and you were on the losing side of the Battle of
Hogwarts. For years, you barely scraped by, and eventually, you were only able to get a job as
caretaker here at Hogwarts. It is a thankless job, and after just a few years, you understand why
old Mr. Filch was so crabby.

Life is difficult, and you try to find odd jobs and other sources of income to make ends meet. A
few of the students pay you to turn a blind eye to their antics, and you take it grudgingly. Your
best client for this is the goblin student Nagnok. They are from a banking family, after all, but it's
still just enough for you to scrape by.

Last night was the worst. Nagnok wanted a trunk of stuff delivered to the tower, so you helped
some goblin deliverymen sneak in without being seen. You were the lookout, when Professor
Malfoy started in and signalled you. You pretended you hadn't seen them, and loudly chased
after them to cover. As far as you can tell, he bought it. But now you're in trouble with Nagnok.
You managed to grab the orb that he was supposed to get, but you haven't had a chance to
give it to him yet.

● (Ability) Filch: ​You can pocket or steal items without other people noticing.
● Questions:
○ What would you like to do when you retire?
○ What is the line you still wouldn't cross for any price?
○ What is your biggest regret?
Oliver Jones

You are the first house elf to attend Hogwarts, and just a few weeks ago, you were sorted into
Hufflepuff. At first, you were disappointed not to get into Griffindor, but you have made great
friends here. You grew up with as normal a life as your parents could manage. After gaining
their freedom, they settled into middle-rank jobs in the Ministry of Magic, and got a middling
home in the suburbs, and at first sent you to a mid-sized lower school with mostly house elves.
But you were always aware of the difference of being a house elf.

You and your family take great pride in your clothes and impeccable fashion, and even more
pride in the traditions and history of Elves.

● (Ability) Invisibility: ​As a youth, you have yet to develop some of the magical abilities of
adult, but you can turn invisible at will. Describe to anyone that can see you that you
disappear, and then use the signal that you are out-of-character to walk around.
● Questions:
○ How much do you want to fit in versus standing out, as a house elf?
○ Do you want to change the system from within, or from outside?
○ What kind of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Jehan Khosla

You grew up in a mixed family, with a giant mother and wizard father. Dad was a good husband
and an okay wizard. Mom tried to adapt as best she could to the suburban wizarding life, but
often she literally couldn't fit. You always felt the strain of your parents trying to make things
work. But when your mother took you out on trips, that's when she really shined, and helped you
to as well. She taught you to fish, climb, and other skills.

When you got to Hogwarts, you were sorted into Hufflepuff, which seemed as good as any. You
are physically superior to pretty much everyone here - not just in size and strength, but in
physical skill, agility, and ingenuity. It's not much of an advantage in a school for magic, but
you're not afraid or ashamed of it. You're struggling a little in your studies, but your professors
say you are making progress.

People often point out the contrast of little Oliver and you, but he's a nice kid and you're happy
to be his friend.

● (Ability) Physicality: ​You automatically win any sort of physical contest with other
characters, in speed, strength, fighting, or otherwise.
● Questions:
○ How does it feel when other students are intimidated or afraid of you?
○ What helps you feel reassured by your friends?
○ What kind of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Francis Clarke
There is a stereotype of the angst-ridden English poet, which is how your fellow first-years in
Hufflepuff often think of you. In your case, though, it is hiding in plain sight for the real tragedy.
Your father worked at Azkaban, the horror-ridden jail for wizards. Your mother took her own life
when you were still a toddler, and your father broke his work contract, took you and fled. You
thankfully only know a fraction of what he went through there, but it is enough to turn you to
drink and poetry. As far as you know, no one here knows this about you, and you're thankful.

Thanks to enough outcry, Azkaban has now been shut down, but those responsible for creating
it have never been brought to task. You know that there was a shadowy council that summoned
and loosely controlled the Dementors - and those aren't the only things. There were more subtle
evils your father once confessed to you, like the Living Shadows that attached themselves to
people or the Faceless, which lived in the space between worldviews (whatever that means).

Hopefully that is all behind you, but you have a sense of foreboding that it isn't.

● (Ability) Sense Darkness: ​Once per character, you can ask them out-of-character what
their darkest self is like, and they should give a descriptive answer.
● Questions:
○ At this point, how do you feel about your father and what he did?
○ What might get you to tell your friends about your past?
○ What kind of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Nagnok

While Oliver is receiving attention for being the first house elf to attend Hogwarts, there have
been other non-humans attending for some time. You are actually the second goblin to attend,
and you are in your fourth year now, and are a sub-prefect in Hufflepuff House.

You come from the wealthy family that runs Gringott's Wizarding Bank, and consider it only
natural that the wizarding world is finally opening up. The skill and wealth of goblins is clear from
their business ventures. There have been only a few cases of outright discrimination that you've
encountered, and they cleared up quickly. It helps, of course, that you have both wealth and
talent.

It's definitely roughing it living in the dorms here, but you've managed to make it tolerable by
bribing the caretaker to bring you some extra deliveries from home. Also, you've paid off the
first-year Mallory with some money and test answers to cover for you. This has generally
worked fine, but last night you were supposed to receive a shipment of luxury goods, but it was
interrupted by Professor Malfoy. These included a special cover-your-tracks item, the Spinner's
Orb that causes temporary insanity/hallucinations. Then if someone saw something, you could
make sure they weren't sure what they saw.

● (Ability) Connections: ​You can control Goyle and Mallory by your bribes, plus you may
get the orb.
● Questions:
○ Do you feel bad about breaking the rules?
○ How do you feel about people who say they're less fortunate than you?
○ What kind of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Harriet Travers
You are a first year student sorted into Ravenclaw. It is an honor to be in Ravenclaw, and you're
trying to live up to heroic ideals and rooting out evil. Harry Potter especially is an inspiration to
you. Luckily, you've found friends like his. Mallory is a Muggle-born student brilliant in all their
classes, just like Hermione. And Donnie is a ditzy but well-meaning Wizard-born, just like Ron.
(You call them "Don" for short.)

Since you first arrived, you could feel a dark presence in the school, just like you read about in
history. Here is what you know so far:

1) Eustace Crabbe started belittling Oliver on the train to Hogwarts, when he started coughing
uncontrollably and passed out.

2) A mysterious force grabbed at your broomstick during your Quidditch trials, pulling you off
balance and nearly causing serious injury. While you were trying to save yourself, you saw
Professor Scorpius using his wand in a window facing you. You don't know for sure if he was
responsible, but he bears further investigation.

3) You broke into Slytherin House to investigate what had happened to Eustace Crabbe, and
about the Quidditch sabotage.

4) Many people don't know the background of house elves. Prior to being bonded to houses,
elves were neither pure evil nor innocent victims, but they were very dark and the source of the
original, dark fairy tales. The fae were said to have to pay a tithe to hell (or something) once
every seven years. From what you read, the Death Eaters took on this tithe in order to control
the elves. Now that the Death Eaters are gone, whatever the tithe was to may be coming back.

● (Ability) Eavesdrop:​​ Once per character in this game, you can ask them out of
character what they were just talking about, and the player should give you a summary
of what was said in the last few minutes.
● Questions:
○ What aspect of Harry and his story do you most admire?
○ What aspect of Harry and his story would you most want to handle differently?
○ What sort of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Mallory Grant
You're pretty sure you don't belong here in Hogwarts, but you are determined to get through it
anyway. You found out from some secret diaries that your grandfather was a talentless wizard,
and you inherited his poor ability with magic. Still, Hogwarts students have opportunities even if
they aren't any good at what they do. So you arranged some "accidental" magic around you to
call attention to yourself, and finagled a school invitation. You cheat whenever possible at your
classes, secretly preparing potions in advance, having hidden notes, and looking up answers.

You were sorted into Ravenclaw, and became friends with Harriet. She is constantly getting into
trouble, but she also has a way of finding things out. Being friends with her means that you're
constantly suspected of all sorts of things ​except​ cheating, which seems like a good thing. She
thinks you're the real deal and sticks up for you.

You're also quietly friends with the fourth-year goblin Nagnok, who does fine in class, but likes
to get away with stuff. Nagnok pays you to cover this up, in money or sometimes test answers.

● (Ability) Cheating:​​ You are really good at secretly doing things without getting caught.
No one can use a game ability to spy on your or detect a lie from you - tell them it
doesn't work. And
● Questions:
○ Is there any way you feel bad about cheating?
○ What might get you to confess to your friends?
○ What sort of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?
Donnie Grimblehawk
You are an as-yet undistinguished first-year in Ravenclaw, coming from an unremarkable
wizarding family. Your parents live on a farm in Scotland raising various creatures, mostly
silversheep. So you grew up a little lonely, but learning a lot about living on a farm. You haven't
done well in any of your first year classes so far, but you are really looking forward to next year
when you can take a class in magical creatures.

You're good friends with Harriet, who is very driven and quickly took a liking to you. You're trying
not to get in trouble, but she's been very clear on the need to confront the rising evil.

Unknown to her, you've been quietly taking care of a ​mycoxy​ you found. It's a little mushroom
fairy the size of a typical toadstool. It can walk, climb, and sneak well. It isn't very bright and
can't talk, but it can listen, and if you breath in its spores, it can communicate feelings. The
problem is that it makes you light-headed and spacy for the next 15 minutes or so, so you try to
avoid doing it much.

● (Ability) Fairy friend:​​ You can set your mycoxy friend off to do things if you want. Just
inform a GM of what you send it to do, or if you breath in its spores.
● Questions:
○ What would your dream pet be like?
○ Why didn't you tell your friends about the mycoxy?
○ What sort of wizard would you like to be when you grow up?