what is Ragnarok Now?

Ragnarok Now is an immersive theatre experience that blends elements of many kinds of live action role-play (larp). Participants are part of the Valhallian Strike team, tasked to help Odin the All-Father and Co. mitigate the effects of the apocalypse on humanity. Solving puzzles, riddles, scavenger hunting, and weapon crafting filled the hour long experience. All the while, figures of legend roamed around willing to lend a hand when needed.

My roles:

• BEING THE ALL FATHER

• Providing hints/assistance to players

• Keeping players engaged in the experience

• Creating a rune themed scavenger hunt and it’s reward

• Planning the layout of puzzles/locations in the performance space

• Organizing load in of the performance space

• Wearing a beard, eyepatch, and about 5 different belts

Behind the curtain

This was the final project of my Game Studio: Playable Theatre class, the first of its kind. As one of three people in the class who enjoys theatre, it didn’t take long for me to be tasked with a performative role. The idea of Ragnarok Now was conceived by my classmate Lexie Zarow, and after we all selected it as our final project we formed groups to delegate. One group created a set of varied puzzles, another made a weapon building puzzle/activity, while me and my teammate created a riddle/hint system for the experience and played two of the mythical figures.

In all honesty, this came together way smoother than anyone had expected. We felt good before we put it up, but the experiences were a blast beyond my expectations. Participants were always engaged and working on puzzles, and we were able to keep the energy up the whole way through. Since I was the commander of all warriors, I was able to spread participants around when they got too clusters and could make sure things stayed on pace. I offered some occasional hints and aid if things were going to slow, and relayed information between my classmates whose roles demanded they remain in designated areas.