The Shining Host is the live action role-playing (LARP) version of Changeling: The Dreaming for Mind's Eye Theatre. It is set in White Wolf's World of Darkness. As an LARP, it differs from standard tabletop games, by replacing the dice and table with acting and a stage. The game does not require any other books to play, but definitely is not for the beginning gamer.
Content and Look
The book is a good size book packed with text and little filler art. The art it does contain are black and white photos depicting players dressed for the game. The text is well written and the touched up photos are a nice. The book is divided into five chapters' Introduction and Background, Character Creation, Changeling Magic, Systems and Rules, and finally Storytelling.
The Introduction and Background chapter touches upon the world and theme of Changelings and World of Darkness. The information is interesting enough and complete for players, but it is rather skimpy for those wanting to create detailed stories.
The Character Creation chapter is the thickest and most complete part of the book. The creation process takes seven steps ending with a well-defined character. The result defines a character through appearance, abilities, and traits. These are not numbers but adjective and descriptions that help players play the character. The process makes it easy for players to step into the character during the story. The drawback of this is the detail itself. New players will need help from experienced players or storytellers.
The Changeling Magic chapter details the magic or cantrips that characters can perform. Three attributes define cantrips; Arts define the spell, Realms define the target, and Bunks define the action performed. Using points players buy Arts and Realms from those supplied in the book. Players and storytellers define the Bunks that need to be performed to cast the cantrips. Bunks are normally physical actions the character performs. The result is a fun for role-playing, but complicated appearing method of magic.
The Rules and Systems chapter is nice and short. The rules are simple, effective methods to resolve conflicts. When a confrontation occurs between two characters, players bid traits and play a simple round of rock-paper-scissors. The winner successfully performs the desired action while the loser loses the trait bid and suffers the consequences of the winner's action. It is very clean and keeps the story and role-playing moving.
The Storyteller chapter is far too small. The book goes into extreme detail for the players. However, the storyteller receives thirty pages. This overly small section covers working with players, using props, setting the scene, finding locations, controlling the group and players, and finally telling the story. The storyteller must be an expert gamemaster and storywriter to get character stories and an overall story told. Inexperienced storytellers should not plan to run games.
The Shining Host
This game is very fun. It is not for the faint of heart though. The number of people needed and time needed to create characters and stories can be time consuming. If you know someone, that is running a game congratulation. Buy the book and start creating the character. If you are a brave soul and have lots of storytelling or extensive gamemastering under your belt, find a bunch of people that are serious about playing and start a game. It will take quite a bit of time, but should be worthwhile to strong role-players.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)
