Francesca Viganò
Before delving into the colourful world of Drama Llamas, written by Yvris Burke and published by Button Kin Games, we thank the English publishing house for sending us a digital copy to write this review. This role-playing game allows you to recreate the emotions of any reality TV show, but its protagonists are decidedly special.
This project was born from a successful Kickstarter campaign. If you are interested in purchasing it, you can find it on the Drivethrurpg website in digital version for 15 dollars. Non-Anglophiles can also find it in Italian on the NessunDove website in a digital version for 9.50 euros and in a physical version (including a digital copy) for 19 euros.
A Very Special Premise
Drama Llamas is a narrative role-playing game that proposes reality show environments as settings. The characters will then play the cast of participants, thirsty for fame and eager to capture the spotlight and win the first prize. You can then have fun searching for your favourite reality show and use it as a basis for the interactions and challenges your cheeky, hairy, hissing and spluttering llama protagonists face. Does this sound strange? Perhaps. It sounds fun? Absolutely yes.
The author’s advice is to imagine a “lamaverse” (a universe made of llamas) where humans have never evolved and, in their place, llamas have become the dominant species. Real-world places, technologies, and brands can exist in the lamaverse; it may even share some historical events with our timeline.
If you’re wondering how they can handle objects with their hooves, then again we can simply assume that they do; they use telephones, type on keyboards, put on lipstick and write love letters with quill pens. In short, they can do everything that most human beings can do with their hands.
The game, designed to highlight the plot and interactions between the characters, is designed for a group of 3 to 5 players and a narrator, who in the game is called the Producer. I would like to underline at this stage of the review, even before analyzing the character sheet or the game rules, that Drama Llamas does not contain combat mechanics. No goblin hunting, then.
Building the Game Together
One of the most interesting bases of Drama Llamas is that the group, together with the Producer, decides the setting of the game. In short, together they establish the basis of the game; the key elements: the CATS (concept, aim, tone, and subject matter). The manual also provides some helpful examples for unsure players.
Drama Llamas is a game based on reality shows and therefore takes its structure and peculiar themes; it therefore involves playing affected and melodramatic characters. The goal of each character is obviously to win the competition and the tone can be melodramatic, but also very cartoonish. It doesn’t matter what reality show you take inspiration from, the important thing is that there is fun at the table. Pastry chefs, singers or those lost on an island will be challengers in a competition full of successes and stress, rivalries and alliances, interpersonal conflicts and real challenges.
Security Systems at the Table
As funny as Drama Llamas may seem, I find it very important that we talk openly about security systems. The author makes it clear that the drama in the game must be imaginary and that any conflicts, prejudices or oppressive power dynamics must be left outside of the game. Respect at the table must always be maintained. However, if anyone shows discomfort, it is suggested to stop the game. After all, no RPG is more important than the people who play it.
The Producer can then choose and apply all known safety tools, such as lines and veils or the use of the X-card, so that everyone is comfortable and satisfied with the experience.
Creating the Character
Let’s see together how our protagonist llama is created. The game suggests a series of very specific and perfect steps for creating the ideal reality show contestant.
The first choice to make is that of the archetype. There are 6 to choose from: the Hot Mess, the “Normal” One, Almost Famous, Miss Congeniality, That B****, the Puppet Master. In addition to being an interpretive stimulus, the archetype identifies two special moves, a feature of the Powered by The Apocalypse game system, on which Drama Llamas is based.
Once these first choices have been defined, the character can be further detailed by choosing his name, appearance and personality.
Review of the Game Phases of Drama Llamas: between Challenges and Confessionals
Since Drama Llamas takes inspiration from reality shows, as we saw at the beginning of this review, it will be this type of show that will serve as inspiration for the game sessions (called “episodes”). To begin with, it might be useful to think of a theme song with a quick overview of the characters in which each one introduces himself as if they were voice-overs. The Producer can pass the narration from one player to another by asking them to describe what the audience sees in each protagonist.
Another interesting element of the game is the introduction of the Confessional. At these moments the Producer can ask each of the characters to give their first impression on the other contestants. In each episode, it can then be used to leave space for the characters to comment on the events of the previous episode or tell their strategy for the next challenge.
Following the basic structure of every reality show, the episodes of Drama Llamas will alternate mini-challenges and main challenges and then, at the end of the season, a winner of the reality show will be named.
PBTA, Yes Thank you
As anticipated, Drama Llamas is a game based on the PBTA regulation; therefore the characters will have a series of moves at their disposal that they can use during the narrative. The challenges proposed within the episode of the reality show define the actual tests.
During a challenge each character has five actions to perform, choosing between dramatic and karmic moves, deep and dark secrets, sabotage, alliance, denunciation or telling a whiny story. Each move has its own rules for when and how it can be used.
Each challenge follows a 3-phase structure: Announcement, Preparation, Presentation and judging. In the Announcement phase, the challenge is explained to the characters. Details of the competition are also given, including the challenge level, the identity of the judges and any additional information about the prizes up for grabs. In the Setup phase, players have time to detail how their character approaches the challenge. Each lama can use a maximum of two actions in this circumstance. In the last phase, it’s time to roll the dice and find out how the test went. Each player rolls 2 six-sided dice and adds the result. If a 6 is rolled, the die explodes and the player can reroll by adding the result obtained again. Based on the final result, the character will get a score from 0, a real catastrophe, to more than 17, an excellent, almost mystical test,
The PBTA system is perfect for managing these mechanics, making the game particularly streamlined and compelling.
More Drama!
We have said up to now that the game aims to recreate the mood of reality shows and talent shows; we must therefore keep in mind that it is about entertainment. And what would a show be without a good dose of drama?
Each character has a Drama score available. This value varies on a 13-point scale ranging from Boring to Bad, passing through intermediate stages. Each character starts with 0 Drama points. During the game, some moves will add Drama points, while others will reduce them. This RPG features a series of fun and interesting dynamics to highlight the characters. They will have to use their special moves to make themselves more interesting in the eyes of the public; but if the moves are used at the wrong time, they will drop in the approval rating.
The manual once again offers a series of very enjoyable examples to help the Producer and players immerse themselves in the game dynamics.
The Role of the Producer
Drama Llamas dedicates a handful of significant pages to the role of the Producer. Tasks and responsibilities are detailed in a precise and timely manner. Just like in many other games, the Producer is an organizer and a facilitator but also a player at the table. The manual suggests, among other things, alternating roles so that everyone can also experience managing the table.
To make the task of structuring the sessions easier, the manual also offers a series of ideas with themed titles and challenges.
Drama Llamas Aesthetics Review
Drama Llamas is very colourful. Its 56 pages make it an easy-to-read manual. The alternation between images and text, proposed in a single column, is particularly successful and fun. The layout of the game is very enjoyable and easy to approach; the chosen font is legible and the choice to insert the examples into actual comics is perfect.
Álvaro Torres’s art is the best way to give the whole volume that playful and imaginative air. Not too distant in tone from those of candy, it will make a great impression on any bookcase.
Drama Llamas Review Conclusions
In conclusion, I believe that Drama Llamas is a decidedly fun game with an immediate approach. Although the aesthetic is sometimes saturated with elements, I found the design choices particularly apt. The simplicity with which it is possible to start a session is also extremely interesting.
If you like reality TV and talent shows or if you love llamas madly, this is the game for you!
