Under the Table || A Chicago Speakeasy Larp

Step into a 1930s Chicago speakeasy during Prohibition. Choose between the loyal Kowalskis or the ruthless LaDucas in a world of crime, alliances, and betrayal. Navigate shifting loyalties, uncover secrets, and outwit the law. Will you dominate the underground, or will betrayal seal your fate?

Long Description

Under the Table || A Chicago Speakeasy Larp

Chicago, 1931. The liquor flows in secret. The music never stops. The power plays are whispered behind velvet curtains.

Step into the twilight world of late Prohibition—when gangsters ruled the streets, jazz ruled the airwaves, and every drink poured was a little act of rebellion. This is a LARP of smoke, silk, shadows, and swagger. It’s a place where alliances are sealed with a clink of glasses, betrayals are whispered between songs, and everyone is playing an angle — even the bartender.

Under the Table is built for players who love juicy character drama, stylish aesthetics, and making their own trouble. There are plots — rivalries, romances, betrayals, and backroom deals — but you’ll decide which stories you pursue. Think of it as a tangle of opportunities, secrets, and simmering tensions, not a single mystery or mission to solve. focused on immersive character moments, interpersonal drama, and rich aesthetic vibes. Think Boardwalk Empire meets Cabaret — stylish, sultry, and simmering with tension. You’ll play gangsters, performers, rum-runners, and schemers in a thriving speakeasy run by the Polish Crime family, caught in a cold war of influence with the powerful Italian Mafia.

Location: A hidden speakeasy in Chicago, lavishly decorated with Art Deco furnishings, jazz music playing softly, and the scent of cigar smoke lingering in the air. Secret entrances and hidden rooms add an element of intrigue.
Time Period: 1930s, during Prohibition, when illegal liquor trade is rampant and organized crime is flourishing.

Plot Hooks

Territory Dispute: Both families are vying for control over the same liquor supply route. Tensions escalate as they encroach on each other’s territory.
Alliance or Betrayal: Characters can choose to negotiate a truce or plot against each other, leading to potential double-crosses and shifting allegiances.
Federal Interest: With Prohibition enforcement ramping up, both families must navigate the threat of law enforcement while maintaining their operations.
Personal Relationships: Romantic entanglements, friendships, and rivalries can develop between characters from both families, complicating the feud.

Gameplay Elements

Role-Playing: Encourage players to immerse themselves in their characters, using period-appropriate dialogue and mannerisms.
Conflict Resolution: Use a mix of negotiation, dice rolls, and role-play to resolve conflicts, whether through discussions or more direct confrontations.
Mystery and Secrets: Include hidden agendas and secrets that players can uncover, leading to twists in the storyline.

Factions

The Polish Family

Name: The Kowalskis
Background: Recently immigrated, they run the speakeasy and are known for their strong ties to the local Polish community. They pride themselves on hard work and loyalty.
Key Members

• Matriarch: Mama _____ Kowalski – A shrewd businesswoman with a heart of gold.
• Enforcer: Son ______ Kowalski – Helena’s son, fiercely protective of family interests.
• Diplomat: Daughter ____ Kowalski – Helena’s daughter, skilled in negotiations and forming alliances.

The Italian Family

Name: The LaDucas
Background: Established in the city, they have deeper roots in organized crime and are known for their violent tactics. They aim to expand their territory and influence.
Key Members

• Boss: Dad_____ LaDuca – Charismatic and ruthless, he has ambitions for more control over the liquor trade.
• Lieutenant: Baby Brother _____ LaDuca – Salvatore’s right-hand man, known for his cunning and loyalty.
• Mysterious Figure: ‘Maiden’ LaDuca – Baby Brother’s Daughter, rumored to have her own ambitions and connections.

Other Characters

• The Jazz Singer: A talented singer with a mysterious past, Ruby captivates the audience with her sultry voice. She’s rumored to have connections with both families and may hold secrets that could tip the balance of power.
• The Tap Dancer: An energetic tap dancer who brings life to the speakeasy. He dreams of fame but is caught up in the local underworld, having borrowed money from the Kowalskis or LaDucas.
• The Magician: A charming illusionist who performs nightly. He uses his sleight of hand to entertain, but also to gather information from the crowd, making him a valuable asset to whoever can win his favor.
• The Bartender: A sharp-witted bartender with a knack for mixing both drinks and deals. He knows everyone’s business and can either be an ally or a whistleblower, depending on how he's treated.
• The Bouncer: A towering figure with a reputation for being tough but fair. Frank keeps the peace in the speakeasy and is often the first line of defense against any trouble. He has a soft spot for the performers.
• The Gambler: A regular at the speakeasy who always seems to have a winning streak. He’s well-liked but is also heavily in debt to both families, making him a pawn in their games.
• The Journalist: An ambitious reporter looking for a big story. She frequents the speakeasy, hoping to uncover the truth about organized crime and Prohibition. She’s a potential ally for those wanting to sway public opinion.
• The Rum Runner: A legendary smuggler who supplies the speakeasy with illegal liquor. No one knows much about him, but he has a reputation for getting the job done. His true loyalty is unclear, creating intrigue.
• The Artist: A painter and sculptor who often sets up in the corner of the speakeasy, capturing the lively atmosphere. She’s deeply insightful and may have connections to both families through her art and social circles.
• The Detective: An undercover cop tasked with investigating the speakeasy and its patrons. He walks a fine line between enforcing the law and indulging in the nightlife, making for a complex character with shifting loyalties.