Introductory to Live-Action Roleplaying
What is Live Action Roleplaying?
We Are Roleplayers (W.A.R.) welcomes you to the wonderful world of Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP). If you have never participated in a L.A.R.P. before, this is an introduction to the general concepts and commonly used terminology. We provide you with a medieval style fantasy setting and you get to create a character that fully participates in the story. You will build your character from the ground up – race/culture, skills, costuming, etc. Once you design your character you will attend events, usually at a campsite, and actually get to become your character for the weekend. The difference between a L.A.R.P. and a table-top roleplaying game is that instead of rolling dice, you’ll actually get to act out and partake of the story. The story continues each and every event that you attend, creating new and exciting adventures for your character to participate in. Don’t worry if you are not quite sure how to create a character or if you are doing it right – our staff will be happy to help you when you arrive!
Finding a Game Event and Getting Information
There are several ways to get to a WAR-Accelerant event close to you, here's how:
Some Commonly Used Terms
Below are some commonly used terms defined for your convenience.
Boffer Weapon: a padded weapon made (typically) from plumbing supplies like duct tape, foam, and insulation; used for combat and must always be safety checked.
In-Game (IG): This is used to describe the world you are playing within when you are your character. Used to distinguish “real life” from the game world.
Out-of-Game (OOG): Refers to the times when you are not your character/participating in the story.
Player Character (PC): If you are a PC it means that you are playing your character in the game world.
Non-Player Character (NPC): NPC’s do not play their own characters within the game world. Instead, they help create the game world by playing the creatures and people that your PC will interact with.
Plot: The people that create the game world in which you play and who run the events you attend. They are the event designers.
Staff: Staff are dedicated individuals that help run the event by handling logistics, playing NPC roles, and helping to direct the NPC’s.
NPC Shack or “The Shack”: Refers to the building/area where plot, staff, and NPC’s can be found. It is typically an OOG area, the basecamp the running of the event is directed from.
Summoner’s Rock: The in-game term to describe the NPC Shack.
Module/Mod: A specially designed encounter for your character to interact in.
Character Sheet: A character sheet lists out all the race, skills, etc. of your character and you will receive it at check-in. You must carry your character sheet on you at all times during an event. Try not to lose it, you will need it at the end of the event when you check out.
Check-In: When you first arrive at an event, you’ll go to the designated check-in area. This is where you receive your character sheet, pay event fees, and get organized for the event.
Check-Out: At the end of the event, you will go to the designated check-out area. Here, you will turn in your character sheet before you leave.
Clean-Up Duty: At the end of the event, everyone helps pick up the camp. Most likely you will be assigned a clean-up duty when you check-in. Everyone is expected to perform a clean-up of their own cabin/area and a common hang-out area. If you do not clean up, you may not be permitted to attend future events.
Physical Representation (Phys. Rep.): Used to describe an item/some material that is representing something in-game. For example, hanging green cloth may phys. rep. seaweed.
Packets: The casting of spells is represented by small squares of cloth filled with birdseed (about a large tablespoon’s worth) and sealed with an elastic band. Don’t worry, we’ll show you.
Watcher: In-game marshal that is able to answer OOG questions in an IG fashion.
Preparing For An Event
Our game takes place at various outdoor camps and is a continuously running game throughout the weekend. Typically the game begins on Friday evenings and will continue non-stop until early Sunday morning. Throughout the entirety of the weekend, everyone will be striving to build an inter-active medieval/fantasy-like story and atmosphere, acting as their character would, and pursuing their character's goals.
When attending a weekend WAR-Accelerant event, there are several things to consider. Most importantly, you will be staying at a camp, which rarely has many buildings that are heated or have air-conditioning. In order to keep yourself most comfortable, you must prepare for the weather. Bringing a tent to stay in is encouraged, but is not required. During the cold months it is advisable to wear extra layers of clothes and bring a couple extra changes of clothes to wear underneath your costuming. It is quite possible that your clothing may get wet or muddy, so extra clothing is always a must. In the summer, it would be good to wear light clothes and sleeveless shirts to wear underneath your costuming, or perhaps cut down on the amount of costuming your wear or the thickness of your costuming.
Sleeping arrangements frequently include small beds inside of un-insulated cabins or tent-like structures. Sleeping bags and extra blankets are encouraged during the winter months, even though winter events usually have some type of heated buildings in which to stay.
Snacks, food, and drink are commonly brought to our events by players, even though there is almost always a "tavern" in which you can purchase food and drinks. Often-times players find themselves in need of a snack when the tavern is not open, when it is late, or when it is too inconvenient to make a trek to the tavern, so be sure to bring some snacks, just in case.
What to Bring to Your First Event
Some Tips
Weapons
There is quite a bit of variety of weapons in WAR-Accelerant: pole-arms, two-handed weapons, short swords, bows, daggers, and more. There are 2 basic types of weapons- hand made “boffer” style weapons, and purchased specialty made latex weapons. Safety is our first priority, so please be sure to see the rulebook section on creating a weapon and safety regulations. When in doubt, ask. For your FIRST EVENT, any weapons that you need will be provided for you if you cannot bring your own. We’d be happy to help you construct your first weapon.
Costuming
Every good character should have good costuming, and you should have yours when you come to your first event. We play a medieval/fantasy game, so you should try to find costuming that might be commonly seen at a renaissance festival. We prefer that no tennis shoes are worn, or blue jeans, t-shirts with logos, or anything that looks out of period. Please check out any of the photos on the website to get an idea of what proper costuming looks like. If you know what you want your character to look like and you are ready to go get your costuming, there are plenty of excellent places to look, even if you are short on money:
How to be a Good NPC
We love NPC’s! We would not be able to run our events without them. NPC’s get to play all kinds of roles and it is a great way to learn the game. Below are some things to keep in mind if you decide to NPC:
How to be a Good PC
We love PC’s! We would not be able to run our events without them. Below are some things to keep in mind if you decide to PC:
What is Live Action Roleplaying?
We Are Roleplayers (W.A.R.) welcomes you to the wonderful world of Live-Action Role-Playing (LARP). If you have never participated in a L.A.R.P. before, this is an introduction to the general concepts and commonly used terminology. We provide you with a medieval style fantasy setting and you get to create a character that fully participates in the story. You will build your character from the ground up – race/culture, skills, costuming, etc. Once you design your character you will attend events, usually at a campsite, and actually get to become your character for the weekend. The difference between a L.A.R.P. and a table-top roleplaying game is that instead of rolling dice, you’ll actually get to act out and partake of the story. The story continues each and every event that you attend, creating new and exciting adventures for your character to participate in. Don’t worry if you are not quite sure how to create a character or if you are doing it right – our staff will be happy to help you when you arrive!
Finding a Game Event and Getting Information
There are several ways to get to a WAR-Accelerant event close to you, here's how:
- Everyone is here to help – plot, staff, and players! Find us on Facebook or check out our website – www.warlarp.com
Some Commonly Used Terms
Below are some commonly used terms defined for your convenience.
Boffer Weapon: a padded weapon made (typically) from plumbing supplies like duct tape, foam, and insulation; used for combat and must always be safety checked.
In-Game (IG): This is used to describe the world you are playing within when you are your character. Used to distinguish “real life” from the game world.
Out-of-Game (OOG): Refers to the times when you are not your character/participating in the story.
Player Character (PC): If you are a PC it means that you are playing your character in the game world.
Non-Player Character (NPC): NPC’s do not play their own characters within the game world. Instead, they help create the game world by playing the creatures and people that your PC will interact with.
Plot: The people that create the game world in which you play and who run the events you attend. They are the event designers.
Staff: Staff are dedicated individuals that help run the event by handling logistics, playing NPC roles, and helping to direct the NPC’s.
NPC Shack or “The Shack”: Refers to the building/area where plot, staff, and NPC’s can be found. It is typically an OOG area, the basecamp the running of the event is directed from.
Summoner’s Rock: The in-game term to describe the NPC Shack.
Module/Mod: A specially designed encounter for your character to interact in.
Character Sheet: A character sheet lists out all the race, skills, etc. of your character and you will receive it at check-in. You must carry your character sheet on you at all times during an event. Try not to lose it, you will need it at the end of the event when you check out.
Check-In: When you first arrive at an event, you’ll go to the designated check-in area. This is where you receive your character sheet, pay event fees, and get organized for the event.
Check-Out: At the end of the event, you will go to the designated check-out area. Here, you will turn in your character sheet before you leave.
Clean-Up Duty: At the end of the event, everyone helps pick up the camp. Most likely you will be assigned a clean-up duty when you check-in. Everyone is expected to perform a clean-up of their own cabin/area and a common hang-out area. If you do not clean up, you may not be permitted to attend future events.
Physical Representation (Phys. Rep.): Used to describe an item/some material that is representing something in-game. For example, hanging green cloth may phys. rep. seaweed.
Packets: The casting of spells is represented by small squares of cloth filled with birdseed (about a large tablespoon’s worth) and sealed with an elastic band. Don’t worry, we’ll show you.
Watcher: In-game marshal that is able to answer OOG questions in an IG fashion.
Preparing For An Event
Our game takes place at various outdoor camps and is a continuously running game throughout the weekend. Typically the game begins on Friday evenings and will continue non-stop until early Sunday morning. Throughout the entirety of the weekend, everyone will be striving to build an inter-active medieval/fantasy-like story and atmosphere, acting as their character would, and pursuing their character's goals.
When attending a weekend WAR-Accelerant event, there are several things to consider. Most importantly, you will be staying at a camp, which rarely has many buildings that are heated or have air-conditioning. In order to keep yourself most comfortable, you must prepare for the weather. Bringing a tent to stay in is encouraged, but is not required. During the cold months it is advisable to wear extra layers of clothes and bring a couple extra changes of clothes to wear underneath your costuming. It is quite possible that your clothing may get wet or muddy, so extra clothing is always a must. In the summer, it would be good to wear light clothes and sleeveless shirts to wear underneath your costuming, or perhaps cut down on the amount of costuming your wear or the thickness of your costuming.
Sleeping arrangements frequently include small beds inside of un-insulated cabins or tent-like structures. Sleeping bags and extra blankets are encouraged during the winter months, even though winter events usually have some type of heated buildings in which to stay.
Snacks, food, and drink are commonly brought to our events by players, even though there is almost always a "tavern" in which you can purchase food and drinks. Often-times players find themselves in need of a snack when the tavern is not open, when it is late, or when it is too inconvenient to make a trek to the tavern, so be sure to bring some snacks, just in case.
What to Bring to Your First Event
Some Tips
- Dress comfortably with the weather as well as with "in-period" style clothing – your costume can be as simple or complex as you want.
- Never be afraid to ask questions... this is how we all learn! During the actual game please try to phrase the question to stay In Game (IG) when possible.
- Pack enough clothes and a sleeping back to prepare for a two-night stay.
- Snacks are handy!
- Bring WAR-Accelerant safe “boffer” or latex weapons and/or spell packets that you plan to use for your character. (If you are somehow unable, WAR-Accelerant will supply you with weapons or packets at your FIRST EVENT only)
- BRING YOUR IMAGINATION AND HAVE FUN! (it is a GAME, after all!)
Weapons
There is quite a bit of variety of weapons in WAR-Accelerant: pole-arms, two-handed weapons, short swords, bows, daggers, and more. There are 2 basic types of weapons- hand made “boffer” style weapons, and purchased specialty made latex weapons. Safety is our first priority, so please be sure to see the rulebook section on creating a weapon and safety regulations. When in doubt, ask. For your FIRST EVENT, any weapons that you need will be provided for you if you cannot bring your own. We’d be happy to help you construct your first weapon.
Costuming
Every good character should have good costuming, and you should have yours when you come to your first event. We play a medieval/fantasy game, so you should try to find costuming that might be commonly seen at a renaissance festival. We prefer that no tennis shoes are worn, or blue jeans, t-shirts with logos, or anything that looks out of period. Please check out any of the photos on the website to get an idea of what proper costuming looks like. If you know what you want your character to look like and you are ready to go get your costuming, there are plenty of excellent places to look, even if you are short on money:
- Look in your closet, basement and attic. You would be surprised what you might find that could fit the medieval fantasy genre that we play.
- Go to yard sales. You can often find clothing, jewelry, and other neat stuff that fits into the realm of our game
- Ebay! You can find anything on ebay
- Local costuming store. There are often a few stores around that specialize in theatre costuming. Halloween time is the perfect time to find make-up and costuming that easily fits into the game.
- Online stores / Google it!. If all else fails, you can ALWAYS find costuming at online stores. Some of these stores can be a little costly, but if you plan on keeping the same costuming for your character then it will be well worth the money
- Other players. A lot of other players at WAR-Accelerant have extra costuming that they might not use anymore. If you ask, they may be willing to lend, sell, or give you old costuming.
How to be a Good NPC
We love NPC’s! We would not be able to run our events without them. NPC’s get to play all kinds of roles and it is a great way to learn the game. Below are some things to keep in mind if you decide to NPC:
- The most
important thing in being a good NPC is to always keep in mind that you are
helping the Plot team tell a story that is inter-active, dynamic and
ever-changing. Sometimes this involves
straight-out combat, sometimes this involves heavy role-play with little or no
combat, and sometimes it is a combination of both of these things. It is not your job to kill as many PCs as
possible, nor is it your job to do whatever you want whenever you want.
- In order to
help the Plot team tell the story, you must know your NPC card. If you are unsure of a skill or ability, ask
someone. Memorize your NPC card as fully
as possible, and keep it on you at all times so you can look at it if or when
needed.
- Listen to
what Plot or the Marshall/Watcher tells you and do what they say. Because this is a dynamic and interactive
game, the situation changes, and you must be willing to change gears as
necessary.
- Costuming-
even though when you NPC you will be in and out of various costumes multiple
times during the event, it is up to you to make sure that you are properly
costumed at all times. This means the
proper application of face paints, wearing the right tunic, fur, or clothing,
and using the correct weapons and prosthetics.
Try not to bring or wear clothes that have logos on them, or tennis
shoes or anything else that is going to make the NPCs you play look out of place.
- Make sure
you have extra clothes. Even on hot
summer days, you want to have another set or two of clothes to switch into to
stay dry and comfortable. This may even
include having extra pairs of shoes/boots.
This is especially true in the winter or on rainy event days.
- Drink plenty
of WATER, even during the colder months, and make sure you eat. You will be running around and burning a lot
of calories. Even if dieting, you will
need to eat more on a WAR-Accelerant game weekend than you normally would. You should also drink more water, and avoid
sugary drinks such as soda and energy drinks as much as possible.
- Have a good time and have fun! NPCing can be a blast, and you should be having a good time doing it. If you have a preference – such as rp parts – let us know! If you have an idea – let us know!.
How to be a Good PC
We love PC’s! We would not be able to run our events without them. Below are some things to keep in mind if you decide to PC:
- Always
remember, in WAR-Accelerant there is absolutely NO being OOG. Even if you arrive after the game starts, if
you are on site, you are IG. Until you
check in, and get in costume you will appear as a Spirit, and should walk with
your head bowed and hands lowered and crossed in front of you. If anyone tries to interact with you, you
simply say “Spirit” and continue on your way.
Try to get into game as soon as possible once you have arrived on site.
- Because
there is no OOG in WAR-Accelerant, there should be absolutely no OOG
chatting. This means no talking about
football, or other sporting events, MMORPGs, school, work or anything
else. If you do hear someone speaking
OOG, simply state “Decorum” to remind them that they should always be IG.
- Bring proper
costuming and weapons. You should always
look as good as possible from an IG aspect while PCing in WAR-Accelerant. This doesn’t mean that you can’t wear simple
peasant clothes, but it does mean that you must wear costuming that looks in
period at all times.
- Bring proper
clothing and bedding. Not only is
costuming important, but so is your comfort.
Make sure you have extra clothes.
Even on hot summer days, you want to have another set or two of clothes
to switch into to stay dry and comfortable.
This may even include having extra pairs of shoes/boots. This is especially true in the winter or on
rainy event days.
- Drink plenty
of WATER, even during the colder months, and make sure you eat. You will be running around and burning a lot
of calories. Even if dieting, you will
need to eat more on a WAR-Accelerant game weekend than you normally would. You should also drink more water, and avoid
sugary drinks such as soda and energy drinks as much as possible.
- Most
importantly- have fun! Let’s face it,
you are here to have fun and the Plot/Staff team is here to see that you have
it. If you aren’t having a good time,
try to figure out why you aren’t having a good time. Please let a Plot, Staff or Watcher know and
they will do everything in their powers to correct the situation.
