Information for New Players
What is live-action roleplaying?
A live-action roleplaying game or "LARP" takes elements of traditional pencil and paper roleplaying games and
computer roleplaying games, and puts them in a much more physical setting. Players dress up in costume and armour and act out the
part of the character they are portraying. If you want to talk to someone, pick their pocket, hide in a dark shadow, run away,
call for help, or anything else that can be reasonably acted out, you have to actually
do it. To represent combat, we
use padded weapons -- if you want to hit someone, you actually have to hit them (not too hard, of course), and if you want to
block an attack you actually have to block. For spells and arrows, we use small cloth beanbag "packets" that must be thrown -- if
the packet hits, the spell was a hit; if you jump out of the way, you don't get hit.
Beyond the immediate physical aspects there is a rules system that adds tactical depth to combat and allows you to build up
your character's abilities over time to become more powerful, but at heart the game challenges you to actually outfight, outwit, or
outrun your opponents.
Of course, the game isn't entirely about combat...far from it! By creating an environment where people are interacting in the roles
of their characters in a completely improvisational way, a LARP can create a story that is far more engaging and immediate than
words on paper. As the game continues from one event to the next over the course of years, you have the opportunity to explore and
influence an entire fantasy world with an interactive storyline designed by the game writers.
Is this really safe?
Quite safe, actually. All combat takes place with padded "boffer" weapons, which must be inspected according to the safety standards
in the rulebook before every event. The combat rules prohibit swinging too hard, aiming for the head, and various other unsafe
things, and players can be removed from combat if they violate these rules. Other games using similar safety standards have been
operating for many years without significant injuries -- as much of the action takes place outdoors in wooded areas, the risk of a
twisted ankle (a risk common to most outdoor activities) is probably much higher than the risk of actually being hurt by a padded weapon.
What do I need to get started?
Not much! Although some players have elaborate costumes, expensive custom suits of armour, and an arsenal of padded weapons, you don't
need any of those things to play. All we ask is that you make a basic effort at fitting in to the medieval fantasy world: clothing without glaring logos,
boots instead of sneakers, no blue jeans, and you're practically ready to go.
When you attend an event, you can choose to either create your own "PC" (player character) and make your own decisions about what
to do in the game, or volunteer as an "NPC" (non-player character) and play monsters and other supporting roles under the direction of
the Raven staff. NPCs play for free and are supplied with weapons and costuming for their roles, but don't get the experience of
having a permanent character that grows over time and becomes the hero of their own story.
Raven LARP is working hard at being able to always have weapons, armour, costuming, makeup supplies, and packets available for rent or
sale at our events. As we are just getting started, we suggest you post on the forums before an event if you need these kind of supplies.
