All About the Live Action Role Playing Game "Kingdoms of Novitas"

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Learning Objectives

  1. What is LARP?
  2. Forms of LARP
  3. Why LARP?
  4. Where can I find local LARPs?

What is LARP?

   LARP, or Live Action Role Play, is a game that people play where they immerse themselves as characters using props and clothing. The players "act out" their characters or roles, and essentially engage in an improv scene and/or collection of scenes. These events may be paid or free, occur over a short or long period of time, and have various levels of physical action. In addition, not every LARP is strict in their role playing requirements.

Forms of LARP

   LARPs come in various forms. The three most popular categories are Salon or Parlor LARPs, Boffer LARPs, and Live-Steel LARPs. Other forms of LARP exist, however these forms of LARP are the most common you may find.

Salon/Parlor LARPs

Salon or Parlor LARPs are regarded as having an emphasis on the roleplaying aspect of LARP. Typically players will converse with one another as their respective characters, but they will not engage in any physical combat. These LARPs are often done in an indoors location, or a small area.

Boffer LARPs

Boffer LARPs bring more emphasis to the combat oriented aspect of LARP. Boffers are padded weapons used in such LARPs to be able to hit other players without harming them in any significant way. The degree of physicality can further be broken down to "lightest-touch" where no matter the strength of a hit is, it will be counted, to the more sport-like "full-contact where a degree of force is required to "damage" other players. The quality of the construction of boffers varies from LARP to LARP, where some LARPS allow weapons made out of pool noodles and foam, while others only allow latex weaponry. Boffer LARPs are oftentimes medieval in nature, however various other settings exist. These settings could employ nerf weapons or other forms of "safe" weaponry. Boffer LARPs have varying degrees of roleplay requirements. This can be as little as simply fighting each other for sport, to dramatic overarching storytelling elements around the combat.

A dagorhir battle | Source: Dagorhir.com

Live-Steel LARPs

Live-Steel LARPs incorporate much more dangerous weaponry. Medieval in setting, the weapons used in these LARPs are primarily blunted metal weapons and lightly padded rattan (bamboo) sticks. Due to the safety risks, these LARPs often incorporate strict moderation of weapons used as well as armor required. Player on player combat is typically much more structured due to the danger associated with such weapons. Combat is not the only attribute of these LARPs however, with much roleplaying existing outside of combat. Oftentimes this roleplay can be compared to a Salon/Parlor LARP, and many Live-Steel LARPs have a strict adherence to historical accuracy.

A SCA battle | Source: sca.org

Why LARP?

   Live action role play allows players to escape from reality and immerse themselves in a completely new setting. In addition, they allow people to act out their fantasies while also meeting new people. LARP communities are very often close-knit, and players often form various friendships through common interest. Boffer and Live-Steel LARPs also allow players to excersize their body and crafting ability through playing their characters and building props for their LARP.

Where can I find local LARPs?

   LARPs exist all around, but are scarcely advertised. This is typically because LARPs are generally attributed with negative "nerd culture" insults. This can lead to LARP groups obscuring their practice as to not influence their professional lives. For a list of local LARPs, consider the links below under "LARP Finding Resources" .

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