Some of you may be thinking, what exactly is LARP? To give you a basic idea, lets check out our trusty friend Wikipedia!
A live action role-playing game (LARP) is a form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters’ actions. The players pursue goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world while interacting with each other in character. The outcome of player actions may be mediated by game rules or determined by consensus among players. Event arrangers called gamemasters decide the setting and rules to be used and facilitate play.
I will admit, I didn’t think I knew much about LARPing and the rules behind it, but this was due to the fact that I thought LARPing was limited to fantasy style of gameplay with a settings such as Skyrim, Lord of the Rings, or Assassins creed. Little did I know I have been LARPing for years! Growing up we had a pretty big group of friends who from time to time would run out into an open field with our paintball guns, and run “Scenario” type of games. In our mind we were running military simulations, we never one thought that we would be part of the LARPing community, but any sort of “simulation” is exactly what LARPing is.
It was only yesterday that I ran into a Facebook group called “Ottawa Region LARPers” which led me to doing some research, creating this article, and realise that I have been participating in LARPing from such a young age. While the Ottawa Region LARPers seem to be more dedicated to what most people call the “Traditional” Fantasy style of LARPing it’s cool to see that there is a community in Ottawa that are dedicated to running events!
An upcoming event titled “Behold My Children” run by Underworld LARP is being held on September 23-25 (Overnight) in Curran, Ontario. This will be their 6th full weekend event of their 2016 season. Here is a quick run down on the scenario of this event:
Following the strange tales unwittingly brought to life by Piko, a traveling bard, the Valley has been experiencing some growing pains setting itself to rights. Suspicion abounds as the Ravencrofts refuse social calls, a murder investigation continues, court is called and the Autumn Equinox creeps closer.
With numerous items of note vanishing with naught a trace or only the lingering smell of brimstone, the people of Driftwood are on edge and cast a worried eye on the activities of their neighbours in Ashendael. “Did not they barter with fae, or hold congress with demons?” the peasantry ask, “Didn’t they try to steal part of the baker’s oven?”
Unnerved and alert, the changing of the seasons is not its usual joyous occasion, as whispers abound and mystics croak the portent “Behold my children”.
I got chills while reading that… If you would like to know more about this event or sign up for it, check out their event page for more details!
We at The Nerd is the Word hope to be attending a few local LARPing events throughout Ottawa, to highlight what may be the coolest and nerdiest hobby known to man. We may also dive into some costume creation, weapon making and even get some tips and tricks from some local gamemasters! If you know of any local Ottawa groups, send us an email, or send us a message on our Facebook page!
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