LARP stands for “Live Action Role Play.”
Our LARP is not a LARP in the traditional sense. A formal LARP is more like “Live Action Dungeons & Dragons” with a carefully crafted storyline and many NPC (non-player characters).
Our gatherings are more like elaborate games of make-believe that include wearing costumes and bringing props. Everyone works cooperatively to build the storyline and the multiverse in which it happens. Underneath this complex and rich story that we build together, our activities boil down to variations of capture the flag, debate, exploration, freeze tag, hide and seek, hiking, improvisation, mock battles, repartee, stand-up comedy, strategizing, and treasure hunts.
Like many other homeschool gatherings, this is not a formal group. It’s just a bunch of friends and neighbors playing together at public parks. No one is in charge. Parents remain wholly responsible for their own children. Adult supervision is not provided.
LARPing is best for ages 12 years and up. Younger children do sometimes join us under the watchful eye of their older siblings. Those bringing younger children should be aware that while they can be amazingly creative storytellers, they are also easily distracted and this can be disruptive to the building of our ongoing story. Younger children also tend to struggle with mock combat rules as it requires they control the strength of their swings so as to not cause real injury and that they be able to acknowledge mock injuries and the resulting mock deaths. For these reasons, it is often better for younger siblings to form their own separate playgroup in the park under the watchful eyes of their parents. However, all LARPers are expected to treat any younger children with kindness and to make allowances for their lapses if they do join the LARP.
It is free to play; the costs of provisions, costuming, and props are at your own discretion.
LARP Story Synopses
Read a partial storyline of the LARP. Synopses only get written up when I have the time, which mostly means only during the summer months.
Crafters Guild
Fun projects for LARP costuming and props.