What is LARP?
Live Action Role Playing. A collaborative storytelling game in which players take on the role of characters, either casted (pre-written), of their own creation, or somewhere in between. The goal of LARP is to build a shared context or fantasy using the collective imagination of the players. For example, a LARP based on The Lord of the Rings might have players in the role of hobbits making their way through the Mines of Moria. A more experimental LARP might have players taking the role of animals, inanimate objects, or even concepts or memories inside a single person’s head.
In and Out of Character
LARP comes in many forms, but one thing they all have in common is a notion of “in character” (IC) and “out of character” (OOC). Players are not their characters, and vice versa. You can think of this in the same way that a film or theater actor is not the character they play on screen or stage. Using the example above, it would be appropriate in character for a player in the role of a hobbit to ask about second breakfast. It would not be appropriate for that same player to ask in character when the next season of The Great British Bakeoff is airing. Likewise, if players are having an out of character discussion, it is not appropriate to interrupt them in character.
Table top roleplayers should be familiar with the above, but in LARP there are additional considerations for physicality and space.
Boffer LARP
Valhalla is a “boffer LARP,” meaning players use safe, padded weapons called boffers to simulate combat. Think of it as playing make-believe with foam swords and costumes, but with some light, controlled fighting. The intention of combat in this LARP is to provide a method of expression via physical action and tactical play. It is NOT a contest of who can hit hardest or dominate others using their OOC physicality.
In order to engage in boffer combat, all players must pass a safety authorization. Players who do not have a safety authorization may not handle boffers or foam dart blasters. See the Safety Guide for more details.
The Campaign and the Sandbox
A “campaign” LARP is a series of events that have continuity, much like in a TTRPG. To put it simply: if something happens in Event 1, characters in Event 2 will remember it. This is just to contrast with “one-shot” LARPs, which may have multiple events but without continuity between them. Valhalla is a campaign LARP.
The last point of distinction is the sandbox. Many LARPs have fixed or branching narratives with varying levels of player influence. There is often a Plot or ongoing story with NPCs which characters can or must participate in. Valhalla is not plot-driven. Instead it is focused on providing an interactive environment for players to tell stories in together. Players are highly encouraged to run their own activities at events, suggest world-building elements and engage with characters in a way that is fun for them.
What LARP is not
A story with a main character.
A table-top roleplaying game such as Dungeons & Dragons with an omnipresent Dungeon Master.
A video game where you can easily escape consequences.
A replacement for therapy.
Who am I?
Your character is the way you interface with the world of Valhalla and the other characters in it. This character, your viking, should have traits and characteristics that you think will allow you to have interesting experiences, especially when interacting with others. Bear in mind however that events can last hours or days, so it is important to craft a character you can embody sustainably. See the Roleplaying Guide for more details.
🟢 Common terms and definitions
OOC - Out of Character, see also: OOG (out of game)
IC - In Character
“HOLD!” - An out of game safety call to stop the action in the event of something unexpected or an emergency
Physrep - The real-life physical representation of an in-game object
Staff - The event staff and organizers, including the game owner.
Logistics, or logi - Name of the desk and the person sitting at the desk where Check-In and many other in-game transactions take place.
FOIG - Find Out In Game
“Clarify” - An out of game term preceding a clarifying question about what’s happening
Perm - Permanent character death. Once a character “perms” they may never re-enter game.
NPC - Non-player character.
Bleed - When the feelings and emotions of an IC situation affect the player’s emotional state OOC. This can be a positive thing, but is usually referred to in the negative.
🟢 What to Expect at Your First Event
Event Schedule
Accommodations
See the https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ojnvXi5W6NBYK4O83O9okdZpy0LyDPOGL2vRABmWDE8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.whyiwpkj9543 for details.
Food
There will be player-provided food during Feasts, but players are 100% responsible for feeding themselves at events, please plan your meals accordingly!
Boffer Combat
What if I don’t want to fight, or be hit?
Players who don’t want to fight are encouraged to focus on developing their characters in Exploration and The Settlement, and focus on activities in the Great Hall.
If you do not wish to engage in boffer combat at all, you must wear a Non-Combat sash to indicate to other players that they should not engage you. See Safety Guide for more info.
Confused? Lost? Not having fun?
Talk to a member of Staff and let us help you. Staff can be identified by badges or headbands with their role indicated on them.
🟪 General LARP Etiquette
Do not touch others’ property without their explicit permission. If you’re not sure: ask! Check out the Roleplaying Guide for more info.
Next: Game Overview