The LARP Rep this year is Ed Anderson.

So, what is LARP?

LARP stands for Live Action Role-Playing, which is simply dressing up in strange costumes, running around the lake, and swordfighting with foam-covered swords. You don't have to be insane to do this, although some form of madness helps! It is a very involved form of role-play because instead of just sitting around imagining what your character is doing, or using models to represent them, you get to actually be them.

Since the society has started to run LARP events using several different systems, they've been split into "Aftermath LARP", which is the LARP system created by James and Andrew and the system that this page is all about, and "Non-Aftermath LARP", which refers to LARPs in any other systems. These tend to be run as one-off events as and when people can be found to run them. This doesn't mean they can't be just as fun though!

Why would you want to do LARP?

LARP is possibly the most engaging form of role-playing in existence. It is very social and allows both small and large groups of people to interact together. Some events, held by larger organisations such as the Lorien Trust and Curious Pastimes and usually during holidays, attract hundreds of role-players together in one place.

LARP at the University of Nottingham involves no dice, cards, counters or models: it is simply you, your sword and any skill you may (or may not!) possess. It is based more on skill than chance; you make your own luck. This does not necessarily mean you have to be a professional fencer to enjoy yourself and have your characters survive though!

How does LARP work at the University?

Here at the University of Nottingham we have a system developed by James and Andrew called Aftermath. The action takes place in the Highfields Park area of the University campus: around the lake (see map) and mostly during the hours of darkness (depending on start times, season etc.). We usually finish by about 10pm, but there is often the option of some sort of social event or other gaming afterwards.

Each session is planned and run by the LARP Rep, who is in charge of telling the monsters where to go and the player characters what is happening. New people tend to be player characters and those who've been here a while tend to be monsters, but this is by no means set in stone!

Equipment

RPGSoc owns an array of weapons, costume pieces and armour which can be used by anyone. Most of the more dedicated LARPers (those with their own costume, weapons etc.) are usually willing to lend out some of their items to beginners.

We do suggest you wear a pair of good, sturdy, waterproof shoes that you don't mind getting muddy, as the majority of our events take place in winter at night. Layers of clothing are also recommended, rather than one big heavy jumper, and those of you who wear glasses are advised to wear an older pair in case of loss or damage. There may be somewhere to store things you don't want to carry around while LARPing.

Safety

Safety is the most important thing to be mentioned here. Before each session, someone (most often the Rep) goes through the safety instructions, including evening-specific features such as ice or deep puddles in the area. They will also reiterate the aspects of the contact part of LARP: remember that Aftermath LARP is combat-based and this means that weapons make contact with people. We do stress that weapons are safety checked before play (they are latex-covered foam with a fibreglass core), blows are pulled and all possible care is taken to ensure people are not injured.

It must be understood, however, that LARP of this kind is like any other physical activity and there is a chance of an accident happening. To this end, you may be asked to sign a form absolving the University of responsibility for any minor injuries (exceptions notwithstanding).

As LARP takes place around the lake, and the nature of the activity requires such things as jumping into bushes and running on uneven ground, it requires more care than most sports, especially because we play in darkness. It is advised that you have a walk around the area in the daytime before attending LARP, just to see where the holes, paths and lake edge are. We must also stress that those who cannot normally take part in physical activity of the nature described above will be unable to participate in Chronicles LARP; this is for safety reasons and is not intended to be discriminatory.

Society LARP Rules

This year there is once again a brand new system for LARP called Aftermath. This means that new and old players will have the same amount of experience - None! The rules and world books are available here on the forums or the links below.
Rulebook V 1.2 (pdf)
Worldbook (pdf)
Expanded Worldbook & FAQ (pdf)

A map of what part of the lake LARP normally takes place in can be found by clicking this link.