LARPing in Las Vegas

Perhaps one of the most intriguing things I've come across after waking from my decades-long RPG hiatus is the onset and popularity of 'LARP-ing'. LARP stands for Live Action Role Playing, where you get to dress up as your chosen fantasy character and participate in different games, meetings and events. It sounds simple enough, but creating the costumes, gear, and paraphernalia that make LARPing so fun and attractive to watch involves more than rummaging through your closet and finding makeshift items to call yourself a pirate. Avid LARPers bring with them a myriad of creativity, craftsmanship and artistry into the outfits and games they create. I was fortunate to have come across one such group that meet every Sunday on Sunset Park (corner of Sunset and Eastern Ave.), the Las Vegas Amtgard Terra de Votum (https://www.facebook.com/groups/TerraDeVotum/).

A little bit after lunch, things started to get interesting. Like traveling adventurers coming to rest under a common shady area by the side of a well travelled road they came. Warriors, monks, bards, healers and other colorfully outfitted characters trekked there, eager to partake in their weekly camaraderie. Even children were drawn to the activities to come and were quick learners on the battlefield. Events ranged from duels, to group battles to home-brew challenges. Getting hit on a limb, you lose use of that limb. Lose two limbs, you're dead. Get hit on the torso, you're dead. Same rule applies for the foam-headed arrows. There was also the use of magic, that came in the form of what looked like thin socks with foam balls in them (to create that trailing effect). The caster would declare the spell when thrown, and if target gets hit the spell takes effect. A hold spell will immobilize for 30 seconds, the "hit limb-torso" rule seems to generally apply to damaging spell attacks such as fireball or magic missile. The system relies heavily on the honesty system. If you're not true to the rules, then what's the point in role-playing right?

Apparently the world of LARPing runs much longer and deeper than I had previously thought. One of the members shared with me that she had been involved with various communities as early as the early 80's. That's about the same time I was in my RPG prime. Moreover, the organization and structure of LARP communities is outstanding. Ok, here's how it goes. For them the entire LARP "world" is referred to as Amtgard. Within this world there are kingdoms and Las Vegas belongs to the 'Kingdom of the Desert Winds'. The kingdoms are of course broken down into its provinces, and this particular group is the Duchy of Terra De Votum. Thus, Las Vegas: Amtgard Terra De Votum. There may be other "worlds" out there, but this group is in this one.

Interesting Links:
Amtgard
Kingdom of the Desert Winds
Las Vegas: Amtgard Terra De Votum