The simple answer is “easily”. It’s been done before in other industries. Let’s roll back the clock to the 1980’s and 1990’s; which were interesting times for tabletop gamers, and larpers. There were no game development companies, no streaming services, and for that matter not much internet. There were barely publishing companies that could scrape together enough money to keep printing RPG guidebooks. There was Games Workshop because lets face it Europe has always been ahead of the U.S. on this curve. D&D was a pretty new thing. Adults would scold their children for playing with ‘toys’ (this literally happened to me, I may have some buried resentment).

Continue reading “Can larps be a business?” →

Small unit training for the Imperium

by Jon Daniels

Legion. The very name itself brings to mind ranks upon ranks of warriors, as immortalized by Homer:
So buckler pressed on buckler; helm on helm; And man on man; and waving horse-hair plumes in polished head-piece mingled, as they swayed in order; in such serried rank they stood [Iliad, 13.131]

Continue reading “Maniple 101” →

The May Campaign at Bicolline was a great time. Due to weird narrative and odd weapon/armor limitations it was virtually free from in game stakes, and therefore pressure. Other members of the Lys didn’t find it overly fun, but I enjoyed it as a one shot experience. Watching people fail to adapt their tactics was interesting. It has me thinking back to some tactics from larps of old and wondering if they might be useful. Anyway, the really fun part of the weekend was connecting with other members of the Lys Noir (as well as the DT Co) and talk about ways to do that some more. An idea arose somewhat like the Gastronomy Tournament (although without the competition part). Cooking for each other using a fire/fire pit. It has me considering getting a Dutch Oven (very modern, I know, but useful nonetheless) and/or a cast iron skillet.

The date is not a type-o. At Bicolline the year is 1017. Here is an album of some pictures from this years Bico. It was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to go back next year.

The recent Dagohir event on the Boston Common inspired me to go to one of their practices for the first time. Now my definition of battle game needs to include full contact. Try a battle game before you’re old and injured. Like in your early 20’s. There is plenty of time later in your larping career to try lower impact campaign style larps. But trying a full contact battle game should really be done when you’re healthy. Fortunately sore legs and runners knee are my only complaints from this practice.

Continue reading “Anvard Dagorhir” →