Getting Started
Click here for a more in-depth guide created by our NPLs (New Player Liaisons)
First Steps
1. Join our community: Getting ready for an event can be a huge undertaking if you've never attended a larp before. Take advantage of our Discord and Facebook to ask any questions you might have. Our team of New Player Liaisons are there to help with every step along the way.
2. Learn the mechanics: To be able to move on to the next step and create a character its a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of the game. Understanding how roleplay, health points and weapon swings work are a good place to start. You can find more information on these beginning at page 6 in the Rulebook or by watching these videos created by the Toronto guild, Jericho.
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3. Create a character: After learning the basics you'll have to think of a character you'd like to play. The possibilities here are endless. You can create a deep and complex backstory or not have one at all. The choice is yours.
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Your NPLs have created a guide to help along the process of character creation!
Begin by choosing a race and class. Each race, excluding human, requires different Racial Characteristics or visual representations to play. As for skills, you begin with a pool of 150cp (character points) to spend. Your race and class can grant unique skills in addition to a collection of skills any character can choose from. See the Skills & Descriptions section of the rulebook for more information about these skills.
An unofficial character builder Android app is available to help this process. (Be aware this may not be up to date with the current rulebook.)
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4. Create an account: Once you're settled on a character concept you can fill in the form on the Join page. You will receive a confirmation email from our Logistics team upon the creation of your database account. This email will include your account username and password to be used on the Underworld Larp database.
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5. Register for an event: Now you're ready to register and attend an event! For a guide on how to register, click here.
The Story So Far
The story of Underworld has been ongoing for over 20 years and is built around a rich backstory, which includes the history of the world, its geography, culture, politics, and mythology. The backstory provides the foundation for the LARP's setting, characters, and plot. This world is dynamic and evolving through a collaborative process involving Shapers (Game Masters) and players, with player actions and choices influencing the course of the story leading to unexpected plot twists and outcomes.
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Welcome to the captivating world of Arthos. A realm rich with ancient magic and full of beauty and mystery; a realm now steeped in conflict, the culmination of a dark past. Lush and verdant, stark and desolate, this vast land is shared by a plethora of mortal races – proud elves, enterprising humans, indomitable dwarves, formidable orcs and a myriad of others all call this place home. But they are not alone here. In this world mortals walk astride the primordial Firstborn Dragons and the Gods of Light and Darkness, each vying to place themselves at the apex of power.
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For more about the abundant lore of Underworld you can check the Global Wiki.
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For more about Mournfall's own local lore check our Local Wiki.
How to Prepare
Larp camping can be an exciting and immersive experience, but it also requires some preparation and planning. Here are some tips to help make your experience more enjoyable:
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1. Plan Ahead: Before heading out, research the location and weather forecast, plan your meals, and make a packing list to ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe experience. Here is a handy Larp Weekend Checklist by Underworld's Edmonton guild, Harrowvale.
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2. Pack the essentials:
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Bring a tent, sleeping bag, warm blankets, cot or air mattress, and a pillow for a comfortable sleep. Events can go from really cold (5°C) to very hot (40°C). Sleeping bags help against the cold while blankets help with moisture to protect your bedding, and can be hung up to dry. Raising your body off the ground while sleeping also helps regulate temperature.
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Make sure to pack any essential items needed to play your character. Costuming, racial characteristic representations, weapons and in game tags are the base of every character's outfit.
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Don't forget a headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries. We at Underworld use red lights as out-of-game safety lights while in game lights are made to look more period appropriate and require certain in game items to use.
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Bring hygiene items like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste. The event site does not have showers so its important to be able to stay clean.
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3. Stay organized: Keep your gear organized in your tent, and pack efficiently to save space. Use storage bags or containers to keep your belongings organized and easy to find. This is especially helpful when keeping your out-of-game belongings separate from your character's in-game belongings.
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4. Bring Proper Clothing: Make sure to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and for your character's role. Layers are always a good idea, as they can be added, removed or changed as needed. A good wool or fleece cloak can do wonders and you can never have too many socks!
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5. Stay hydrated and well-fed: Bring plenty of water and food that doesn't require refrigeration. It's also a good idea to bring electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids and salts. Store food in sealed containers or coolers to prevent spoilage and keep pests away. Dispose of food waste properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
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6. Respect the environment: Leave the campsite cleaner than you found it. Bring trash bags and dispose of your waste properly.
Things To Remember
LARP (Live Action Role Playing) is a form of interactive storytelling where players physically act out their characters in a fictional setting. While there are many different LARP systems and styles, there are some general rules that are common among most LARP communities and that we, at Underworld Larp, also follow:
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1. Safety comes first: Safety is the most important rule in LARP, and all players should prioritize their safety and the safety of others. This includes physical safety, emotional safety, and respecting boundaries.
2. Respect the game and the players: Players should respect the LARP system and the other players. This includes staying in character, not breaking the immersion, and not disrupting the game.
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3. Follow the rules: Each LARP system has its own set of rules that must be followed. These rules are in place to ensure fairness and consistency within the game.
4. Accept the consequences of your actions: In LARP, actions have consequences. Players should accept the consequences of their character's actions, whether they be positive or negative. Don't be afraid to take risks! Things that may seem like a negative situation can make for some of the best storytelling! Every good character arc includes hardship.
5. Have fun: LARP is meant to be a fun and engaging experience. Players should enjoy themselves and contribute positively to the game.
