Hello players of 'The Shards of Orn'.
So yeah...I am a total newbie when it comes to the L.ive A.ction style of role playing. As far as general rp goes, I've been doing it since I discovered the ability to make up your own character when I was little (lol). I guess you could say I've done the gamut of rp just about, playing make-believe as a kid, to email rp-groups, to online forums/games, and to table-tops like D&D and Dark Heresy. But though I have goofed around with friends and acted around in-character, getting in costume (outside of cosplay) and romping around on adventures in the woods is not something I've tried yet. To be honest, it always seemed like loads of fun, but I was too caught under the social stigma typcially associated with it. (Though, I don't mean any offense to any of you. I just care about society's opinion of me a bit too much sometimes).
Anyways...point being: I'm new to your group and to larp. So any tips or suggestions you all might have would be very much appreciated. Also, I guess as far as a specific question goes, I'm considering using a bow as a weapon, but I'm not sure I'm totally understanding how that translates. I do get that we have to use a prop one with the packets+streamers, but how exactly is that bow used? Or are you just essentially throwing the packets while sort of pretending to use the bow-prop?
Thanks and looking forward to playing with you all!
Yeah I am new as well! First event will be in october. I'm new to this whole thing really. I just started playing DnD during the summer in MD. Sadly I havn't found a group here yet. I have been playing rp games and they have always been my favorite. I'm really excited about this. It should be fun! I enjoy making a character. My brother said that is always my favorite part in any game.
You have the general jist of bow use correct. State law prohibits us from using actual real bows. Our boffer bows are made from pvc, pipe foam, and duct tape. Mine is made from 1/2"pvc pipe that I bent into the shape of a bow over a camp stove. You have to heat the PVC to be able to bend it properly. Then, I used pipe foam that I bought from Lowes. It's in the same isle as the pvc. After you bend the pipe, take two pennies and two small pieces of duct tape. Place a penny on each end of the pipe and tape it down. This helps to prevent the tip of the pipe from "poking" through the foam. You will need open cell foam (like a couch cushion, as well, that is 2" thick. Allow room for a handle that is not covered in foam. Wrap the pipe foam around the bent pipe, and secure it with duct tape. One end of tape attached tot he pipe and the other end attaches to the OUTSIDE of the foam.
Once you have your pipe foam in place, begin taping your bow. You will need to completely cover the pipe foam with duct tape. The best way is to cover it length wise from end to end, all the way around the foam. After you have covered both pieces of pipe foam, place your 2" thick open cell foam on the ends of the bow. Attach with duct tape. Cut a small slit in the tape to allow the foam to breath. These are called "thrusting tips" and the squishy foam is a safety measure.
For pacets, you will need a good bit of fabric and a big bag of Wild Bird Seed (Walmart for that. $8/00 a bag). Cut squares of fabric about 8" and fill with about a silver dollar sized amount of bidseed. You don't want them too heavy, but heavy enough you have some range. Gather the ends and secure with a rubber band or ribbon. You will need to add ribbons or streamers to each packet that are at least 12" long to qualify as a streamer packet. It may be 24" now, please check with Reindholdt or Thad on that. And you're done!
This is the first LARP for me, my son, and several of our friends as well. I have been role playing since the first issue of D&D, and we still play every weekend. You will get over the stigma of Live Action Role Playing after your first game. The best advice I can give you is regarding character generation. Spend the time making several NPC’s. This will allow you to see, long term, where your character will be going. Take them to 5th – 7th level. Remember that you will have to spend down time learning your skills after your first game. Don’t hesitate asking other players for help or advice. It’s not overly complicated, but if you don’t actually do it you will have some regrets. We look forward to having you join us. Remember have fun.
Orn has been my first larp was well. Everyone has been great with everything from the RP to the combat and gladly cleared up confusions. Welcome and I hope you have a great time joining us!
As far as I know, anything for packets is good. Mine were okay and I used cheap, stong purple tule! :)
i have been doing rp games for as long as i can remember. i started back in '00 with LARPS and loved it. the best part is BECOMING your character. yes it's fun to see a pc on a piece of paper or screen but seening it brought to life by YOU is much more exciting. we actually have a few rangers running around now and i must say we are a fun breed to play lol
but yeah enuff of the rambling and welcome to Orn =o)
Ill tell you one thing. This is my first larp/ geeky little thing i have ever participated in. I have only been to two events...
And. I. Love. It.
It is the most fun I have ever had and I will continue coming back as long as I am able. The people are great, the environment is more than friendly, and the fun is over the top.
Welcome to Orn!
@Widnidsir: Wow, that's a long time with D&D! And that's cool that you play with your son :) I hope to be able to do stuff like that when I have a family in the future. And I'm sure you're right about losing the stigma. As for the NPC thing, I'll definitely consider that. I do enjoy knowing lots of things about the story and world characters are in. And I will definitely ask my questions as they come; and I've got plenty of left over linen actually. So that should work for the packets.
@Katri: Thanks for the welcome, and glad to know I'm not the only one to start here! It's good to hear that the players of Orn are generally nice. I know I've played with other groups (not with Larp, but other rp things) where people were a bit more hyper-sensative and kind of critical. ^^; So, that's never fun. And good to know for the packets! Yeah, I've got plenty of linen, tons of extra fleece (which may not work but \shrug), and lots of satin.
@Keyoda Dragonfire: Indeed! I know I definitely tend to get a bit too in-character when I play D&D xD; But yeah, I'm really excited about that! And hooray for rangers~ Thanks for the welcome!
@Cail: Lol! Haha, that's pretty awesome :) And super encouraging to hear that from some one with a less 'geeky-influenced' background.
And thank you everyone for your advice and welcomes! I'm really surprised by the number of responses from you all and so quickly! I look forward to playing with you all :]
helloooo welcome to orn i joined two months ago an and already feel like one of the guys me and my friends who go are from greenville and wilmington and we still try to go every event. i felt the same way you did cause this is my first larp i mean i only started dnd a year ago. this is so submersive that the stigma falls away asoon as you arrive it did for me atleast
Valez I have been playing D&D since 1980. This is my first LARP and I love it. We play table top (D&D/Role Master) every weekend. We can talk at the game and see if we can work something out.