True Fellowship 52 of San Jose recently welcomed 7 new members who all came from Refuge LARP. We asked them to introduce themselves and explain what LARPing is all about.
— Mason Wolf, editor
An Introduction to Refuge LARP
What is a LARP?
Live Action Roleplaying (LARPing) is an immersive hobby involving collaborative storytelling, sport-combat, cosplay, improvisation, and acting. It’s like playing a high-fantasy video game, except you are performing the actions.
What does this look like?
Imagine ten players, dressed in fantasy armor and costume, and wielding safe foam weapons taking on the role of their characters. A Storyteller, describes a scene for the players, and will try to represent the area physically, markings in the dirt, setting landmarks as boundaries, so the players know the area of play. Within the area of play the Storyteller and cast will play the roles of antagonist, allies, environmental effects, or bystanders depending on the scene. Players will interact with the scene trying to solve a puzzle, battle monsters, or negotiate a peaceful resolution. Players will need to improvise and adapt to what they find, as things may not be as they appear. The outcome of the scene is unknown. The scene plays out as the players improvise their way through it and from there the Storyteller adjusts the story.
What is the Refuge LARP?
We are the Bay Area California chapter of Refuge LARP, a high-fantasy LARP played in the US and Canada. Our chapter is built around a wonderful community of creators, storytellers, and adventure-seekers. We’re excited to welcome new players. In our fantasy world our players play the role of heroes helping fledgling nations to rebuild, while uncovering the secret dangers shrouded by the tenebrous mists, making new friends, learning to trust their fellow adventurers, and gaining confidence in themselves and what they are able to accomplish together.
How does this relate to Odd Fellows
Larping is about…
- …building a community of friends through shared experiences and solving problems. It provides opportunities to learn about yourself and others as you work together.
- …finding and working on aspects of yourself through roleplay. It creates a safe environment for shy or withdrawn people to shine. Because it is a game, people feel free to experiment and take risks.
- …finding creative solutions to situations with other people in a way where everyone’s voice can be heard. It promotes compromise and negotiation.
- …Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Different people from varying backgrounds, finding ways to make things equitable and inclusive for everyone.
- …Love: Love of other people, love of creativity, adventure and acts of everyday heroism.
- …Fun! Coming together as a community to enjoy a day or a weekend as a group. We share stories of events from years ago, and to help bring up new players so they can tell their own stories.
Though less formalized than the Odd Fellows Three links, the Refuge Larp has built a community based on friendship, love and truth. We take care of our members when they are having rough times, whether it is helping a fellow member with rides to medical appointments if they have no car, or gathering donations and food for a member who has lost one of their parents. We have members who serve to be a kind and willing ear when things in life become stressful. We strive to be a safe and welcoming space to everyone who comes to us. We built a community not unlike that of the Odd Fellows.
Where to find us?
Visit us at https://refugesf.org/ and then join our Discord, Refuge LARP San Francisco.
— By Terrance Sendon of True Fellowship 52