LARP Basics

BathLARP has a rich and exciting system with many different features for you to explore. The full version of the game rules can be found under the “System” menu at the top of the page, but it’s definitely not necessary to try and read it before you turn up. The basics are summarised below.

• Safety is our most important concern, so check out our guide to looking after yourself and other people.
• Calls are how we know when to start and stop playing the game.
• Stats are how we keep track of who’s winning, alive or dead.
• Combat and casting mechanics tells you how we simulate attacking people with weapons and spells.
• Roles tells you about the different jobs players, GMs and monsters fulfil.
• Characters gives an brief overview of what choices you have to make when creating a character and what they mean.

If you’re ever unsure about something, stop and ask! It is always okay to pause the game and help a newbie understand.

You may sometimes hear our system being referred to as ‘TL’ or ‘TonyLARP’. This is because the original ruleset was created by Tony Cruickshank.

Before your first game

Before turning up to your first game, it is advised that you read the introductory topics above, but don’t worry too much about memorizing any of it – we’ll go over the important bits again in person.

It is more important to make sure you are able to turn up with:

• Appropriate footwear (the woods can get very muddy in winter and areas are steep/rocky all year round) we recommend sturdy boots with good ankle support;
• Clothing appropriate to being outdoors all afternoon given the weather conditions;
• Whatever you need by way of food/drink/medication to last you four to six hours out in the woods.

Although we do our best not to turn away anyone who just turns up, we’d also appreciate it if you email the committee beforehand (committee@bathlarp.co.uk ) so that we know to expect you