New Players
Welcome to Shadow Accord! This Pacific Northwest–area larp is a thriving community filled with creative minds telling their dynamic stories that interweave and burst into the fun that is our regular events. If you're interested in joining us, this is the perfect place to start. This section introduces you to our culture, explains character options, gives a few options of how to have fun at our larp, and hopefully answers a lot of questions. If you are ever lost, feel free to ask for help on our official Facebook page, Discord, or send an email to our friendly Character Guides. Thanks for your interest in our game!
1. What is the game about?
Shadow Accord is based on various World of Darkness lore (you can find the list of approved sourcebooks here) and our own rules, which you can read through here. Your first game you only really need to know the lore and rules for your own character; after you've been to an event, the rest of the rules become clear with some context. Our playership is always ready to answer questions on the official Facebook page or Discord, as well.
The game takes place 800 years in the past (i.e., our January 2023 event took place in January 1223) in the small logging town of Arthorne, in Brittany, close to Ploërmel. The town is, on the surface, populated by a friendly mix of merchants, bakers, nobles, commoners, mercenaries, and more, all doing their best to dodge taxes and make it to market before the best dishes are sold out. But more than the average number of inhabitants have some type of secret to hide, and some will do almost anything to keep those secrets hidden. Arthorne plays host to a number of factions, and their various goals and concerns.
2. How do I make a character?
After you read through the rules and lore, at least enough to get some idea of a character as per the Character Creation guidelines, email the Character Guides (CGs). They're the official gateway into Shadow Accord. Each character played at the game must be approved by the CGs. Whether you have a fully formed character complete with 19-page backstory detailing the war triumphs of their great great grandfather or just a wisp of a concept, the CGs can help. They'll iron out any wrinkles, ask questions to prod your character into a fleshed out person, and make sure the concept will fit within Shadow Accord. More information about the Character Guide process can be found here.
3. Where do I go?
Shadow Accord events are currently held at Camp Edward in Snohomish, Washington. It's about a half-hour Northeast of Monroe. The site stretches along a few gravel roads and several paths that lead to interesting sights to see and discover. You don't need to go far into site to find buildings that are typically buzzing with some type of activity.
When you arrive to site, parking is on the right, off the main camp road. You will see plenty of other cars parked. Check-in is inside the "tavern", the main lodge and largest building you will see on the left side as you walk further along the road on. There will most likley be a line right inside the door. If there isn't you're in luck! And if you're unsure where to go, feel free to ask any one of our friendly players.
4. What do I do?
Events start at 9 pm Friday evening and last until 2 pm Sunday afternoon. During that time, we all do our best to stay in character or in-game (IG). Each player acts and speaks as their character (either chosen or assigned—don't worry about that; you will only be playing your chosen player character [PC] for your first three games) throughout the weekend, whether they're joking, fighting, eating, or sleeping.
As for those last two, there are ample chances to arrange for eating and sleeping IG but you can also prepare for these on an out-of-game (OOG, pronounced like it reads [we say "oog," but not "ig." probably because it sounds weird.]) level. There are two options for food. Both the Tavern and the Lodge typically have options for food. The Lady's Lodge offers dinners and a few beds, which usually fill up through reservation on the Discord. The Wandering Bear is the tavern and not only hosts the Saturday mid-day market as well as acts as a central social hub, but also typically serves a hot dinner on Saturday night. Both buildings offer a "Tab" option, where you pay OOG money instead of IG coin.
On a larger level, roleplay is what you do! Prepare your character, finish your garb, and pack up everything you need (check out the suggested packing list here!) and join us whenever you're ready. We can't wait to play with you!
5. Okay, but what else do I do?
Have you emailed the CGs?
Join the Official Discord and introduce yourself! (Have you thought about character ties?)
Go over the rules again for your faction.
Give yourself a high-five and take a deep breath. It may all seem like a lot right now, but we are all happy to help you in this community.