How do I start?
We recommend reading the information below and, if you're up to it, The Basics page. Familiarising yourself with the rest of the system is optional, we know there's a lot to read.
We have a discord server and a facebook page, if you want to get in touch before your first session!
If possible, dress in plain, dark or neutral clothes. If you can avoid modern items like jeans and anything with large logos, please do but we are by no means picky for first sessions.
Wear sensible footwear for activity and being on uneven terrain.
Aberddu Adventures, commonly referred to simply as Aberddu is a local LARP system based in Aberystwyth, Wales. It has been running since 1993.
A LARP, Larp or LRP is a Live Action Roleplay game, it consists of multiple people acting together as part of one coherent storyline, plot and world. They do this by portraying Characters within a joint world and following the rules outlined here and by the referees in play. It is like improvised theatre without an audience.
What is the game world like?
Aberddu is set in a high fantasy magical world. This means there are elves, goblins and monsters and regular citizens have easy access to magic. Taking inspiration from Discworld, Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons and other such fantasy settings. The game is set in the Trade Port of Aberddu, a bustling cultural hub on the mouth of the River Ddu.
What sort of character can I play?
Any sort of character is welcomed into the Aberddu Adventurer's Guild. They are primarily a guild of mercenaries for hire. So Wizard, Bard, Cleric or Fighter, all are viable options. The main thing you have to have is a reason for becoming an adventurer and the ability to work with a group in character. This is primarily a PvE (Player vs Environment) system and not a PvP (Player vs Player) one, so try and keep things civil.
Each in-game country has (or will have) a basic brief of what the majority of people in that nation are like, this is not binding and you are welcome to play a character that does not adhere to the brief, the overview is there to give people a starting point if they want it.
How often does the game run?
The game runs twice a week during university terms. An indoor guild night session on Thursdays and an outdoor adventure session on Saturdays. You are by no means obligated to come to all sessions.
There is also an annual event that takes place during the summer holidays over a whole weekend.
How much does it cost to play?
Your first guild night is free! After that, it costs £2 to attend indoor sessions. Attending adventure sessions is free!
What do you do at LARP?
Players get into costume and take on the persona of their chosen character, a character they have created with the help of a referee or a marshal, and interact with the game world. They act out their character's role. This might mean reacting to situations and scenarios like monster attacks or it might mean socialising with other players and giving voice and action to whatever your character wants.
On Guild Nights, characters interact with each other and with encounters sent into the guild room by the refs. They socialise with other characters and make decisions.
On Adventures, a smaller group of characters head into the woods to complete a mission, on the way they will come upon situations and scenarios that they will have to interact with, whether by fighting, talking or something else.
How do you fight at LARP?
Aberddu is a high combat larp system, this means that fighting occurs regularly. Fighting is simulated by players hitting each other with foam weapons. All weapons are safety checked before entering play and all players are given a safety briefing on how to use those weapons in ways that won't cause actual harm and won't damage the weapons.
You must be signed off by a ref or marshal on safe fighting before you can enter into live combat.
What should I wear to LARP?
We recommend a base layer of plain black or neutral clothes for your first time.
If we're outside it is advisable to dress for the weather, with sturdy boots and sensible outdoor clothes. Safe ankles are preferred to perfectly IC shoes.
Plain is preferred, with minimal visible logos.
Each in game country has (or will have) a popular clothing section which dictates what kinds of outfits people might wear in that region, this is entirely optional and always aspirational. It is a guideline designed to help people who want the inspiration, not a hard and fast rule! Generic medieval style clothing is always on brief. No in-game item of clothing is gendered. Everyone is free to wear any option.
We have some amount of system kit that you can borrow until you can find suitable other options. This is also true for weapons.