What am I getting into?

What is LARP?

If you're asking this most fundamental question, then welcome! You have a lot to learn, but we are happy to be the ones to teach you. And even if you’re already familiar, this could prove to be a helpful refresher. LARP, or Live Action Roleplay, at its most basic, is the art of acting, or roleplaying, characters in a setting. The characters can be entirely fictitious, or the setting, or both. It's playing pretend! And in one form or another, you've probably LARP’ed before, even if it may have been as a child.

What kind of LARP is Camp Blackwater?

Camp Blackwater is an 18+ high immersion LARP, with themes of slasher horror, paranormal mystery, and summer camp fun! If you're curious what that high immersion part means, though, it's simple: we will always strive to ensure that what your character experiences is what you experience. This means we will not have a GM describing things to players, or often ask players to simply “imagine” what’s going on.

How long does the game run?

From Friday evening until Sunday morning! A typical schedule usually goes as follows:

Friday 5:00pm - Arrival on site and unpacking

Friday 8:00pm - Check-in with plot. Here, we can conduct check in, get you all your resources, handle character sheets, and assign NPC time. After this, most players will likely head back to their cabins, get into the kit and socialize until game-on.

Friday 10:00pm - Opening Announcements and game-on. The game runs from now until 10:00am on Sunday morning.

Sunday from 10:00am onwards is clean-up until we have to be off site, usually at noon.

Do I have to be in-character for the WHOLE event?

Of course not. Bathrooms and bunk rooms are always out of game spaces. If you need to fall back into their comfort and recuperate or “get away”, that's totally fine. With that being said, any spaces that are considered “in-play” are always in play, so if you're in such a space, please understand and accept that someone may come up to you and try to interact with you in character. With that being said, if it isn't a good moment, simply indicating to that person (politely!) that you are out of character will ensure that you can have a pause if you need. Furthermore, due to this LARP taking place in 2007, please refrain from using smartphones or any technology that’s modern within in-play areas. Please keep these tucked away in pockets, bags or in your personal cabin. If you must use your phone or any other tech, please leave the immediate in-play area.

Are beds assigned?

Yes and no. Your cabin will be assigned, however all beds are first-come-first-serve within your respective cabin. However, if you have a medical need for a bottom bunk or AC cabins, there will be a way for you to indicate this in your pre-game paperwork, so don't fret!

I’m on site, what now?

Well… I hope you're there when we have an event, because if not, then this is awkward. If you are there at the right time and place, we suggest you “claim” a bunkspace in the cabin as per the signup form, get your stuff situated, and then… standby for check-in / announcements / opening of the game. We will explain more there, in person. Socialize and talk to some folks! We’re very proud of our community and they’ll welcome you with open arms, so don’t be afraid to talk to people!

What about combat?

Was that asked in fear or excitement? We hope for excitement, but if there was some fear, don't worry and read a bit further below. First of all, it's all LARP combat, with weapons that must be pre-approved. Additionally, no matter what, we are not seeking to commit harm. All strikes should be gentle (as possible) and not follow through to deliver an actual blow. With that being said, yes! There will be combat, even if we are not primarily a combat-focued LARP!

What kinds of weapons should I bring?

Only safe, foam or latex LARP weapons as well as painted Nerf blasters. Everything must pass a safety inspection, which will be conducted on site. When bringing a weapon of some kind to this event, please remember the particular time frame and setting, where you can find more information without too much trouble. To quote the wisest man I ever knew, “There is a time and place for everything, but not now.” oh yeah if it wasn't obvious, we’re nerds.

However, we ask you to keep in mind that your character likely wouldn’t bring a weapon to a summer camp, and sometimes being caught unarmed is more fun than immediately fighting back!

What if I don't want to fight?

That's totally fine! We have plenty of options for those who do not wish to fight with their hands, or those who don't wish to fight at all. Being a noncombatant is absolutely an option, and (in the opinion of the guy writing this) can be absolutely just as fun!

Substance Rules

Camp Blackwater is a DRY event. Please refrain from bringing any alcohol or recreational drugs to our games. We take safety seriously, and clear heads are important for the safety of all who are involved. REPEATED SIMPLER. DO. NOT. BRING. ALCOHOL. OR. DRUGS. If you bring any substance of the sort, we will ask you to dispose of it (without consuming it) or to leave, if you are unwilling to.

What NOT to bring

What should I wear?

Picture this: You are a 2000s-era summer camp counselor. Think layered tank tops, denim skirts, chunky sandals, camp t-shirts, Walkman headphones, friendship bracelets, layered polos and cargo shorts. Lean into the nostalgia. Try to avoid visible logos or modern tech unless it fits the era. Now recreate, in your character outfit, what you just pictured. (I'm sorry.)

I require accommodations, can I still play?

We play as monsters sometimes, but just how evil do you think we are? If you need accommodations, please reach out to us at campblackwater@gmail.com so we can work with you!

Do I have to memorize the WHOLE rulebook?

Dude, to be so honest, i think like… one member of staff has the rulebook memorized. We only ask that you are familiar with our base rules and your personal ability set. We will have rulebooks printed out for reference at the game, as well as rules marshals. If there’s ever a rule you don’t know, don’t hesitate to ask, it’s almost a guarantee at least someone else knows!

How do I make a character?

Well first, we hope you read our rulebook. Once you've done that and feel confident in your character idea,fill out this form! Completing this sheet, and waiting for the appropriate response from staff is your best course of action! Gentle reminder that filling out this form is REQUIRED to attend a game. We accept character submissions up until the Wednesday before game you intend on playing at, so the sooner is better!

First Time? Here's a nearly mandatory packing list!

Optional, but useful

So... Do I just get tossed right in?

Of course not! Before you play a character for the first time, you’ll attend a quick, guided intro session. We’ll walk you through basic rules, safety mechanics, and what to expect. It’s also a great time to ask questions and establish connections with your fellow new players!

What is NPC time?

NPC time is a very important pillar of nearly all LARPs, and we are no exception! Put simply, every event for a four hour block each event, players are required to play as an NPC– a Non Player Character, which can take multiple forms. Don't worry, this is supposed to be fun for you too! This is a chance to take a break from normal player concerns and social bonds, and see both behind the curtain and how it feels to play a different role in the setting! We just ask you come with base layers of a kit that ISN'T your Player Character's kit. Doesn't have to be anything crazy! We'll outfit you with the accessories you need.

Congrats! You reached the end! From here, if you still have questions, feel free to ask them in our Discord! It's a great resource and an excellent place to meet the fellow "staff" members working at the camp this summer. However, some of these questions may be answered by looking at our Lore instead!

From there, enjoy exploring the world of Red Creek yourself!

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