the sun is setting, but inside the woods it is black as night. The trail is muddy and hard to navigate made worse by the weight of your armor. You know your friends are just up ahead but you are not sure where. You keep hearing noises off to the east but are uncertain if it is your friends or some creature of the woods hunting you. Stepping over a fallen log you are challenged by a voice from the dark. The voice is low and guttural, "Who go there?". You pause for a moment before drawing your sword and deciding what to do. Stand and fight or escape into the darkness, only you can decide.
That was a brief look at the kind of excitement players in a live action role-playing games [or LARP] could expect. In essence, a fantasy live action role-playing game takes the popular themes of movies, books, and games and brings them to life with real people in a real setting. This is accomplished with props, costumes, make-up, and a lot of imagination! During the course of a live action game players might be expected to fight [with padded weapons], haggle with disgruntled farmers, lead warriors in battle, and navigate dark dungeons. The possibilities are nearly endless! Adventures in Mid-Land is a club dedicated to the running of high quality, safe, sword and sorcery style games. When a person joins Adventures in Mid-Land they create a character and play that character in an ongoing plot line. Players can assume the roles of powerful warriors, crafty thieves, pious clerics, power hungry villains, and any other number of fantasy stereotypes. Unlike a movie the story develops as the characters play and evolves based on what actions the characters take. The player controls the actions and ultimately the fate of their character, the characters around them, and at times, even the whole world! There are no dice, no joysticks, and no script. The action is free form and nonstop. In between daring adventures players often engage in more mundane pastimes such as performing, practicing crafts, and selling merchandise like armor or weapons. Outside the game players get the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, and perhaps discover talents they never knew they had. Players are drawn to live action role-playing for many reasons. Some are gamers sick of the restrictions of the computer or tabletop. Others enjoy getting away from hectic modern day life and live a simple life of adventure. Some simply enjoy the social aspect and the chance to make new friends. Whatever the reason, live action role-playing is a great hobby that offers something for everyone.
This book covers the basic rules for running a character and playing in Adventures in Mid-land style LARP games. Each chapter of Adventures in Mid-Land offers a different plot line, campaign world, and in some cases some minor rules modifications. Players should contact the chapter nearest them for additional information, rule changes, and world background. It is suggested that if possible players should always contact a club officer before attending their first game.
