New Players Guide

If you are new to Live Action Role Playing (LARPing), or just new to our game, you will find some useful first-time tips here. Please read the General Rules thoroughly and join our Discord for up to date announcements and discussion.

Before character creation, familiarize yourself with the Common Lore that each character would know.

Restrictions and Forms

Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is still required. All new players must review the Covid-19 rules here.

All players must sign and submit a liability waiver before being allowed to participate. Players must be at least 18 years of age and present a valid photo ID to attend an Event.

Players at least 16 years old must have the permission of a legal guardian and the approval of a Game Director.

Children 14 to 15 years old may be able to attend an event with the Game Directors’ approval as well as having an adult who is legally responsible for the child on-site.

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to participate and are not allowed at events without director approval.

Players with severe medical conditions must notify a Game Director before attending an Event.

The Game Directors reserve the right to refuse admission on a case-by-case basis.

Check-In

Attendees may arrive at camp any time after 5 pm on Friday of an Event. The Logistics Team will run Check-In in the Great Hall or Logistics Lodge.At Check-In, you may choose between NPCing or PCing Full Time. After Check-In all players should set up their personal belongings and park their car. Cars should not drive through the camp after the game starts at 10:00pm, Friday night, without staff approval.

Non-Player Characters (NPCs)

You will fulfill different roles based on the standings going on. Costuming is provided, and you will be briefed on each role by the Cabin or Plot Marshal at the NPC Cabin.

To ensure we have enough people NPCing to entertain the number of PCs at each Event, all players must perform at least one shift of NPC duty, unless that player is only attending one Chapter or less. Preferences can be submitted online through

Pre-Registration. Afterwards, your shift will be assigned and you will be notified of your shift at Check-In.

Attending an Event as a Full Time NPC is always free. Being a Full Time NPC will allow a player to earn 5 Build, which they may add to any character they wish.

Timing

Typically, World of Desolation holds one Event each month. They run for the weekend with in-game activities beginning on Friday evening, approximately 10 pm, and ending at approximately 3 am on Sunday morning. Though there are Chapters/shifts, World of Desolation runs from start to finish with no “safe hours.”

On the Friday night of an Event, before the game begins, PCs and NPCs will gather in the Great Hall or the NPC cabin. The Staff will introduce themselves, give rule clarifications, and answer questions of the players. A New Player Training Session is held Friday night.

The game chapters are:

1st Chapter: Friday 10 pm – Saturday 3 am
2nd Chapter: Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Dinner/Feast: Saturday 3 pm – 5 pm. Feast served at around 4pm. This is free to all.
3rd Chapter: Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm
4th Chapter: Saturday 10 pm – Sunday 3 am

Players and Staff members meet for Closing Ceremonies at 10 am on Sunday morning, then clean the camp immediately after. All players are required to contribute to clean up, both cleaning their own belongings and sleeping area as well as helping with the campsite in some way.

Players may, and should, register for an Event in advance.

Pre-registration

Pre-register on the Events page.

Non-Combat Status

Some individuals are considered noncombatants, more commonly referred to as “non-coms.” These individuals should not be struck in combat under any circumstances. The characters of non-combat players are still able to be attacked in-game. Non-combatants are responsible for making it clear they are non-combatants by wearing an orange headband during the day, orange glow at night, and by clarifying this when necessary. Non-combat players should also avoid walking directly into areas where there is a high level of combat happening.

Suggested Packing List

Toiletries (toothbrush/paste, soap or body wipes, deodorant,, body wipes)
Towel and shower shoes
Sleeping bag and pillow
Extra socks and underwear
Proper footwear – hiking boots, larp boots, or shoes that can become muddy and dirty.
Necessary eye care (contact lens case & solution)
Beverages and something to carry a beverage. We recommend removing labels.
Enough food and snacks for the entire weekend besides Saturday feast/dinner
Personal flashlight/glowsticks (certain game mechanics require colored lights)
If playing a character wearing makeup - makeup, makeup remover, brushes, spray bottle of water for water activated makeup, and something to clean your brushes and makeup.
Personal first-aid, headache, allergy meds, etc.
Bugspray
Tissues and hand sanitizer
PC Costuming and extra clothing to go underneath costuming.
NPC Clothing – plain black clothes including shirt pants, and possible sweatshirt.
In game cloak or rain gear.
Comfortable clothes to sleep in - pajamas are fine you do not need IG pajamas.
Boffer Weapons or Spell Packets
If Camping, BYO tent, tarps, tools for cutting wood, area lighting.
A garbage bag.

In the colder months

Hats and gloves
Warm cloak
Extra warm pairs of socks
Underarmor or a warm layers for under constuming
Cold weather boots that can handle snow and ice
Firestarter logs or kindling for firestoves

In the warmer months

Sunscreen
Light cloak for night
Extra water or beverages to stay hydrate
If we post on the forum that the Camp Wheeler pool will be in use, bring a bathing suit and pool towel.

Prohibited Items

Kerosene heaters
Live candles
Alcohol, illegal, or prohibited substances.
Marijuana is prohibited on the campgrounds.

Character Creation

You will create a character and enter Outpost Reliance as new townsfolk. Use the race, class, and profession descriptions found in the rulebook, as well as lore to help decide what you will have the most fun playing.

Various races will require makeup and costuming. As well as certain classes and professions requiring props. We have provided Helpful Links for recommended retail websites as well as instructional videos. Join the World of Desolation Discord to ask questions or join discussion.

View & Download Editable Blank Character Sheet

Example Character Sheet

Character Backstory

We recommend you read the available lore and character creation information to help understand the world of Nyrea. Once you have created your character, or at least chosen a class, race, and name, you can create a character backstory. Character backstories can be submitted to wodlarpbackstory@gmail.com and once it is approved by a Full Time Staff member the character will receive +1 build. Character backstories should be a minimum of one paragraph and no longer than one page.

Weapons, Shields, and Armor

All weapons and shields must be combat safe by World of Desolation’s standards. Many latex weapons and shields are acceptable, but you must check with a Rules Marshal first. Player constructed weapons and shields are also permissible if they conform to construction guidelines and safety standards in the General Rules. The Staff reserves the right to reject any weapon or shield for any concern.

Armor props may be constructed out of various materials, but all materials must be approved by a Marshal for safety in combat. In addition, armor must be approved by a Marshal to determine the type of armor for which the prop qualifies.

Camp Amenities

All cabins have power outlets, single bunks with mattresses, and either a fire stove or a thermostat. On Camp Somers there is a bath house with heated showers and separate Men & Women bathrooms, and some cabins have 1 refrigerator and a small kitchen (it is limited space, Bring Your Own cookware & utensils, and clean up after use). There are also camping areas with firepits and raised platforms. If camping, attendees must check with staff to find an approved camping location, and supply their own tent and gear.

Handicap Access

We are a diverse game, and we do our best to accommodate all levels of physical ability, but please take note that our main trails are mostly well-kept dirt roads. For those who use the assistance of a cane, footing can be kept steady at a walking-pace, just be mindful of rocks and dips. There is limited accessibility for wheelchair access. If you have any questions about accessibility feel free to contact us.