in LARP and war
le—slay hard or goeth home
Above: "I'm getting ready to ruin someone's day," says Joe Bearden, Lawrence graduate student and founder of NERO Central, as he dresses up as a Death Knight. Above right: (from left) Alex Hoggard plays a fox named Sly, Japlay writer Travis Brown plays a hobling named Elmore Hawkborne and Dale Gillante plays a gypsy prince named Buxtehude Buxtehude; Right Hillary Kruger holds seven spell packets. She, like many players, holds these packs of birdseed in this manner to give the impression that her hand is glowing with power.
cold, beady eyes.
Shit.
Then a gypsy pulls me aside. He realizes that I am young and impressionable. He introduces himself as Captain Alec Alberdeen (John Kildare). He wears a red and black outfit. He has a fake Russian accent and the showmanship of a used car salesman. He tries to convince me to join the Bloodguard—a group of adventurers who band together, saving others for a fee. He wants to recruit enough members to fight the undead of Numenando, a bewitched neighboring town. I tell him I am just passing through, but I will consider the offer.
At this point, I realize that NERO is not just a game where people dress up in costumes and play with fake swords. This is a theatrical event that involves strategy and politics.
I am thoroughly entranced, observing these
relationships develop. Suddenly, Bearmark of the Earth tribe (Larisa Hines) enters the cabin, beating on a bongo drum. She announces the commencement of the Birth of the Year Festival.
"We'd like to thank our ancestors, who are full of life," Bearmark says.
Beats drum.
"They guide us, they teach us, they help us.
We must welcome the elders.
Lights match.
Rain.Wind.Earth.Fire."
"Welcome, nature spirits.
Nature. Land. Basin. Home Feed from it.
Stewardship—not ownership Walk with—not walk over.
continued on page 10
Photographs: Lauren Fulton
05.01.2008 09
VOL. 5 ISS. 30