WHAT IS SLARPA?
SLARPA is the Saskatoon Live Action Role Playing Association. It is a non-profit organization that helps the LARPing community in the Saskatoon area. SLARPA acts as a “Producer” by supplying advertising, venues, funding, manpower, etc.
WHAT IS A LARP?
Live Action Role Playing (or LARP) is a type of role playing game with the major difference being instead of moving a figurine or marker, you are playing the character. The style of game is similar too a drama exercise, with people embodying characters, trying to accomplish goals, and interacting with others. There is also the game element, with dice rolling and stats which accompany other RPG’s such as Dungeons and Dragons. LARPing is a way too meet people with similar interests, a unique way too improve your social skill, and have a blast doing it.
WHO RUNS THE GAMES?
The person running the game is known at the Story Teller. They are usually experienced LARPers who want to provide opportunity to new players. The Story Teller usually creates the setting in which allows players to write their stories in and acts as mediator during games.
IS THERE PHYSICAL COMBAT?
Sometimes! SLARPA runs both ‘boffer style’ LARPs where participants battle it out with foam or latex weapons, as well as ‘theater style’ LARPs, in which physical combat is decided through a conflict resolution system (ie. Dice, Rock Paper Scissors, Cards). Since boffer style LARPs are newer to Saskatoon, you’ll see more theater style events in general, but both are big parts of the hobby!
DO I NEED ACTING EXPERIENCE?
No, All you need is a willingness to participate. Most players have zero acting experience.
WHAT KIND OF SETTINGS DO THE GAMES TAKE PLACE IN?
Any setting is fair game. Fantasy, Steampunk, Pulp Fiction, Horror, Superhero, Modern and Occult are a few examples with many crossovers.
WHERE DOES LARPING TAKE PLACE?
Depends on the setting. Venues vary from area’s on campus, restaurants, community center’s, even peoples houses.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
Yes. It depends on the LARP though. As a general rule, All LARPs run through SLARPA are 16+ with parental consent or attendance, 18+ without. Sometimes however there are LARPs at bars, and they would require 19+.
WHEN CAN I START?
The best way to start at a one-shot LARP. A One-shot LARP is a LARP that takes place in a single day, with the characters, background, setting, and plot already pre-written by the Story Teller. The best time for one-shots are during one of our convention. To look for upcoming events, check out our event feed.
WHAT IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you are new and have questions about finding a game please email saskatoonlarp@gmail.com
To contact SLARPA with other questions either see our Contact page.