Welcome to your Adventure! 

Much of this information applies primarily to new LARPers, but experienced players may benefit too.

Before you arrive…

Pre-register

  • Registration is available online. If you are unable to register ahead of time but want to attend, please contact us. If you let us know you are coming and create a character ahead of time, we can have your packet ready to go at check-in. This also helps us create an engaging experience for your character!

  • New players are always $20 for their first event. (The standard price is $70 up to 2 weeks before the event, then $80 closer to the event or at the door.)

Know where you’re going. The camp address is 328 Wangum Falls Rd, Hawley, PA 18428. Check the camp map for parking areas, player cabins, tavern, and logistics. Check-in is usually at the Tavern.

Read the rules. The Rules page can guide you through the basics and how to read the Rulebook. We have Rules Marshals (expert players) that can help - they will be pointed out during the “game on meeting.” And if someone says a skill call you don’t understand, say “Clarify?” for a quick on-the-spot explanation.

Create your character. Learn more about this on the character creation page, and fill out the form (see below).

Fill out the forms. This technically can be done at the door, but it goes more smoothly if you prepare ahead of time.

  • Emergency contact form. Identify 1-2 people who agree to be your emergency contact, preferably at least one who is offsite. Cell phones are NOT permitted during game and should be packed away during game hours. You are not required to provide any medical information, but if there is something that might help us keep you safe in an emergency situation, please feel free to fill out this section.

  • New Player/ Character form. When you have completed your character build, copy-paste this form into an email to updates@realmsofadventure.com.

  • Liability waiver. This is required for all players. Note that if you are under age 18 you MUST have a parent or guardian sign for you, so it has to be done before the event. If you forget to do this you CANNOT be allowed to play that weekend. This is a legal requirement and is applied strictly.

What should you bring?

  • Costuming. This is an absolute necessity. Fantastic costuming enhances the whole game atmosphere, but can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. You can find useful garb pieces at a thrift store, specialty shop, or online. Consider that you will be on your feet a lot and running around outdoors: comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate costuming are key. If your character wears armor, remember that too!

    • An example of a very simple costume: you can make a tabard by cutting a neck hole in a large rectangular piece of fabric. Combine the tabard with a belt, dark pants (like sweatpants or leggings), a loose-fitting long sleeve shirt, and black or brown boots/ sneakers. You can also make your own cloak rather easily.

    • Please avoid white sneakers, t-shirts, sunglasses, jeans, or anything with labels.

  • Other Clothing. You might want layers underneath your costume or separate sleeping clothes. (Basic black clothes are required for your cast shift, but that is not mandatory at your first event.) Extra socks are always good. Check the weather in Hawley to pack appropriate clothes.

  • Boffer or Latex Weapons. Click here to view and download our boffer making guide. You should also bring duct tape, spare foam etc. to repair your boffer weapons in case they are damaged during the event. Please note: all weapons are subject to a safety check, and may not be used in game if they are inadequately constructed or too hard. While we can’t guarantee a weapon will pass, many Epic Armoury larp weapons are usable. DO NOT BRING REAL WEAPONS OF ANY KIND. Leave any knives, pocketknives, axes or any other real weapons at home. If you have them onsite, you may be asked to leave.

  • Spell Packets and Props. If you are a spell-caster, bring spell packets. If you have the First Aid skill, bring prop bandages. Any other fun props should be sturdy enough to not break if dropped or knocked off a table.

  • Sleeping Bag and Pillow. Watonka Outdoor Facilities has cabins with bunk beds. The cabins are not heated or air conditioned. You may want to bring a fan, but no AC units.

  • Shower/ Hygiene Supplies. The camp provides toilet paper and hand soap. Bring a towel, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, menstrual items, or anything else you may need. Please take advantage of the showers.

  • Food and Drink. RoA does not supply any food. There will be drinks available at the tavern for in-game money (tap water is freely available). We recommend bringing your own water and carrying an in-game-suitable bottle or flask. At Camp Watonka, we have access to a kitchen with ample refrigerator, freezer, and pantry space. Bring food for yourself or a small group of friends. We do not permit players to cook excessive amounts of food for “whoever wants some” - this policy is to encourage sharing the kitchen and to reduce food waste. Please do not eat or store food or drinks in your cabin (water is ok). If possible, make your food appear in-game, and dispose of wrappers and labels discreetly. Lastly, alcoholic beverages are STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. You should also not bring any “non-alcoholic” beers or drinks as these can cause confusion. 

  • Glow sticks (light spells). No flashlights. (for a reusable option: LINK)

  • Notepad and Pencil. For recording characters’ names, new spells, puzzle clues, or anything else. Note: to use these during game hours, you should have the Literacy skill.

  • Medical/Outdoor Supplies. Remember any prescription medications. There is a first-aid kit onsite, but you may want aspirin and band-aids, etc. Sunscreen and bug repellant are recommended.

  • Money. If you have not already registered for the event, bring enough money to cover your at-the-door registration. Venmo and PayPal also work. You will not need real-world money for any other reason at the event. You may want to leave your wallet in the car so you don’t lose track of it.

  • Notepad and Pencil. You will meet lots of people and find out lots of things. In case you decide to write it down you should have these items. Bear in mind that in order to utilize these during game hours you should have the Literacy skill.

  • Donations (if applicable). This is entirely optional, and only applies if you have arranged with us ahead of time. First time players are not expected to donate items. Before each game, we will post a list of requested items that would be helpful for making the game run smoothly, and players have the option to contribute and be rewarded with Service Points. To learn more about service points, please refer to the rulebook.

Once you arrive…

  • Once you get to the site, park your car in the parking area. Do not park or drive on the grass in any other area. Be sure to park so that others have enough space. 

  • Before you unpack, find a staff member! Check Logistics (near the parking lot), or ask around. Tell staff that you are a new player. They will tell you which cabins are ok to sleep in and any other important info. If you leave the site for any reason, let a staffer know.

  • Set up your space. Camp Watonka has cabins with closets and bunk beds.

    • Any out-of-game items should be stored under your bunk, in the closets, or in the bathroom. You can also use red tape to designate a bag as out-of-game. (Examples of OOG items: towel, toothbrush, makeup, medication, keys, any clothes other than your costume, etc.) Under no circumstance is it appropriate for anyone to go through your things in an OOG area without your permission. We advise locking valuable items in your car for peace of mind.

    • In-game items must remain in in-game areas. (Examples of IG items: coins, gems, item cards, etc.) You may not store IG items in OOG areas if you intend to use them during the event. Think carefully! There are rules that permit in-game “theft” of in-game items. (The only exceptions are for cast shift and alts, when you are not actively playing your character. At that time, items may temporarily be moved to an OOG area until you return to playing your character. This will probably not come up at your first event.)

  • Check in. This usually starts no earlier than 6 PM. The exact time will be announced on the day of the event. When you go to check in, you must bring any boffer or latex weapons for the safety check (only weapons that pass inspection may be used in-game). If you are wearing armor, bring it and ask about its in-game value. If you pre-registered, you will already be on the list and have your character packet waiting for you. Look through your information and see if anything is wrong, missing, or if you do not understand it. If you did not pre-register, ask for a staffer to help you.

  • At check-in, you will sign up for a cleaning shift for the end of the event. This is mandatory for all players. Shift sign-up is first-come, first-serve. There are also “cast shifts” – optional for your first event, but mandatory after that. It’s a 2-hour shift that usually involves playing a monster or NPC. There are other options, such as camera duty. If you do a cast shift for your first event, you will get 500 Service Points. 

  • New Player Meeting. All new players should be dressed, in makeup with all weapons and props by 8:00 PM. This will start as soon as all are assembled. This is mandatory for your first 3 events. The meeting will cover basic safety and important information you will need to know for the game. You may also ask questions at the end for any additional clarifications you may need.

  • The last step is the “Game On Meeting,” where important information is delivered. This is mandatory for all players. Be sure you go on the “New Player Mod” with the appropriate staffer. Once everyone is ready we will announce “GAME ON!” From this point forward you will be in the world of Realms of Adventure, we hope you enjoy your stay!