Introduction To Nero



NERO is dedicated to the legendary days of high fantasy, while running a fun (and above all safe) game. In the NERO game, you create a character concept for a fantasy story and actually play the character. It is much like improvisational theater in that you have a framework created by the props and supporting characters and must develop your part as you progress through the storyline. Your character's attitudes, ambitions, and history are yours to define.

If the adventurous life is your calling, you may play the part of a wanderer, meeting with some friends in the tavern. While swapping tales, your party could get hired by a poor farmer in desperate straits, and spend the afternoon slaying a foul necromancer and his undead abominations.

If the epic life is not your style, then you can play the part of a town merchant. You can make your money selling your wares-and information-for the right price. Or perhaps you wish to be one who investigates the magical arts, selling your scrolls and potions to earn the money you need to continue your studies. Or would you rather try and become leader of the Mages' Guild?

The choice is yours ...

 

Letter to Parents:

First things first

The NERO Central Florida staff understands that many parents are curious about what their children are doing at live action role-play events, and we appreciate that you care. This letter is written specifically for those of you who are uncertain, in any way, whether it is safe and sound to let your child participate in NERO Central Florida. We also want to invite you to bring up any further questions or concerns about NERO Central Florida and about live role-play at large. Remember that the NERO International website http://www.nerolarp.com  is a good source of further information with regards to the practical arrangements and origination of NERO. For more information on the theme and story of NERO Central Florida check out this site as we have all you will need at your fingertips.

What is NERO Central Florida and live role-play?

Live role-play is an internationally wide-spread hobby that is distinguished by the spirit of comradeship, respect for one another and progressive visions about meaningful pastime activities. The first thing to know about live role-play is that it is a form of participatory entertainment that is done for fun and amusement. Live action role-play, or LARP as it is commonly abbreviated, can be likened to improvisational theatre but where there is no audience, only actors. The participants (the actors, or players), take on roles in this theatre and through acting them out creates a performance and a story. Many LARP events base their game worlds on medieval standards when it comes to the look & feel of the game world. Others may use futuristic themes but it is also common that modern times stand as model for the LARP. In NERO Central Florida we use the 13th century as our guide but because it is also a fantasy world it will be a very exotic and magical place as well. So LARP is not only about a story, but of life-styles that are long forgotten or that never existed outside of imagination.
To be part of a story: The purpose of most live role-playing games, including NERO Central Florida, is to create a story, often one that is set in a fantasy world. In NERO you become the character of your fantasies and, acting out the action, solve the mystery's and defeat adversaries with wit, intelligence, and/or sword & sorcery. At NERO events, you use skills that your character has earned, as well as the skills that you as the player bring to the game. Much like King Arthur, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Renaissance Fairs except you're the HERO.  The inhabitants of this world are a mix of fantasy characters and creatures, and will include adventurers, warriors, magicians, villagers – all of which will come together to collaboratively create a fantastic experience for life and the kind of stories one tells grandchildren. NERO Central Florida provides the framework and background material and participants act on and interact to create and experience the rest of the story. Many plot lines are created at the events by the characters in game and some are created by the storytellers or even in the on-line forum.
To act: Live action role-playing is not a passive experience, like going to a theatre would be, but an active and collaborative participation form that allows participants to improvise and perform a part in a fantastic play they themselves are part of writing. Think about it – there are costumes, the roles, a stage of sorts, and the other players that interact with you – it is a challenge and something of an art form. Also, because it is part of a collaborative and shared activity it is a positive, rewarding and creative experience.
Apart from reality: Live role-play is an experience of the imagination – and as such it is not reality. In fact, one of the most appealing qualities of live role-play is considered its capability to immerse the participants into a world apart from reality. When that happens we are what we refer to as “ingame” or “in character” or “ig”. However, as soon as the event of NERO Central Florida is over, the reality of the real world takes over. That frame of mind is referred to as “out of game” or “out of character” or “oog”. As live role-players we strive to spend as much as, if not all, of our time “in character” under the duration of the game. The transition back to reality is firmly emphasized by a proper de-briefing, which is a commonly used method in many activities in which imagination is explored. For example, you will have been de-briefed if you have ever been to a staged attraction at a theme-park, been hypnotized by a psychologist, or woken up from a bad dream. During the de-briefing we compliment each other on our performances and reflect over the played-out events. People participate in live role-play events to have a good time, and like all games NERO Central Florida is designed to be a fun opportunity to experience an amazing story.
The educational aspects of live role-play: Several independent studies confirm the educational aspects of gaming in general but also of role-playing games in particular. Role-playing games, the argument goes; contribute to developing a strong sense of self through a constructive exploration of identity and community that is fun, friendly, and most of all safe.
Not only will NERO Central Florida provide a drug- and alcohol free environment where physical safety and well-being is one of the ruling guidelines, but it will also engage every participant – young and old – in an activity that teaches cooperation & team-work, problem-solving, empathy and comradeship. In addition, NERO Central Florida provides a multi-cultural and international environment and as such offers extraordinary opportunities to learn new communications skills, offers a great networking environment, and reinforces cultural understanding and tolerance.

Safety at NERO Central Florida

Just as in sports and other recreational activities, accidents can occur in LARP even if they are rare. The important thing is to be prepared for an unlikely event and NERO Central Florida organizers will take several preventative approaches to ensure the physical safety of participants. This means that rules regarding for example combat situations, the use of special effects, alcohol and drugs will be strictly enforced. Further, theft, harassment and abuse in any way will not be tolerated. There will also be people responsible for the coordination of first aid, and any medical conditions that the organizers need to be aware of will be taken very seriously from our part. Rest assured that the NERO Central Florida team is made up of experienced and responsible LARP organizers that take safety very seriously.
It should be stressed that the LARP community is in general very safety-aware and participants tend to be much attuned to the well-being of their fellow players. Safety issues, in fact, very rarely present problems. In addition, live role-play is a completely voluntary thing and it is perfectly OK to step out of the game at any time.

The practical arrangements

What to bring and how to participate

Everyone who attends NERO Central Florida will be required to make and bring costume for their character. These must follow the costume guidelines which cover things like materials, models, accessories, and so on. The costume guidelines are different for different character roles, races and can be found in the costuming section of this website. We host NERO 101 workshops on character and costume creation from time to time, so check out the calendar for upcoming events.  For 2 or 3 night events check out the overnight stay section and What To Bring for a list of items to consider.

Get involved!

LARP is a fun and creative hobby that engages people of all ages, and as a parent you are encouraged by us to get involved. There will be opportunities to participate in local activities around the preparation of the event itself. For example, there may be locally held NERO 101 workshops to build props or make costumes and if you have a special interest or talent you would want to put to use in areas like that, you are more than welcome to help out. Or why not join in on the game? It is in fact very common that whole families have been introduced to the hobby through their children.

Studies about Fantasy Role-Playing Games lists over 150 articles in varying languages on role-play studies and theories.