1. What is LRP or LARP?

Live-Role Playing (LRP) or as it is sometimes called Live Action Role-Play (LARP) is a game played out in fantasy worlds where the players get the chance to decide the destinies of worlds and universes. Depending on the action of the players, the shape of things to come, can and will alter from something wonderful to utter despair and every action will have a reaction. Within the game a story called the plot will unfold and it is up to you, the player to discover it through all the intrigues and subterfuges laid down by the organisers. But this game is not played on a PC or a “table-top”. It is played “live” where knights charge in real armour and wizards conjure mighty spells to ward off ancient evils. These events are acted out by people playing the game in full costume and props, so if you are fed-up with watching and sitting in front of a screen, come and live the excitement that is LRP.

2. What is Oblivion?

Oblivion is a high fantasy event (Think Lord of the Rings”) LRP system that takes place in a harsh and unforgiving universe. It is a dark and dangerous game, where to survive each minute will need courage, strength, guile and the odd piece of luck. It was set up by players who wanted to challenge other enthusiasts of LRP to test themselves to their role-playing limits and sometimes beyond. Now in its fifth year, Oblivion is set to challenge more people than ever, with the question “Are you good enough?”

3. How often are events run?

There are three (3) events per year, in Feb, May and Sept. Exact dates can be found on the events page.

4. Where are the events run?

Contained within the website are direction to the sites. The game is currently played on three sites, two forts (one indoor sleeping, the other outdoor) on the south coast and a third woodland area in the midlands.

5. How long does an event take?

Events are run over a weekend, from Friday early evening through to Sunday lunchtime.

6. How many people play Oblivion?

Depending on the size of the event run, there is usually between 40-100 players and at least half again in monsters, giving usually a 2:1 ratio, although this has reached 1:1 in the past.

7. What is a Monster?

Monster is a common term used to describe the storytelling team, sometimes called Narrators. Remember all monsters are your friends until they prove otherwise.

8. Do I need any experience to play?

No experience is necessary, but having played table-top role-play games before may help and a good imagination is always a benefit. If it is your first time at a large event or even your first time ever, please let us know so that we can make your experience enjoyable.

9. How old do I need to be to play?

Unfortunately you have to be eighteen (18) or over to play as our insurance limits us to adults only. If you are not old enough, wait a couple of years and then join in.

10. What equipment do I need to play?

None really. However, to enjoy the game you should own a LARP weapon that fits your character plus an outfit that again fits your character and a sleeping bag, and anything else you need for a weekend away. Note some of the events have camping rather than indoor sleeping arrangements. If it is your first time at an LARP event contact us and we will be able to supply the relevant items required.

11. What if I am not sure about the rules?

There is a rulebook, that can be read, and also referees will be around almost all the time for those difficult decisions. However, remember it is a game and the referees will sometimes bend rules to allow for the flow of the game.

12. Is there a way for me to try the system and see what can be done before I create a character?

You are not sure what type of character you wish to play such as a mage, priest or fighter and wish to look into each type first, why not volunteer to “monster” for an event? You can get an insight into the system, meet some of the player and monster team and learn the pros and cons of the system, so playing the next event will be more enjoyable.

13. How do I create a character?

You create a concept, and then send that to the design team along with the skills you wish to purchase on creation. They will look over the concept and fit you into the story accordingly. Note the details of your background open up the possibilities of role-play aimed at you as an individual and everyone wants to have a moment from the event that will be talked about around the fire in years to come.

14. What type of character can I play?

There are three main types of character to play. The first are the fighters who are the ones that hits things lots. The second are the priests; they tend to carry out most of the healing, but should not be underestimated as a healing battery. When played correctly these can be the most important players in the camp as all the priest magic is given to them by their gods and it is good to have someone with that power on your side. Lastly there are the magicians. These are the spell casters who conjure fire etc. Most of their magic at the moment is given by demons (very trustworthy – Not!), but there are other sources of magic in the universe or so I am told. . . .

15. What is a faction?

A faction is a group of players that are bonded together by common goals or beliefs. Your faction may be a holy order of knights and priests, they may be all from the same city or under the same ruler. A good faction will have some diversity in character skills as often only a priest can complete a particular task or fighter is required to defend a key player, or destroy that evil creature.

16. Can a group of friends form a new faction?

Yes, more than two players can form a faction. How effective a small faction would be depends on the players.

17. Can I join an existing faction?

If you find a faction that will take you on and your character background fits, then the answer is yes, BUT also contact the event organisers who may know of factions on the lookout for someone with your particular talents

18. Do all factions work together?

This depends on your point of view, if you asked the players on the most parts they would say yes, if you asked the event organisers you would probably get a different answer every five minutes! The actual answer is irrelevant, as not all players are good or evil so there are inter-faction politics within the game, remember monsters may be your friend and not all players are.

19. Will I be underpowered by joining an existing system?

There are always going to be more powerful players in any system (there is always a bigger fish), but these are also the primary targets for other people, as no-one gets powerful without making enemies. However the system also allows the little guy or girl to be the most important person in the game for a while. The player camp is meant to work together, and in every machine the smallest cog is as important as the largest. Also no player really knows what skills, abilities or talents other players have, so most are wary of even the freshest face.

20. What if I am unaware of the background plots?

May be your character is unaware of these things, ask question talk to top people the information is out there and you can find it if you want to. This is the best opportunity a new character gets to role-play but also some people hold information on what has gone before and not all charge a price.

21. How do I get to the event?

Contained within this website are directions to all the sites and maps.

22. Why play Oblivion instead of other systems?

Wrong question. We don’t expect people to only play Oblivion, we expect them to play other LRP games and events as well. In fact most of our players already do. No what we hope is that you come to Oblivion and go away feeling that you have been challenged and hopefully want to return to next time face your fear head-on.

23. So how do I get started?

Contact us at the e-mail address on the contact page or use the message board. We will get back to you as soon as possible and let you know the answer to all your relevant questions.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon,

Oblivion LRP.