Live combat at Chimera

Auckland Chimera
#1

Would you play in a game with combat with foam weapons at Chimera?

  • Definitely, I prefer foam weapon combat when it’s an option.
  • Sure, I don’t mind either way.
  • Preferably not, I prefer rock-paper-scissors
  • Definitely not, I avoid games with foam weapon combat.

0 voters

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I’m contemplating writing an outdoor scenario for next Chimera, but it would be an intrigue game in a single glade not a roaming adventure. There would likely still be a high chance of physical conflict though. I could run it either with foam weapons or rock-paper-scissors.

Here’s a poll to see what people prefer.

#2

Nothing says threat like a drawn sword

#3

Sure, but not everyone has a foam sword to draw, or the skill to make it threatening.

Foam weapons make combat visceral, but rock-paper-scissors is open to everyone.

#4

Agreed Ryan. But this is a poll, opinion given. Plus I would argue on weapons. I armed numerous people for Chimera.

#5

Interesting. If I was playing in a game with combat, I’d prefer to play in one with rubber swords. But I don’t typically play in fantasy games at Chimera. I play “parlour larps” at Chimera and fantasy larps for my campaigns.

#6

They’re both good. I’d say write the game and pick whichever you feel best suits its feel.

#7

Like Dark Hart of Camelot? I’d definitely go with the foam weapon option - it helps the 360 degree illusion.

#8

Somewhat like The Black Hart of Camelot, but without formalised combat. More like the possibility of physical conflict breaking out at any moment between characters, like most flagship larps.

Foam weapons do have an advantage in terms of look & feel. I just want to see how many people are turned off by them, for whatever reason.

#9

Maybe they can just put a note for each game description next year whether or not it includes live combat, so then people who can’t stand that stuff know immediately and can choose to opt out.
Since Chimera is very much about introducing new people to variety of larpy things, it’s good to have both options available.

#10

I’m anticipating around 120 people per round next Chimera…I’m sure there will be at least 20 who won’t mind whichever form of combat you choose.

#11

Yup, not anticipating problems filling a game. Just wondering which way people tend to swing on this, and poll is a nice way to get a somewhat objective answer.

So far it seems like a very large swing towards either preferring or being happy with live combat, which is interesting to know.

#12

I’m the same, but I played in Asterix which wouldn’t have been the same with the foam weapon ‘beating the crap out of the romans’ aspect, and it was a good game.