FAQ
There is a lot to know about The Ruins of Arcanum. Some of the most frequently asked questions are posted, and answered here. If your question is not answered here, feel free to shoot us an e-mail.
- What is a LARP?
- What is the setting for the Ruins of Arcanum?
- Is RoA safe?
- Where is RoA played?
- Are there sword fights?
- Is there magic?
- What kind of Powers can I have?
- How do I know what skills my character will have?
- How do I earn experience?
- What will I do at an event?
- How good does my costume need to be?
- Do I have to play a Human?
- Can I be a monster?
- Is there religion?
- What do I need to bring to my first RoA event?
- Where do I get a rulebook?
- Where do I sign up?
Q: What is a LARP?
A: LARP is an acronym for Live Action Role Playing. It is an enviroment where people can get together to create and play a character. The character can be anything they want, and do whatever they want. It's kind of like playing Cops and Robbers or Cowboys and Indians. However, there are rules to govern how the player succeeds at what he wants to do, but everything else is up to the player.
Q: What is the setting for the Ruins of Arcanum?
A: The Ruins of Arcanum takes place in a medieval fantasy setting. There are goblins, swords, wizards and dragons a plenty.
Q: Is RoA safe?
A: Yes. We use small packets made out of birdseed and cloth, and weapons made out of closed-cell foam and PVC pipe. Every weapon must pass a safety inspection at each event. No one has ever been seriously injured using our padded swords. The worst injuries we have ever had were caused by people running into trees and tripping over stumps in the dark. However, because of the litigious society we live in, we unfortunately require all players to sign a
liablity waiver (or have their parents sign if they are under 18) before they are allowed to play.
Q: Where is RoA played?
A: The Ruins of Arcanum is located in Salt Lake City, UT. We are currently looking for a good site to play and have found some promising places. Soon, we will be expanding to the Logan, Utah area. If you know of any good sites in or around the Cache Valley, please let us know by
e-mailing us.
Q: Are there sword fights?
A: Lots of them! Every event will have a number of opportunities to fight with other players who are acting as guards, monsters or whatever happens to be in the way of your character's success that day. But remember, not everything is there to be killed, nor can everything be killed. So, pick your battles carefully.
Q: Is there magic?
A: Yes, there is. Not only is there magic, but there are beings in the world of Arcanum known as Adepts. Adepts are those who have powers beyond those of a normal inhabitant of the world of Arcanum. You can think of the powers like super powers. Magic and powers are represented by
small beanbags filled with birdseed that are thrown at the opponent. To cast a spell you say a small phrase (such as "With the power of Air, I cast Invisibility," or "By the element of Fire, I cast Energy Bolt,"), and throw the packet at your target. If you say the words correctly and hit your target, the spell works. If you miss with either, the spell fails.
Q: What kind of Powers can I have?
A: There are all kinds of powers available for characters who want to play an Adept. There are over 80 different powers that span everything from the ability to see invisible creatures, to being able to shoot energy blasts out of your hands. Additionally, we try to add new powers with every rules update, so the list will just keep on growing.
Q: How will I know what skills my character will have?
A: Here at the Ruins of Arcanum, we have come up with an in-depth character creation system that leaves players with a deep, well-rounded character to play in the world of Arcanum. This process includes cultural considerations and skills gained during adolescence. After playing many games - both table-top and live action - we became frustrated with having a deep character history, then starting out at "level 1" with barely any of the skills that would have allowed us to do the things detailed in our histories. So we sought to remedy that.
Q: How do I earn experience?
A: Every time you attend an event and participate in it, whether you play your character or not, you will receive an amount of experience that you can use on any character you wish.
Q: What will I do at an event?
A: When you show up to an event, you will be either a PC (Player Character), or an NPC (Non-Player Character). PC's are the players who play the character that they have created. As stated above, the PC's act as their character for the duration of the event. If you want your character to fight, you actually have to fight. As a PC, you are the one that will undertake a quest. This could be to save a village from Orc Slavers, or to recover some stolen artifact from a mad Wizard. It will be different every time.
On the other hand the NPC's are the extras in the game, just like in a movie. They play the town's folk, monsters, royalty and anything else that the PC's will run into during the course of an event. Their job is to create a believable and enjoyable environment for the players to experience. NPCing is free and you still get the same amount of XP that you do when you PC. NPC's are the backbone of the plot team and are always appreciated and needed at every event.
Q: How good does my costume need to be?
A: Part of the fun of playing in a fantasy setting is wearing a costume that helps others believe that they are in another world. We like to reward those who go all out and have a costume that is convincing with extra XP. While having a good costume can get expensive, we understand that there are those who cannot afford such a costume. All that is required to play is a pair of pants (not jeans - black sweatpants or khakis are fine), and a tabard (a long piece of cloth folded in half with a hole for the head, tied at the waist with a sash or a belt). That's it! But remember, if you don't have something representing armor, you won't get the points for wearing armor. The more you have, the more fun you will have!
Q: Do I have to play a human?
A: Nope. There are over 20 different races and cultures available for players in the world of Arcanum. Each has a unique history and some have special abilities. If you do choose to play a Human (which does have its benefits), there are even different cultures of Humans that you can play.
Q: Can I play a monster?
A: As stated above, if you choose to NPC an event you will have the opportunity to play all kinds of things. You may be a troll one day and a goblin the next. So, yes, you can play a monster, but only as an NPC.
Q: Is there religion?
A: In the world of Arcanum there is no religion, per se. There is a system of what we call Patrons. These Patrons are former inhabitants of Arcanum who have done great or terrible things. It's a mix of hero/ancestor veneration and patron saints. Each race has their own series of Patrons, and there are many shrines and cults dedicated to the ideals that they taught or fought for.
Q: What do I need to bring to my first RoA event?
A: All you need to bring to your first event is your imagination and a signed waiver. It is recommended (though not required) that you NPC your first few events, just so you get a feel for the general rules and game mechanics before you jump in and start PCing. When you show up to NPC, all your gear and costumes will be provided for you by the plot team. You just need to come ready to play and have some fun.
Q: Where do I get a rulebook?
A: One of two places: either you can download a printable version here, or you can buy one at an event or open house. They are rather inexpensive but we need to cover the cost of printing. You will need the current version of Adobe Reader, which is a free download, to view any of the documents from this site, which you can get here.
Q: Where do I sign up?
A: Joining in on the adventure is easy. Either show up at an open house, event, or e-mail the staff and we'll get you signed up! There is a liability waiver that needs to be signed before you can play (or by your parents if you are under 18) that you can get here.