Universal Larp Association

A “Boffer Larp” combines the intense combat of boffer fighting games (also called Battlegames) with the depth of roleplaying and story of a larp.

Darkonian Larps

Darkon, formed in 1985, is a large boffer larp in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. It has spawned a number of other larp systems, some of which have active groups:

• Archaea, a plot-focused boffer larp by Ed Chang
• Dargarth, a Belegarth/Darkon hybrid in Seattle
• Midgard, a high fantasy boffer larp by John Machate
• Silverdain, a Darkon chapter in Pennsylvania
• Warlord, a Darkon chapter in Missoula, Montana

Why boffer larps?

Players of boffer larps split their time between intense, athletic fighting, and immersive storytelling.

• The majority use hit location systems for combat, which require less math than hit point systems.
• Boffer combat is heavier hitting and more rigorous than latex weapon combat.
• Rules tend to be slightly less involved than traditional larps, and are easier for new players to learn than many larps.
• Extras like battling over territory on realm map, in-game currency, and magic add color, strategy, and variety to a game.

What are the drawbacks?

• A battle game’s entire rulebook may function as just the combat chapter of a boffer larp rulebook. Expect more rules than a boffer fighting game!
• Because of the necessary overhead for more rules and adventure work, boffer larps are tougher to organize than battlegames.
• Not all players enjoy the increased physicality of boffer larping combat, which is heavier and more intense than most latex combat.

How do I get started?

• Check out some of the rulebooks of the groups above. Try one or two of them out with your group. Contact one of the groups above and ask about forming a chapter or getting permission to reprint and modify the rules to suit your group.