Dying Kingdoms LARP – “Wardens” - November 9, 2008

By Lianna

This was our first time at a DK LARP and Pam, Matt (Pam’s 13 year old nephew) and I REALLY had a good time.  If a “really good time” were the only criteria that I use to review LARP events, then “Wardens” would easily score 4 or 5 Wyveries.  Unfortunately, there are a few other aspects of the LARP experience to consider.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the roleplaying, the people, the costumes (for the most part anyway, but then I’m a bit of a costume freak!), the combat and the overall play, plot and story line.  I particularly loved the fact that the NPC characters that Pam and I were given to play were actually an essential part of the story line, not (like many other LARPs) just mobile meat for the PCs to easily chop up at their convenience.  Matt on the other hand had a grand time playing monsters and…well…getting chopped up.

I might also mention that most of the monsters in “Wardens” were not wimps and gave the PCs quite a challenge!

The problem was that Jesse (the GM/DM/ST and altogether boss guy) didn’t arrive at the game until well after the 12:00 start time and the game itself didn’t start until around 2:00.  Two hours late! Consider the fact that we (as NPCs) were told to arrive at the park no later that 10:00 (we got there at 9:30 after driving for over an hour).  When I asked what the problem was, someone shrugged and told me that there was real time and LARP time.  Maybe so, but this seemed to be way over the top!

After everything actually got moving, there was a lot of stop and go gaming, way toooo much standing around and the usual chaos that stems from bored LARPers without direction. 

I have been assured that what happened was an anomaly, and even if it was not, Pam and I are looking forward to playing DK again.  I would recommend that if you are looking for a great group of LARPers, some excellent roleplaying and a good story, even if you have to wait a bit, give Dying Kingdoms a try.  I’ll see you there!

As much I would like to give DK a higher mark (and perhaps next time I will) I can only give Dying Kingdoms “Wardens” three Wyveries out of five.