Frequently Asked Questions

Please take a look through some of our frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please feel free to Ask a Question.

General

What's the difference between LARP and Fantasy Reenactment?
Reenactment typically involves recreating a historial event or period. It is a type of live-action roleplaying. NERO is not bound by the same guidelines as a reenactment, as we are making history, not recreating it. The World of Tyrra and the realms within it are constantly evolving as players interact with the storylines around them. Character destinies are created by their players and the chapter plot teams, not by any pre-determined order of historial events.

Where is the entertainment in the game that could have me drive hours to pay to play a weekend?
NERO is a game of intertwined destinies. We have put forth a realm in which your character will spend its life. It is up to you to decide how you wish to interact with this realm and its cast of characters. Will you be a heroic knight? a mercenary? a murdering thief? Your character's attitudes, ambitions, and history are yours to define. The fate of our land is ultimately influenced by the decisions of our player-characters. It is up to you to help determine the ending, through action or inaction. Whether or not a world is revolutionized or falls to ruin may depend on the actions of few. You are not simply an observer, you are an active member of an evolving fantastical world. Come to NERO and Live the adventure!

What's the age range of those who play?
NERO does not limit its players based on age, but rather maturity. We have had people from their tween years up through their fifties come and participate at NERO events. Minors are required to have a medical form & insurance waiver filled out and signed by a parent or guardian prior to being able to participate.

How do I get started?
You've already begun! By checking out our home page you've already taken a valuable step towards becoming an active member of NERO Vanguard. There is a lot of important information here regarding our game and its rules, our chapter and our policies. Join our forums. Feel free to ask questions before or at an event. Look over the rules to get an idea of how to play the game. Do not worry about knowing every rule or playtest, a lot of NERO can be learned as you go and our players and staff members are always more than willing to help. Decide if you would like to jump right into playing or if you would like to take some time to learn the game first by NPCing. If you choose to PC, look over the Classes and Races to get an idea as to what kind of character you would like to play. Check out our Player Resources page for suggestions on packing, weapon-making instructions, battle boards, and waivers as well as shopping suggestions for garb and other relevant gear! Your first event is free, but you'll need to Purchase a Membership before or at your first event. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but most importantly we want you to relax and have fun!

Logistics

Why does it cost money? Where does my money go?
All money collected (and typically more) is put back into the game. Our largest monthly cost is our camp site. We also pay a percentage of our gross income to NERO International who uses the funds to maintain & update the national webpage and database and to market our game through publications and at conventions. The rest of the money is spent on props, make-up and costuming for our game. We rely heavily on donations, but anything that we need which is not donated must be purchased. This includes things such as office supplies (paper, ink cartridges, toner and card sock), costuming (laundering, make-up, baby wipes, prosthetics), and weapons (repair & maintenance materials). If you would like to find out how you can help out with our wants and needs, please visit our Donations Page. All staff members are volunteers and are not financially reimbursed for their services.

How can I gain experience? is there any way to level up faster?
Experience is gained in one of three ways: attending events (as a player or a volunteer), participating in mini-modules (as a player or a volunteer), and by purchasing goblin blankets with goblin points. Goblin points are earned by donating time, supplies, or money to your local NERO chapters. Our biggest suggestion for you on leveling faster is to always purchase your monthly goblin blankets and to always max-out events & modules.

Is there any way I can go without having to pay money?
NPCing at an event or module is free. You are still participating in the game and gaining experience for your character, however you are helping out the staff by portraying monsters and other non-player characters. You are still required to purchase your own food & beverages. In addition, first-time players will receive their first event of PCing absolutely free with the purchase of a NERO Vanguard membership.

Is there a way to look at my character between events?
Yes. You may access your character, purchase goblin blankets, purchase skills, and e-mail your character sheet to other chapters by logging onto our On-line Character Database.

What is maxing out? How can I max out?
You are given a base blanket of xp for participating in NERO events or mini modules. You are given the optional opportunity of "maxing out" your experience to a maximum of 2x your base blanket. For a standard 2-day event, this requires paying your number of build points in silver (or the equivalent combination of other coins) and placing it in your check-out envelope at the end of the event. This would get you two blankets instead of one for the event. Maxing out may also be obtained at NERO Vanguard by paying your build points in goblin points or by NPCing for 2 hours/day. (One 4-hour shift would max you out for a standard 2-day event). If you have any questions regarding maxing out, there are typically pleanty of people around the craft hall (tavern) during check-out who will be able & willing to help you.

Character Development

Can I be a jedi?
Not exactly. There are no "jedi" in our game. There is, however, a playable class called "Templar" which combines usage of both weapons combat (such as swords/sabres) and the magical arts (such as lightning - Emperor Palpatine, anyone?). You could even purchase ranks in "Craftsmen Other: Diplomacy" to try and pull off some mind-tricks of your own. Unfortunately there are no skills which allow you to strangle your victims with your mind powers. (Aside from Vampire charm, if you're into that sort of thing).

Can I be my favorite fantasy character?
NERO members are encouraged to create their own unique characters for our game. Many players take influences from a variety of other places such as books, games, movies, etc. in order to develop their characters histories, goals, name, costuming, fears, mannerisms, and more. If you do decide to take inspiration from various printed & recorded media, please do not heavily dilute your character with information from one source and try to add your own unique spin or take on the information you've borrowed.

Do I have to wear real armor to have armor?
You are not required to wear "real" armor to get armor points in NERO, although some players may choose to do so. Armor points are defined by the NERO 8th edition rule book in regards to material, thickness, and coverage. Effort definately counts in regards to armor phys reps. There are many NERO players who have constructed armor out of both convention and unconventional materials including vinyl, pop tabs, compact discs, PVC pipe (cut into rings for maille), plastic pickle tubs and many others.

Where can I find or get things to wear?
Check out our member-composed Shopping Guide and list of Player Crafters & Merchants for ideas on where to find costuming, weapons, phys reps, and more!

At the Event

How physical does NERO get?
Combat is NERO is made through boffer weapons which were created to meet our minimum safety specifications for the game. Legal targets include everywhere on the body aside from the groin, hands, or head (although occasionally accidents do happen). Physical contact between two people (i.e. touching) is limited to the use of in-game skills & activities such as "Touch Casting", "First Aid", "Healing Arts", "Rapid Refit", "Carrying" an individual, and the racial ability "Mind Meld." If you wish to physically touch some-one for roleplay purposes aside from this you must ask "Do you accept my physical role-play?" Inappropriate behavior is prohibited.

How long does "In Game" last?
This varies from chapter to chapter. We typically try to lay-on around 10pm Friday evening and remain in-game through early Sunday morning, depending on how late our PCs wish to stay up & role-play or go on modules.

Do I need to bring my own food?
You are not required to bring your own food. We have a very capable tavern keep who takes good care of our players, volunteers and staff. He typically plans out a Friday evening snack and three meals Saturday as well as having an a la carte menu & a good stock of snacks & beverages 24/7. His prices are very reasonable. Menus are posted on the forums before the event. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let him know and he will by more than happy to accomodate you.

Are there beds?
Yes. We currently have 9 player cabins equipped with bunk beds with mattresses. The bottom floor of the craft hall (tavern) is also equipped with bunk beds for volunteer & player use. You will need to provide your own bedding.

Is it full-contact?
No. NERO is not a full-contact LARP. A simple light tap or "touch" on your opponent on any valid surface will suffice for a hit.

Are there carpools?
We have many players who frequently carpool, both to our own events and to events at other chapters. We have players who frequently come from St. Louis, Springfield, Bloomington, Champaign, Peoria, Galesburg, and the Quad Cities. Post on the forums that you are interested in a carpool and see what kind of response you can get. It doesn't hurt to offer to take turns driving or pitching in for gas.

Where can I keep my out of game clothes & gear?
It is recommended that you keep most of your out-of-game gear and valuables locked in your vehicle. If it is something that you are going to need during the course of the game, placing it on the floor under your bunk bed will suffice, as these areas are out of game in all player sleeping areas. If your item/container will not fit under your bed you are required to place an "out of game" sign on it to alert staff & players that it is out of game. Once an item is placed out of game it may not be placed back in-game for the remainder of the event.

Be Involved

How can I be more involved?
NERO is a game in which you can be as involved as you'd like to be. If you enjoy writing, you may consider writing up a few encounters and submitting them to our plot team. If you enjoy being creative or artistic, you may devise some unique reps or garb for use in our game. (For needs regarding specific costumes or props, please inquire with our plot team.) Assist in a work-shop, convention, or camp clean-up day. Even something a simple as making spell, arrow, or alchemy packets for us can be a tremendous help (we go through a LOT of packets). If you love NERO, let the world know! Spread the word! Offer your help to new players who will one day pay-it-forward to the next generation of new NERO players.

A month is a long time between games, is there anything more I can do NERO related?
Many of our players are friends out of game and spend time with eachother outside of NERO. Perhaps you'd be interested in hanging out, work on reps together, or practicing your fighting skills while telling war stories of olde. If you just can't wait to get your next NERO fix, we suggest you take a look at the National Event Calendar for more NERO events at our sister chapters across the continent.

How can I help out?
We're always looking for people who are interested in helping out our game (Plus, it gets you goblin points!). At events we're typically in need of people to NPC (even a short shift if you're PCing) during the event and clean-up afterwards. Evan, our tavernkeep, typically has small jobs for people to help out in the tavern such as taking out trash, cleaning off tables, bringing in firewood, or doing dishes. If you'd like to donate items for goblin points, please see our forums for our current wants and needs. We are also constantly searching for new players. Tell your friends and have them come and try us out! Print off one of our flyers or grab one from logistics at an event and post it in your local gaming, anime, or comic book store (or anywhere else you think it might be a hit). We occasionally will have a work-shop, camp clean-up day or run a table or demonstration booth at conventions and you are all encouraged to come and hang out and help out.

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