How the Game Works (In Short)
New to LARP? You’re in the right place.
At The Aether, you create a character of your own and step into our dark, mysterious fantasy world as that person. You speak as them, move through the world as them, make choices as them, and become part of the story happening around you.
You do not need years of experience, a perfect costume, or every rule memorized before your first event. Start with the basics: who your character is, what they want, how to read your character sheet, and how to stay safe during combat and roleplay. The rulebook is there to help you build your character, but no one expects you to know everything on day one.
During game, you’ll hear simple calls for damage, spells, healing, defenses, and safety. Staff and experienced players will help you learn what those mean as you play.
The most important things are simple: be safe, respect the people around you, stay open to roleplay, and have fun stepping into the world. We’ll teach you the rest on site.
Safety Overview
Code of Conduct: Zero tolerance for real‑world harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, or hate of any kind. No alcohol or impairing substances in play; being under the influence can get you removed and banned.
Adult Themes & Consent: 18+ game (16–17 with a parent/guardian). Dark, mature themes may appear, but you can always step away if you need.
IC vs OOG: The Aether is always in‑character in play spaces. Use cabins/bathrooms/smoking areas for real‑world talk and decompression. No phones or modern electronics in active play areas.
Safety Calls: “Emergency” (real‑world emergency, game stops), “Caution” (immediate safety concern), and Plagued (For when you need to step away from the game and roleplay if it gets to be too much for you)
See the full rulebook for full details.
If You Need Help
Sharing your feedback and flagging safety concerns is vital to keeping The Aether a safe space for everyone. After every event, we encourage you to submit a Post-Event Letter (PEL). This is your primary reporting tool to recount your experiences, highlight roleplay moments, flag any rule violations, or raise safety-sensitive issues directly with the staff.
For urgent matters or immediate support during an event, our team is available on-site through reporting forms at the staff desk or by speaking with one of our staff. Whether it’s a suggestion for improvement or a serious report, your voice helps us refine the game. If you ever need support navigating a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out through your PEL or at any time during the weekend.